Only in it's second year the Association of Independent Music Awards were held in the U.K on October 29th. The awards were set up provide a collective voice for the independent music industry.
Some might wonder at the point of "another awards ceremony" however, the AIM Awards are truly representative of creative talent, innovation and electicism in the independent music industry. According to their website " AIM represents over 800 member companies, from the largest and most respected labels in the World, to small start-ups and individual artists releasing their own music for the first time. AIM promotes this exciting and diverse sector globally and provides a range of services to members, enabling member companies to grow, grasp new opportunities and break into new markets."
The other benefits of a body such as AIM are to the music listening public providing punters an opportunity to be introduced to artists that may not necessarily be on the radar.
This years winners were a motley crew of old and new, mixed genre and performers dangling from different heights of the ladder of fame. It's worth checking out the winners list, you might stumble across something that will be your best friend for life.
Best Live Act: The Prodigy
Independent Breakthrough of the Year: Alt-J
Hardest Working Band or Artist: 65daysofstatic
Best 'Difficult' Second Album: First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
Independent Album of the Year: Enter Shikari - A Flash Flood of Colour
Best Small Label: Black Butter Records
Genre Spotlight Award: Wiley - Evolve Or Be Extinct
Independent Entrepreneur of the Year: Simon Raymonde, Bella Union
PPL Award For Most Played Independent Act: Adele
Special Catalogue Release of the Year: The 13th Floor Elevators - Music From The Spheres
Independent Label of the Year: 4AD
Indie Champion Award: Ian Evans, IME Music
Golden Welly Award: Leefest
Outstanding Contribution to Music: Edwyn Collins
Pioneer Award: Daniel Miller, Mute
In celebration of The 13th Floor Elevators win for Special Catalogue Release of the Year for "Music From The Spheres", here they are performing " You're Gonna Miss Me."
