Ivors Week returns for the second year to celebrate songwriting and songwriters. Taking place between 16th and 20th May, with The Ivors with Apple Music as its high point on the 19th, the week supports The Ivors Academy Trust to create new opportunities for emerging music makers.
The week launches on Monday with Behind the Songs, hosted by presenter Nada, who will be in conversation with singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, and there will be performances from Kizzy Crawford, IMOGEN and Hope Winter. This Youth Network takeover is sponsored by BMI, TagMix and Tysers. The event will be filmed by Stabal, and then streamed on Stabal TV. Register.
Tuesday 17th sees a livestream of the David Ferguson lecture exploring Music & Mental Health with support from Miloco Studios and BAPAM – the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine. The panellists are songwriters Ray BLK and Jack Garratt, co-author of Can Music Make You Sick? Sally Anne Gross, Director of Artist and Employee Wellbeing at Sony Music Elton Jackson, and counsellor specialising in the music industry Denise Devenish. Register.
Ray BLK said, “These conversations are so important to have in an industry that treats people as products. I’m happy to take part in this conversation with the hope that it will help towards creating change and bringing awareness to those working in the business that they have a responsibility to care for the well-being of those that create the art that they monetise.”
Jack Garratt said, “I’m so glad to be on this panel. Music and mental health go hand in hand, as artists so often use their mental health as a resource for their creativity. Given the music industry is designed to exploit those who create within it, it’s so important that conversations like this happen, to take stock and listen to the thoughts of those having commerce generated from both their pain and joy.”
On Tuesday evening PPL will host an invite-only drinks reception at SAMA Bankside in London.
Wednesday sees a livestream exploring how music creators and industry can ensure accurate song data is attached to recordings at the point of creation. Part of the Credits Due campaign, launched by Björn Ulvaeus at last year’s Ivors, the panel will include hit songwriter Fiona Bevan and is backed by DIMA – the Digital Media Association. Register
On Thursday The Ivors with Apple Music will be held at Grosvenor House London. The winners will be announced from a list of 77 nominated songwriters and composers including Little Simz, Sam Fender, Jonny Greenwood, Laura Mvula, Rag’n’Bone Man, Ella Henderson, FKA twigs, Elton John, Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid and PinkPantheress. The winner of the Rising Star Award with Apple Music will also be revealed from an all-female nominee line-up.
After The Ivors, PRS for Music will host an invite-only afterparty with The Ivors Academy Trust at Aqua Nueva on Regent Street, London.
The week ends with an invite-only brunch for Ivor winners and nominees at The Ivy Club.
Cliff Fluet, Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust, a Partner at Lewis Silkin LLP and MD at Eleven Advisory, said, “I’m delighted that Ivors Week is back, honouring the greatest songwriters and fundraising to create new opportunities for the next generation of Ivors nominees and winners. By donating to The Ivors Academy Trust you’ll change the lives of emerging songwriters and composers by opening doors and breaking down barriers.”
