This Thursday will see the annual SoundMerch Australian Music Prize awarded.
This prestigious award, regarded by many as the Australian equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize, is in its 21st year, with the winner taking home a coveted $50,000 prize.
Past winners and nominees have included Troye Sivan, The Avalanches, Genesis Owusu, Amyl and the Sniffers, Courtney Barnett, Hermitude and The Jezabels. Launched in 2005, The AMP celebrates a milestone of existing to discover, reward and promote new Australian music of excellence. The inaugural album and artist to win was ‘Wait Long By the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By’ by The Drones. This year’s award ceremony will be hosted by Ryan Clapham (Dobby), a previous shortlisted artist and current judge.
Read on to find out more about this year’s shortlisted nominees:
Ninajirachi “I Love My Computer”
Ninajirachi is the moniker of Australian producer Nina Wilson, who rose through the hyperpop and electronic scenes with a distinctive, high-energy approach that melds nostalgia and digital-age commentary. Her debut album I Love My Computer is a witty and emotionally resonant concept record about her relationship with her computer and the internet, using EDM, dubstep and speed-garage influences to explore identity, creativity and tech-culture.
“Thank you so much to the Australian Music Prize for shortlisting me this year. I’m so proud to be an Aussie musician because the music that comes from country is so amazing. I can only ever hope to contribute to it meaningfully”– Ninajirachi
Folk Bitch Trio “Now Would Be A Good Time”
Folk Bitch Trio are a Melbourne-based trio whose name may obscure the depth of their songwriting, drawing on folk, indie rock and wry humour to depict early-twenties life. Their debut album Now Would Be A Good Time is a vivid and emotionally deft portrait of young adult anxieties and desires, full of sharp lyricism and three-part vocal harmonies,
“We are so grateful for this very special recognition from our home community in being shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize. These 10 songs are emblematic of our beloved collaboration, friendship and shared joy for creating meaningful music together, and we are deeply thankful to anyone who has shared in enjoying this album.” – Folk Bitch Trio
Floodlights “Underneath”
Floodlights are an Australian alt-rock band from Melbourne whose sound combines widescreen rock ambition with intimate emotional songwriting. Their album Underneath sees them expand their sonic palette, adding a greater range of instruments and richer textures to their tracks, while still centering thoughtful lyrics and the urgency of human connection.
“It’s really special to be acknowledged for this album, we put everything we had into ‘Underneath’ and are very proud to be in the mix for the AMP amongst so many incredible Australian artists” – Louis, Floodlights
MUDRAT – “Social Cohesion”
MUDRAT is a Melbourne-based artist whose music fuses punk, metal and rap to deliver fierce protest anthems as well as raw personal storytelling. His album Social Cohesion tackles societal issues such as racism, generational trauma, performative activism and personal grief, channeled into heavy, urgent music that still holds space for reflection and hope.
“We’re beyond honoured and grateful for SOCIAL COHESION to be shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize. This album was forged in the pickets and protests of Naarm alongside the bravest and most generous people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. It was our job to document & timestamp the last two years as an access point for future generations to continue the work. We are so proud that the community spirit, love and resistance we poured into this body of work is being translated and acknowledged through the music.” – Mudrat
Bleak Squad “Strange Love”
Bleak Squad is a newly-formed Australian supergroup featuring members from acclaimed acts including Magic Dirt, The Birthday Party and Dirty Three. Their debut album Strange Love melds brooding guitar lines, organ drones and poetic lyrics in a moody alt-rock setting—it feels like the work of a band years into their career rather than a first record.
“As soon as The Drones won the first Australian Music Prize way back 20 years ago, we knew The Amp was going to be something different and very much needed in Australian music. Just a quick glance over the nominees for each year since (let alone the winners), proves what great company it is is be shortlisted.” – Marty Brown, Bleak Squad
Tropical Fuck Storm “Fairyland Codex”
Tropical Fuck Storm, formed in Melbourne, are known for their wild mixture of art-rock, noise, post-punk and absurdist lyrics -continuing the legacy of their members’ earlier work in The Drones. Their album Fairyland Codex is an intense, chaotic journey through societal collapse and personal crisis, packed with snarling guitars, fractured grooves and darkly playful commentary.
“What delight to be shortlisted for the illustrious 2025 Australian Music Prize, the only award worth winning!”– Tropical Fuck Storm
Ruby Gill – Some Kind Of Control
Ruby Gill is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter whose work blends dry vocal delivery, sharp lyricism and emotional subtlety, often exploring themes of agency, identity and interpersonal dynamics. Her album Some Kind Of Control uses sparse piano, clever wordplay and intimate narratives to create a quietly powerful record about seeking space, self-assertion and connection.
“When I got the call to say Some Kind Of Control has been shortlisted, I had just reached some signal in remote WA on my long drive home from a year-long national regional tour living in a roof top tent. It felt like another world calling, but I was so proud, and moved, to think this album has stood its ground on this beautiful land I’ve called home for 9 years. I’m a migrant, I don’t have a manager or label and this record was totally independent, made and released with friends. It rocks that we were seen in that, and that people get it. Thank you.” – Ruby Gill
Mia Wray “hi, it’s nice to meet me”
Mia Wray is an Australian singer-songwriter whose debut shows a strong sense of pop craft, personal discovery and genre flexibility, moving between pop, alt-indie and rock with ease. Her album hi, it’s nice to meet me is an expression of self-discovery and affirmation, detailing her journey through love, queer identity and self-acceptance via catchy melodies and emotional honesty.
“I am beyond honoured to be shortlisted for the AMP award. So much hard work and personal growth happened in the making of this album, so to be recognised for that is so lovely and isn’t taken lightly. All my love and gratitude to the writers and producers who contributed to being in the top 9!” – Mia Wray
Divide & Dissolve “Insatiable”
Divide & Dissolve are an Australian duo whose work lies at the intersection of doom-metal, experimental ambient and political activism, particularly addressing colonial violence and Indigenous sovereignty. Their album Insatiable is described as an album about love, but framed through destruction, impermanence and imagining a better world. It’s heavy, immersive and urgent in both form and message.
“I am extremely grateful for this music to be nominated by the Australian music prize. I poured my love and intentions into this album and feel honoured to be able to share with everyone.” – Takiaya, Divide & Dissolve
The 21st SoundMerch AMP Awards is in partnership with SoundMerch and supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for us bringing you details on the winner later this week.