The 2025 NSW Music Prize marked a major turning point in the Australian music scene. With a total pool of A$160,000, this prize stands as the most lucrative state-backed music award in the country. The prize was created to spotlight emerging and established artists based in New South Wales, giving them recognition and financial support in a musical landscape often dominated by global streaming giants.
At the heart of the 2025 awards night was SPEED, the hardcore band from Sydney, whose debut album Only One Mode won the main prize of A$80,000. Their raw, unfiltered sound and bold lyrical themes dealing with male mental health, anti-Asian racism and inclusivity struck a chord not only within the hardcore community but beyond. Their win signals that authenticity and heartfelt artistry can break through—even when it’s loud, abrasive, and defiantly different.
In the First Nations category, BARKAA claimed victory with her EP Big Tidda, pocketing A$40,000. Her work draws power from lived experience, identity and resilience, delivering evocative lyrics and potent messages that resonate deep within community and culture. BARKAA’s win honors not only her musical craft but also the broader tradition of First Nations storytelling.
Meanwhile, Ninajirachi — already making waves in electronic music — won the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, earning A$40,000. Her win highlights how the NSW Music Prize isn’t just about established acts or traditional genres. It celebrates bold experimentation, emerging voices and artists who push boundaries in style, sound and expression. For Ninajirachi, the award underscores a moment of career-changing impact.
By honouring such a diverse set of artists — from hardcore punk to First Nations rap to electronic music — the NSW Music Prize shows a commitment to the full spectrum of contemporary music. That is significant. It sends a message that creativity, cultural authenticity, and artistic risk-taking are valued just as much as commercial viability.
.jpeg)
0 Comments