​​The Recording Academy may be recognized globally for the GRAMMY Awards, but the Academy works hard to support artists beyond the GRAMMY stage. Year round, the Recording Academy and its members advocate for the rights of music creators in Washington, D.C. and across the entire country. Many of your favorite artists have made it a priority to be an advocate for the music community. Here are some of this year's GRAMMY nominees who have taken their passion for music and used it to spark change:

*Singer, songwriter Victoria Monét attends Grammys On The Hill: Awards Dinner at The Hamilton on April 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)*

Victoria Monét

Victoria Monét has not only been rising in the music industry as an artist, but she has also been rising as a music advocate.  Monét attended the most recent GRAMMYs on the Hill in 2023 where she met with Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT), Ron Estes (R-KS), and Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to discuss legislation that would affect creators.

Monét, whose nominations for the 2024 GRAMMYs include Best New Artist, may be new to the music and advocacy scene but she has already become passionate about fighting for the rights of songwriters and music creators. Coming from a background of songwriting, she personally believes that they are an under-appreciated group within the industry and is dedicated to utilizing her platform to carry out change.

Jessie Jo Dillon

Singer and songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon has been nominated for two GRAMMY Awards this year including Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical.  In addition to being an accomplished songwriter, Jessie Jo Dillon has used her career to help advocate for creators' rights.

Her journey as an advocate for creators includes serving as Chapter Governor for the Recording Academy's Nashville Chapter, where she also serves on the local Songwriters and Composers Wing Committee.  In 2022 Dillon attended GRAMMYs on the Hill in Washington where she met with Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) to discuss music legislation including the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act, which became law in late 2022. Most recently, Jo Dillon continued her advocacy efforts by participating in the Recording Academy's District Advocate Day on October 5, 2023.

*Lupita Infante attends GRAMMYs On The Hill Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on April 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. Photo: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for The Recording Academy*

Lupita Infante

Lupita Infante is a two-time GRAMMY nominee, including this year's nomination for Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano), and she has used her platform to advocate for artists across the world. In 2022, Infante joined the Recording Academy in Washington, DC for GRAMMYs on the Hill where she met with Members of Congress such as then-Majority Whip Clyburn to advocate for issues such as fair pay for music creators. Infante also uses her lyrics as a powerful source of advocacy, especially in support of women's rights and empowerment.

*Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, U.S. Representative Darrell Issa, Juan Winans, and Rico Love attend Grammys On The Hill: Advocacy Day on April 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. Photo: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for The Recording Academy*

Juan Winans

Juan Winans is a three-time GRAMMY nominee, who is currently nominated for Best Gospel Song/Performance. Winans comes from a long line of Gospel singers, all starting with his grandparents Pop and Mom Winans. The Winans family has been involved in the Gospel music scene for years, and many members of the family have been nominated for and won GRAMMY Awards. Winans started his career singing but has since moved on to mostly writing with a few vocal projects here and there.

This past year Winans worked with Lalah Hathaway and released the song "NOW". This song is an advocacy anthem focusing on various issues from civil and human rights to women's rights. The music video also featured the late Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), who was a major advocate for civil rights. In addition, Winans has worked closely with the Recording Academy when it comes to his advocacy efforts. Earlier this year, he participated in the 2023 GRAMMYs on the Hill and advocated for numerous issues facing the music community including freedom of expression. He also frequently participates in the Recording Academy's District Advocate Day where he and other music creators meet with their Members of Congress in their districts.

Pierce Freelon

Pierce Freelon is a two-time GRAMMY nominee who focuses his work on promoting Black Culture in Children's Music. This year, he is nominated for Best Children's Music Album. In April of this year, Freelon participated in the Recording Academy's GRAMMYs on the Hill where he met with lawmakers across the aisle including Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove (D-CA) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH).

Freelon's advocacy goes beyond creating his own music. He is also the founder of the Beat Making Lab, an Emmy Award-winning web series that focuses on activism. Freelon is also an elected Council Member of the City of Durham, putting him in a position to enact change locally.

Nnenna Freelon

Nnenna Freelon is a seven-time GRAMMY nominee and most recently was nominated for Best Children's Album. Freelon is not only a music creator, but a dedicated advocate for creators. She has participated in numerous Recording Academy Advocacy activations including the 2022 GRAMMYs on the Hill where she met with lawmakers including Senators Durbin, Blackburn, and Padilla.

Freelon also uses her platform to promote change and has focused her efforts on education. Freelon was the headliner at the Asia Pacific Economic Summit, a White House Event hosting leaders from around the world and has won awards for her outstanding artistry and her dedication to education.

