Written by Emma Hampton, Carlie Anderson & Sophie Griffiths

GRAMMY U, the Recording Academy’s membership for college students pursuing music, has kicked off a new year and we are excited to welcome the 2022-23 GRAMMY U Representative class.

These 14 students are up-and-comers in the industry and are the heart and soul of every GRAMMY U curated experience presented throughout the year. Each Chapter has a GRAMMY U Representative works closely with their staff on local programs. Reps also work collaboratively with each other and the GRAMMY U national team, which includes two additional student Reps who focus on projects and membership, respectively.

GRAMMY U Representatives serve from one to three consecutive years and have the opportunity to organize everything from private soundchecks with top-tier touring artists, to masterclasses with leading industry professionals.

We asked this year’s Reps an assortment of questions about themselves personally and professionally. Get to know the 2022-2023 class of GRAMMY U Representatives below and stay connected with the future of the music industry.

Jade Bacon | Los Angeles

Jade is in her second year at the USC Thornton School of Music as a jazz voice major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

Day in the Industry: An event where GRAMMY U members get to pick an influential professional in the field they are interested in and go with them through their day as they work on projects, meetings, or creative aspects.

If you could invent a new product or business concept, what would it be and why?

An app that made a playlist based on how you're feeling. Maybe it could be connected to your music streaming service so it has a good idea of your taste and you can fill out a short survey. The survey answers will determine the songs you get and then you have a playlist for the day. You could call it Play of the Day.

What do you think is the ideal location for a concert?

I love an intimate space and the relationship you can feel between the artists and fans. I think a small venue with space to dance and sing at the top of your lungs will always be the most enjoyable to me.

Connect with Jade:

Email: grammyu.la@recordingacademy.com  

IG: @jadembacon

Heather Howard | Nashville

Heather is a rising senior at Middle Tennessee State University with a major in music business. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience in the music industry so far has to be when I got to work on digital marketing for the CMA Fest this summer and see different performances side stage that I never thought I'd be able to see while working.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry.

My vision for the future of the music industry is that we create even more opportunities for the youth to get involved and to become aware about the possibilities a career in this industry can offer them. I want to see the industry sharing more knowledge and advice with one another and creating a pathway for everyone regardless of race, gender, etc. to succeed and reach new heights with help from the people they work closely with everyday.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

Get to know everyone around you, get coffee with them, stay connected with them; you never know who you might be working with down the line or who you might need as a reference. Networking is key in this industry.

Connect with Heather:

Email: grammyu.nashville@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @officialheatherhoward

Lauren Stephens | Texas Chapter

Lauren is a marketing major at the University of Texas at Austin. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

Live music is my favorite thing in the world, so I would love to put on a mini festival of sorts for GRAMMY U! I'd probably sort the stages by genre and organize some Q&A's and meet-and-greets during that time as well. Since we have lots of creatives and writers in GRAMMY U, we could also have GRAMMY U members interviewing or photographing artists they love.

What is the best concert you have been to this year? What would be your dream concert?

5SOS put on an amazing show, and it was such a full circle moment getting to shoot one of their shows and see them at the same venue I saw them at in 2015! For my dream concert, I'd love to see Harry Styles for under $100 in an intimate venue — like the 2017 tour he did.

What is your ideal festival lineup?

The Maine, the Wombats, Inhaler, 5 Seconds of Summer (and have Luke Hemmings play some of his solo stuff!!), Harry Styles OR MCR.

Connect with Lauren:

Email: grammyu.texas@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @laurensstephens 

Sophie Griffiths | Philadelphia Chapter

Sophie is a senior at Drexel University, majoring in music industry with a concentration in recording arts and production. She also has a minor in business administration, and in music theory and composition. This is her second year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What is one piece of advice you’d give someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

I would say the most important things I've learned are to stay busy and stay connected. It is important to always be talking to and working with people in this industry to learn anything, as well as always working on your next project. Developing a portfolio for yourself becomes incredibly useful for finding clients, more people to collaborate with, and just cultivating and sharpening your skillset.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a professional songwriter and vocal producer. I have always been a musician and songwriter, and after going into recording and learning about the skills, I see myself working one-on-one with artists to cultivate their creative visions.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack and what is your favorite song from that soundtrack?

