It must be that time of year again when festivals announce lineups, and awards nominations start flying thick and thin. Early off the rank are the J Awards who have announced the first 3 nominees for this years Album Of The Year.

In the seven short years of its existence, the J Awards have gained a reputation for earmarking the best talent this country has to offer. Previous winners include Tame Impala, Sarah Blasko, The Presets, The Panics, Hilltop Hoods, & Wolfmother who have all gone on to sell out shows around the country.

This years first nominations are highly diplomatic, picking an artist from each of the major Triple J genres; hip hop, indie, and electronic. Check them out below:

Drapht – The Life Of Riley
Perth based MC and all-round maverick Drapht’s fourth LP is The Life Of Riley. Drapht has always had an ear for a good hook, and The Life Of Riley is nothing short of ‘hooks aplenty’. It’s clever, charismatic hip hop from the MC, who’s been riding a deservedly huge wave of success after 2008’s Brothers Grimm, and more recently, 2010’s Rapunzel.

Architecture In Helsinki – Moment Bends!
Melbourne’s Architecture In Helsinki unleashed their 4th long player, Moment Bends!, in March. Recorded over a 2 year period in the band’s home studio, it’s a seriously entertaining display of pop genius.

Art vs Science – The Experiment
Since they were unearthed by triple j in 2008, Art Vs Science have grown to be one of the biggest dance acts in the country. Their long awaited debut album The Experiment dropped in February, and as you’d expect, the album is a non-stop electro party assault on your senses.

The J Awards, held at Ding Dong Lounge in Melbourne last year, are held in the last week of November each year.

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