Digby Pearson, founder of Earache Records, will be this year's recipient of the Pioneer Award, sponsored by The Orchard, at the AIM Independent Music Awards.

Pearson (pictured) set up the rock label in Nottingham in 1986, launching the careers of extreme metal bands such as Napalm Death, Morbid Angel, Carcass, Godflesh and Clutch.

Earache has seen success with two Guinness World Records, multiple sync deals with Hollywood blockbusters and chart-busting video games and Top 20 charting album releases in the ...