My favorite soundtrack is by The Coup from Sorry To Bother You. The music is upbeat and wild and will always pump me up. If I were to choose any song off that soundtrack to listen to right now, it would have to be "We Need an Eruption."

Connect with Sophie:

Email: grammy.philly@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @soph.h.g 

Joanna Serrano | San Francisco Chapter

Joanna is currently a senior at San Jose State University studying public relations. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would love to hold a GRAMMY U showcase during GRAMMY week! The showcase would feature performances from both professionals as well as aspiring professionals who are members of the Recording Academy or GRAMMY U. This would be an amazing opportunity to witness iconic performances by acts we all know and love, while shining light on rising talents who are a part of GRAMMY U!

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite part of the music industry has been creating connections with individuals all over the world! It is amazing working with people who share the same passion and love for music. I have been blown away by the kindness I have witnessed across multiple aspects of the industry, both by horizontal and vertical connections!

Who is your favorite songwriter and what do you like about them?

My favorite songwriter is Luke Hemmings. He branched out from his pop-rock work with 5SOS and was able to create songs that emulate sadness but also inspiration. After over 10 years in the industry, we can hear and feel his growth through his art.

Connect with Joanna:

Email: grammyu.sf@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @joannaxserrano

Amir Duke | Atlanta Chapter

Amir is a senior at Morehouse College with a major in economics. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry

My vision of the music industry going forward is next level streaming and tech. We currently are watching the innovation of streams, likes, and shares with music through social media platforms such as TikTok, and Instagram. I also see labels and music tech merging into one huge platform in the next 5-10 years.

What is your dream job?

My dream job in the music industry is label relations at Amazon Music. Going forward in my career I see myself still being close to a label but having the ability to work heavily in this new age of the industry which is music tech.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in the music industry is to be consistent and dedicated. It’s not always easy making your way through the industry; However, if you’re dedicated to curating relationships and hard work you will thrive.

Connect with Amir:

Email: grammyu.atlanta@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @_amirduke

Carlie Anderson | Florida Chapter

Carlie studies music industry and business law at the University of Miami. This is her second year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience in the music industry so far was having the opportunity to attend GRAMMY Week and the 64th GRAMMYs this past April and finally getting a chance to work with my fellow representatives in person!

If you could only listen to one album or one artist for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

If I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life it would have to be Sound and Color by the Alabama Shakes.

Connect with Carlie:

Email: grammyu.florida@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @carlieanderson

Maddie Caccavale | New York Chapter

Maddie is an arts & entertainment industries management major at Rider University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry

My vision for the future of the industry is definitely a bright one! I hope that live music continues to grow bigger than ever before since the pandemic hit and more up-and-coming artists have the chance to perform in front of more live audiences. I also hope that the industry continues to become more diverse and inclusive in all areas, and that creators will get full recognition and compensation for their work.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience being in the music industry so far is getting the opportunity to become a member of communities like GRAMMY U, Women in Music, She is the Music, Amplify Her Voice and so many others! All of them have provided me with opportunities to learn, grow, and build community as I get my start in the music business!

If you could manage a tour for any artist, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Taylor Swift. She is one of the greatest artists and performers of our time. I have been lucky enough to see her live many times and have always walked out of all her shows in complete awe. I have been following her career ever since I was little and my love for her work has grown through the years. Taylor is truly one of my biggest inspirations and it would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with her one day!

Connect with Maddie:

Email: grammyu.ny@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @maddiecaccavale

Rachael MacQuarrie | Pacific Northwest Chapter

Rachael is studying music composition and recording arts at Western Washington University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What do you think is the ideal location for a concert?

I think the ideal location for a concert is deep in the woodlands under the dappled green light of pine trees. At night we would adorn the trees with string lights, like a little fairy hideout! The Olympic Peninsula has many beautiful forests that would be amazing for something like this.

