The Ivors Academy
Raye, Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, Bernie Taupin, KT Tunstall and more were honored at the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards, which were held at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday (May 23). The Ivors with Amazon Music, as the awards are officially branded, went to 26 songwriters and composers across 14 categories.
This year’s Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music went to Raye. The win caps a busy 12 months since the release of her debut album, My 21st Century Blues. On March 2, Raye became the first artist to win six awards in a single night at the Brit Awards. Her haul included British album of the year, British artist of the year and best new artist. Before her breakthrough as an artist, Raye wrote for artists including Charli XCX, Little Mix, Beyoncé, John Legend, Ellie Goulding and Zara Larsson.
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Springsteen was in attendance to receive Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the highest honor the organization bestows. Springsteen is the first international songwriter that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship. Springsteen, who has won an Oscar and seven Grammys for his songwriting (out of 20 Grammys total), was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999.
This year’s Special International Award celebrated Del Rey’s career and influence. Del Rey has received three Grammy nominations for her songwriting, including song of the year nods for “Norman F–king Rockwell” and “A&W.” She also received a Grammy nod for best song written for visual media for “Young and Beautiful” (from Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby).
Del Rey will soon receive another award. On Thursday (May 23), the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) announced that she will receive this year’s NMPA Songwriter Icon award. The award will be presented at the organization’s annual meeting at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City on June 12.
Taupin was recognized with the Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. It is the ninth Ivor Novello awarded to Taupin, 50 years on from his first win for “Daniel” with Sir Elton John in 1974. Though best known for his legendary songwriting partnership with John, Taupin has also written for artists as diverse as Starship, Heart, Willie Nelson, Courtney Love and Brian Wilson.
Taupin and John were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Johnny Mercer Award, that organization’s highest honor, in 2013. The pair won an Oscar for best original song for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman, but Taupin has been under-recognized at the Grammys – just two nominations – best original score written for a motion picture or a TV special for Friends (a 1971 movie, not the iconic TV series of the same name) and best country song for “Mendocino County Line,” which was recorded by Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack.
Tunstall received the Outstanding Song Collection with PRS for Music award, recognizing her creative trail across a 20-year career. It comes 18 years after she claimed her first Ivor Novello Award for “Suddenly I Seem,” which won Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 2006.
Jerskin Fendrix’s debut film score for Poor Things took home Best Original Film Score. Poor Things was nominated for an Oscar for best original score but lost to Ludwig Göransson’s Oppenheimer.
Best Album was awarded to Black Classical Music, written by Yussef Dayes, Rocco Palladino and Charlie Stacey. The album is seen as a significant advance for the burgeoning London jazz scene. Judges praised Black Classical Music for using a modern lens to reframe the format of instrumental music.
Best Contemporary Song was claimed by Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit and Raven Bush of Speakers Corner Quartet alongside Kae Tempest for “Geronimo Blues.” This is the first Ivor Novello Award that these songwriters have received.
Having won the 2023 Rising Star Award, Victoria Canal won Best Song Musically and Lyrically with “Black Swan,” alongside Jonny Lattimer and Eg White. Canal performed the song live at the awards ceremony.
Dave, Central Cee, Jo Caleb and Jonny Leslie won PRS for Music Most Performed Work for their collaboration on “Sprinter,” the U.K.’s biggest song of 2023. Dave and Central Cee have previously been nominated for Songwriter of the Year, with Dave claiming the award in 2022.
Grime star Skepta was recognized with the Visionary Award with Amazon Music.
Now in its fifth year, the Rising Star Award with Amazon Music champions Britain and Ireland’s most promising songwriting talents. Claiming the prize this year is Master Peace, whose songwriting was praised for its intelligent blend of genres.
Arthur Sharpe won Best Television Soundtrack with his original composition for The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies. This is the second time the British composer has won the award. He also claimed it in 2022 with his score for Landscapers.
The award for Best Original Video Game Score went to Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It was praised for staying true to John Williams’ original music while moving into its own authentic world.
“On behalf of The Ivors Academy and all the songwriters and composers we represent, it’s an honor to recognize extraordinary work and brilliant individuals behind it,” Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy, said in a statement.
In celebration of The Ivors 2024, Amazon Music have released three new Amazon Music Original tracks. American singer-songwriter METTE has covered “Bennie and the Jets” by John and Taupin. The War on Drugs have paid tribute to Springsteen with covers of his “Dry Lightning” and “Highway 29.”
