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Sydney-based klezmer fusion band CHUTNEY has scored a major international breakthrough, winning Gold Medals in three categories at the prestigious Global Music Awards.
The ensemble’s debut album Ajar claimed top honours for Best World Music, Best Band, and Most Creativity/Originality, placing them in the top nine of 145 finalists selected worldwide.
CHUTNEY is the only artist to win across three categories in this year’s competition and stands as the sole Australian Gold Medal recipient in what is recognised as the world’s largest competition for independent musicians.
Released in August 2024, Ajar has quickly established itself as one of the most significant Jewish music albums produced in Australia in recent years. The collection spans diverse musical territories, blending traditional klezmer with Israeli pop, funk, classical, jazz, and musical theater influences.
“Winning this Gold Medal is a watershed moment for CHUTNEY,” band leader and violinist Ben Adler said. “After five years, we have taken our place on the world stage.”
Adler noted the achievement comes at a significant time for Jewish artists. “We, like many Jewish artists, have found ourselves over the past eighteen months the target of attempts to de-platform and erase us, not to mention the recipients of online vitriol. That we are receiving international recognition for an album of unapologetically Jewish music in this climate fills me with pride.”
The band released their debut single Kama At Yafa (How Beautiful You Are) in December 2023 as a gesture of solidarity with Israel. Featuring singer Sarit Michael, the track gained exposure on Israeli national radio and television, with its music video attracting over 400,000 views across social media platforms.
Their fifth single, Toxic Moonlight, has drawn particular attention as an innovative klezmer-infused mashup of Britney Spears and Beethoven. The track, featuring The Potbelleez lead singer Ilan Kidron, was highlighted by Rolling Stone Magazine as “A Song You Need to Know.”
Ajar has collected several other accolades since its release, including spots on Brisbane station 4ZZZ Balkan Beats’ Top 10 Albums of 2024 and International station Global Village Radio’s Top 10 Releases for October 2024. The album has also been featured as Album of the Week on Sydney’s Eastside Radio and CD of the Week on Fine Music, alongside receiving airplay on ABC Radio Sydney and international platform Rhythm Passport.
CHUTNEY recently performed at the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra with support from the Israeli Embassy, and in October 2024, played to a capacity crowd at Sydney Town Hall for Songs of Hope, the inaugural concert of the Australian Jewish Music Festival.
The band has also supported the double ARIA-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra on their national tour through Queensland, NSW, and the ACT.
For more information about CHUTNEY, visit chutneyband.com or follow them on Instagram @chutney.band
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