Lola Young, breakthrough hitmaker with Messy, tops Ivor Novello songwriting nominations

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Lola Young Leads 2025 Ivor Novello Awards Nominations with Three Recognitions"

Lola Young, breakthrough hitmaker with Messy, tops Ivor Novello songwriting nominations analysis cover image The Guardian 7.8
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/23/lola-young-messy-ivor-novello-songwriting-nominations
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.8
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TruthLens AI Summary

Lola Young, a rising star in the British music scene, has topped the nominations for the prestigious 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. Her nominations include three significant categories: Best Album for her debut project 'This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway', Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her hit single 'Messy', and the Rising Star Award. Young's breakout single, 'Messy', released in May 2024, gained viral popularity on TikTok, ultimately reaching No. 1 on various charts, including the UK, Australia, and Ireland, and even peaking at No. 14 in the US. The song's candid lyrics explore themes of personal failings and toxic relationships, resonating with listeners and accumulating over 500 million streams on Spotify, highlighting her unique voice in contemporary music.

Despite her newfound success, Young's journey in the music industry has been ongoing since 2018, performing live in venues across London. Her talent caught the eye of notable figures in the industry, including Nick Shymansky and Nick Huggett, who have managed acclaimed artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele. In addition to her solo work, Young has contributed to various projects, including a cover featured in a John Lewis Christmas advertisement and a collaboration on Tyler, The Creator's album. The Ivor Novello nominations also showcase a diverse range of artists, with other nominees for Best Song including Laura Marling and Raye, while the Best Album category features Charli XCX and Ghetts. The 70th annual Ivor Novello Awards ceremony will take place on May 22 at Grosvenor House in London, celebrating excellence in songwriting and composition across multiple genres and formats.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The report highlights the rapid rise of Lola Young, a singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the British music scene with her hit single "Messy." This coverage not only emphasizes her achievements but also positions her within a broader context of the music industry, showcasing her potential for future success.

Intent Behind the Publication

The article aims to celebrate Lola Young's nominations for the Ivor Novello awards, thus promoting her as a fresh and talented figure in the music industry. By focusing on her viral success and the emotional depth of her lyrics, the piece seeks to generate excitement and support for her work. The intent appears to also raise awareness about the Ivor Novello awards, positioning them as a prestigious accolade for recognizing songwriting talent.

Public Perception and Sentiment

The narrative crafted around Lola Young is designed to elicit admiration and support from the public. By highlighting her struggles and vulnerabilities through her lyrics, the article encourages listeners to connect with her on a personal level. This aligns with current trends in music where authenticity and relatable storytelling are highly valued.

Omissions and Underlying Issues

While the article celebrates Young's accomplishments, it does not delve into potential challenges she may face moving forward, such as maintaining her success or navigating the pressures of the music industry. This omission could lead to an overly optimistic view of her career trajectory, glossing over the complexities involved in sustaining fame.

Manipulative Elements

There is a subtle manipulation in how the narrative frames Young's success as an "overnight" phenomenon, despite her years of hard work in the background. This portrayal may set unrealistic expectations for new artists, suggesting that virality is a guaranteed path to success. The language used is uplifting, focusing on her achievements, which can create a sense of urgency for audiences to support her.

Comparison to Other News

This article stands out in its focus on emerging artists, contrasting with other reports that may emphasize established musicians. This could indicate a shift in media attention towards nurturing new talent, reflecting a broader trend of supporting diversity in the music industry.

Industry Image and Impact

The coverage of Lola Young contributes to a narrative of a vibrant and evolving music scene in the UK. By highlighting new talent, the article fosters a sense of community around emerging artists, which could influence industry stakeholders to invest more in similar talent.

Potential Societal and Economic Effects

As Lola Young continues to gain recognition, her success may inspire other aspiring musicians, which could lead to a more dynamic and diverse music industry. This could have broader economic implications, encouraging investment in the arts and entertainment sectors.

Target Audience

The article seems to resonate particularly with younger audiences, especially those engaged with social media platforms like TikTok. These communities often value authenticity and personal storytelling, which align with Young’s lyrical themes.

Market Influence

This coverage may have implications for music streaming platforms and related stocks, as a rising artist can increase engagement and subscriptions. Companies like Spotify might see a positive impact from promoting emerging talents like Lola Young.

Geopolitical Context

While the article does not directly address geopolitical issues, the rise of a new artist in the UK music scene reflects cultural trends that can influence global perceptions of British music. As artists like Young gain international traction, they contribute to the soft power of cultural diplomacy.

Use of AI in Writing

There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article, as it presents a humanized narrative typical of music journalism. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the tone to make it more engaging and relatable, tailoring language to resonate with the target audience.

In conclusion, the article's reliability appears strong, as it provides factual information about Lola Young's achievements and nominations while fostering an encouraging atmosphere around her career. However, the potential for manipulation exists in how her story is framed, particularly regarding the pressures and challenges of the music industry.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/23/lola-young-messy-ivor-novello-songwriting-nominations

Singer-songwriter Lola Young tops the nominations for the 2025Ivor Novello awards, which recognise the best in British and Irish songwriting and composition for the screen.

