The Amp (Australian Music Prize)

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The Amp (Australian Music Prize)

The Australian Music Prize exists to discover, promote and reward new Australian music of excellence.

JUDGES

Our panel of independent, expert judges listen to all eligible ALBUM releases for each calendar year - the current panel of volunteer judges comprises:

Established Musicians/producer: Phil Jamieson, Alex Gow, Abbe May, Jeremy Rose, 'Ofa Fotu, Michael Hohnen, Rok Riley, Angus Andrew, Tim Freedman, Sam Anning. Retailers: Mike Glynn, Chris Berkley, Shannon Logan, Jeb Taylor, Chris Gill, Bruc

e Milne. Media: Bryget Chrisfield, Bernard Zuel, Kate Hennessy, Mikey Cahill, Sosefina Fuamoli, Sarah Smith, Tim Daley, Shaad D'Souza, Cassie Walker, David James Young, Chris Holland, Andrew Sinclair, Simon Winkler, Tiarney Miekus, Dan Condon, Andrew Drever, Steve Bell, Triana Hernandez, Zoe Radas, Martin Boulton, Cameron Adams, Hayden Davies, Jessica Dale, Dan Gordon, Maia Bilyk. To be a judge they have agreed to not let any personal and/or commercial relations to interfere with their judgments / to listen to each assigned album at least once, all the way through / to only consider what they hear (not the artists' commercial success or any other factor). These judges devote many hours to this process.... on behalf of Australia's music business, we THANK them! Albums that have been Shortlisted to win the prize (finalists) - please visit our website for all Winners/Shortlisted artists: www.australianmusicprize.com.au

10/07/2025

Nominated! The album 'Do What Ya Wanna' by is the judges' latest album nominated to be in the running to make the Shortlist and perhaps even win the $50,000 prize courtesy of .

One of the judges commented "Love this band and this record showcases their growth and packs a punch, right from the get-go."

08/07/2025

One of our judges is also one being judged - as a member of Mess Esque, Mick Turner wasn't asked to judge the album 'Jay Marie, Comfort Me' but his fellow judges were comforted and have it added to the nominations list. One judge commented:

"A glorious blend of gritty, ethereal, and playful, this is an album that cradles the listener tenderly in its foggy midst. 'Jay Marie, Comfort Me' takes the time to sit in its moments and relish its moods. Refreshingly languid, it is imbued with a striking sense of immediacy."

Of course, if it makes the Shortlist, Mick is no longer a judge!

03/07/2025

"Focusing on her journey with sobriety, this record tackles such serious subject matter with beautiful jazz and adult contemporary sonics. Somewhat of a sonic departure for Liz Stringer and some of her previous work, but it seems to really connect on this album, with certain rock elements being replaced with sublime grooves that make for a really honest and compelling record."

That's what one of our 33 judges had to say about our latest nominated album 'The Second High' by Liz Stringer. The album/Liz are in the running to make our 21st Shortlist (the best 9 albums out of approx. 500 eligible albums that the judges will listen to).

25/06/2025

'Some Kind Of Control' is the latest album nominated by our 21st panel of judges to be in the running to make the Shortlist - it's by Ruby Gill.

One of the judges commented -

"Stunning, minimal follow-up from Ruby Gill. Lyrically, this album just cuts through any pretence and speaks to the human condition, with a wink and smile every now and again. Sonically, Ruby and her producer have done a lot with only a few instruments and a small choir. Standout of the year so far."

Please listen.

22/06/2025

The judges listened to 'The Joys of Being Pure at Heart' over the weekend - and nominated it to be in the running to make our 21st Shortlist. Congratulations Hachiku. Two of the judges commented -

"This record’s sonic palette shimmers like sun glitter, with harp (Mary Lattimore), violin and cello (The Newmarket Collective) adding considerable texture. It’s whimsical in the best possible way (think: Feist)."

And -

"Melbourne’s dream-pop outfit Hachiku return with their second album - a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and connection. Featuring contributions from members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and collaborations with harpist Mary Lattimore, the record fuses shimmering indie-pop with orchestral touches and sweet beats."

18/06/2025

Our latest nominated album - check it out - 'New Old Horse' by Twine. Our judges commented -

"This album is simply gorgeous, with layered fascinating melodies and instrumentation. It goes beyond punk (or post-punk), while the vocals are presented with a uniquely Australian, heart-on-your-sleeve energy. Raw and exciting, 'New Old Horse' is a must listen."

And another -

"Good emo-country record. Across songs that go from having a beautiful initimacy to them, to then just crashing with walls of guitars, Twine have built what could be considered one of the great Aussie emo-country records."

15/06/2025

Nominated over the weekend to be in the running for the $50,000 prize money from Soundmerch is the album "Meet Me In The Garden" by Rita Satch.

One of our judges commented on the album...

"Rich R&B and textured jazz-pop, with swelling orchestrations and heavenly vocal harmonies. It's got some silky-smooth soul moments ("Warrior Princess"), as well as some strutting neo-funk flexes ("Lifeline") that place it somewhere between Sade and Angie Stone. The production is top notch, with enough Dilla-esque flourishes to ensure it's never boring or squarely trad. A Garden of earthly delights."

12/06/2025

Nominated by our judges today is the album 'Totally Right' by Wrong Way Up.
One of the judges commented:
"Squelchy electro-funk and sassy Afro-disco that's as playful as William Onyeabor ("Sweet Sweet Music") and as vibrant as Ibibio Sound Machine ("Dowatchalike"). It's an on-point genre exercise that despite staying in its pocket is undeniably lovingly-made and infectiously fun, and dials in the best ingredients for every song (the Jackie Mitto-style organ solo on "Make It Go Bang" is a joy). If it feels so Right, how can it be wrong?"

09/06/2025

The Soundmerch AMP is back with our 21st prize! The judges have been listening and their first nominated album to win the $50,000 is 'Underneath' by Floodlights (who've previously made the Shortlist with their 2023 album, 'Painting Of My Time').

Our judges commented on 'Underneath' -

"This is a special album from a band that’s showed remarkable growth in a few short years. From the euphoric soundscapes of JOY to the Nick Cave-like beauty of Buoyant and Horses Will Run to the simple perfection of 5AM, Floodlights have become Australia’s next great alternative rock band."

And another commented...

"...multiple listens later I'm in love with the record; it's rich extension of the band's sound that see them turn their gaze inwards while still retaining the bittersweet smile they wore with their earlier work."

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