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Fcukers Lead 2026 Independent Music Awards Nominations, Robyn and Arca Also Featured
On 16 July 2026, the Association of Independent Music (AIM) unveiled the nominees for its 2026 Independent Music Awards. 34 artists and 42 releases compete across six categories, with the ceremony slated for London’s Roundhouse on 22 September.
The top spot on the shortlist goes to New York electronic duo Fcukers, who lead the field with three nods. Swedish pop icon Robyn and Venezuelan producer Arca also receive multiple recognitions.
Fcukers, signed to Ninja Tune, earned a nomination for Best Independent Album (Spotify) with their debut LP Ö, a spot in Best Independent Track (Meta) for the single “L.U.C.K.Y”, and a nomination for Independent Breakthrough (Amazon Music). Released in March 2026, Ö has been praised for fusing 2000s hip‑hop, UK garage, dub and trip‑hop into a club‑ready sound.
Robyn’s ninth studio album Sexistential (Young / Konichiwa) appears on the ballot for Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track for the single “Dopamine”. The album dropped on 27 March 2026 and was supported by a Live Nation‑organised tour. Arca’s remix of the title track, released on 3 February 2026, is nominated for Best Independent Remix.
Other artists with two nominations include neo‑soul singer Jalen Ngonda (Daptone Records), rapper‑producer Jim Legxacy (XL Recordings), R&B star Jorja Smith (FAMM), alternative rock duo Nova Twins (Marshall Records), electronic pop artist Romy (XL Recordings) and alternative R&B singer Tiana Major9 (+1 Records). The spread of categories underscores the diversity of the UK’s independent sector.
Best Independent Track – Meta - DEBBY FRIDAY – “Bet On Me” (Sub Pop) - Fcukers – “L.U.C.K.Y” (Ninja Tune) - Genesis Owusu – “Stampede” (Ourness) - Jalen Ngonda – “Doctrine of Love” (Daptone) - Jim Legxacy – “3x” (XL Recordings) - Jorja Smith – “The Way I Love You” (FAMM) - Nova Twins – “Piranha” (Marshall) - Robyn – “Dopamine” (Young / Konichiwa) - Romy – “Love Who You Love” (Young) - Tiana Major9 – “Desire” (+1)
Best Independent Album – Spotify - BICEP – TAKKUUK (Ninja Tune, EarthSonic) - Blawan – SickElixir (XL Recordings) - Fcukers – Ö (Ninja Tune) - Geese – Getting Killed (Partisan) - Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me (Dead Oceans) - Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies (Marshall) - Prostitute – Attempted Martyr (Mute) - Robyn – Sexistential (Young / Konichiwa) - SCALER – Endlessly (Black Acre) - Thundercat – Distracted (Brainfeeder)
Independent Breakthrough – Amazon Music - Fat Dog (Domino) - Fcukers (Ninja Tune) - Jalen Ngonda (Daptone) - Tiana Major9 (+1) - Ego Ella May (Believe UK)
Best Independent Mixtape/EP – NOTION - Bricknasty – Blacks Law (FAMM) - Jim Legxacy – black british music (2025) (XL Recordings) - Naima Bock – Live in Toulon (Sub Pop) - Strandz – Diaspora Dance Music (Strandz Music) - TTSSFU – Blown (Partisan)
Best Independent Remix - “If We Ever” (High Contrast Remix) – Overmono (XL Recordings) - “Love Who You Love” (SHERELLE’s Intelligent Dyke Music Remix) – Sherelle, Romy (Young) - “Sexistential” (Arca’s Take) – Robyn (Young / Konichiwa) - “The Way I Love You” (TS7 Remix) – Jorja Smith, TS7 (FAMM) - “You” (Donae’O Remix) – House Gospel Choir and Donae’O (Swear Down)
One To Watch – BBC Music Introducing - Ashaine White (Marshall) - Alewya (LDN) - Lauren Auder (untitled) - Mandy, Indiana (Sacred Bones) - Native James (Saviour)
AIM CEO Gee Davy said the nominations “showcase just some of the broad spectrum of success and authenticity flowing from the UK’s independent music community.” The awards, which celebrated AIM’s 15th anniversary last year, will feature a refreshed look and feel and will bring back public voting for the Best Independent Record Store and Best Live Performer categories.
The event is backed by Platinum Partners Amazon Music, Merlin and Meta. Winners will be announced during the September ceremony at the Roundhouse.
The shortlist reflects the power of independent labels: Young leads with five nominations, followed by XL Recordings and Ninja Tune with four each, and FAMM and Marshall Records with three. The diversity of genres—from pop and R&B to electronic, rock and experimental—highlights the sector’s role in championing artists outside the major‑label system.
