The AIM announces the first wave of nominees for its much anticipated AIM Awards 2022 or AIM INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS 2022
The annual independent music awardsreturns on Wednesday 28th September. The AIM Awards showcase and celebrate the incredible array of music talent in the industry. This year’s ceremony will be returning to the iconic Roundhouse in Camden. A live show open to public shortly follows. For each award, below is the list of nominees.
The UK Independent Breakthrough award in association with YouTube Music will recompense successful 2021 musicians. Nominees, as suspected, are Children of Zeus (Rough Trade Records), Warmduscher (Bella Union), Knucks (No Days Off), Nova Twins (Marshall Records) and Wet Leg (Domino Recording Company).
The International Breakthroughin association with Deezer will be between Australian Rockers Amyl & the Sniffers (Rough Trade Records), American rapper Blxst (Red Bull Records), Jazz and Afrobeat ensemble Kokoroko (Brownswood Recordings), Tuareg musician and songwriter Mdou Moctar (Matador Records) and American-Japanese singer Mitski (Dead Oceans).
You Could Be (Anz ft. George Riley on Ninja Tune), ‘Starlight‘ (Dave on Neighbourhood Recordings), ‘Tears In The Club‘ (FKA twigs ft. the weeknd, on Young Recordings), Protein (Jeshi feat. Obongjayar, on Because Music), Nice & Good (Knucks, SL), Antagonist (Nova Twins), So U Kno (Overmono on XL Recordings), Chaise Longue (Wet Leg), Broken Homes (Wu-Lu on Warp Records) and Jackie (Yves Tumor on Warp Records) are all shortlisted for the Best Independent Track in association with Meta.
The Best Independent EP/Mixtape is the brand new category on the block. So far, the shortlist includes: FKA Twigs – ‘CAPRISONGS’ (Young Recordings), Joy Orbison – ‘still slipping vol.1’ (XL Recordings), Surya Sen – ‘At What Cost?’ (Skint Records), TAAHLIAH – ‘Angelica’ (untitled (recs)) and Wesley Joseph – ‘ULTRAMARINE’ (EEVILTWINN).
Best Independent Album in association with Spotify will see one of the following release win the award: Gbagada Express (Boj on Moves Recordings), Balance (Children Of Zeus), Mother (Cleo Sol on Forever Living Originals), We’re All Alone In This Together (Dave), Knopperz (Dave Okumu on Neighbourhood Recordings), Yellow (Emma-Jean Thackray on Movementt), When Smoke Rises (Mustafa on Young), Painless (Nilüfer Yanya on ATO Records), NINE (SAULT on Forever Living Originals) and Unlearning (Walt Disco on Lucky Number).
Sophomore releases ‘Ants From Up There’ (Black Country, New Road on Ninja Tune), ‘Painful Enlightenment’ (Jana Rush on Planet Mu Records), ‘Painless’ (Nilüfer Yanya), ‘Tread’ (Ross From Friends on Brainfeeder) and ‘Colourgrade‘ (Tirzah on Domino Recording Company) all battle for the Best [Difficult] Second Album award in association with BBC 6 Music.
The Best Independent Remix are: no caroline remix (ATO, FLOHIO on MCMXCV), Polite (Mura Masa Remix – Erike de Casier on 4AD), Lavender & Red Roses (Champion Remix – Ibeyi ft. Jorja Smith, on XL Recordings), Gazzillion Ear (Thom Yorke Man on Fire Remix – MF DOOM on Lex Records), and BDE (Kaydy Cain Remix – Shygirl on Because Music).
One To Watch in association with BBC Introducing highlights rising stars Barry Can’t Swim (Technicolour / Ninja Tune), Jeshi (Because Music), Léa Sen (Partisan Records), Nia Archives (HIJINXX) and TAAHLIAH.
Down in Philadelphia and up for a good time? A massive following and recognition from industry experts will tell you that the name to call is DJ Geez. His notoriety in the club scene of his local/native area and beyond, coupled with his DJ abilities have garnered the DJ artist the name “The Club King” in the Philadelphia region. The devotion, passion and energy that DJ Geez puts into his craft and brings to the clubs is as yet unmatched, if not only by the respect he has for his art.
DJ Geez, born Glen Simmons started developing his musical skills at an early age while exploring and experimenting with several instruments through the local church. He got his hand and develop his knowledge of the cello, saxophone, electric guitar, drums, and most importantly the piano. These are the instruments among many others that nurtured the phenomenal talent that Dj Geez has become. The young artist started by winning the hearts of family members and neighbors, from the local church into the whole neighborhood. DJ Geez discovered there and there an absolute lifetime passion for sowing joy into people’s lives. He quickly understood the key part that music played (pardon the pun) in fulfilling this dream.
