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The Recording Academy Teams Up With Music Community To Launch The Human Artistry CampAIgn

On Mar. 16, the coalition hosted a panel at South by Southwest titled, "Welcome to the Machine: Art in the Age of A.I." where music industry experts discussed what impact AI could have on the music community.

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The Recording Academy has partnered with other stakeholders in the music community, including SAG-AFTRA, RIAA, SoundExchange, and NMPA, to protect human art and creativity as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop by launching the [Human Artistry CampAIgn](https://www.humanartistrycampaign.com/).

Today, the coalition hosted a panel at South by Southwest titled "Welcome to the Machine: Art in the Age of A.I." Therein, music industry experts discussed what type of impact AI could have on the music from an artistic and business standpoint, copyright issues, and the future of music. The panel was hosted by Billboard deputy editor Rob Levine and included artists and songwriters Dan Navarro and Jessy Wilson, along with University of Texas professor Erin Reilly.

With AI developing at a rapid pace, what this technology means for the music community has emerged as a top issue amongst artists, songwriters, and studio professionals. To help outline some high-level principles, the Human Artistry CampAIgn is focused on ensuring the advancement of AI as it complements — not replaces — the artists and performers who have created the work we know and love.

Since time immemorial, various technologies have been utilized to augment and engender human creativity. This certainly applies to music in so many forms — from the early days of amplification, to pedals to drum machines to DAWs and beyond. AI already is and will increasingly play that role as a tool to assist the creative process, allowing for a wider range of people to express themselves creatively.

Moreover, AI has many valuable uses outside of the creative process itself, including those that amplify fan connections, hone personalized recommendations, identify content quickly and accurately, assist with scheduling, automate and enhance efficient payment systems – and more. The Recording Academy embraces these technological advances. At the same time, this coalition will ensure music makers' work and creativity are not *lost* in new technologies.

"There is so much potential with AI," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "But it also presents risks to our creative community. It's crucial that we get this right early on so we don't risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create."

The use of AI in the music industry raises the importance of copyright protection for music makers. The Recording Academy and the Human Artistry CampAIgn recognize the need for creators and copyright owners to maintain control of their work and the ability to decide how it is used. This includes ensuring that AI developers are subject to all copyright laws and obtain necessary licenses when using a creator's work in the development or training of AI systems.

Without ensuring that AI adheres to copyright standards, the livelihood of artists — and their incentive to create new works — are at risk. The coalition aims to prevent this outcome so creatives can continue to develop music and be paid for their work.

Furthermore, the coalition will work to ensure creators' interests are protected in the policy making process. This is a key factor in the development of AI and the impact that it has on artists, and it is crucial that lawmakers know how much of an impact they can have on the music community. The Recording Academy and the Human Artistry CampAIgn will be working with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and across the country so artists are top of mind when it comes to the creation of new laws and regulations for AI.

The Recording Academy looks forward to working with the Human Artistry CamAIgn, Recording Academy members, and lawmakers everywhere to ensure the importance of music creators is not lost as a result of new technology.

[Fighting For Fair Pay At The GRAMMY Brunch: How The Recording Academy's Advocacy Team Is Standing Up For All Creators](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/grammy-fund-brunch-maren-morris-todd-dupler-fundraising-recap)

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AI In The Music Community: Human Artistry CampAIgn

Fighting For Fair Pay At The GRAMMY Brunch: How The Recording Academy's Advocacy Team Is Standing Up For All Creators

In conversation with the Recording Academy’s Todd Dupler, singer/songwriter Maren Morris got candid about unfair pay and encouraged creators to use their platforms to create change at the GRAMMY Fund’s annual fundraising brunch.

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On a sunny Saturday morning in the heart of Beverly Hills, music creators, advocates, members of Congress, leaders of the Recording Academy and others gathered in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria for the 4th annual GRAMMY Fund Brunch, a fundraiser for the GRAMMY Fund for Music Creators, the Recording Academy's Political Action Committee.

Held by the Academy’s Advocacy &amp; Public Policy team, the annual event helps raise funds to support Congressional candidates that support music makers and the issues that affect them, including copyright protection, fair compensation for songwriters and artists, free expression, and other key music industry issues that impact creators.

