State Champ Radio AIM Independent Music Awards
Jessica Pratt, Fontaines D.C., MJ Lenderman and MF DOOM were multiple winners at the 2025 Libera Awards, which honored the best in independent music. This 14th annual awards ceremony took place on Monday, June 9 at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City.
Pratt’s Here in the Pitch (Mexican Summer) won three awards – record of the year, best singer-songwriter record and best folk record.
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MF DOOM (Rhymesayers Entertainment) also won three awards – MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition) won best reissue and creative packaging. “One Beer (Madlib Remix)” won best remix.
Fontaines D.C. (XL Recordings) won two awards – best rock record for Romance and music video of the year for “Starburster.”
MJ Lenderman (ANTI-) also won two awards – breakthrough artist and best American roots record for Manning Fireworks.
Shaboozey, whose “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, received an Impact Award for his album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going (American Dogwood/EMPIRE). Shaboozey was nominated for best new artist at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 2 and new artist of the year at the Country Music Association Awards on Nov. 20.
The Libera Awards Presented by Merlin – the official name of the awards – kick off the Indie Week conference, which will run from Tuesday (June 10) through Thursday, June 12 at the InterContinental New York Times Square.
The show was hosted by Delisa Shannon, Billboard’s director of shortform content, and featured performances from American music trailblazer Swamp Dogg (Oh Boy Records), genre-bending singer-songwriter serpentwithfeet (Secretly Canadian), punk-rockers Ekko Astral (Topshelf Records) and Latin pop phenomenon Reyna Tropical (Psychic Hotline).
The nominations were announced on Wednesday (March 19) by FIM (The Foundation for Independent Music) and A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music, Inc.).
Dr. Richard James Bergess, MBE, was honored with a special award celebrating his 10 years as president & CEO of A2IM “The 2025 Libera Awards were a powerful reminder of what makes our community extraordinary,” Burgess said in a statement. “We honored not only remarkable music and artistry, but the spirit and purpose that define the independent sector. These nominees and winners embody the innovation, determination, and authenticity that push our industry forward. Congratulations to all who continue to shape the future of music on their own terms.”
A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of over 600 independently-owned American music labels.
Here’s a complete list of nominees for the 2025 Libera Awards Presented by Merlin, with winners marked.
Record of the Year
WINNER: Jessica Pratt – Here in the Pitch (Mexican Summer)
Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks (ANTI-)
Mk.gee – “Rockman” (R&R Digital)
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood (ANTI-)
Breakthrough Artist
Jessica Pratt (Mexican Summer)
Magdalena Bay (Mom+Pop)
Mannequin Pussy (Epitaph)
WINNER: MJ Lenderman (ANTI-)
Mk.gee (R&R Digital)
Shaboozey (American Dogwood/EMPIRE)
Music Video of the Year
Caravan Palace – “Mirrors” (Le Plan Recordings)
WINNER: Fontaines D.C. – “Starburster” (XL Recordings)
Justice – “Neverender (starring Tame Impala)” (Because Music)
Porter Robinson – “Cheerleader” (Mom+Pop)
Waxahatchee feat. MJ Lenderman – “Right Back to It” (ANTI-)
Yaeji – “booboo” (XL Recordings)
Best Reissue
Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force – Planet Rock: The Album (Tommy Boy Records)
American Football – American Football LP1 (25th Anniversary Edition) (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
Cocteau Twins & Harold Budd – The Moon and the Melodies (4AD)
John Cale – Paris 1919 (Deluxe Edition) (Domino Recording Company)
WINNER: MF DOOM – MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition) (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Ray Charles – Crying Time (Tangerine Records)
Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso (10 Year Anniversary Edition) (Psychic Hotline)