Since then, DJ Geez has come a long way! The artist has moved around in Philadelphia establishing himself as one of the hottest up and coming DJ around. Testifying his popularity are the many booking the DJ has had for major festivals and concert events. In addition, he has also had DJed for many high-profile clients including mixes played on Hall of Fame Shaquille O’Neal’s Shaq-Fu radio and on Shawfuradio radio station. Finally, the DJ has also done work for several popular artists such as YG, French Montana, Chinx, Uncle Murda, Slimm 400, and many more.
Since hitting the scene in 2010, DJ Geez has amassed a rapidly increasing following. That well-versed international fanbase is familiar with the young artist’s body of work from airplayed mixes to club events as well as his infectious personality. They regularly tag the star DJ’s events on social media, and always feed back and testify on the great time they have had or the great mixes they have heard. In spite of this, the young artist has managed to maintain a humble side. This is because he takes his work seriously, with focus and passion. No matter the occasion or event type, DJ Geez knows how to read the room, and howw to get the crowd going.
A DJ Geez event is guaranteed to make anyone get out their seat and dance. His high-profile broadcasted mixes, hot events and evergrowing music knowledge allow his brand to daily grow globally. He has the ability to spin 90s Hip-Hop and R&B, Dance, Electronic, Reggaeton, Contemporary Hip-Hop, Classic Soul and much more. This versatile DJ has made hundreds of thousands of people dance throughout his yet young career! He’s amassed fans from New York to Los Angeles and now Colombia. His name has become synonymous with great music and great time. Non-content to deliver mixes and DJ at events, in 2019, DJ Geez became a hip-hop artist with music out on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud and Tidal. Two main releases stand out: Whine it up feat. Briana Nicole, DJ Ant liva and Right now feat Briana Nicole.
The journey to stardom steadily continues. Currently, DJ Geez has been working with artists Peedi Crakk andFreewayfrom the Philadelphia rap group State Property. He’s been opening shows for major music recording artists including Meek Millsand Rick Ross. He has also performed in Philadelphia’s Independence Day Show in Center City, Philadelphia. He works for Silent Philly, traveling from state to state sharing music.
There is a lot more to come from This Superstar. DJ Geez is blowing up fast. DJ Geez has the talent and drive to thrive in his industry. Through investing his time to learn and perfect his craft; DJ Geez hard work is paying off as he transitions into Superstar life. Fast forward to now and DJ Geez has worked with many notable organizations and clients. DJ Geez has been featured on many news and publications such as 50 Cents platform This Is 50, Hip Hop Weekly, The Hype Magazine, Gen Z Hip Hop, VoyageLA, The Clout Magazine, and several more.
DJ Geez never has given up and right before our eyes he is evolving into the superstar we know him as today. From local church boy to globally known and respected superstar. DJ Geez is a devoted amazing talent. Connect with DJ Geez on Social Media!
Every summer season is super hot for music, and one song seems to become the anthem of that summer. Stacey Jackson is turning up the heat and demanding that anthem spot this year by releasing a rebooted version of her hit song “Live It Up Feat. Snoop Dogg”! This electric dance song was originally released in 2013 and immediately became a feel good hit amongst every crowd. The energetic beats and positive lyrics paired with Snoop Dogg’s signature vibes, it was the perfect hit. Since the 10 year anniversary of the song is coming up, the pair had the record remastered.
The rebooted version of the song was released on June 4th. The song is already in a hit movie called Reboot Camp, where Jackson appeared as a cameo and performed the track “Live It Up.” Along with the current remix from Jackson and Snoop, 4 other mixes will be coming out as well. The excitement for her projects this summer is palpable and gives fans, her family, and herself so much to look forward to, especially after the year we have had.
Along with the already uber popular film and song, Jackson has been booked and busy in 2021. She has an acoustic album coming in 2021 and a dance music album called ‘Beach Party’ in the works as well; though, ‘Beach Party’ will not be coming out until the summer of 2022. Jackson is not new to song or screen and has been acting and singing her whole life. In recent years, she has held off on making music and being on set for the sake of her sportswear line StaeFit which has a cult following for its patented material and her fun workouts to some of her music.
Stacey has also been busy with philanthropic efforts. Recently she partnered with A.D.I.D.A.S to fund a charity event giving shoes back to a community in Los Angeles affected by COVID. It’s the little things that make the first step back to normalcy easier, whether it’s music and fun to get people excited for the seemingly near end of the pandemic, or participating in philanthropy events to get people back on their feet, we can count on Jackson to be a positive light.
Make sure to stream “Live It Up: Rebooted Feat. Snoop Dogg” to get you in the best summer mood everywhere music streams! To learn more about Jackson and her incredible careers as an executive producer at 3B1G Records, founder of StaeFit workout apparel, talented singer/songwriter, accomplished television publicist, fitness aficionado, dedicated mother, activist, and philanthropist, visit her Instagram @staerox.
