Nine albums have been shortlisted for the prestigious SoundMerchAustralian Music Prize, with some of this year’s best local releases vying for the title and its $30K cash prize.
The 19th SoundMerch Australian Music Prize shines a spotlight on albums released between January 1 to October 27, celebrating “the album as an art form”, with judges narrowing down this year’s shortlist from almost 450 eligible releases.
The winner will be revealed next Wednesday, December 6, at a special event held in Sydney by APRA AMCOS.
THE 19TH SOUNDMERCH AMP SHORTLIST
Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again
Floodlights – Painting Of My Time
Genesis Owusu – Struggler
Gretta Ray – Positive Spin
Jen Cloher – I Am The River, The River Is Me
Mo’Ju – ORO, PLATA, MATA
Troye Sivan – Something To Give Each Other
Genesis Owusu claimed the prize in 2021 with Smiling With No Teeth, while Jen Cloher was previously nominated in 2013 and 2017.
Don’t miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Founder and Prize Director Scott Murphy said: “I’m thrilled that we again have a very strong and incredibly diverse Shortlist that truly captures another year of the WORLD’S best music.
“I sincerely want to thank The SoundMerch AMP team of judges who each year take the process of considering all the album releases very seriously and celebrate and recognise the artistic passion from all artists on the Shortlist.”
Universal Music Australia labels EMI, Virgin, and Island Records will assist artists in getting to the Winner Announcement event next week.
Mark Holland, Managing Director, EMI Music Australia, said: “Universal Music Australia and Virgin, Island and EMI Labels are thrilled to be working alongside The AMP again showcasing some of the best-crafted albums in Australia released across the year.
“In a truly exciting time with local music commanding attention overseas, we take pride in our support and recognition of artists and celebrate the next stage of their respective careers.”
A number of shortlisted artists have also today shared statements:
Gretta Ray
“I am so honoured that Positive Spin has been shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize this year! Making this album was such a joyous, rewarding process, and when finalising the production with Gab Strum and Hamish Patrick, we believed in these songs so much and couldn’t wait to embark on the journey that Positive Spin would take us on.
“This album heavily focuses on the theme of gratitude, and after touring it throughout Australia and the UK over these past few months, being shortlisted for this prize has me feeling more grateful than ever!”
Genesis Owusu
“It’s an honour to be nominated for The Australian Music Prize. The recognition of my art means a lot.”
Romy Vager (RVG)
“It’s an honour to have this album shortlisted. This record was made with a lot of love and care so to have it be received so well by the AMP means a lot to us.”
Mo’Ju
“Having your work recognised for its artistry, especially by your peers, really means a lot. I’m so proud of what we did with this record, and seeing it shortlisted for the AMP feels like such an incredible achievement and a real honour.”
Jen Cloher
“It’s always an honour to be shortlisted for the AMP; I know how rigorous a process goes into deciding on the final nine. To be honest, it’s the only music award that I take seriously on this continent.
“So many people – in fact, 25 musicians and engineers worked together to make this album, a true collaboration between my homelands Aotearoa and so-called Australia. This nomination is for the community that holds me, including my bloodlines before me.”
Floodlights
“We love so many of the other albums that are nominated for the AMP this year, so we feel lucky and thankful to be shortlisted and appreciate the recognition.”
PREVIOUS AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE RECIPIENTS
2022 – King Stingray – King Stingray 2021 – GenesisOwusu – Smiling With No Teeth 2020 – TheAvalanches – We Will Always Love You 2019 – SampaTheGreat – TheReturn 2018 – Gurrumul – Djarimirri 2017 – SampaTheGreat – Birds And The BEE9 2016 – A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia 2015 – CourtneyBarnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit 2014 – REMI – Raw X Infinity 2013 – BigScary – Not Art 2012 – Hermitude – HyperParadise 2011 – TheJezabels – Prisoner 2010 – CloudControl – Bliss Release 2009 – LisaMitchell – Wonder 2008 – Eddy Current Suppression Ring – PrimaryColours 2007 – The Mess Hall – Devils Elbow 2006 – Augie March, Moo – You Bloody Choir 2005 – The Drones – Wait Long By The River And The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Controversial country star Jason Aldean is going to try his act in a few big towns next year. From July through October 2024, he’ll embark on his recently extended ‘Highway Desperado Tour’ with special guests Hailey Whitters, Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver joining him on select dates. That […]
