The Recording Academy Launches 'Give Fans The Credit' Campaign

US New initiative aims to ensure that all music creators are credited on digitally released recordings 29/08/12

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The Recording Academy, the organization internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, is launching Give Fans The Credit, a new campaign that will help enhance fans' discovery of new music by ensuring all music creators are credited for their work on digitally released recordings. Honorary Ambassadors who will help further awareness of this important initiative include: 12-time GRAMMY-winning producer T Bone Burnett; GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lamont Dozier; singer/songwriter/percussionist Sheila E; singer/songwriter Skylar Grey; five-time GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter Jimmy Jam; two-time GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter RedOne; and three-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was. Additionally, an online petition for fans to sign and further information is available at www.givefansthecredit.com .
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, told Sonic State, "The staggering pace of digital innovation gives consumers access to more and more information, but in this case -- digitally released music without liner notes -- the music fan is getting less information. We can watch movies online with the credits included, and the same should be true for digitally released recordings. If music devices can access millions of tracks in the cloud, we're confident we can find a way to acknowledge those who created the tracks here on Earth."
Songwriters, non-featured performers, producers and engineers make significant contributions to recordings, but as liner notes are becoming less common, these creators rarely receive credit on digital music devices. Currently, the only credits consumers are generally able to see are the song title, album, and artist; but music fans should have access to additional information: the songwriter who composed the work, the producers and engineers who shaped the sound, and the musicians who brought the song to life.
The Recording Academy believes that the "Give Fans The Credit" campaign will address this issue on several fronts. First, music fans who want information about their favorite tracks can sign the petition. Second, the campaign ambassadors and other leaders at The Recording Academy will begin a series of discussions with digital music services to brainstorm ways to deliver more robust crediting information on digital music platforms. At the same time, The Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing will continue its efforts to ensure accurate data is contained within the music files.
Daryl Friedman, Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer for The Recording Academy, told us, "By engaging consumers and the industry in this effort, we seek to give music fans the rich information and content they desire. Discovery is a key part of today's digital music services. By knowing who wrote, produced and played on the tracks, consumers will be able to discover even more great music. This will give both creators and fans the credit they deserve."
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards -- the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music -- The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.
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