If you had a job not in the music industry, what would it be and why?

would work in physical education, more specifically, teaching Aikido. One of my first jobs was teaching Aikido, a Japanese martial art based in self-defense and peaceful resolution. In my life, I have found great joy, strength, mental fortitude, and recovery through movement. Helping others find that joy, the power of self-expression through movement, is one of the most gratifying feelings.

Describe your favorite personal playlist and tell us the title.

My favorite personal playlist is a mix of funk, hip-hop, and soul music that's upbeat with warm tones and a crisp rhythm section. Some featured artists include FKJ, Tom Misch, Vulfpeck, and the Phony Ppl. The title is "SHRIMP!" because shrimp are yummy and colorful little morsels, just like each song on the playlist!

Connect with Rachael:

Email: grammyu.pnw@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @raenandfire 

Emma Hampton | Memphis Chapter

Emma is a senior at the University of Memphis studying music business. This is her second year as GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

I'd be crazy if I didn't say going to the GRAMMYs has been my favorite experience in the industry. It's also been one of my favorite experiences in my entire life. The whole week was unbelievable. We got to also go to the GRAMMYs NextUp, had a masterclass with Hannah Lux Davis, and got to volunteer at the Person of the Year gala. Those moments are irreplaceable, and I still can't believe I got those opportunities.

If you could score any type of film, what genre would it be?

I've always wanted to score at least one film. I love thinking of how I would score my favorite books if they were turned into films. I think I'd want to score a dramatic film, something with a lot of depth and soul to it.

Who is your favorite songwriter and what do you like about them?

My favorite songwriter right now (I literally have their songs on repeat 24/7) is Leith Ross. They’re one of those writers who makes me feel like they’re in my head. When I listen to their songs, I sometimes feel almost as if the song was written personally for me.

Connect with Emma:

Email: grammyu.memphis@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @echampton8

Jonathan Weaver | Washington D.C. Chapter

Jonathan is a student at Howard University studying finance. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would put on a festival to celebrate the Black and Brown queer community within the music industry because I feel that this demographic of people is under-appreciated in the industry.

If you could manage a tour for any artist, who would it be and why?

I would be interested in managing a tour for Normani because she is my favorite artist and an amazing performer.

Connect with Jonathan:

Email: grammyu.dc@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @jonathancarl111 

Kegan Grace | Chicago Chapter

Kegan is a student at Northwestern University majoring in Statistics and Music. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What is your dream job?

My dream role is to be either a part of the live industry or work in artist management. Something like an agent or a business manager!

What other organizations are you involved in?

The Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band and the student-run video and music production club Niteskool Productions. I’m also in a street drumming and dance group.

What are your top favorite songs right now?

"Cool With You" by Her’s, "Mortal Projections" by Djo, "The Adults are Talking" by The Strokes, and "Voliano" by Remi Wolf.

Connect with Kegan:

Email: grammyu.chicago@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @keeg.grace 

Daniel Ramos | National Representative: Membership

Daniel is a senior at Berklee College of Music majoring in music business management. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry.

My vision would involve giving more opportunities to new artists and really help promote the new wave of music. I would want to build a foundation where musicians feel like they want to be a part of the music industry and have their voices and concerns be heard. I would love to create a culture of inclusivity and purpose to the work that everyone does and to keep generating and cultivating success.

What is one song, album, or artist you would encourage readers to check out?

I am a very strong advocate for up-and-coming artists so I would definitely have everyone check out Vivienne Arthur’s album "Everything I Am."

What is your dream job?

It would be great to work as a music agent or entertainment lawyer. I am really passionate about negotiating contracts and transactional law so ideally, I would love to be in that profession.

Connect with Daniel:

Email: grammyu.membership@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @daniel.ramoss_ 

Sam Merkin | National Representative: Projects

Sam is a senior at the University of Miami with a major in music business. This is his second year as a GRAMMY U Rep.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would get Justin Bieber, The Kid Laroi, and Ariana Grande along with Scooter Braun to educate students on manager/artist relationships and the nooks and crannies of that bond. If the budget was really limitless, I'd probably host it on the moon. Why not?

