Raye to receive first-ever Ivors honour for songwriting advocacy

The announcement follows a landmark agreement this week for UK major labels to introduce increased pay for musicians and songwriters.

Date published: 24th Jul 2025

The Ivors Academy have announced that Raye will receive a unique new honour in recognition of her advocacy for songwriters' rights, following the landmark agreement of increased pay for musicians and songwriters that was secured this week. The inaugural Ivors Academy Honours, which will celebrate industry innovators and trailblazers, will take place on Thursday 2nd October 2025 at the InterContinental Park Lane in Mayfair. 

This week saw the announcement of UK major labels introducing £75 non-recoupable per diems and cover expenses for songwriters attending writing sessions, secured by The Ivors Academy through government-led negotiations. 

A vocal supporter of this reform, two-time Ivor Novello Award winner and seven-time BRIT Award winner Raye helped to bring the issue to light while accepting her ‘Best Contemporary Song’ award at The Ivors 2024. The acclaimed singer-songwriter spoke out on stage for the “voiceless beating heart of the industry, which is songwriters”, and continues to campaign for a more equitable industry. 

Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, called Raye “one of the most gifted songwriters of her generation”, and praised how the singer "consistently called for better pay and greater recognition for songwriters, championing structural change to protect the talent behind the music we love.”

The Ivors Academy Honours continues the legacy of the Gold Badge Awards, first held in 1974 and whose past recipients include Michael Eavis, Guy Garvey, and Jo Whiley.

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