AIM Announces 2026 Independent Music Awards Nominees, Fcukers Lead Field

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) unveiled the full slate of nominees for its 2026 Independent Music Awards on 16 July 2026. The list showcases the depth of the UK’s independent scene, with 18 acts earning multiple nods across 12 distinct categories.

At the forefront are New York‑based electronic duo Fcukers, who have secured three nominations. Their debut album Ö, released on Ninja Tune, is up for Best Independent Album (in partnership with Spotify), Best Independent Track (in partnership with Meta) and Independent Breakthrough (in partnership with Amazon Music). Fcukers’ rapid ascent is highlighted by the fact that they are the sole act to receive three nods.

Second on the leaderboard is Swedish pop icon Robyn, who also boasts three nominations. Her ninth studio album Sexistential, issued on 27 March 2026 through Young and Konichiwa, is in contention for Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track. A remix of the title track by producer Arca, who has previously re‑imagined Robyn’s work, is nominated for Best Independent Remix—making it the only instance where a remix has earned a separate category nomination.

A host of other artists trail with two nominations each: 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 pop artist Romy (XL Recordings) and alternative R&B singer Tiana Major9 (+1 Records). These performers also appear in the label‑centric segment of the awards, with Young, XL Recordings and Ninja Tune each receiving four nominations.

The 12 categories announced for the shortlist are: Best Independent Track (Meta), Best Independent Album (Spotify), Independent Breakthrough (Amazon Music), Best Independent Mixtape/EP (NOTION), Best Independent Remix, One To Watch (BBC Music Introducing), Best Independent Record Store (public vote) and Best Live Performer (public vote). The public‑vote categories empower fans to shape the outcome for record stores and live performers.

Nominees for the public‑vote categories are still pending. The Best Independent Record Store list will be compiled from public submissions and released after the voting period, while voting for Best Live Performer opened on 16 July 2026 and will close before the ceremony.

The awards ceremony will take place at London’s Roundhouse on 22 September 2026. AIM’s CEO, Gee Davy, said the event will celebrate the “strength of the UK’s independent label community” and will feature live performances, panel discussions and the presentation of the trophies.

The return of the Best Independent Record Store category—an event staple since AIM’s inception—alongside the inclusion of public‑vote categories underscores the organisation’s commitment to engaging the broader music community.

The full nominee list spans a wide spectrum of styles, from Fcukers’ dance‑floor energy to Arca’s experimental sound, the indie‑rock vigor of Geese and the funk‑led grooves of Thundercat. This breadth highlights AIM’s role as a tastemaker within the independent sector.

As the ceremony approaches, industry observers will be keen to see which acts claim the final trophies. The event promises to spotlight the ongoing vitality of independent music in the UK and beyond.