Best Remix
Fcukers – “Bon Bon (Confidence Man Remix)” (Technicolour/Ninja Tune)
Kelela – RAVE:N, The Remixes (Warp Records)
WINNER: MF DOOM – “One Beer (Madlib Remix)” (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Shygirl – “mr useless – MK remix” (Because Music)
Slowdive – “kisses (grouper remix)” (Dead Oceans)
Best Alternative Rock Record
Being Dead – EELS (Bayonet Records)
Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More (4AD)
WINNER: Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
Nada Surf – Moon Mirror (New West Records)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God (Play It Again Sam)
Best American Roots Record
Dave Alvin + Jimmie Dale Gilmore – TexiCali (Yep Roc Records)
Fantastic Negrito – Son of a Broken Man (Storefront Records)
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland (Acony Records)
Joe Ely – Driven to Drive (Rack ’Em Records)
WINNER: MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks (ANTI-)
Swamp Dogg – Blackgrass (Oh Boy Records)
Best Blues Record
Cedric Burnside – Hill Country Love (Provogue Records)
Little Feat – Sam’s Place (Hot Tomato Records)
WINNER: Ruthie Foster – Mileage (Sun Records)
Shemekia Copeland – Blame It on Eve (Alligator Records)
The Taj Mahal Sextet – Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa (Lightning Rod Records)
Best Classical Record
Ensemble Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem (harmonia mundi)
II Divo – XX: 20th Anniversary Album (Il Divo Music)
Isabelle Faust – Britten: Violin Concerto and Chamber Works (harmonia mundi)
Ju-Ping Song – Monad (Starkland)
WINNER: Kelly Moran – Moves in the Field (Warp Records)
Marc-André Hamelin, Nathalie Forget, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Gustavo Gimeno – Olivier Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie (harmonia mundi)
Michael Torke – Bloom (Ecstatic Records)
Best Country Record
Corb Lund – El Viejo (New West Records)
Fancy Hagood – American Spirit (Fancy Hagood Enterprises)
Johnny Blue Skies – Passage du Desir (High Top Mountain Records)
Shaboozey – Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going (American Dogwood/EMPIRE)
WINNER: Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood (ANTI-)
Zach Top – Cold Beer & Country Music (Leo33)
Best Dance Record
A.G. Cook – “Britpop” (New Alias)
WINNER: Fcukers – Baggy$$ (Technicolour / Ninja Tune)
Peggy Gou – I Hear You (XL Recordings)
Shygirl – Club Shy (Because Music)
SOPHIE – SOPHIE (Future Classic)
Best Electronic Record
WINNER: Caribou – Honey (Merge Records)
Floating Points – Cascade (Ninja Tune)
Flying Lotus – Spirit Box (Warp Records)
Jamie xx – In Waves (Young)
Justice – Hyperdrama (Because Music)
Photay – Windswept (Mexican Summer)
Best Folk Record
Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future (4AD)
Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends (Yep Roc Records)
Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free (Jagjaguwar)
WINNER: Jessica Pratt – Here in the Pitch (Mexican Summer)
Madi Diaz – Weird Faith (ANTI-)
Best Global Record
Altin Gun – “Vallahi Yok” (ATO Records)
Asake – Lungu Boy (YBNL Nation/EMPIRE)
BALTHVS – Harvest (Mixto Records)
Glass Beams – Mahal (Ninja Tune)
Hermanos Gutiérrez – Sonido Cósmico (Easy Eye Sound)
Manu Chao – Viva Tu (Because Music)
WINNER: Mdou Moctar – Funeral for Justice (Matador Records)
Best Heavy Record
Chelsea Wolfe – She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She (Loma Vista Recordings)
High On Fire – Cometh the Storm (MNRK Music Group)
WINNER: METZ – Up on Gravity Hill (Sub Pop Records)
Scene Queen – Hot Singles in Your Area (Hopeless Records)
Speed – “Only One Mode” (FLATSPOT)
Best Hip-Hop/Rap Record
BigXthaPlug – Take Care (UnitedMasters)
Cash Cobain – PLAY CASH COBAIN (Giant Music)
Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium Vol. 1 (Loma Vista Recordings)
Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South (Loma Vista Recordings)
E L U C I D – REVELATOR (Fat Possum Records)
WINNER: Shygirl – “Immaculate” (feat. Saweetie) (Because Music)
Best Jazz Record
BADBADNOTGOOD – Mid Spiral (XL Recordings)
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching (Partisan Records)