The Ivor Novello Awards, now in their 69th year, are judged by songwriters and composers from The Ivors Academy.
Here’s a complete list of the nominations for The Ivors 2024, with winners marked, followed by a list of non-competitive awards.
Best album
WINNER: Black Classical Music; written by Yussef Dayes, Rocco Palladino and Charlie Stacey; performed by Yussef Dayes; music published in the UK by YD Music-Kobalt Music Publishing and Sentric Music
Crazymad, for Me; written and performed by CMAT; music published in the UK by BMG
False Lankum; written by Daragh Lynch, Ian Lynch, Cormac MacDiarmada and Radie Peat; performed by Lankum; music published in the UK by Beggars Music
Lahai; written and performed by Sampha; music published in the UK by Young Songs-Sony Music Publishing
My 21st Century Blues; written by Raye and Mike Sabath; performed by Raye; music published in the UK by Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Sony Music Publishing
Best contemporary song
“Back on 74”; written by Lydia Kitto, J Lloyd and Tom McFarland; performed by Jungle; music published in the UK by Handsome Dad Publishing-Sony Music Publishing and Kobalt Music Publishing
“Enough”; written by Brian Eno, Fred Gibson, Buddy Ross and Winnie Raeder; performed by Fred again.. & Brian Eno; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing, Promised Land Music-Sony Music Publishing, Heavy Duty-Kobalt Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Ltd
WINNER: “Geronimo Blues”; written by Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit, Raven Bush and Kae Tempest; performed by Speakers Corner Quartet feat. Kae Tempest; music published in the UK by Warp Publishing and Domino Publishing Company
“Mama’s Eyes”; written by Todd Dulaney, Ines Dunn, Barney Lister and METTE; performed by METTE; music published in the UK by MNRK Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Promised Land Music-Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Ltd“Water”; written by Imani ‘Mocha’ Lewis, Corey Lindsay-Keay, Jackson Lomastro, Ari PenSmith, Rayo, Sammy Soso and Olmo Zucca; performed by Tyla; music published in the UK by Always Forward Thinking-Kobalt Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Concord Music Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
Best song musically and lyrically
“Black Friday”; written by Laurie Blundell, Max Clilverd and Tom Odell; performed by Tom Odell; music published in the UK by Kobalt Music Publishing-UROK Music Publishing
WINNER: “Black Swan”; written by Victoria Canal, Jonny Lattimer and Eg White; performed by Victoria Canal; music published in the UK by Second Songs-Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Universal Music Publishing
“Spirit 2.0”; written by Yussef Dayes and Sampha; performed by Sampha; music published in the UK by YD Music-Kobalt Music Publishing and Young Songs-Sony Music Publishing
“Sunshine Baby”; written by Amber Bain; performed by The Japanese House; music published in the UK by Dirty Hit Songs-Kobalt Music Publishing
“The Narcissist”; written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree; performed by Blur; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing and BMG
PRS for Music Most Performed Work
“As It Was”; written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles; performed by Harry Styles; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing and Pulse Songs-Concord Music Publishing
“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”; written by Ice Spice, Mura Masa and PinkPantheress; performed by PinkPantheress & Ice Spice; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing, BMG and Sony Music Publishing
“Giving Me”; written by Conor Bissett, Robert Griffiths and Jazzy; performed by Jazzy; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
WINNER: “Sprinter”; written by Central Cee, Dave, Jo Caleb and Jonny Leslie; performed by Dave & Central Cee; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Kobalt Music Publishing
“Strangers”; written and performed by Kenya Grace; music published by Warner Chappell Music Ltd
Rising Star Award With Amazon Music
Blair Davie
Chrissi
Elmiene
WINNER: Master Peace
Nino SLG
Best original film score
WINNER: Poor Things; composed by Jerskin Fendrix; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse; composed by Daniel Pemberton; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
Typist Artist Pirate King; composed by Carly Paradis
Best original video game score
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III; composed by Walter Mair
WINNER: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor; composed by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing
Tin Hearts; composed by Matthew Chastney; music published in the UK by Sentric Music
Best television soundtrack
Boat Story; composed by Dominik Scherrer; music published in the UK by Du Vinage Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
Slow Horses Season 3; composed by Daniel Pemberton and Toydrum; music published in the UK by Apple-Sony Music Publishing
The Crown The Final Season; composed by Martin Phipps; music published in the UK by Du Vinage Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
WINNER: The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies; composed by Arthur Sharpe; music published in the UK by BDi Music obo Sister Pictures and Rights Worldwide
Three Little Birds; composed by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Academy Fellowship
Bruce Springsteen
Songwriter of the Year With Amazon Music
Raye
Special International Award
Lana Del Rey
Visionary Award With Amazon Music
Skepta
Outstanding Contribution to British Music
Bernie Taupin
Outstanding Song Collection With PRS For Music
KT Tunstall
Less than two months after sweeping the Brit Awards, RAYE is nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for best album for her smash debut My 21st Century Blues (on which she collaborated with Mike Sabath). RAYE won best contemporary song at last year’s Ivors with “Escapism,” which she co-wrote with 070 Shake and Sabath.
