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GRAMMYs

Black Lives Matter Protest In London

Photo:  Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

News
Black Music Executives Call For Change In U.K. black-uk-music-executives-call-bias-training-end-urban-music-term

Black U.K. Music Executives Call For Bias Training, End Of "Urban Music" Term

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Black executives are now calling for U.K. music industry CEOs, presidents, chairmen and industry leaders to stand in solidarity with their Black employees beyond Black Out Tuesday
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jun 10, 2020 - 3:57 pm

The Black Music Coalition, a newly formed group of Black music professionals and executives in the U.K., are calling for changes in the music industry there, including career development for Black staff, bias training in offices, as well as the removal of the term "Urban" in industry terminology. 

The protests that have occurred across the U.S. since the death of George Floyd after a police officer knelt on his neck have also reached the U.K., continuing their own conversations around race relations. In a letter, Black executives, including from Warner Music Group, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, BMG, Live Nation UK, Spotify and MMF, stood in support with the Black community in the U.S. and noted the Black community in the U.K.'s own struggle with racial justice. 

https://twitter.com/RepublicRecords/status/1268949608664829955

#WeUseOurVoices, Use Yours. pic.twitter.com/dQFoMMj0h1

— Republic Records (@RepublicRecords) June 5, 2020

"As Black British people, we know of and have seen members of our community overpoliced, brutally treated and die at the hands of institutionally racist police forces and recount for example the deaths of Sarah Reed, Rashan Charles, Mark Duggan, Sean Rigg and many more. Simply put, the UK is not innocent," the letter said. 

While music companies, radio stations and channels in the U.K. showed solidarity with the Black community on Blackout Tuesday, a day-long moratorium in solidarity with Floyd's death and other Black lives lost under the hands of police that began in the U.S., Black executives are now calling for U.K. music industry CEOs, presidents, chairmen, and industry leaders to stand in solidarity with their Black employees beyond Black Out Tuesday. 

"The music industry has long profited from the rich and varied culture of Black people for many generations but overall, we feel it has failed to acknowledge the structural and systematic racism affecting the very same Black community and so effectively, enjoying the rhythm and ignoring the blues. We feel that as an industry, we cannot continue to benefit and profit, whilst continuing to ignore the issues of the community we benefit and profit so much from, issues which affect far too many of our artists in one way or another," the collective said. 

To begin making changes in the U.K. music industry, the collective, who also acknowledged that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black and brown people, listed ways to show support with concrete change. Their call to action included the financial backing of Black organizations, charities and educational projects as well as a call for an internal task force review in order to make sure business structure included "the advancement of Black executives across your business including equal pay, mentorship and career progression." Similarly, their call for Black staff development addressed the lack of Black female President/Chairwomen in the industry.  

"We expect that these long overdue steps will be implemented in a comprehensive manner to translate your empathy into a legacy of lasting change and we look forward to working with you to ensure that this happens," the letter ended. 

In the U.S., major record labels have announced big changes meant to address historic and systemic racial issues. Among them, Universal Music Group, which includes Universal Music U.K. and Capitol Records U.K., announced last week it would implement several initiatives including a social justice task force. The music company also said it would implement initiatives in its global offices. Warner Music Music Group and Republic Records, under Universal Music Group and home to Drake and Ariana Grande, have vowed to drop the term "Urban."

Read the Black Music Coalition's full letter here. 

The Recording Academy Announces Changes For 63rd Annual GRAMMYs, Releases Rules And Guidelines

GRAMMYs

Tarriona Tank Ball

Photo: Tabatha Fireman/Redferns via Getty Images

News
Artists Unite For Free Voter Registration Event tarriona-tank-ball-waxahatchee-war-drugs-more-perform-free-voter-registration-virtual

Tarriona Tank Ball, Waxahatchee, The War On Drugs & More To Perform At Free Voter Registration Virtual Concert

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The livestream's efforts come as the upcoming 2020 presidential election is set to happen Nov. 3
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jul 30, 2020 - 1:38 pm

Tank and the Bangas' Tarriona Tank Ball, Waxahatchee, The War on Drugs, Robin Pecknold, and others will perform at Vote Ready, a virtual music livestream event aiming to register people to vote, on Aug. 14.

Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen and Christopher Bear, TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone and Jaleel Bunton, Kam Franklin (of the Suffers), Kevin Morby, Hand Habits, Ciggy, Our Native Daughters' Allison Russell and Leyla McCalla, as well as The Building will be other acts performing at the event. Voter registration non-partisan organization HeadCount, Fort William and Live From Out There have partnered to organize the concert. 

https://twitter.com/HeadCountOrg/status/1288855533211058185

On August 14th, we are partnering with Live From Out There for Fort William Artist Mgmt x HeadCount present: VOTE READY Live Stream!

The virtual fest is FREE if you check your voter registration in advance at 👉 https://t.co/y1L0Hzo2II 👈 pic.twitter.com/yip7GyC49B

— HeadCount (@HeadCountOrg) July 30, 2020

The festival is free for music fans who check their voter registration status. Beyond their online voting registration, HeadCount typically registers people at music festivals and concerts, but due to COVID-19 can no longer do that.

"This is a first of its kind event," said executive director of HeadCount Andy Bernstein in a statement. "We love the idea of serving up original performances to anyone who checks their voter registration status. We applaud the artists and Fort William Management for their leadership, and we hope it inspires many more similar events in the future."

The concert's efforts come as the upcoming 2020 presidential election is set to happen Nov. 3.  

For more information, visit the HeadCount website. 

Snoh Aalegra Shows She's "DYING 4 YOUR LOVE" For Press Play

GRAMMYs

Summer Session 2019

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GRAMMY Museum N.J. Announces Virtual Youth Camp grammy-museum-experience-prudential-center-announces-return-summer-youth-camp

GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center Announces Return Of Summer Youth Camp

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Summer Session will offer youth ages 13 to 18 an opportunity to gain tools needed to embark on a career in the music industry
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jul 29, 2020 - 5:25 pm

GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center is giving youth in New Jersey and New York something to look forward to this summer.

The museum in Newark, N.J. has announced its Summer Session camp will return to offer youth ages 13 to 18 an opportunity to gain tools needed to embark on a career in the music industry. The five-day camp running Aug. 17–21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST every day will happen virtually through Zoom. It will focus on three tracks youth can explore: songwriting, hip-hop hitmaking and vocal performance. During the camp, music faculty and guest industry professionals will share insight.

https://twitter.com/PruCenter/status/1288474786587443201

Interested in exploring a career in music?

Register today for the #GRAMMYMuseumExp 2020 Summer Session!

5-day virtual summer music industry program for students age 13 – 18, running from August 17-21.

REGISTER: https://t.co/vMzloqB6eF pic.twitter.com/a4OWOR2z44

— Prudential Center (@PruCenter) July 29, 2020

Summer Session first launched in 2019 and featured GRAMMY-nominated singer/producer Mario Winans and renowned music director Alonzo Harris. Mark Conklin, Director of Artist Relations & Programming at the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, said the museum was thrilled to once again be able to empower youth interested in music. 

"Summer Session provides an unparalleled opportunity for students who want an inside look at the art, craft and business of music," he said in a statement. "If a student is seriously considering pursuing a career in music, or even curious about one, this program will give them the tools they need for a serious jump start."

The cost to attend will be $100. Tuition will be free for Newark students and some scholarships will be available for students outside of Newark.

For more information on the camp and how to apply, visit the museum's website.

How Girls Make Beats Is Making The Music Industry A More Welcoming Place For Girls Of All Backgrounds

GRAMMYs

Lizzo

Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen

News
Lizzo & More Lend Platform To Black Voices lizzo-lady-gaga-selena-gomez-lend-their-platforms-amplify-black-voices

Lizzo, Lady Gaga & Selena Gomez Lend Their Platforms To Amplify Black Voices

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The pop stars do their part to push the race conversation forward
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jun 5, 2020 - 11:29 am

Lizzo, Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez are letting Black groups take over their social media platforms to let them speak on the state of race relations in the U.S. 

