Each year, thousands of Recording Academy members and music creators from every corner of the industry put advocacy in motion at Music Advocacy Day, the nation's largest grassroots advocacy movement for music and music-makers, proving that change starts with a conversation.
The Recording Academy's Music Advocacy Day has turned that belief into action for more than a decade, uniting members around one goal: protecting the people behind the music. Music Advocacy Day, which celebrated its 11th year last month, continues to connect thousands of Recording Academy members with policymakers to discuss issues affecting the livelihoods of songwriters, performers, and studio professionals, ensuring the voices of music-makers are heard.
Taking place virtually and in person last month (Sept. 25), Music Advocacy Day 2025 united more than 2,100 music creators with federal lawmakers in more than 200 meetings across 45 states and Washington, D.C. From California to New York, Iowa to South Dakota, members sat down with lawmakers, such as Reps. Laura Friedman (CA-30), Marianette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Adriano Espaillat (NY-12), and Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large), to advocate for policies that strengthen the music economy and protect all music creators.
This year, Music Advocacy Day focused on three key pillars: protecting creators from having their works exploited by artificial intelligence (AI) without compensation; passing legislation, such as the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act, to provide reasonable AI safeguards; and preserving federal funding for the arts. These issues resonated loud and clear with lawmakers in Senate offices, during virtual meetings, and across social media.
In Nashville, for example, artists like Yungblud, Ashley Monroe, morgxn, and other members of the Recording Academy's Nashville Chapter met with representatives from the office of Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN). On social media, Recording Academy members, artists, producers, and songwriters reflected on their personal experiences throughout Music Advocacy Day 2025. Posts highlighted calls for fair pay, AI safeguards, and the future of music, with feeds filled with photos from meetings in Capitol Hill, personal reflections, and messages of solidarity. Meanwhile, Leon Thomas, who served as the Artist Ambassador for Music Advocacy Day 2025, amplified the day's message on the Recording Academy's socials, reminding Academy members that "showing up matters" and encouraging creators to engage directly with lawmakers.
From Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., Recording Academy members expressed pride in advocating for the music community and their peers, reaffirming the importance of advocacy at every level of the music industry. And while Music Advocacy Day has passed, supporters and creators can remain connected with the mission of the initiative year-round. For more updates on Music Advocacy Day and ways to take action, visit the Recording Academy Advocacy page, visit the Music Advocacy Action page, and follow our Recording Academy Advocacy Facebook page for updates on progress and future initiatives.
Below are some photos and highlights from Recording Academy members and creators who participated in Music Advocacy Day 2025 nationwide.
Singers YUNGBLUD (center) and Ashley Monroe and Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Members meet in Nashville on Music Advocacy Day 2025 on Sept. 25. | Photo courtesy of the Recording Academy / Photo Credit (TN): Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photo by Tibrina Hobson for Getty Images © 2025
GRAMMY-nominated artist Ashley Monroe performs at Music Advocacy Day meeting in Nashville on Sept. 25, 2025. | Photo Credit (TN): Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photo by Tibrina Hobson for Getty Images © 2025
GRAMMY-nominated artist Justin Roberts performs at Music Advocacy Day meeting with Rep. Jan Schakowsky on Music Advocacy Day, Sept. 25, 2025. | Photo Credit (Chicago): Photo Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photo by Barry Brecheisen for Getty Images © 2025
Rep. Laura Friedman (center) meets with Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter members for Music Advocacy Day 2025 on Sept. 26. | Photo Credit (LA 2) Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photo by Savion Washington for Getty Images © 2025
