News

• Gilles Peterson awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’, while Cosey Fanni Tutti receives ‘Innovator’ award’
• ‘Best Independent Album’ goes to Fontaines D.C.’s Romance, Ezra Collective wins ‘Best Independent Track’ for God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (ft. Yazmin Lacey)
• Influential ‘One To Watch’ award goes to BINA. with other awards for corto.alto, MRCY, Bon Iver, Bricknasty, Shed Seven and more
• XL Recordings wins ‘Best Independent Label’, with Key Production’s Karen Emanuel named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has unveiled the winners of The Independent Music Awards 2025. 

Gilles Peterson, the legendary broadcaster, DJ and label founder, has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award (in association with Merlin) for over four decades of shaping global music culture. Renowned for his genre-defying approach with jazz at its core, Peterson has been a pivotal force since the 1980s – founding Acid Jazz Records, running Talkin’ Loud, launching Brownswood Recordings and Worldwide FM, and championing artists such as Yussef Dayes, Emma-Jean Thackray and Kokoroko. 

As the founder of We Out Here festival and the Future Bubblers talent development programme, he remains deeply committed to nurturing new generations of artists and audiences, and an example of the culture and artist-first approach that defines the independent music sector. Through his shows on BBC 6 Music and Worldwide FM, alongside his Worldwide Festival in the South of France, he has introduced audiences to diverse sounds and vibrant independent music scenes from London to Tokyo and beyond.

Avant-garde trailblazer Cosey Fanni Tutti received the ‘Innovator Award’ for her five decades of boundary-pushing work across art, music, and performance. As a founding member of Throbbing Gristle, Chris & Cosey and Carter Tutti, she helped spearhead industrial music and has been cited as an inspiration by artists including Björk, Nine Inch Nails, and FKA Twigs. As one of the first female independent label founders, she is a pioneering entrepreneur as well as artist, with her win reflecting this dual achievement. 

Cosey Fanni Tutti commented: “Everything I’ve done has been totally independent. This is really special because innovation and independence really are sisters with me.  I’ve seen innovation as a lifeblood of the music world – without that there would be no inspiration.”

The coveted ‘Best Independent Album’ (in association with Spotify) was awarded to triple nominees Fontaines D.C. for their critically acclaimed fourth album Romance. The record was released via XL Recordings and praised for evolving their post-punk sound in a progressive and expansive new direction. 

It was a triumphant evening for XL Recordings, which was also named ‘Best Independent Label’. The XL Recordings team and Fontaines D.C. bassist Conor Deegan III were both on hand to accept their awards — a fitting double win that underlined the strength of their partnership, and an exceptional year for the label which earned it five nominations overall.

Ezra Collective, also with three nominations, took home ‘Best Independent Track’ (in association with Meta) for their uplifting single featuring singer-songwriter Yazmin Lacey, God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (Partisan Records). The Mercury Prize-winning London jazz quintet previously won ‘Best Creative Campaign’ at the Awards in 2023.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ezra Collective’s drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso took the opportunity to shine a light on The Roundhouse’s Youth Programme: “The Roundhouse is a very, very special building to me, especially being a North Londoner […] Songs represent moments and this moment means a lot to us. A lot of these moments exist because of people providing them, like The Roundhouse does for young people.” 

Double nominee Bon Iver and label Jagjaguwar won ‘Best Creative Campaign’ for the imaginative roll-out of SABLE, fABLE, bringing together themes of solitude and togetherness. Judges praised the artistry of the salmon-hued cover art, playful merch and brand collaborations, as well as the campaign’s success in creatively connecting with fans — an example of the creative freedom afforded by independence.

The ‘UK Independent Breakthrough’ award (in association with Amazon Music) went to Glasgow composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist corto.alto (Ninja Tune, previously New Soil). A multi-faceted artist whose music fuses jazz, hip hop and electronics, his rise reflects the power of independence to amplify creative new voices. His debut album Bad With Names was hailed as one of 2024’s most ambitious and forward-thinking releases.

corto.alto collected his award, saying: “I’m just so proud to be here representing people who make jazz and other weird kinds of music. I’m also really proud to be here representing Scottish artists and Scottish independent artists. This is a real honour and a dream come true.”

