Libera Awards Presented by Merlin Announces 2026 Performers & Lifetime Achievement Award

New York, NY (May 11, 2026) - Today, the Foundation for Independent Music (FIM), with support from the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), announce the performers for the 2026 Libera Awards Presented By Merlin, including Nigerian Tuareg guitar innovator Mdou Moctar - who is up for ‘Best Global Record’ this year, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June - up for ‘Best American Roots Record’, multi-hyphenate artist Dawn Richard - a prior Libera Award winner, and up for ‘Best R&B Record’ this year, and eclectic synth-pop artist PORCHES are set to take the stage during independent music’s biggest night, Monday, June 8 at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City. The night will once again be hosted by Billboard’s Delisa Shannon. Tickets on sale here.

In addition to a dynamic night of live performances, FIM and A2IM will honor Terry McBride and Mark Jowett, co-founders of Nettwerk Music Group, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition celebrates their decades-long commitment to artist development, innovation, and leadership within the global independent music sector.


“Terry and Mark have been true mavericks and innovators in the independent music sector the past 40 years,” said Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM. “Their tireless work supporting a diverse array of artists through their label, management, publishing and various non-profits has been an inspiration to generations of the independent musicians and industry members. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary work with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Nettwerk Music Group co-founders Terry McBride & Mark Jowett

Now in its 40th year, Nettwerk Music Group has become one of the most influential independent music companies in the world, known for its artist-first philosophy and forward-thinking approach to building sustainable careers. As CEO, McBride has long been a champion of artist empowerment and digital innovation, helping to redefine the relationship between artists and their audiences. Beyond Nettwerk, he co-founded the groundbreaking Lilith Fair, which raised over $10 million for women’s charities, and has continued to expand his impact through ventures in wellness and industry advocacy, including his role on A2IM’s Board of Directors.


Jowett, a founding partner of Nettwerk, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s evolution from its early days into a global, multi-faceted organization spanning recorded music, artist management, and publishing. His work has helped support internationally acclaimed artists including Sarah McLachlan, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, Dido, and Sum 41, while also contributing to the broader industry through leadership roles with organizations such as FACTOR, SOCAN, and the Canadian Music Publishers Association.


The 15th annual awards ceremony features 38 categories highlighting the best in independent music, including this year’s top artist nominees Oklou, Geese, Clipse, Hayley Williams, and Wednesday, and for the first time, ‘Independent Record Store Of The Year’. Another first for the ceremony will be Tito’s Handmade Vodka announcing its newest honoree to their Sounds Better With Tito’s artist program. Sounds Better with Tito’s supports the independent music community, lifts up new artists, and celebrates our unique local music scenes by fostering the transformative moments that define who we are as fans. Tickets are on sale now and open to the public.


Attendees will be able to connect with key figures in the independent music community and network, socialize, and celebrate with friends, colleagues, and industry leaders.

The Libera Awards Presented By Merlin will once again kick off the Indie Week conference, beginning the following morning, Tuesday, June 9, and running through Thursday, June 11, at the  InterContinental New York Times Square. Learn more.

Libera Awards is produced by The Foundation for Independent Music with support from A2IM. 

Libera Awards are supported by: 

About Host, Delisa Shannon:

Delisa Shannon is a video journalist based in Brooklyn, NY focused on the intersection of music and culture. You can find her backstage and on the red carpet with some of your favorite artists. Delisa currently works at Billboard as Short Form Content Director, reimagining our relationship to short form content and its power to connect us. She has previously held bylines at Rolling Stone, where she highlighted legacy acts and rising voices in music.
 

About the Foundation for Independent Music (FIM):

The Foundation for Independent Music (FIM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the growth, sustainability, and innovation of the independent music community. Through impactful educational programs, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to elevating diverse voices. FIM produces Indie Week, the world’s largest international gathering of independent music professionals, offering comprehensive education, industry insights, and networking for independent music stakeholders. FIM also presents the annual Libera Awards, the premier independent awards ceremony recognizing artistic and commercial excellence in independent music, celebrating achievements across categories that reflect the full breadth and vitality of the independent sector.