Geese, Oklou and label of the year Partisan were among the big winners at the Libera Awards, presented by Merlin and the Foundation for Independent Music, with support from the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM). The ceremony, which took place Monday at Gotham Hall in New York City — just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks lost Game Three of the NBA Championship and President Trump was mocked with a thunderous cascade of boos from his hometown — featured performances from Mdou Moctar, Valerie June, Dawn Richard, and Aaron Maine of Porches.
The awards celebrate the independent music business, and some 38 awards were distributed throughout the evening, with hometown heroes Geese and French electronic musician Oklou taking home record of the year and pop record of the year, respectively, among multiple wins. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award honored Terry McBride and Mark Jowett, co-founders of Canada’s Nettwerk Music Group, and Rough Trade NYC took home the inaugural Libera Award for Best Independent Record Store.
Geese also won breakthrough artist of the year, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
“The 2026 Libera Awards was an extraordinary night and a powerful reminder of what makes the independent music community so special,” said Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM. “The Liberas are unique in celebrating not just the best in music across multiple genres, but also the people and companies who put their passion and creativity in supporting these tremendous artists. These nominees and winners embody the innovation, creativity, and authenticity that are the lifeblood of our industry. Congratulations to all who continue to shape the future of music on their own terms.”
