The $20,000 impact-focused ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE amplifies the voices of artists who inspire action for climate and conservation, and supports the environmental movement by engaging, energising and activating diverse audiences through music.
Following an outpouring of support from fans around the world, they are proud to reveal that Xavier Rudd’s spellbinding ode-to-nature ‘STONEY CREEK’ is the winner of the 2023 prize. He has very generously decided to donate the prize money to environmental organisations (to be announced shortly).
Xavier Rudd says of the win:
“What an honour to be named winner of the ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE. The land and sea and all its magnificent plants and animals have been the biggest inspiration for my music by far since I began writing songs when I was a kid and, so as far as music awards go, this one feels perfect. Thanks to all of you who voted for me and to all of the other artists nominated. Big love.”
Xavier was sailing up to Cape York with his wife when he wrote ‘Stoney Creek’,:
“It was under the melaleuca trees that I wrote ‘Stoney Creek’ as I contemplated life and what was happening in the world. I had been hearing stories about how the forced lockdowns across the world had allowed space for many of the environment’s natural ecosystems to spring back to life and recover from relentless human traffic. I had been thinking ‘Without nature, without our natural resources, how do we survive?’”
The 22 finalist music videos, revealed on Earth Day, were selected by environmental leaders, music ambassadors and impact partners for their ability to connect us to nature or an environmental issue. A diverse group of Australian artists and music styles were highlighted, including icons like Midnight Oil, Flume, MO’JU, Ziggy Alberts, Tash Sultana, King Stingray and Jen Cloher and exciting emerging talent.
Over 15,000 music-lovers and nature-lovers (from 59 countries) voted for the songs and videos that resonated most personally.
Founder Edwina Floch says:
“Xavier’s moving and deeply personal music reminds us that nature brings life, beauty and meaning to all of us. I’m delighted he has been acknowledged for his ability to bring us together and make us reflect. For decades he has used his voice, both on and off stage, to shine light on various environmental issues, supporting the work of countless groups and organisations along the way.
The ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE is not just about one winner. We aim to recognise and build a community of talented artists who want to inspire action for climate and conservation. There are many truly wonderful songs, and over the last two years we’ve curated an incredible selection, each with their own unique approach and perspective. We encourage everyone to discover the songs and stories on our website and to share them with others.”
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2023 FINALISTS:
Beckah Amani - Smoke And Mirrors
Kutcha Edwards - Singing Up Country
SheisArjuna - Vessel
Sunfruits - End Of The World
The Bowerbird Collective - The Godwit and Curlew
Troy Cassar-Daley - Back On Country
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING TO HELP ENSURE THIS AUSTRALIAN WORLD-FIRST CONTINUES REWARD ARTISTS AND INSPIRE AUDIENCES
The prize has attracted international attention and the support of high profile climate leaders, like Former UN Climate Chief Christiana Figueres (who launched the inaugural prize, celebrated the 2022 winner and highlighted 2023) on Outrage+Optimism and leading IPCC Climate Scientist Dr Joelle Gergis (who invited cultural leaders to use their influence to help support the scientific community).
The Environmental Music Prize is a non-profit founded by social entrepreneur and climate-conscious mum, Edwina Floch. This initiative is entirely community funded and relies on the generous support of donors and pro-bono partners who see its potential to inspire widespread climate action.
After a phenomenal two years , Edwina (who has worked pro-bono for the last two years), is calling on greater music industry, government and public support for the initiative so it can continue.
Environmental Music Prize needs support to continue. Please consider supporting via the crowdfunding campaign being launched today on Pozible, a tax-deductible donation or a values-aligned partnership.
Funding will allow the support of eco-conscious artists who build public action on climate and conservation, co-design ‘Music Climate and Conservation Leadership Workshops’ with environmental groups, connect artists to aligned environmental campaigns and highlight meaningful music and artists in the media and at impact-focused events.
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Contact details:
For media enquiries please contact: Laura Bestman | Laura@thebraveryishere.com | 0412 890 440
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Emma Eager | Emma@thebraveryishere.com | 0420 245 305
