Ivor Award winners U2’s The Edge and Orla Gartland were among the Irish artists marking the launch of the Ivors Academy in Ireland.
The Ivors Academy is a professional association for songwriters and composers, and the organisation behind the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards and it has now launched in Ireland.
It’s the Ivors first formal presence outside the UK having run for nearly eight decades now. Irish winners and nominees have included U2, Hozier, CMAT, Orla Gartland, Fontaines DC, Lankum, Jazzy and Shane MacGowan.
So what does it mean practically?
It means the Ivors will advocate and represent Irish songwriters with former Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin will lead on policy in Ireland and report into Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy.
The Ivors Academy will enhance engagement at EU level on major topics including AI, copyright, fair terms and remuneration for songwriters and composers.
Members in Ireland will have new opportunities to contribute to campaigns and take part in industry conversations through the Academy’s member-led structures.
The presser says: “The Ivors Academy in Ireland will strengthen the Academy’s advocacy, ensuring greater protection, representation and influence for Irish songwriters and composers.”
“In a fast-moving, tech-focused world, it is more important than ever to celebrate and protect human creativity. The Ivors Academy has long demonstrated its commitment and support for music writers at every stage of their careers. The announcement of The Ivors Academy in Ireland, in partnership with IMRO, is welcome news for the music community, coming with its significant experience, energy and focus on the many important issues facing songwriters and composers today and into the future.”
U2’s The Edge, Fellow of The Ivors Academy
“Ireland has always and continues to punch well above its weight in its output of incredible songs, so I’m delighted to see The Ivors Academy launch their presence there to advocate for Irish songwriters. This feels important both on an individual and nationwide scale; as a country known globally for its music and art, we need to make sure that those who contribute to that culture are protected and paid.”
Orla Gartland, Ivor Novello Award winning singer-songwriter:
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “Launching The Ivors Academy in Ireland is an important step to put songwriters and composers first. This is a great step forwards to protect, empower and celebrate music writers globally. I’m delighted to appoint Catherine Martin to lead our policy work in Ireland to create a new, dedicated home for music writers focused on fair pay, creative freedom and long-term sustainability.”
Catherine Martin, Head of Policy, Ireland for The Ivors Academy, said: “I am delighted to take up this new position with The Ivors Academy. I look forward to advocating for our songwriters and composers whilst also supporting and championing them throughout their careers.”
Iain Archer, Board Director of The Ivors Academy and multi-Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter said: “This is such a positive step in representing the interests of songwriters and composers across Ireland. Ensuring the survival of music creators grows more pressing by the day, and I am delighted to see Catherine Martin join us in this exciting new chapter for The Ivors Academy.”
Eleanor McEvoy, Chair of IMRO, said: “Songwriters and composers across Ireland have long contributed immeasurably to the global music landscape. The establishment of The Ivors Academy in Ireland marks a powerful step forward in strengthening their voice, their rights, and their creative future. IMRO welcomes this initiative, which will deepen advocacy and expand opportunities for creators at every stage of their careers.”
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
