Ivor Novello Awards 2023 Winners List: Wet Leg Named Songwriters of the Year, Raye’s ‘Escapism’ Takes Center Stage
variety.comThania Garcia Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers took home the Ivor Novello award in the coveted songwriter of the year category at the 2023 ceremony on Thursday in London’s Grosvenor House.
The event honored 30 music-makers across 14 categories in recognition of songwriting and screen composition. Wet Leg’s self-titled debut album was one of the most-talked-about releases of the last year and earned the indie rockers their first Brit awards and a pair of Grammys.
The Ivor judges described Teasdale and Chambers’ writing, citing singles “Wet Dream” and “Chaise Lounge,” as “fresh, unapologetic and direct, with surprising melodies that demand attention.” The best contemporary song award went to “Escapism” by breakthrough artist Raye and 070 Shake, along with co-writer and producer Mike Sabath.
Judges described the track — Raye’s first-ever No. 1 single in the UK — as “daring, brave and empowering songwriting.” Plus, for the first time in several years, audiences were treated to a lineup of live performances including Raye who delivered an ethereal performance of the award-winning dance-rap single.
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