The Australian duo went viral twice – for a Sophie Ellis-Bextor cover, then a Cranberries cover. Now they have eight Aria nods and a US and Europe tour

• Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

This time last year the Sydney indie band Royel Otis was up for breakthrough artist at the Arias. They didn’t take the gong home but this year they just might: the duo leads the pack with eight nominations including album of the year, song of the year and best group.

“It’s just so mind-blowing,” says Royel Maddell, the guitarist. “I was dizzy after hearing it.”