The Ivors Academy announced the nominations for The Ivors 2024 with Amazon Music on Tuesday (April 23), recognizing outstanding songwriters and composers across eight categories. Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, London, on Thursday May 23.
This year, 77 songwriters and composers have received Ivor Novello nominations, with 60% of them receiving a nod for the first time. Leading the way are Sampha and Yussef Dayes, who are both up for two Ivors across the songwriting categories, while composer Daniel Pemberton is nominated twice in the screen categories.
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Tyla’s “Water,” a former top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the inaugural Grammy winner for best African music performance, is among the nominees for best contemporary song.
Presented since 1957, the Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically acknowledges outstanding song craft. Tom Odell receives his second nomination in as many years for “Black Friday.” He was nominated last year for co-writing “Best Day of My Life.” Sampha and Dayes both receive their second nomination for co-writing Sampha’s “Spirit 2.0,” while 2023 Rising Star winner Victoria Canal returns with “Black Swan.” Also nominated are The Japanese House for “Sunshine Baby” and Blur for “The Narcissist” – 29 years on from the group’s first Ivors nomination.
In the PRS for Music Most Performed Work category, Harry Styles’ 2022 megahit “As It Was,” which he co-wrote with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, which won the award last year, is nominated for the second year running. It is competing with PinkPantheress & Ice Spice’s “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”, Jazzy’s “Giving Me,” Kenya Grace’s “Strangers” and “Sprinter” by Dave & Central Cee.
Jerskin Fendrix, who received an Oscar nomination for best original score for Poor Things, is nominated in that category here too. The other nominees are Pemberton’s score for Marvel’s animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Carly Paradis’ score for Typist Artist Pirate King, Carol Morley’s feature about the artist Audrey Amiss.
Pemberton is also nominated in the best television soundtrack category for his work on spy drama Slow Horses.
Fans can listen to tracks from the nominees on The Ivors 2024 playlist on Amazon Music.
As previously announced, Bruce Springsteen will become the first songwriter from outside the U.K. to become a Fellow of the Academy, the highest honor the Academy bestows.
Ivor Novello Awards will also be presented for Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music, Outstanding Song Collection with PRS for Music, Visionary Award with Amazon Music, Special International Award, and Outstanding Contribution to British Music.