CO-WINNER: Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement (Young)
Lakecia Benjamin – Phoenix Reimagined (Live) (Ropeadope Records)
Morgan Guerin – Tales of the Facade (Candid Records)
CO-WINNER: Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (Warp Records)
Nubya Garcia – Odyssey (Concord Jazz)
Best Latin Record
Angélica Garcia – Gemelo (Partisan Records)
Buscabulla – “11:11” (Domino Recording Company)
Chicano Batman – “Era Primavera” (ATO Records)
Dayme Arocena – Alkemi (Brownswood Recordings)
Gaby Moreno and La Lom – “Alma Florecida” (Cosmica Artists)
Girl Ultra – blush (Big Dada/Ninja Tune)
WINNER: Reyna Tropical – Malegría (Psychic Hotline)
Best Outlier Record
Chanel Beads – Your Day Will Come (Jagjaguwar)
Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn – Quiet in a World Full of Noise (Merge Records)
Hakushi Hasegawa – Mahōgakkō (Brainfeeder)
Helado Negro – PHASOR (4AD)
CO-WINNER: Khruangbin – A LA SALA (Dead Oceans)
Moor Mother – The Great Bailout (ANTI-)
CO-WINNER: SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE – YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING (Saddle Creek)
urika’s bedroom – Big Smile, Black Mire (True Panther)
Best Pop Record
Kate Nash – 9 Sad Symphonies (Kill Rock Stars)
Kesha – “Joyride” (Kesha Records)
WINNER: Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk (Mom+Pop)
Sofie Royer – Young-Girl Forever (Stones Throw Records)
SOPHIE – SOPHIE (Future Classic)
Suki Waterhouse – Memoir of a Sparklemuffin (Sub Pop Records)
Best Punk Record
A Place to Bury Strangers – Synthesizer (Dedstrange)
Chubby And the Gang – And Then There Was… (FLATSPOT)
Ekko Astral – pink balloons (Topshelf Records)
Laura Jane Grace – Hole in My Head (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
WINNER: Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced (Sub Pop Records)
SPRINTS – Letter to Self (City Slang)
Best R&B Record
Erika de Casier – Still (4AD)
Fana Hues – Moth (Bright Antenna Records)
WINNER: Mavis Staples – “Worthy” (ANTI-)
NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) – Why Lawd? (Stones Throw Records)
serpentwithfeet – GRIP (Secretly Canadian)
Yaya Bey – Ten Fold (Big Dada/Ninja Tune)
Best Rock Record
WINNER: Fontaines D.C. – Romance (XL Recordings)
IDLES – TANGK (Partisan Records)
Jack White – No Name (Third Man Records)
Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven (Epitaph)
The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know (Captured Tracks)
The Linda Lindas – No Obligation (Epitaph)
Best Singer-Songwriter Record
Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future (4AD)
Christian Lee Hutson – Paradise Pop. 10 (ANTI-)
Faye Webster – Underdressed at the Symphony (Secretly Canadian)
WINNER: Jessica Pratt – Here in the Pitch (Mexican Summer)
Katie Gavin – “As Good as It Gets” (Saddest Factory Records)
Laura Marling – Patterns in Repeat (Partisan Records/Chrysalis Records)
Best Soul/Funk Record
Angela Muñoz – Descanso (Stones Throw Records)
Neal Francis – “Back It Up” (ATO Records)
The Dip – Love Direction (Dualtone)
WINNER: Thee Sacred Souls – Got a Story to Tell (Daptone Records)
Thee Sinseers – Sinseerly Yours (Colemine Records)
Best Spiritual Record
Brother John – Brother John & The GFT Collective (The Blues Preachers/The Orchard)
Flock – Flock II (Strut)
Lauren Daigle – “Then I Will (from Boenhoffer)” (Centricity Music)
Lecrae – “Die for the Party” (Reach Records)
WINNER: The Harlem Gospel Travelers – Rhapsody (Colemine Records)
The Nelons – Loving You (Daywind Records)
Best Sync Usage
Cigarettes After Sex – “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” (It Ends With Us) (Partisan Records)
WINNER: De La Soul – “Say No Go” (Civil War) (A.O.I./Chrysalis/Reservoir)
Jamie xx & The Avalanches – “All You Children” (Apple) (Young)
Spoon – “The Way We Get By” (A Real Pain Trailer) (Matador Records)
Waxahatchee feat. MJ Lenderman – “Right Back to It” (Tracker S1 E6) (ANTI-)
Label of the Year (15+ Employees)
ANTI- Records
Dead Oceans
Mom+Pop
Ninja Tune
WINNER: Partisan Records
Stones Throw Records
Sub Pop Records
Warp Records
Label of the Year (6-14 Employees)
Captured Tracks
City Slang
Fat Possum
Light in the Attic
WINNER: Mexican Summer
Secret City Records
