The nine albums shortlisted for this year’s Australian Music Prize have been announced, with all artists now in the running to take home $30,000.

The final list was decided by a panel of 42 industry judges and according to AMP Director Scott Murphy, this year’s award nominations “…. produced a long list twice as long as most of the previous prizes highlighting how many great albums were released in this country.”

While notable absences include Royal Headache, Lost Animal, Cut Copy, Lanie Lane and Harmony, Murphy does explain that: “The Panics, Oh Mercy and The Orbweavers – were very close to the final cut. Some of the other albums singled out by the judges were by: Skipping Girl Vinegar, Oscar & Martin, Ben Salter, Big Scary, Eagle & The Worm, Grace Woodroofe, Husky, Leader Cheetah, Phrase, Teeth & Tongue, Josh Pyke and Drapht.”

AMP shortlist albums

Abbe May – Design Desire

“There’s no doubt this album will blow your mind right from the second you hit play.”

Gotye – Making Mirrors

“Put simply, Making Mirrors is an intensely interesting body of work, De Backer running riot with his masterful brand of electronic wizardry.”

Adalita – Adalita

“This is a powerful, haunting and direct record, and Srsen lets us into her world without reservation. For that we should feel privileged.”

Boy & Bear – Moonfire

“Their hotly-tipped debut album Moonfire sports a seamless blend of folk, rock and baroque pop.”

Gurrumul – Rrakala

“Yunupingu’s music is beautiful, and that is the only adjective that does it justice: for some it is a bridge between two worlds, two cultures.”

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Hurtsville

“Hurtsville is an affecting and evocative record. Its weariness is bone-deep, and, like the National’s Boxer, has a kind of empathy that makes it strangely comforting when you, too, are exhausted and feeling low.”

Kimbra – Vows

“Vows truly steps up to the plate as a bubbly and enjoyable body of work, one bound to cater to those who care to be kept on their toes.”

The Middle East – I Want That You Are Always Happy

“The sprightly moments provide the highlights, with some genuine gems that bear investigation, but they’re weighed down.”

The Jezabels – Prisoner

“Both talented and driven, this band stands as one of Australia’s top indie-rock acts.”

Past winners of the AMP Cloud Control ,The Drones, Augie March, The Mess Hall, Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Lisa Mitchell.