The AIM 2025 Independent Music Awards are officially open for submissions, offering artists, labels, and entrepreneurs from the U.K.’s vibrant independent music scene a chance to shine. Now in its 15th year, this prestigious event returns to London on September 23, hosted at the iconic Roundhouse venue.
Celebrating Independent Music Excellence
The AIM 2025 Independent Music Awards spotlight the creativity and contributions of the independent music community, which represents a third of the U.K.’s recorded music market. The awards honour not only musical talent but also the behind-the-scenes champions that support and drive the indie scene forward.
Key Categories to Enter
A wide range of categories are available for submission this year, including:
- UK Independent Breakthrough
- Best Independent EP/Mixtape
- Best Independent Remix
- Best Live Performer
There are also specialist awards that focus on impact and contribution beyond performance. Some of these include:
- One to Watch
- EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Champion
- Independent Music Champion
- Music Entrepreneur of the Year
Submission Details and Deadlines
Submissions are open now and will close promptly at 11:59 p.m. GMT on July 9. Entries must be submitted through the official AIM website.
Free and Discounted Entry Options
- AIM Rightsholder Members can enter submissions for free.
- Non-members can also enter but will incur a submission fee. However, discounts are available for affiliated organizations, especially those promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
Notably, the following categories are free for anyone to enter, regardless of membership status:
- One to Watch
- EDI Champion
- Independent Music Champion
- Music Entrepreneur of the Year
In-House Awards
Three categories will not accept public submissions as they are decided internally by AIM:
- Outstanding Contribution to Music
- The Innovator Award
- PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist
What’s New in 2025
Returning for the 2025 ceremony is the Local Music Champions award (previously known as Local Heroes), introduced in 2019. Presented in collaboration with BBC Introducing, this award celebrates individuals or organizations that have significantly impacted their local music community or contributed to improving the broader music ecosystem.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
While ticket sales will open later in the summer, expectations are high following last year’s memorable event. Highlights from 2024 included:
- Sparks receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award
- Neneh Cherry honored with the Innovator Award
- Music Venue Trust named Independent Music Champion
- Drift Records of Totnes awarded Best Independent Record Store
A Message from AIM’s CEO
Gee Davy, CEO of AIM, emphasized the importance of the event in a recent statement:
“We are delighted to bring the U.K.’s most vibrant music community awards back to the Roundhouse, celebrating the breadth of talent and innovation across independent music.”
She added that the awards not only recognize emerging artists but also celebrate the unsung heroes of the independent music scene.
Part of AIM’s 2025 Programme
The awards will cap off AIM’s larger 2025 calendar, following the AIM Connected conference on September 9 at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. That event caters to business leaders and senior managers working within the independent music space.
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