Label of the Year (5 Or Fewer Employees)
Bayonet Records
Daptone Records
Oh Boy Records
Psychic Hotline
Topshelf Records
WINNER: True Panther
Distributor of the Year
FUGA
IDOL
WINNER: Redeye
Secretly Distribution
Symphonic Distribution
The Orchard
Independent Champion
WINNER: Bandcamp
Infinite Catalog
Marauder
Qobuz
The Bloom Effect
Publisher of the Year
Beggars Music
Downtown Music Publishing
Reservoir
Secret City Publishing
WINNER: Warp Publishing
Marketing Genius
WINNER: IDLES – TANGK (Partisan Records)
Khruangbin – A LA SALA (Dead Oceans)
MF DOOM – MM..FOOD (20 Year Anniversary Edition) (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks (ANTI-)
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood (ANTI-)
Self-Released Record of the Year
Cheekface – It’s Sorted (Cheekface)
Fancy Hagood – American Spirit (Fancy Hagood Enterprises)
Los Campesinos! – All Hell (Heart Swells)
Orla Gartland – Everybody Needs a Hero (New Friends Music)
WINNER: RAYE – “Genesis.” (Human Re Sources)
TV Girl & George Clanton – Fauxllennium (Blissful Serenity Industries, LLC)
Creative Packaging
Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) (Warp Records)
Khruangbin – A LA SALA (Dead Oceans)
Mac DeMarco – Salad Days 10 Year Anniversary Edition (Captured Tracks)
WINNER: MF DOOM – MM..FOOD (20 Year Anniversary Edition) (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
The Go Betweens – G Stands for Go-Betweens: Volume 3 (Domino Recording Company)
Various Artists – Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 8 (Sub Pop Records)
Impact Award
WINNER: Shaboozey – Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going (American Dogwood/EMPIRE)
Final nominations have been announced for this year’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards. Electronic music producer Barry Can’t Swim (real name: Joshua Mainnie) leads the pack with three nominations, followed closely by Jorja Smith, Sampha, CASISDEAD and Kneecap, who are up for two awards each.
Singer-songwriter Sampha, who is in the running for best independent video and best independent track, will be among the live performers on the night, alongside Manchester rapper and fellow nominee OneDa.
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The 14th edition of the annual awards show, which recognizes the achievements of the artists, labels, entrepreneurs and companies that make up the U.K.’s indie sector, is set for Oct. 17 at London’s Roundhouse venue.
Nominees also include D-Block Europe, Kim Gordon, Actress, rapper Skrapz, Mount Kimbie, Anohni and the Johnsons and jazz nine-piece Nubiyan Twist, who are all in the running for the best independent album prize alongside Smith and Barry Can’t Swim.
AIM announced the nominees in seven categories on Aug. 13, but have now announced the nominees in all 14 competitive categories, as well as the recipient of the diversity champion award. Afrobeats artist, producer and songwriter Silvastone, who has collaborated with the likes of Popcaan, Sneakbo, Bugzy Malone and Lady Leshurr, has been named AIM’s 2024 diversity champion in recognition of his commitment to his local community in Croydon and work as a youth ambassador.
R&B singer Jorja Smith, a 2019 Grammy nominee for best new artist, is also listed in the best independent track category for her hit “Little Things,” which reached No. 11 on the Official U.K. Singles chart.
2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, Fontaines D.C., KNEECAP, Hudson Mohawke and Nikki Nair, Sampha, NikNak, Matthew Halsall, Amy Gadiaga and CASISDEAD — who was crowned best hip-hop/grime/rap act at the BRIT Awards on March 2 – round out the best track shortlist.
Other categories announced on Tuesday (Oct. 1) by AIM, which represents more than 1,000 U.K. independent artists and music companies, include best independent label. Heavenly Recordings, Ninja Tune, Partisan Records, Seattle’s Sub Pop Records and British indie Transgressive Records are the nominees in that category.
New for 2024 is the award for the U.K.’s best independent record store. Drift in Totnes, Manchester-based Piccadilly Records, Rough Trade Bristol and London’s Honest Jon’s and Stranger Than Paradise Records are all in the running for the inaugural prize.
