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Recording Academy Bolsters Membership With 2,710 Music Creators And Professionals Invited

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The membership invitations are a reflection of the Recording Academy's commitment to excellence and further growing its robust membership body and also reaffirm the organization's recognition of the important contributions of music people
Membership
Jun 28, 2021 - 6:00 am

Today, the Recording Academy extended membership invitations to 2,710 established music professionals from wide-ranging backgrounds, genres and disciplines. The invitations are a reflection of the Recording Academy's commitment to excellence and further growing its robust membership body. The invitations also reaffirm the Recording Academy's recognition of the important contributions of music people to influence progressive changes within the music industry.

The 2021 class of invitees is 48% female, 32% Black or African American+, 13% Hispanic or Latino/a/x+, and 4% Asian or Pacific Islander+. The Academy's existing membership represents 26% female and 27% from traditionally underrepresented groups. Since setting the goal of adding 2,500 women voting members by 2025, 831 women have joined the Recording Academy's voting membership, putting the organization 33% closer to reaching that milestone.

To celebrate the new class of invitees, the Recording Academy is activating across its social channels, giving the music industry and music fans a look into what it means to be a member of the Recording Academy. New invitees will be featured across Instagram Reels, Voice Tweets and Instagram Lives hosted by Recording Academy staff and executives. Activations can be followed on the official Recording Academy Instagram and Twitter pages.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's membership process and requirements as well as the new class of invitees.

"Membership is the Academy's change agent — our members drive everything we do," Ruby Marchand, Chief Industry Officer at the Recording Academy, said. "I'm inspired by the potential for each invited music creator and business professional to lend their creativity and passion to our organization. We are immensely proud of our accomplishments and the strides we've made toward equitable representation. We look forward to welcoming our new invitees as they help us shape the future of the Academy and the music industry."

"This is an incredibly exciting time to join the Academy and play a part in accelerating change, progress and evolution within the music industry," Kelley Purcell, Vice President of Membership and Industry Relations at the Recording Academy, said. "Our membership body is the driving force behind our actions, and we value the contributions of our members that help ensure the Academy's practices authentically represent the current state of music. We're excited to see what this new group brings to the table as we enter a new era at the Academy."

Recording Academy membership reflects the rich, diverse and wide-ranging contributions of music creators and professionals. The areas of focus include service, advocacy, and recognition of the art and craft of music with a community-driven approach and peer reviews on an annual cycle. In order to participate in the process for the upcoming GRAMMY Awards, new members have to accept their invitations by Sept. 15, 2021. The first voting ballot opens Oct. 22 and closes Nov. 5. The 2022 GRAMMY Awards show, officially known as the 64th GRAMMY Awards, are set to take place Jan. 31, 2022, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter Celebrates The NEXT 2021 Class

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Kelley Purcell

Photo: Ashley Stewart of ANS Photography

 
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VP Of Member & Industry Relations Kelley Purcell On How Recording Academy Members Can Make A Difference

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Purcell talks to GRAMMY.com about her new role and why it's so important for Recording Academy members to vote in the upcoming Awards cycle
GRAMMYs
Nov 5, 2020 - 7:00 am

The Recording Academy has announced the appointment of Kelley Purcell as Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations. The appointment follows the Recording Academy's restructure, which aims to streamline the organization and sharpen focus on its service to music. Reporting to Chief Industry Officer Ruby Marchand, Purcell will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of membership outreach, peer review, member account services, and the Academy's Chapter systems, including regional and local teams, Chapter events and programming, and all facets of Chapter service. 

"We are pleased to have Kelley as our Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations," said Marchand. "Her expertise and history of being a driving force within the Membership & Industry Relations department make her a great asset to this organization. This is yet another step towards the Academy's transformational commitment as we strive for greater inclusivity and work to ensure our membership reflects the diverse individuals who make up our music community."

Purcell joined the Recording Academy as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Chapter in 2013. She later transitioned to Senior Director of Member Outreach, leading industry outreach efforts across the Membership & Industry Relations department. During her tenure, she project managed a cross-department team of IT, Digital Media and Communications colleagues over a two-year period and successfully implemented historic changes to the Academy's membership systems. She also led the recruitment efforts to diversify Academy membership and was the liaison to the Academy's first-ever Peer Review Panel, responsible for training this body and serving as its point person.

