Australian music prize shortlist sees nine albums up for $30,000 award

Nine albums have been shortlisted for the 10th annual Australian music prize (AMP), which will award $30,000 in prize money to the winner.

More than two dozen industry judges selected the shortlist from a longer list of 300 albums. Chet Faker’s Built On Glass, REMI’s Raw X Infinity and the self-titled album by Laura Jean are among those making the cut.

The 2014 AMP was won by indie rock duo Tom Iansek and Joanna Syme of Big Scary, and Iansek is once again in the running under his solo moniker #1 Dads, thanks to his album About Face.

Iansek said of the nomination: “I’m elated and a little shocked to be included in the AMP shortlist for 2014. I didn’t expect any reaction from the album’s release and to have one as overwhelmingly positive as this has been amazing.”

The shortlist of albums spans electronic music, indie rock, folk, blues and hip-hop. Three of the nine nominated artists are female or have female members.

One of 2014’s biggest success stories Chet Faker and his debut album Built on Glass, continues with his run of award nominations. The Sydney electronic music producer, real name Nicholas Murphy, has already picked up best male artist and best independent release for the album at the 2014 Aria awards.

“Including these fine nine albums, we’ve now successfully promoted over 90 great Australian albums globally,” said AMP awards founder and prize director Scott B Murphy of the award’s 10 year anniversary.

The winner will be announced in Sydney on 4 March.

Australian music prize shortlist

• About Face by #1 Dads
• Built On Glass by Chet Faker
• Gon’ Boogaloo by CW Stoneking
• Grassed Inn by Blank Realm
• Laura Jean by Laura Jean
• Raw X Infinity by REMI
• Tales by The Peep Tempel
• The Sleeper by Caitlin Park
• Typical System by Total Control

Did the right albums make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.