What do you think will be your most listened to song for 2022? 

I wouldn't be surprised if my top streamed song for this year is "Coast" by Hailee Steinfeld. I tend to get tired of music really fast after listening to it a bunch, but that song has a vibe that I don't think will get old.

What is one song, album or artist you would encourage readers to check out?

I would encourage everyone to check out a song that I released this summer called "LEXI!"

Connect with Sam:

Email: grammyu.projects@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @samsammerk 

5 Highlights Of GRAMMY U's Spring 2022 Mentorship Program

It's been decades since Maren Morris first attended GRAMMY Camp all the way back in 2005 — nearly 20 years ago. Still, she remembers precisely how she felt then and how much of a "rare opportunity" it was.

She met luminaries like Jimmy Jam and Paul Williams, and the setting made the then-15-year-old feel legitimized and creatively elevated. "I learned how to peer into myself and learn what unique thing I had to bring to the table musically," she tells the Recording Academy.

Since then, Maren Morris has had an entire career: She won a GRAMMY, received 17 GRAMMY nominations, joined the country music supergroup the Highwomen, topped the Billboard country charts, and much more.

Morris just had a full circle moment — Recording Academy style. On Monday, Morris returned to GRAMMY Camp, the GRAMMY Museum's signature music industry camp for U.S. high school students, as a guest artist to celebrate the program's 20th anniversary, which takes place in Los Angeles this week. She joins viral NYC bass phenom Blu DeTiger and captivating New Jersey singer/songwriter Jeremy Zucker. Together, they are guiding students on their paths to a career in the music industry. 

"I think that the main thing I'm imparting is that they don't need to rush their art or building their fan base," Morris says. "With social media and trending sounds and dances every day, it's easy to feel like you're getting lost or not keeping up fast enough with what your peers are doing.

"Just stick to being authentic," she continues, "and people see that, no matter what time they arrive to the party for you."

Another one of Morris' pieces of advice: Don't confuse loyalty with complacency. She explains that she likes to "shake up my production or co-writing comfort by working with new people who bring things out of me I wouldn't normally in a more comfortable creative situation."

In the end, "Find people that listen to you," Morris concludes, "but also push you and your creativity to new areas of yourself." There's no place better to do exactly that than at GRAMMY Camp, where the mentee can one day become the mentor and guide the next generation of artists and music industry professionals.

The 20th annual GRAMMY Camp celebration is running now and concludes with the GRAMMY Camp Finale Student Showcase on Saturday, July 20, at the Ray Charles Terrace at the GRAMMY Museum. 

Applications for GRAMMY Camp 2025 will be available online in September.

Learn more about GRAMMY Camp.

The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, has proudly extended membership invitations to more than 3,900 music creators and industry professionals this week to join its 2024 New Member Class. 

The 2024 New Member Class, which exemplifies the Academy's commitment to reflecting today's diverse and dynamic music industry landscape, represents a significant step towards inclusivity and representation within the music industry. This year's 2024 class of invitees is 45% women, 57% people of color and 47% under the age of 40. With these new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025, reaching this milestone a year ahead of schedule. 

The deadline for accepting these invitations, and thus engaging in the full process for the 2025 GRAMMYs, is Wednesday, July 31. 2024 New Member Class invitees are encouraged to join our newly launched New Member Class broadcast channel to learn more about the Recording Academy and membership-related updates.

These invitations offer each potential new member an opportunity to power the Recording Academy's mission of cultivating the well-being of the music community, celebrating artistic excellence in the recording arts, advocating for creators' rights, investing in music's future through the GRAMMY Museum, and supporting music people in times of need through MusiCares.

The Recording Academy's membership invitation process is community-driven and peer-reviewed annually, focusing on two types of membership: Voting Membership for music creators and Professional Membership for music business professionals. Interested musicians and professionals must apply for membership by March 1 each year, and if approved by a peer review panel, they are invited to join the Recording Academy. (GRAMMY U is the third type of Academy membership and follows a distinct application process.)

