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Speed Wins Inaugural NSW Music Prize as State Backs Local Acts With $160,000 Awards

The state-backed award aims to boost NSW artists’ visibility against streaming-driven international dominance.

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Overview

  • Sydney hardcore band Speed took the $80,000 top prize for Only One Mode, judged the most impactful NSW release of the year.
  • Barkaa won the $40,000 First Nations Music Prize for her EP Big Tidda, while Ninajirachi received the $40,000 Breakthrough Artist award.
  • The inaugural ceremony was held on November 24 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney, with finalists including RÜFÜS DU SOL and OneFour.
  • Administered by Sound NSW under the state’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, the prize distributes $160,000 and is billed as Australia’s largest state cash award for music.
  • Officials say the prize counters global streaming effects that sideline local acts, and Speed signaled plans to consider using the funds to support the hardcore community.