The Recording Academy® Launches Campaign To "Give Fans The Credit"

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Recording Academy^® (www.grammy.com), 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. For updates and breaking news, please visit www.grammy.com and The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

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"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," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "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 "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 at www.givefansthecredit.com. 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.

"By engaging consumers and the industry in this effort, we seek to give music fans the rich information and content they desire," said Daryl Friedman, Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer for The Recording Academy. "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. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

Quotes from Honorary Ambassadors

"Our industry has been crediting the musicians, engineers and other creative professionals who work on recordings for more than half a century, not only to publicly acknowledge their contributions to a project but to educate fans and keep them informed of the tremendously talented individuals and ensembles that further the legacy of recorded music. Sadly, and unfairly, this information is largely being lost in our digital age. Audiences want to know this information, and I fully support The Recording Academy's initiative to 'Give Fans The Credit.'" 
— T Bone Burnett

"As a producer and songwriter for many Motown hits, I was privileged to work with the Funk Brothers, Motown's legendary session band. But fans who listen to those songs on digital players don't even see their names. Let's 'Give Fans The Credit' — not just for songwriters like me, but for so many talented musicians who made the Motown sound what it is." 
— Lamont Dozier

"When a fan listens to any of my recorded tracks, I am acknowledged, by name, as the performing artist. But when they hear other popular recordings like 'Mi Tiara,' 'Dancing On The Ceiling,' 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough,' or 'Purple Rain,' there is no way for fans to know the names of those of us who also placed our same talent on those tracks. Digital music has made so many amazing technological advances, and I look forward to solutions in resolving this shortcoming in the distribution method so fans may receive more information about the music they love."
— Sheila E.

"I'm a producer today because of liner notes. The credits in liner notes are how I first learned who made the music I was listening to. I've always been really inspired by the people behind the glass — the songwriters, producers, engineers and musicians. They helped define my path as a music maker, and as a recording artist."
— Jimmy Jam

"As a songwriter, producer and music fan myself, I love the way technology has allowed us to listen to more music in more places. But without liner notes, fans have no way of knowing who wrote, produced or played on the songs they love. 'Give Fans The Credit' will help music fans learn more about those who created their favorite songs — and ultimately discover more great music."
— Skylar Grey

"One of the most beautiful things about music is that it is a true collaboration of creative forces. I have been blessed to have worked with some of the most amazing artists, writers, musicians and engineers, all of whom deserve credit for their contributions. I love music! I'm a music fanatic! And as a fan, whenever I hear a great song I go crazy and I always want to know who worked on it. Even as a young kid growing up in Morocco, this was always so important to me. Digital downloads don't provide that information. 'Give Fans The Credit' is a wonderful campaign that will help the fans appreciate the people behind the scenes who help create their favorite and most memorable songs."
— RedOne

"As a young music fan growing up in Detroit, reading liner notes and credits was an inextricable part of the experience of buying and appreciating music. Knowledge about the participating songwriters, musicians, engineers, producers and studios enhances the bond between artists and fans. It's not surprising that the decline in sales of recorded music mirrors the increasing scarcity of this information. 'Give Fans The Credit' is an important campaign that will help restore a heightened sense of value to the purchase of music."
— Don Was

 

SOURCE The Recording Academy