The Australian Music Prize winner: Eddy Current Suppression Ring for the album 'Primary Colours'

The winner of the Australian Music Prize (The Amp) has been announced today in Sydney!

The recipient of Australia’s most prestigious music award is Eddy Current Suppression Ring for the album 'Primary Colours'.

Prize Director, Tracey Grimson said: “From over 200 entries, The Amp’s panel of expert judges has decided that the best Australian album of 2008 is 'Primary Colours'. The Australian Music Prize was established to reward Australian music of excellence, and the judges’ choice for the overall winner this year certainly reflects that criteria. Congratulations to Eddy Current.”

'Primary Colours' is the second album from Melbourne band Eddy Current Suppression Ring.

In addition to the album’s Australian Music Prize success, it was nominated for a triple j JAward in 2008 and in the Best Rock Album category at last year’s ARIA Awards.

The band is also being noticed overseas: Spin Magazine gave the release four stars and called it “one of the year’s best guitar records”.

Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), which provides the prize money for The Amp, presented $30,000 to Eddy Current Suppression Ring in front of an invited crowd of artists, music industry and media.

PPCA’s Chief Executive, Stephen Peach, said the organisation has supported The Amp since its inception because both PPCA and the prize share an affinity for the support of musical creativity.

"PPCA is proud to have supported the Australian Music Prize since its inception in 2005. It's proven to be a perfect synergy for our ongoing work on behalf of Australian recording artists. We would like to congratulate this year's winner Eddy Current Suppression Ring and the other Shortlisted artists on their stellar releases."

In addition to the $30,000 cash prize, Eddy Current Suppression Ring also receives a $30,000 on-air advertising package, courtesy of The Amp major partner Channel [V]. Both Channel [V] and MAX will also be airing an artist special of the winner.

For the third year, principle partner Red Bull has offered $15,000 worth of career-building support to an artist from The Amp Shortlist considered to have a bright future here and overseas.

At this year's ceremony, Jack Ladder was announced as the recipient of the 2008 Red Bull Award - In Recognition Of Outstanding Potential for his album 'Love Is Gone'. Rolling Stone Magazine has described the album as “white boy jazz and soul delivered with a refreshingly simple swagger”.

“The Red Bull Award - In Recognition Of Outstanding Potential provides a great platform to help original acts on their journey to success. Previous winners include Gotye and bluejuice. Jack Ladder was selected this year for his original and progressive musical style. We’re proud to be involved in supporting the best Australian music,” said Tom Sigelski, Cultural Marketing Manager, Red Bull Australia.

The Amp is heading into its fifth year in 2009 and will open again for entries in October. For more information head to www.australianmusicprize.com.au. As in previous years, the award will be open to Australian artists across all genres who release original album-length works during 2009.

Eddy Current Suppression Ring Official Website
Eddy Current Suppression Ring MySpace

Jack Ladder MySpace

Australian Music Prize Official Website