The 10th edition of IMPALA’s Album of the Year award has been won by German artist Apparat, for LP5, released on UK independent label Mute.
Apparat (pictured) fought off competition from a shortlist of 22 albums from across Europe.
LP5 is an experimental ambient album by Apparat (real name Sascha Ring). It was recorded in Berlin at AP4, JRS, Vox-Ton and Hansa Studios, mixed by Gareth Jones and Sascha Ring.
IMPALA’s executive chair Helen Smith said: “LP5 is a great winner. It is a timely reminder of just how the European music market functions – a German artist collaborating with a UK label on a recording in Berlin. The winner and indeed the whole shortlist illustrate the importance of on-going cross-border co-operation in Europe.
Daniel Miller, founder of Mute, said: “Apparat's Sascha Ring is a truly innovative and adventurous artist and this award for LP5 is more than well deserved.”
Apparat's Sascha Ring is a truly innovative and adventurous artist
Daniel Miller
Ring said: “It’s been a great last year for the band – we’ve been playing all over Europe and once again realised how awesome it is to be able to travel around like that and play for all these people. We never really felt like a ‘German band’ and that’s why it’s awesome to receive this truly European award!”
It’s the second win for a German act, following Gurr’s victory two years ago. Other previous winners include Viagra Boys, Agnes Obel, The xx, Adele, Guadalupe Plata and Efterklang.
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