Charles Caldas to be honoured at AIM Awards

Australian expatriate and outgoing Merlin CEO Charles Caldas is to be honoured at next month’s AIM Independent Music Awards in London.

He will be lauded as Indie Champion for his 12 years at the helm of Merlin, during which he struck significant digital deals with streaming services for the independent sector, and grew its membership to 850 in 63 countries.

Before his Merlin stint, Caldas was CEO of Australian independent company Shock and proved to be an articulate voice in achieving a level playing field for Aussie indies.

Caldas said: “Working on behalf of so many members of AIM, alongside their global Merlin member compatriots, has been a privilege.

“To have that work recognised in this way by an organisation that has been such a trailblazer in advocating for UK independents and such an important and valued supporter of Merlin since its launch, is humbling, and a true honour.”

Other industry achievement awards go on the night to Eleven Seven Music and 10th Street Entertainment CEO Allen Kovac for Innovator, Debbie Harry for outstanding contribution and Johnny Marr for pioneer.

Caldas is not the only Australian who could be on the podium: NSW singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin is nominated in the Best [Difficult] Second Album for Crushing alongside IDLES, Erland Cooper, Maribou State and SOAK.

Punk band Idles made history by being nominated for five awards – a single-year record.

Other multi-nominees included FKA Twigs, Christine and the Queens, Jade Bird, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Little Simz, Gerry Cinnamon, AJ Tracey and Georgia.