The Mess Hall

The Mess Hall has scored a second shortlist nomination for Australia’s Music Prize (Amp).

The Sydney duo has been shortlisted for the 2009 award for their latest release, For The Birds.

The band took out the Amp in 2008 for their second album, Devils Elbow.

The Mess Hall face tough competition from fellow shortlist artists including Bertie Blackman, Urthboy, Oh Mercy, Sarah Blasko, Kid Sam, Lucie Thorne, Black Cab, and Lisa Mitchell.

“I had my most enjoyable listening year since the Amp’s conception. There were quality albums in all styles, and the shortlist is particularly strong with pop and folk contenders. There is something really going on in Australian music,” The Whitlams singer and Amp judge Tim Freedman said.

The winner of The Amp receives a $30,000 cash prize from PPCA, with Red Bull also offering a $15,000 prize in recognition of outstanding potential.

The Amp 2009 Winners will be announced on 12 March.

See below for the complete list of Amp nominees.

‘Privileged Woes’ by Oh Mercy
‘As Day Follows Night’ by Sarah Blasko
‘Kid Sam LP’ by Kid Sam
‘Black Across The Field’ by Lucie Thorne
‘Secrets And Lies’ by Bertie Blackman
‘For The Birds’ by The Mess Hall
‘Spitshine’ by Urthboy
‘Call Signs’ by Black Cab
‘Wonder’ by Lisa Mitchell

Tags | Amp shortlist 2010, The Mess Hall