Swapmeet and 水中スピカ Suichu Spica are winners of the third annual Justin Cosby Music Prize, presented following their respective appearances at South by Southwest Sydney 2025.
Hailing from Adelaide, Swapmeet scoops the Justin Cosby best emerging artist honor, awarded to the local or international artist showing the most potential, a nod to their artistic merit and “export readiness.”
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“Since we announced Swapmeet on the lineup, the band attracted a significant amount of industry interest thanks to their quality songwriting and cohesive production,” explains SXSW Sydney head of music Claire Collins. “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.”
Meanwhile, Kyoto, Japan math rock act 水中スピカ Suichu Spica collect the Justin Cosby best performance prize, recognition of an outstanding live effort at an official SXSW Sydney event.
Their “flawless live sets throughout the week were one of the true highlights of SXSW Sydney this year,” says SXSW Sydney music program manager Reg Harris. “Each show featuring a tight setlist filled with intricate guitar tapping, sparkling vocals, ever changing time signatures and cinematic crescendos.”
Also, Jamaica Moana is named as recipient of the Walk to Austin Award, presented for the first time in partnership with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby. As part of their victory spoils, the trailblazing Māori/Samoan rapper and songwriter will perform at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas.
A music industry panel selected Moana on the basis of exceptional creativity, originality and potential to connect with a global audience.
The Justin Cosby Music Prize is named in the memory of Inertia Music co-founder Justin Cosby, who died in June 2021.
The much-loved independent music executive was a regular attendee at SXSW and his meticulously-prepared spreadsheet planner was shared widely among the Australian industry professionals making the journey to Austin each year, notes SXSW Sydney organizers in a statement.
The judging panel comprises industry leaders from independent record labels, community radio, venues, festivals and local and international media.
The inaugural Justin Cosby Music Prize was awarded in 2023 to Otoboke Beaver (best performance) and Miss Kaninna (best emerging artist), and was last year presented to Voice of Baceprot and DEVAURA.
TEG produced the third-annual SXSW Sydney, which was presented Oct. 13 – 19 and featured a program heaving with 1,600 events and networking sessions, plus a music festival lineup with more than 300 performances.
