Sydney hardcore punk band SPEED has collected the NSW Music Prize, Australia’s most lucrative music awards, presented for the first time this week, while BARKAA and Ninajirachi continued their respective winning streaks.
Established by the Minns Labor government of New South Wales to “celebrate and inspire local musicians” and strengthen the music industry “in the face of increasing competition from overseas,” the A$160,000 ($104,000) prize pool is split among three categories.
SPEED nabbed top honors for Only One Mode via Last Ride Records (AANZ) and Flatspot Records (worldwide), their debut album from 2024, which impacted the top 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart, debuting at No. 10.
The group, led by Jem Siow (vocals), Aaron Siow (bass), Josh Clayton (guitar), Dennis Vichidvongsa (guitar), and Kane Vardon (drums), has since released the three-track EP All My Angles, with live shows rocking across Australia this December.
An expert panel decided Only One Mode was the release that had “the most significant impact” during the voting period.
“Respectfully,” reads a statement from the band, which bags the A$80,000 ($52,000) winner’s check, “our culture has never been a game nor a competition. But we are honored to receive this recognition and see this as acknowledgment of the values cultivated by the passionate souls around us.”
Meanwhile, BARKAA was awarded the NSW First Nations Music Prize for Big Tidda (Big Apples Music/Island Records Australia/Universal Music Australia). Just last week, BARKAA scooped best hip hop/rap release at the 2025 ARIA Awards, becoming the first Indigenous female artist to do so.
After bagging a hattrick of pointy trophies last week at the ARIAs, Ninajirachi backed it up with the NSW breakthrough artist of the year award for “girl EDM” (NLV Records), a salute to an emerging NSW-based artist or act who has had “a groundbreaking 12 months”. The homegrown EDM producer, songwriter and artist has been shining on the awards circuit in recent weeks and months, winning the Australian Music Prize, triple j’s J Award for album of the year, and more.
Recipients of the First Nations and breakthrough artist prizes are each awarded A$40,000 ($26,000).
“These talented and hard-working NSW musicians deserve this recognition,” comments NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham. “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.”
Adds Graham, “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.”
All told, 15 acts were nominated for the prize, delivered by Sound NSW, with winners announced Monday, Nov. 24 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney.
NSW Music Prize 2025 finalists and winners:
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 (WINNER)
Vv Pete & Utility – Varvie World
NSW Breakthrough Artist of Year 2025
Don West
Ninajirachi (WINNER)
Royel Otis
Shady Nasty
SPEED
NSW First Nations Music Prize 2025
3% – Kill the Dead
BARKAA – Big Tidda (WINNER)
Djanaba – Did I Stutter?
Stiff Gins – Crossroads
Ziggy Ramo – Human?