Public voting now open.

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has announced the first wave of nominees for the 2024 Independent Music Awards, celebrating the best of the UK’s independent music scene. Returning to the iconic Roundhouse in London on October 17th, this year's awards spotlight a diverse range of talent from across the UK, showcasing the innovation and influence of independent artists.

Leading the nominations are Jorja Smith, Barry Can’t Swim, CASISDEAD, and Sampha, each securing two nods across various categories. The competition for Best Independent Album is particularly fierce, with nominees including Kim Gordon’s "The Collective," D-Block Europe’s "Rolling Stone," and Jorja Smith’s "falling or flying." Rising stars Nubiyan Twist and Barry Can’t Swim also join the ranks, highlighting the eclectic and vibrant nature of the independent music landscape.

Public voting for the Best Live Performer category is now open, allowing fans to have their say in the celebration of live music.

This year’s nominees reflect the breadth and diversity of the UK’s independent music community. From Glastonbury headliners Fontaines D.C. to experimental electronic artist Barry Can’t Swim, the shortlist showcases artists from various genres and backgrounds. The Best Independent Track category, in association with Meta, features heavyweights like CASISDEAD’s "Venom" and Sampha’s "Spirit 2.0," alongside fresh talent like Amy Gadiaga with "All Black Everything."

AIM’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in the UK Independent Breakthrough category, supported by Amazon Music. Nominees include BRITs winner CASISDEAD, rising electronic artist Barry Can’t Swim, and alternative rock band Bar Italia. All nominees in this category will receive access to studio time at Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Lab, further supporting their development.

The awards are backed by key industry players, including the BBC, Amazon, Meta, and Vevo, highlighting the significance of independent music in the broader industry landscape. BBC Music Introducing continues its collaboration with AIM on the One To Watch category, recognizing up-and-coming artists like Manchester’s Antony Szmierek and drum & bass MC OneDa.

Gee Davy, Interim CEO at AIM, expressed excitement over the nominee list, emphasising the diversity and talent within the UK’s independent music scene. “Each year, our panel of tastemaker judges returns a great list. This year spans the regions and nations, genres and communities of the UK’s independent music scene, recognising success, talent, and artistry.”

Ruth Barlow, Chair of AIM, added, “Congratulations to the first of this year’s AIM Award nominees. These lists provide a great glimpse into the length and breadth of the UK’s independent sector and highlight a handful of the innovators, culture makers, and commercial successes AIM’s outstanding community has to offer.”

Additional nominations, including Best Boutique Label and Independent Champion, will be revealed in the coming months. Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await the ceremony, which promises to be a night of live performances, surprises, and a celebration of independent music’s best and brightest.

For more information and to participate in public voting for Best Live Performer, visit AIM’s official website.

For a complete list of nominees and further details about the awards, visit AIM’s website.