Fcukers Lead 2026 AIM Independent Music Awards Nominations With Three Nods

New York electronic duo Fcukers are the most nominated act at the 2026 AIM Independent Music Awards, earning three nominations after a breakout year driven by their debut album Ö.

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) unveiled the first round of nominees on 16 July, with winners set to be announced at The Roundhouse in London on 22 September. The awards celebrate the artists, labels and releases shaping the UK’s independent music sector.

Fcukers top this year’s nominations

Released via Ninja Tune, Ö has helped propel Fcukers from emerging act to one of independent music’s biggest success stories of the past year.

The band has been shortlisted for:

• Best Independent Album (in association with Spotify) for Ö
• Best Independent Track (in association with Meta) for L.U.C.K.Y
• Independent Breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music)

The trio of nominations gives Fcukers the strongest showing of any artist at this year’s awards.

Robyn, Jorja Smith and Bicep among major nominees

Robyn’s return with her first album in eight years, Sexistential, earned nominations in both Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track, while producer Arca received a Best Independent Remix nomination for her reworking of the album’s title track.

Several artists picked up two nominations, including:

• Jalen Ngonda
• Jim Legxacy
• Jorja Smith
• Nova Twins
• Romy
• Tiana Major9

Elsewhere, this year’s shortlist includes BICEP, Mitski, Geese, Fat Dog, Thundercat, Blawan and Genesis Owusu, highlighting the breadth of artists currently thriving across the independent music landscape.

Independent labels continue to dominate

The nominations also underline the continued influence of the UK’s independent label sector.

Young leads all labels with five nominations, followed by XL Recordings and Ninja Tune with four each. FAMM and Marshall Records both secured three nominations.

AIM celebrates another year for independent music

AIM CEO Gee Davy said this year’s shortlist reflects the strength and diversity of the independent sector.

“We’re thrilled to share the first nominees list for the 2026 Independent Music Awards, showcasing just some of the broad spectrum of success and authenticity flowing from the UK’s independent music community.

“The array of artists and genres on display here demonstrates once again that the independent music sector is the most exciting, authentic and groundbreaking place in the industry.

“Following our 15th Anniversary edition of the Awards last year, we have a fresh new look and feel, reflecting the consistent evolution of the independent music sector. We look forward to sharing more new features at the ceremony at London’s Roundhouse as we celebrate the success that comes from the collective strength of our mighty community.”

Public voting returns for two categories

Alongside the judged awards, AIM has confirmed the return of the Best Independent Record Store category, which is nominated by the public, while fans can also vote in the Best Live Performer category.

The winners of the 2026 AIM Independent Music Awards will be revealed at The Roundhouse on 22 September, bringing together artists, labels and industry figures to celebrate another year of independent music.