Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, and Raye were among the big winners at the 2024 Ivors, in a star-studded bash that will do down in history as one of its most memorable outings.
In the 69th year of The Ivors, 26 songwriters and composers collected Ivor Novello Awards across 14 categories in recognition of outstanding achievements in songwriting and composing for screen.
This year’s Songwriter of the Year with Amazon Music went to RAYE, while Bruce Springsteen was in attendance to receive Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the highest honour the organisation bestows. In a historic moment for The Ivors, Springsteen becomes the first ever international songwriter that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship, recognising his outstanding contribution to the craft of songwriting and impact on the UK’s cultural landscape. He was presented with his award by fellow songwriting legend Sir Paul McCartney.
Best Album was awarded to Black Classical Music, written by Yussef Dayes, Rocco Palladino and Charlie Stacey. Representing a significant coup for the burgeoning London jazz scene, judges praised Black Classical Music for its narrative arc that propels the listener forward, using a modern lens to reframe the format of instrumental music.
This year’s Special International Award celebrated the career and influence of Lana Del Rey. She is also a favourite of fellow honouree Springsteen, who has previously stated she is one of the best songwriters of modern times.
Celebrating outstanding originality in songwriting, Best Contemporary Song was claimed by Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit and Raven Bush of Speakers Corner Quartet alongside Kae Tempest for Geronimo Blues. Lyrically exceptional, this is the first Ivor Novello Award that these songwriters have received.
Dave, Central Cee, Jo Caleb and Jonny Leslie together won PRS for Music Most Performed Work for their collaboration on the UK’s biggest song of 2023, Sprinter. Dave and Central Cee have previously been nominated for Songwriter of the Year, with Dave claiming the award in 2022.
Grime legend Skepta was recognised with the Visionary Award with Amazon Music,
while Bernie Taupin was recognised with the Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. It is the ninth Ivor Novello awarded to Bernie Taupin, 50 years on from his first win for Daniel with Sir Elton John in 1974.
KT Tunstall received the Outstanding Song Collection with PRS for Music award, recognising her creative trail across a 20-year career.
Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “On behalf of The Ivors Academy and all the songwriters and composers we represent, it’s an honour to recognise extraordinary work and brilliant individuals behind it. We know that, because they are chosen by our peers, our awards are incredibly meaningful to their recipients. Ultimately, everyone knows that The Ivors define exceptional craft so a huge congratulations to all our winners.”
The 2024 winners:
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
BEST CONTEMPORARY SONG
“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
BEST SONG MUSICALLY AND LYRICALLY
“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
PRS FOR MUSIC MOST PERFORMED WORK
“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
RISING STAR AWARD WITH AMAZON MUSIC
Master Peace
BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE
Poor Things
composed by Jerskin Fendrix
music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing
BEST ORIGINAL VIDEO GAME SCORE
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
composed by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab
music published in the UK by Universal Music Publishing
BEST TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK
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
ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
Bruce Springsteen
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR WITH AMAZON MUSIC
RAYE
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL
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
PHOTO: Dave Hogan