Despite the rainy Los Angeles weather, the 5th annual GRAMMY Advocacy Brunch dazzled at the Sun Rose during this year's GRAMMY Week. Hosted by the Recording Academy’s Advocacy Department and GRAMMY-winning duo, Brothers Osborne, the Brunch serves as a fundraiser for the GRAMMY Fund for Music Creators, ensuring that the Recording Academy continues to champion the most pressing issues facing music creators on Capitol Hill and beyond.
The significance of the GRAMMY Advocacy Brunch transcends a one-time gathering; it embodies a commitment to addressing crucial matters such as copyright protection, fair compensation, and freedom of expression throughout the year. This annual fundraiser showcases the Recording Academy's unwavering dedication to effecting lasting change on the policies that impact music and music makers.
This year, T.J. and John Osborne of Brothers Osborne co-hosted the event and joined Recording Academy’s Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer, Todd Dupler, in a conversation about their advocacy efforts and anticipation for the 66th GRAMMY Awards taking place the following day. The country duo has garnered significant acclaim in the music industry, including a total of twelve GRAMMY nominations. They won their first GRAMMY for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their single "Younger Me" at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2022. At the 66th GRAMMY Awards, Brothers Osborne received two nominations for Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Brothers Osborne’s presence at the GRAMMY Advocacy Brunch highlights their commitment to using their platform to advocate for meaningful change for musicians and artists alike. Their participation served as a testament to the power of artists to effect positive change and accentuated the importance of advocacy within the music community.
Other notable guests included Taylor Hanson, President of the Recording Academy’s Texas Chapter and member of the three-time GRAMMY nominated band HANSON. Adding to the prestigious lineup was GRAMMY winner Tony Succar, a Florida Chapter Governor and multifaceted musician and producer excelling in salsa, jazz, and pop genres. Succar is also a two-time Latin GRAMMY winner and a five-time Latin GRAMMY nominee, and was nominated at the 66th GRAMMY Awards for Best Tropical Latin Album.
During his conversation with Brothers Osborne, Dupler highlighted pivotal legislation like the Save Our Stages Act — a landmark federal investment in the arts that totaled approximately sixteen billion dollars and which the Brothers were major advocates for.
As part of their advocacy efforts and in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and shutdowns, Brothers Osborne participated in a virtual concert to lend their support to this legislation and to live music venues affected by the pandemic. Dupler also asked the Brothers Osborne about their recent experiences talking about the importance of mental health, and their nominated song, “Nobody’s Nobody,” which speaks to themes of inclusivity and belonging.
The program also included Michael Lewan, Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy, discussing the Advocacy team's extensive efforts over the past year, spanning diverse areas such as AI, ticketing, and federal and state issues. "As a result of these partnerships, the Recording Academy and our members serve as trusted authorities, offering crucial perspectives on policy discussions that impact the arts and the arts community," Lewan declared, highlighting significant advocacy collaborations from 2023. These included commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at Vice President Harris' residence in Washington, D.C., and partnering with the U.S. Department of State to launch the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative.
Transitioning to State Advocacy, Lewan emphasized the progress made across thirteen states nationwide in advancing positive pro-music legislation and stopping harmful legislation for the music community. The efforts encompassed ten chapter activations, ranging from board letters to virtual grassroots actions and in-person meetings. Additionally, in 2023, five bills advanced across the nation, notably the passage of the RAP Act into law in Louisiana. Lewan concluded his remarks highlighting that 2,500 Academy members actively engaged in advocacy work throughout 2023.
The GRAMMY Advocacy Brunch not only brings together music makers, advocates and creatives but also serves as a catalyst for raising funds to support the Recording Academy's critical advocacy efforts year-round. Through engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of music creators, the brunch exemplifies the collaborative spirit at the heart of the Recording Academy's advocacy endeavors.
How The Recording Academy Tackled The Evolving Landscape Of Music & AI During GRAMMY Week 2024
