Senior Apple Music exec Dan Adams has spoken about how backing an Ivor Novello Awards category for new talent can make a “meaningful impact”.

The Ivors Academy has this week announced the nominees for its Rising Star Award with Apple Music: pop artist Griff (see panel), soul artist Amahla, composer Carmel Smickersgill, singer-songwriter Mysie and Lullahush, the recording moniker of multi-instrumentalist Daniel McIntyre.

“I felt there was an opportunity for us to preserve the sanctity of the existing awards and ...