In this, the third year of the annual Australian Music Prize (The Amp), Prize Director Scott Murphy can confirm that the Short List artists will be revealed at an industry event on Tuesday February 12 in Sydney.

In what was a cracking year of outstanding Australian music releases, a record number of 190 entries were received for the coveted $25,000 cash prize as donated by PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia). This is significantly higher than the previous two Australian Music Prizes and is reflective of the growing importance of this unique accolade, which is the first music prize of its kind in Australia. Scott Murphy, Prize Director of The Amp 2007 says: “I’m pleased to see that for the third year, the Australian music industry has rallied around this Prize and I’m confident everyone will be pleased on Tuesday when we announce our third Short List. 2007 produced a bumper crop of original and passionate albums – with many cutting edges!”

Once the Short List has been announced, all 22 judges will review all Short Listed titles and form their own view as to which title should be the Winner of The Amp 2007. The winner of The Amp 2007 will not be determined until Thursday March 13 – the day of the announcement event in Sydney. And in what should be a nail biting finish for the artists involved, all judges will gather as a group, to listen and discuss the Short Listed titles and determine a winner for immediate announcement on March 13.

Returning to The Amp 2007 for its second year is the Red Bull Award – In Recognition of Outstanding Potential. The award acknowledges an artist from the Short List that The Amp considers to have a big bright future in music both here and overseas. Scott Murphy says – œthe ongoing existence of the Red Bull Award is in tune with what The Australian Music Prize is all about – to encourage, reward and promote Australian music of excellence”.

Last year’s winner was the strikingly original Gotye who, following his recognition by The Amp and the Red Bull Award, went on to win several ARIA’s, perform a national sell-out tour and perform at almost every major festival in the country. The Red Bull Award will be announced on February 27 in the lead up to the The Amp winner’s ceremony on March 13. “Winning the Red Bull Award allowed the temporary financial stability to focus on my music in a way I’d only imagined before, and a whole heap of energy drinks which fuelled creative nights,” Gotye confirms.

The Amp 2007 Short List will be announced on Tuesday February 12 and The Amp 2007 Winner will be announced on Thursday March 13