To celebrate this milestone, many of the newly invited members have taken to social media to express their excitement and gratitude. Here are some highlights:

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For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process, read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines, and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

"Everything you like was created by a queer person," musician and DJ Aluna proclaimed near the end of "The Power In Pride: A Conversation Honoring The Resilience Of Black Queer Creatives." (A seemingly bold statement — until you do some digging.)

Ditto a Black person. As the Recording Academy's VP of DEI, Ryan Butler, pointed out, just about every American music genre flows back to that source. "There is no pop music in America that is not a derivative of the Negro spiritual," he said across from Aluna.

"The queerness has been the innovation in it, but the Black community has been the foundation of it," Butler concluded. "So, I think when you have the foundation and the innovation together, it's worth celebrating 365 days a year."

When considering those two truths, two more truths emerge. First, without the contributions of Black and queer people, our world — including our musical landscape — would be unrecognizable. Second, to celebrate only in February, for Black History Month — or June, for Pride Month and Black Music Month — would be a grave disservice to both wellsprings of genius. Honoring Black and queer creators, as Butler pointed out, requires the entire calendar year. 

These themes were paramount at "The Power of Pride," a candid conversation at the Live Nation building in Manhattan, just as summer kicked off. Tiffany Briggs Low, the Director of Corporate and Communications at Live Nation, moderated the discussion between Butler, Aluna, and third panelist Bryant K. Von Woodson II, VIP Relations at Chapter 2 Agency and Head of Communications at Queer Capita. Von Woodson II introduced himself as a "curator of people" who connects BIPOC folks with crucial opportunities; Butler, as an "angelic disruptor"; Briggs-Low called Aluna "our sister in green" and "the curator of the vibes."

Briggs-Low kicked off the conversation with a heavy, dual prompt: "I would love to hear about why you feel it's important for the world to continue celebrating both Pride and Black Music Month, and what does the intersectionality of Black and queer identities mean to each of you?"

"I think that theme months each year do serve as a reset," Aluna stated, "and have you looking internally, and looking at what you've done and haven't done, and how you feel. To me, the queer community and the Black community have given so much," she continued, "and my mission is for us to just turn that around — to be giving it back to ourselves. Because there is an abundance of things that we create — and we never stop creating — but we need to be fed, and the well is running dry. And that upsets me."

To Aluna — who is Black, straight, and an ally of the Black queer community — this nourishment comes from "creat[ing] space" within these communities, and fostering "spirituality and deep, deep connection."

To that question, Von Woodson II — who is Black and queer — paraphrased Maya Angelou: "Between both communities, I stand as one, but I also really acknowledge the 10,000," he said referring to the philosophy from Angelou's work that credits the collective experiences of communities and ancestors who came before. 

"I think that's what this month is about," he continued. "Celebrating the 10,000 that got me to be able to sit on this stage, to have this conversation with you, to sit up here with some beautiful Black people, and really speak about our lives and ourselves."

Butler, who is also Black and queer, calls that intersection "a superpower." Yet the world doesn't always treat it as such — to put it lightly. As Butler related, just last weekend, he entered a function in Malibu, where the host said, "I'm going to sit you at the table where all the rappers like to sit."

"I don't really give rapper," Butler mused dryly. "You shouldn't be profiled in that type of way, and I definitely experience it in the corporate environment, still. I don't think that it always feels like a safe space.

"But that's also a litmus test for me," he added. "I know that there are other [people] who may feel this way, and so it also helps me make sure that I'm constantly applying pressure."

Von Woodson II expounded on the importance of being his authentic self, in spaces that might stifle that. "There is no hiding that I am clearly Black, but also queer," he said, before showing off his proudly flamboyant style of walking into a room.

"As I work with my clients, and I work with new people, I think I show up as authentic as I can," he continued. "And I just lay it on them and say, 'You either take it or you don't.'"

Aluna, for her part, highlighted the unfairness of Black artists being pigeonholed as featured artists.

