This year's GRAMMY week served as a pivotal moment for the Recording Academy's Advocacy efforts, as the Advocacy team shined a light on the critical issues facing music creators by engaging with Members of Congress during advocacy briefings in Los Angeles.
These briefings provided Members of Congress with a unique and intimate opportunity to hear from past GRAMMY winners and nominees and gain behind-the-scenes insights on the morning of the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.
The events were joined by over a dozen Members of Congress and their staff, including House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) demonstrating the bipartisan interest in legislation for music and music makers.
The GRAMMY Advocacy activities started on Friday, February 2nd, immediately following the House Judiciary Committee's field hearing on Artificial Intelligence. Committee members joined the Academy for a backstage technical tour of Crypto.com Arena, learning the ins and outs behind producing a live global telecast — including video broadcasting, sound mixing, and stage preparations.
On Saturday, February 3rd , the GRAMMY Advocacy Briefing kicked off at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. Michael Sticka, President and CEO of the GRAMMY Museum, opened the briefing by expressing his enthusiasm for hosting an event that brings together both music makers and lawmakers to champion musicians' rights.
The briefing was notable not only for the presence of Members of Congress but also for the presence of nearly a dozen mayors from across the country who were in town with the African American Mayors Association. Their attendance was organized by Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Recording Academy, and included Mayor Jaylen Smith from Earle, Arkansas, the youngest mayor in the country. The participation of mayors at this year's GRAMMY Advocacy Briefing showcases the Recording Academy's efforts to impact the lives of musicians on both a federal and local level.
Featuring discussions with GRAMMY-nominated artists such as Bobby Rush, GAYLE, Emily King and Lol Tolhurst, the briefing provided a platform for conversations about the critical need for legislation supporting music creators. Moderated by Todd Dupler and Michael Lewan from the Recording Academy's Advocacy team, the panel also showcased performances by the nominees that underscored the talent at the heart of these discussions.
A focal point of the briefing was the No AI FRAUD Act, which the Recording Academy is leading the way in advocating. This legislation addresses the challenges artists face in the growing wake of artificial intelligence technologies by establishing protections for an individual's right to their name, image, likeness, and voice. Harvey Mason jr., the Recording Academy's CEO, further highlighted this issue by testifying the day prior at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on artificial intelligence during GRAMMY week.
To close out the day, briefing attendees were also treated to a special tour of the GRAMMY Museum which explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of the creative process behind all forms of music through immersive and interactive exhibits and essential music education programs.
Bright and early on the morning of the 2024 GRAMMYs, Members of Congress and their staff were invited to the Crypto.com Arena for a behind-the-scenes look at the award show's preparations and rehearsals.
This setting allowed for a deeper discussion on policy issues affecting music creators when Dayna Frank and Tobi Parks — board members for the National Independent Venues Association — joined for a briefing on live event ticket marketplace reform. The tour also included conversations with those involved in the red carpet and telecast, emphasizing the essential role of backstage workers in producing an event as vast as the GRAMMY Awards.
The involvement of Members of Congress during GRAMMY Week highlights the support from Congress for the Recording Academy's ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure music and its makers can thrive. By participating in these events, lawmakers gain firsthand insight into the complexities of music as well as the economic and cultural impact music has throughout the country.
Their time during GRAMMY week reinforces the importance of legislative support for initiatives that protect and foster the rights and livelihoods of musicians. Collaborations between the Recording Academy and Members on Capitol Hill not only celebrate artistry but supports music creators and the generations of music and musicians to come.
Here's What Went Down At The 5th Annual GRAMMY Advocacy Brunch Ahead Of The 2024 GRAMMYs
