2026 NSW Music Prize Finalists Revealed

The 2026 NSW Music Prize Finalists have been revealed today. 

Ten acts are in the running for the $80,000 prize, including Ninajirachi, Keli Holiday, BOY SODA, MAY-A, Esha Tewari and SPEED.

Now in its second year, the prize offers $160,000 across three categories: the NSW Music Prize for the NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact, the NSW First Nations Music Prize ($40,000) for a NSW-based Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist or act, and the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000) for an emerging act coming off a groundbreaking year.

“One of the most rewarding things to see in only the second year of the NSW Music Prize is artists who were recognised in our Breakthrough Artist category last year now being shortlisted for the NSW Music Prize itself,” Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said.

“It’s a powerful reflection of the depth of talent in NSW and the role the Prize can play in championing artists at every stage of their careers.” 

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, added: “Our musicians have been under so much pressure since the pandemic. If we lose them, we lose our local sound with it. That’s why we’re backing them with targeted support and celebrating them with this prize.” 

Check out all of the nominees below.

NSW Music Prize
BOY SODA – SOULSTAR
DON WEST – GIVE ME ALL YOUR LOVE
Esha Tewari – What Makes A Girl A Girl
Keli Holiday – Capital Fiction
MAY-A – Goodbye (If You Can Call That Gone)
Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer
Parcels – LOVED
SPEED – ALL MY ANGELS
The Rions – Everything Every Single Day
ZIPPORAH – Naungu Urui

NSW First Nations Music Prize
3% – These Days, Running Through My Head, Our Greats
KYARNA – Lost Soul Love Letters
ROX LAVI – Blah Blah about the Blah
THOM – Everything That Hurts Is Human
Velvet Trip – Glimmers Continued

NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year
BOY SODA
Esha Tewari
Keli Holiday
RAGEFLOWER
Velvet Trip