The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has confirmed the ARIA Awards for Best Use of Australian Music in Advertising will return for a second year, with applications now open for those interested in joining the judging academy.

The inaugural winner of the ARIA Award for Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement (over two minutes) was Innocent Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society for their 'Voice of the Sea' campaign, featuring music by John Williamson. 72andSunny with 'Campfire X' won the two minutes or less category last year werefor Google's 'Helping You Help Others', featuring music from Baker Boy.

"It’s an honour to be part of the inaugural award from ARIA to encourage advertisers to use Aussie music. My song ‘Voice of the Sea’ has also been turned into a picture book for kids. This will hopefully continue to spread the message of the Australian Marine Conservation Society to take care of our precious oceans," said Williamson.

"We are so thrilled to welcome back a very important strategic addition to last year’s ARIA Awards and continue to celebrate the pivotal role advertising and the broader media and marketing industry can play in spotlighting Australian talent and creativity, especially when it concerns the outstanding musical talent on our shores. Musicians and advertisers both have a critical role in telling our nation’s stories and defining our culture, we’re looking forward to continuing to promote and expand this important award category and welcome all applicants for the judging academy," said Annabelle Herd, ARIA CEO.

The new ARIA Awards for Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement were launched in 2022, as part of 'Our Soundtrack Our Ads', a joint initiative between 'Our Soundtrack Our Stories' and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment. 'Our Soundtrack Our Stories' was launched in 2021 to promote the use of Australian music across the local business and media landscape.