The Independent Music Awards have announced the recipients of several top honours and the final nominees for 2025. This year, pioneering artist Cosey Fanni Tutti will receive the coveted ‘Innovator Award’ for her radical and boundary-pushing work in art and music. Additionally, two-time UK Official Album Chart toppers Shed Seven will be named ‘Best Live Performer’ after winning the public vote, while online music platform Bandcamp has been recognised as the ‘Independent Music Champion’ for its unwavering support of independent artists.
Cosey Fanni Tutti’s career is defined by her fierce independence and relentless experimentation. As a founding member of both Throbbing Gristle and the art collective COUM Transmissions, she co-founded Industrial Records to self-release music that would go on to shape the evolution of industrial and electronic music. Her later work bridged experimental sound and accessible electronic music, directly inspiring artists such as Björk and Nine Inch Nails. Decades into her career, Tutti remains a vital force in avant-garde culture.
The awards ceremony, taking place at London’s Roundhouse next month, will also celebrate some of the year’s most nominated artists. Ezra Collective and Fontaines D.C. lead the pack with three nominations each. They are joined by a host of other acts with multiple nods, including anaiis, Fcukers, Wunderhorse, and Wet Leg. The event will feature exclusive live performances from Moonchild Sanelly, Coach Party, and ‘Best Live Performer’ nominee Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
Beyond the marquee awards, the ceremony will shine a light on the industry’s creative and commercial innovators. The ‘Best Creative Campaign’ award spotlights imaginative releases, including Aitch’s five-month single rollout and Bon Iver’s playful tinned fish collaboration. The awards will also celebrate the vital role of independent retail with the return of the ‘Best Independent Record Store’ title.
