Cathy Dennis

Proposed for appointment by: Kristopher Bowers, Don Henley, Crispin Hunt, Philip Pope, Jeffery Russo, Pieter Schlosser, Gwen Stefani, Timothy Suby, Ryan Tedder, Pharrell Williams

Biography

It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked in so many different aspects of the music industry. From signing my first publishing deal in 1987 with Sony, to my first record deal with Universal my journey has taken me from songwriter producer as a young artist from Norwich to songwriter, publisher in the global arena working with many inspiring creatives.

Throughout the years, since 1983, as an artist starting out performing in American base Mecca halls, I have navigated my way through the many challenges of being an artist, writer and producer in a tough business. This took dedication, commitment and grit and I have loved every single second of it!

My unique perspective of the industry has afforded me many wonderful opportunities, all of which I have embraced head on, with zeal, tenacity and temerity - every day learning something new. With my fighting spirit, creativity and abundant energy I would love the honour of representing my incredibly talented colleagues and giving back to the industry the best of what I have learned along the way.

Credentials:

• Published Songwriter for 36 years since 1987
• Ivors committee between 1999-2017
• Founder of Toxic Songs / Mantric Music Publishing
• 16 years Publishing experience
• Billboard Music Award (1991)
• 3-time Grammy nominee (2 winning songs)
• 6-time Ivor Novello winner Woman of the Year Award (2006)
• SongLink Judge (2006)
• Lipa master class 2008 Honorary degree in Music - UEA 2012
• Ivors/Apple Rising Star Award Mentor 2021
• Young songwriter of the year judge 2024

Current and recent directorships: Toxic Songs Limited

Manifesto

With over 35 years as a writer and producer and having spent 12 years as a signed artist to Universal Records, I have a confident understanding of labels and publishing that I believe can benefit writers and artists. With all the unknowns of artificial intelligence, I am dedicated to finding fair solutions for artists and writers, especially where there is a real threat of intellectual property infringement. I have always fought hard in a male dominated arena for women to be respectfully recognised and given the same equal opportunities as men. I have a no BS approach to meeting my objectives yet am empathetic in my communications.

I am particularly interested in creating viable solutions for artists and songwriters to get access to affordable legal help, as many can’t afford legal advice and therefore sign contracts they don’t fully understand or agree with. PRS is changing the game and pushing hard to give writers the most competitive max royalty return, but there is always further to go. The more support we can give the writer, the more free they are to flourish.

IMPORTANT: Publication of this statement, or any subsequent communication of it, does not constitute endorsement or the promotion of the candidate by the Society, or any member of its management or staff.

The statement has been written by the candidate and has not been altered in any way. The views and/or opinions expressed are the candidate’s own.