Three talented NSW acts have received a big career boost after being awarded the inaugural NSW Music Prize, taking home Australia's newest and most lucrative music awards.
The NSW Music Prize was established by the Minns Labor Government to celebrate and inspire local musicians and strengthen the music industry in the face of increasing competition from overseas artists via streaming platforms.
The winner of the 2025 NSW Music Prize($80,000) for a NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact is SPEED, for their album Only One Mode.
The winner of NSW First Nations Music Prize ($40,000) for a NSW First Nations artists or act who whose release had a significant and meaningful impact is BARKAA, for her EP Big Tidda.
The winner of the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000) for an emerging NSW artist or act who has had a groundbreaking year is Ninajirachi.
Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the ceremony was emceed by media personality Brooke Boney and brought together the local music industry for a celebration of the 2025 winners. The event featured special live performances from BARKAA, Shady Nasty and Vv Pete & UTILITY, marking the beginning of what will become a cornerstone fixture in Australia's annual music calendar.
The NSW Music Prize is a key commitment in the NSW Government's 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, and honours artistic achievement and highlights the vital role music plays in shaping culture and community across the state.
More information on the NSW Music Prize is available on the Sound NSW website.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"I'm very excited to be awarding the first ever NSW Music Prizes to SPEED, BARKAA and Ninajirachi. These talented and hard-working NSW musicians deserve this recognition.
"These awards are about putting the spotlight on NSW, so fans have a chance to celebrate the local music scene.
"This will give these artists a big career boost, and I also hope it will inspire the next generation to aim high.
"The streaming revolution is pushing more American music to Australian listeners. This award is part of our effort support local musicians to cut through and build a fan base."
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
"Sound NSW is proud to deliver the NSW Music Prize, which recognises artistic excellence and the innovation emerging from the state's music communities.
"This year's winners and nominees reflect everything we love about music in NSW and the breadth of music being made right here.
"The NSW Music Prize is about elevating local voices, celebrating their achievements and ensuring NSW is a place where they can create, grow and thrive."
CEO ARIA PPCA, and Sound NSW Advisory Board member Annabelle Herd said:
"The NSW Music Prize shows what happens when we back our artists with meaningful support and a clear pathway forward.
"These prizes open doors to new audiences and real opportunities, and they strengthen the wider ecosystem that makes NSW such an important place for music in Australia and across the world.
"Recognising and elevating talent in this way is essential if we want a vibrant state that allows new music to thrive."
Co-Founder (Frontier Touring) and Founder (Chugg Music) Michael Chugg AM said:
"The inaugural NSW Music Prize is a great innovation by the State Government and a further commitment to the support of Australian music here and internationally.
"NSW has an amazing amount of young Indie musicians and artists which was very evident at last week's Aria awards and the shortlist of finalists here.
"The three prize winners being announced today will enable these young budding stars a platform to advance their careers and I wholeheartedly support this fantastic opportunity."
Winner of the NSW Music Prize SPEED said:
"Yo! SPEED is a hardcore band comprising of lifelong friends and family from Sydney. Respectfully, our culture has never been a game nor a competition. But we are honoured to receive this recognition and see this as acknowledgment of the values cultivated by the passionate souls around us.
"Kids around us have BEEN doing this for a minute and this acknowledgment gives us hope that realness can be recognised and wanted out there in the real world. This culture of ours is a special thing and the only way for you to get this is to show up, listen and learn from the people who make it.
"In 2025, we have a whole new generation of amazing kids all over the country making Sydney & Australian hardcore the sickest it's ever been. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible."
Winner biographies:
- SPEED and hardcore are two words that have become synonymous on a global scale. The Sydney band have staked claim on the genre through an unwavering ethos built on inclusivity, authenticity and conviction; a nonstop touring schedule across the globe, and records that have reverberated through the underground and beyond.
- BARKAA proved to be the shake-up the Australian music scene needed. Taking her first steps forward as an artist releasing music in 2020, BARKAA served an introduction with impact; an artistic vision and handle on storytelling that was unshakably confident and honest.
- Ninajirachi is raising the flag for a new generation of Australian electronic artists on the international stage, from festival appearances at Lollapalooza, EDC, Laneway and Spilt Milk, to sold out headline shows on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this month, she also took home the Australian Music Prize (AMP) as well as walking away with three awards at last week's ARIA Awards.