Here’s a complete list of the nominations for The Ivors 2024:
Best album
Black Classical Music; written by Yussef Dayes, Rocco Palladino and Charlie Stacey; performed by Yussef Dayes; music published in the UK by YD Music-Kobalt Music Publishing and Sentric Music
Crazymad, for Me; written and performed by CMAT; music published in the UK by BMG
False Lankum; written by Daragh Lynch, Ian Lynch, Cormac MacDiarmada and Radie Peat; performed by Lankum; music published in the UK by Beggars Music
Lahai; written and performed by Sampha; music published in the UK by Young Songs-Sony Music Publishing
My 21st Century Blues; written by Raye and Mike Sabath; performed by Raye; music published in the UK by Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Sony Music Publishing
Best contemporary song
“Back on 74”; written by Lydia Kitto, J Lloyd and Tom McFarland; performed by Jungle; music published in the UK by Handsome Dad Publishing-Sony Music Publishing and Kobalt Music Publishing
“Enough”; written by Brian Eno, Fred Gibson, Buddy Ross and Winnie Raeder; performed by Fred again.. & Brian Eno; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing, Promised Land Music-Sony Music Publishing, Heavy Duty-Kobalt Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Ltd
“Geronimo Blues”; written by Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit, Raven Bush and Kae Tempest; performed by Speakers Corner Quartet feat. Kae Tempest; music published in the UK by Warp Publishing and Domino Publishing Company
“Mama’s Eyes”; written by Todd Dulaney, Ines Dunn, Barney Lister and METTE; performed by METTE; music published in the UK by MNRK Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Promised Land Music-Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Ltd“Water”; written by Imani ‘Mocha’ Lewis, Corey Lindsay-Keay, Jackson Lomastro, Ari PenSmith, Rayo, Sammy Soso and Olmo Zucca; performed by Tyla; music published in the UK by Always Forward Thinking-Kobalt Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Concord Music Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
Best song musically and lyrically
“Black Friday”; written by Laurie Blundell, Max Clilverd and Tom Odell; performed by Tom Odell; music published in the UK by Kobalt Music Publishing-UROK Music Publishing
“Black Swan”; written by Victoria Canal, Jonny Lattimer and Eg White; performed by Victoria Canal; music published in the UK by Second Songs-Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Universal Music Publishing
“Spirit 2.0”; written by Yussef Dayes and Sampha; performed by Sampha; music published in the UK by YD Music-Kobalt Music Publishing and Young Songs-Sony Music Publishing
“Sunshine Baby”; written by Amber Bain; performed by The Japanese House; music published in the UK by Dirty Hit Songs-Kobalt Music Publishing
“The Narcissist”; written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree; performed by Blur; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing and BMG
PRS for Music Most Performed Work
“As It Was”; written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles; performed by Harry Styles; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing and Pulse Songs-Concord Music Publishing
“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”; written by Ice Spice, Mura Masa and PinkPantheress; performed by PinkPantheress & Ice Spice; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing, BMG and Sony Music Publishing
“Giving Me”; written by Conor Bissett, Robert Griffiths and Jazzy; performed by Jazzy; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
“Sprinter”; written by Central Cee, Dave, Jo Caleb and Jonny Leslie; performed by Dave & Central Cee; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Ltd and Kobalt Music Publishing
“Strangers”; written and performed by Kenya Grace; music published by Warner Chappell Music Ltd
Rising Star Award With Amazon Music
Blair Davie
Chrissi
Elmiene
Master Peace
Nino SLG
Best original film score
Poor Things; composed by Jerskin Fendrix; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse; composed by Daniel Pemberton; music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
Typist Artist Pirate King; composed by Carly Paradis
Best original video game score
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III; composed by Walter Mair
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor; composed by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab; music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing
Tin Hearts; composed by Matthew Chastney; music published in the UK by Sentric Music
Best television soundtrack
Boat Story; composed by Dominik Scherrer; music published in the UK by Du Vinage Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
Slow Horses Season 3; composed by Daniel Pemberton and Toydrum; music published in the UK by Apple-Sony Music Publishing
The Crown The Final Season; composed by Martin Phipps; music published in the UK by Du Vinage Publishing and Sony Music Publishing
The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies; composed by Arthur Sharpe; music published in the UK by BDi Music obo Sister Pictures and Rights Worldwide
Three Little Birds; composed by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Bruce Springsteen‘s lyrics have shaped generations, defined movements and put words to the American experience. And now, his legacy will carve out yet another piece of history as he becomes the first international songwriter to be named an Ivors Academy Fellow. Following in the footsteps of Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Sting, […]
The Ivors Academy, a U.K.-based songwriter advocacy organization, has named Roberto Neri as its new CEO.
The organization was previously helmed by Graham Davies, who is now the leader of the Digital Media Association (DiMA) in the United States, and interim CEO Charlie Phillips.
Neri has worked in the music publishing business for over 20 years. Previously, he held C-suite roles as CEO of Believe’s publishing operation and CEO and COO of Utopia Music Services. His other previous positions include executive vp/head of business development at Downtown Music, founder/CEO of Eagle-i Music, vp of international at Bug Music and publishing relations manager at PRS for Music.
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Additionally, Neri has erved as chair of the Music Publishers’ Association and director of the UK Music, PRS for Music, MCPS and PPL/PRS boards. He is the trustee of Music for My Mind, a charity that provides music therapy for dementia patients and their caretakers.
