News

•  Returns to London’s Roundhouse on 22nd September
• New category ‘Best Catalogue Release’ added, joining recent addition for record stores. 
• Submissions can be made at independentmusicawards.co.uk until 21st May. 

The Independent Music Awards returns to iconic London music venue the Roundhouse for its 16th edition on 22nd September 2026.  

This year’s Awards will explore ‘Collective Strength’, revealed at AIM’s AGM as the organisation’s theme for the year. The theme acts as an invitation to the community to reflect on the teams, networks and partnerships that fuel the ongoing success of the sector. The Awards will continue to honour both emerging and globally successful talent across the full spectrum of independent music, spotlighting independently released artists as well as the often-unsung teams behind them. 

Amongst the award categories this year is the new addition of ‘Best Catalogue Release’, which has been introduced to celebrate the labels and artists making an impact with reissues of music over two years old. The award reflects the importance of these special releases for cementing artistic legacy and bringing iconic gems to new audiences, as well as for audience growth for newer stage artists. With UK Music’s recent analysis highlighting that the breakthrough point for an artist has gone from around two years in 2021 to around eight in 2025, catalogue releases are clearly key to artist development and fan connection. 

All of last year’s categories return, including ‘Independent Breakthrough’, ‘Best Independent Album’, ‘One to Watch’ and ‘Best Independent Label’. The Awards once again turn to the public to vote for their ‘Best Live Performer’ and to submit entries for their ‘Best Independent Record Store’, the latter of which returns after its successful and highly popular introduction last year, with an inaugural win for Wax and Beans in Bury, Greater Manchester.  

Submissions are open at independentmusicawards.co.uk and close on Thursday 21st May.  

All AIM Rightsholder Members can submit for free, whilst costs for non-members are significantly lower than for most other industry awards. There are also discounts to members of partner organisations and community groups. ‘Best Boutique Label’, ‘Best Independent Label’, ‘Independent Music Champion’, ‘DEI Champion’, ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘One to Watch’, are all free for anyone to submit to. 

AIM CEO Gee Davy commented: “With the Independent Music Awards coming of age with its sixteenth edition, we’re making sure that it continues to be the stand-out annual celebration of excellence for the UK’s independent music community. Our sector constantly evolves and so our Awards should too. The changes made are part of continual innovation to make sure our awards recognise the breadth of independent excellence, and that the event is inclusive and suitably sparkling.  

“It might take longer or be harder for true talent to be heard among increasing noise but, as always, the creativity and collective strength at the heart of this community means its brilliance shines through. We’ll be reflecting that at this year’s Independent Music Awards and look forward to celebrating, together.” 

Sarah Bakhaty, Roundhouse’s Commercial Director, added: “We are absolutely delighted that the Independent Music Awards will be taking place at the Roundhouse for yet another year. As an independent venue that champions young people’s creativity, we are proud to host an event that aligns so closely with our values by celebrating established and emerging talent from across the sector.”

The Independent Music Awards, now in its 16th year, has established itself as the UK’s leading tastemaker award show, spotlighting groundbreaking and visionary artists, entrepreneurs, labels and related businesses in independent music. Previous winners include Adele, Dave, Little Simz, IDLES, FKA Twigs, Wet Leg and Arlo Parks, who have all gone on to receive widespread acclaim, including wins at the MOBOs, Ivors, Mercurys, BRITs or GRAMMYs. 

Highlights of last year’s Awards included Gilles Peterson claiming the honour of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music Award’, Cosey Fanni Tutti (of industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle) winning the ‘Innovator’ award, Ezra Collective winning ‘Best Independent Track’, Bricknasty winning ‘Best Independent Video’ and Fontaines DC winning ‘Best Independent Album’.  

Tickets go on sale in summer, with tiered pricing including low-cost options to boost inclusivity for the independent music community. For more details and submission guidance, visit independentmusicawards.co.uk. 

List of 2026 Categories Available for Submissions 

Best Boutique Label 

Best Independent Label 

Music Entrepreneur of the Year 

Independent Music Champion 

DEI Champion 

Best Independent Record Store 

One To Watch 

Independent Breakthrough 

Best Independent Video 

Best Independent Track 

Best Independent Remix 

Best Independent Mixtape / EP 

Best Independent Album 

Best Live Performer 

Best Release Campaign 

Best Catalogue Release 

About AIM 

AIM is the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music sector and community, which makes up close to a third of the UK’s recorded music market. Now in its 28th year, AIM’s 1000+ members range from the largest, most respected independent record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music. They include Black Acre, Because Music, Beggars Group (4AD, Matador, Rough Trade Records, XL Recordings and Young), Chrysalis / Blue Raincoat, Domino, Finesse Foreva, HQ Familia, The Leaf Label, London Records, Ninja Tune, Numbers, Partisan, Transgressive, Scruff of the Neck, Secretly Canadian, Stones Throw, and Warp.  

AIM exists to level the playing field for independent music businesses and entrepreneurs – the beating heart of UK music. Regardless of genre, background, income, identity, or location, AIM provides access to the knowledge and contacts creative entrepreneurs need to create, build, and succeed.   

AIM champions talent and innovation in the independent music community at its annual Independent Music Awards, which recognise global success and the best emerging talent in the sector. It also provides professional development and insight sessions throughout the year as part of the AIM Academy, and through its regular conference programme, comprising AIM Connected, AIM Sync and AIM’s Future Independents.