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SXSW SYDNEY®
announce
SWAPMEET and 水中スピカ
SUICHU SPICA
as the Justin Cosby
Music Prize
winners for 2025

JAMAICA MOANA
wins the
inaugural walk to
Austin Award

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Jamaica Moana, SXSW Sydney 2025, Wednesday, UTS Underground / Photo – Paul McMillan

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After another triumphant year, South by Southwest Sydney® (SXSW Sydney) is thrilled to announce Swapmeet and 水中スピカ Suichu Spica as the winners of the third annual Justin Cosby Music Prize. Also revealed , Jamaica Moana has been named the inaugural recipient of the Walk to Austin Award, presented in partnership with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby.

Swapmeet wins the Justin Cosby ‘Best Emerging Artist’ accolade – awarded to the local or international artist showing the most potential to attain their career goals (awarded on artistic merit and export readiness). An indie rock band from Adelaide, Swapmeet are known for their raw, experimental and energetic sound with a punk spirit. The band are currently working on their debut album, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2024 debut EP Oxalis.

SXSW Sydney Head of Music, Claire Collins, says: “Since we announced Swapmeet on the lineup, the band attracted a significant amount of industry interest thanks to their quality songwriting and cohesive production. 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 are awarded the Justin Cosby ‘Best Performance’ prize for the best performance at an official SXSW Sydney event by a local or international act. Japanese math rock band 水中スピカ Suichu Spica create an experience that’s both unique and unforgettable. The pioneering rock group released their latest album, Lux, in January this year – connecting genres, cultures and emotions, crafted by four masters of their art.

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Swapmeet

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SXSW Sydney Music Program Manager, Reg Harris says: “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.”

The Justin Cosby Music Prize is named in the memory of an Australian industry legend, Justin Cosby, who passed away in June 2021. Justin was the founder of Inertia Music, a passionate supporter and defender of independent music and new talent with an encyclopaedic, genre-defying knowledge of music. He was a regular attendee at SXSW and his meticulously-organised spreadsheet planner was shared widely among Australian industry making the journey to Austin each year. The judging panel comprises industry leaders from independent record labels, community radio, venues, festivals and local and international media.

SXSW Sydney is proud to partner with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, presenter of the 2025 SXSW Sydney Music Festival, to hero and support the next wave of music talent with the introduction of the Walk to Austin Award. The Walk to Austin Award celebrates an outstanding emerging talent who performed at Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House during the SXSW Sydney Music Festival.

This year’s winner is Māori/Samoan artist and trailblazer Jamaica Moana – a rapper, songwriter, creative director and ballroom icon, who’s shifting the landscape of music, fashion and performance with unapologetic energy and razor-sharp vision.

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Suichu Spica – Music Festival Opening Night Party at Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House / Photo – Jess Gleeson

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Moana was selected by a panel of industry judges, recognised for their creativity, originality and potential to connect with a global audience. 

As part of the recognition, Moana will perform at SXSW® 2026 in Austin, Texas. The Walk to Austin initiative underscores Johnnie Walker’s commitment to championing the next generation of music talent, helping them progress and take bold steps on their walk to the world stage.

Jamaica Moana says, “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!”

SXSW Sydney’s third edition was the event’s biggest year yet – from the packed halls of the Conference, to the electric energy of the Music, Screen and Games festivals, and SXSW Sydney Unlocked, the city truly came alive. SXSW Sydney 2025 continued to redefine the region’s role in global music culture. Visit here to view the full list of artists, speakers and sessions who took part.

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Suichu Spica – Music Festival Opening Night Party at Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House / Photo – Jess Gleeson

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Follow SXSW SYDNEY
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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SUICHU SPICA, SXSW SYDNEY 2025 THURSDAY THE BARRIE / Photo – SAMUEL GRAVES

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About SXSW Sydney®

SXSW Sydney is an annual gathering of visionaries, thought leaders and emerging talents from the Asia-Pacific region. The week-long program is stacked with 1,600 events and networking sessions across the conference, expo and the tech and innovation, games, music and screen festivals. The event seamlessly integrates art and entrepreneurship with cutting-edge advancements, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are forged. SXSW Sydney 2025 will take place on 13–19 October, on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. SXSW SYDNEY, SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST SYDNEY and other SXSW, LLC marks used under license. 

About SXSW®  

South by Southwest® (SXSW) dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2026 will take place from March 12-18 in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com.

About Destination NSW  

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

About TEG  

TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology and has been at the heart of the live event experience for 50 years through its touring and ticketing operations. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. TEG are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading global brands and events. Through TEG’s integrated operating model, the business brings the best live content, ticketing, and technology to partners with access to the best and most compelling music, sporting, and entertainment events across the globe. TEG is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and operates globally with offices across Asia, Europe and the US.

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AMNPLIFY – DB