Established in 1944, The Ivors Academy — previously known as the British Academy of Songwiters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) — advocates for songwriters’ best interests in local politics and in the music business. In recent years, it has campaigned to introduce the EU copyright directive, amplified the #BrokenRecord campaign to call out unfair streaming economy practices and partnered with YouTube Music to host a songwriting camp for members. The organization is perhaps best known for its annual songwriter award ceremony, the Ivor Novello awards, one of the biggest nights in music publishing in the United Kingdom.
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“On behalf of the Board and Academy, I am thrilled to welcome Roberto Neri as our new CEO,” said Tom Gray, the Ivors Academy chair. “He brings a huge breadth of industry experience, knowledge and leadership skills. His commitment — and ours to him — is to be the most influential voice for songwriters and composers in the world.”
Neri added, “I am deeply honored and humbled to step into the role of CEO of The Ivors Academy. It is a dream job to fervently advocate for and represent songwriters and composers, who I have been fortunate enough to represent for over two decades globally. I believe now, more than ever, is the pivotal moment to ensure music creators’ interests are protected, championed, valued and recognized for their central and indispensable role in the success of the entire music business.”
Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers won songwriter of the year at the 2023 Ivor Novello Awards, which were presented at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday (May 18).
Wet Leg’s eponymous debut album was a global hit, spawning the hit singles “Wet Dream” and “Chaise Longue.” The group won two Grammys (best alternative music album and best alternative music performance) and two Brit Awards (British group and best new artist). The Ivors judges described Teasdale and Chambers’ writing as “fresh, unapologetic and direct, with surprising melodies that demand attention.”
Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson won PRS for Music most performed work for their collaboration on “As It Was.” This marks the third Ivor Novello Award for Styles and Kid Harpoon, who won both in that same category for “Adore You” in 2021 and also took songwriter of the year that year.
“As It Was” was nominated for record and song of the year at the Grammys. Styles’ album, Harry’s House, won album of the year and best pop vocal album. Styles did even better at the Brit Awards, taking song of the year for “As It Was,” British album of the year, British artist of the year and best pop/R&B act. In addition, Kid Harpoon won the Brit Award for songwriter of the year.
Best song musically and lyrically went to “King” by Florence + the Machine, written by Florence Welch and Jack Antonoff. A standout from the group’s most recent album, Dance Fever, the song discusses Welch’s conflict in choosing between her career and starting a family as well as gender expectations for women in society. “King” received a Grammy nod for best alternative music performance.
Sting received the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the highest honor the Academy bestows. Sting has won seven Ivor Novellos, including a lifetime achievement award in 2002. He joins an illustrious list of Fellows that includes Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush CBE and Joan Armatrading MBE. Sting performed The Police’s classic “Message in a Bottle” at the show.
The special international award celebrated the career and influence of Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. Emerging from the New York new wave scene in the mid-1970s, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Matilda Mann performed Blondie’s 1978 classic “Heart of Glass” at the ceremony.
In recognition of the impact her musical vision has made on her fellow songwriters, Charli XCX was awarded the visionary award with Amazon Music.
Best contemporary song went to Raye, 070 Shake and Mike Sabath for “Escapism” – which she performed at the ceremony. Described by the judges as “daring, brave and empowering songwriting,” the track took off after going viral on TikTok, marking Raye’s first No. 1 single on the Official U.K. Singles Chart.
Best album went to 11 by SAULT, written by Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover, Jamar McNaughton, Cleopatra Nikolic and Jack Peñate. Drawing from Afrobeat and blues influences, 11 was one of five critically acclaimed albums released for free simultaneously by SAULT in November 2022. This is the fourth Ivor Novello Award for Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover.
KAMILLE’s body of work was recognized with the outstanding song collection award. KAMILLE is of Britain’s most successful songwriters, working with artists such as Mabel, The Saturdays, Dua Lipa and Little Mix. She has also launched a career as an artist in her own right.
The PRS for Music icon award went to Tim Booth, Saul Davies, Jim Glennie, Larry Gott and Mark Hunter for their work as James. From their breakthrough in the “Madchester” scene of the early 1990s, James have become an enduring gem of British music.
The rising star award with Amazon Music was awarded to singer-songwriter Victoria Canal. She is the fourth consecutive female songwriter to pick up the award since it was introduced in 2020.