"If I need to be an example of what's possible for the next generation, they can't just see me as Disclosure featuring Aluna, DJ Snake featuring Aluna, Avicii featuring Aluna, because that gives the message that that's all we're worth," she said. "You can't get booked as an artist in your own right, because they just don't see you as an artist.

"Managers across the board, bookers, labels — they're just hankering after your essence, your soul," Aluna continued. "But without your Blackness."

In supporting Black and queer communities — which takes a plethora of forms, for all different kinds of people — Butler warned against performative gestures. Aluna decried "the colonial separation between Blackness and queerness."

And Butler left the audience with a truth bomb: "There are going to be times where you are going to have to shield me with your privilege that I don't have."

But for all these heavier-than-heavy topics of identity, justice and belonging, "The Power In Pride" felt celebratory and familial. As the conversation wound down, the beats were turned up, and the audience was geared to get out and uphold Black and queer genius and solidarity — 365 days a year.

The Recording Academy thanks its partners — Live Nation and Queer Capita — for their efforts to make this event possible.

Over the past two years, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and President Panos A. Panay have journeyed across the world in service of the organization and the global music community. What came of those trips has been personally moving and profoundly monumental for both Mason jr. and Panay. It's also further expanded the vision of the Academy's global mission.

"For us as an Academy, we always want to be aware of the trends — what's happening now and what's coming next — so we can stay plugged into today's music scene and global music community and continue to honor the music that's being made around the world," Mason jr. reflected about his recent travels to Africa in an interview with the Recording Academy last year.

Now, that global mission has finally come to fruition: The Recording Academy recently announced plans for its global expansion into Africa and the Middle East, a development that perfectly aligns with the music industry's ongoing globalization. With new music communities and industries developing around the world, including the thriving music industry growing across the Middle East and North Africa, a region commonly known as MENA, the Academy's expansion into this region was a natural development.

"The world is becoming a lot more globalized. Our job as an Academy is to expand our mission to include all creators irrespective of where they live or what passport they have or what language they speak," Panay explained in a recent interview. "The Middle East and Africa are two of the fastest-growing regions, demographically, when it comes to younger populations, when it comes to creative output, and when it comes to industry growth. This expansion into the MENA region is a natural fit simply for the fact that music is now a truly globalized art form that is not limited by language or culture."

"Music knows no borders. It's global and transcends cultural, political and language barriers," 12-time GRAMMY winner John Legend said in a statement about the Recording Academy's expansion. "I'm so glad that the Recording Academy, the leading organization serving music creators, is evolving to be a more global organization."

"As an African musician, I'm excited about the Recording Academy's expansion into Africa and the Middle East," Afrobeats pioneer Davido echoed the sentiment in a statement. "It acknowledges our vibrant talent and the global influence of African music. This initiative offers a platform for creators, elevating our cultural expressions and uniting us through music." 

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The Recording Academy's global expansion builds on several of the organization's recent international initiatives and rich history with the music of both the Middle East and Africa. At the 2024 GRAMMYs in February, the Recording Academy introduced the inaugural Best African Music Performance GRAMMY category, which recognizes recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent. One year prior, at the 2023 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy awarded the inaugural Best Song For Social Change Special Merit Award to Iranian singer/songwriter Shervin Hajipour for "Baraye," a widespread protest anthem in Iran. 

Last year, the Latin Recording Academy hosted the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs in Seville, Spain, marking the first-ever international GRAMMY Awards show. "It is our responsibility as an Academy to really support our artists and our creators in their quest to go global," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said, in an interview in 2023, about the global expansion of the Latin GRAMMYs. 

Similarly, the Recording Academy is now establishing local roots in Africa and the Middle East to help develop regional music industries and support music creators on a global scale.

"We are spending the next few years working directly with our local partners and stakeholders to better understand the needs of each of these creative scenes and establish the Recording Academy's role in serving these regions in a long-term strategy," Panay said. "Our plan is to use these collaborations as a platform to create connectivity and community. We strongly believe the Academy's mission and membership can ultimately have an impactful role in the development of these global industries."

