Ezra Collective, Fontaines D.C., corto.alto, XL Recordings Big Winners at AIM’s Independent Music Awards in London

Photo Credit: Ayanna Witter-Johnson by Sam Verdi

XL Recordings wins big at the AIM Independent Music Awards with its star act Fontaines D.C. securing the award for Best Independent Album.

It’s been a year of wins for XL Recordings, as the label won big at the AIM Independent Music Awards on the heels of the label’s major triumph at the Music Week Awards earlier this year. The show kicked off at The Roundhouse in London, with wins like XL’s star act Fontaines D.C. (Best Independent Album) and XL itself for Best Independent Label.

Gilles Peterson was honored as the winner of Outstanding Contribution to Music, while Cosey Fanni Tutti received the Innovator Award, and Key Production Group and Moving the Needle founder Karen Emanuel was named Entrepreneur of the Year. That follows her Businesswoman of the Year win at last year’s Music Week Women in Music Awards.

Best Independent Track went to Ezra Collective for Yazmin Lacey collaboration “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing,” while indie darling Bon Iver and label Jagjaguwar won Best Creative Campaign, and corto.alto won UK Independent Breakthrough.

Other wins included MRCY for Best Independent EP/Mixtape, Boy Harsher for Best Independent Remix, and Bricknasty for Best Independent Video. The One to Watch section was dominated by BINA, while the public-voted Best Live Performer award went to Shed Seven, and Popeth won the PPL Award for Most Played New Artist.

Bandcamp saw recognition as Independent Music Champion, while Best Boutique Label went to AD 93; ESEA Music received the DEI Champion award, and Best Independent Record Store went to Wax & Beans. Performances included Moonchild Sanelly, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Coach Party, and MRCY.

“Tonight’s 15th anniversary edition of the Independent Music Awards has been an unforgettable celebration of the creative freedom, resilience, and innovative spirit that has always defined the independent music community,” said AIM CEO Gee Davy.

“This fearless innovation is seen in everything from Cosey Fanni Tutti’s pioneering art and enterprise, Fontaines D.C.’s uncompromising music, Ezra Collective’s unfolding excellence, XL Recordings’ unwavering support for artists, ESEA’s inspiring advocacy, Karen Emanuel’s ethical and inclusive entrepreneurship, Gilles Peterson’s boundary-pushing passion, and the unending dedication to platforming talent of Wax & Beans and Bandcamp.”

“The night highlighted the breadth of talent across the sector, and the passion that keeps it thriving,” Davy concluded. “It was a joyous occasion and a reminder of the continued importance of the independent music sector as the epicentre of creative freedom.”

Link to the source article – https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/09/23/aim-independent-music-awards-london/