The nine contenders for the 2009 Australian Music Prize were announced at The St Kilda Festival in Melbourne yesterday. The AMP is unique in that the winning artist takes home a cheque for $30,000 instead of a little statuette, so being nominated is actually exciting.

After Eddy Current Suppression Ring claimed the cash last year, Sydney Morning Herald critic Bernard Zuel wrote an editorial bemoaning the lack of female talent acknowledged. He’ll no doubt feel vindicated by the nominees list this time round, with Sarah Blasko, Lisa Mitchell, Bertie Blackman and Lucie Thorne all in contention. So, who’s your favourite to win?

The 2009 Australian Music Prizes nominees are:

Oh Mercy – Privileged Woes
Black Cab – Call Signs
Kid Sam – Kid Sam
Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night
Bertie Blackman – Secrets & Lies
Lucie Thorne – Black Across The Field
Urthboy – Spitshine
The Mess Hall – For The Birds