Brent Grulke had a lengthy career in many aspects of the music industry, working as music editor at the Austin Chronicle, sound engineer or tour manager for many Austin bands, and production and sound engineer for clubs in San Francisco. He later moved to Los Angeles to become the manager at Spindletop Records, which eventually led him back to Austin where he was the longtime Creative Director of the SXSW Music Festival.

Brent’s love of music and the spirit of the festival is reflected in the three Prize categories: Developing US Act, Developing Non-US Act and Career Act.

The Developing Act Prize is for artists who are breaking new ground with their creativity and show the most promise in achieving their career goals. The Career Act Prize is for an established artist who appeared at SXSW to reinvent themselves or launch an important new project.

SXSW 2017 GRULKE PRIZE WINNERS

Developing US Act: The Lemon Twigs
Developing Non-US Act: Jain
Career Act: Robyn Hitchcock

SXSW 2016 GRULKE PRIZE WINNERS

Developing US Act: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
Developing Non-US Act: Låpsley
Career Act: Iggy Pop

SXSW 2015 GRULKE PRIZE WINNERS

Developing US Act: Leon Bridges
Developing Non-US Act: Courtney Barnett
Career Act: Spoon

SXSW 2014 GRULKE PRIZE WINNERS

Developing US Act: Future Islands
Developing Non-US Act: The Strypes
Career Act: Damon Albarn

SXSW 2013 GRULKE PRIZE WINNERS

Developing US Act: Haim
Developing Non-US Act: CHVRCHES
Career Act: The Flaming Lips