A2IM Announces 2024 Libera Awards Announces Performers

New York, NY (April 23, 2024) – Today, A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music, Inc.) has announced the line-up of performers for the 2024 Libera Awards presented by Merlin, to be hosted by New York City-based stand-up comedian and musician, Marcia Belsky.

In addition, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) will be attending to support independent music, continuing his efforts with A2IM, following  new legislation to create a federal grant program to support the work of emerging artists – the CREATE Art Act alongside Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The ceremony is set to take place Monday, June 10 at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City.

This year’s performers include a diverse array of artists, including Grammy Award-Winner Christian McBride performing with his jazz quartet Christian McBride’s New Jawn (Mack Avenue Music Group), classical pianist Lara Downes (Pentatone), Latin artist Pachyman (ATO Records), rapper Kari Faux (drink sum wtr), indie-pop trio Fcukers (Ninja Tune), and rising pop rock artist LØLØ (Hopeless Records). Together, they will showcase a celebration of independent artists from around the globe, uniting various genres and voices. Several of this year’s performers are up for a Libera Award, as well.

“We are thrilled to showcase such a dynamic lineup at this year’s Libera Awards,” said Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO of A2IM. “This year’s ceremony not only promises a powerful display of artistic diversity, and celebrates our industry leaders, but also highlights the ongoing advocacy efforts of A2IM. Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost’s attendance underscores the importance of supporting emerging independent artists.”

The 13th annual Libera Awards features 36 categories honoring the best in independent music. This year’s Libera Awards, presented by Merlin, features the addition of three new categories, including Best Record From Games and Interactive Media, Publisher of the Year and Distributor of the Year. This year, Louis Posen, Founder of Hopeless Records, will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions, accomplishments, philanthropy, and outstanding leadership in the independent sector.

The ceremony brings together musical pioneers who continue to build on the rich legacy of musical independence for a night of performances, and a multi-genre celebration with leading nominated artists including Killer Mike, Mitski, Caroline Polachek, L’Rain and Wednesday. Full list below. Ticket prices for the 2024 Libera Awards will increase this Thursday, April 24.

The American Association of Independent Music, better known as A2IM, is a not-for-profit trade association that represents independent music recording owners. With 800 music companies in our community, A2IM works every day to provide education, business, and commerce opportunities, and networking and community spaces for our members. Most importantly, A2IM advocates for music owners on a policy level to ensure fair compensation for their work. The Libera Awards is a celebration of these independents, along with the businesses and community that support independent music.

2024 Libera Awards Nominees:

Record of the Year

L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog (Mexican Summer)

Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)

Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)

Wednesday – Rat Saw God (Dead Oceans)

Label of the Year (5 or fewer employees)

Bastard Jazz Recordings

Bayonet Records

FADER Label

Innovative Leisure

Oh Boy Records

Topshelf Records

True Panther

Label of the Year (6-14 employees)

Captured Tracks

City Slang

Lex Records

Light in the Attic

Mack Avenue Music Group

Photo Finish Records

Saddle Creek

Label of the Year (15 or more employees)

Dead Oceans

Domino Recording Company

Hopeless Records

Matador Records

Merge Records

Partisan Records

Sub Pop Records

Third Man Records

Breakthrough Artist presented by Virgin Music Group

BAMBII (Innovative Leisure)

bar italia (Matador Records)

Blondshell (Partisan Records)

Indigo De Souza (Saddle Creek)

Say She She (Colemine Records)

Slow Pulp (ANTI)

Wednesday (Dead Oceans)

Music Video of the Year

Black Pumas – “More Than A Love Song” (ATO Records)

Blondshell – “Salad” (Partisan Records)

Indigo De Souza – “Younger & Dumber” (Saddle Creek)

Geese – “Cowboy Nudes” (Partisan Records)

IDLES – “Dancer” (Partisan Records)

Arlo Parks – “Blades” (Transgressive)

Shygirl – “Heaven (feat. Tinashe)” (Because Music)

Self-Released Record of the Year

Laurel Halo – Atlas (Awe)

L’Queer – “Fuck Ron DeSantis” (L’Queer)

Michigander – It Will Never Be The Same (C3 Records)

Paris Texas – MID AIR (Paris Texas LLC)

