The 22nd SoundMerch Australian Music Prize shortlist is out, and nine albums have survived a mountain of listening.
The 22nd SoundMerch Australian Music Prize (AMP) trimmed more than 600 releases down to a final nine, after an independent judging panel worked through the pile.
The albums in the running are Baker Boy’s DJANDJAY, Courtney Barnett’s Creature Of Habit, Ecca Vandal’s LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW, Genesis Owusu’s REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE and Georgia Knight’s Beanpole.
They’re joined by Grace Cummings’ Bloodhorse!, Julia Jacklin’s The Gem, Karnivool’s In Versus and Swapmeet’s Mount Zero.
22nd SoundMerch Australian Music Prize
- What: winner of the 22nd SoundMerch Australian Music Prize revealed
- When: 6 November
- Where: The AMP event
- Prize: $50,000 cash
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Some familiar faces are back. Owusu, Cummings, Baker Boy and Barnett have all been on a shortlist before, and Owusu and Barnett have each taken the top prize in the past.
They’d be hoping to add to a winners’ list that started in 2005 with The Drones, who won for Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By.
The Avalanches, Hermitude and The Jezabels have also won since then.
Last year’s winner, Ninajirachi, took the prize for her debut album I Love My Computer.
This time she’s on the other side of the table, sitting on the judging panel. She’s joined by four other past nominees: Ruby Gill, MudRat, Mick Turner of Bleak Squad and Mia Wray. Together they’ll decide who takes home the $50,000 cash prize, which is provided by principal partner SoundMerch.
The judging process has three stages. First, judges listen to randomly assigned albums from start to finish and flag any personal or business ties to the artists.
Next, the panel goes through the nominated albums and works with the Prize Director to land on the shortlist of nine.
Finally, the judges meet face to face to debate it out and choose a winner. The panel is made up of musicians, music retailers and music media.
The AMP was inspired by the UK’s Mercury Prize and was set up to find, reward and spread the word about Australian albums.
This year it’s backed by industry partners including JB Hi-Fi, Mushroom Music, Universal and Sony, with Rocket and Disco joining the crew for the first time.
It also receives support from the Australian Government through Music Australia.
For more information, head here.
