AIM’s Independent Music Awards will return to London music venue the Roundhouse on September 23, 2025.  

“Now celebrating its 15th year, the event has established itself as the UK’s leading tastemaker award show, spotlighting the most culturally impactful and visionary artists, labels and entrepreneurs in independent music,” said a statement. 

The Independent Music Awards are organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the organisation representing and championing the UK’s independent music community, which together makes up a third of the UK’s recorded music market.

As part of its commitment to supporting independent music scenes throughout all regions and nations of the UK, 2025 will see the reintroduction of AIM’s Local Music Champions (formerly known as Local Heroes, debuted in 2019), in collaboration with BBC Introducing. This award shines a light on individuals across all regions and nations of the UK who have demonstrated unwavering support for their local music community or used their position to improve the wider ecosystem. 

Highlights of last year’s Awards included Sparks receiving the Outstanding Contribution To Music award as they announced their signing with Transgressive Records, as well as Neneh Cherry collecting the Innovator award. 

Music Venue Trust was named Independent Music Champion and Totnes’ Drift Records was honoured with the first ever Best Independent Record Store award. Other 2024 honourees included Sampha (Young), Jorja Smith (FAMM), Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune), OneDa (Heavenly Recordings), Sonic Cathedral, and many more.

Previous winners, such as Adele, Stormzy, Little Simz, Idles, FKA Twigs, Dave, Ezra Collective, Wet Leg and Arlo Parks, have gone on to receive widespread acclaim, including accolades at the Ivors, Mercurys, MOBOs, BRITs or Grammys.

Last year’s event demonstrated our commitment to celebrating success across all regions, nations and communities in the UK, and this year will build on that mission

Gee Davy

Submissions are now open here and close at 23:59 on Wednesday, July 9. All AIM Rightsholder members can submit for free. Discounts are available to organisations connected with AIM, such as those who focus on encouraging further diversity in the industry. 

One To Watch, EDI Champion, Independent Music Champion and Music Entrepreneur of the Year categories are entirely free for anyone to enter. Tickets will go on sale later in the summer.

Gee Davy, CEO of AIM, said: “We are delighted to bring the UK’s most vibrant music community awards back to the Roundhouse, celebrating the breadth of talent and innovation across independent music. The Independent Music Awards is the best place to celebrate and recognise those who often go unsung, creating the most culturally impactful music coming out of the UK, as well as an opportunity for us to honour some of our heroes and champions who make a wider impact. 

“Last year’s event demonstrated our commitment to celebrating success across all regions, nations and communities in the UK, and this year will build on that mission. We thank Merlin and PPL for their ongoing support and are always happy to hear from those who would like to work with us to ensure this special celebration can continue to shine a light on the best in independent music.”

UK Independent Breakthrough

Best Independent Track

Best Independent Label

Best Boutique Label

Best Independent Mixtape / EP

Best Independent Album

Best Independent Remix

One To Watch (submissions free to all)

EDI (Equity Diversity Inclusion) Champion (submissions free to all)

Independent Music Champion (submissions free to all)

Best Independent Video

Best Creative Campaign

Best Live Performer (public vote)

Music Entrepreneur of the Year

Best Independent Record Store

PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist

Innovator Award

Outstanding Contribution to Music