The top five list for the public-voted best live performer title numbers Belfast rap trio Kneecap, Laura Misch, Pendulum, Raye and Frank Turner. All other nominees and winners are decided by the AIM board and a panel of expert judges.
The five contenders for the independent breakthrough award number London rapper CASISDEAD, Barry Can’t Swim, Bar Italia, Saint Harison and Wunderhorse, who all receive free access to studio time at London’s Metropolis Studios as part of their nomination.
AIM’s One to Watch category, which has previously been collected by Nia Archives and Arlo Parks, shines a light on spoken word artist Antony Szmierek, drum and bass MC OneDa, DJ Kitty Amor and artist/producers Lynks and Miso Extra.
Sponsors and media partners for October’s awards ceremony, which will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders, include Spotify, Vevo, Meta, Notion, Amazon Music and the BBC.
Here’s the full list of nominees for the 2024 AIM Independent Music Awards:
Diversity Champion
Silvastone
Best Independent Label
Heavenly Recordings
Ninja Tune
Partisan Records
Sub Pop Records
Transgressive Records
Best Creative Campaign
Chrysalis Records (BODEGA, ‘Our Brand Could Be Yr Life’)
Dead Oceans (Slowdive, ‘everything is alive’)
Identity Music (Lofi Girl, ‘Snowman’)
Warp Records (Aphex Twin, ‘Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760’)
Young (Sampha, ‘LAHAI’)
Best Live Performer
Frank Turner (Xtra Mile Recordings)
KNEECAP (Heavenly Recordings)
Laura Misch (One Little Independent)
Pendulum (Mushroom Music)
RAYE (Human Re Sources)
Best Boutique Label
AD 93
Houndstooth
LAB Records
New Soil
Sonic Cathedral
PPL Award for Most Played Independent Artist
Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)
Coach Party (Chess Club Records)
Far From Saints (Ignition Records)
Popeth (Recordiau Côsh Records)
Tom A. Smith (TYM Records)
Best Independent Record Store
Drift
Honest Jon’s
Piccadilly
Rough Trade Bristol
Stranger Than Paradise Records
Music Entrepreneur of the Year
Andrew Batey (Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Beatdapp)
Atlanta Cobb (Founder & Director, Music Industry Mentor)
Colin Batsa (President and Chairman, EGA Distro)
Meg Carnie (Studio Manager / Co-Founder / Artist Manager – South Lanes Studios)
Tom Allen (President, Downtown Royalties and Financial Services, Downtown Music)
Best Independent Album
Actress – LXXXVIII (Ninja Tune)
ANOHNI and the Johnsons – My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross (Rough Trade Records)
Barry Can’t Swim – When Will We Land? (Ninja Tune)
D-Block Europe – Rolling Stone (EGA Distro)
Jorja Smith – falling or flying (FAMM)
Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
Mount Kimbie – The Sunset Violent (Warp Records)
Nabihah Iqbal – Dreamer (Ninja Tune)
Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame (Strut Records)
Skrapz – Reflection (EGA Distro)
Best Independent Remix
“The Egyptian Lover Remix” – Sudan Archives – Freakalizer (Stones Throw Records)
“Joy Anonymous Remix” – Ezra Collective, Sampa the Great – JOY (Life Goes On) (Partisan Records)
“L BEATS Mashup” – Jorja Smith – Little Things x Gypsy Woman (FAMM)
“Olof Dreijer Remix” – Björk – Oral (feat. Rosalia) (One Little Independent)
“P-rallel Remix” – Aluna, Jayda G – Mine O’ Mine (Mad Decent Under Exclusive Licence to Because Music)
One To Watch
Antony Szmierek (LAB Records)
Kitty Amor (Defected Records)
Lynks (Heavenly Recordings)
Miso Extra (Transgressive Records)
OneDa (Heavenly Recordings)
Best Independent Track
Amy Gadiaga – “All Black Everything” (Jazz re:freshed)
CASISDEAD – “Venom” (XL Recordings)
Ezra Collective – “Ajala” (Partisan Records)
Fontaines DC – “Starburster” (XL Recordings)
Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – “Set the Roof” (Warp Records)
Jorja Smith – “Little Things” (FAMM)
KNEECAP, Grian Chatten – “Better Way To Live” (Heavenly Recordings)
Matthew Halsall – “An Ever Changing View” (Gondwana Records)
NikNak – “1200RPM” (Accidental Records)
