AIM’s Independent Music Awards will return to Londom’s Roundhouse for its 16th edition on September 22, 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 independent community to reflect on the teams, networks and partnerships that fuel the ongoing success of the sector.
The AIM Awards will continue to honour both emerging and globally successful talent across the full spectrum of independent music, spotlighting artists as well as the teams behind them.
Among 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,” said a statement.
UK Music’s recent analysis highlighted that the breakthrough point for an artist has gone from around two years in 2021 to around eight in 2025, meaning that catalogue releases are key to artist development and fan connection.
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
Gee Davy
All of last year’s categories return, including Independent Breakthrough, Best Independent Album, One To Watch and Best Independent Label.
The awards again turn to the public to vote for their Best Live Performer and Best Independent Record Store, the latter of which returns after its introduction last year, with an inaugural win for Wax and Beans in Bury, Greater Manchester. Submissions are open here and close on Thursday, May 21.
All AIM Rightsholder Members can submit for free. 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 said: “With the Independent Music Awards coming of age with its 16th 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.”
Previous winners have included Adele, Dave, Little Simz, Idles, FKA Twigs, Wet Leg and Arlo Parks.
Tickets go on sale in summer, with tiered pricing including low-cost options to boost inclusivity for the independent music community.
PHOTO: Lina Laythi
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
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