Since music streaming began overtaking the sales of physical media in the 2000s, artists have faced an uphill battle for fair compensation. And after decades of advocating for music licensing reform, the activists and artists of the Recording Academy — with the support of elected officials who champion creators’ rights — helped advance the [Music Modernization Act of 2018](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/issues-policy/music-modernization-act) into law. But there’s much more work to be done to ensure fair pay for all creators.

At the GRAMMY Week event, Todd Dupler — the Acting Chief Advocacy &amp; Public Policy Officer at the Recording Academy — sat down with past GRAMMY winner and 2023 GRAMMY-nominated country artist Maren Morris to discuss the fight for fair pay and how artists can use their voices to pushback against these inequities.

When she started out as a songwriter in Nashville a decade ago, Morris never planned to become an artist and struggled to facilitate publishing deals as a newcomer in the music business. But now, as a singer-songwriter, she chooses to use her platform to raise awareness about the issues that impact all songwriters.

"It’s really not my prerogative — or anyone’s in this line of work — to shut up and sing. We mirror the world and what we go through and put it into song," Morris said. "For me, we’re not free until we’re all free. And that means a lot of things."

For Morris, the fight for fair pay requires a full-throated effort and a choir of voices who are willing to use their platforms to spread the word and make change.

"You can dip your toe in at your own comfort level. But ultimately, what we all want, songwriters, publishers, we want to work with dignity and be able to put food on our tables, take care of our employees and be paid fairly for our work," Morris explained. "And especially when it’s something as soulful and precious, and at times — not to be hyperbolic — as life-saving as songwriting."

Providing artists with a way to get involved with advocacy work is a point of pride for the Recording Academy. "It’s so much more powerful when artists speak for themselves and don’t just rely on a lobbyist or government affairs professional to do it for them," Dupler noted.

The Academy leader took a moment to thank some of the policymakers in attendance who work closely with the Academy’s Advocacy team and members to advance key music issues on Capitol Hill.

For songwriters and artists, policy issues like unfair royalty rates pose an existential threat to their ability to make a living. While earning a fraction of a cent per stream is the norm for many creators, the recently reintroduced [American Music Fairness Act](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/american-music-fairness-act-alex-padilla-marsha-blackburn-advances-senate) — which would ensure that recording artists receive fair compensation for AM/FM radio play— is a beacon of hope. But it’ll take a concerted effort from creators and supportive elected officials to move the bill forward.

For some, the wait for fair compensation may be challenging, so the Recording Academy established the [Songwriters &amp; Composers Wing](https://www.recordingacademy.com/songwriters-composers-wing) to support and elevate creators through education panels, retreats, networking opportunities and recognition. The Wing recently highlighted its dedication to uplifting creators by unveiling a new category, Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical award, at the 2023 GRAMMYs.

Collaboration is key in the fight for creators’ rights and fair pay, "whether it’s with your label, your publisher, or the streaming services," noted Dupler. A key victory was scored in 2022, when streaming platforms and music publishers were able to lock in and [increase streaming rates](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/songwriter-mechanical-royalty-rates-proposed-settlement-five-years-what-to-know) for songwriters.

"That’s the first time we were able to do that and not have to fight it in court," Dupler added. "We’re hopeful that that’s an example of the kind of cooperation that we need to do in the future. And hopefully, it’s the first step toward more cooperation."

As the tide begins to shift, it’s important for creators and elected officials to maintain momentum and continue doing the work by staying informed, being open about contracts and label deals with colleagues and educating emerging creators. "This affects everybody at the end. Top to bottom. You can’t just think about yourself." Morris said. "We pull magic out of our minds, and we deserve to be compensated for that."

Head to[ live.GRAMMY.com](https://live.grammy.com/) all year long to watch all the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream special, the full Premiere Ceremony livestream, and even more exclusive, never-before-seen content from the 2023 GRAMMYs.

