At the end of January, music artists will be celebrated with a brand new award founded by the Danish Independent Record Companies (DUP).

The award has been named The Independent and the nominees are creators of EPs and albums released on independent labels in the past year. The award ceremony is hosted by singer and songwriter Annika Aakjær (photo).

See all the nominees

Originality and artistic will

The Independent Award focuses on the work, says Thea Kløvedal from the company Playground Music

"The Independent is intended as a pat on the back for originality, artistic will and the community that music creates. We want to celebrate a wide range of genres and styles on the rhythmic scene - to celebrate growth and help cultivate diversity. That's why we've also involved as many music organisations as possible in the process, so that together we can promote the great music being created."


Industry committees are responsible for nominations

The award show will honour talent in 10 categories, and each nominee in each category is selected by an external committee.

Album of the Year (Music Critics)
Band of the Year (DMF)
Cover Art of the Year (Kolding School of Design)
Debut of the Year (Soundvenue)
Producer of the Year (RMC)
Songwriter of the Year (KODA)
Soloist of the Year (DAF)
Export of the year (MXD)
Music Organisation of the Year (DUP)
DUP Award of Honour (DUP)

The nominated artists for Soloist of the Year are selected by a jury consisting of 4 members of the Danish Artist Association who have listened to all the nominated releases.

The nominees in the Soloist of the Year category: Brimheim, Lucky Lo, Iomfro and Jesper Thorn

The Independent will be awarded for the first time on 29 January at Park Bio, with singer and songwriter Annika Aakjær hosting a celebration of originality on the independent Danish music scene.