She receives three nominations in her first year of recognition by the Ivors Academy: best album for This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, best song musically and lyrically for Messy, and the rising star award.

The Brit School alumna released Messy in May 2024, but after going viral on TikTok it eventually reached No 1 in January, spending four weeks at the top. Messy also topped charts in Australia, Ireland and beyond and peaked at number 14 in the US.

It has been streamed more than 500m times on Spotify, with listeners drawn to Young’s frank assessment of her own failings, and her compelling (and quite sweary) tale of a toxic relationship: “And I’m too perfect ’til I show you that I’m not / A thousand people I could be for you and you hate the fucking lot,” the chorus concludes.

Despite the east Londoner’s seemingly overnight success, she has been in the UK music scene for years, performing gigs around the capital since around 2018. Her soulful sound caught the attention of Nick Shymansky, Amy Winehouse’s former manager, and Nick Huggett, who first signed Adele – the two became her managers.

Her cover of Together in Electric Dreams was featured in the 2021 John Lewis Christmas advert, and she also featured on Tyler, The Creator’s 2024 Chromakopia album.

Young’s collaborator Conor Dickinson earns two nominations for his contributions to her work.

Also nominated for best song musically and lyrically is Orla Gartland with her first nomination at the awards (for Mine),Laura Marling(Child of Mine), Fontaines DC (In the Modern World) and Raye, last year’s winner of songwriter of the year (Genesis).

Up for best album this year alongside Young isCharli xcxfor her cultural phenomenon album Brat, which reached No 1 in the UK, Australia and Ireland and No 3 in the US. It dominated summer 2024, leading to the trend of “Brat Summer” and a viral dance craze to its song Apple. Other best album nominees are Berwyn (for Who Am I), Jordan Rakei (The Loop) and Ghetts (On Purpose, With Purpose), the latter also nominated in the best contemporary song category for that album’s Sampha collaboration, Double Standards.

Rap is well represented in that category, with Pa Salieu and Bashy joiningGhetts, plus singer-songwriter Sans Soucis and pop star Jade, who won the Brit award for pop act at 2025’s awards.

Nominees for most performed work, acknowledging commercial success, are Harry Styles (As It Was, which won two years ago and is in its third year of nomination), Dua Lipa (Houdini), Cassö,Raye& D-Block Europe (Prada), Myles Smith (Stargazing) and Wham! (Last Christmas) – 21 years after George Michael was last nominated in that category.

Music from The Substance, Kneecap, Rivals and The Casting of Frank Stone has been acknowledged in the film, TV and video game categories.

The awards are celebrating their 70th year on 22 May at Grosvenor House in London.

Best albumCharli xcx – Brat (written by Charli xcx, AG Cook and Finn Keane)Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose (written by Ghetts and TenBillion Dreams)Jordan Rakei – The Loop (written by Jordan Rakei)Lola Young – This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway (written by William Brown, Conor Dickinson, Jared Solomon and Lola Young)Berwyn – Who Am I (written by Berwyn)

Best contemporary songPa Salieu – Allergy (written by Felix Joseph, Alastair O’Donnell and Pa Salieu)Jade – Angel of My Dreams (written by Pablo Bowman, Jade, Steph Jones and Mike Sabath)Sans Soucis – Circumnavigating Georgia (written by Sans Soucis)Ghetts – Double Standards (ft Sampha) (written by Ghetts, Emil, Sampha Sisay and R-Kay)Bashy – How Black Men Lose Their Smile, written by Bashy, Toddla T and Linton Kwesi Johnson

Best song musically and lyricallyLaura Marling – Child of Mine (written by Laura Marling)Raye – Genesis (written by Rodney Jerkins, Raye and Toneworld)Fontaines DC– In the Modern World (written by Grian Chatten, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan, Thomas Coll and Carlos O’Connell)Lola Young – Messy (written by Conor Dickinson and Lola Young)Orla Gartland – Mine (written by Orla Gartland)

Most performed workHarry Styles: As It Was (written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles)Dua Lipa – Houdini (written by Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Tobias Jesso Jnr, Dua Lipa and Kevin Parker)Wham! – Last Christmas (written by George Michael)Cassö, Raye and D-Block Europe – Prada (written by D-Block Europe, Obi Ebele, Uche Ebele, Jahmori “Jaymo” Simmons and Raye)Myles Smith: Stargazing (written by Peter Fenn, Jesse Fink and Myles Smith)

Rising star awardBea and Her BusinessLiang LawrenceLola YoungLulu.Nia Smith

Best original film scoreFly Me to the Moon – Daniel PembertonHard Truths – Gary YershonKneecap – Michael “Mickey J” AsanteThe Substance – RaffertieThe Zone of Interest – Mica Levi

Best original video game scoreEmpire of Ants – Mathieu Alvado and Mark ChoiFarewell North – John KonsolakisFlock – Eli RainsberrySenua’s Saga: Hellblade II – David Garcia DiazThe Casting of Frank Stone – Boxed Ape

Best television soundtrackBlack Doves – Martin PhippsMary & George – Oliver CoatesRivals – Jack Halama and Natalie HoltTrue Detective: Night Country – Vince PopeUntil I Kill You – Carly Paradis

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Source: The Guardian