R&B-pop artist Dawn Richard, singer-songwriter Valerie June, Nigerian guitar innovator Mdou Moctar and electronic artist Porches will perform at the 2026 Libera Awards, the Foundation for Independent Music and the American Association of Independent Music have announced. The awards are presented by Merlin. The awards take place in New York on Monday, June 8 at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City.
Also at the event, 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.
+ Universal Music Group has expanded its mental health and wellbeing strategy with the announcement of two new partnerships with Amber Health and Project Healthy Minds.
Through a combination of partnerships and programs, the company is improving access to care within its creative community.
UMG is partnering with Amber Health to provide mental health services to its North American artists and songwriters. Amber Health specializes in delivering research-backed mental health care for music industry professionals through clinicians who understand the unique pressures and challenges of the entertainment industry. This partnership enables 24/7 access to clinical expertise, including crisis response, care planning, and specialized referrals. UMG will also work with Amber Health to provide additional behavioral health support to UMG employees in the U.S and Canada, which will include access to expanded mental health support and resources.
