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Enter Shikari lead Independent Music Awards nominations
Indie | Thursday 27th September 2012 | David
With all the celebrity gossip and dramatic hoopla associated with ‘musicians’ – a term I use loosely, it is a rare wonder that once in a while an event comes along to restore my faith in music. And what’s more, its British music that has done this, with the announcement of the nominations for the 2012 AIM Independent Music Awards.
Staples of today’s British music scene, such as Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Frank Turner and The Prodigy have all received nominations, as well as newcomers, and Mercury-nominated, Alt-J and Django Django.
Most surprisingly though, the band leading the nominations is post-hardcore trance outfit Enter Shikari, who are up for three awards: Best Live Act, Hardest Working Band and Independent Album of the Year. Talking to the AIM Awards, the band said: "Its an honour to be nominated for not one but three awards. Even if we end up walking away with no actual awards, it was nice that the independent world thought of us enough to nominate us for these coveted gongs. Bring it on."
The band face stiff competition, in the live act category particularly, from The Cribs, The Prodigy and Frank Turner, whose appearance at the Olympics Opening Ceremony is a sign of his rising popularity.
Alabama-based group Alabama Shakes are up for two awards and whilst not British, their fiery mix of blues and southern soul is still worthy of inclusion. Nominated for both Independent Breakthrough of the Year and Independent Album, the band go up against frontrunners Enter Shikari in the latter of these, and indie up-and-comers Alt-J and Django Django for the breakthrough award.
Both these bands have had a great 2012, releasing hugely successful debut albums, which have also gained critical recognition. Another act to have had a brilliant 2012 is Adele who, thanks to her huge success with second album 21, will go up against Arctic Monkeys and ska legends Madness for the Most Played Independent Act award.
With all these fine British acts (and Alabama Shakes) being recognised for excellence, its extremely reassuring to see a news story about musicians and their music, in place of their personal life. Lady Gaga can get as big, or small, as she likes, One Direction can bed as many cougars as they wish, but in my opinion, authentic and talented musicians getting praise from their industry is all the news I need.
The awards ceremony takes place on the 29th October, and the full list of nominees can be seen at http://www.musicindie.com/awards/nominees2012
By David Pratt
