London, 24th August 2023
As anticipation grows for the UK’s biggest night in independent music, the Association of Independent Music (AIM) has crowned Björk with the coveted Best Live Performer award and revealed the Awards’ final nominees.
The Icelandic visionary fought off fierce competition from Beabadoobee and MUNA, surpassing Japan’s kawaii-metal girl band BABYMETAL at the eleventh hour to clinch the publicly-voted award. Björk’s Cornucopia tour debuted at NYC’s The Shed to stellar reviews. Conceptually devised from her latest album ‘Utopia’, the shows are a spectacle of sound and image. The tour continues into 2023, and is set to include music from Grammy-nominated album ‘Fossora’.
Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music (BLiM), has been named Diversity Champion in recognition of her groundbreaking work at the forefront of creating an inclusive music industry, such as the rollout of BLiM’s voluntary Music Industry Anti-Racism Code. Beaumont has recently been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of West London (alongside BLiM co-founder Roger Wilson), for her continued efforts to achieve equality for Black musicians and professionals.
Hosted at London’s iconic Roundhouse on 26 September, the 2023 awards see the return of the PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist, with a competitive shortlist featuring the flag-bearer of new British rap AntsLive, infectiously energetic DJ John Summit, playful hip-hop and house pioneer Surya Sen, Top 40 drum & bass producer Vibe Chemistry and chart-topping indie-rock duo Wet Leg.
Adding to the excitement, the competition runs hot in the ‘Best Independent Label’ category. Nods were given to UK house music powerhouse Defected Records, Forever Living Originals – the home of SAULT and Cleo Sol, world-leading D&B label Hospital Records, One Little Independent – whose artists include Björk and Laura Misch – and Transgressive, who count Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks and Flume on their roster.
‘Best Boutique Label’ nominees are Chess Club Records – home to Alfie Templeman and Pixey, famed electronic label Glasgow Underground, Houndstooth – home to Special Request, boundary-pushing Rough Bones, and Lime Garden’s So Young Records.
‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ shines a light on an individual within the independent community who has shown considerable innovation and success. This years’ shortlist includes founder of music marketing app Un:hurd Alex Brees, Young founder & label head Caius Pawson, Director at Good Energy PR Jess Kangalee, founder and CEO of creative solutions company Forward Slash Ketura Cummings and founder of HQ Familia record label and studio Yasin El-Ashrafi.
‘Best Creative Campaign’ is awarded to labels whose teams have executed outstanding album campaigns, using innovation to bring an enhanced experience for fans. 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’), and XL Recordings (Yaeji – ‘With A Hammer’) are all in the running.
Silvia Montello, CEO at AIM said: “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!”
Returning to the Roundhouse on 26 September as the most anticipated night in the independent music calendar, the AIM Independent Music Awards recognise the achievements of independent labels, artists and entrepreneurs that make up the UK’s diverse and thriving independent music sector. The 2023 Awards will focus on celebrating the independent music community, incorporating exclusive and intimate live performances set to take place during the ceremony.
Tables are selling fast, please get in touch with awards@aim.org.uk to book your seat.