The 2026 Independent Music Awards remain a key benchmark for independent creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, offering recognition to those who shape the future of music beyond the traditional industry framework.
The top spot on the shortlist goes to New York electronic duo Fcukers, who lead the field with three nods. Swedish pop icon Robyn and Venezuelan producer Arca also receive multiple recognitions.
Fcukers, signed to Ninja Tune, earned a nomination for Best Independent Album (Spotify) with their debut LP Ö, a spot in Best Independent Track (Meta) for the single “L.U.C.K.Y”, and a nomination for Independent Breakthrough (Amazon Music). Released in March 2026, Ö has been praised for fusing 2000s hip‑hop, UK garage, dub and trip‑hop into a club‑ready sound.
Robyn’s ninth studio album Sexistential (Young / Konichiwa) appears on the ballot for Best Independent Album and Best Independent Track for the single “Dopamine”. The album dropped on 27 March 2026 and was supported by a Live Nation‑organised tour. Arca’s remix of the title track, released on 3 February 2026, is nominated for Best Independent Remix.
Other artists with two nominations include neo‑soul singer Jalen Ngonda (Daptone Records), rapper‑producer Jim Legxacy (XL Recordings), R&B star Jorja Smith (FAMM), alternative rock duo Nova Twins (Marshall Records), electronic pop artist Romy (XL Recordings) and alternative R&B singer Tiana Major9 (+1 Records). The spread of categories underscores the diversity of the UK’s independent sector.
Best Independent Track – Meta - DEBBY FRIDAY – “Bet On Me” (Sub Pop) - Fcukers – “L.U.C.K.Y” (Ninja Tune) - Genesis Owusu – “Stampede” (Ourness) - Jalen Ngonda – “Doctrine of Love” (Daptone) - Jim Legxacy – “3x” (XL Recordings) - Jorja Smith – “The Way I Love You” (FAMM) - Nova Twins – “Piranha” (Marshall) - Robyn – “Dopamine” (Young / Konichiwa) - Romy – “Love Who You Love” (Young) - Tiana Major9 – “Desire” (+1)
Best Independent Album – Spotify - BICEP – TAKKUUK (Ninja Tune, EarthSonic) - Blawan – SickElixir (XL Recordings) - Fcukers – Ö (Ninja Tune) - Geese – Getting Killed (Partisan) - Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me (Dead Oceans) - Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies (Marshall) - Prostitute – Attempted Martyr (Mute) - Robyn – Sexistential (Young / Konichiwa) - SCALER – Endlessly (Black Acre) - Thundercat – Distracted (Brainfeeder)
Independent Breakthrough – Amazon Music - Fat Dog (Domino) - Fcukers (Ninja Tune) - Jalen Ngonda (Daptone) - Tiana Major9 (+1) - Ego Ella May (Believe UK)
Best Independent Mixtape/EP – NOTION - Bricknasty – Blacks Law (FAMM) - Jim Legxacy – black british music (2025) (XL Recordings) - Naima Bock – Live in Toulon (Sub Pop) - Strandz – Diaspora Dance Music (Strandz Music) - TTSSFU – Blown (Partisan)
Best Independent Remix - “If We Ever” (High Contrast Remix) – Overmono (XL Recordings) - “Love Who You Love” (SHERELLE’s Intelligent Dyke Music Remix) – Sherelle, Romy (Young) - “Sexistential” (Arca’s Take) – Robyn (Young / Konichiwa) - “The Way I Love You” (TS7 Remix) – Jorja Smith, TS7 (FAMM) - “You” (Donae’O Remix) – House Gospel Choir and Donae’O (Swear Down)
One To Watch – BBC Music Introducing - Ashaine White (Marshall) - Alewya (LDN) - Lauren Auder (untitled) - Mandy, Indiana (Sacred Bones) - Native James (Saviour)
AIM CEO Gee Davy said the nominations “showcase just some of the broad spectrum of success and authenticity flowing from the UK’s independent music community.” The awards, which celebrated AIM’s 15th anniversary last year, will feature a refreshed look and feel and will bring back public voting for the Best Independent Record Store and Best Live Performer categories.
The event is backed by Platinum Partners Amazon Music, Merlin and Meta. Winners will be announced during the September ceremony at the Roundhouse.
The shortlist reflects the power of independent labels: Young leads with five nominations, followed by XL Recordings and Ninja Tune with four each, and FAMM and Marshall Records with three. The diversity of genres—from pop and R&B to electronic, rock and experimental—highlights the sector’s role in championing artists outside the major‑label system.
The 2026 Independent Music Awards remain a key benchmark for independent creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, offering recognition to those who shape the future of music beyond the traditional industry framework.