The 21st Soundmerch Australian Music Prize Unveils The 2025 Shortlist
The shortlist includes Ninajirachi’s I Love My Computer, Folk Bitch Trio’s Now Would Be A Good Time, Floodlights’ Underneath and Tropical Fuck Storm’s Fairyland Codex.
The shortlist for the 2025 SoundMerch Australian Music Prize (AMP) has been revealed, with nine of Australia’s best albums nominated for the prestigious award.
The albums showcase the diverse nature of Australia’s music scene, spanning everything from electronic music and indie rock to folk and pop. The judges have listened to an incredible 465 albums since October last year, with the nine albums nominated listed below:
Ninajirachi - I Love My Computer
Folk Bitch Trio - Now Would Be A Good Time
Floodlights - Underneath
MUDRAT - SOCIAL COHESION
Bleak Squad - Strange Love
Tropical Fuck Storm - Fairyland Codex
Ruby Gill - Some Kind Of Control
Mia Wray - hi, it's nice to meet me
Divide And Dissolve - Insatiable
“I thank and congratulate the judges for their efforts – it’s not easy listening to so much great music, covering all genres then having to choose only nine to make our Shortlist!” says Scott B Murphy, Founder/Prize Director. “Fun fact 1: Gareth and Fiona of Tropical Fuck Storm were also members of The Drones who won the 1st Australian Music Prize! Fun fact 2: Mick Turner of Bleak Squad was also Shortlisted last year with his band, The Dirty Three.”
The three-stage judging system begins with musicians, journalists, retailers and those in the industry picked as judges listening to each album and offering their opinion. The judges revisit the albums they’ve listened to in the second stage and form a shortlist, with the judges coming together for the third stage to pick a winner.
The winner of the AMP takes home a cool $50,000 and is recognised for releasing the best album of the year.
The winner will be announced on Thursday 6 December. Check out the full list of nominees here.
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“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”, said Louis Parsons from Floodlights
Takiaya Reed from Divide & Dissolve added, “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.”
Tropical Fuck Storm commented, “What delight to be shortlisted for the illustrious 2025 Australian Music Prize, the only award worth winning!”
MUDRAT said, “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.”
Ruby Gill added, “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.”
Folk Bitch Trio shared, “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.”
Mia Wray said, “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!”
Ninajirachi commented, “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”
Finally, Bleak Squad’s Marty Brown said, “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.”
The winner will be announced on Thursday 6 December. Check out the full list of nominees here.
