Ahead of this Wednesday’s ceremony, ARIA has announced the recipient of its first-ever Global Impact Award, Dom Dolla.
Designed to sit alongside the ARIA Hall of Fame, the new award “recognises Australian recording artists who have demonstrated outstanding breakthrough international success and cultural influence, celebrating those making an impact for Australian music through artistry, innovation, and global connection over the 12 months prior to the Awards.”
It’s an award that’s well deserved for the Melbourne-raised DJ. As well as being the first electronic artist to feature on the cover of Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Dolla sold out two nights at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden in March, headlined Miami’s Ultra Festival in April, and set an attendance record at Lollapalooza’s Perry’s Stage in August.
If that wasn’t enough, he’s also about to play his first-ever stadium show at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium next month. Oh, and he’s up for seven ARIA Awards, including Best Solo Artist.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with Dolla to talk about his big win.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: You won your first ARIA Award in 2020, which was a huge moment. Just five years later, what does an award like this mean for you?
Dom Dolla: Honestly, it means so much, I’m so honoured, and a little bit shocked, to be honest. It’s been such a rollercoaster over the past five years, and I still feel like we’re right in the middle of it, with so much exciting stuff coming up next year. It’s been kinda nice to just take a second and reflect.
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I really love representing Australian music, especially Aussie dance music when I tour around the world. I’m so proud to fly the flag wherever I go, so this feels like a significant honour. I reckon ARIA might need to start giving out a few more of these each year, because there are so many Aussie artists absolutely killing it overseas right now.
2020 was a dream come true, and to be recognised like this is really special.
It’s been a wild year with all the festivals and shows like MSG. How would you sum up your 2025?
It’s definitely been a big year, and the shows have been unreal. Honestly, I never thought I’d get to this point. Growing up as a young DJ in Australia, all of this felt way beyond my wildest expectations, so I’m just trying to take it all in and enjoy every bit of it.
Playing Madison Square Garden was definitely a highlight. Having my own residency in Ibiza was a dream come true, and getting to work with artists like Daya, Kid Cudi, and writing a track for the F1 movie, all of that’s been incredible.
At the end of the day, I just love having the chance to share dance music with people all over the world. The process hasn’t really changed much, I’m still doing what I love, but it’s wild to see it connect with more and more people on a global scale.
You’ll be back this summer — do you have any more extensive Australian tour plans for 2026? What else is on the cards for next year?
I’m really looking forward to the show in Sydney. It’s my first stadium show in Australia, so it’s gonna be a pretty special night. New Year’s Eve at Beyond The Valley for their 10-year anniversary is gonna be huge. I’ve known those guys since we were teenagers, so it’ll honestly feel like spending it with family. And as for 2026… stay tuned.
Can we expect the long-rumoured debut album soon?
I’ve been working on a bunch of new music over the past few months. Right now, I’m just really focused on writing the best stuff I can, with people who are inspiring me, and putting out more music next year than I have in a while. For the time being, I’m just enjoying releasing single by single.
The 2025 ARIA Awards will take place at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on November 19th.
