Thirty songs have been named finalists for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, a $20,000 award that recognises Australian artists using music to connect audiences with nature and inspire climate action.
Now in its third year, the prize aims to highlight music’s unique role in shaping environmental awareness, fostering emotional connection, and encouraging public engagement with conservation issues. The 2025 finalists span genres including folk, hip hop, indie rock, pop and electronic, reflecting a broad spectrum of musical voices advocating for the planet.
Among this year’s shortlisted tracks is “Up Armidale Road” by Grace and Hugh, created in collaboration with Nymboida bushfire survivors and The Clarence Valley Conservatorium. The song stands out for its raw portrayal of the devastating 2019–20 bushfires that swept through the NSW Northern Rivers region. Described by supporters as a moving tribute to community resilience and ecological loss, the track was recorded in the fire-affected town of Nymboida and features local voices and stories woven into its composition.
“These songs capture the beauty of nature, the spirit of Country and the resilience of communities rising to protect it. Together, they form a powerful soundtrack for now,” said Prize Founder Edwina Floch.
The Environmental Music Prize invites public participation through online voting, with listeners asked to select up to three songs that resonate most with them. Voting is open until 14 December, and the winner will be announced on 17 December.
Floch said the prize continues to grow in both reach and impact, with previous winners including Xavier Rudd and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, who donated their prize money to grassroots environmental organisations.
“Music reminds us of what’s at stake, but it also gives us hope,” she said. “By voting and sharing these songs, fans can help amplify the voices of artists shaping a more sustainable culture, because change begins in the stories we tell and the songs we sing.”
The prize is supported by a panel of environmental leaders and music industry ambassadors, who curated the finalist list from a large pool of entries. Each song is accompanied by a music video, with many offering powerful visual narratives of place, climate impact, and personal or community response.
Music fans and climate-conscious listeners can view the full list of finalists and cast their vote at environmentalmusicprize.com.
2025 Finalists include:
Through the Trees, King Stingray
Innocence Parts 1 & 2, Peter Garrett
Down to the Sea, Angus & Julia Stone
This Land, Charlie Needs Braces
We’ve Got the Power, Sunny Luwe
Reflecting, Kim Churchill & Emily Brimlow
Nature’s Cry, Jack River (in collaboration with the Australian Conservation Foundation)
What Do We Tell The Kids, Laura Frank
Everything is Green, Maxon & Like Bear
For the full list and access to all videos, visit environmentalmusicprize.com.
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