Tarriona "Tank" Ball

Tarriona "Tank" Ball is the lead vocalist of the group "Tank and the Bangas" who are currently nominated for Best Global Music Performance. Ball has previously been nominated for Best New Artist and Best Progressive R&B Album. Outside of her multiple GRAMMY nominations, Ball has spent time being an advocate for the music community. In April of this year, Ball joined the Academy in DC for GRAMMYs on the Hill. During the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards Dinner, Ball performed alongside Nile Rodgers in a tribute to Pharrell, the evening's honoree. The following day, she joined other Academy members on Capitol Hill to advocate for music creators everywhere.

She also joined fellow Memphis Chapter Academy members in the Louisiana Music Advocacy Day 2021. Throughout the day, Ball performed the national anthem for the Louisiana House and Senate and spent the rest of the day attending key meetings with legislators to talk about music advocacy.

*Poet J. Ivy attends Grammys On The Hill: Awards Dinner at The Hamilton on April 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy*

J. Ivy

J. Ivy, a two-time Grammy winner, is nominated this year for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. Beyond his success as an artist, J. Ivy has a long history of dedicating his time to advocating for music creators. Ivy, who serves on the Recording Academy's Board of Trustees, annually participates in the Recording Academy's District Advocate Day where he and other artists meet locally with their Member of Congress to raise awareness and gain support for issues facing the music community. This year, he also joined the Recording Academy for GRAMMYs on the Hill to advocate for artists issues on Capitol Hill.

Marc Whitmore

Marc Whitmore is a GRAMMY Award-winning producer and sound engineer who is currently nominated for Album of the Year. Whitmore has worked alongside the Recording Academy to spread the word the need for advocacy within the music community. Last fall, Whitmore and Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer of the Recording Academy, participated in a Twitter Spaces (now X) to highlight those needs. Whitmore has also participated in the Recording Academy's District Advocate Day where he and other artists local to New Mexico spent their day meeting locally with Members of Congress.

How District Advocate Day 2023 Uplifted Music People And Expanded With Its First Ever GRAMMY Advocacy Conference

In an exciting step forward for the music community, the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 3950, the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 388-24. This legislative success comes just two short weeks after the Recording Academy's GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day.

During the GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, over sixty GRAMMY winners, nominees, and Recording Academy executives met with members of Congress to push for ticketing reform, including the House's TICKET Act and the Senate's Fans First Act. Throughout the day, the artist advocates told lawmakers how the broken ticket marketplace impacts their daily lives. Among the group was 2-time GRAMMY winner, Lauren Daigle, who detailed her experiences with bots and resellers driving up ticket prices, emphasizing the impact it has on the individuals hoping to purchase tickets to her shows. These conversations highlighted the importance of protecting the human connection that live music fosters between artists and fans and the clear need for ticket reforms to be passed by congress.

The House-passed TICKET Act brings transparency to the ticketing marketplace by implementing all-in pricing and takes major steps toward ending the harmful practices of speculative ticketing and deceptive websites. The bill, which also guarantees refunds for event cancellations, denotes serious progress in the fight to improve the ticketing marketplace.

The Recording Academy urges the Senate to seize this moment and pass S. 3457, the Fans First Act. The Fans First Act builds upon the House TICKET Act by strengthening its provisions against speculative ticketing and deceptive websites and improving price transparency by not only requiring all-in pricing, but mandating upfront itemization so fans know what they're paying for from the start. The Fans First Act also increases consumer protection by strengthening the BOTS Act and the FTC's ability to enforce any violations.

Upon its passage, Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and the swift movement of the TICKET Act through the House.

"Today's passage of the TICKET Act by the House of Representatives marks a significant step forward toward improving the concert ticket marketplace. The TICKET Act was a key focus of GRAMMYs on the Hill two weeks ago, and the Recording Academy thanks our Congressional leaders for bringing the bill to a vote shortly after meeting with Academy members.

We now urge the Senate to act quickly to incorporate the strong provisions contained in the Fans First Act and move a comprehensive ticket reform package that will provide transparency and protect artists and their fans. 

The passage of the TICKET Act represents a critical step toward dismantling the predatory practices that undermine this connection. It is a crucial step toward ensuring a more equitable and sustainable marketplace. The legislation not only benefits consumers but also safeguards the livelihoods of artists who depend on fair ticket sales. Its passage proves the power of advocacy and the importance of legislative action in preserving the special bond between artists and their audiences.

As we look forward to the Senate's taking further action on ticketing reform, the Recording Academy will continue to fight for a fairer, more equitable ticketing marketplace that ensures the connection between music makers and fans remains strong and untainted.   

