Selected from 464 eligible Australian artist albums released in 2021, the 9 finalists of the 17th Australian Music Prize (AMP) have been revealed.
"This is a VERY strong list," Founder and Prize Director of The Soundmerch AMP, Scott B. Murphy says."It's incredibly diverse and truly captures another year of the world's best music. "I sincerely thank the Soundmerch AMP team of judges – their donation of time and passion is much greater than what most people would think."
The winner will be revealed on 3 March.
The shortlist of the 17th Soundmerch AMP is:
Amyl And The Sniffers - 'Comfort To Me'
Baker Boy - 'Gela'
Emma Donovan & The Putbacks - 'Under These Streets'
Genesis Owusu - 'Smiling With No Teeth'
Hiatus Kaiyote - 'Mood Valiant'
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - 'Butterfly 3000'
Martha Marlow - 'Medicine Man'
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - 'Carnage'
Odette - 'Herald'
Amyl and the Sniffers said: "Thank you very much for including us as nominees this year. Some of the best artists in the country have won the Australian Music Prize so we are honoured to be shortlisted."
Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy said: "Blown away that 'Gela' has been shortlisted for the Aus Music Prize!
"There has been so much incredible music and albums released over the last year, it's crazy to think 'Gela' is sitting alongside some of the absolute best. Such an honour."
Emma Donovan & The Putbacks said: "'Under These Streets' reflected our return to the studio and realigning as a band coming out of some very dark and tormenting times.
"We literally ran out the door from lockdown and jumped deep into the studio to create this album and we are so honoured that it has been nominated for the Australian Music Prize.
"This album shows our strength as a musical unit and our relationship and trust with one another. We are thrilled that music lovers are tuning in and digging our sounds and songs."
Kofi Owusu-Ansah aka Genesis Owusu said: "It's a real pleasure to be considered for the Australian Music Prize this year.
"It's so important to have initiatives like this, that really strive to validate and strengthen creativity over everything else."
Hiatus Kaiyote said: "We are thrilled for 'Mood Valiant' to be included as a finalist for AMP."
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard said: "Feels like a real 'fluke' that 'BF3K' has made the shortlist for the AMP.
"A polymetric synthesiser experiment made in our bedrooms during a global pandemic while in the most locked down city in the world was never meant to be anything other than a passing curiosity.
"It's surreal and humbling to think that this weird record of ours has connected with so many people. We're grateful to be thought of, grateful to be noticed."
Martha Marlow said: "In such a challenging time for our industry the Australian Music Prize plays a hugely important role in identifying and showcasing the depth and breadth of the incredible music being continually created by so many talented artists despite the many difficulties we have faced in the last few years.
"Creating 'Medicine Man' has been a challenging journey for me as, pandemic aside, over the last few years I have learned to live with chronic pain and illness associated with the onset of an auto-inflammatory disease. My album has been heavily influenced by this journey.
"I am, therefore, particularly grateful it has been so well received. So much hard work and care has gone into the making of 'Medicine Man' – I'm humbled by the calibre of the judging panel who took the time to listen to it and am incredibly grateful it has been shortlisted for this distinguished prize.
"Thank you to all the extraordinary musicians involved in the making of this album and thank you to the AMP and SoundMerch for their support. Now more than ever, Australian artists need the recognition and acknowledgement that this prize brings."