John Powell won best original film score for Don’t Worry Darling, which starred fellow Ivor Novello winner Harry Styles. This marks Powell’s fifth Ivor Novello Award.
Hannah Peel won best television soundtrack for her work on The Midwich Cuckoos. Peel received a 2019 Primetime Emmy nod for Game of Thrones: The Last Watch.
The award for best original video game score went to Gareth Coker, Grant Kirkhope and Yoko Shimomura for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Each composer is renowned for their work including Nintendo classics such as Donkey Kong 64 and Super Mario RPG.
Title sponsor and collaborator Amazon Music scaled up The Ivors’ reach with the first livestream from the event. Presented by +44 Podcast hosts Zeze Millz and Sideman, as well as radio DJ Zach Sang, the livestream featured live coverage direct from The Ivors red carpet, plus the award show performances, and backstage interviews with the winners.
The Ivors are judged by songwriters and composers from The Ivors Academy’s membership. The Ivors Academy is the U.K.’s professional association for songwriters and composers.
The following categories recognize British or Irish songwriting and composing for music commercially released in the U.K. in calendar year 2022; best album, best contemporary song, best song musically and lyrically, best original film score, best original video game score and best television soundtrack.
The rising star award with Amazon Music honors British or Irish songwriting talent under the age of 25 who demonstrate exceptional potential and ambition and have begun to capture the imagination of the music creator community.
Here’s a complete list of winners at the 2023 Ivor Novello Awards:
Academy Fellowship: Sting
Best album: 11, written by Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover, Jamar McNaughton, Cleopatra Nikolic and Jack Peñate; performed by SAULT; published in the U.K. by Copyright Control and Sentric Music
Best contemporary song: “Escapism,” written by 070 Shake, Raye and Mike Sabath; performed by Raye and 070 Shake; published in the U.K. by Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music
Best original film score: Don’t Worry Darling, composed by John Powell; published in the U.K. by Universal Music Publishing
Best original video game score: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope; composed by Gareth Coker, Grant Kirkhope and Yoko Shimomura
Best song musically and lyrically: “King,” written by Jack Antonoff and Florence Welch; performed by Florence + The Machine; published in the U.K. by Ducky Donath Music-Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing
Best television soundtrack: The Midwich Cuckoos; composed by Hannah Peel; published in the U.K. by SATV Publishing
Outstanding song collection: Kamille
PRS for Music icon award: Tim Booth, Saul Davies, Jim Glennie, Larry Gott and Mark Hunter for James
PRS for Music most performed work: “As It Was”; written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles; performed by Harry Styles; published in the U.K. by Universal Music Publishing and Pulse Songs-Concord Music Publishing
Rising Star award with Amazon Music: Victoria Canal
Songwriter of the year with Amazon Music: Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers
Special international award: Debbie Harry and Chris Stein
Visionary award with Amazon Music: Charli XCX
Harry Styles and Kid Harpoon are each nominated for three 2023 Ivors, as are Cleopatra Nikolic and Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover, making them this year’s most honored songwriters.
The Ivors Academy announced the nominations for The Ivors 2023 with Amazon Music on Tuesday (April 18). The awards recognize outstanding British and Irish songwriters and composers across nine categories.
Styles and Harpoon are nominated for songwriter of the year with Amazon Music. They are also nominated in two categories for co-writing Styles’ global smash “As It Was” with Tyler Johnson – best song musically and lyrically and PRS for music most performed work.
Styles indirectly factors into a fourth nomination this year. He starred in the film Don’t Worry Darling, which netted a nomination for best original film score for composer John Powell.
“Inflo” and Nikolic are competing with “As It Was” for best song musically and lyrically as the co-writers of SAULT’s hit “Stronger.” They are also nominated twice for best album, for their work on Little Simz’s No Thank You alongside Little Simz and SAULT’s 11 alongside Jamar McNaughton and Jack Peñate.
In the PRS for music most performed work category, Ed Sheeran makes history as “Bad Habits” is nominated again after winning the award last year. He is the first artist to achieve this feat in this category. Sheeran’s follow-up hit “Shivers” is also nominated in the category this year.
Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” is nominated in that same category 37 years after the track was nominated for best contemporary song. The song experienced a global resurgence after being featured in the hit TV series Stranger Things.
