Finalists Unveiled For Inaugural NSW Music Prize

With two nominations, Ninajirachi could seriously cash in at the first-ever New South Wales Music Prize, the finalists for which were unveiled on Monday, Oct. 27.

The Central Coast-raised artist, DJ and producer’s 2024 girl EDM collection is shortlisted for the main prize, the most lucrative in the Australian music industry which carries with it a A$80,000 ($52,000) winner’s check.

Ninajirachi is also a chance for NSW breakthrough artist of the year, with a A$40,000 ($26,000) cash prize.

The 26-year-old’s star is on the rise. With eight nominations at next month’s ARIA Awards, Ninajirachi (real name: Nina Wilson) is the leader of the pack. Separately, her debut full length album I Love My Computer (via NLV Records) is one of nine titles shortlisted for the coveted 2025 Australian Music Prize, awarded each year to the outstanding Australian album of original work from the previous year, judged by a music industry panel. And in August, the month I Love My Computer dropped, she was named as Billboard’s dance rookie of the month.

Other two-time NSW Music Prize nominees include 3% (Kill the Dead), BARKAA (Big Tidda), Shady Nasty (Trek) and SPEED (Only One Mode), while the likes of Royel Otis, RÜFÜS DU SOL and ONEFOUR each secure one nod.

The Minns government in July announced the new prize to “celebrate, support and incentivize” the state’s most talented artists, with “the aim of inspiring the next generations of stars.”

All told, 15 artists have a chance of sharing in a combined prize pool of A$160,000 ($104,000), delivered by Sound NSW and decided by panels of contemporary music experts.

The three categories are:

• A$80,000 NSW Music Prize, to be awarded to the NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact.
• A$40,000 NSW First Nations Music Prize for an NSW First Nations artist or act whose release has had significant and meaningful impact.
• A$40,000 NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year for an emerging

Awarding the prize “will provide a vital financial boost for the winners and a big incentive for the next generation of aspiring stars,” says John Graham, NSW minister for music and the night-time economy. “We want to boost their careers, recognize the cultural importance of local music and inspire the next generation of prize winners.”

He adds, “unless we back local musicians, the wave of algorithmically enhanced American music will continue to swamp us. We have amazing song writers and world class live performers here in NSW and this is a moment to celebrate them.”

The winners will be announced during the NSW Music Prize awards ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney on Nov. 24 — the week following the ARIAs.

“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,” enthuses Emily Collins, head of Sound NSW.

Visit the Sound NSW website for more and see the full list of nominations below.

NSW Music Prize

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

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