Professor Brian Cox To Give Lecture On Music Industry’s Impact On Climate

During Ivors Week (held between September 20 and September 24 2021), Brian Eno, Professor Brian Cox and climate scientist Dr Tamsin Edwards will give the David Ferguson lecture about music and the climate emergency, moderated by Emmy-nominated composer, artist and music producer Hannah Peel.

Sponsored by Downtown Music Services and Family in Music the lecture, Music and the Climate Emergency will explore how the music industry can reduce its emissions and promote a progressive climate agenda through EarthPercent.

Ivors Week supports The Ivors Academy Trust, which empowers and inspires music creators to start and build their careers, develop their craft and reach their full potential.

In partnership with EarthPercent and sponsored by Downtown Music Services and Family in Music, the climate change and music lecture will explore the music industry’s impact on the climate from streaming to touring, how it can assume more responsibility and transform its attitude towards the planet.

It will be livestreamed from 6pm on the Academy’s Facebook page.

EarthPercent provides an easy way for the music industry to make a difference by asking artists, companies and individuals to commit a small percentage of their revenue to EarthPercent.

They will then distribute this money to the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency, working with scientists and experts to identify and fund the most promising solutions.

Brian Eno said: “The climate emergency is here, we aren’t only looking at the impact on future generations, but on our planet today.

“Music can inspire, change minds and introduce new ideas, but it also has an environmental impact that can and must be addressed. Many people in music care about the climate emergency but don’t know where to start. I hope our lecture helps."

The week concludes on Friday with the first in-person event for members of the Academy in 18 months. With special guests Mysie, the 2020 winner of the Rising Star Award with Apple Music, and mentor Fraser T Smith, the event will explore the importance of mentoring to develop music creators’ careers and craft.

Members can register to enter a ballot for a ticket to the event in London or watch the panel discussion on Zoom.

Cliff Fluet, Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust, a Partner at Lewis Silkin LLP and MD at Eleven Advisory, said:

“I’m sure that Ivors Week will rapidly become a firm fixture in the music industry’s calendar. It's an important moment to celebrate songwriters and composers, talk about the biggest issues in music and fundraise for programmes that support music creators’ careers, break down barriers and provide new opportunities.

“It’s a tough time for many music makers and through the Academy’s Trust we can all do something to support.”

September 21 sees the return of The Ivors with Apple Music at Grosvenor House London.

Hosted by Paul Gambaccini, the ceremony will reveal who has won an Ivor Novello Award across categories for songs, albums, screen and video game scores, as well as Songwriter of the Year, PRS for Music Most Performed Work and Rising Star Award with Apple Music.

On Wednesday there will be an invite-only brunch for Ivor winners and nominees at The Ministry in London. Later that day, PPL will host a drinks reception at No.11 Cavendish Square in central London.