Tweed musician JK-47 wins music prize and nominated for National Indigenous Music Awards

Less than a year after being named Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year, JK-47 has been making more waves in the music industry.

JK-47 (full name Jacob Paulson) has been nominated for the NIMA awards.

Less than a year after being named Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year, JK-47 has been making more waves in the music industry.

The Tweed Local, full name Jacob Paulson, recently was awarded the shared Levi’s Music Prize award in partnership with Big Sound and is up for Album of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs).

“It’s nice to hear my music has been appreciated so much that it deserves an award,” Mr Paulson said.

“But the issues that I talk about in my music are worth more than merits, money, and accolades, you know?

“I didn’t do it for that.

“I speak to guide and strengthen my people/fans and break those barriers of the mind that keep us from seeing clearly.

“And when it comes down to it, that’s all that matters for me when I make my music really.”

Between working on new music and touring when he was able to, Mr Paulson said his focus has been on being a good father and husband.

“It’s important to me that I don’t let anything change that,” he said.

“Covid has put a stop to our live shows, but it hasn’t been all bad. I’ve taken the extra time off to work on myself and develop my next album.”

Winning the Levi’s Music Prize meant has also earned him $15,000 to put towards his music.

JK-47 has had a huge year which is included releasing his debut album earlier this month, Made For This.

“We’ve lost a bit of income because of Covid in terms of shows, so the prize money will take some weight off our shoulders with our next upcoming tour and projects – flights, producers, videographers et cetera,” he said.

He said the NIMAs nomination meant that “people were listening.”

“It’s a good feeling when your art is getting appreciated like this,” he said.

“But it means much more when it’s the people around you and in your community commending you on your progress and letting you know you’re on the right path.

“Because they have seen the before and the after.”

He encouraged other young indigenous musicians to work on their arts.

“Sometimes we let the obstacles we face on the outside dictate how we feel on the inside, and that’s dangerous because the strength and perseverance we need to overcome these obstacles come from within,” he said.

“Nurture your spirit as well as your physical body. You can’t have one without the other.”

He said although times were tough at the moment he was looking forward to performing live again.

“If you’re yet to see a JK-47 performance, don’t worry,” he said.

“We’re not going anywhere and we’ll be back better than ever real soon.”

The NIMAs awards are on August 7 in Darwin.