The songwriting world just got a powerful new institution on its side.
At the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show on Sunday, March 14, The Recording Academy announced the formation of the Songwriters & Composers Wing, a brand-new Academy membership division representing those who craft songs and music pieces of all kinds.
Closely interconnected with the Academy’s existing membership base and ecosystem of music creators, the new, consolidated Wing will foster recognition of all genres of songwriters and amplify their unique role in policy discussions that seek fair compensation for creators.
The Songwriters & Composers Wing will offer educational programs including panels, mixers, songwriting retreats and mentorship, all geared toward giving music creators platforms for recognition, networking and collaboration. And on a global scale, the S&C wing will illuminate future opportunities for song and scoring achievement within a variety of media.
"The musical process begins with our fellow songwriters and composers, and we're thrilled to launch this Wing at the Academy that creates a home for music's storytellers across the country," Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. "These creatives are essential to the music community and we look forward to collaborating with our industry colleagues to support, educate and empower the diverse members in these crafts."
"The S&C Wing magnifies the presence of songwriters and composers throughout our membership body," added Ruby Marchand, Chief Industry Officer at the Recording Academy. "Many songwriters and composers are also producers, engineers, musicians, and recording artists. We look forward to celebrating their full array of talents and accomplishments."
"Just as music begins with the song, music advocacy begins with the songwriter," declared Daryl Friedman, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Recording Academy. "We are pleased to continue our fight for songwriters and composers' rights, reenergized by the newly organized advocates of the Songwriters & Composers Wing."
The Chair of the Songwriters & Composers Wing will be Evan Bogart, a songwriter and the Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter President. Honorary chairs will include Lamont Dozier, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Ashley Gorley, Carole King, Jimmy Jam, Tania León, Gustavo Santaolalla, Valerie Simpson, Diane Warren and Hans Zimmer. The Executive Sponsor will be Susan Stewart, who is Senior Director, South Region at The Recording Academy.
One third of the Academy’s voting membership include songwriting or composing as part of their craft, and these members will be automatically included in the S&C Wing. For more information or to inquire about joining, visit The Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing page on GRAMMY.com.
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