Neo-soul, funk, and R&B duo MRCY were recognised with ‘Best Independent EP/Mixtape’ (in association with Notion) for their debut Volume 1 (Dead Oceans), while Boy Harsher claimed ‘Best Independent Remix’ (in association with BBC Radio 1 Dance) for their reworking of Nilüfer Yanya’s Just A Western (Ninja Tune) in their unique synth-led style. Upon its release Yanya reflected “Hearing something made out of your own music by an artist you’re a genuine fan of is really special”.

Dublin band Bricknasty claimed ‘Best Independent Video’ (in association with VEVO) for Vinland (FAMM), showcasing cinematic visuals that augment their blend of R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop. 

The influential ‘One To Watch’ category (in association with BBC Music Introducing) was awarded to rising neo-soul star BINA., following a standout year that saw her support previous Independent Music Awards winner Little Simz across Europe and sell out multiple headline shows of her own.

BINA. said: “Thank you for the recognition, it means a lot. Thank you everybody who’s part of building this world with me… I appreciate you all a lot.  I have a lot of gratitude and excitement for the future. The plot thickens.”

The ‘Best Live Performer’ award, voted by the public, went to Britpop legends Shed Seven in celebration of their electrifying live shows. The band are signed to Cooking Vinyl, whose hard work has been highlighted by three roster nominations in this category. The ‘PPL Award for Most Played New Artist’, grounded in data gathered from radio, venue plays and more, saw Welsh pop project Popeth (Recordiau Cosh Records) take the number one spot in a win for Welsh language music.

Karen Emanuel, founder and CEO of Key Productions and founder of Moving the Needle, was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’. The award recognises her leadership in vinyl and CD manufacturing for over three decades, championing sustainability and innovation in the physical music sector, qualifying Key Productions as a B-Corp, and supporting women in the UK music industry through the Moving the Needle initiative.

The ‘Best Boutique Label’ award (in association with Qobuz ) went to AD 93 recognising its reputation for discovering and releasing exceptional, genre-bending music and as a go-to source for adventurous club sounds. Bandcamp was recognised as ‘Independent Music Champion’ (in association with PRS For Music) for its exceptional support for  independent music, enabling success outside traditional models, returning 82% of sales revenue directly to artists. Community-led non-profit ESEA Music received the ‘DEI Champion’ award for its impactful work supporting East and South East Asian artists and professionals across the UK. 

Bandcamp Artist & Label Relations Lead Aly Gillani said: “Thank you to anyone who’s bought a track or album or uploaded their music, it really means so much. We’re at an interesting moment as an independent music community, our choices are powerful. There’s a quote that says, we should participate in the communities that we want to see thrive, and we’re so glad you chose to participate with us.”

‘Best Independent Record Store’ — now in its second year and recognising the importance of record stores for music discovery and as community hubs — was awarded to Wax & Beans, a Bury institution that has become a much-loved cornerstone of its local music community over the past seven years.

As always, the event saw some unmissable live performances, showcasing the breadth of genres in the independent sector, with the electrifying Moonchild Sanelly, acclaimed cellist and songwriter Ayanna Witter-Johnson, rising Isle of Wight rock quartet and previous Independent Music Awards nominees Coach Party, and a surprise performance from ‘Best EP/Mixtape Award’ winner MRCY.

AIM CEO Gee Davy said: “Tonight’s 15th anniversary edition of The Independent Music Awards has been an unforgettable celebration of the creative freedom, resilience, and innovative spirit that has always defined the independent music community. 

“This fearless innovation is seen in everything from Cosey Fanni Tutti’s pioneering art and enterprise, Fontaines D.C.’s uncompromising music, Ezra Collective’s unfolding excellence, XL Recordings’ unwavering support for artists, ESEA’s inspiring advocacy, Karen Emanuel’s ethical and inclusive entrepreneurship, Gilles Peterson’s boundary-pushing passion, and the unending dedication to platforming talent of Wax & Beans and Bandcamp. 

“The night highlighted the breadth of talent across the sector, and the passion that keeps it thriving. It was a joyous occasion and a reminder of the continued importance of the independent music sector as the epicentre of creative freedom.”

