AIM Independent Music Awards 2024: Jorja Smith, Barry Can’t Swim, CASISDEAD, and Sampha Lead Nominations

The AIM Independent Music Awards have once again spotlighted the UK’s thriving independent music scene with the release of its first wave of 2024 nominations. Leading the pack with two nominations each are Jorja Smith, Barry Can’t Swim, CASISDEAD, and Sampha, all of whom are recognised across major categories like Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track.

This year’s nominations reflect the eclectic and innovative spirit of the UK’s music community. Jorja, whose recent album falling or flying continues to captivate audiences, is in the running for Best Independent Album. She’s joined by electronic artist Barry Can’t Swim, whose debut When Will We Land? has garnered critical acclaim. CASISDEAD, known for his enigmatic persona, and ’80s synth and grime crossover, is nominated for Best Independent Track with ‘Venom’ while Sampha, one of the most distinctive voices in modern music, has been recognised for the single ‘Spirit 2.0’.

The Best Independent Album category this year is particularly diverse, featuring an array of talent that spans genres and generations. From Kim Gordon’s experimental rock album The Collective to D-Block Europe’s chart-topping Rolling Stone, the category is a testament to the creative diversity that characterises the UK’s indie scene. Other nominees include Nubiyan Twist’s jazz-infused Find Your Flame, Actress’ avant-garde LXXXVIII, and ANOHNI and The Johnsons’ haunting My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross.

In the Best Independent Track category, the competition is equally fierce. Alongside CASISDEAD’s ‘Venom’ and Sampha’s ‘Spirit 2.0’, nominees include Fontaines D.C. with their track ‘Starburster’, and Ezra Collective, fresh off their 2023 Mercury Prize win, with ‘Ajala’. The category also features a collaboration between KNEECAP and Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten on ‘Better Way To Live’, as well as standout tracks from Hudson Mohawke, Nikki Nair, and Jorja Smith, who receives another nod for her club hit ‘Little Things’.

The public can get involved by voting for Best Live Performer, with voting now open on the AIM website. The award ceremony is set to take place on 17 October at London’s Roundhouse, promising a night of standout performances and well-deserved recognition for the artists pushing boundaries in the independent music scene.

This year’s nominations also highlight some of the industry’s rising stars. The UK Independent Breakthrough category features artists on the cusp of wider recognition, including Bar Italia, Saint Harison, and Wunderhorse. These artists represent the next wave of talent, poised to make a significant impact on the UK music landscape.

The AIM Independent Music Awards continue to celebrate the breadth and depth of the UK’s independent music sector, and this year’s nominations are a strong indication of the creativity and innovation driving the scene forward. With more announcements and live performances to be revealed, the 2024 ceremony is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for independent music in the UK.

Best Independent Album

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)

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 Remix

Aluna, Jayda G – ‘Mine O’ Mine’ (Mad Decent Under Exclusive Licence to Because Music)

P-rallel Remix

Olof Dreijer Remix – Björk – ‘Oral (feat. Rosalia)’ (One Little Independent)

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

Egyptian Lover Remix – Sudan Archives – ‘Freakalizer’ (Stones Throw Records)

Ezra Collective, Sampa The Great – ‘JOY (Life Goes On)’ (Partisan Records)

One To Watch (in association with BBC Music Introducing)

Antony Szmierek (LAB Records)

Kitty Amor (Defected Records)

Lynks (Heavenly Recordings)

Miso Extra (Transgressive)

OneDa (Heavenly Recordings)

Best Independent Track (in association with Meta)

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

CASISDEAD – ‘Venom’ (XL Recordings)

Sampha – ‘Spirit 2.0’ (Young)

Fontaines DC – ‘Starburster’ (XL Recordings)

Ezra Collective – ‘Ajala’ (Partisan 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)

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

Best Independent EP/Mixtape

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

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

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

Potter Payper – ‘Thanks For Hating’ (EGA Distro)

HONESTY – ‘BOX’ (Partisan Records)

UK Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music)

Bar Italia (Matador Records)

CASISDEAD (XL Recordings)

Wunderhorse (Communion Records)

Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune)

Saint Harison (Platoon)

Best Independent Video

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)