Debbie Harry to Receive Outstanding Contribution to Music Award

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) announced their nominee shortlist for September 3rd’s awards ceremony that will take place at The Roundhouse-based ceremony on 3 September, with Bristol punks Idles and blues-pop singer-songwriter Jade Bird leading the nominations.

Spanning 10 categories from International Breakthrough to Independent Album of the Year, other nominees include FKA Twigs, Christine and the Queens, Little Simz and Fontaines D.C.

However, already announced is Blondie’s Debbie Harry a  recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award. This in recognition of an iconic career that has spanned five decades.

Harry emerged from the ‘70s New York downtown music scene, performing with Blondie alongside everyone from The Ramones, Television, Talking Heads, Iggy Pop and David Bowie.  She has written and performed songs that defined an age, selling over 40 million albums, right the way through to the acclaimed 2017 Blondie album Pollinator. The award arrives in a timely manner with Harry’s autobiography Face It due for release in October,

“Blondie emerged from a scene that was truly independent and we have never lost that ethos,” said the singer, “We always fought for the freedom to create what we wanted, without interference. It is an honour to receive this award from a community that helps make that happen every day for artists.”

AIM CEO Paul Pacifico said “It’s great to see the diversity among this year’s nominees, which is a testament to the huge range of quality independent music being produced in 2019. We’re looking forward to honouring established artists like Debbie Harry, and relishing exciting upcoming performers like Georgia.”

Tickets to the ceremony, which include dinner, drinks receptions, and access to the exclusive live gig and after-party, can be purchased by clicking here. And those for  the live gig and after-party only are available here.

AIM is the not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector, which makes up a quarter of the recorded music market. Now in its 20th year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most-respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music.