Sampha – “Spirit 2.0” (Young)
Best Independent EP/Mixtape
George Riley – Un/limited Love (Ninja Tune)
Headie One & K-Trap – Strength to Strength (One Records and Thousand8)
HONESTY – BOX (Partisan Records)
JGrrey – If Not Now? (PACE, a subsidiary of Marathon Music Group)
Potter Payper – Thanks for Hating (EGA Distro)
UK Independent Breakthrough
Bar Italia (Matador Records)
Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)
CASISDEAD (XL Recordings)
Saint Harison (Tell Your Friends)
Wunderhorse (Communion Records)
Best Independent Video
Gia Ford – “Poolside” (Chrysalis Records)
Khruangbin – “A Love International” (Dead Oceans)
Master Peace – “I Might Be Fake” feat. Georgia (PMR Records)
Mitski – “My Love Mine All Mine” (Dead Oceans)
Sampha – “Only” (Young)
The American Association of Independent Music, Inc. is adding three new categories to the 2024 A2IM Libera Awards. They are: Publisher of the year, honoring the publishing company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to songwriters, composers, and the broader independent industry. Distributor of the year, celebrating the distributor that has made significant contributions to the […]
Wet Leg and RAYE & 070 Shake were among the winners at the 2023 AIM Independent Music Awards, which were presented on Tuesday (Sept. 26) by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) at London’s Roundhouse.
Wet Leg won the PPL award for most played new independent artist. The duo also won Grammys on Feb. 5 for best alternative music album for their eponymous debut album and best alternative music performance for “Chaise Longue.” They were also nominated for best new artist.
RAYE and 070 Shake won the AIM Award for best independent track for their global hit “Escapism.” The song reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January.
Shygirl won UK independent breakthrough following a widely praised debut, Nymph, and a series of sold-out shows.
In her first in-person appearance at an awards show since the 2012 Webbys, Björk collected AIM’s publicly-voted award for best live performer, beating Beabadoobee, MUNA and Japan’s kawaii-metal girl band BABYMETAL. Björk has put 14 albums on the Billboard 200, including Volta, which debuted and peaked at No. 9 in 2007.
Best Creative Campaign was won by Partisan Records for Ezra Collective‘s Where I’m Meant to Be campaign, with the newly-crowned Mercury Prize winners collecting the trophy in person.
Avelino, winner of best independent album, joined a celebration marking 50 years of hip-hop.
As previously announced, Dr. Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music (BLiM), was named Diversity Champion in recognition of her groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive music industry, such as the rollout of BLiM’s voluntary Music Industry Anti-Racism Code.
The AIM Independent Music Awards recognize the achievements of independent labels, artists and entrepreneurs that make up the U.K.’s independent music sector.
Here’s a complete list of nominees for the 2023 AIM Awards, with winners marked.
PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist
AntsLive (Payday Records, Trademark Records)
John Summit (Off The Grid Records)
Surya Sen (Skint Records)
Vibe Chemistry (DnB Allstars Records)
WINNER: Wet Leg (Domino Records)
Music Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex Brees – Un:hurd
WINNER: Caius Pawson – Young / Space
Jess Kangalee – Good Energy PR
Keturah Cummings – Forward Slash
Yasin El Ashrafi – HQ Familia
Best Boutique Label
Chess Club
Glasgow Underground
Houndstooth
WINNER: Rough Bones
So Young Records
Best Independent Label
Defected Records
Forever Living Originals
WINNER: Hospital Records
One Little Independent
Transgressive
Best Creative Campaign
Because Music (Shygirl – “Nymph”)
Dirty Hit (Rina Sawayama – “Hold the Girl”)
Human Re Sources (RAYE – “My 21st Century Blues”)
Ninja Tune (Young Fathers – “Heavy Heavy”)
WINNER: Partisan Records (Ezra Collective – “Where I’m Meant to Be”)
XL Recordings (Yaeji – “With a Hammer”)