Below, Purcell talks to GRAMMY.com about her new role and why it's so important for Recording Academy members to vote in the upcoming Awards cycle.

Can you tell us a little about your professional background and what led to your new role at the Recording Academy?

I have loved music since a young age but I think the power of music, and the arts in general, was cemented for me in college. I was an Economics major, but throughout my college career I was also very involved in lots of arts-focused extracurricular activities that gave me purpose and helped me develop a stronger sense of self. During that time I realized that if my career was going to mean something to me, it had to center around the arts in some way, and I committed to using all of my business skills to further something that had real meaning to me.

After building my career in arts administration in various positions, I was thrilled to join the Recording Academy as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Chapter where I could focus my professional energies in support of music makers, specifically. Since joining the Academy I have held several roles within the Membership & Industry Relations team and am honored to now become the Vice President, where I can apply everything I’ve learned thus far for the greater good of the department as a whole.
 
What specifically do you hope to bring to your new role in Membership?

I want to ensure that every member of the Recording Academy understands that their membership can make a difference. Whether that’s participating in the GRAMMY Awards process, advocating for the rights of the music community in Washington D.C., or raising money for MusiCares or standing up for music education, this membership body plays a huge role in shaping the music industry that we want to see. Every member's voice counts and we are stronger together.    
 
Why is it so important for current Recording Academy members to vote in the upcoming Awards cycle?

The GRAMMY award represents what professional music creators decide are the best musical works of the year. Because it’s the only award that is peer-to-peer, it is ideal when all peers are reflected in the process.
 
What can you tell us about the benefits of membership at the Recording Academy?

Membership is the lifeblood of the Recording Academy and the foundation of all that we do. Recording Academy members have the opportunity to play a part in creating a better world for music and its makers. In addition to advocating for the rights of music makers, supporting the next generation of the music industry and helping fellow music people in times of need, members can submit projects for GRAMMY Awards consideration, propose amendments to GRAMMY Awards rules, run for a Recording Academy Board, participate in member-only programs and more. The Recording Academy is a very special community of people who are united by how much they care about the music industry and want it to thrive.
 
What can you tell us about how all 12 Chapters engage RA members on a year-round basis?

Each of the 12 Chapters are a great resource for members to learn more about the best ways in which to get involved in all the Recording Academy does. Board members are elected at the local level to represent their communities and provide connective tissue between each member and the organization as a whole. In addition to producing local events and programs, Chapters help members become aware of all Academy initiatives and how each person can be of service to the greater mission.
 
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

To learn more about how to join the Recording Academy, please visit grammy.com/join!

Recording Academy Invites & Celebrates Its 2020 New Member Class

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Amythyst Kiah press photo

Amythyst Kiah

Photo: Anna Hedges

 
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Roots Musician Amythyst Kiah: From An Awkward Hobbyist To A GRAMMY-Nominated Professional

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Singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah, who was nominated for Best American Roots Song at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in 2020, discusses her beginnings and how she found a community in the Recording Academy
Membership
Feb 11, 2021 - 11:40 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, GRAMMY-nominated roots singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah shares her open letter with GRAMMY.com readers.

I have been a professional musician for 10 years. Over that time, I have had to reframe my relationship with music. What was once a personal escape within the confines of my bedroom now connects me to people all over the world.

As a child, I was riddled with anxiety and uncertainty, but when I would listen to music, I would feel a vastness—a spiritual transcendence that I could not explain. I was at peace. As I got older, I realized that I was, in fact, meditating before I even knew what that was. My suburban family home was full of music; my dad was an audiophile and my mother was happy to indulge him. Because of them, I grew a powerful connection to music and was able to turn to it for comfort when my anxiety was too much.

One of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me (besides life, of course) was my late 80’s Fender acoustic guitar. I was 13 when the social anxiety really started to set in, and playing guitar and writing were the only ways I felt comfortable expressing myself.

