AIM 2025: 15 Years of Innovation, Influence & Independence

Hana Alexander
Aug 5
3 min read

The 15th annual AIM Independent Music Awards returns to London’s Roundhouse on September 23rd, marking a decade and a half of spotlighting some of the UK’s best underground to breakthrough and boundary-pushing independent talent.

Taking a moment to appreciate industry highlights among diversity, this year’s nominations continue the celebration of the new wave of artists exploring and pioneering uncharted depths in the creativity of music and arts.

Standout Alt experimentalist Jim Legxacy earns praise for his emotionally layered and blended sound, while South London’s Cristale lands a ‘One To Watch’ nod for her sharp lyricism and undeniable presence. Maverick Sabre is recognised for his soul-rap fusion, alongside introspective rapper Zino Vinci and BINA.’s buttery blended neo-soul.

Jorja Smith, Hope Tala, anaiis, Moonchild Sanelly and Miso Extra also make the shortlist, a marker recognition - proving reinvention remains a key to longevity. Yannis & Tony Allen’s collaborative tribute to Afrobeat’s tradition and future lands for another category list that acknowledges a sonic range, and one that has long identified industry-defining talent well before mainstream critical acclaim.

These awards honour more than just performers. Categories like ‘Best Independent Label’, ‘Creative Campaign’ and ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ return, while ‘Best Independent Record Store’ opens to public nominations for the first time (vote here)—underscoring the scene’s established community roots and influence. Supporters can also vote for their favourite live performer (vote here).

Organised by AIM, the UK’s trade body for independent music, the ceremony celebrates creative innovation, autonomy, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit. Previous winners include Adele, Arlo Parks, Dave, Ezra Collective, FKA Twigs, IDLES, Little Simz, RAYE and Stormzy, all having gone on to receive widespread notoriety, including accolades at the Ivors, Mercurys, MOBOs, BRITs or GRAMMYs – proof in the awards' pivotal and long-standing role as a tastemakers.

Full nominee list below:

Best Independent Album

Bon Iver – Sable, Fable (Jagjaguwar)
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One's Watching (Partisan Records)
Fontaines D.C. – Romance (XL Recordings)
Hope Tala – Hope Handwritten (PMR Records)
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 (Oklou / True Panther Records)
TAAHLIA – Gramayre (untitled (recs))

Best Independent Track

anaiis, Grupo Cosmo – B.P.E (5dB Records)
Ezra Collective, Yazmin Lacey – God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (Partisan 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 (The Orchard)
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 & New Soil)
Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co.)
Glass Beams (Ninja Tune)
Hope Tala (Big Family Music & PMR Records)
Sara Landry (HEKATE Records)

Best Independent EP/Mixtape

Fcukers – Baggy$$ (Technicolour Records)
MRCY – VOLUME 1 (Dead Oceans)
Nectar Woode – Head Above Water (Communion Music)
Shygirl – Club Shy Room 2 (Because Music)
Zino Vinci – The Late Bloomer (Bawne London / Believe)

One To Watch

anaiis (5dB Records)
BINA. (TLD Records)
Chloe Qisha (VLF Records / Believe)
Cristale (Believe)
Fcukers (Technicolour Records)

Best Independent Remix

Aluna – Heatstroke (Paul Woolford Remix) (Mad Decent / Because Music)
Home Counties – Uptight (TATYANA Remix) (Submarine Cat Records)
Koreless – Seven (Jorig Kuning Bicton Barns Remix) (Young)
Nilufer Yanya – Just A Western (Boy Harsher Remix) (Ninja Tune)
Rosie Lowe – Gratitudes (D’Monk Remix) (Blue Flowers Music)

Public Vote Categories

Best Independent Record Store – Public nominations now open
Best Live Performer – Public voting now open

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