[2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners &amp; Nominees List](https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list)

Fighting For Fair Pay At The GRAMMY Brunch

The HITS Act Is Reintroduced in Congress: A Vital Step Forward For Music Creators

This bill, which the Recording Academy helped craft, would modify current U.S. tax law to allow independent artists to deduct 100% of their production costs on new recordings upfront.

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Earlier today, the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act was reintroduced to Congress in a bipartisan and bicameral way by Representatives Ron Estes (R-KS) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

This bill, which the Recording Academy helped craft, would modify current U.S. tax law to allow independent artists to deduct 100% of their production costs on new recordings, up to $150,000, upfront rather than over a period of years. The goal of the HITS Act is to incentivize the creation of new music by lessening the financial burden and risk.

"Earlier this month at the GRAMMY Awards we celebrated the power of music on Music's Biggest Night, but we know it's important to build a music ecosystem year-round that supports all creators. The Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act will aid independent artists, songwriters, and producers in creating new music that we can celebrate and enjoy," said Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason jr. "We are grateful to Reps. Estes and Sanchez, and Senators Feinstein and Blackburn, for reintroducing the HITS Act and we are optimistic this legislation will finally become law in this Congress."

Almost three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, artists are still dealing with the financial impact the pandemic and slowing economy have had on their livelihood and ability to create new music. The HITS Act is a long-term, low-cost solution that would allow creators to get back in the studio and produce more music.

After reintroducing the bill on the House floor, Rep. Sanchez stated, "Music is a fundamental part of our lives, shaping our memories and seeing us through both good times and bad. Yet the reality is that many small creators are struggling to make ends meet, especially after the pandemic."

She continued, "That's why I'm proud to re-introduce the HITS Act today. This bill will make it easier for independent creators to keep doing what they love most, without having to worry about putting food on the table." 

"The music from Nashville strikes a chord with folks across the nation," said Sen. Blackburn (R-TN). "However, the unique burdens faced by the arts community forced many to stop writing, performing, and producing altogether. The HITS Act will provide targeted tax deductions to support our musicians and allow them to get back to work."

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Notably, the Recording Academy worked proactively this year to ensure that the HITS Act also applies to songwriters who incur costs when creating sound recordings for demos and other purposes, opening the door for growth throughout the entire music ecosystem. This new clarity has been welcomed by other stakeholders in the songwriter and publisher community, with many releasing statements in support of the HITS Act:

"The Nashville Songwriters Association International supports and encourages adoption of the HITS Act," said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI. "Independent creators, including individual songwriters, face unique financial challenges.  Allowing them to fully expense the cost of new studio recordings on their taxes in the year such expenses are incurred eases the financial burden and benefits the public because it encourages new recordings for music lovers to enjoy."

"We thank Senators Feinstein and Blackburn, and Representatives Sánchez and Estes for their work on this important legislation," said David Israelite, President and CEO of NMPA; Beth Mathews, CEO of ASCAP; and Mike O'Neill, President and CEO of BMI. "We are pleased to support the HITS Act because it will help songwriters, composers, and music publishers expedite expensing the cost of demos they create in the process of bringing their music to fans."

"The reintroduction of the HITS Act in 2023 is a much-needed step toward tax savings for recording artists, their label partners, and songwriters that will enable them to reinvest in new projects," said Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO of A2IM. "HITS will create jobs and increase the recorded output of American music creators. The exact same tax relief has long been available to other creative sectors, so we are thankful to our congressional champions who are steadfast in supporting the independent recorded music culture."

Currently, other creative industries, such as film and television, are qualified to fully deduct their production costs. However, the same rules do not apply to the music industry, leaving artists fiscally unable to create more work. The passage of the HITS Act, which was crafted with independent artists and small creators in mind, would alleviate this burden and grant the music community the same treatment as other creative industries.

Sen. Feinstein spoke to this discrepancy across creative industries stating, "While music helped so many get through the pandemic, creators struggled to make ends meet when they were unable to play live shows, and many continue to feel that financial pain. Our bill would provide relief by allowing independent musicians, technicians and producers to deduct a portion of their production expenses in the same year they occur, giving them the same treatment as film, television and theater productions have long had."

Rep. Estes (R-KS) also released a statement noting that, "Regardless of background, language or experiences, music moves our spirits and connects us to one another. While talented writers, musicians and producers are creating the sounds that bring joy, reflection and growth, they should be able to deduct their expenses in the year they are incurred. The bipartisan HITS Act is sound, common-sense legislation that supports our creative communities throughout the United States and encourages music makers of all sizes and notoriety."

Today's reintroduction of the HITS Act demonstrates the support these members of Congress have for the music community and their understanding of the importance of reviving the music ecosystem. The Recording Academy looks forward to working with Congress to ensure the passage of this key piece of legislation.

[The Senate Committee On The Judiciary Held A Hearing On Fair Ticketing: Here's What You Need To Know](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/senate-committee-judiciary-ticketmaster-fair-ticketing-hearing-what-to-know)

HITS Act Reintroduced In Congress

How GRAMMY Week Put A Spotlight On Music Policy For Members Of Congress

GRAMMY Week provided a unique chance for members of Congress to hear directly about the issues that affect the music community, giving the bipartisan group a firsthand look at what passing pro-music legislation means for the world.

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During this year's GRAMMY Week, the Recording Academy Advocacy team gathered with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and music creators for our annual congressional briefing series.

GRAMMY Week provides a unique chance for members of Congress to hear directly about the issues that affect the music community, leaving the bipartisan group with a firsthand look at what passing pro-music legislation, such as the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) and the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, could mean for the community.

This year, the Advocacy team had over a dozen Members of Congress join from both sides of the aisle, including House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN).

First on the agenda was a songwriter panel including Songwriter of the Year nominees, Nija Charles and Laura Veltz, and Chair of the Recording Academy's Songwriters &amp; Composers Wing, Evan Bogart.

The panelists discussed their individual careers, the hurdles that come with being a songwriter, and the determination necessary to succeed. However, in addition to determination, they stressed the importance for Congress to protect their rights so songwriters throughout the country can continue creating music and succeed in the industry.

Following the panel, Todd Dupler, Acting Chief Advocacy &amp; Public Policy Office at the Academy, sat down with two-time GRAMMY winning artist Shaggy to discuss his impressive career as well as key pieces of legislation, including the HITS Act.

Shaggy's most recent album, *Come Fly Wid Mi*, was nominated for a GRAMMY this year, but what most people didn't know was that Shaggy, along with 17-time GRAMMY winner Sting, created this album without the backing of a record label.

This means they provided the funding for the album themselves — something independent and small artists do all the time. However, under current laws, these artists have to write off their expenses for tax purposes over a period of years, which makes an expensive project even more difficult to pull off.

The HITS Act, which is expected to be re-introduced later this month, would allow artists to fully deduct the cost of producing a new record in the year they incur the expenses rather than spreading them out over time. If the HITS Act became law, it would allow small artists to create more music by lessening the immense financial burdens that accompany the production process.

Shaggy and Dupler also discussed the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), which was reintroduced in the House and Senate on Feb. 2nd – just days prior to the briefing. Sponsored by Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Senators Padilla (D-CA) and Blackburn (R-TN), AMFA would end a decades-long loophole that allows AM/FM radio to play artists' music without compensating them.

The United States is currently one of three major countries that does not pay artists for radio play. In turn, American artists don't receive any money when their music is played on radio stations internationally. Shaggy — whose music is popular around the globe and has experienced this first hand — talked to lawmakers about how important it is to right this wrong.

The next day, Members of Congress and staff took a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and production of the GRAMMYs telecast at Crypto.com Arena. Allowing them to witness the reality that music is more than just the famous names and voices behind the music we love but is made up of numerous backstage workers whose efforts are the reason a show like the GRAMMYs telecast is able to take place.

The weekend briefings left these congressional leaders with a better knowledge of the realities of the modern music industry, and the policies to support back in Washington to ensure a better future for all music makers.

[The Senate Committee On The Judiciary Held A Hearing On Fair Ticketing: Here's What You Need To Know](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/senate-committee-judiciary-ticketmaster-fair-ticketing-hearing-what-to-know)