In my early 20’s, I learned the history of culture and roots music and started performing old-time string band music at East Tennessee State University. It was during this time that I learned that I was able to affect people with music in the same way that it affected me. With that realization came a responsibility that I wasn't ready for, but I jumped in anyway. I am grateful to my father (my mother has long since passed away) for being there for me as I struggled to tackle my anxieties and fears and transform into a performer.

I am also grateful for the Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country Music program and my professors who believed in what I was doing and gave me the skills needed to become the performer that I am today.

I used to think that I couldn’t have that feeling of peace that I felt as a child while also feeling a sense of community with others. However, after much emotional work on my part as an adult, I learned that there is a way to maintain that sense of peace and inspiration and still be of the world. Being part of a community, working together to forge relationships and help each other create and grow are crucial for us to flourish as individuals.

This is what I aim to do within the Recording Academy. Now that I am (literally) a card-carrying member as of this month, I can only say that the nervous, awkward girl from before would never have imagined this. Musically, I tend to live in a bubble and have not kept up with the current state of music until recently. I am quite green within the music industry and am excited for this incredible opportunity to learn from others.

I look forward to contributing to this community and the fans who love and support our work!

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a

Kalani Pe'a

Photo: Antonio Agosto

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GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

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Two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a offers advice to fellow indie artists on remaining authentic, engaging with fans online and generating income and grants during the pandemic
Membership
Feb 2, 2021 - 9:41 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a shares his open letter with GRAMMY.com readers. 

When we hear the word "authenticity," we think of traditional, something new or original. We automatically assume the word exemplifies one's creativity—someone who is innovative, unique and different from the rest. I'm all about that and much more. I'm not the typical Hawaiian slack key or 'ukulele artist most people expect me to be. I am a singer who speaks Hawaiian fluently, dressed in sequin blazers and Hawaiian print bowties, singing Hawaiian, contemporary and soul music. I also do Motown in Hawaiian if I had to, because I can as a modern, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian musician.

As an independent musician who is the co-founder and CEO of Pe'a Records & Entertainment, I am proud to own all of my music. I am my own label, publishing and entertainment company. My husband, Allan B. Cool, is also the co-founder and CEO of our company. We do everything on our own. We own all publishing rights to my music and we operate our own label. I answer to no one other than my husband. 

Allan is also a two-time GRAMMY-winning co-producer on my debut and sophomore albums. I am an independent singer/songwriter who won two GRAMMY awards, making history as the first Native Hawaiian to win a GRAMMY award with my debut album, E Walea, in 2017 in the Best Regional Roots Music category. I made history again winning another GRAMMY award in 2019 with my sophomore album, No 'Ane'i. 

But it's not about the history-making. It's not about the accolades. The awards don't define the true you. Awards shouldn't be able to demonstrate the person you've become. It's about making and creating music, arranging songs, finding a safe spot or space at home and jotting down lyrics and arranging music. The Recording Academy, and winning GRAMMY awards as a Hawaiian, contemporary and soul artist, has given me the opportunity to network and build relationships with thousands of members in the Academy: musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers at the Academy's functions, especially when we celebrate once a year at the GRAMMY Awards in L.A. 

The GRAMMYs gave me a full-time job as a touring musician. I am a devoted member, and I love to listen and network with all types of musicians, music-makers and creators around the world. This pandemic has really affected many of us, where all of our shows and concerts got cancelled. We really had to learn to save or generate income in order to survive. 

The questions came to mind: How are you paying for your mortgage? Other household bills? Food? Or medical bills? If I've lost shows, what do I do next? How will I survive as a multi-GRAMMY-winning, full-time touring musician during this crisis?

I had to plan a "horizon scanning" concept. Meaning, I had to plan out goals for the entire year. Some may be short-term or long-term, but these were goals that help me reflect and embrace what was truly in my reach. I panicked for a bit, but I had to collect my fears, throw them in a bottle and send that bottle away across the ocean and hopefully never see those fears return to me. 

My life as a GRAMMY-winning artist changed forever. I left a full-time teaching job five years ago to live my dreams. During this crisis, I am applying for numerous COVID-19 relief grants and cultural, competitive and music grants to help me stay afloat as a musician. I have applied to grants to help me start my third solo project, coming out later in 2021, so that I have monies to start music video content and other digital marketing content. I don't come from any label. I have to work harder as an indie artist. The struggle is real, but I am doing my best to continue to create music each day. 