UK Independent Breakthrough
Ezra Collective (Partisan Records)
I.Jordan (Ninja Tune)
Overmono (XL Recordings)
WINNER: Shygirl (Because Music)
Suki Waterhouse (Sub Pop)
Best Independent Track
Connie Constance – “Hurt You” (Play It Again Sam)
ENNY – “Charge It” (FAMM)
Four Tet – “Three Drums” (Text Records)
Makaya McCraven – “Dream Another” (XL Recordings)
Overmono – “Good Lies” (XL Recordings)
WINNER: RAYE, 070 Shake – “Escapism” (Human Re Sources)
Shygirl – “Shlut” (Because Music)
Sudan Archives – “Selfish Soul” (Stones Throw Records)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” feat. Perfume Genius (Secretly Canadian)
Yves Tumor – “Echolalia” (Warp Records)
Best Independent EP/ Mixtape
Bellah – Adultsville (Base ‘N’ Rebulz X Marathon Music Group)
WINNER: ENNY – We Go Again (FAMM)
Jessica Winter – Limerance (Lucky Number)
Saint Joshua – EP2 (Ditto Music)
yunè pinku – BABYLON IX (PLATOON)
Best Independent Album
WINNER: Avelino – God Save The Streets (More Music Records/ OddChild Music)
Kelela – Raven (Warp Records)
Little Simz – No Thank You (Forever Living Originals)
Nova Twins – Supernova (Marshall Records)
Obongjayar – Some Nights I Dream of Doors (September Recordings)
Oliver Sim – Hideous Bastard (Young)
RAYE – My 21st Century Blues (Human Re Sources)
Rina Sawayama – Hold the Girl (Dirty Hit)
Shygirl – Nymph (Because Music)
Wu-Lu – LOGGERHEAD(Warp Records)
Best Independent Remix
Sega Bodega Remix (One Little Independent) – Björk – “Ovuke” (feat. Shygirl)
Soulwax Remix (Deewee / Because Music) – Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul – “Cliché”
WINNER: Nu:Tone Remix (Hospital Records) – GLXY – “Butterfly Effect” (feat. Hugh Hardie & Visionobi)
Jamie XX remix (Young) – Oliver Sim – “GMT”
Boys Noize (Secretly Canadian) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Wolf”
One to Watch
Jessica Winter (Lucky Number)
Juice Menace (Supernature)
FLOWEROVLOVE (FAE GRP)
WINNER: Laughta (MDLBEAST)
Master Peace (PMR)
Best Independent Video
Ezra Collective – “No Confusion” ft. Kojey Radical (Partisan Records)
Kelela – “Enough for Love” (Warp Records)
Obongjayar – “I Wish It Was Me (Live)” (September Recordings)
RAYE, 070 Shake – “Escapism” (Human Re Sources)
WINNER: Wesley Joseph – “MONSOON” (EEVILTWINN)
Independent Champion
Jaguar Bingham
WINNER: Resident Music
Cafe OTO
Innovator Award
WINNER: Dan Carey
Best Live Performer
WINNER: Björk (One Little Independent)
Diversity Champion
WINNER: Charisse Beaumont – Black Lives in Music
The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has revealed its nominees in 12 categories for the 2023 AIM Awards.
RAYE and Shygirl each received three nominations. 070 Shake, who collaborated with RAYE on “Escapism,” received two, as did Ezra Collective, Overmono and ENNY. Other notable nominees include: Wet Leg, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yves Tumor, Little Simz and Rina Sawayama.
AIM also revealed the winners of two awards.
Björk won the publicly-voted Best Live Performance award, besting Beabadoobee, MUNA and Japan’s kawaii-metal girl band BABYMETAL.
Dr. Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music (BLiM), was named Diversity Champion in recognition of her groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive music industry, such as the rollout of BLiM’s voluntary Music Industry Anti-Racism Code.
The AIM Independent Music Awards recognizes the achievements of independent labels, artists and entrepreneurs that make up the U.K.’s independent music sector.
Silvia Montello, CEO of AIM, said in a statement: “The AIM Independent Music Awards are a night to celebrate the best of the UK’s independent music community, and to showcase its triumphs and innovations. We are proud to be able to honour the diversity and talent across the UK ‘s independent labels, artists, entrepreneurs and champions and it’s fantastic to see continued public recognition of Björk’s trailblazing live shows!”
The awards will be presented at London’s Roundhouse on Sept. 26.