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)

Tenacious D – “Video Games” (Tenacious D)

Independent Champion presented by Merlin

Bandcamp

Downtown Music Holdings

Infinite Catalog

Light in the Attic

Peanut Butter Wolf

Jorge Brea

Thirty Tigers

Distributor of the Year

FUGA

Light in the Attic

The Orchard

Redeye Worldwide

Secretly Distribution

Symphonic Distribution

Virgin Music Group

Publisher of the Year

Arts & Crafts Music

Domino Publishing Company

Reservoir Media

Rimas Publishing

Secretly Publishing

Sub Pop Publishing

Warp Publishing

Best Alternative Rock Record

Courtney Barnett – End Of The Day (Mom+Pop)

Geese – 3D Country (Partisan Records)

Hotline TNT – Cartwheel (Third Man Records)

Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)

Wednesday – Rat Saw God (Dead Oceans)

Best American Roots Record

Charley Crockett – The Man From Waco Redux (Son Of Davy/Thirty Tigers)

Madi Diaz – “Don’t Do Me Good (feat. Kacey Musgraves)” (ANTI)

MJ Lenderman – “Rudolph” (ANTI)

Hiss Golden Messenger – Jump for Joy (Merge Records)

Esther Rose – Safe to Run (New West Records)

Allison Russell – The Returner (Fantasy Records)

Best Blues Record

The Count Basie Orchestra – Basie Swings The Blues (Candid Records)

Robert Finley – Black Bayou (Easy Eye Sound)

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Live In London (Alligator Records)

Bettye LaVette – LaVette! (Jay-Vee Records/MRI)

Various Artists – Tell Everybody! (21st Century Juke Joint Blues From Easy Eye Sound) (Easy Eye Sound)

Nick Waterhouse – The Fooler (Innovative Leisure)

Best Classical Record

Chick Corea & Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna – Sardinia (Candid Records)

Doeke – Bewondering (Nettwerk Music Group)

Lara Downes – Love at Last (Pentatone)

Erik Hall – Canto Ostinato (Western Vinyl)

Hauschka – Philanthropy (City Slang)

Will Liverman – The Dunbar/Moore Sessions: Vol. I (Lexicon Classics)

Kelly Moran – Vesela (Warp Records)

Chick Corea & Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna – “Mozart Concerto No. 24 C Minor, K.491: II Larghetto” (Candid Records)

Best Country Record

Mya Byrne – Rhinestone Tomboy (Kill Rock Stars)

Colbie Caillat – Along The Way (Blue Jean Baby Records/Downtown Artist & Label Services)

The Pink Stones – You Know Who (Normaltown Records)

Margo Price – Strays (Loma Vista Recordings)

Tanya Tucker – Sweet Western Sound (Fantasy Records)

Turnpike Troubadours – A Cat In The Rain (Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers)

Best Dance Record

Aluna – MYCELiUM (Mad Decent)

Braxe + Falcon – Step by Step (Remixes) (Smugglers Way/Domino Recording Company)

Jayda G – Guy (Ninja Tune)

LP Giobbi – Light Places (Counter Records/Ninja Tune)

Peggy Gou – “(It Goes Like) Nanana” (XL Recordings)

Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – Set The Roof (Warp Records)

Romy – Mid Air (Young)

Best Electronic Record

Floating Points – “Birth4000” (Ninja Tune)

Sofia Kourtesis – Madres (Ninja Tune)

Little Dragon – Slugs of Love (Ninja Tune)

ODESZA, Yellow House – Flaws In Our Design (Foreign Family Collective/Ninja Tune)

Overmono – Good Lies (XL Recordings)

DJ Shadow – Action Adventure (Mass Appeal)

Yaeji – With A Hammer (XL Recordings)

Best Folk Record

Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings (Ghostly International)

Laura Jane Grace – “Dysphoria Hoodie” (Polyvinyl Record Co.)

