If you didn’t see last night, the AIM Awards returned for a bumper 2018 edition – with the likes of Let’s Eat Grandma, Idles, SOPHIE, Nadine Shah and more all picking up gongs in celebration of the past 12 months of independent music.
Hosted by Sharon Carpenter (of HQ fame) and Mistajam, there were awards flying all over the shop on a packed night in London. Former cover stars Let’s Eat Grandma scored Best Sophomore Release for their amazing latest album ‘I’m All Ears’, IDLES picked up the Hardest Working Group Or Artist Award (summed up by the fact they weren’t able to pick up the award as they were still signing records at Rough Trade), Nadine Shah picked up Independent Album Of The Year after a storming live performance earlier in the night, Phoebe Bridgers went home with International Breakthrough and SOPHIE took home a very special Innovator award too.
With further wins for Jorja Smith, Peggy Gou, Goldie and Erasue – with label nods for Ninja Tune and an afterparty that lasted late into the night (which featured performances from Goat Girl, Boy Azooga, Peggy Gou and Goldie amongst others), it was a bloody good time.
Check out the full list of winners below. We’re just going to be over here with a coffee and a glass of water…
Independent Album of the Year
Nadine Shah – Holiday Destination
Best Sophomore Release
Let’s Eat Grandma – I’m All Ears
UK Breakthrough of the Year
Jorja Smith
International Breakthrough of the Year
Phoebe Bridgers
Independent Track of the Year
Peggy Gou – It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)
Hardest Working Group or Artist
Idles
Best Live Act
Erasure
Innovator Award
SOPHIE
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Tracey Thorn
Pioneer Award
Goldie
Best Creative Packaging
Black Sabbath – The Ten Year War
Independent Label of the Year
Ninja Tune
Best Small Label
Black Acre Records
Indie Champion Award
Femi Adeyemi – Founder of NTS Radio
PPL Award For Most Played New Independent Act
Dave
Independent Video of the Year
Novo Amor – Birthplace
