Sydney, Australia – The 2026 Music Producers and Engineers Guild (MPEG) Awards ceremony, held Wednesday night in Sydney, saw a significant triumph for female talent, with Alice Ivy taking home the coveted Producer of the Year award and Ninajirachi securing two major accolades. The event underscored a growing trend of female studio professionals achieving top honors within the Australian music industry, marking a pivotal moment for gender parity in production and engineering.
Alice Ivy, whose real name is Annika Schmarsel, has experienced a remarkable year of recognition, building on her successes at the 2025 MPEG Awards and the previous year’s AIR Awards in Adelaide. Her win for Producer of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by MPEG, was met with a powerful statement from the German-born, Melbourne-based artist about the evolving landscape of music production.
"You know, PinkPantheress has just won producer of the year at the BRIT Awards," Ivy remarked in her acceptance speech, drawing parallels to international achievements. "That award has existed for 47 years and it’s the first time a female has won it. So I feel like the universe is colliding. Which is really, really cool." She further emphasized the positive shift, adding, "It’s so amazing seeing the girls get up this year." Her sentiments resonated throughout the evening, highlighting a collective sense of empowerment among female artists and producers.
Ninajirachi, a rising star in the electronic music scene, also enjoyed a highly successful night. Her wins for Self-Producing Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Producer are a testament to the critical acclaim and commercial success of her debut studio album, I Love My Computer. The artist, who was unable to attend in person due to touring commitments, accepted her breakthrough award via a pre-recorded video message.
"I have been producing music since I was a young girl," Ninajirachi stated in her acceptance. "I taught myself a bunch of software when I was a little girl and I think it’s something I’m going to be doing until I die. Basically I love producing music so much. I really feel like more of a producer than any other role of being an artist, truly." Her dedication and passion for the craft, honed from a young age, clearly struck a chord with the industry.
The MPEG Awards, now in its third year, serves as Australia’s sole national platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in music production, engineering, and studio practice. The ceremony, presented at The Darling Rooms Dockside at Cockle Bay Wharf, brought together a diverse array of industry professionals, from emerging artists to seasoned veterans.
A significant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran hitmaker Mike Chapman. Known for his work with legendary artists, Chapman’s induction was led by Suze DeMarchi and Dave Leslie of Baby Animals, who credited him with transforming their debut album into a seminal rock record. Chapman, in his pre-taped acceptance, issued a stark warning about the future of music production in the age of artificial intelligence.
"One little warning," Chapman advised the audience. "AI is here. AI is a challenge. And it’ll be more so going forward. So, if you use it, use it with respect and care. And remember, we are in the business of trying to make rock stars, not robots." His words echoed a growing concern within the creative community about the potential impact of AI on artistic integrity and the livelihoods of human creators.
The pervasive threat of AI in displacing human voices and creative input was a recurring theme throughout the night’s acceptance speeches. Artists and producers alike expressed their commitment to preserving the human element in music creation, emphasizing the unique artistry and emotional depth that only human experience can bring. This sentiment underscored the importance of awards like the MPEG Awards in championing the craft of human producers and engineers.
The MPEG Awards operates on an open submission process, with all entries meticulously assessed by a panel of esteemed judges. The eligibility period for works considered at this year’s ceremony covered a specific timeframe, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of industry contributions.
Established in 2022, the Music Producers and Engineers Guild of Australia (MPEG) was founded with the core mission to advocate for, recognize, and elevate the nation’s producers and engineers. The guild aims to represent their commercial interests, foster professional development, and strengthen the community through engagement and enhanced visibility.
This year’s ceremony was made possible through the generous support of a robust list of sponsors, including Shure/Jands, Neumann.Berlin, AVP Imports, Avid, PPCA, Music Australia, Considered Commercial and Entertainment Law, Yamaha, Marsh, and APRA AMCOS. Their contributions highlight the industry’s collective commitment to acknowledging and nurturing the talent behind Australia’s vibrant music scene.
Key Winners at the 2026 MPEG Awards
The 2026 MPEG Awards recognized outstanding achievements across a spectrum of production and engineering disciplines. The full list of winners underscores the depth and breadth of talent within the Australian music industry.
Producer of the Year: Alice Ivy Shines
Alice Ivy’s triumph in the Producer of the Year category marks a significant milestone, not just for her career, but for female representation in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her win highlights her consistent ability to craft compelling and innovative sounds. The nominees in this category included Alex Burnett, Anna Lunoe, Aidan Hogg, and Robby De Sa, all respected figures in the production world. Ivy’s success validates her artistic vision and her impact on the contemporary music landscape.
Ninajirachi’s Double Victory: Breakthrough and Self-Production Acclaim
Ninajirachi’s dual victories in Breakthrough Producer of the Year and Self-Producing Artist of the Year underscore her burgeoning influence and her comprehensive mastery of the music-making process. Her work on I Love My Computer has been lauded for its sophisticated production and artistic integrity. The Breakthrough Producer category saw fierce competition, with nominees including Xavier Dunn, Fletcher Matthews, Jonathon Tooke, Moss, and Sophie Edwards. Ninajirachi’s ability to excel as both a producer and an artist demonstrates a rare and powerful synergy in today’s music industry.
Other Notable Wins and Industry Recognition
Beyond the headline wins, the MPEG Awards celebrated a diverse range of talent and contributions:
- Writer-Producer of the Year: Lucy Blomkamp took home this award, acknowledging her dual talents in songwriting and production. She was nominated alongside Anna Lunoe, Robby De Sa, Rob Amaruso, and Aidan Hogg.
- Recording Engineer of the Year: Simon Cohen was recognized for his exceptional skills in capturing sound. The nominees were George Carpenter, Lewis Mitchell, Rohan Sforcina, and Wayne Connolly.
- Mix Engineer of the Year: Thomas Purcell, also known as Wave Racer, earned this honor for his adeptness in balancing and shaping sonic elements. He competed against Simon Cohen, Eric J Dubowsky, Nao Anzai, and Nick Herrera.
- Mastering Engineer of the Year: Joe Carra was awarded for his crucial role in finalizing the sound of recordings. Nominees included Nao Anzai, Lachlan Carrick, Nicholas Di Lorenzo, and Andrew Edgson.
- Studio of the Year: 4000 Studios was celebrated for its outstanding facilities and contributions. Other nominated studios were Pughouse Studios, Empire Studios, Synth Temple, and Audrey Studios.
- Overseas Achievement: Keanu Beats received recognition for his success on the international stage. The nominees in this category were Tim Tan, Catherine Marks, Styalz Fuego, and Dom Dolla.
- Outstanding Community Work: The Music Producers Development Program was honored for its significant impact on fostering talent and supporting the music community. This category also featured nominations for Songmakers, Kool Skools, Music Production for Women, and Resonate.
The inclusion of a Lifetime Achievement Award for Mike Chapman and an Outstanding Community Work award signifies the MPEG Awards’ commitment to celebrating both established legends and those actively building the future of the Australian music industry. The ceremony’s focus on the technical and creative aspects of music production highlights the often-unsung heroes who shape the sound of contemporary music. As the industry continues to evolve, the MPEG Awards remain a crucial platform for recognizing and elevating the professionals who are at the forefront of sonic innovation.