The global expansion will benefit current and future Recording Academy members, too, Panay said. 

"As the creative community, including our Recording Academy membership, is seeing its income streams come under pressure, expanding opportunities for our existing membership is imperative for the organization," he said. "The expansion is informed by both the Academy's mission to go global, but also by the commitment to serving our existing membership at the highest possible level. That's what's informing every step that we've taken over the last two years in these explorations as well as the last 50 years as we've built the organization to think and act more globally." 

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Both Panay and Recording Academy CEO Mason jr. took a direct, hands-on approach to establish the Academy's footprint across the Middle East and Africa. They met with governmental ministries, cultural leaders and music creators across both regions, participating in listening sessions and high-level briefings.

For Panay, it is essential for the Recording Academy to learn about the local cultures on an intimate level and cater the Academy's strategy to the regions' specific needs.

"I was once told a great expression: 'If you don't go, you don't know,'" Panay reflected. "Ultimately, for us to better serve those creative communities, the Academy's strategy has to involve us spending time in these regions, which is what we are committed to keep doing over the next few years as we develop our specific plans and implementations for each market." 

To accomplish this, the Recording Academy is working closely with Ministries of Cultures and key stakeholders to build a framework that will bolster the Academy's presence and services in these rapidly growing music regions. The strategy also posits music at the nexus of art, commerce and diplomacy: These partnerships are aimed at driving economic growth, cultural exchange and sociopolitical ties between the partner nations.

"Creatives offer a formidable platform for building cultural, social, economic, and political ties across the East African Community, the African Continent and indeed the entire African Diaspora globally," Kenya's Hon. Ababu Namwamba, EGH said in a statement about the partnership with the Recording Academy. "This is a historic opportunity to hoist high and celebrate Africanacity through artistic and cultural expression, while fostering innovation, creativity, fraternity, and solidarity for African peoples in Africa and beyond."  

Read More: The Recording Academy Partners With U.S. Secretary Of State Antony J. Blinken To Launch The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative; Quincy Jones Awarded Inaugural Peace Through Music Award 

As part of its multifaceted global expansion, the Recording Academy is exploring several key initiatives focused on supporting and protecting music creators around the world, with an emphasis on advocacy, cross-cultural learnings, and economic growth, among many other measures. These initial priorities — informed by the local creative communities, music industry leaders and government officials — are the direct result of the Academy's on-the-ground learnings and exchanges over the past two years. 

"We took what we learned from our meetings with the local creatives and industry players and envisioned how and where the Recording Academy could be the most helpful in developing a sustainable ecosystem," Panay explained. "Sometimes, people don't recognize or understand how policies that are shared between states or countries accelerate the growth of an industry and help creators generate income. We think the Academy can play a role in all this with the help of our partners in these local governments and industries."

Education remains one of the key pillars of the Recording Academy's global expansion. Already, the Academy has made immense progress in this area via the recently launched GRAMMY GO, the Recording Academy's first-ever creator-to-creator platform and online learning experience. With GRAMMY GO, the Academy uses the collective knowledge base of its membership to spread industry expertise and help music creators enhance their careers. GRAMMY GO now serves as a bridge connecting the Academy and its members with local scenes around the globe.

"The programs we're already developing with GRAMMY GO are meant to begin introducing the Academy's prospects, abilities, and collective knowledge of its membership to these new regions," Panay said. "We see GRAMMY GO as the tip of our mission expansion into these areas because you got to lead first and foremost with education and skill development. These are critical to the development of creators and the growth of industries, and we think we can help accelerate that."

In the future, the Academy plans to offer enhanced training opportunities and educational programs specifically tailored to the needs of music creators in these regions and users worldwide.

Learn More: How The Recording Academy's GRAMMY GO Is Building A Global Online Learning Community & Elevating The Creative Class 

As the Recording Academy sets its plans for global expansion into motion, the organization is keeping creators from all over at the forefront — exactly as it's done over the decades. 

With additional reporting by Morgan Enos. 

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