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Artist News Awards Business News
Little Simz, AJ Tracey and IMPALA’s Helen Smith announced as AIM Awards winners
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 28 July 2020
Ahead of its online ceremony next month, the AIM Independent Music Awards has announced the winners of some of its non-shortlisted prizes.
Little Simz will take away this year’s Pioneer Award, while AJ Tracey will win the Innovator Award. Both will also perform at the virtual event.
“Delighted to receive the Pioneer Award this year and excited to perform”, says Little Simz. Tracey adds: “Being an independent artist is incredibly important to me and winning this award is a huge honour. I’m a massive fan of those who have received this before me so it really means a lot”.
Also getting an award, although – as far as we know – not planning to get up and perform a song, is Helen Smith of pan-European indie label trade group IMPALA, who will take the Indie Champion Award.
“AIM is where I started out in the independent sector, so this is a very special award to me”, she says. “I feel very privileged to work in such an inspiring community which is incredibly dynamic and fast-moving. AIM is one of the key contributors to IMPALA’s energy and it’s an honour to receive this award”.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM, says of these winners: “AJ Tracey and Little Simz are two of the most ground-breaking and talented artists to have emerged in recent years from the UK’s unparalleled music scene. It seems fitting for a year in which the AIM Awards have pivoted to become virtual, that these two innovators are recognised for their achievements”.
“On the industry side, Helen Smith has been a stalwart advocate for the independent sector throughout her career”, he continues. “In her leadership of Europe’s independents at IMPALA, Helen has led several crucial lobbying campaigns, including on the recent European Copyright Directive”.
“Her unrelenting dedication has ensured that the voice of our community has been heard and considered”, he adds, “resulting in a better deal for independents across the continent and, in fact, a more constructive landscape for all stakeholders. The Indie Champion award is a fitting tribute”.
More announcements are set to be made today via the AIM Awards mobile app, where you’ll also be able to watch and interact with the ceremony when it takes place on 12 Aug.
