The Independent Music Awards returns to the Roundhouse

The Independent Music Awards will return to iconic London music venue the Roundhouse on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 to celebrate its 15th year.

The Independent Music Awards - organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) - will celebrate this year’s milestone by exploring the meaning of Independence in music, reflecting on the sector’s outsized cultural impact and its core values of creative freedom, partnership and integrity.

The Awards have often amplified the voices of independent talent well before mainstream recognition. Previous winners, such as Adele, Stormzy, Little Simz, IDLES, FKA Twigs, Dave, Ezra Collective, Wet Leg and Arlo Parks, have gone on to receive widespread acclaim, including accolades at the Ivors, Mercurys, MOBOs, BRITs or GRAMMYs.

The Independent Music Awards will continue to honour both emerging and globally successful talent across the full spectrum of independent music, with all of last year’s categories set to return, including ‘UK Independent Breakthrough’, ‘Best Independent EP/Mixtape,’ ‘Best Independent Remix’, ‘Best Independent Track’, ‘Best Independent Album’, ‘Best Independent Video’ and ‘One To Watch’. Last year’s newly-introduced ‘Best Independent Record Store’ category also returns.

AIM also plans to reintroduce ‘Local Music Champions’ (FKA ‘Local Heroes’, debuted in 2019), in collaboration with BBC Introducing. This badge recognises individuals across all regions and nations of the UK who have demonstrated unwavering support for their local music community or used their position to improve the wider ecosystem.

“We are delighted to bring the UK’s most vibrant music community awards back to the Roundhouse, celebrating the breadth of talent and innovation across independent music," said AIM CEO, Gee Davy. “The Independent Music Awards is the best place to celebrate and recognise those who often go unsung, creating the most culturally impactful music coming out of the UK, as well as an opportunity for us to honour some of our heroes and champions who make a wider impact.”