THREE talented acts from New South Wales have received a big career boost after being awarded the inaugural NSW Music Prize.
The awards were established 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, worth $80,000, for a New South Wales 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, worth $40,000, for a New South Wales First Nations artist or act 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, also worth $40,000, for an emerging New South Wales artist or act who has had a ground-breaking 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.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said SPEED, BARKAA and Ninajirachi are talented and hard-working New South Wales musicians who deserve recognition.
“These awards are about putting the spotlight on NSW, so fans have a chance to celebrate the local music scene,” he said.
“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 her organisation 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,” she said.
“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 artists with a clear pathway forward are supported.
“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,” she said.
“Recognising and elevating talent in this way is essential if we want a vibrant state that allows new music to thrive.”
Winner of the NSW Music Prize SPEED said SPEED is a hardcore band comprising of lifelong friends and family from Sydney.
“Respectfully, our culture has never been a game nor a competition,” the group said.
“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 and Australian hardcore the sickest it’s ever been. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.”
