Independent Songwriters & Publishers Celebrated At 2026 AIMP Awards [Recap]

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Big Loud Publishing Accepts Their Award for Top Independent Music Publisher of the Year. Photo: Peyton Hoge

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) held its 2026 AIMP Nashville Country Awards earlier this week at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. Bringing together members of Nashville’s music business in celebration, the annual event celebrated the successes of independent songwriters and publishers.

Guests snacked on sliders, mini chicken sandwiches, caprese skewers, fried pimento cheese bites, specialty popcorn and a bevy of sweet treats while visiting with each other before the program began. Radio veteran Storme Warren served as emcee for the evening.

Alex Heddle and Jessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Katie Kauss

Country newcomer Emily Ann Roberts won her first-ever industry award with the Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. She thanked her team for their support, and shared that she would work hard to “live up to who [you] believe [I] am.”

Lauren Hungate took home the 2026 Rising Songwriter of the Year award, and shared her surprise and gratitude when accepting the honor. SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel received the 2026 AIMP Song Champion Award, bringing his signature wit and heart to his speech.

Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive year. She dedicated the win to her mother, who she lost a few months back. Zach Top, who was not in attendance, was recognized as Artist-Writer of the Year.

Big Loud Publishing took home Top Independent Music Publisher of the Year, with the recently-promoted Mike Giangreco shouting out Big Loud songwriters and “the best team in Nashville.”

Two of the night’s highlights came with the performances of award-winning songs. Tigirlily Gold did an excellent job covering the AIMP Publisher’s Pick of the Year winner, “Come Home To You,” written by Jim McCormick, Makayla Lynn and Michael Wayne Wilkes, and performed by Emily Ann Roberts. Carly Pearce brought her classic country vocals to the night’s Song of the Year, “Weren’t For The Wind” written by Johnny Clawson, Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor, and performed by Langley.

HARDY poses with Independent Spirit Award. Photo: Katie Kauss

Another highlight came when HARDY was presented with the Independent Spirit Award. A video montage with messages of admiration for the singer-songwriter played before his wife, Caleigh Hardy, gave a speech about HARDY’s steadfastness to being himself, and how that has impacted his career, the Music Row community and their family.

HARDY spoke about how honored he was, and thanked his team and the community for celebrating his commitment to authenticity.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s AIMP award winners. Our event truly highlights just how special and supportive the Nashville independent community is,” shared Ree Guyer and Courtney Crist, this year’s AIMP co-chairs. “Presenting the Independent Spirit Award to Michael Hardy—who genuinely embodies its meaning—was a magical moment. We’re also deeply grateful to our sponsors, our dedicated awards committee—Megan Pekar, Alex Heddle, Shannan Hatch, Janine Ebach, and Tim Fink—and our incredible coordinator, Haily Harris, for making this event possible.”

Emily Ann Roberts, this year’s Rising Artist Writer of the Year, along with her publishing team from Jody Williams Songs. Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

Carly Pearce performs the Song of the Year, “Weren’t For The Wind.” Photo: Peyton Hoge

The SMACKSongs publishing team poses with winners Lee Krabel and Johnny Clawson (co-writer of “Weren’t For The Wind.” Photo: Katie Kauss

LB Cantrell
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