The finalists for the prestigious 20th annual Australian Music Prize have been officially announced, showcasing an impressive lineup of albums by renowned artists such as Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Amyl and The Sniffers, Dirty Three, and Hiatus Kaiyote. This announcement was made on Thursday, November 14, and highlights the remarkable talent within the Australian music scene over the past year.

The 2024 Australian Music Prize shortlist showcases an impressive collection of nine albums, meticulously selected from a remarkable pool of over 600 submissions. This extensive review process highlights the dedication of Australian musicians who released a total of 46 nominated records over the past year, demonstrating the vibrant and diverse talents flourishing within the Australian music landscape.

Among this elite list, the legendary Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds returns with their 18th album, Wild God, earning them a place on the shortlist. Over the two decades since the establishment of the prize, Nick Cave has received four nominations, including notable works like 2016’s Skeleton Tree, 2019’s Ghosteen, and the 2021 collaboration with Warren Ellis, titled Carnage. This nomination underscores their lasting influence and relevance in the music industry.

The punk sensation Amyl and The Sniffers continues to make waves, with their third album Cartoon Darkness securing them a third nomination. Their energetic sound and raw authenticity resonate with fans, further solidifying their position in the contemporary music scene. Meanwhile, the Melbourne-based Hiatus Kaiyote, a neo-soul quartet, is recognized for their album Love Heart Cheat Code, marking their second nomination following the acclaimed 2021 release, Mood Valiant. Their distinctive blend of genres showcases the rich musical tapestry of Australia.

Newcomers like Grace Cummings and Rowena Wise also shine on this year’s list, thanks to their impressive albums: Ramona and Senseless Acts of Beauty. Additionally, the contributions of Australia’s First Nations artists are celebrated, with nominations for Kankawa Nagarra’s Wirlmarni and Dobby’s Warrangu; River Story, highlighting the important cultural narratives within the nation’s music.

Two albums from this shortlist are also vying for ARIA Awards later this month. Dobby’s Warrangu; River Story is nominated for Best World Music Album, while Audrey Powne’s From the Fire is in contention for Best Jazz Album. These nominations not only celebrate the talent within these genres but also reflect the growing recognition of diverse musical expressions in Australia.

Founded by Scott Murphy, who also serves as the prize director, the Australian Music Prize has recognized numerous influential artists in its history. Previous winners include notable acts such as Sampa the Great (twice), The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, the late Gurrumul, King Stingray, and the most recent champions, RVG. This rich history emphasizes the significance of the prize in promoting Australian talent.

Expressing gratitude, Murphy stated, “On behalf of The AMP, SoundMerch, our industry partners – and the Aussie music industry as a whole, I sincerely thank our judges for their donation of time, expertise – and passion!” He acknowledged the challenging task of reviewing over 600 albums and selecting just nine, highlighting the dedication and commitment of those involved in the process.

The winner of the Australian Music Prize will be revealed at a special event held at APRA AMCOS on Wednesday, December 4. The artist who takes home the prestigious accolade will also receive a cash prize of A$50,000 (approximately $32,000), generously sponsored by the headline sponsor, SoundMerch. This prize serves as a significant recognition of artistic achievement in the Australian music scene.

Expressing their appreciation, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds stated, “Thank you to everyone for their support. It means a great deal to us to be recognized by AMP.” Their acknowledgment reflects the deeper connection artists feel towards such prestigious awards and the recognition of their hard work.

Similarly, Amyl and The Sniffers’ Dec Mehrtens added, “We are grateful to be shortlisted for this prize. Australian music is dear to our hearts, and we are incredibly proud to be able to create and perform the music we make.” Their heartfelt words resonate with many artists who share a passion for their craft.

Explore the 2024 AMP Shortlist:

Audrey Powne – From the Fire
Amyl and The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
Dobby – Warrangu; River Story
Grace Cummings – Ramona
Hiatus Kaiyote – Love Heart Cheat Code
Kankawa Nagarra – Wirlmarni
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Wild God
Rowena Wise – Senseless Acts of Beauty
Dirty Three – Love Changes Everything