Idles and Jade Bird lead AIM nominations
Idles lead the way with four nominations at this year's Association of Independent Music (AIM) awards.
The Bristol band, who released their second album Joy As An Act of Resistance in August last year, are nominated in both the UK and international breakthrough categories. Country-rock newcomer Jade Bird is also in the running for the same awards. Blondie's Debbie Harry will also accept an award for outstanding contribution to music at the event in September. "Blondie emerged from a scene that was truly independent and we have never lost that ethos," she said in a statement. "We always fought for the freedom to create what we wanted, without interference. It is an honour to receive this award from a community that helps make that happen every day for artists." The 10-strong shortlist for best independent album includes artists such as Christine And The Queens, Dave and Little Simz, as well as Dublin punks Fontaines DC. AIM has also announced a new category, the "one to watch award", in association with BBC Music Introducing. Nominees include Arlo Parks, Barney Artist, Georgia, KOKOROKO and Larkins. The judges for this years awards include Beats One's Julie Adenuga, 1Xtra DJ Jamz Supernova and DJ Mag editor Carl Loben. The full list of nominations is below, while the awards will be handed out at the Roundhouse in London on 3 September. AIM Independent Music Awards Shortlist UK Independent Breakthrough International Breakthrough Best Independent Track Best Independent Album Best [Difficult] Second Album One To Watch Best Small Label Best Creative Packaging Best Independent Video Best Independent Label Most Played New Independent Artist