Speed Wins Inaugural NSW Music Prize, Signaling a Shining Future for Australian Hardcore
The australian music scene is buzzing after Sydney-based hardcore band Speed claimed the inaugural New South Wales Music Prize, a important win for the group and a promising sign for the future of local music. they took home the $80,000 prize recognizing the impact of their critically acclaimed 2024 debut album, Only One Mode. This victory underscores a growing commitment to supporting Australian artists in a landscape increasingly dominated by international acts.
A Prize Designed to Level the Playing Field
The NSW Music Prize was introduced last year as a key component of the state government’s 10-year plan to bolster its music industry. Streaming platforms often favor international artists, creating challenges for homegrown talent. This prize, administered by Sound NSW, aims to address that imbalance by providing substantial financial support and recognition.
The $160,000 prize pool is divided into three categories:
* NSW Music Prize ($80,000): Awarded to an established artist with significant impact over the past year – Speed was the recipient.
* NSW First Nations Music Prize ($40,000): Celebrates a First Nations artist whose work has resonated deeply – barkaa Big Tidda took home this honor.
* NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000): Recognizes an emerging artist experiencing a groundbreaking year – ninajirachi was the winner.
Only One Mode: A Modern Take on Hardcore
speed’s success isn’t just about winning a prize; it’s about the innovative sound they’ve crafted. Only One Mode delivers the expected intensity of hardcore, but also incorporates surprising elements. Notably, the band utilizes a distinctive trilling flute, showcased in their viral single, “The First Test.”
The band – vocalist Jem Siow, guitarists Joshua Clayton and Dennis Vichidvongsa, bassist Aaron Siow, and drummer Kane Vardon – are dedicated to evolving punk while maintaining a core authenticity. They’re proving you can be both modern and genuine.
Beyond the Music: A Voice for Inclusivity
Speed’s impact extends beyond their music. This past summer, they opened for Turnstile on their North American tour, using the platform to address crucial social issues. Vocalist Jem Siow consistently delivers powerful onstage speeches.
He speaks openly about:
* The importance of inclusivity within the hardcore scene.
* Combating anti-Asian racism.
* Raising awareness about the male suicide epidemic.
* The power of community and the support found in playing music with loved ones.
These conversations demonstrate a commitment to using their platform for positive change, resonating with fans and establishing them as role models.
What This Means for the Future of Australian Hardcore
Speed’s win is more than just a personal achievement. as Jem Siow stated in his acceptance speech, the award belongs to “a whole new generation of amazing kids all over the country making Sydney and australian hardcore the sickest it’s ever been.”
The band intends to use the prize money to support and nurture this emerging talent, fostering a thriving and inclusive hardcore community. This commitment to paying it forward will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the Australian music scene.
You can explore Only One Mode on Bandcamp and learn more about the NSW Music Prize at Sound NSW.
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