Independent Music Awards 2025 winners and nominees:

Outstanding Contribution To Music (in association with Merlin)

Gilles Peterson *WINNER*

Innovator Award

Cosey Fanni Tutti *WINNER*

Best Independent Album (in association with Spotify)

Fontaines D.C. – Romance (XL Recordings) *WINNER*

Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE (Jagjaguwar)

Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching (Partisan Records)

Hope Tala – Hope Handwritten (Big Family Music)

John Glacier – Like A Ribbon (Young)

Maverick Sabre – Burn The Right Things Down (FAMM)

Moonchild Sanelly – Full Moon (Transgressive Records)

Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (Warp Records)

Oklou – Choke Enough (Because Music / True Panther Records)

TAAHLIAH – Gramarye (untitled (recs))

Best Independent Track (in association with Meta)

Ezra Collective – God Gave Me Feet For Dancing ft. Yazmin Lacey (Partisan Records) *WINNER*

anaiis, Grupo Cosmo – B.P.E (5dB Records)

JIALING – FREAKY HORNS (Clasico Records)

Jim Legxacy – father (XL Recordings)

Jorja Smith, Maverick Sabre – Loving You (FAMM)

Miso Extra, Metronomy – Good Kisses (Transgressive Records)

Orla Gartland – Mine (New Friends Music)

Wet Leg – Catch These Fists (Domino Recording Co.)

Wunderhorse – The Rope (Communion Records)

Yannis & The Yaw, Tony Allen – Rain Can’t Reach Us (Transgressive Records)

UK Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music) 

corto.alto (Ninja Tune previously New Soil) *WINNER*

Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co.)

Glass Beams (Ninja Tune)

Hope Tala (Big Family Music)

Sara Landry (HEKATE Records)

Best Live Performer

Shed Seven (Cooking Vinyl) *WINNER*

Alison Moyet (Cooking Vinyl)

Elles Bailey (Cooking Vinyl)

Ayanna Witter-Johnson (Hill and Gully Records)

Wunderhorse (Communion Records) 

Best Independent Video (in association with VEVO) 

Bricknasty – Vinland (FAMM) *WINNER*

Black Honey – Psycho (Foxfive Records) 

Fontaines D.C. – In The Modern World (XL Recordings)

Ezra Collective – God Gave Me Feet For Dancing Ft. Yazmin Lacey (Partisan Records)

Wet Leg – Catch These Fists (Domino Recording Co.)

Best Independent EP/Mixtape (in association with Notion) 

MRCY – VOLUME 1 (Dead Oceans) *WINNER*

Fcukers – Baggy$$ (Technicolour) 

Nectar Woode – Head Above Water (Communion Records)

Shygirl – Club Shy Room 2 (Because Music)

Zino Vinci – The Late Bloomer (Believe UK)  

Best Independent Remix (in association with BBC Radio 1 Dance)

Boy Harsher Remix – Nilufer Yanya – ‘Just A Western’ (Ninja Tune) *WINNER*

D’Monk Remix – Rosie Lowe – ‘Gratitudes’ (Blue Flowers Music)

Jorg Kunning Bicton Barns Remix – Koreless – ‘Seven’ (Young)

Tatyana Remix – Home Counties – ‘Uptight’ (Submarine Cat Records) 

Tower Block 1 – Fat Dog – ‘Peace Song’ (Domino Recording Co.)

Best Creative Campaign

Aitch (NQ Records)

Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar) *WINNER*

Fontaines D.C. (XL Recordings) 

Snapped Ankles (The Leaf Label) 

SOPHIE (Transgressive)

One To Watch (in association with BBC Introducing)

BINA. (TLD Records) *WINNER*

anaiis (5dB Records)

Chloe Qisha (VLF Records /Are You Serious Records) 

Cristale (Believe)

Fcukers (Ninja Tune)

PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist

Popeth (Recordiau Cosh Records) *WINNER*

Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co.)

First Time Flyers (Lookout Mountain)

IN PARALLEL (Method 808)

NDOTZ (Chosen Flystr8)

Best Independent Label 

XL Recordings *WINNER*

Because Music

Communion Records

Modern Sky UK

Transgressive Records

Best Boutique Label (in association with Qobuz)

AD 93 *WINNER*

Clasico Records

Flystr8

Submarine Cat Records

Untitled (recs)

Best Independent Record Store 

Wax & Beans (Bury) *WINNER*

Art Beats (Saffron Walden)

A Slice of Vinyl (Gosport)

Raven Records (Camden, London)

Spinning Around Records (Wellington, Telford)

Music Entrepreneur of the Year

Karen Emanuel (Key Productions) *WINNER*

DEI Champion 

ESEA Music *WINNER*

Independent Music Champion (in association with PRS for Music)

Bandcamp *WINNER*