I am ready to tour again and sell out shows across Hawai'i, the West and East Coast of the U.S. and Japan. I look forward to performing in Europe in the upcoming years, sharing Hawaiian language and music across the globe. I encourage all music creators to continue finding your voice: Share it through songwriting and arranging new music. Never give up.

I encourage artists to apply for COVID-19 relief funds and grants. If you get denied the first round, never give up on these grants. There are performing arts centers who truly believe in your gift. Share and speak about it. Do grants first then loans as the last resort. When the grants for music are out there, dive into it. Prepare 3-4 hours out of the day to apply for them and also gather your best work as supportive documents. I am also uploading new and old content on all social media platforms every day. 

Whether we're stuck at home, continuously post something on social media about your music. Post a blog, an old pic, some new material, some teasers for upcoming music or projects, a piece of bread or something you drank on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Consistently post any content, whether about music or family, during this pandemic and be engaging with your audience. Do Live feeds and talk about your music creation, sing a song or two. I was honored to have done a few Live performances. 

I am that type of musician that doesn't ask for donations or has a personal Venmo or PayPal. Every musician has their own goals and objectives when it comes to making a living. Some musicians play in bars or hotels on Maui and others are touring musicians like me. What I've done the last few months was host a 30-minute to 1-hour show. The first show was last May where I sang some of my original compositions and I had a donation link that went directly to the Alzheimer's Association. My grandmother, who turned 90 in November, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. I try my best to donate a part of my concert proceeds to the association to take care of our kupuna (elders) and their caregivers. 

My second online show was 1 hour in June, and I gave away prizes. I had local businesses and entrepreneurs, who are makers, creators and bakers of Hawai'i, donate their "art" to me, and I gave it away as prizes. Thousands tuned in and were anxious to win. I did this to build a collaboration with local businesses who are the face of Maui and Hawai'i altogether. I wanted to support the businesses during these trying times. It brought awareness to these local brands in a time like this. Many have moved to all online shopping.

Kalani Pe'a: "Music Saved My Life"

We musicians have bills to pay, so how do we stay relevant? Social media and digital marketing are important resources to stay relevant as a working musician. Get on all platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. The audiences and target audiences vary from each platform, but engage with your audience. You have fans all over the world if you're a recording artist. Start a website, update your website or create a Wiki page. On social media, you can post 50 times a day, but consistently share your work. 

We are indie artists. We are our own label. We do everything on our own and we don't have the support like artists do with big labels. We need to be creative and authentic in our own way as indies, as music-makers, creators and shakers of today. Continue creating and making music. Our music is our medicine. The world needs that medicine during this time. Let's heal the world with our creation of music, being ourselves as the music-makers while building "bridges," not "walls" or "cages," around the world. 

Also, know your value. If Live performances on social media is what you're good at, do it. I personally refuse to have a PayPal or Venmo link; however, it's up to you as a musician. Everyone has different goals. Know your value and surround yourself with likeminded and valuable people. If you already sell $100 tickets for your shows, why do a free online concert? 

Think of strategies on how to earn your income during this pandemic. Will you create an online ticketing show? Will you have a donation link set up and sell merchandise online? Or will you help other local businesses thrive by doing gift giveaways during your little online show? 

Be the voice during this pandemic. Continue making music. Focus on value. Be authentic. Never change your sound. Never allow anyone to define your success as an indie artist and be you. 

Learn more about Kalani Pe'a and his music.

For info on grant-writing for musicians and COVID-19 relief funds for artists and musicians, visit Kalani Pe'a's official Facebook page.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Membership.

Producer & Engineer Gena Johnson: How To Create Total Harmony In A Recording Session

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The Recording Academy Announces Songwriters & Composers Wing

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Announced at the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, the new wing is dedicated to elevating, supporting and advocating on behalf of music’s storytellers
Morgan Enos
Recording Academy
Mar 14, 2021 - 7:01 pm

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.

2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominees And Winners List

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