A total of 72 individual songwriters and composers received Ivor Novello nominations this year, with 54% of those being nominated for the first time.
The songwriter of the year with Amazon Music category recognizes British or Irish songwriters or songwriting teams for outstanding bodies of commercially successful songs released in 2022. This year’s nominees are Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine), the only individual songwriter nominated in the category this year; Styles & Harpoon; Rhian Teasdale & Hester Chambers (Wet Leg); George Daniel & Matty Healy (The 1975); and Central Cee & Young Chencs.
Knucks receives two nominations for best contemporary song, for his track “Leon the Professional” with co-writers Venna and Toshifumi Hinata and for his feature on Kojey Radical’s “Payback,” which also credits Swindle.
British duo The Flight (consisting of Joe Henson and Alexis Smith) received two nominations for best original video game score. They are nominated for composing the Batman-inspired Gotham Knights and for co-composing the critically acclaimed Horizon Forbidden West, alongside Joris de Man and Oleksa Lozowchuk.
Since its inception in 2020, the rising star award with Amazon Music has championed Britain and Ireland’s most promising songwriting talents. This year’s nominees are Cat Burns, Ines Dunn, tendai, venbee and Victoria Canal. Previous winners are Mysie, Willow Kayne and Naomi Kimpenu.
Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy, said in a statement, “The music nominated for an Ivor Novello this year is testament to the power and range of British and Irish songwriting and screen composing. It’s a superlative list and on behalf of The Ivors Academy, I’m delighted to congratulate every writer nominated for their craft and achievements.”
Winners will be revealed at The Ivors with Amazon Music at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday May 18.
As previously announced, Sting will become a Fellow of the Ivors Academy, the highest honor the Academy bestows. Ivor Novello Awards will also be presented for the outstanding song collection, special international award, visionary award with Amazon Music and PRS for music icon award.
Here’s a complete list of The Ivors 2023 nominations:
Songwriter of the year with Amazon Music
Central Cee and Young Chencs
Florence Welch
Harry Styles and Kid Harpoon
Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers
George Daniel and Matty Healy
Best contemporary song
“Cold Summer”; written by Wesley Joseph and Leon Vynehall; performed by Wesley Joseph
“Escapism”; written by 070 Shake, RAYE and Mike Sabath; performed by RAYE & 070 Shake
“Hide & Seek”; written by Owen Cutts, P2J, PRGRSHN and Stormzy; performed by Stormzy
“Leon the Professional”; written by Knucks, Venna and Toshifumi Hinata; performed by Knucks
“Payback”; written by Knucks, Kojey Radical and Swindle; performed by Kojey Radical feat. Knucks
Best song musically and lyrically
“As It Was”; written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles; performed by Harry Styles
“Best Day of My Life”; written by Laurie Blundell and Tom Odell; performed by Tom Odell
“Complex”; written by Katie Gregson-Macleod; performed by Katie Gregson-Macleod
“King”; written by Jack Antonoff and Florence Welch; performed by Florence + The Machine
“Stronger”; written by Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover and Cleopatra Nikolic; performed by SAULT
PRS for music most performed work
“As It Was”; written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles; performed by Harry Styles
“Bad Habits”; written by FRED, Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran; performed by Ed Sheeran
“Heat Waves”; written by Dave Bayley; performed by Glass Animals
“Running Up That Hill”; written by Kate Bush; performed by Kate Bush
“Shivers”; written by Johnny McDaid, Kal Lavelle, Steve Mac and Ed Sheeran; performed by Ed Sheeran
Best album
11; written by Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover, Jamar McNaughton, Cleopatra Nikolic and Jack Peñate; performed by SAULT
No Thank You; written by Dean “Inflo” Josiah Cover, Little Simz and Cleopatra Nikolic; performed by Little Simz
Skinty Fia; written by Grian Chatten, Thomas Coll, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan and Carlos O’Connell; performed by Fontaines D.C.
