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Ted Leo at Webster

Ted Leo working on new songs, hosting the A2IM Libera Awards in NYC

Ted Leo
Ted Leo at Webster Hall in April (more by Amanda Hatfield)

The The A2IM Libera Awards “celebrate the many successes of the independent music community – the artists that create the music and the labels that invest their heart, soul and money while using our experience and relationships to promote and monetize the music, thus furthering the artists’ careers and rewarding our fans with the diverse music that they love.”

The 2016 awards ceremony happens June 16 at Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom. This year’s Album of the Year nominees include Alabama Shakes, Beach House, Courtney Barnett, Jamie xx, Sufjan Stevens, Unknown Mortal Ochestra and Kamasi Washington. Best Live Act nominees include Against Me!, Alabama Shakes, Father John Misty, Future Islands, Nathaniel Rateliff, Run the Jewels, and St. Vincent. Breakthrough Artist nominees include Julien Baker, Courtney Barnett, Hop Along, Tobias Jesso Jr, Nathaniel Rateliff, Shamir, and Kamasi Washington. Check out the full list of nominees HERE.

It’s been announced that the awards ceremony will be hosted by none other than Ted Leo. “We are honored to have Ted Leo hosting the Libera Awards,” said A2IM CEO Richard Burgess via press release. “He continues to embody what it is to be a force in the Independent Music community.” “Ted Leo is a great addition to the Fifth Annual Libera Award show, we are thrilled he is joining us,” added Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange.

Tickets to attend the ceremony are on sale now.

Ted Leo, who recently toured with Bob Mould and is appearing on the new Game Theory LP, also plays NYC this week at Wesley Stace’s Cabinet of Wonders at City Winery on Friday (5/20). Other guests include folk legend Bridget St. John, rapper Jean Grae, comedians Dave Hill and Eugene Mirman, and more. Tickets are still available.

Ted also played some new material on that tour with Bob Mould, so maybe we’ll hear some more at City Winery this week, and hopefully that new Ted Leo and the Pharmacists album is coming soon.