Ahead of this years award ceremony we sit down with the genre-defying and Ivor Novello award winning Speakers Corner Quartet, moderated by fellow Ivor Novello Award-winner Renell Shaw.

Known for their rich fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and experimental soundscapes, the group has carved out a unique space in the UK music scene. In this intimate conversation, they’ll share insights into their creative process, collaborations, composition, and the evolution of their sound.

Join us for an exclusive one hour chat on Monday 12th May, 3pm.

Exclusive for Ivors Academy members
Limited tickets for non-members available.

Non-members can join for their first year for just £9.99 here. Join us for this one hour free in-conversation and get a taste of membership.

About SCQ

Speakers Corner Quartet is a genre-defying band rooted in friendship, love, and the transformative power of music. Formed in 2006 as the house band for Brixton Jamm’s iconic open mic night, the group—flautist Biscuit, drummer Kwake Bass, violinist Raven Bush, and bassist Peter Bennie—has been making music together for over two decades. Their improvisational style and innovative compositions have helped shape South London’s vibrant musical landscape.

Deeply embedded in the community, they’ve collaborated with artists like Sampha, Kae Tempest, Tirzah, and Shabaka Hutchings, while nurturing rising talent such as Joe Armon-Jones. Their journey has included standout performances at Glastonbury and Montreux Jazz Festival, an Ivor Novello Award for “Geronimo Blues” featuring Kae Tempest, and sold-out shows at the Barbican and Bourse de Commerce. They also composed and performed new works with a 35-piece orchestra for Meltdown Festival, led a pioneering ICA residency exploring music and robotics, and scored the BAFTA-nominated BBC series Mr Loverman. Ever-evolving, Speakers Corner Quartet continues to push boundaries with a sound distinctively their own

About the Moderator
Renell Shaw is an Ivor Novello Award-winning composer, songwriter, producer and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, theatre, and film. Known for crafting emotionally rich soundscapes that explore cultural identity and collective history, Renell’s artistry is both boundary-pushing and deeply human. His career bridges the mainstream and the avant-garde. A long-time collaborator with chart-topping band Rudimental, Renell has shaped their sound both in the studio and during some of their most iconic live performances. He has also worked with a diverse array of leading artists across genres, including Anne-Marie, Nile Rodgers, Emeli Sandé, Jess Glynne, Skepta, Carleen Anderson, and Nitin Sawhney CBE.

In 2020, Renell received the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for The Windrush Suite, a poignant musical tribute to the Caribbean elders whose legacy helped define modern Britain. This work epitomises Renell’s ability to turn social commentary and historical narratives into immersive sonic experiences.

Beyond recording studios, Renell is a powerful presence in the world of theatre and performance art. His credits span opera, musical theatre, and drama, where he has served as composer, musical director, arranger, and actor-musician on some of the UK’s most innovative stages.

Renell is also the co-creator of 2fox, the genre-blending Afro Soul/Soulful House project which has amassed over 20 million streams worldwide and brought together collaborators like Afronaut Zu, Hamzaa, Sophia Thakur, and Liam Bailey. Through 2fox, Renell continues to build bridges between underground and mainstream, tradition and innovation.

Whether working behind the scenes or centre stage, Renell Shaw is a creative force whose work resonates deeply, offering new ways to listen, feel, and connect.

About The Ivors Academy

The Ivors Academy is the UK’s membership organisation for songwriters and composers. We campaign for your value and rights, provide support and connections, celebrate the highest achievements and provide opportunities to develop your career.

Grow your network, develop your career through events and mentoring, receive automatic insurance cover, access guides and webinars to understand the music business, get advice about funding and legal issues, and support our campaigns that advocate for your rights.

Find out more here.

In Conversation with Speakers Corner Quartet