The Ivors 2021
Rising Star Award with Apple Music Introducing
Introducing
Making your way as a songwriter or composer has always had its challenges, but the past 12 months probably represent the most difficult year ever to try and make it in the music industry as a creative. So it is truly heartening to see the sensational talents assembled for the second annual Rising Star Award with Apple Music, all of whom have done spectacular work throughout the ravages of a global pandemic. After all, this is a prize which honours young British and Irish songwriters and composers with exceptional potential and ambition. All the nominees will receive a mentorship from an established Ivors Academy member and leaders from Apple Music, with this year’s mentors featuring Cathy Dennis, Nile Rodgers, Jamie Hartman, Jamie Scott and Fiona Bevan. But whoever ultimately picks up the gong at The Ivors ceremony, the future looks bright for all five nominees, and indeed for the next generation of Academy members, as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis into a brave new world… Take ALLEGRA. The soulful singersongwriter’s ascent has already involved everything from cutting her first demo at 13, to walking away from it all to volunteer at a Buddhist retreat centre. For her, Ivors recognition equals true validation.
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