The ceremony will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, an anniversary that has been feted at numerous awards shows already this year. The segment, supported by BBC 1Xtra, will recognize hip-hop’s influence and its lasting impact on the emergence of jungle, grime and drum & bass.
Here’s a complete list of nominees for the 2023 AIM Awards.
Best Live Performance
Björk (One Little Independent)
Diversity Champion
Charisse Beaumont – Black Lives in Music
PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist
AntsLive (Payday Records, Trademark Records)
John Summit (Off The Grid Records)
Surya Sen (Skint Records)
Vibe Chemistry (DnB Allstars Records)
Wet Leg (Domino Records)
Music Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex Brees – Un:hurd
Caius Pawson – Young / Space
Jess Kangalee – Good Energy PR
Keturah Cummings – Forward Slash
Yasin El Ashrafi – HQ Familia
Best Boutique Label
Chess Club
Glasgow Underground
Houndstooth
Rough Bones
So Young Records
Best Independent Label
Defected Records
Forever Living Originals
Hospital Records
One Little Independent
Transgressive
Best Creative Campaign
Because Music (Shygirl – “Nymph”)
Dirty Hit (Rina Sawayama – “Hold the Girl”)
Human Re Sources (RAYE – “My 21st Century Blues”)
Ninja Tune (Young Fathers – “Heavy Heavy”)
Partisan Records (Ezra Collective – “Where I’m Meant to Be”)
XL Recordings (Yaeji – “With a Hammer”)
UK Independent Breakthrough
Ezra Collective (Partisan Records)
I.Jordan (Ninja Tune)
Overmono (XL Recordings)
Shygirl (Because Music)
Suki Waterhouse (Sub Pop)
Best Independent Track (Meta)
Connie Constance – “Hurt You” (Play It Again Sam)
ENNY – “Charge It” (FAMM)
Four Tet – “Three Drums” (Text Records)
Makaya McCraven – “Dream Another” (XL Recordings)
Overmono – “Good Lies” (XL Recordings)
RAYE, 070 Shake – “Escapism” (Human Re Sources)
Shygirl – “Shlut” (Because Music)
Sudan Archives – “Selfish Soul” (Stones Throw Records)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” feat. Perfume Genius (Secretly Canadian)
Yves Tumor – “Echolalia” (Warp Records)
Best Independent EP/ Mixtape
Bellah – Adultsville (Base ‘N’ Rebulz X Marathon Music Group)
ENNY – We Go Again (FAMM)
Jessica Winter – Limerance (Lucky Number)
Saint Joshua – EP2 (Ditto Music)
yunè pinku – BABYLON IX (PLATOON)
Best Independent Album
Avelino – God Save The Streets (More Music Records/ OddChild Music)
Kelela – Raven (Warp Records)
Little Simz – No Thank You (Forever Living Originals)
Nova Twins – Supernova (Marshall Records)
Obongjayar – Some Nights I Dream of Doors (September Recordings)
Oliver Sim – Hideous Bastard (Young)
RAYE – My 21st Century Blues (Human Re Sources)
Rina Sawayama – Hold the Girl (Dirty Hit)
Shygirl – Nymph (Because Music)
Wu-Lu – LOGGERHEAD(Warp Records)
Best Independent Remix
Sega Bodega Remix (One Little Independent) – Björk – “Ovuke” (feat. Shygirl)
Soulwax Remix (Deewee / Because Music) – Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul – “Cliché”
Nu:Tone Remix (Hospital Records) – GLXY – “Butterfly Effect” (feat. Hugh Hardie & Visionobi)
Jamie XX remix (Young) – Oliver Sim – “GMT”
Boys Noize (Secretly Canadian) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Wolf”
One to Watch (BBC Music Introducing)
Jessica Winter (Lucky Number)
Juice Menace (Supernature)
FLOWEROVLOVE (FAE GRP)
Laughta (MDLBEAST)
Master Peace (PMR)
Best Independent Video (Vevo)
Ezra Collective – “No Confusion” ft. Kojey Radical (Partisan Records)
Kelela – “Enough for Love” (Warp Records)
Obongjayar – “I Wish It Was Me (Live)” (September Recordings)
RAYE, 070 Shake – “Escapism” (Human Re Sources)
Wesley Joseph – “MONSOON” (EEVILTWINN)
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