REBRANDING THE IVOR AWARDS

The trade group that hands out the Ivors, BASCA, is rebranding itself to better align with its awards. Please welcome The Ivors Academy.

The songwriter and composer trade body, which dates back to 1944, has plans to further build membership and champion the interests of music creators through its campaigning work. Simultaneously, they will celebrate the achievements of songwriters and composers.

“We are becoming true champions of music creators,” Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies said. “Music starts with the creator and without their contribution to recordings, videos, games, TV, film, radio and live, the riches enjoyed across the media and technology industries would not exist. Riches should be shared fairly so that creators can make a living from their art and craft. Creators should not have to constantly fight to retain their rights, fight to be paid and fight for fair access to work.”

In addition, the British Composer Awards, which celebrate excellence in contemporary classical and jazz composition, will become The Ivors Composer Awards. The BASCA Trust, which has awarded bursaries to up and coming writer/producers, will become The Ivors Academy Trust, and is set to expand its work further in the months ahead to develop and support U.K. talent.

“We are launching The Ivors Academy Trust to raise funds and work to safeguard the future of our industry,” Davies said. “In the past, the industry has spoken on behalf of creators, but The Ivors Academy will empower creators to raise their voice and speak up for themselves.”

The Ivors Academy recently welcomed Ed Sheeran as a new member, who joins the likes of Joan Armatrading, Django Bates, Mira Calix, Anne Dudley, George Fenton, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jonny Greenwood, David Arnold, Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, Thea Musgrave, Dizzee Rascal and Orphy Robinson.

Nominations for the The Ivors will be announced on 4/24 and the ceremony will take place on 5/23 at the Grosvenor House in London.