Johnny Marr, Debbie Harry and Dave celebrate independence at AIM Awards
By Mark Savage
BBC music reporter
Johnny Marr, Debbie Harry, Idles and Dave led the list of winners at the Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards on Tuesday.
Dave took two prizes – best independent album for Psychodrama and best independent track for Funky Friday.
Punk band Idles said they were “very confused” to win best second album and best breakthrough on the same night.
Blondie star Debbie Harry received an outstanding contribution honour, while Johnny Marr won the pioneer award.
The musician was presented with his prize by The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy, a long-time friend, who later joined him on stage to play The Smiths’ How Soon Is Now.
Marr also received a video message from Chic’s Nile Rodgers, who called him “off-the-charts cool”.
The awards were established in 2011 to celebrate artists who achieve success without the support of the “big three” record labels – Sony, Warner Music and Universal.
Debbie Harry was delayed getting to the ceremony after presenting her friend Iggy Pop with a lifetime achievement award at the GQ Awards in central London.
However, the singer handled the slip-up with characteristic style, joking: “The reason I’m late is that I’m just so goddamn independent – and proud of it, thank you.”
Full list of winners
Best independent album – Dave: Psychodrama
Best independent track – Dave: Funky Friday (ft Fredo)
Best [difficult] second album – Idles: Joy as an Act of Resistance
UK independent breakthrough – Idles
International breakthrough – Jade Bird
Pioneer award – Johnny Marr
Outstanding contribution to music – Debbie Harry
Best live act – Gerry Cinnamon
Best independent video – Hot Chip: Hungry Child
Most-played new independent artist – Freya Ridings
One to watch – Georgia
Best independent label – Partisan Records
Best small label – Scruff of the Neck
Best creative packaging – Various Artists/Rolling Stones: Confessin’ the Blues
Innovator award – Allen Kovac
Indie champion – Charles Caldas
