Meet the five local acts to benefit from expanded Levi’s Music Prize

QMusic has revealed the first five winners for its reimagined Levi’s Music Prize.

Organisers said the initiative will further support local musicians following the devastating impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions on the music industry.

The new Levi’s Music Relief Fund in partnership with BIGSOUND has awarded five winners $4,500 cash to go towards their music career, plus education from BLOCKS by Bolster.

The prize also includes an online course with The Indigo Project to support self-development, insight and personal growth and an outfit from Levi’s.

The Beths (NZ), Tkay Maidza (SA), Miiesha (QLD) Haiku Hands (NSW) and Jaguar Jonze (QLD) join previous winners like G Flip, The Teskey Brothers and Stella Donnelly.

QMusic CEO and BIGSOUND Executive Producer, Angela Samut, said the refreshed prize is a great initiative and thanked Levi’s for opening the prize up to support more artists.

“Congratulations to The Beths, Tkay Maidza, Miiesha, Haiku Hands and Jaguar Jonze,” she said. “And thank you to Levi’s for continuing to invest in our Australian and New Zealand artists.

“Levi’s support of our industry through BIGSOUND has seen almost $300,000 go towards 10 artists who have gone on to become great Australian music exports.

“We are also thankful to our other supporters coming on board to provide upskilling and wellbeing support for this creative and tenacious group of musicians.”

Now in its fourth year, its the largest single music prize in Australasia awarded to artists that have built significant initial career momentum via their BIGSOUND experience.

Applications for the final Levi’s Music Relief Fund round are open now and close July 5.