Ivors Academy members elects new Senate to champion songwriters and composers at the heart of its governance

04 November 2024 - Press release

 

The Ivors Academy has announced the election of 40 songwriters and composers to its Senate. Elected by members, the Senate plays an essential role in representing the interests and rights of songwriters and composers. Through the body, the views and priorities its members will be central to The Ivors Academy's governance, as the organisation works to protect, empower and champion the rights of its community.

Members of the Senate will provide critical insight and feedback on issues facing the industry. This includes shaping policy, public affairs and campaigns around topics such as Artificial Intelligence, fair creator remuneration, improvements to works data and identifiers, addressing unfair commissioning practices and the future of public arts funding. The Senates influence is intended to help make the music industry more accessible, fair and sustainable for all.

The Senate will now meet and elect up to 11 of their members to the Board of Directors.

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy said, "I am delighted with the outcome of the election and also the member engagement throughout the process. Alongside other issues, our new Senate will strengthen our voice  in addressing the potential threat of AI, with lobbying the new Government to fix streaming and ensuring media composers sign fairer contracts.
Thank you again to the many songwriters and composers who put themselves forward in the election and for their continued commitment. It has never been more important to effectively advocate for the crucial role of songwriters and composers they are the backbone of the music industry, yet remain undervalued. The Ivors Academy and our new Senate will ensure we empower our whole community, address their key issues and continue to champion and protect them until we have a fairer and more sustainable music future." 

List of members elected to the Senate

• Andy Skinner
• Anna Phoebe
• Ayanna Witter-Johnson
• Cassell the Beatmaker
• Catherine Anne Davies
• Crispin Hunt
• David Arnold
• Dru Masters
• Duncan MacLeod
• Emily Saunders
• Esmeralda Conde Ruiz
• Eve Horne
• Fiona Bevan
• Gary Crosby
• Iain Archer
• Ilā Kamalagharan
• Ines Dunn
• Jill Thomas
• Joe Galuszka
• Jonathan Vincent
• Jonny Lattimer
• Kal Lavelle
• Kamille
• Katie Richardson
• Keith Ayling
• Lizzie Esau
• Louise Dodds
• Melpomeni Kermanidou
• Mika Sellens
• Nainita Desai
• Olli Wells
• Orphy Robinson
• Paloma Faith
• Ras Kassa Alexander
• Rob Aitken
• Shelly Mcerlaine
• Tansy Davies
• Tinie Tempah
• Tom Gray
• Xantoné Bla