IAN DUTT The Orchard
Raye returned with another big hit this year – what are your expectations for the campaign from here?
“As you would imagine, our expectations are sky-high. Where Is My Husband! is a fantastic start and the global results so far are exactly where we wanted them to be, but there is a huge amount to come.”
The Orchard Physical European Network launched recently – how will this expand your offering to artists and labels? “The OPEN launch has created an incredibly robust offering for an important part of our business, offering efficiencies and stability for all of our clients.”
What was your track of 2025? “It’s a tie between Fred Again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax’s Victory Lap and Raye’s Where Is My Husband!.”
And your favourite album?
Honourable mention: Raye was presented with an Ivors Academy Honour this year in recognition of her campaign work for songwriters
EMMANUEL
DE BURETEL Because Music
Congratulations on 20 years of Because Music. How
would you quantify the label’s impact on the independent sector over two decades? “We’ve proved that artist development remains at the heart of everything. It’s about aligning recording, publishing, live production and performance, marketing and streaming to build an artist’s career on a global scale. We have the ability to oversee and drive every aspect thanks to the expert teams we’ve built across all sectors. To succeed internationally, we have to be extremely selective and focused – especially when we’re pushing new and different creative directions. We’ve achieved excellence across multiple sectors, from live to recording and publishing. The success of Justice’s tour and Grammy recognition, or the Because Beaubourg event, are all the results of these coordinated efforts.”
Can you sum up 2025 for the indie sector in one word?
“Unite – especially when facing giants.”
What was your track of 2025? “Justice’s Neverender – it represents a long and dedicated work process, with teams from all over the world collaborating to create a truly successful track.”
And your favourite album?
“Oklou has delivered a beautiful and singular record with Choke Enough, which broadens her international reach. She is a genuinely unique artist.”
42 | Music Week And your favourite album?
“It has to be Love On Digital by Destin Conrad. The songwriting, tone and atmosphere he delivers are incredible.”
“I’m assuming I can’t go for a reissue, otherwise it would have been the Oasis (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? 30th-Anniversary Edition. So I’ll go for [Bad Bunny’s] Debí Tirar Más Fotos. It’s only a matter of time before he conquers the UK.”
AFRYEA HENRY-
EMMA-LEE
MOSS ESEA Music
Can you sum up ESEA Music’s role in the industry?
“I hope people can feel the joy coming out of our community, and see how creativity and self-expression thrive in a space that is supportive and founded on togetherness, not competition. For me, it’s an example of how artistic freedom is always a good thing. If you empower people to follow their instincts, they make their best work.”
How will you look back on 2025 personally? “It was a lovely thing when we found out about [winning the Women In Music DE&I Initiative] award. I enjoyed the ceremony too, it was a really positive atmosphere. I get emotional when people get standing ovations, so I had a lot of tears, especially during FKA Twigs’ speech. I also saw Ani DiFranco live at the Royal Albert Hall and had a mini spiritual awakening.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “Two songs I’ve played on repeat are Kai Wei’s Serendipity Is A MF, and also Kathryn Williams’ Sea Of Shadows – it’s one of my favourite songs of all time. [For the LP] Lily Allen’s West End Girl. I haven’t listened to an album on repeat like that since I was a teenager.”
ROBERTO NERI The Ivors Academy
FONTAINE The Black
Music Coalition
Who inspired you most this year? “Jade Richardson was one of the executives that made me realise my goals were possible. For her to win Music Champion at the Women In Music Awards this year felt powerful – Jade has continually followed her gut and kept pressing forward even when the work had no thanks or recognition. She is one of the first female A&R leaders in the industry and her legacy is strong.”
How did the BMC evolve in 2025? “In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we built practical interventions such as scholarships, internships and strategic partnerships that have opened real pathways into the industry. The launch of a first-of-its-kind, two-year internship with Universal Music shows our commitment to shaping culture, removing barriers to entry and shifting the systems that support the sector. Our focus is firm and we will keep pushing for long-term change across the industry.”
What was your track of 2025? “Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar. Beyond the headline moment, the song captured something raw and uncut about community pride and artistic freedom.”
What does it mean for artists to be recognised for their songwriting at the Ivors?
“The power of an Ivor Novello Award lies in its history, integrity and its unshakeable focus on songwriting and composing. Being recognised not for performance, fame or commercial success, but for the writing itself, cuts right to the heart of why they make music. It means a huge amount to them, but it also means a great deal to their fans, to the Academy and to our members. These moments reinforce why songs matter, why the people who write them matter, and why protecting, empowering and celebrating that craft is at the centre of everything we do.”
How did you manage to secure government backing for your proposal on per diem payments for songwriters from labels? “By demanding something so reasonable, so overdue and by being absolutely determined to secure it. It was an incredible moment where many forces aligned. The public calls from acclaimed songwriters helped cut through. Years of lobbying by our chair Tom Gray and persistent, targeted campaigning by The Ivors Academy finally created the momentum needed. I must thank the then Culture Minister, Chris Bryant – he understood why per diems matter.
It showed what can be achieved when songwriters speak out, the government listens and the industry is prepared to act.”
What was your track of 2025? “Messy by Lola Young hit the industry and public hard when it came out. It’s so raw, simple, honest and clever.”
And your favourite album? “Self Esteem’s A Complicated Woman and Kae Tempest’s Self Titled have been on heavy rotation all year, but recently joined by incredible albums from Lily Allen, Dave and Rosalía. The album is here to stay.”
musicweek.com
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