Flying Lotus, FKA twigs and Sarathy Korwar are among the award winners at this year’s Independent Music Awards, an event that recognizes artists working outside the major label system and performed by the UK-based Association of Independent Music (AIM).
British Indian artist Korwar, whose music includes jazz, hip-hop and proverb, won the best independent album for More Arriving, and beat better established artists, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Laura Marling.
Korwar was born in the US and raised in India before moving to the United Kingdom. He recently criticized the Mercury Prize, stating that he was not eligible because of his nationality despite being long hair based. “[The AIM award] means a lot to me, ”he said. “Being independent in today’s music industry means I tell my own stories without compromising anything and I’m very grateful for that.”
Flying Lotus, AKA producer from Los Angeles Steven Ellison, won best independent track for More, with Anderson .Paak. Ellison said, “It feels like a real blessing to receive and recognize a distinction in these times, when they make us feel that our work is not essential.”
The award for independent breakthrough was won by jazz drummer Moses Boyd, who was nominated for the Mercury Award this year, while Korean-American dance producer Yaeji won international breakthrough after her award-winning album What We Drew 왔던 가 그려 왔던. Metal band Five Finger Death Punch won the best live act, and London-based singer Arlo Parks won the award “one to watch”, according to her mention in the BBC’s influential 2020 Sound.
The unusual distinction for best second album went to FKA twigs for Magdalene, who thanks her label Young Turks, saying, “Being an independent artist means each vision is my own.”
The awards ceremony was almost complete, with performances from Parks, AJ Tracey (winner of the Innovator Award), Little Simz (winner of the Pioneer Award), and Erasure, whose Vince Clark received the special recognition.
Tony Allen was posthumously awarded for outstanding contribution to music, with the distinction received by his brother Ignatius. Blur frontman Damon Albarn performed a special tribute to Allen with former collaborators including drummer Femi Koleoso, who also led a jazz medley in tribute.
Winners of Independent Music Award 2020
UK independent breakthrough: Moses Boyd
Best creative packaging: Digga D – Double Tap Diaries
Special recognition award: Vince Clark
Indie champion: Helen Smith, Impala
Best small label: Speedy Wunderground
Best independent remix: Lafawndah – Tourist x Nídia rework
One to look at: Arlo Parks
Best independent video: The Howl & the Hum – The Only Boy Racer Left on the Island
Innovation award: AJ Tracey
Best (difficult) second abum: FKA twigen – Magdalene
International breakthrough: Yaeji
Pioneer Award: Little Simz
Most played new independent artist: Freya Ridings
Best Independent Album: Sarathy Korwar – More Arrivals
Best live act: Five Finger Death Punch
Best independent track: Flying Lotus – More (feat. Anderson .Paak)
Best independent label: Jazz re: freshed
Striking contribution to music: Tony Allen