Inside The New York Chapter's Advocacy For The Passage Of A. 127 — How It'd Help Protect Artistic Freedom

On Tuesday, May 7, members of the Recording Academy’s New York chapter took to the state capitol in Albany. Their mission? To advocate for the passage of A.127, a crucial piece of legislation designed to safeguard the creative works of artists across New York.

At the heart of A.127 is the protection of artistic freedom during legal proceedings. The bill, which has already passed in the Senate, seeks to create standards for when an artist's creative work may be used in criminal trials. If enacted into law, this measure would be a significant step towards ensuring that creators can express themselves freely without fear of their work being weaponized against them.

During the Albany Advocacy Day, Recording Academy advocates held meetings with the Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie, Codes Chairman, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly sponsor, Catalina Cruz, along with key members of the Assembly Codes Committee including, Gary Pretlow, Andrew Hevesi, Linda B. Rosenthal, John Zaccaro, Jr., Kenneth Zebrowski. In addition to these meetings, Recording Academy members met with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, the powerful Assembly Black, Hispanic, and Puerto Rican Caucus, and the Assembly Codes Staff. Many key Senators stopped by meetings to reiterate their support for the legislation, including Senate sponsor and Codes Chair, Jamaal Bailey.

Advocates included New York Chapter President Torae Carr, iconic rap artist and producer Papoose, producer and composer Ray Angry, and CEO of 300 Entertainment Kevin Liles. Additionally, Granville Mullins, GRAMMY Nominated Songwriter/Musician, Nathaniel Reichman, GRAMMY Nominated Producer/Mixer, Cassandra Kubinski, Singer/Songwriter, William Derella, Artist Manager and Lynn Gonzalez, Partner, Granderson Des Rochers, LLP were in attendance.

While leaving Albany, Papoose shared an impassioned plea to his followers on Instagram to support the effort.

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Just one week later, on May 14, the Assembly Codes Committee advanced the bill out of committee to the Rules Committee, Chaired by the Speaker, priming it for full consideration by the Assembly in the coming weeks.

One of the key issues Academy advocates highlighted in their meetings regarding A.127 is the disproportionate impact that the current practices have on certain communities, particularly Black and Brown artists, who often find their work unfairly scrutinized and misinterpreted in legal settings. While the legislation is not genre-specific, it acknowledges the historical targeting of hip hop and rap artists and seeks to rectify this by requiring prosecutors to show the relevance and admissibility of creative works in court.

The significance of A.127 cannot be overstated, particularly in a state as culturally rich and economically influential as New York. The music industry is a large part of the state's economy, providing over 200,000 jobs and contributing close to $20 billion to its GDP. With a vibrant community of 129,000 songwriters, New York needs to enact this critical legislation that will protect the state's music community.

The Recording Academy’s continued advocacy for A.127 only further highlights the Academy’s dedication to protecting the rights of music creators and upholding the fundamental principles of free expression. As the bill moves forward, it is essential for lawmakers to recognize the importance of protecting creative freedom and ensure that New York remains a beacon of artistic expression.

Inside The Inaugural GRAMMYs On The Hill Future Forum, Exploring The Impact Of AI On The Music Community

On Friday, May 3, an innovative event unfolded in the heart of Washington, D.C., as the Recording Academy in collaboration with the Human Artistry CampAIgn orchestrated the inaugural GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum. Designed to provide a space to explore the most pressing issues facing music, this momentous occasion served as a pivotal platform to delve into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music community.

The afternoon commenced with a series of captivating panel discussions, each curated to explore both the promise and the peril that AI presents to music makers. Moderated by Todd Dupler, the Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer at the Recording Academy, the first panel featured esteemed industry figures including Dani Deahl, a distinguished DJ, producer, Governor for the Recording Academy's Chicago Chapter, and Head of Communications and Creator Insights for BandLab, alongside Kokayi, a GRAMMY-nominated artist renowned for his prowess as a producer, emcee, vocalist, and thought leader.

Insights flowed as panelists dissected the relationship between AI and human creativity, shedding light on the transformative potential of AI-driven tools in music production, composition, and distribution. Dani Deahl demonstrated live how she ethically uses AI as a tool to enhance her music, including stem separation, voice or tone replacement, and song generation. One demonstration used tone-altering AI to record Kokayi and make him sound like a female pop artist.

Deahl explained how this AI technology represented an ethical, pro-artist approach to AI because the artist whose voice was used entered into a licensing agreement with the platform, the voice recording was pulled from works specifically created for the platform, and the artist is compensated every time her tone is used — including during the demonstration. The panel went on to discuss how artists embraced new technology in the past and how present technology changes the way we create music.

