Little Simz, Dave, Calvin Harris and Steve Mac win big at Ivor Novellos 2020

For obvious reasons, this year’s edition of the UK’s annual Ivor Novello Awards was not, as is customary, a glitzy affair in the heart of London.

It was, instead, hosted online in conjunction with Apple Music.

The victors were announced earlier today (September 2) by Matt Wilkinson on Apple Music 1 Radio (formerly Beats 1).

Big winners included Little Simz, who picked up then Best Album award (alongside co-writer Inflo) forGrey Area, which was released independently via Kobalt‘s AWAL in March last year.

Elsewhere, hitmaker Steve Mac won the Ivor for Songwriter Of The Year, in recognition of his work with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Mabel.

Dave (pictured) and Fraser T Smith won an Ivor Novello for the second year running, this time for the track Black, which was awarded for Best Contemporary Song.

Bobby Krlic picked up the gong for Best Original Film Score for the score to Midsommar, while Best Original Video Game Score went to Simon Poole for Draugen.

Songwriter and artist Mysie won the first Rising Star Award with Apple Music, while the Academy Fellowship was awarded to Joan Armatrading MBE.

Jamie Cullum won the Best Song Musically and Lyrically award, for his aptly-titled Age Of Anxiety.

“Dave and Fraser created a beautiful and important piece of music that will be talked about for a long time to come. I’m so pleased that this song has been recognised on a stage as important as the Ivors.”

Amber Davis, Warner Chappell Music

And Giant, performed and written by Calvin Harris and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, with co-writing by Jamie Hartman and Troy Miller, was awarded the PRS for Music Most Performed Work of 2019.

The award for the Best Television Soundtrack went to Labrinth for his soundtrack to HBO drama serial Euphoria.

Crispin Hunt, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “The Ivors 2020 is a stunning roll call of songwriting and screen composing talent. I would like to congratulate every winner and nominee on their incredible achievements. The UK produces some of the most dynamic, creative and successful music creators in the world working across games, TV, film and recorded music.

“Their talent is the reason that the music we all love exists. Each Ivor Novello Award is unique as it is presented to music creators by music creators on behalf of the Academy and is an expression of our admiration.”

It was a good day for Warner Chappell Music, which represents Dave, Fraser T Smith and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man for publishing.

Amber Davis, head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK, said: “Dave and Fraser created a beautiful and important piece of music that will be talked about for a long time to come. I’m so pleased that this song has been recognised on a stage as important as the Ivors. Both of them put such care and attention into their songwriting, so it’s great to see it acknowledged by their peers.”

She added: “Giant sees Rory at his best – showcasing his incredible voice and his amazing songwriting ability. The track became an undeniable hit last year and it still feels fresh to this day. I’m delighted that Rory’s won his first Ivor. It’s always a great feeling when your songwriters win awards, but in the publishing world the Ivors feel extra special. I’d like to say congratulations to Dave, Fraser, Rory and all our writers that were nominated and a thank you to everyone at Warner Chappell for their hard work.”

Other industry celebrants included Universal Music Publishing Group, which represents Little Simz and Steve Mac, as well as Sony/ATV, which is home to Calvin Harris.

Meanwhile, Kobalt reps Best Original Film Score winner Bobby Krlic, Reservoir reps Jamie Hartman and Bucks Music reps Troy Miller.

Independent publisher Sentric Music won its first Ivor, as it represents Jamie Cullum in the UK market, while BMG and Concord each rep Joan Armatrading’s publishing catalog.Music Business Worldwide

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