FIRST WAVE OF 2024 AIM NOMINEES REVEALED

Jorja Smith (pictured), CASISDEAD and Fontaines D.C. are among the first nominees announced for this year’s AIM Awards, which celebrate the best of the British independent sector.

Companies up for multiple nominations include Ninja Tune, XL Recordings, Heavenly Recordings and EGA Distro. Smith, CASISDEAD, Barry Can’t Swim and Sampha have two nods each.

Smith’s falling or flying (FAMM) is in the running for Best Independent Album alongside When Will We Land? (Ninja Tune) by Barry Can’t Swim, D-Block Europe’s Rolling Stone (EGA) and Reflection by Skrapz (EGA). Others in the 10-strong list include releases by ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Kim Gordon and Mount Kimbie.

Nominees for Best Independent Track span “Venom” (XL) by BRIT winner CASISDEAD, “Little Things” by Smith, “Spirit 2.0” (Young) by Sampha and “Starburster” (XL) by Fontaines D.C.

Up-and-coming acts named Ones to Watch are Antony Szmierek (LAB Records), Kitty Amor (Defected), Lynks (Heavenly), Miso Extra (Transgressive) and OneDa (Heavenly).

Meanwhile, CASISDEAD, Barry Can’t Swim, Wunderhorse (Communion), Bar Italia (Matador) and Saint Harrison (Platoon) will vie for U.K. Independent Breakthrough.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 10/17. The full list of nominees can be viewed here.