Kara Jackson – Why Does The Earth Give Us People To Love? (September Recordings)

Aoife O’Donovan – Age of Apathy Solo Sessions (Yep Roc Records)

Andy Shauf – Norm (ANTI)

Sufjan Stevens – Javelin (Asthmatic Kitty Records)

Sunny War – Anarchist Gospel (New West Records)

Best Global Record presented by Redeye Worldwide

Altin Gün – Ask (ATO Records)

Asake – Work of Art (YBNL Nation / EMPIRE)

Bombino – Sahel (Partisan Records)

Pachyman – Switched-On (ATO Records)

Sampa the Great – As Above, So Below (Deluxe) (Loma Vista Recordings)

WITCH – Zango (Desert Daze Sound)

Best Heavy Record

Beartooth – The Surface (Red Bull Records)

The Callous Daoboys – God Smiles Upon The Callous Daoboys (MNRK Music Group)

From Ashes to New – Blackout (Better Noise Music)

Fucked Up – One Day (Merge Records)

Model/Actriz – Dogsbody (True Panther)

Soul Glo – “If I Speak (Shut The Fuck Up)” (Epitaph)

Zulu – A New Tomorrow (Flatspot Records)

Best Hip-Hop/Rap Record

Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions (Rhymesayers Entertainment)

Atmosphere – So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously (Rhymesayers Entertainment)

Danny Brown – Quaranta (Warp Records)

Conway The Machine – WON’T HE DO IT (Drumwork Music Group LLC/EMPIRE)

McKinley Dixon – Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (City Slang)

Kari Faux – REAL B*TCHES DON’T DIE! (drink sum wtr)

Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)

billy woods, Kenny Segal – Maps (Backwoodz Studios/Fat Possum Records)

Best Jazz Record

Joey Alexander – Continuance (Mack Avenue Music Group)

Louis Cole – Some Unused Songs (Brainfeeder)

Sam Gendel & Marcella Cytrynowicz – AUDIOBOOK (Psychic Hotline)

Robert Glasper – In December (Loma Vista Recordings)

John Carroll Kirby – Blowout (Stones Throw Records)

Christian McBride’s New Jawn – Prime (Mack Avenue Music Group)

Best Latin Record

El Búho – Strata (Wonderwheel Recordings)

Bebel Gilberto – João ([PIAS])

Helado Negro – “LFO (Lupe Finds Oliveros)” (4AD)

Carla Morrison – “Todo Fue Por Amor (de la película “Con Esta Luz”)” (Cosmica Artists)

Pahua – Habita (Nacional Records)

Tagua Tagua – Tanto (Wonderwheel Recordings)

Best Outlier Record

Anjimile – The King (4AD)

ANOHNI – My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross (Secretly Canadian)

Khruangbin – Live at Sydney Opera House (Dead Oceans)

L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog (Mexican Summer)

Tirzah – trip9love…??? (Domino Recording Company)

yeule – softscars (Ninja Tune)

Best Pop Record

Belle and Sebastian – Late Developers (Matador Records)

CHAI – CHAI (Sub Pop Records)

Becca Mancari – Left Hand (Captured Tracks)

Samia – Honey (Grand Jury Music)

Suki Waterhouse – “To Love” (Sub Pop Records)

Best Punk Record

CIVIC – Taken By Force (ATO Records)

Mannequin Pussy – “I Got Heaven” (Epitaph)

Neck Deep – “Take Me With You” (Hopeless Records)

Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine (Flatspot Records)

Snõõper – Super Snõõper (Third Man Records)

Soul Glo – “If I Speak (Shut The Fuck Up)” (Epitaph)

Best R&B Record

Emily King – Special Occasion (ATO Records)

Sampha – Lahai (Young)

Emeli Sandé – How Were We To Know (Chrysalis Records)

Jorja Smith – falling or flying (FAMM Limited)

Cleo Sol – Gold (Forever Living Originals/TuneCore)

Jamila Woods – Water Made Us (Jagjaguwar)

Best Record From Games and Interactive Media

Jon Everist – The Lamplighters League (Original Soundtrack) (Lakeshore Records)

HEALTH – “HATEFUL” (Loma Vista Recordings)

Mr. Sauceman, ClascyJitto, Post Elvis – Pizza Tower (Materia Collective)

Matt Creamer, Retroware, Professor Shyguy ft. Nur-D – Prison City Original Soundtrack (Screenwave Media)

Best Reissue

Cymande – Cymande (Partisan Records)