Following this illuminating discussion, the stage was set for the second panel, moderated by Michael Lewan, the Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at the Academy. Dr. Moiya McTier, a Senior Advisor at the Human Artistry Campaign, joined with Juan Winans, a three-time GRAMMY nominated artist and songwriter, and Michael Hendrix, the Policy Director for Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee. Diving deeper into the threats that AI poses to artists and creators, the panelists discussed policymaking when it comes to AI—including the ELVIS Act, which recently became law in Tennessee and is the first law of its kind to protect individuals from AI models misusing their name, image, and likeness.

The Future Forum is one of many ways the Recording Academy has been engaged in the conversations surrounding AI. Last year, the Recording Academy also teamed up with members of the music community for the Human Artistry CampAIgn which launched in March of 2023. This Campaign is a coalition focused on protecting human art and creativity as artificial intelligence continues to develop. In addition to joining this coalition, the Recording Academy has played a significant role in safeguarding human creativity and helping creators navigate artificial intelligence.

Days prior during the GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, the Recording Academy brought together 60+ GRAMMY winners and nominees along with Academy executives to advocate for legislation such as No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate's No FAKES Act discussion draft, which protects artists image and likeness.

As the Future Forum panels ended, the convivial atmosphere transitioned seamlessly into a vibrant reception, where Recording Academy members from the DMV, Philadelphia, and New York convened. Against the backdrop of stimulating conversations and shared insights, attendees exchanged ideas, forged connections, and celebrated the perfect ending to an eventful GRAMMYs on the Hill week.

The Recording Academy will continue to advocate and hold discussions surrounding fostering human connection and artistic excellence in the age of AI and the GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum served as a testament to this commitment. As music's biggest week in Washington, D.C. reached its crescendo, the inaugural Future Forum reinstated the importance of a future where AI augments — rather than deters — human creativity.

Here's What Went Down At Advocacy Day 2024: The Fight For AI Safeguards And Ticketing Reform Hit Capitol Hill

"We have a short window of time this morning, where we're going to download a lot of information into your brain." So told Todd Dupler, the Recording Academy's Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer, early in the morning of May Day, to a small, still-waking-up, but attentive crowd at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C.

After Michael Lewan — the Recording Academy's Managing Director of State and Federal Advocacy — laid down some logistical ground rules, the throng set forth into the pre-summer mugginess to advocate for two crucial policy needs.

The first is calling on Congress to protect the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes through legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate's No FAKES Act discussion draft. 

The second is reforming the live event ticket marketplace to better protect artists and fans through legislation including the Fans First Act and a similar House bill, the TICKET Act.

After the morning briefing, groups with advocates went to the U.S. Capitol for dozens of meetings with bipartisan and bicameral legislators to seek their support for these important issues and bills. Throughout the morning, Academy members met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT), along with multiple House Chairs and Ranking Members, and other influential leaders.

After these initial meetings, the GRAMMYs On The Hill 2024 advocates stopped by the historic Nancy Pelosi Cannon Caucus Room to park, dine on lunch, and meet with more key champions.

After introductory remarks from Lewan, the No AI Fraud Act's lead sponsor, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) — who Lewan praised as "the brains behind it" — took the podium. "Your identity is in danger because of artificial intelligence," Salazar asserted.

And she drilled down into why — which involved portents far afield from music peoples' rights.

"Did you know that right now, someone with not very good intentions, can grab the image and voice and likeness of your daughter or so, and transfer that information to make pornography?" Salazar said. "Someone produces your voice and likeness and insults a boss, and you may be fired."

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Salazar's lead co-sponsor of the No AI Fraud Act, echoed the congresswoman's sentiment. "It's not just about the use of your likeness," she said. "You have the right to ask permission to get compensated for it.

Following the lunch briefing, the 60 plus advocates headed back across the nation's capital to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a special roundtable discussion with senior members of the Biden-Harris Administration. While at the White House, advocates were briefed on AI policy, ticket reforms, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the president's work on gun violence, before a special conversation with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 

And with that, with another successful Advocacy Day in the bag, music advocates went home assured that they'd made a phenomenal difference in the music landscape.

To those who would abuse the ticketing system — meet the true music fans. And, to those who'd leverage artificial intelligence against real peoples' autonomies — meet human power.

The 2024 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards were sponsored by City National Bank and benefited the GRAMMY Museum.

How The House's No AI FRAUD Act And Tenn.'s ELVIS Act Will Protect Human Creativity