The Australian Music Prize returns for its fourth year in 2008 to reward a homegrown act with real talent. What’s more, the winner takes home something they really need: cash. This year, the prize money has been upped to $30,000, making it a very coveted honour indeed.

The three previous recipients were The Drones, Augie March and The Mess Hall, so the bar has been set high. With entries for consideration in the AMP 2008 closing soon, FL threw some quick questions to the bands that’ve reaped the rewards.

Why did you enter the AMP?
The Mess Hall: Why the hell not?
The Drones: For the money.

What changed for you after winning the AMP?
TMH: We are able to have a permanent rehearsal place set up for recording and so forth. It’s allowed us a whole lot of freedom musically and financially that we would not have had otherwise.
TD: We had the money.

What is the distinction for you between winning something such as the AMP as opposed to other music prizes in Australia?
TMH: The AMP stands out as the intelligent voice of reason against the Australian peanut gallery. It awards creativity and celebrates individuality. It also encourages artists to think outside the box and attempt something that would not otherwise be “awarded” anywhere else.
TD: Other prizes have no money.

What bands in Australia at the moment would you like to see take home the AMP?
TMH: The Drones again! To me, their new album Havilah is head and shoulders above anything released locally this year.
TD: Bands without much money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money money…

Entries for the AMP must be in by 21 November. Head to the website for details.