IMPALA UNVEILS SHORTLIST FOR 2012 EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD

24th January 2013

Following its successful launch in 2011, the IMPALA European Independent Album of the Year Award is back for its third edition, with voting now taking place on an 18-album shortlist to decide this year’s winner.

This European Mercury-style award celebrates the musical talent and diversity of independent European releases. It promotes exceptional artists and the independent sector alike.

Who will succeed Adele, winner of the 2012 award with her album “21”? The winner will be selected by a jury of IMPALA Board members, who have four weeks to vote.

The nominated albums are (listed in alphabetical order by artist / name of the album / record label):

  • Afterhours – Padania (Germi)
  • Alt-J – An Awesome Wave (Infectious)
  • Compact Disco – Sound Of Our Hearts (CLS)
  • Cro – Raop (Chimperator)
  • Django Django – Django Django (Because Music)  
  • El Perro Del Mar – Pale Fire (Ingrid / Memphis Industries)
  • Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood of Colour (Ambush Reality)
  • First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar (Wichita)
  • Frenkie – Troyanac (Menart)
  • John Talabot – ƒIN (Permanent Vacation)  
  • Jukka Poika – Yhdestä puusta (Suomen Musiikki)   
  • Kaizers Orchestra – Violeta Violeta Vol. III (Petroleum Records)
  • The Kyteman Orchestra – The Kyteman Orchestra (Kytopia)
  • Libar – Libar (Menart)
  • Netsky – 2 (Hospital Records)
  • Norberto Lobo – Mel Azul (Mbari)
  • Shaka Ponk – The Geeks and The Jerkin’ Socks (Tôt ou Tard / Wagram)
  • The xx – Coexist (XL Recordings)

IMPALA has once again teamed up with Spotify to compile a playlist, allowing you to judge for yourself in advance of the big announcement.  The playlist is available on IMPALA 2012 European Album of the Year Nominations

Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA commented: “The shortlist demonstrates the diversity of independent music throughout Europe. The judges, using entirely open criteria, will choose quite simply the album they believe is the most exceptional of the year”.

About the Independent Album of the Year Award

The “European Independent Album of The Year” award was launched in 2011, together with the annual “Outstanding Contribution to European Music” award, to mark the 10th anniversary of IMPALA.

This award showcases the breadth and diversity of independent talent across Europe. The winner is selected on the basis of completely open criteria from a shortlist compiling national and non-national album nominations from territories across Europe put forward for their musical, artistic or other exceptional quality. Nominated albums wererequired to have been released on a European independent label between January and December 2012. 

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in April 2000 to represent independent music companies. 99% of Europe’s music companies are SMEs. Known as the “independents”, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases. SME’s also produce 80% of Europe’s jobs. IMPALA has its own award schemes to help promote cultural diversity and new talent and highlight the artistic contribution of independent music. IMPALA award winning artists include Efterklang, Adele, Manu Chao, Radiohead, Agnes Obel, Caro Emerald and Sigur Ros.

IMPALA – Independent Music Companies Association

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