2026
WINNER!
Australia’s most prestigious music award
announces the winner for its 22nd prize.
ECCA VANDAL
with her album
LOOKING FOR PEOPLE
TO UNFOLLOW
A huge congratulations to Ecca Vandal
LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW is the explosive second album from Melbourne-based artist Ecca Vandal, blending punk rock, hip-hop, hardcore and electronic music across 17 tracks. Released in May 2026, the album marks her return after a nine-year break between albums, featuring standout tracks CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE, SORRY!, CRASH!, BLEED BUT NEVER DIE and MOLLY. Recorded largely in a makeshift home studio with longtime collaborator Richie Buxton, the album explores identity, independence and self-expression, challenging the pressures of social media and modern expectations.
Born in South Africa to Sri Lankan Tamil parents and raised in Melbourne, Ecca Vandal first emerged on the Australian music scene in 2014 with her debut single White Flag. Since then, she has toured internationally with artists including Limp Bizkit and Deftones, and performed at Coachella in 2026.
With seven nominations at the upcoming 2026 ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Alternative Release, Ecca Vandal can now add WINNER of the 22nd Soundmerch Australian Music Prize to her growing list of accolades and takes home $50,000 prize money!
“Wow, this is such an incredible honour. To be recognised alongside so many amazing Australian artists means the world to me. Richie and I made this album together in his childhood bedroom, pouring everything we had into it, so to receive an award like this is honestly beyond anything we could have imagined. Thank you to the Australian Music Prize, the judges, and everyone who has supported us and believed in this record. We’re incredibly grateful, and it means so much to have our music recognised in this way.”
Ecca Vandal
THANK YOU
to all Australian artists who submitted their albums this year.
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 22nd Winner is ECCA VANDAL with her album LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW
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!