Australian artists spanning folk, hip hop, indie rock, pop and electronic have been shortlisted for the $20,000 publicly-voted prize celebrating music that inspires environmental action.
30 Australian artists have been named finalists in the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, with public voting now open to determine which song best connects listeners to nature and inspires climate action.
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Now in its third year, the prize continues building global recognition for artists championing sustainability and conservation through music. Finalists include tracks from King Stingray, Peter Garrett, Angie McMahon, Angus & Julia Stone, and Ocean Alley, alongside emerging voices like Ruby Rodgers, Steph Strings and Anderson Rocio.
The diverse collection spans folk, hip hop, indie rock, pop and electronic genres, showcasing the breadth of artists using music to foster connection and care for the natural world. Each track addresses environmental issues whilst aiming to move hearts, minds and the climate conversation forward.
“Music reminds us of what’s at stake, but it also gives us hope,” said prize founder Edwina Floch. “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.”
Previous winners King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Xavier Rudd both donated their $20,000 prizes to grassroots conservation initiatives, reinforcing the prize’s mission to turn art into tangible impact. By voting and sharing, fans help amplify artists shaping sustainable culture whilst promoting positive social change.
The shortlist was curated by music ambassadors and impact leaders from the arts, environmental and social change sectors, including 2022 winner Stu Mackenzie from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and past finalists now serving as music ambassadors.
Notable tracks include “Up Armidale Road” by Grace and Hugh with the Nymboida Bush Fire Survivors and The Clarence Valley Conservatorium, Jack River’s “Nature’s Cry” created in collaboration with the Australian Conservation Foundation, and First Nations artists DOBBY’s “Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya” and Mitch Tambo’s “Yugal Yulu-gi”.
“Music connects where other messages can’t,” Floch added. “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 impact-focused prize highlights music’s unique power to connect audiences emotionally and inspire reflection on the world we want to leave for future generations.
2025 finalist songs
Through the Trees, King Stingray
Hits the Heart, Ruby Rodgers
Innocence Parts 1 & 2, Peter Garrett
Mother Nature, Angie McMahon
Lion, Steph Strings
Power in Us, Anderson Rocio
Down to the Sea, Angus & Julia Stone
Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya, DOBBY
Up Armidale Road, Grace and Hugh with the Nymboida Bush Fire Survivors and The
Clarence Valley Conservatorium
Running on Our Own, Gailla
This Land, Charlie Needs Braces
Speak, Magnets
Yugal Yulu-gi, Mitch Tambo
Sacred Ground, Wildheart
The Seed, The Seeding
Takayna, Goanna
On the Way, Hollow Coves
We’ve Got the Power, Sunny Luwe
Lifetime, Woodes
Tangerine, Ocean Alley
Reflecting, Kim Churchill & Emily Brimlow
Little Finch, Kate Mahood
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
Deep Blue Sea, Anna Lunoe
Window to the Sky, Oceanique
In the Water, Pierce Brothers
The Birds, Belle Roscoe
Feathered Thing, Emily Barker
Public voting runs until 14 December, with the winner announced 17 December. Vote here.
