SHORTLIST
ANNOUNCED!
Australia’s most prestigious music award
announces the shortlist for its 22nd prize.
The 9 Best Australian Albums of 2026 are:
WHO WILL WIN
the 22nd Soundmerch Australian Music Prize
and take home $50k prize money?
FIND OUT – Thu 05 Nov
Commencing in 2005, the Australian Music Prize has provided a mouthpiece to the best albums in Australian contemporary music. Now in its 22nd year, the prize is widely recognised as the most prestigious award for Australian recording artists.
The integrity of judging and prestige of this peer-voted prize is a major difference for the Soundmerch Australian Music Prize, focusing on creative merit over mainstream popularity. Inspired by the UK's coveted Mercury Prize, the Soundmerch AMP is Australia's most sought after achievement within the music community, honouring the album as an art form.
Judges have listened to all eligible albums for the 22nd Soundmerch AMP
The initial judging process produced 50 Nominees.
The Shortlist (9 best albums) was announced on October 15.
The Winner announcement will be on November 5.
The 23nd Soundmerch AMP is open for Australian artist albums released 01.10.26 — 30.09.27
SUBMIT your eligible Australian release for your chance to WIN!