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Australian Record Industry Association

Representative body of the Australian music industry

*The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) is a body which represents the interests of the Australian music industry. In conjunction with the Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA) it administers and supports the voluntary recorded music Labelling Code of Practice.

ARIA act as a domestic and international advocate for the Australian music industry. It provides an overarching, non-exclusive licensing function for copyright users, and plays a role in protecting copyright and the industry fight against music piracy, as well as compiling industry information and research. ARIA is responsible for collecting statistical information from members and retailers to compile numerous ARIA Charts; ranking albums and tracks by week, genre and year.

ARIA holds as annual award nights known as the ARIA Music Awards, which is held annually. The association is also a supporter of the music industry’s benevolent fund, the Support Act Limited, which provides help to those in the industry who are facing financial difficulties.

ARIA began in 1956 as the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers (AARM). It was replaced in 1983 by ARIA which was established by the six major record companies operating in Australia; EMI, Festival Records, Sony Music Entertainment (previously the separate organisations CBS and RCA), Warner Music (previously WEA) and Universal (previously Polygram). It now also includes smaller record companies representing independent acts/labels.

Last updated by Thomas Stallman (2011-10-29)