Sunday Arts Magazine

7 Feb 2022

Australian Music Prize

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:25 — 9.6MB)

Founder and Prize Director of The Soundmerch AMP, Scott B. Murphy, said: “This is a VERY strong
list. 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.”

In support of the prize, and to ensure The AMP continues to champion new Australian music, locally
respected labels EMI, Virgin and Island have each partnered with The Soundmerch AMP to sponsor this
Shortlist by each label contributing $3,000 cash to form a Shortlist funding pool of $9,000 which will be
used to guarantee that the Shortlisted artists are able to attend the Winner Announcement event in

Melbourne on the 3rd of March.

“Virgin, Island and EMI are proud to play our small part in supporting this stellar line up of artists
and recordings. In one of the toughest years ever faced by the industry this is a list of both
established artists familiar to AMP shortlists and emerging talent putting their hands up for global
recognition – all at the absolute top of their game” said Tim Janes, Managing Director of Virgin Music

Australia.

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!’

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.”

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.”

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 their support. Now more than ever, Australian artists need the

recognition and acknowledgement that this prize brings.”

Hiatus Kaiyote said: “We are thrilled for Mood Valiant to be included as a finalist for AMP!”
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.”

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.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:25 — 9.6MB)

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