1InMusic reviews the latest release by Hip Hop artist Shevin Michael, a 4-track new EP called “It’s Time”
God’s Love (feat. Matt Jeffries)introduces the EP, giving it a deceptive pop rap feel… But then, the song chorus happens and the listener knows they are riding a good melodious ride. The electric guitar adds that extra touch and makes this tune worth listening to. The EP continues with “Beauty”, which the music artist reveals “is my attempt to redefine and put glory back into beauty“. The lyrics reflect that ambition, and the musical accompaniment nicely complements it. It is hard not to make a vocal parallel with Eminem as the quality and expert rapping are there (and throughout the EP). Beauty seems to be infused with some of the soul from the famous “re”-definition of Love in Corinthians with extra dimensions as brought in by the instrumentation and the arrangement. There is indeed a lot of beauty in the EP. The song just makes you want to go and look for beauty in all things. You have to wait until the third song, the “hype” song Showtime Yeah!, to really get music to bounce to. The tune is definitely catchy and the right kind of rap-groove. Particularly, there is a beat that takes you from the first sound to the last. It was the first song we heard from Shevin Michael at 1inmusic and it really caught our attention. We do wish the EP started with it. The last song on the album is called Can You See? The songwriter says, “This song candidly talks about why I’m doing what I’m doing”. Michael offers another catchy tune that leaves his audience with a great feeling at the end of the EP.
Listen to Showtime Yeah! right here.
About Shevin Michael
Shevin (like Kevin, but with an S-H) Michael, who was raised on the catchy beats of 90s hip-hop, melodic harmonies of soul music, and homemade tuna casserole, has reawakened his beat-producing and poetic wordplay to share his newfound zeal for Christianity. In his music, you will find magnetic storytelling and captivating beats that leave you reflecting on the profound impact of your life.
He had an incredible spiritual encounter while on a flight in July of 2018. He was deeply moved and knew he was being called to leave his career in order to serve God artistically. He returned to his buried passion for writing songs and producing beats. 15 years ago he was making music about worldly pleasures; this time it’s to glorify God.
He makes music hoping it will inspire the listener, even if it’s just a quarter of the way he was inspired while on that flight.
Born in Hull, Carrie developed something of a local reputation while still in her teens, as an acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter. She fronted bands in the 90s before casting her music aside in order to raise her children. Her guitar went untouched for some two decades (!) until a chance meeting with guitar virtuoso Gordon Giltrap, MBE changed her life. Close mentoring from Gordon saw her take a huge leap forward, attracting endorsements from Vintage Guitars, G7th Capos and Martin SP Strings. Her latest album Seductive Sky features guests Gordon Giltrap, keyboard maestro Oliver Wakeman and legendary guitarist Elliott Randall, along with Daniel Karl Cassidy, younger brother of the late Eva Cassidy, with whom Carrie has sometimes been compared herself. The album is a magnificent snapshot of an artist at the peak of her creativity and gaining her fine reviews and a second tour of Canada. 1 In Music catches up with the guitarist and songstress.
1 In Music: Hi Carrie. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. I am sure many people have tried to describe your music but what do YOU think is unique about your music?
I’m a very a very lyrical person so many of my songs are about something or somebody that has touched my life.
1 In Music: What/who shaped your music and who supports you?
I am lucky to be mentored by Gordon Giltrap MBE, one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the UK. This has lead to me working and writing in many different open tunings and experimenting with partial capos. Vocally my influences are Anne Wilson (Heart). Her wide vocal range encourage me to have vocal training for three years with a trained opera singer. Eva Cassidy was another female vocal artist that captured my imagination.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
About 4 years ago. I had been a freelance hairdresser and had taken a huge break away from music too raise my family. After returning i realized just how much i had missed music in my life. Gordon encourage me massively,helping me with the many pitfalls of music.
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
I like all types particularly Rock music and Folk Rock such as Fleetwood mac.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
Simple – Gordon Giltrap!
1 In Music: Just watching your lovely live performance on air…
That song is a first for me … it’s a project with writer Louise Beech… and her new book Dust (soon to appear alongside her other books at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-Beech/e/B00XUIX0TW)… I have worked with Lou before with my song Maria in the Moon and her book of the same title but the reason this was special was because the words to the song come from her book about a musical … I re arranged them for her and put them to music … a first for me as the words are usually mine but a lovely project to be involved with and an experience just writing the melody and chord work .
This at least seems to be just the one guitar. How do you prepare for performances in venues?
I like to get all my guitars into their individual tunings and set up any partial capos I maybe using. I try to arrange my set list so that I don’t have too many guitar changes. I can have up to five guitars on stage with me. So i don’t travel light!
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
I like nature, being outdoors, walking.
1 In Music: Success to you is…
… People taking some of my music home with them. Joining in a song or touching someones heart with my lyrics.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
Don’t take knock backs personally. I used to get disheartened and still do but to a lesser extent when I apply for events and hear nothing back. Its easy to take it personally when actually it’s the sheer volume of musicians versus the ever diminishing music venues which actually pay artists.
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
A new album which will be my 4th. Further trips abroad, which Ii love. I have few in the planning!
1 In Music: Where do we find you music / music project?
.
I like nature, being outdoors, walking.