The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has marked Independence Day in various ways over the years, using the date as an opportunity to rebrand July 4th “Independents Day” to champion the creativity, commitment and brilliance of the indies that they support year-round. This July 4th, AIM is delighted to unveil plans for the very first AIM Independent Music Awards to take place at Floridita in Soho, London on November 10th.
Hosted by BBC 6 Music stalwart Steve Lamacq and Radio 1’s champion of new music, Huw Stephens, the ceremony will feature performances from renowned independent artists and will see 14 awards presented to the great and good of the independent music world.
For the AIM Independent Music Awards it’s not just about big sales and high profile campaigns, it’s about recognising the success of all levels of act, genre and label and commending the real heroes of music that do things their own way making phenomenal music that entertains AND inspires.
Just last month, UK independent labels celebrated a first by securing four albums in the Top 10 chart for four weeks in a row so with 2011 fast becoming the year of the indie, it is only fitting that they now have their very own awards ceremony. Chairman and CEO of AIM, Alison Wenham, explains:
“AIM has spent 10 years focused on helping independent music to make the most of its huge creative assets, first in the UK and lately worldwide. We were always looking outward and upward. Now with the confidence which comes from our genuine and measurable achievements in the independent sector, we want to celebrate, in a distinct and indie fashion.”
AWARDS CATEGORIES
A judging panel of the UK's most informed music critics and tastemakers will determine the winners for the following nine awards:
International Achievement of the Year
Recognising notable overseas success for a UK signed artist
Catalogue Release of the Year
Recognising the best independent catalogue release
Best ‘Difficult’ Second Album
The independent album that has built of the success and brilliance of debut release
Independent Entrepreneur of the Year
For someone approaching the market in a smart and forward thinking way
Innovative Marketing Campaign of the Year
Recognising the year’s best independent marketing campaign
Pioneer Award
Recognising a visionary independent label founder
Independent Breakthrough of the Year
For the artist who created serious waves in 2011
Best Small Label
They’re not big (yet), but they are clever
Outstanding Contribution to Music
For an artist who continues to influence and inspire with their work
The following awards will be voted independently:
Golden Welly Award for Best Independent Festival
Recognising the UK’s best independent festival and voted for by Virtual Festivals users
Indie Champion Award
For an individual who demonstrates unwavering support for the independent community and voted for by AIMmembers
Best Live Act
For the best live act signed to an independent label and voted for by (website TBC) users
PPL Award for Most Played Independent Act
Based on airplay stats and for the independent act most played in public and on radio in 2011
Hardest Working Band or Artist
Recognising the independent band or artist that has gigged the most in the last year
The awards nominees will be unveiled by AIM in October.
www.musicindie.com/awards
www.twitter.com/AIMAwards
www.facebook.com/AIMIndependentMusicAwards
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