The video capturing the death of George Floyd under police custody on May 25 has been seen all over the world and has sparked many protests in the country—and beyond. Lizzo is among the music artists who have been actively posting and engaging her fans on the race issues facing the U.S. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBCAodmgsUx

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

"Now that we're at this place where everyone is starting to wake up and educate each other, what's next? How are we pushing this conversation forward towards progress?" the "Juice" singer asked on a video posted to her Instagram revealing that she would let BlackVisions collective from Minneapolis take over her Instagram live at 4 p.m. EST/ 1 p.m. PST on Tuesday, June 5.

She said the group would talk about the issues going on now and provide resources on how people can help. 

Lady Gaga, another artist who has been vocal, is also offering her platform to organizations that uplift Black and communities of color. 

"Starting tomorrow, I’m giving over my Instagram account to each of the organizations I’ve recently donated to, in an effort to amplify their important voices," the "Rain On Me" singer posted on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. "And after I vow to regularly, in perpetuity, across all of my social media platforms, post stories, content, and otherwise lift up the voices of the countless inspiring members and groups within the Black community."

Selena Gomez, who has shown her public support for the Black Lives Matter movement, announced that she would also be lending her platform to Black voices.

"I have been struggling to know the right things to say to get the word out about this important moment in history. After thinking about how best to use my social media, I decided that we all need to hear more from Black voices," she posted on Instagram. "Over the next few days I will be highlighting influential leaders and giving them a chance to take over my Instagram so that they can speak directly to all of us. We all have an obligation to do better and we can start by listening with an open heart and mind." ⠀ 

Lizzo, who acknowledged that she was also looking for ways to push conversations of change forward, said there were organizations that have been doing the work and she wanted to give them space to share their message. "I believe in using my platform to give others the chance to speak, " she wrote under her video.

BTS Makes Statement In Support Of Black Lives Matter

GRAMMYs

Pitchfork Fest 2014

Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage via Getty Images 

News
Pitchfork Fest 2020 Canceled Due To COVID-19 pitchfork-fest-2020-has-been-canceled-due-covid-19-concerns

Pitchfork Fest 2020 Has Been Canceled Due To COVID-19 Concerns

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The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Run The Jewels, Waxahatchee, Thundercat, Tierra Whack and more were scheduled to perform at Chicago's Union Park in July
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
May 6, 2020 - 3:08 pm

Pitchfork Fest was set to celebrate its milestone 15th anniversary this year. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pitchfork Fest 2020 has been canceled.

The Chicago festival, organized by the digital music publication and scheduled to run July 17–19, said it was "heartbroken" as it broke the news to festivalgoers in a statement on Tuesday, May 6. Pitchfork said the fest would come back in 2021 if the circumstances are right. 

https://twitter.com/pitchforkfest/status/1258049287176491010

We're heartbroken to announce the cancellation of Pitchfork Music Festival 2020 https://t.co/JVsUx3EY9p pic.twitter.com/gIRVg8llVq

— Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago (@pitchforkfest) May 6, 2020

"It can be pretty daunting to think about the future of live music right now, but know that we are fully committed to bringing Pitchfork Music Festival back in 2021, if the public health situation allows for it," organizers said. 

The 2020 festival rendition was set to feature Run The Jewels and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as headliners. Big Thief, Thundercat, Tierra Whack, Caroline Polachek, Waxahatchee, Danny Brown, Maxo Kream, Kim Gordon, Angel Olsen and Yaeji were among other performers set to take the stage at Union Park.  

The festival organized kick-off parties on Feb. 19 and 20 in celebration of its 15 years running. 

Last year, Pitchfork Fest's executive director Adam Krefman spoke to the Recording Academy ahead of the 2019 festival about how it stands out from the rest, its diversity inclusion in its lineup, how much it values being a festival monetarily accessible to fans and how it likes to highlight Chicago's culture. 

"We like to support our own and people are kind of self-made here. And so, that part is just important as the annual celebration of Chicago music and art and culture," Krefman said.

The festival reiterated in their statement that this was not the end for them and that in the meantime, they would continue to support artists in other ways.

"We’re not going anywhere—stay tuned, stay positive, and see you soon," the statement ended. 

Dylan Goes Acoustic: Celebrating 25 Years Of Bob Dylan’s 'MTV Unplugged' Album

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.