Sampha, Jorja Smith, and Sparks are Winners: Recap of the 2024 AIM Awards

Celebrating some of the best in the UK’s independent music scene the AIM awards spotlighted the UK’s uniquely talented artists at its 14th ceremony (Oct 17th) at Camden’s Roundhouse. 

Featuring performances from nominees, winner Sampha was one to perform, taking the stage for a brightly measured and stripped-back piano instrumental performance of his ‘Spirit 2.0’ for attendees. Collecting his award for Best Independent Track in association with Meta for his 2023 single “Spirit 2.0” (Young), and Best Independent Video in association with Vevo for his track “Only” (Young). The artist offered heartfelt admiration for the ceremony, saying “Thank you so much AIM awards. This track really does mean a lot to me. I want to dedicate this to the spirit of my brother, who gave me everything in terms of music and was my educator. This is dedicated to Sanie. Thank you so much.”

Highlighting the diversity and strength of the independent music community at its best, the awards covered top contributors' cultural influence, signaling the fine line between commercial and cult success across the industry’s vastly varied independent sectors. 

Underscoring the spirit of independence, creativity, and collaboration in the music industry, AIM's interim CEO, Gee Davy, highlighted the community’s achievements, emphasizing the collective effort that continues to push the independent sector to new heights. A vibrant reminder of the independent sector's critical role in shaping music influences and its persistence in a big business industry - where the ceremony is a monumental moment to exchange and acknowledge the trials and dedication of honouring both long-time icons, fresh talent, and mavericks/entrepreneurs behind the scenes. 

The UK is at the top for independent releases, support, and coverage; according to the U.K. labels trade body BPI (2023). With the independent artistry often being challenged to maintain its growth the talents rewarded and highlighted only stress the innovation and consistency. 

The full list of nominees and winners at the 2024 AIM Independent Music Awards: Categories and winners 

UK Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music)

Bar Italia (Matador Records)

Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune) WINNER

CASISDEAD (XL Recordings)

Saint Harison (Tell Your Friends)

Wunderhorse (Communion Records)

Best Independent Album (in association with Spotify)

Actress - LXXXVIII (Ninja Tune)

ANOHNI and the Johnsons - My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross (Rough Trade Records)

Barry Can’t Swim - When Will We Land? (Ninja Tune)

D-Block Europe - Rolling Stone (EGA Distro)

Jorja Smith - falling or flying (FAMM) WINNER

Kim Gordon - The Collective (Matador Records)

Mount Kimbie  - The Sunset Violent (Warp Records)

Nabihah Iqbal  - Dreamer (Ninja Tune)

Nubiyan Twist - Find Your Flame (Strut Records)

Skrapz - Reflection (EGA Distro)

Best Independent Track (in association with Meta)

Amy Gadiaga - ‘All Black Everything’ (Jazz re:freshed)

CASISDEAD - ‘Venom’ (XL Recordings)

Ezra Collective - ‘Ajala’ (Partisan Records)

Fontaines DC - ‘Starburster’ (XL Recordings)

Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair - ‘Set The Roof’ (Warp Records)

Jorja Smith - ‘Little Things’ (FAMM)

KNEECAP, Grian Chatten - ‘Better Way To Live’ (Heavenly Recordings)

Matthew Halsall - ‘An Ever Changing View’ (Gondwana Records)

NikNak - ‘1200RPM’ (Accidental Records)

Sampha - ‘Spirit 2.0’ (Young) WINNER

Best Independent Remix (in association with Notion)

The Egyptian Lover Remix - Sudan Archives - Freakalizer (Stones Throw Records)

Joy Anonymous Remix - Ezra Collective, Sampa The Great - JOY (Life Goes On) (Partisan Records) WINNER

L BEATS Mashup - Jorja Smith - Little Things x Gypsy Woman (FAMM)

Olof Dreijer Remix - Björk - Oral (feat. Rosalia) (One Little Independent)

P-rallel Remix -  Aluna, Jayda G - Mine O’ Mine (Mad Decent Under Exclusive Licence to Because Music)

Best Live Performer

Frank Turner (Xtra Mile Recordings)

KNEECAP (Heavenly Recordings)

Laura Misch (One Little Independent)

Pendulum (Mushroom Music) WINNER

RAYE (Human Re Sources)

One To Watch (in association with BBC Music Introducing)

Antony Szmierek (LAB Records)

Kitty Amor (Defected Records)

Lynks (Heavenly Recordings)

Miso Extra (Transgressive Records)

OneDa (Heavenly Recordings) WINNER

PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist

Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)

Coach Party (Chess Club Records)

Far From Saints (Ignition Records) WINNER

Popeth (Recordiau Côsh Records)

Tom A. Smith (TYM Records)

Best Independent EP/Mixtape

George Riley - ‘Un/limited Love’ (Ninja Tune)

Headie One & K-Trap - ‘STRENGTH TO STRENGTH’ (One Records and Thousand8)

HONESTY - ‘BOX’ (Partisan Records)

JGrrey - ‘If Not Now?’ (PACE, a subsidiary of Marathon Music Group)

Potter Payper - ‘Thanks For Hating’ (EGA Distro) WINNER

Best Independent Video (in association with Vevo)

Gia Ford - Poolside (Chrysalis Records)

Khruangbin - A Love International (Dead Oceans)

Master Peace - I Might Be Fake feat. Georgia (PMR Records)

Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine (Dead Oceans)

Sampha - Only (Young) WINNER

Best Independent Label (in association with BBC Radio 6 Music)

Heavenly Recordings WINNER

Ninja Tune

Partisan Records

Sub Pop Records

Transgressive Records

Best Boutique Label (in association with Qobuz)

AD 93

Houndstooth

LAB Records

New Soil

Sonic Cathedral WINNER

Best Creative Campaign (in association with Able)

Chrysalis Records and BODEGA (‘Our Brand Could Be Yr Life’ )

Dead Oceans and Slowdive (‘everything is alive’ )

Lofi Girl – Identity Music (‘Snowman’)

Warp Records and Aphex Twin (‘Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a Room7 F760’) WINNER

Young and Sampha (‘LAHAI’ )

Best Independent Record Store

Drift WINNER

Honest Jon’s

Piccadilly

Rough Trade Bristol

Stranger Than Paradise Records

Music Entrepreneur of the Year

Andrew Batey (Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Beatdapp)

Atlanta Cobb (Founder & Director, Music Industry Mentor)

Colin Batsa (President and Chairman, EGA Distro)

Meg Carnie (Studio Manager / Co-Founder / Artist Manager - South Lanes Studios) WINNER

Tom Allen (President, Downtown Royalties and Financial Services, Downtown Music)

Diversity Champion

SILVASTONE WINNER

Independent Music Champion (in association with Downtown)

Music Venue Trust WINNER

Outstanding Contribution to Music (in association with Merlin)

Sparks WINNER

Innovator

Neneh Cherry WINNER