Fontaines D.C. and Ezra Collective lead this year's winners at the AIM's Independent Music Awards | Dork
Fontaines D.C. and Ezra Collective lead this year's winners at the AIM's Independent Music Awards
Ceremony also honored boutique labels, record stores, and grassroots community champions.
Gilles Peterson, Fontaines D.C.and Ezra Collective are among the winners at the 15th Independent Music Awards, unveiled by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) in London on 23rd September.
Peterson received ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ (in association with Merlin), recognising more than four decades of influence as a broadcaster, DJ and label founder.
Fontaines D.C. took ‘Best Independent Album’ (in association with Spotify) for their fourth album ‘Romance’, released via XL Recordings. It was one of two trophies on the night for XL Recordings, who were also named ‘Best Independent Label’.
Ezra Collective won ‘Best Independent Track’ (in association with Meta) for ‘God Gave Me Feet For Dancing’ featuring Yazmin Lacey, released via Partisan Records.
The ‘One To Watch’ award (in association with BBC Music Introducing) went to BINA., who 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.”
Live performances on the night came from Moonchild Sanelly, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Coach Party, and MRCY. Summing up the event, 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.
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
