Sydney hardcore punk band SPEED has collected the NSW Music Prize, Australia’s most lucrative music awards, presented for the first time this week, while BARKAA and Ninajirachi continued their respective winning streaks.

Established by the Minns Labor government of New South Wales to “celebrate and inspire local musicians” and strengthen the music industry “in the face of increasing competition from overseas,” the A$160,000 ($104,000) prize pool is split among three categories.

SPEED nabbed top honors for Only One Mode via Last Ride Records (AANZ) and Flatspot Records (worldwide), their debut album from 2024, which impacted the top 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart, debuting at No. 10.

The group, led by Jem Siow (vocals), Aaron Siow (bass), Josh Clayton (guitar), Dennis Vichidvongsa (guitar),

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