About

Libera Awards

The annual Libera Awards honors independent musicians and the teams that support them. The Libera Awards was created to recognize the powerful voice of the independent sector, often unacknowledged in mainstream media. Now in its 14th year, the Libera Award is the premier celebration of independent music in the United States. This year the Libera Awards will be presented live on Monday, June 9, 2025 in New York City’s renowned Gotham Hall.

Sub Pop Co-Founder Jonathan Poneman accepting the A2IM Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

“The Libera Awards show is the biggest night of the year for independent music. An opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent, diversity, creativity, and hard work that takes place throughout the year. And an opportunity for us all to gather in one place and embrace the strength of our community,” says Dr. Richard James Burgess, MBE, President, and CEO of A2IM. “We are thrilled to add three new categories to the 2024 awards, to further shine a spotlight on the depth and breadth of the independent sector. We look forward to seeing and celebrating those nominated in the weeks ahead.”

Past Libera Awards Performers

Immeasurable talent has graced our stage. This includes Aimee Mann, Alejandro Escovedo, Ani DiFranco, Arlo Parks, Big Thief, Black Pumas, Brittany Howard, Cautious Clay, Charles Bradley, Dap-Kings, Dawn Richard + Spencer Zahn, Deva Mahal, Fantastic Negrito, Funky 4+1, Gaby Moreno, Hannibal Buress (Eshu Tune), Helado Negro, IDLES, Japanese Breakfast, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Jean Michel Blais, John Prine, Julia Jacklin, Lecrae, Lido Pimienta Mac DeMarco, Madlib, Margo Price, Martha Reeves, Mavis Staples, Natalie Prass, Naughty by Nature, Nick Hakim, Nick Lowe, Nosaj Thing, Orville Peck, Phoebe Bridgers, Raul Midon, Salt Cathedral, Sam Outlaw, Sammy Rae and the Friends, Seratones, Shemekia Copeland, Stax Academy Rhythm Section, Sudan Archives, Sunflower Bean, Sun Ra Arkestra, Suzanne Ciani, Tamtam, Talib Kweli, Terri Lynne Carrington & Social Science, Torres, Tré Burt, Twin Peaks, Vicktor Taiwo, Wyclef Jean, and Yuna.