“I was inspired by punk rock, not just by the music but by the DIY ethos that drove the scene,” Bragg has said.
“Over the years I’ve held onto that spirit by working with labels whose commitment to independence has offered me greater control of my output. Therefore, to be recognised by AIM as an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to music is a great honour.”
This year’s ceremony takes place at The Brewery in Clerkenwell on September 3rd. Rough Trade founder Geoff Travis has already been announced as the 2013 Pioneer Award winner.
“Billy is bottled independent spirit,” chairman of AIM, Alison Wenham, remarks. “His ethos, his work ethic, his constant campaigning towards a better deal for musicians the world over – not forgetting a catalogue of great music – earns him AIM’s coveted 2013 Outstanding Contribution to Music.”