Kitty Amor, Actress and Barry Can't Swim among nominees for 2024 AIM Awards

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has revealed the nominees for the annual Independent Music Awards.

Celebrating a broad range of artists from across the UK’s independent music scene, AIM’s nominations showcase the rich diversity and global success of the sector — which makes up more than a third of the UK’s recorded music market.

For ‘Best Independent Album’, supported by Spotify, electronic contenders include Mixmag cover star Actress with his highly-acclaimed album ‘LXXXVIII’ (released on Ninja Tune), Barry Can’t Swim's ‘When Will We Land?’ (also released by Ninja Tune) and Mount Kimbie’s ‘The Sunset Violent’ from Warp Records.

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The short-list for ‘Best Independent Remix’ sees the likes of ‘Mine O’ Mine’ by p-rallel, a remix of a song by Aluna and Jayda G (released under Mad Decent Under Exclusive Licence to Because Music); rising star Olaf Dreijer’s remix of Björk’s ‘Oral’ (One Little Independent); ‘Freakalizer’, an Egyptian Lover remix of Sudan Archives’ song (Stones Throw Records); Ezra Collective and Sampa the Great’s 'Life Goes On’ (Partisan Records); and last summer's anthem ‘Little Things X Gypsy Woman’, an L BEATS mashup of Jorja Smith (FAMM).

Nominations for the ‘Best Independent Track’ (in association with Meta), see experimental electronic producer NikNak sitting alongside the likes of Sampha, CASISDEAD, KNEECAP and Ezra Collective, with her track ‘1200RPM’ (released on Accidental Records).

The ‘One to Watch’ category, a collaboration with BBC Music Introducing, returns this year with afro-house DJ Kitty Amor, electro-punk producer Lynks and drum & bass MC OneDa on the list. Previous winners include Nia Archives, who went on to become the first jungle artist to earn a Mercury Prize nomination in 26 years.

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As is tradition, the award for Best Live Performer will be chosen by the public, with an online poll now open until September 2. Electronic nominees include Bicep, Four Tet, I. JORDAN and Shygirl.

Now in its 26th year, AIM exists to level the playing field for the UK’s independent music sector. Collaborating with over 1000 labels, the not-for-profit organisation continues to champion the talent and innovation of its community and shine a light on the ever-growing independent music scene.

Speaking on the 2024 nominations, AIM chair Ruth Barlow said: “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.”

Winners will be announced during a ceremony at London's Roundhouse on October 17. You can place your vote for Best Live Performer, here.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram