Music makers need an advocate in D.C. That’s why the Recording Academy fights tirelessly to champion creators’ rights, elevating important policy issues that stand to affect our community.
For 20 years, the Academy has been instrumental in advancing important policy issues such as the historic Music Modernization Act, which was signed into law in 2018 after years of effort.
Our Washington-based Advocacy & Public Policy team partners with Academy members in all 12 Chapters to present a powerful lobbying force that fights for music creators’ rights at the local, state and federal levels. On Music Advocacy Day, the largest nationwide grassroots lobbying campaign for music, Academy members visit the district offices of their congressional members. The GRAMMY Fund for Music Creators—a political action committee—gives Academy members the opportunity to help protect the rights of music makers by supporting our congressional champions. Recording Academy leaders also serve as expert witnesses during congressional and regulatory hearings and briefings. GRAMMYs on the Hill brings GRAMMY winners and nominees to the nation’s capital each spring to advocate for creators’ rights, while thousands of members across the country join the efforts online.
The Academy used each of these initiatives to advance the Music Modernization Act. This milestone demonstrates what Academy members can achieve through advocacy whenever Washington considers issues that will affect music creators.
Our education efforts include the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus, where we produce events with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to educate policymakers about the issues facing music makers.
We make it easy for members to stay informed and engaged across a multitude of platforms. RecordingAcademy.com/Advocacy provides weekly content, policy updates, and an action tool for members to connect directly with legislators in support of key policies. Through social media, the Academy promotes dialogue with stakeholders and policymakers. And, a quarterly newsletter provides a comprehensive rundown on all matters advocacy.
Building on our success with the Music Modernization Act, we want all Recording Academy members to be part of the movement that will ensure a better future for all music creators.
Contact Us
Advocacy & Public Policy Office
1200 G Street NW, Suite 950
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: 202.662.1285
[email protected]
GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards & Advocacy Day
This two-day event in Washington brings hundreds of music creators to Capitol Hill for an awards ceremony honoring artists and legislators who have improved the environment for music, followed by a grassroots lobby day during which Academy members meet with their members of Congress
Launched in 2014, this initiative brings music creators to the local offices of elected officials right in their own home towns. The goal is to let lawmakers know that music creators are an important part of their voting constituency
GRAMMY Fund for Music Creators
The GRAMMY Fund – a Political Action Committee or PAC — gives members another meaningful opportunity to actively help protect the rights of music makers and advance their interests on important policy matters
Online And Social Media Engagement
Through its Advocacy Action tool, members can contact federal, state and local government officials to advocate for pro-music policy. Through Facebook and X (Twitter), Academy members receive real-time updates on policy matters
This annual publication serves as a roundup of the year's Advocacy & Public Policy objectives and successes in music advocacy. An educational tool for music professionals and policy-makers alike, the publication can be accessed by clicking the link above
Congressional Testimony
Numerous Recording Academy leaders have served as expert witnesses before key congressional hearings determining music policy. Most recently, Chicago Trustee and GRAMMY-nominated children’s musician Justin Roberts testified on behalf of music creators in support of the Music Modernization Act; others include former Academy Chair Jimmy Jam and Booker T. Jones, who both testified on behalf of performers, songwriters and producers for fair royalty rates, and Maria Schneider, who testified on behalf of creators about the DMCA's notice and takedown process
Congressional Caucus
The Recording Academy works closely with the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus, co-chaired by congressional leaders Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) the House Majority Leader and House Minority Whip, respectively. In conjunction with the caucus, the Academy produces congressional briefings and events at the Capitol to educate policymakers
Panels, Seminars And Speaking Engagements
From South by Southwest to legal seminars and Chapter events, the Advocacy & Public Policy team fans out across the country to paint the policy picture for those interested in creators' rights
GRAMMY Industry Roundtable
A series bringing together policy leaders and music professionals to discuss critical issues in a private, off-the-record setting
Music Leaders Retreat
A semiannual retreat for leaders of every major music association. Co-founded by the Recording Academy, the leaders discuss their common legislative goals and important community issues