22 nominees shortlisted for IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award

30 January 2020 - Press release

2019 has been an incredible year for European independents, with 22 nominees for this 10th edition of our album of the year award. Once again, this shortlist showcases how Europe’s independent music sector is thriving in diversity.

Nominees include a wide range of genres and artists, from German cinematic electronic music to Finnish folk and Swiss rock. It is an impressive advert for the European independent music sector and the creativity of Europe's artists.
 
As well as different styles of music, the shortlist is also a window into Europe's linguistic diversity. Discover KayaKata, a hip-hop duo who rap in Georgian, The Young Gods using Moliere’s language, Vladimír Mišík who sings in Czech, Ultimo in Italian and more.

Who will succeed Swedish post-punk band Viagra Boys as winner this year? Answer next month…

The complete list of nominees (alphabetical order by artist/album title/record label):

• 5K HD – “High Performer” (Ink Music)
• APPARAT – “LP5” (Mute Records)
• BERNAYS PROPAGANDA – “Vtora mladost, treta svetska vojna” (Balkan Veliki, Moonlee Records, Geenger Records, Pop Depresija)
• BUČ KESIDI – “Euforija” (Kontra)
• ERLEND ROPSTAD – “Brenn Siste Brevet” (Later Gator Records)
• GOODBYE DARJEELING – “Total Confusion” (V4 Records)
• J.R. AUGUST – “Dangerous Waters” (Croatia Records)
• JESSE MARKIN – “Folk” (VILD Music)
• KAYAKATA – “Sadaa” (LTFR)
• KIKO VENENO - “Sombrero Roto” (Elemúsica)
• LITTLE SIMZ – “Grey Area” (AGE 101 Music)
• MIRAMAR – “Miramar” (Rastilho Records)
• PNL – “Deux Frères” (QLF Records)
• SARAH KLANG – “Creamy Blue” (Pangur Records)
• SEINE – “22” (Moonlee Records)
• SNELLE – “Vierentwintig” (ROQ’N Rolla Music)
• THE VALERIE SOLANAS – “The Return Of Jesus Christ” (Green l.f.ant)
• THE YOUNG GODS – “Data Mirage Tangram” (Two Gentlemen)
• TRENTEMØLLER – “Obverse” (In My Room)
• TRIBES OF THE CITY – “Rust and Gold” (self-released)
• ULTIMO – “Colpa Delle Favole” (Honiro)
• VLADIMÍR MIŠÍK – “Jednou Tě Potkám” (100PROmotion)

IMPALA Executive Chair Helen Smith commented: “This is a great shortlist, with 22 nominees from all over the European continent. Our album award is an excellent discovery tool. It symbolises creativity without borders. Now it’s for the jury to decide and it is going to be a difficult task this year…”.

Listen to the nominees...
Playlists are available to allow you to judge for yourself in advance of the winner’s announcement.

On Spotify : a full album playlist - IMPALA Album of the Year Award nominees 2019 - as well as a singles playlist - IMPALA Album of the Year Award nominees 2019.

On Deezer : a full album playlist – Albums – IMPALA European Album of the Year Award and a singles playlist – Singles – IMPALA European Album of the Year Award.

On YouTube : a singles playlist – IMPALA European Independent Album of the Year – singles.

...or catch them live…
IMPALA European Independent Album of the Year nominees will be present for showcases and artist talks at Elbjazz in Germany, Lollapalooza in France and W-Fest in Belgium, make sure not to miss them…