AIM is the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music community, which makes up over a quarter of the UK’s recorded music market. Now in its 23rd year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to DIY or self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music - including 4AD, Black Acre, CTRL Music, Dirty Hit, Domino Recording Co, Hospital Records, FAMM, Ninja Tune, Numbers, Transgressive, Secretly Canadian, Supernature, Warp and XL Recordings.

If you are a self-releasing artist, label, manager, entrepreneur, or business that releases music AIM will help you to navigate the ever-changing music industry. We provide our members with opportunities to maximise income, reduce outgoings, develop a deeper understanding of the business and of how to strike the right deals, access to distributors and Digital Service Providers (DSPs), networking opportunities and much more. Membership enables you to innovate, do better business and break into new areas.

Ultimately our role is to support and promote the independent music sector. So, a win for you is a win for us.

Find out more about AIM here.

AIM exists to level the playing field for UK independent music businesses – the beating heart of music! Everyone should have access to the knowledge and contacts they need to create, grow and win. Not only do we support our members through the difficult times but also in practical ways that make a daily difference, helping them take their businesses to the next level.

Our members get access to information they need to set up their business, grow their business, maximise income, gain a better understanding of the industry and supply chain and how to strike the right deals, as well as a digital marketplace of Opportunities. Make new contacts through networking opportunities at AIM’s events throughout the year. Membership enables them to innovate, do better business and break into new areas.

We fight for your rights and give you the tools to succeed. We work to bring independent voices together and represent our community to government, industry, press and the public.

Whether you're a self-releasing artist, a business releasing music or a business or service wanting to connect with independent music businesses, there is a place for you in the AIM community!

AIM's Membership team would be happy to answer any of your questions.

The AIM Independent Music Awards has been championing independent artists, labels and outstanding individuals since 2011. Previous winners include Arlo Parks, Dave, Jazz re:freshed, Little Simz, Partisan Records, Ninja Tune, Scruff of the Neck and The xx.

The deadline to submit for this year's Awards is Thursday 25th May. Don't miss out on the opportunity for yourself, your business, and the artists you work with, to be recognised at this year's awards, which celebrates the very best of independent music from the past year.

The 18 categories include the all-new ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ which shines a light on an individual (or individuals) within the independent community who has been the driving force in founding or building a business while displaying considerable innovation and success working with independent music, and ‘Best Independent EP / Mixtape’.

Submissions for these categories are free for everyone:

- One To Watch (In association with BBC Music Introducing)

- Best Boutique Label (FKA Best Small Label)

- Music Entrepreneur of the Year

- Diversity Champion

- Independent Champion

Every single submission is listened to and watched by our expert judges and tastemakers, who’ll be announced very soon. Make sure to get yours in by the deadline of 11:59pm on Thursday 25th May.

Head here to find out more.

As well as the AIM Independent Music Awards, AIM puts on sell-out conference and events programme aimed at independent music businesses throughout the year:

AIM Connected – The in-person conference and networking event for independent music business leaders, business owners, strategists, senior decision-makers, managers and executives.

Find out more about AIM Connected here.

AIM Sync - the UK’s leading global sync market and high level conference which brings independent rightsholders (independent labels, self-releasing artists and associated businesses) to get their music on TV, film, ads and games.

Find out more about AIM Sync here.

AIM Academy – Our year-round AIM Academy training programme - AIM Academy 101s and masterclasses around key business areas (both online and in person).

Find out more about AIM Academy here.