As we celebrate the close of 2024, marking The Ivors Academy’s 80th anniversary, I am proud of the strides we’ve made to protect, empower, and champion songwriters and composers. Through impactful advocacy, inspiring events, member-driven governance, and our prestigious awards, we have strengthened our mission to uplift our incredible creative community.
Since joining The Ivors Academy in April, I have been inspired by the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our governance, and the remarkable talent of every member I’ve met. In the face of challenges, our shared vision, energy, and unity give me confidence in achieving even greater success.
I was honoured to receive the Music Publishers Association’s Gold Badge Award for services to the publishing industry at the end of the year. I dedicated this award to all songwriters and composers – the originators of all value in music. Building on this moment, I was proud to launch The Ivors Academy Honours Awards ceremony in 2025, a new moment to spotlight and celebrate the champions of music creators.
As we close the year, the UK government’s consultation on Copyright and AI highlights the significant challenges facing songwriters and composers, and the need to protect copyright and your rights. Your input at our Member Forums on 15th January and 12th February will be vital in shaping The Ivors Academy’s response and strengthening our advocacy.
Thank you for your support – it means everything and enables us to create a bright future for songwriters and composers.
Roberto Neri
Chief Executive Officer
2024 IN REVIEW
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND CRAFT
We celebrated our 80th anniversary with a renewed commitment to supporting songwriters and composers. Founded in 1944 as the Composers Guild of Great Britain, The Ivors Academy has been a steadfast advocate for the rights and craft of songwriters and composers.
The milestone saw the launch of the Friends Programme, inviting global music industry professionals to support our mission. This initiative, championed by double-Ivor Novello Award winner Victoria Canal, strengthens our efforts to support members to develop their careers and craft.
STRENGTHENING OUR MEMBER-LED GOVERNANCE
Forty acclaimed songwriters and composers were elected to the Senate, helping advocate for fairer industry conditions. Their focus includes addressing AI exploitation, unfair payment terms, coercive commissioning practices, and protecting rights and royalties.
Thirteen Senate members joined the Board of Directors, ensuring our strategy and governance remain member-led and impactful.
ADVOCATING FOR A FAIRER INDUSTRY
We tackled systemic industry challenges by advocating policies to protect music creators, promote fairness and drive change. Highlights include:
Addressing AI threats: Responding to one of the greatest challenges ever facing our community, we remain steadfast in advocating for creator consent, fair remuneration, and transparency. We are calling for stronger AI regulation, actively engaging in consultations, and responded to CISAC’s study on AI’s impact. We aim to ensure that the rights and livelihoods of songwriters and composers are protected in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Fix Streaming: We successfully secured an industry-wide Transparency Code and government commitments to host a Minister-led songwriter remuneration roundtable. Our advocacy continues through the government-convened Remuneration Working Group, championing the essential value of songwriters and composers to achieve fairer outcomes in the streaming economy.
Policy engagement: This year we responded to DCMS inquiries, engaged with the new proposed industrial strategy to ensure the creative industries are at its heart, and provided input to Scotland’s new cultural strategy. During Ivors Week we hosted senior politicians and we joined UK-EU discussions on streaming.
Additional efforts addressed misogyny in music, Arts Council funding for classical composers, and improving data standards and commissioning practices, reflecting our broad commitment to the creative community.
EMPOWERING MEMBERS WITH RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
We expanded member support through:
- Mixers, webinars and events to network, learn and connect with music creators and industry professionals.
- The first Songwriting Camp with YouTube Music at Qube Studios, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Practical tools, including guides on essential business topics, an explainer for the Transparency Code, and a specimen commissioning agreement for media composers.
THE IVORS WITH AMAZON MUSIC: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION
The Ivors reinforced its status as the most prestigious celebration of songwriters and composers. This year, Bruce Springsteen became the first international songwriter inducted into Fellowship of The Ivors Academy.
Honourees included RAYE, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, KT Tunstall, and Kae Tempest. Global reach was expanded through Amazon Music’s Twitch broadcast, featuring live performances by Bruce Springsteen, METTE and Victoria Canal.
SUPPORTING RISING STARS
The Rising Star Award with Amazon Music celebrated its fifth year, offering nominees mentoring, writing camps, and introductions to leading songwriters and producers. Winner Master Peace shared, “The award has solidified my status as a special songwriter and created incredible opportunities for my career.”
Explore DIY Magazine’s feature on this year’s Rising Stars and the support they’ve received.
COMPLETING A TRIO OF FELLOWS
Classical composer James MacMillan joined Bruce Springsteen and Errollyn Wallen as Fellows of The Ivors Academy. Chair Tom Gray presented the honour as Sir James conducted the European premiere of Fiat Lux at the Barbican.
HONOURING EXCELLENCE AT THE IVORS CLASSICAL AWARDS
The Ivors Classical Awards celebrated achievements in classical music and sound art. Errollyn Wallen was honoured with Fellowship for her groundbreaking contributions.
Winners included Roxanna Panufnik, Gavin Bryars, and Matthew Herbert. Supported by PRS for Music, the ceremony brought together over 400 composers and industry leaders and reached wider audiences through BBC Radio 3.
THANK YOU
I extend my gratitude to our members, Board, Senate, Councils, and staff for their dedication. A special thanks to our partners, whose support amplifies our efforts to champion songwriters and composers globally.
In particular, I want to thank Amazon Music – title sponsor of The Ivors – who scale the most prestigious celebration of songwriters globally; our strategic partner PRS for Music who we work with across advocacy, policy, education, networking and awards; and all of our Corporate Partners, sponsors and supporters.
As we close this remarkable year, we remain committed to protecting, empowering, and championing songwriters and composers for generations to come.
