Fontaines D.C. and Marina among Ivor Novello Awards 2021 Nominees

13 August, 2021

Huge congratulations are in order for BIMM graduates Fontaines D.C. and former student Marina who have received Ivor Novello (Ivors) award nominations. Marina is nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, while Fontaines D.C. are up for Best Album. The Ivors celebrates creative excellence within British and Irish songwriting and screen composition.

The Ivor Novello Awards (Ivors)

The Ivor Novello Awards are one of the most loved and respected awards in music. Each Ivor is unique, with award-winning songwriters and composers from across the Ivors Academy’s membership judging the categories.

The first ceremony took place way back in 1956, with the 2021 ceremony being the 66th presentation. The ceremony honours songwriting within commercial releases and screen composition across film, television and video games (released in the UK during 2020). The night will also celebrate, and award sustained contributions to UK music.

Fontaines D.C. and Marina are up against Laura Marling, Pa Salieu, Lianne La Havas, Arlo Parks, Headie One, and more. You can find the full list of nominees and listen to their music on Apple Music.

Best Album Nomination 2021: A Hero’s Death by Fontaines D.C.

BIMM Music Institute Dublin graduates Grian Chatten, Tom Coll, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan and Carlos O’Connell have received a nomination for A Hero’s Death, the second studio album from Fontaines D.C. The band released A Hero’s Death on 31 July 2020 to international critical acclaim.

Released with Partisan Records, Fontaines’ album incorporates dreamy and psychedelic aspects from The Beach Boys whilst sticking to their post-punk sound. A Hero’s Death received a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards, a nomination for International Group at the 2021 BRIT Awards, and a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2020 Choice Music Prize.

Fontaine’s D.C are nominated for Best Album alongside Lianne La Havas, Pa Salieu, Laura Marling, Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes.

Best Song Musically and Lyrically Nomination 2021: Man’s World by Marina

Former BIMM Music Institute London student Marina has been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award 2021 for Man’s World. Marina recorded, wrote, and produced the track for her fifth studio album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021). American musician Jennifer Decilveo – who Marina enlisted to work with an all-female production team – also produced the song. Man’s World was released as the album’s lead single via Atlantic Records.

The song is a mid-tempo, alternative pop track with a piano-driven beat and a dreamy sound. Lyrically, the song criticises the unjust treatment of women and minority groups throughout history. Man’s World has received positive reviews from music critics, with Marina fulfilling her promise to work with all females on the track commonly discussed.

Marina is nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically alongside Arlo Parks, Headie One, Obongjayar, and Celeste.

The Ivors Academy

The Ivors Academy is one of the most significant professional associations for music writers in Europe. It exists to support, protect and campaign for the interests of songwriters, lyricists and composers. The group has approximately 2,000 members and represents music writers in all genres, from songwriting to media and contemporary classical to jazz.

Members of The Ivors Academy include emerging songwriters and the UK’s most experienced and successful writers. Past and present members include Annie Lennox, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Sting, Imogen Heap, Alex Turner, Lynsey de Paul, Cathy Dennis, Kate Bush, Thom Yorke and many more talented songwriters.

The Ivors with Apple Music will take place on Tuesday 21st September at Grosvenor House, London, with tickets available to purchase by companies or individuals across the UK music industry here.


Big congrats to Fontaines D.C. and Marina – we’re super proud of your achievements. You can check out more from our amazing alumni here.