Rightfully so, Queen Of Music, Debbie Harry, gets honored! Along with the brilliant Johnny Marr!
“Now in its 20th year, the Association of Independent Music held its 2019 awards on Tuesday (Sept. 3), honoring leading independent artists, labels and industry figures. Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry picked up the award for Oustanding Contribution to Music, while The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, who also performed, took home the prestigious Pioneer Award trophy.
Elsewhere, English rapper Dave won Best Independent Album for his introspective debut LP Psychodrama, and Best Independent Track for “Funky Friday” featuring Fredo. Five-piece rock band IDLES were also double winners, earning the UK Independent Breakthrough accolade and Best [Difficult] Second Album for Joy as an Act of Resistance, praised for taking aim at everything from toxic masculinity to class inequality.
Partisan Records was awarded Best Independent Label at the ceremony, which took place at London’s iconic Roundhouse for the first time. Merlin CEO Charles Caldas, who will step down from his post at the end of 2019, was awarded this year’s Indie Champion.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming artists Freya Ridings, Jade Bird and Georgia also picked up honors. View the full list of winners, below.
Best Live Act
Gerry Cinnamon
Best Small Label
Scruff of the Neck
Best Creative Packaging
Various Artists, handpicked and curated in collaboration with the Rolling Stones, Confessin’ the Blues
UK Independent Breakthrough
IDLES
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Debbie Harry
Best Independent Album
Dave, Psychodrama
Best [Difficult] Second Album
IDLES, Joy as an Act of Resistance
PPL Award for Most Played New Independent Artist
Freya Ridings
International Breakthrough
Jade Bird
Innovator Award
Allen Kovac
Best Independent Video
Hot Chip, “Hungry Child”
Best Independent Track
Dave, “Funky Friday (feat. Fredo)”
One To Watch
Georgia
Best Independent Label
Partisan Records
Pioneer Award
Johnny Marr
Indie Champion
Charles Caldas.” – Billboard.com
