Nominations Now Open for the Inaugural Next Up Music Awards

Australia's next generation of artists and music creators are being encouraged to step into the spotlight, with nominations officially opening for the inaugural Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs), alongside applications for the national NUMAs Youth Intern Program.

Open to students aged 6-18 and music teachers throughout Australia, the awards celebrate excellence across a diverse range of thirteen categories, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Producer/Engineer of the Year, School of the Year and Music Teacher of the Year.

Applications have also opened for the NUMAs Youth Intern Program, providing young people with paid opportunities to gain hands-on experience alongside industry professionals across event production, artist liaison, content creation, marketing and event operations.

By recognising emerging talent, celebrating educators and creating real-world industry opportunities, the NUMAs provides a trusted national platform for young creators to be seen, supported and connected to future opportunities in music.

Nominations and Youth Intern Program applications are free via nextupmusicawards.com. Students, teachers, schools and young music producers and songwriters can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Entries can be submitted online, with finalists receiving national recognition and access to unique industry development opportunities designed to support their creative and professional growth.

To mark the opening of nominations, award-winning singer-songwriter Ruel, emerging alt-rock artist RAGEFLOWER and rising performer Oliver De Los Santos are encouraging young Australians to back themselves, share their creativity and take the next step in their music journey.

“We didn’t have anything like this when I was starting out, this is going to be such a great way for the next gen of young artists to be discovered,” said Ruel.

The announcement also marks another milestone for the initiative, with Youth Patrons representing every state and territory across Australia. Led by Ruby Rodgers, the group will help champion the platform and encourage more young people to pursue opportunities in music.

Founded by music executive Milly Petriella OAM, the initiative will culminate in a national awards event at Carriageworks in Sydney on 28 January 2027.

Backed by Revive Live, an Australian Government initiative, the NUMAs continues to build momentum across the music and education sectors, with support from partners including Music Australia, The Song Room, Carriageworks and Eardrum. Nominations will close September 15, 2026