The NSW Government is launching the country's largest prize for music, to celebrate the state's exceptional contemporary musicians and give them a career-boosting cash injection.
Aiming to inspire the next AC/DC, Delta Goodrem or The Kid Laroi, the NSW Music Prize will be awarded at an award ceremony in November 2025 during Ausmusic Month.
There will be three categories:
- $80,000 NSW Music Prize, to be awarded to the NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact.
- $40,000 NSW First Nations Music Prize for an NSW First Nations artist or act whose release has had significant and meaningful impact.
- $40,000 NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year for an emerging NSW artist or act who has had a groundbreaking year.
The prizes will be awarded to NSW-based artists or acts who have demonstrated exceptional creative achievements and meaningful impact between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 by releasing music or achieving a major career breakthrough.
A Selection Committee of 20 music industry experts will nominate artists and create a longlist for the NSW Music Prize and NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year. An expert Judging Panel of five will then determine the winners.
A Nominations Committee of five First Nations industry experts will be appointed to submit nominations for the NSW First Nations Music Prize and deliver finalists for a Judging Panel of three First Nations experts from the music industry to select the winner.
Delivering the annual prize is the latest action from the NSW Government's 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy. The strategy aims to grow the sector in the face of significant headwinds including unpredictable ticket sales, a retraction in music festivals and competition from international artists on streaming services. Since coming to office in 2023 the government has:
- Introduced 'Michael's Rule' incentives for international touring artists to book local supports.
- Established the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund in September 2024 which has allocated a combined $2.25 million of emergency funding to five festivals.
- Delivered recording, touring and promotion grants to help artists and bands create new work, grow audiences and build their careers.
- Initiated Venue Upgrade grants for operators to install sound proofing and get their venues gig ready.
- Offered extended trading hours and an 80% discount on licensing fees for venues that program live music which has tripled the number of venues receiving these incentives.
- Reformed the noise complaints system so single serial noise complainants can no longer shut down existing live music venues.
- Rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts that future proof entertainment districts.
Expressions of Interest are now open to join the nominations committee and judging panels. To apply, or for more information visit the Sound NSW website. Expressions of Interest close Monday 21 July.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"Despite the fact NSW is the engine room of Australia's music industry, we were one of the only states that didn't have a music prize. I thought that was a travesty, so the arrival of the NSW Music Prize will right that wrong.
"This investment will celebrate our artists, boost their careers and inspire the next generation to shoot for the stars.
"Awarding the country's biggest cash prize, demonstrates we're serious about backing our musicians, recognising their cultural contribution and supporting them through challenging times.
"We often say that 'Labor loves live music' and this is us putting it into practice. The NSW live music industry employs over 14,000 and we are backing it to keep growing."
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
"The NSW Music Prize is all about celebrating the incredible talent we have in NSW, and acknowledging those who dedicate themselves to creating the soundtracks to our lives.
"In launching the NSW Music Prize, we're valuing local music and the artists who create it, and making a significant investment into the careers of some of our top talent. NSW artists deserve to be valued and celebrated, and Sound NSW is proud to be delivering the Prize.
"I encourage all interested music industry and media professionals, and those in businesses and organisations with an understanding of the NSW music landscape and local contemporary music artists to submit their Expression of Interest to join the Nominations Committee, Judging Panel, or First Nations Nominations Committee and Judging Panel."
CEO ARIA PPCA, and Sound NSW Advisory Board member Annabelle Herd said:
"By actively supporting outstanding, export-ready music through the NSW Music Prize, we're empowering artists to compete in today's global music market. NSW has a long and proud history of launching some of Australia's greatest artists onto the global stage, and this targeted approach helps continue that legacy.
"The direct investment in First Nations music in particular ensures we are not only supporting, but actively celebrating, the richness and cultural depth at the heart of our music community."
Co-Founder (Frontier Touring) and Founder (Chugg Music) Michael Chugg AM said:
"The input of the NSW Government and Sound NSW into the statewide music industry has created a lot of excitement and this latest announcement is a great step forward for the 1000s of talented musicians, artists, and industry workers who ply their talent playing, writing, and making great music, from the big cities to the smallest villages in our state.
"The NSW Music Prize will garner great publicity for our artists and provide much-needed funding to advance their careers - not just in Australia, but globally - by enabling artists, industry professionals, and companies to open doors worldwide to our wonderful music."