De La Soul – 3 Feet High & Rising (AOI Records)

The Exploding Hearts – Guitar Romantic (Expanded and Remastered) (Third Man Records)

Jerry Garcia – Might As Well: A Round Records Retrospective (Round Records)

Jason Isbell – Southeastern (Southeastern Records / Thirty Tigers)

Neutral Milk Hotel – The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel (Merge Records)

Best Remix

Sudan Archives, ODESZA – “Selfish Soul (ODESZA Remix)” (Stones Throw Records under exclusive license to Foreign Family Collective/Ninja Tune)

Christine and the Queens – “To Be honest (SG Lewis Remix)” (Because Music)

John Summit, deadmau5, Kaskade – “I Remember (John Summit Remix)” (mau5trap)

Jerry Garcia & LP Giobbi – Garcia (Remixed) (Round Records)

Margo Price – “Change of Heart (feat. Sierra Ferrell)” (Loma Vista Recordings)

Best Rock Record

Be Your Own Pet – Mommy (Third Man Records)

Blondshell – Blondshell (Partisan Records)

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Weathervanes (Southeastern Records)

Manchester Orchestra – The Valley Of Vision (Loma Vista Recordings)

The National – First Two Pages of Frankenstein (4AD)

Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman… (Matador Records)

Ratboys – The Window (Topshelf Records)

Best Short-Form Video

Blondshell – “Kiss City” Reel (Partisan Records)

De La Soul – Tribute to Dave (AOI Records)

IDLES – “Grace” Teaser (Partisan Records)

John Carroll Kirby – “Oropendola” (Stones Throw Records)

Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)

Best Singer-Songwriter Record

Indigo De Souza – All of This Will End (Saddle Creek)

Madi Diaz – “Same Risk” (ANTI)

Angel Olsen – Forever Means (Jagjaguwar)

Jess Williamson – Time Ain’t Accidental (Mexican Summer)

Jenny Owen Youngs – Avalanche (Yep Roc Records)

Best Soul/Funk Record

Betty Davis – Crashin’ From Passion (Light in the Attic)

Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond (ATO Records)

Robert Finley – Black Bayou (Easy Eye Sound)

Neal Francis – Francis Comes Alive (ATO Records)

Say She She – Silver (Colemine Records)

Best Spiritual Record

Blind Boys of Alabama – Echoes of the South (Single Lock Records)

Lecrae, Tasha Cobbs Leonard – “Your Power” (Reach Records)

Katy Nichole – Jesus Changed My Life (Centricity Music)

J Rocc – Beatitudes (Stones Throw Records)

Lori Vambe – Space​-​Time Dreamtime (STRUT)

Best Sync Usage

Cat Power – Cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” in A24’s Past Lives trailer (Domino Recording Company)

Brittany Howard ft. Childish Gambino – “Stay High” in You People (ATO Records)

Refused – “New Noise” in The Bear (Season 2) (Epitaph)

Sharon Van Etten – “Anything” in Priscilla trailer (Jagjaguwar)

Nilüfer Yanya – “Midnight Sun” in The Boogeyman (ATO Records)

Creative Packaging

Aphex Twin – Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760 (Warp Records)

De La Soul – 3 Feet High & Rising (AOI Records)

Jerry Garcia – Heads and Tails: Vol. 1 (Round Records)

Neutral Milk Hotel – The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel (Merge Records)

John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles Box Set (Oh Boy Records)

Various Artists – Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 8 (Sub Pop Records)

Marketing Genius

Blonde Redhead – Sit Down For Dinner (section1)

Blondshell – Blondshell (Partisan Records)

De La Soul – De La Soul Catalog Release (AOI Records)

Peggy Gou – “(It Goes Like) Nanana” (XL Recordings)

Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)

Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)

Supported By:

ABOUT A2IM

A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of over 600 independently owned American music labels. A2IM represents these independently owned small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. In doing so, it supports a key segment of America’s creative class that represents America’s diverse musical and cultural heritage. Billboard Magazine identified the independent music label sector as 37.32 percent of the music industry’s U.S. recorded music sales market in 2016 based on copyright ownership, making independent labels collectively the largest music industry sector. More information is available here.

For Updates on A2IM visit:

www.a2im.org