The Ivors Inspiration Award

Alison Goldfrapp & Will Gregory

The Oxford Dictionary of English defines ‘inspiration’ as ‘the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative’. And, appropriately enough, this year’s Ivors Inspiration Award winners are past masters at doing precisely that.

Because Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory – who came together as the duo Goldfrapp in 1999 – have now spent more than two decades firing up their imaginations and encouraging others to connect with their emotions.

Both have plenty of solo accomplishments in their resumés, but it’s their unforgettable collaboration in Goldfrapp that has produced one of the most incredible song collections of the 21st century.

From the moment their debut album, the Mercury Prize-nominated Felt Mountain, emerged in 2000, it’s been clear that the duo were onto something very special. They remain giants of electronic music, but have also been influenced by everything from glam rock to organic folk music, while their magnificent seven albums to date have thrown up song after song to entrance the nation.

From the warm folktronica of that debut to the eclectic electro clash of their most recent album, 2017’s Silver Eye, every Goldfrapp era has been different, while remaining true to the band’s pioneering spirit.

And throughout that time, the hits have just kept on coming. The glam stomp of Strict Machine picked up The Ivors Dance Award in 2004, the irresistible disco of Ooh La La was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007, and the ‘80s synth-rock inspired Rocket followed suit in 2011.

Along the way, Goldfrapp and Gregory have never been afraid to collaborate with others, but it’s their core relationship that has ensured Goldfrapp became one of the era’s most enduring and original partnerships.

And, 22 years on, Gregory’s musical wizardry and Goldfrapp’s evocatively ambiguous lyrics continue to be an irresistible combination. Long may they keep feeling the inspiration.