Fifteen of the state’s hottest musical talents have been named as finalists in the first ever NSW Music Prize. These artists have a chance of winning a combined prize pool of $160,000 across three categories.
Australia’s newest and most lucrative music prize was established by the Minns Labor Government to celebrate, support and incentivise our state’s most talented artists, with the aim of inspiring the next generations of stars. The prize recognises the vital importance of music in our state’s cultural life and the pressures on the music sector from rising costs and competition from overseas artists via streaming platforms.
Delivered by Sound NSW the prize pool is offered across three categories: NSW Music Prize for the NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact, NSW First Nations Music Prize for the First Nations artist or act whose release has had significant and meaningful impact, and NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year for an emerging NSW artist or act who has had a groundbreaking year.
The inaugural finalists for the NSW Music Prize are:
NSW Music Prize ($80,000)
• 3% (Kill the Dead)
• BARKAA (Big Tidda)
• Kobie Dee (Chapter 26)
• Ninajirachi (girl EDM)
• ONEFOUR (Look At Me Now)
• Party Dozen (Crime in Australia)
• RÜFÜS DU SOL (Inhale / Exhale)
• Shady Nasty (Trek)
• SPEED (Only One Mode)
• Vv Pete & Utility (Varvie World)
NSW First Nations Music Prize ($40,000)
• 3% (Kill the Dead)
• BARKAA (Big Tidda)
• Djanaba (Did I Stutter?)
• Stiff Gins (Crossroads)
• Ziggy Ramo (Human?)
NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000)
• Don West
• Ninajirachi
• Royel Otis
• Shady Nasty
• SPEED
Finalists were selected by expert Nominations Committees made up of artists and industry leaders across the spectrum of music publishing, artist management, media and broadcasting, academia and cultural advocates, reflecting the diversity, creativity and talent of NSW’s music sector.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy said:
“Unless we back local musicians, the wave of algorithmically enhanced American music will continue to swamp us. We have amazing song writers and world class live performers here in NSW and this is a moment to celebrate them.”
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
“Artists are at the heart of our music industry and we’re so proud to be celebrating our state’s impressive talent. This year’s finalists remind us just how special music in NSW really is – from groundbreaking albums and unforgettable new tracks, to artists who are pushing boundaries and finding new ways to connect with audiences.”
The winners of the NSW Music Prize and the Breakthrough Artist of the Year will be decided by a five-person judging panel and the winner of the NSW First Nations Music Prize will be decided by a three-person First Nations judging panel. The winners will be announced at the NSW Music Prize awards ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney on Monday 24 November 2025.
More information on the NSW Music Prize is available on the Sound NSW website.