More Than 50 Albums Already Nominated for 2026 Australian Music Prize

Judging for the 22nd SoundMerch Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is nearing the end of its first stage, with more than 500 Australian albums in contention for the $50,000 prize. Of that 500, more than 50 albums have already been officially nominated.

Among those helping decide this year’s winner is reigning AMP recipient Ninajirachi, who joined the judging panel after taking out last year’s prize for her debut album, I Love My Computer.

“When I made I Love My Computer it was important to me that it sounded like an Australian album, so when it won the AMP I was overjoyed and so grateful. It felt like the greatest affirmation that the intention had translated and it changed my life professionally and financially. This year I was invited to judge the prize !! I am very excited to listen to lots of Australian music,” Ninajirachi said.

Since winning the AMP, Ninajirachi has collected three ARIA Awards, including Best Solo Artist, and performed at international festivals including Coachella and Primavera Sound. She has also toured internationally and around Australia, recently selling out Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. Soon, she will join Tame Impala on their Australian tour. 

Also on the judging panel are former AMP nominees Ruby Gill, MudRat, Mia Ray and Bleak Squad’s Mick Turner. 

Meanwhile, previous winner Genesis Owusu is back in contention with a new album. Should he claim the prize again, he would join Sampa The Great as the only artists to have won the AMP twice.

The first stage of judging sees the panel work through more than 500 eligible albums, with judges required to listen to each record assigned to them in full. More than 50 albums have so far received nominations, which requires support from at least three judges, with further nominees to be revealed as the process continues.

The field will eventually be reduced to a nine-album shortlist, set to be announced on October 15th, before the winner is revealed at an event on November 5th.

“After 21 years and 21 AMPs, it's so pleasing to yet again have so much industry support for this vital Prize," AMP founder and Prize Director Scott B Murphy said. 

“This 22nd Soundmerch AMP welcomes new industry partners on board: Rocket and Disco - and, of course the very welcome support from the Australian Government via Music Australia which enables the AMP to highlight great music to a wider Australian audience. Of course, huge sponsors of The Amp continue to be our panel of expert, independent judges who donate significant time and expertise throughout each year. Thank you all.”

Established in 2005, the AMP was created to recognise Australian albums based on artistic merit. The Drones won the inaugural prize for Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By.

Its list of winners has since included The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, Hermitude, The Jezabels, Genesis Owusu and Sampa The Great, while artists including Troye Sivan and Amyl and the Sniffers have also featured among its nominees.