News

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC IN ASSOCIATION WITH MERLIN WINNER!

Soulwax (Because Music) will be taking home the legendary ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music award in association with Merlin’, in recognition of their decades-spanning work and influence. Initially formed by brothers Stephen and David Dewaele in 1995, Soulwax have consistently pushed the boundaries of music into new and innovative territory. As well as a band, they are DJs (2manydjs), a record label (DEEWEE) and the sound system Despacio, a joint project with James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem.

The duo gained notoriety for both official and unofficial remixes of tracks by the likes of Daft Punk, Robbie Williams, Gorillaz and The Rolling Stones, with recent credits including Wet Leg and Charlotte Adigéry. 2manydjs, meanwhile, is credited with taking club-ready remixes to dance floors globally. With their 2002 2manydjs album ‘As Heard on Radio Soulwax Pt 2’ they created a new remixing style that set the template for imitators ever since.

INNOVATOR AWARD IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMAZON MUSIC WINNER!

This award recognises the visionaries who drive independent music, and this year is given to Speedy Wunderground co-founder and legendary producer Dan Carey. A driving force behind some of the most impactful debuts in recent years, Carey’s production chops have been demonstrated on releases from the likes of Fontaines DC (Partisan Records), Squid (Warp Records), Kae Tempest (Ninja Tune) and Kylie Minogue (BMG). With four Grammy nominations under his belt, Carey’s signature style and his continued dedication to his label has had undeniable influence across the independent music community. Huge congratulations!

INDEPENDENT CHAMPION NOMINEES

Concluding the nominee list, this year’s ‘Independent Champion in association with Downtown’ contenders see broadcaster and BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar joined by buzzing independent record shop Resident Music and home for creative new music Cafe OTO.

50 YEARS OF HIP-HOP

As 2023 marks 50 years of Hip Hop, the evening’s ceremony will celebrate this landmark occasion, supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra. The show will feature a unique dedication to the genre, highlighting both its influence in the UK’s independent Hip Hop community and lasting impact on the emergence of various musical genres.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Finally, we’re excited to announce the first exclusive and intimate live performances taking place across the ceremony!

Taking to the iconic stage, the evening will play host to one of the most exciting crossover acts in the underground music scene; P Money, a veteran grime MC and Whiney, a DJ on the rise signed to ‘Best Independent Label’ nominee, Hospital Records. With a string of projects behind them, the revered duo have received acclaim for their blend of grime and drum & bass. Fresh off the back of their sixth collaborative single ‘Junkyard’ ft Ocean Wisdom, the pair are currently touring the UK.

British-Lebanese rapper/producer and ‘One To Watch in association with BBC Music Introducing’ nominee Laughta will also perform, bringing her distinctive fusion of cultural influences to the stage.

BALCONY TICKETS

We’re thrilled to announce that a limited number of balcony seats for our members and the wider industry are available to make for a more inclusive and affordable option. Click here to buy tickets.

FINAL TABLES REMAINING

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the past year of incredible talent in the independent music community. Email awards@aim.org.uk for more info.

DOWNLOAD THE APP!

Head to the app store and download the ‘AIM Independent Music Awards’ app on iOS or Android to keep up to date with all the news and exclusive updates on the night. Not only will you be in the know with all the going ons during the event, but the app also provides a great way to network!

NEWLY ANNOUNCED NOMINEES + WINNERS

Innovator Award Winner in association with Amazon Music

Dan Carey

Outstanding Contribution to Music Winner in association with Merlin

David & Stephen Dewaele (Soulwax / 2manydjs)

Independent Champion Nominees in association with Downtown

• Jaguar
• Resident Music
• Cafe OTO

Thank you to everyone who sent in their submissions for this year’s AIM Independent Music Awards. It’s been amazing to see the thriving musical talent of the independent sector. As much as we would love to see everyone nominated, there can only be a limited number of nominees each year, not everyone can make the shortlist. We encourage all artists, labels, and distributors to submit again next year and you can sign up to our AIM Awards mailing list here to be the first to hear when submissions open for 2024.