Award-winning singer-songwriter Ruel, emerging alt-rock artist RAGEFLOWER and rising star Oliver De Los Santos back a national search for Australia’s next generation of music talent
Watch NUMAs promotional video HERE
TUESDAY, 16 JUNE 2026 – Australia’s next generation of artists and music creators are being encouraged to step into the spotlight, with nominations officially opening today for the inaugural Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs), alongside applications for the national NUMAs Youth Intern Program.
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.
Released today, a new campaign video featuring Ruel, RAGEFLOWER and Oliver De Los Santos calls on school-aged creators across the country to nominate and seize the opportunity to become part of the next wave of successful Australian artists.
“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” – Ruel
“The concept of the NUMAs is epic. As a young person the opportunities can be really limited but this gives us a chance to be part of something incredible before we even leave school. As scary as it can be sometimes to put yourself out there, all young artists and musos should grab this opportunity and submit themselves for this!” – Oliver De Los Santos
“When young people come out onto the music scene, there is virtually no path. We as young artists have to walk in the dark until we hopefully (often rarely) find a sliver of light or a hand reaching out to help guide the way. Initiatives like NUMAs will provide early-career opportunities for young people to step into the spotlight and find paths towards sustainable music careers, as well as educate youth on industry standards and norms which will ultimately protect young artists.” – RAGEFLOWER (Madeleine Powers)
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.
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 and open now 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.
Nominations will close September 15, 2026
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.
YOUTH PATRONS:
Representing young music creators from every state and territory across Australia:
- Ruby Rodgers (NSW)
- Birdland(WA)
- Chloe Rogan (NSW)
- Eve Beveridge (VIC)
- Grace Alexandra (QLD)
- Heidi Barker (TAS)
- Jaden Tezcan (SA)
- Laila Michelini (NSW)
- Myka Champion (NSW)
- Oliver De Los Santos (QLD)
- Sam Cottle (ACT)
- Shania Wombat (SA)
- Shumo AG (QLD)
- The Fates (VIC) (TBC)
- Zella Benko (NSW)
- NT Youth Patron to be announced soon
AWARD CATEGORIES:
Creator Awards
- Song of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Producer/Engineer of the Year
- Artist of the Year (Primary)
- Artist of the Year (Secondary)
- Music Theatre (Best Music & Lyrics)
Education Awards
- Music Teacher of the Year (Primary)
- Music Teacher of the Year (Secondary)
- School of the Year (Primary)
- School of the Year (Secondary)
- Performing Arts School of the Year
Special Awards
- Community Award
- Future Outlook Award
About us:
About the NUMAs
The Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs) is a national contemporary music platform celebrating school-aged creators and their teachers, while creating paid, early-career pathways into the music industry through the NUMAs Youth Intern Program. The awards event will take place at Carriageworks in Sydney on 28 January 2027.
