SPEED Lead Inaugural NSW Music Prize Winners

The winners of the inaugural NSW Music Prize have been revealed.

15 of the state's finest musical talents were 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. Western Sydney's hardcore breakout group SPEED won, seeing off strong competition from 3%, BARKAA, Kobie Dee, Ninajirachi, and more.

The NSW First Nations Music Prize, which comes with a $40,000 reward, was contested by 3%, BARKAA, Djanaba, Stiff Gins, and Ziggy Ramo, with BARKAA winning for her EP Big Tidda.

And NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000) was contested by Don West, Ninajirachi, Royel Otis, Shady Nasty, and SPEED, with leading ARIAs nominee Ninajirachi earning the trophy.

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “I’m very excited to be awarding the first ever NSW Music Prizes to SPEED, BARKAA and Ninajirachi. These talented and hard-working NSW musicians deserve this recognition.

“These awards are about putting the spotlight on NSW, so fans have a chance to celebrate the local music scene. 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 [to] support local musicians to cut through and build a fan base.”

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.

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

NSW Music Prize 2025 (winners in bold)

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