Some Nights I Dream of Doors; written by Barney Lister and Obongjayar; performed by Obongjayar
The Car; written by Alex Turner; performed by Arctic Monkeys
Best original film score
Avatar: The Way of Water; composed by Simon Franglen
Death on the Nile; composed by Patrick Doyle
Don’t Worry Darling; composed by John Powell
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris; composed by Rael Jones
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain; composed by Arthur Sharpe
Best television soundtrack
Bad Sisters; composed by PJ Harvey and Tim Phillips
Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen; composed by David Schweitzer
The Midwich Cuckoos; composed by Hannah Peel
The Responder; composed by Matthew Herbert
The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe; composed by Harry Escott and Ben Pearson
Best original video game score
Gotham Knights; composed by The Flight
Horizon Forbidden West; composed by Joris de Man, Oleksa Lozowchuk and The Flight
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope; composed by Gareth Coker, Grant Kirkhope and Yoko Shimomura
Rising star award with Amazon Music
Cat Burns
Ines Dunn
tendai
venbee
Victoria Canal
Sting will become an Academy Fellow, the highest honor The Ivors Academy bestows, at the 2023 Ivors, which will be presented at Grosvenor House in London on May 18.
Sting is the 23rd Fellow that the Academy has inducted in its 79-year history. He follows such songwriting greats as Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Peter Gabriel. The latter received the award last year.
“Of all the awards in the world of music, The Ivors are for me, the most prestigious,” Sting said in a statement. “Songwriting is a skilled craft and The Ivors Academy are its guild. So, I am delighted and honoured to be offered this Fellowship of the Academy, joining and acknowledging this extraordinary group of fellow songwriters, and all of those who went before us.”
Sting has won seven Ivor Novellos, including their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. He was inducted into the New York-based Songwriters Hall of Fame that same year.
Sting has won 17 Grammys, including two in songwriting categories – the 1983 award for song of the year for “Every Breath You Take” and the 1991 award for best rock song for “The Soul Cages.” He won a 2002 Primetime Emmy for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program for A&E in Concert: Sting in Tuscany…All This Time. In addition, he has been nominated for the two other EGOT awards. He has amassed four Oscar nods for best original song and a 2015 Tony nod for original musical score for The Last Ship.
Speaking on behalf of The Ivors Academy, Armatrading, Sting’s labelmate at A&M Records from the late ’70s into the early ’90s, said: “Across all of Sting’s work as a solo artist and with the iconic band The Police, he is without doubt one of the UK’s foremost successful songwriters and performers and is certainly deserving of one of the most prestigious awards in the music business. My huge congratulations on being made a Fellow of The Ivors Academy, Sting.”
Sting is managed by Martin Kierszenbaum of Cherrytree Music Company.
The Ivor Novellos, which were first presented in 1956, are judged by songwriters and composers from The Ivors Academy, the U.K.’s professional association for songwriters and composers. Past winners include Adele, Stormzy, Little Simz, Cathy Dennis, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Dave and John Lennon.
This year’s nominations will be announced on Tuesday April 18. The winners will be revealed at The Ivors on Thursday May 18.
The Ivors Academy also announced that Amazon Music is the new title sponsor of The Ivors as part of a multi-year, global deal. Amazon Music will bring music creators to the forefront through exclusive content offerings, as well as live performances, an immersive red carpet and backstage interviews that will be livestreamed on the Amazon Music UK Twitch channel in 2023.
Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy, said, “Globally, songwriters are justly demanding the recognition that they deserve. As we push back against the historic undervaluing of the song and songwriter, we are delighted to collaborate with Amazon Music to celebrate songwriters, explore their craft and firmly place their value and originality at the centre of music. Together, we will make sure that The Ivors is recognised around the world as the most important celebration of songwriting.”
Amazon Music will integrate this year’s Rising Star nominees into their global developing artist program, Breakthrough, which provides long-term, customized global plans for emerging artists. This support includes video and audio content, global marketing, increased visibility across Amazon Music playlists and programming and high-profile Amazon Original tracks available only on Amazon Music.
Tom Winkler, head of songwriter, publisher and society relations for Amazon Music explains, “By globally amplifying the exceptional work of The Ivors Academy, Amazon Music will continue to celebrate songwriters and empower fans to discover the craft behind the music.”
To commemorate Sting’s honor, an unheard, Amazon Original demo of “If It’s Love,” taken from the musician’s most recent studio album, 2021’s The Bridge, is being released exclusively via Amazon Music. This is the seventh installment of the newly-launched demos program, which provides Amazon Music customers with the opportunity to hear demos of artists’ songs. Previous demo releases include songs by Walker Hayes and Maren Morris.
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