Adelaide indie rockers Swapmeet and Japanese math rock band 水中スピカ Suichu Spica have been named the winners of this year’s Justin Cosby Music Prize. Announced at SXSW Sydney, today’s announcement marks the third annual awarding of the prize.
In addition to the prize winners, SXSW Sydney has launched the inaugural Walk to Austin Award, presented to Māori/Samoan artist and trailblazer Jamaica Moana.
Established in 2023 and named for Australian industry legend Justin Cosby, who passed away in 2021, the prize continues his legacy by supporting independent music and new talent.
A regular attendee of SXSW, his impact was far-reaching, with the judging panel for the Music Prize comprising industry leaders from independent record labels, community radio, venues, festivals, and local and international media.
The awards are presented in two categories: Best Emerging Artist, which is awarded to the local or international artist demonstrating the most potential to achieve their career goals, and Best Performance, presented to the local or international artist whose performance impressed the most.
Swapmeet were named the Justin Cosby Best Emerging Artist, an accolade awarded to a local or international artist with huge potential. With an EP under their belt and their debut album on the way, Swapmeet are already recognised for their raw, energetic, experimental punk sound.
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“Since we announced Swapmeet on the line-up, the band attracted a significant amount of industry interest thanks to their quality songwriting and cohesive production,” said SXSW Sydney Head of Music, Claire Collins.
Collins continued, “Throughout the week, they backed up the buzz with a compelling show, producing gorgeous indie anthems punctuated by a punk spirit. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
水中スピカ Suichu Spica were awarded the Justin Cosby Best Performance prize after their performance at this year’s SXSW Sydney event. Following the release of their latest album, Lux, earlier this year, the band’s brand of math rock transcends genre, culture, and emotion.
Commenting on 水中スピカ Suichu Spica’s accolade, SXSW Sydney Music Program Manager Reg Harris added, “水中スピカ Suichu Spica’s flawless live sets throughout the week were one of the true highlights of SXSW Sydney this year; each show featuring a tight setlist filled with intricate guitar tapping, sparkling vocals, ever-changing time signatures and cinematic crescendos.
“No matter whether playing on our largest venue’s stage or in our smallest cap room (they did both), the Kyoto four-piece sounded incredible and made instant fans of anyone who was lucky enough to watch them.”
This year, SXSW Sydney partnered with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby to present the Walk to Austin Award. The new prize celebrates an outstanding emerging talent who performed at the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House during this year’s music festival.
The inaugural winner, Jamaica Moana, is a rapper, songwriter, creative director, and dancer. She said of the achievement, “I’m gagging, THIS IS TEXAS! I’m ready to bring ‘em down down down. I’m grateful and excited to take the Jamaica Moana show across the equator to Austin!!! Now is the perfect time for this, we are READY!”
