A.B. Original, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and The Avalanches are among the nine albums shortlisted for the 12th Australian Music Prize.

There were a massive 61 albums in the longlist for the prize this year, by far the biggest and most varied pool of talent the competition has seen yet (full list here). The nine records chosen range from The Avalanches’ technicoloured second record Wildflower, Nick Cave’s grief-stricken Skeleton Tree, and Camp Cope’s rousing self-titled debut.

Sarah Thompson of Camp Cope said of the nod, “Being shortlisted for the AMP has blown our minds. We spent one-and-a-half days and $1,000 making this record so to see where it’s come is just nuts. We’re so appreciative of everyone who’s supported it and us over the past 12 months. Being recognised by the judges and our peers is a huge honour.

“I have no idea how three scummy little punks fell into the realm of any sort of prize but we are stoked, and really appreciate it – thanks so much for including us!”

The winner will receive $30,000 in prize money, courtesy of PPCA.

Previous, recent winners of the AMP include Courtney Barnett, Remi, Hermitude and The Jezabels.

Check out the list, below.

The 12th Annual AMP shortlist

A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia
The Avalanches – Wildflower
Big Scary – Animal
Camp Cope – Camp Cope
D.D Dumbo – Utopia Defeated
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infinity
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree
Olympia – Self Talk
The Peep Tempel – Joy

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