News

• FCUKERS LEAD 2026 INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS
• ROBYN, GEESE, JORJA SMITH, ROMY, NOVA TWINS, MITSKI, BICEP AND THUNDERCAT ALSO RECOGNISED
• WINNERS WILL BE REVEALED ON 22 SEPTEMBER AT THE ROUNDHOUSE IN LONDON
• TICKETS NOW ON SALE
• PUBLIC VOTING OPENS FOR BEST LIVE PERFORMER AND SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR BEST INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE

Thank you to all the wonderful independent labels, artists, entrepreneurs and executives who submitted to an Awards category this year. The standard, as always, has been incredibly high, which speaks to the unparalleled innovation, creativity, and cultural significance of the independent music community.

We are pleased to reveal the nominees for the 2026 Independent Music Awards, with New York electronic group Fcukers leading this year’s field with three nominations.

Celebrating the artists, labels and releases shaping the future of independent music, the awards recognise the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to define the UK’s world-leading independent music sector. This year’s nominees span globally renowned artists and the next generation of breakthrough talent, reinforcing the Independent Music Awards’ reputation as the industry’s definitive tastemaker awards.

Topping the nominations are Fcukers, whose acclaimed debut album Ö released on Ninja Tune has driven a remarkable breakthrough year, earning nominations for Best Independent Album (in association with Spotify), Best Independent Track (in association with Meta) and Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music). Robyn’s celebrated return with her first album in eight years, Sexistential, sees the pioneering artist nominated in Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track, plus groundbreaking producer Arca also recognised in Best Independent Remix for her take on Sexistential’s title track.

A host of other artists receive two nominations apiece – neo-soul singer Jalen Ngonda (Daptone Records), rapper/producer Jim Legxacy (XL Recordings), R&B star Jorja Smith (FAMM), alternative rock duo Nova Twins (Marshall Records), electronic dance pop artist Romy (XL Recordings)and alternative R&B artist Tiana Major9 (+1 Records).

They are joined by nominees including indie rock breakthroughs Geese (Partisan Records), avant-garde producer Arca, English seven-piece Fat Dog, singer-songwriter Mitski (Dead Oceans), Belfast dance duo BICEP (Ninja Tune), and genre-bending funk visionary Thundercat (Brainfeeder), with independent artists thriving across the full spectrum of genres.

The nominations underline the strength of the UK’s independent label community. Young leads this year’s field with five nominations across multiple categories, followed by XL Recordings and Ninja Tune with four. FAMM and Marshall Records each receive three nominations, demonstrating the continued impact of independent labels in championing some of the world’s most exciting artists.

Across six artist and release categories, this year’s shortlist spans established global stars, breakthrough talent and genre-defying innovators, reflecting the extraordinary breadth and ambition of today’s independent music scene.

The winners of the 2026 Independent Music Awards will be announced at The Roundhouse in London on 22 September, bringing together artists, labels and music industry leaders to celebrate another outstanding year for the UK’s world-leading independent music community.

AIM CEO Gee Davy commented:

“We’re thrilled to share the first nominees list for the 2026 Independent Music Awards, showcasing just some of the broad spectrum of success and authenticity flowing from the UK’s independent music community. The array of artists and genres on display here demonstrates once again that the independent music sector is the most exciting, authentic and groundbreaking place in the industry.

Following our 15th Anniversary edition of the Awards last year, we have a fresh new look and feel, reflecting the consistent evolution of the independent music sector. We look forward to sharing more new features at the ceremony at London’s Roundhouse as we celebrate the success that comes from the collective strength of our mighty community.”

2026’s Nominees So Far

Best Independent Track in association with Meta
DEBBY FRIDAY – Bet On Me (Sub Pop Records)
Fcukers – L.U.C.K.Y (Ninja Tune)
Genesis Owusu – Stampede (Ourness)
Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine of Love (Daptone Records)
Jim Legxacy – 3x (XL Recordings)
Jorja Smith – The Way I Love You (FAMM)
Nova Twins – Piranha (Marshall Records)
Robyn – Dopamine (Young / Konichiwa)
Romy – Love Who You Love (Young)
Tiana Major9 – Desire (+1 Records)

Best Independent Album in association with Spotify
BICEP – TAKKUUK (Original Soundtrack) (Ninja Tune, EarthSonic)
Blawan – SickElixir (XL Recordings)
Fcukers – Ö (Ninja Tune)
Geese – Getting Killed (Partisan Records)
Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me (Dead Oceans)
Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies (Marshall Records)
Prostitute – Attempted Martyr (Mute)
Robyn – Sexistential (Young / Konichiwa)
SCALER – Endlessly (Black Acre)
Thundercat – Distracted (Brainfeeder)

Independent Breakthrough in association with Amazon Music
Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co.)
Fcukers (Ninja Tune)
Jalen Ngonda (Daptone Records)
Tiana Major9 (+1 Records)
Ego Ella May (Believe UK)

Best Independent EP/Mixtape in association with NOTION
Bricknasty – Blacks Law (FAMM)
Jim Legxacy – black british music (2025) (XL Recordings)
Naima Bock – Live in Toulon (Sub Pop Records)
Strandz – Diaspora Dance Music (Strandz Music)
TTSSFU – Blown (Partisan Records)

Best Independent Remix
If We Ever (High Contrast Remix) – Overmono (XL Recordings)
Love Who You Love (SHERELLE’s Intelligent Dyke Music Remix) – Sherelle, Romy (Young)
Sexistential (Arca’s Take) – Robyn (Young / Konichiwa)
The Way I Love You (TS7 Remix) – Jorja Smith, TS7 (FAMM)
You (Donae’O Remix) – House Gospel Choir and Donae’O (Swear Down Music)

One to Watch in association with BBC Music Introducing
Ashaine White (Marshall Records)
Alewya (LDN Records)
Lauren Auder (untitled (recs))
Mandy, Indiana (Sacred Bones Records)
Native James (Saviour Music)

Public Voting and Submissions Now Open

Best Independent Records Store

The Best Independent Record Store category will return this year, nominated by the public, allowing fans to have their say on the importance of these cultural hubs. This category celebrates the independent record stores and their place as key partners, cultural hubs and avenues for music discovery, and shines a light on stores which have demonstrated exceptional support to the independent community over the past year.

Entries can be submitted here.

Best Live Performer

Additionally, the Best Live Performer category will once again invite the public to vote for their favourites. This category recognises the best live performer in independent music over the past year across live-streamed and in-person events. Every act on this long list has been submitted by their teams and this public vote decides the shortlist and winner.

Vote for your winner here.

Tickets On Sale Now!

22nd September, Roundhouse, London

You can now buy seats and tables for the sparkling ceremony taking place at London’s Roundhouse on 22nd September.

Whether or not you are nominated for or winning an award, the awards ceremony is an excellent opportunity to celebrate mutual success and to look back over another year of cutting-edge independent music. Don’t miss out!

The ceremony includes a red carpet, drinks reception, live performances, gourmet food and ample opportunity to mix with top figures from across the music industry.

AIM would like to thank its Annual Platinum Partners Amazon Music, Merlin and Meta for their continued support for the independent music community and the Independent Music Awards.

Sponsor the Independent Music Awards

Looking to raise your profile and champion the independent music community? Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Independent Music Awards 2026. Award category sponsorship includes a range of branding, hospitality and promotional benefits, offering an exciting opportunity to align your organisation with the very best in independent music. Spaces are limited!

Contact sharlene.milwood@aim.org.uk to explore options.