Raye Unlocks A New Achievement with Ivors Academy Award

Raye is set to receive the Ivors Academy’s first-ever Songwriter Advocate Award. The award honors individuals who drive meaningful change for composers and songwriters. Hence, the award will be presented at the Academy’s inaugural Honours Ceremony on October 2.

Known for her outspoken advocacy and songwriting prowess, Raye has long championed the rights of music creators. In this way, she advocates for greater transparency, equity, and fair compensation within the industry. The Ivors Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and supporting songwriters and composers. Hence, the new award will spotlight those making a tangible impact on the creative community.

“Raye is one of the most gifted songwriters of her generation and always gives full respect and voice to fellow writers,” said Ivors Academy chief executive Robert Neri in a statement.

While Raye has recently broken through as a solo artist, her story is deeply rooted in the behind-the-scenes world of hitmaking. For years, she penned chart-topping tracks for artists like Beyoncé, John Legend, and Charli XCX. She continued writing, even as label setbacks delayed her own solo career. Her long-awaited debut album, “My 21st Century Blues,” finally arrived in 2023. The project earned British Album of the Year at the 2024 Brit Awards, among other accolades.

Raye and Advocating for Songwriters

Hence, true to form, Raye used her Brit Awards acceptance speech to advocate for her peers. “British music industry, please. I want to have a lovely, brief conversation about normalizing [business by] giving songwriters master royalty points,” she said to resounding applause.

In 2023, Variety also honored Raye with its Triple Threat Hitmaker Award. Thus, they have celebrated her dual success as an artist and songwriter—and her relentless commitment to reshaping the music business from within.

With streaming revenue continuing to challenge traditional models of compensation, many in the industry agree that songwriters face an uphill battle. “There has never been a greater need to stand up for the value of your songs,” said David Israelite.

As Raye prepares to accept the Ivors Academy honor this fall, her message remains clear. So, it’s time the songwriters behind today’s hits receive the recognition and respect they deserve.