BIGSOUND Standout Stella Donnelly Wins Inaugural Levi's Music Prize

Ascendant Perth musician Stella Donnelly was one of the clear standout acts of the entire BIGSOUND festival, so it's perhaps unsurprising — though incredibly deserved — that she was named the inaugural winner of the Levi's Music Prize in Brisbane this morning.

As both a performer and songwriter, Donnelly was universally raved about following her showcase appearances, and the 10-strong judging panel came to a unanimous decision in awarding the first of what will be four $25,000 prizes bestowed upon BIGSOUND acts over the next year.

In accepting the award, she displayed the same affable humility that won over so many punters over the past few nights, acknowledging her privilege as a white artist while, at the same time, paying homage to the continuing struggle for women in music to receive treatment and opportunities at a level on par with their male peers.

"BIGSOUND has been an incredible experience," Donnelly said in a statement. "There have been so many brilliant artists playing every night and just to be a part of this musical community has blown my mind. To be chosen as the Levi's Music Prize winner is an absolute shock, surprise and honour."

The award was judged by an array of industry and media figures, including Jane Abernethy (4AD), Jackie Nalpant (Paradigm), Mary Ramos (Saturday Music Inc), Melissa Woods (Third Side Music), Jillian Mapes (Pitchfork), Stuart Myer (Sub Pop), Peter Berard (Domino), Mazin Tappuni (Communion), Marshall Betts (Paradigm) and Mike Ajayi (All My Friends), who collectively reached their decision this morning at about 12.30am, QMusic executive officer Joel Edmondson said.

The Levi's Music Prize will also include further awards of $25,000 over the next three quarters to be bestowed upon BIGSOUND alumni who have played the event in the past five years.

This year's BIGSOUND, which wraps up with a final day of panels today before a closing party at the Woolly Mammoth this evening, has been the biggest in the event's history, seeing more than 6000 attendees experience the annual conference and showcase series.

"We thank the Australian music community for once again making us the strongest music events of its type," Edmondson said.

"We not only congratulate the inaugural Levi’s Music Prize winner Stella Donnelly, but also all the BIGSOUND artists that have achieved recording deals, publishing deals, show offers and other outcomes from their BIGSOUND experience."