Introduction to the Libera Awards
The Libera Awards, presented by the American Association of Independent Music, is an annual event that celebrates the best of indie music. Previously, it was held on the same night as the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards, but it has since become a standalone event, serving as a kick-off to the Indie week conference. This change has been beneficial, as it allows attendees to enjoy the event without feeling worn out.
The Independent Music Community
The independent music community is known for being tight-knit and supportive, with artists often collaborating and uplifting each other. This sense of camaraderie is evident at the Libera Awards, where artists gather to celebrate their shared passion for music. The community has faced challenges such as illegal downloads and the pandemic, but they have persevered and continue to thrive.
Notable Winners and Performers
This year’s awards saw big wins for singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman, Jessica Pratt, and hip-hop artist MF DOOM. The ceremony featured performances by roots singer Swamp Dogg, genre-bending singer Serpentwithfeet, punk-rockers Ekko Astral, and Latin pop artist Reyna Tropical, among others. The event was organized by Billboard’s Content Producer, Delisa Shannon.
Homage to the Outgoing A2IM Boss
The show also paid tribute to the outgoing A2IM boss, Richard James Burgess, who stated, "The Libera Awards are a strong reminder of what makes our community extraordinary. We not only honored remarkable music and art, but also the spirit and purpose that defines the independent sector."
List of Winners
The full list of winners includes:
- Best Alternative Rock Record: Kim Gordon – The Collective (Matador Records)
- Best American Roots Record: MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks (Anti-)
- Best Blues Record: Ruthie Foster – Mileage (Sun Records)
- Best Classical Record: Kelly Moran – Moved in the Field (Warp Records)
- Best Folk Record: Jessica Pratt – Here on the Field (Mexican Summer)
- Best Global Record: Mdou Moctar – Funeral for Justice (Matador Records)
- Best Heavy Record: Metz – Up on Gravity Hill (Sub-Pop Records)
- Best Hip-Hop/Rap Record: Shygirl – "Immaculate (feat. Sawetie)" (Because Music)
- Best Jazz Record: Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (Warp Records) and Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement (Young)
- Best Latin Record: Reyna Tropical – Malegría (Mental Hotline)
- Best Outlier Record: Khruangbin – A La Sala (Dead Ocean) and Spirit of the Beehive – You Have to Lose Something (Saddle Creek)
- Best Pop Record: Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk (Mom+Pop)
- Best Punk Record: Wet Leg – Half Divorced (Sub-Pop Records)
- Best R&B Record: Mavis Staples – "Worthy" (Anti-)
- Best New Edition: MF DOOM – MM..Food (20th Anniversary Edition) (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
- Best Remix: MF DOOM – "A Beer (Madlib Remix)" (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
- Best Rock Record: Fontaines DC – Romantic (XL Recordings)
- Best Singer-Songwriter Record: Jessica Pratt – Here on the Field (Mexican Summer)
- Best Soul/R&B Recording: Lee Fields – Have to Tell a Story (Daptone Records)
- Best Spiritual Recording: The Harlem Gospel Travelers – Rhapsody (Colemine Records)
- Best Synchronization: Soul – "Sag No Go" (Civil War) (AOI/Chrysalis/Reservoir)
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year: MJ Lenderman (Anti-)
- Creative Packaging: MF DOOM – MM..Food (20th Anniversary Edition) (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
- Distributor of the Year: Speechye
- Independent Champion: Bandcamp
- Impact Award: Shaboozey – Where I’ve Been, Is Not Where I Go (American Dogwood/Empire)
- Label of the Year (15 or more employees): Partisan Recordings
- Label of the Year (5 or fewer employees): True Panther Sounds
- Label of the Year (6-14 employees): Mexican Summer
- Marketing Genius: Fles – Tangk (Partisan Records)
- Music Video of the Year: Fontaines DC – "Starburster" (XL Recordings)
- Publisher of the Year: Warp Publishing
- Record of the Year: Jessica Pratt – Here on the Field (Mexican Summer)
- Self-Published Recording of the Year: Raye Genesis (Human Re Sources)
