By Raul Delapena Setiawan 
After a decade of dedicated musical output and a string of near misses, Australian alternative rock trio DMA’S have finally ascended to the pinnacle of the ARIA Albums Chart, marking a significant career milestone. Their fifth studio album, a self-titled release, debuted at number one on the chart published Friday, August 28, 2026, fulfilling a long-held ambition for the band. This achievement not only signifies their first-ever number one album in their native Australia but also places them among a select group of homegrown artists to have topped the prestigious chart this year.
The journey to the top has been a gradual but persistent climb for the Sydney-based band, comprised of Johnny Took (acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Matt Mason (lead guitar), and Tommy O’Dell (lead vocals). Their debut album, Hill’s End, released in 2016, cracked the ARIA Top 10, peaking at number eight. This early success laid the foundation for a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, amassing over 535 million streams globally across their discography. Their breakthrough moment in Australia is often attributed to their powerful 2016 cover of Cher’s 90s dance anthem "Believe," which topped triple j’s inaugural "Like a Version" countdown in 2023, further cementing their popularity. The band also secured an ARIA Award for Best Group in the same year, highlighting their consistent impact on the Australian music scene.
The latest chart-topping album, DMA’S, represents a new chapter for the band, marked by their first release through a major label partnership with Wonderlick and Sony Music. This strategic move signifies a significant shift from their independent roots, where their previous albums were released through I Oh You, a label under the Mushroom Group umbrella. The integration into a major label system, as hinted by guitarist Matt Mason in a pre-release interview with Billboard, was a conscious decision, with the aspiration of reaching new heights, including chart success, being a tangible goal.
"I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a part of it," Mason admitted when discussing the band’s ambitions for the new release, acknowledging the potential leverage that a major label infrastructure could provide. This ambition has now been realized with the self-titled album’s commanding debut at number one.
A Notable Self-Recorded Effort and Historic Studio
DMA’S is not only notable for its chart performance but also for being the band’s first album to be self-recorded. The trio utilized their own studio in Sydney’s Glebe, a space steeped in musical history. This studio was originally established by Australian rock ‘n’ roll luminary Col Joye and has previously hosted recording sessions for legendary artists such as David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and the Bee Gees. The decision to self-record in such an iconic location likely contributed to the album’s distinct sound and the band’s creative control over the production process. This intimate and historically rich environment provided a fertile ground for the band to craft their latest offering, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the creative process.
The path to this number one position was paved with successive close calls. Their 2023 album, How Many Dreams, peaked at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart and reached number three on the Official UK Albums Chart. Prior to that, The Glow from 2020 also achieved a number two peak in Australia and a number four position in the United Kingdom. These consistent high chart placements demonstrated the band’s growing momentum and loyal following, making their eventual number one achievement feel like a well-deserved culmination of their efforts. The anticipation for the UK chart debut of DMA’S was also high, with the results expected later on the same Friday the Australian chart was published.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd expressed her delight at the band’s success, stating, "Congratulations to DMA’S on a career best chart performance, taking the number one spot with their self-titled album no less. This is just another achievement in a string of incredible work over more than a decade and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome them to the top of the ARIA Chart." Herd’s statement underscores the band’s sustained contribution to the Australian music landscape and acknowledges the significance of this chart-topping success.
A Growing Australian Presence on the Charts
The success of DMA’S also highlights a positive trend for Australian artists on the ARIA Albums Chart. Their number one position marks the second time a homegrown album has reached the summit this year, following Karnivool’s In Versus in February. This suggests a strong appetite among Australian music consumers for local talent, reinforcing the importance of supporting and promoting domestic artists. The ARIA Charts, a crucial barometer of music consumption in Australia, provide invaluable exposure and validation for artists, and the continued presence of Australian acts at the top is a testament to the vibrancy of the nation’s music industry.
In other ARIA chart news, Tasmanian artist Miss Kaninna has made a strong debut in the top 10 with her first mixtape, BLACKPRINT, entering the chart at number eight. Additionally, singer-songwriter Vera Blue has landed at number twelve with her latest release, Modern Rituals. These entries further illustrate the diverse range of Australian talent currently resonating with audiences.
On the ARIA Singles Chart, Ella Langley has reclaimed the top spot with her track "Choosin’ Texas," marking its eleventh non-consecutive week at number one. Notably, female artists or groups have dominated the national singles chart for every week since early August 2025, according to ARIA reports. This sustained period of female leadership on the singles chart is a significant observation, reflecting a broader shift in the music landscape and the increasing prominence of women in popular music.
Looking Ahead: Touring and Continued Success
DMA’S are set to support their chart-topping album with an east coast tour of Australia throughout November and December. These live performances will undoubtedly provide fans with an opportunity to experience the new material and celebrate the band’s significant achievement. Their consistent touring presence, coupled with their growing discography and chart success, solidifies their position as one of Australia’s most compelling live acts and recording artists. The band’s decade-long journey, from independent releases to major label partnerships and now a number one album, is a compelling narrative of artistic perseverance and evolution. Their continued success is a beacon for aspiring musicians and a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted alternative rock music. The band’s ability to connect with a broad audience, evidenced by their extensive streaming numbers and chart positions, suggests a bright future as they continue to explore new creative avenues and expand their global reach.
