The Association of Independent Music will be accepting entries for this year’s Awards from today (May 3).

Ten categories are open for submissions from both members and non-members, the 6^th annual AIM Independent Music Awards will celebrate the talent and influence of the independent sector in the UK.

The deadline for entries is May 24 and application forms can be downloaded here.

Entries will be considered by an expert panel of judges from across the media and music industry. New to the judging panel this year are Alison Howe, executive producer of Later with Jools Holland, Joe Zadeh from Noisey, Tom Doyle from Rock Sound, Clara Amfo from Radio 1 and Maz Tappuni from Radio X. 

They join a panel that includes representatives from Radio 1 and 1Xtra, 6Music, Radio X, Drowned In Sound, The Quietus, Mixmag, The Independent, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, DIY and FACT Magazine.

The categories for the 2016 awards are:

Best Small label

Best 'Difficult' Second Album

Special Catalogue Release of the Year

Hardest Working Band or Artist

Golden Welly Award for Best Independent Festival

Independent Breakthrough of the Year

Independent Label of the Year *

Independent Video of the Year

Innovator Award *

Indie Champion Award *

Best Live Act

Independent Track of the Year

Independent Album of the Year

PPL Award For Most Played New Independent Act *

Outstanding Contribution to Music *

Pioneer Award *

*  Categories shortlisted by judging panel and not open for entry.

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