A panel of international judges have awarded the latest round of the $30,000 Levi’s®Music Prize to Melbourne’s explosive punk rock four-piece, Amyl and the Sniffers.
Now in its third year, the coveted prize provides $25,000 cash plus an additional $5,000 in travel from Stage & Screen to financially assist Australian and New Zealand acts – who have previously showcased at BIGSOUND – achieve their export goals.
Since 2016 Amyl and the sniffers have been a snarling, dirt covered gem of the Melbourne punk-rock scene. They sport a raw, 70’s style in sound, dress and attitude. The groups’ two E.P’s and two singles demand being played at max volume, yet that still won’t compare to their blistering live performance. Frontwoman Amy consistently delivers a maniacal, lewd energy as she careens around the stage between her mulleted companions. Over the last couple of years their notoriety has been deservedly leaping forward.
Showcasing at BIGSOUND 2017, Amyl hit the ground running during their breakout year with international appearances at The Great Escape (UK) and a North American tour supporting Australian label mates, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Following multiple sold out shows in the UK and Europe in 2018, the band signed to Rough Trade Records for the rest of the world – the first Australian band to ink an album deal with Rough Trade since The Go-Betweens.
The decision was made by a panel of international music industry buyers including representatives from Domino Publishing, ATC Live and Eat Your Own Ears.
Previous winners include Stella Donnelly, Alex Lahey, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Hatchie & Emerson Snowe. The prize provides funding towards recording, touring equipment, video production and promotion supporting artists that have built significant initial career momentum via their BIGSOUND experience, but who need a financial leg-up to keep moving forward on the international stage.
Applications are now open for Round 3, 2018/19 and will close March 10, 2019. Australian and New Zealand acts who have performed at BIGSOUND within the last five years (2014-2018) are eligible to apply by heading to www.bigsound.org.au/levis
Written by Liam McNally