Ninajirachi, 3% & BARKAA Lead Inaugural NSW Music Prize Nominations

The finalists for the inaugural NSW Music Prize have been revealed.

15 of the state's finest musical talents have been named as finalists for the prestigious new prize, with a combined prize pool of $160,000 (delivered by Sound NSW) up for grabs across three categories.

Australia's newest music prize was established by the Minns Labor Government to "celebrate, support and incentivise our state's most talented artists," aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians.

The NSW Music Prize, the main category, is for local artists whose release has had the most significant impact, and comes with a $80,000 cash prize. 3%, BARKAA, Kobie, Dee, ONEFOUR, Ninajirachi, Party Dozen, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Shady Nasty, Vv Pete & Utility, and SPEED are the inaugural finalists in this category.

The NSW First Nations Music Prize, which comes with a $40,000 reward, will be contested by 3%, BARKAA, Djanaba, Stiff Gins, and Ziggy Ramo.

And NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000) will go to either one of Don West, Ninajirachi, Royel Otis, Shady Nasty, and SPEED.

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.

“What shines through in this year’s finalists is the incredible array of talent in our community. From emerging voices to beloved icons, each has left their mark on audiences and is shaping the future of music in NSW.”

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, and academia and cultural advocates.

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, November 24th.

More information on the NSW Music Prize is available on the Sound NSW website.

NSW Music Prize 2025

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