Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sydney Band Speed Wins Big State Music Prize
Sydney Band Speed Wins Big State Music Prize
24 Nov
Summary
- Hardcore band Speed received the inaugural $80,000 NSW Music prize.
- The award supports local musicians against international streaming competition.
- Ninajirachi and Barkaa also secured significant prize money in other categories.
The inaugural $80,000 NSW Music prize has been awarded to Sydney hardcore band Speed, recognizing their debut album 'Only One Mode'. This significant award was established by the NSW government to bolster local musicians against the dominance of international artists on streaming services, which often favor overseas acts due to algorithmic promotion.
Speed, known for their socially conscious lyrics addressing male suicide and anti-Asian racism, expressed gratitude, viewing the award as an acknowledgment of the values within their community. They emphasized that the win belongs to the broader scene and vowed to reinvest the prize money to foster its growth. This marks a significant moment for Australian hardcore music.
Other notable recipients included electronic DJ Ninajirachi, who won the $40,000 breakthrough artist category, and Malyangapa Barkindji rapper Barkaa, who secured the $40,000 First Nations music prize. The NSW Music prize, with its $160,000 total prize pool, is the largest of its kind in Australia, aiming to nurture and promote homegrown talent.
