What do you think of when you think of 1993? Urkel? Bill Clinton? Slap bracelets? Nothing? Well if that’s all you got rattling around in the neon-painted, Saved by the Bell poster-adorned walls of your memory bank’s 1993 division, well, then the Association of Independent Music (AIM) wants you to think again. Because two really awesome, groundbreaking figures in indie music just happened to make spectacular appearances in the international spotlight almost 20 years ago, back in that most special of years — the year of our Lord 1993. One is an enchanting, constantly evolving Icelandic pixie sprite named Björk, and the other is a hard-working, forward-thinking record label impresario known as Laurence Bell — the man behind Domino Records.
To celebrate their accomplishments, the AIM will be honoring these two innovators at the inaugural Independent Music Awards in Soho on November 1o. Björk, who has received props from Sweden’s Polar Music Prize, the Grammys, the MTV Video Music Awards, the MOJO Awards, the BRIT Awards, and the UK Music Video Awards, will take home the “Outstanding Contribution to Music” trophy. Her latest, Biophilia is due September 27. Mr. Bell’s roster includes indie bestsellers like Arctic Monkeys, Elliot Smith, and Animal Collective. Domino is also home to several imprints and has grown to include international divisions, including one in the US. Laurence Bell will receive the “Pioneer Award.” BBC DJs Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will host the awards ceremony, which will feature live performances from several similarly fantastic indie artists and 12 more awards.
• AIM: http://www.musicindie.com
