While the Recording Academy is most often associated with golden trophies, star-studded performances, and cultural moments that dominate headlines, there's another side to the organization that works far away from the stage lights. Every year, the Academy brings its mission to Capitol Hill through GRAMMYs on the Hill, an initiative that blends advocacy with artistry — and it’s quietly shaping the future of the music industry.
This month, the event took a decisive step in that direction with the reintroduction of the NO FAKES Act, a bill designed to protect artists from unauthorized digital replicas of their voices and likenesses—a growing concern in an age where A.I. can convincingly mimic just about anyone. A statement from the company discloses that the bill is “intended to advance creators’ rights by protecting their voices and likenesses from the unauthorized creation and use of digital replicas.”
This legislation is a response to a rapidly evolving digital landscape where creative work is increasingly vulnerable to misuse. The Recording Academy isn’t just advocating for stronger protections—they’re actively pushing for them.
And they didn’t just show up to shake hands and pose for photos. According to the Academy, their team engaged 54 members of Congress and held 31 meetings on Capitol Hill, all in a concentrated effort to ensure that music creators aren’t left behind in the rush toward technological innovation. A statement from the organization underscores their year-round dedication: “The Academy’s music advocacy efforts continue at both the local and national levels 365 days a year!”
This year's campaign wasn’t confined to Washington either. Over 1,000 supporters at home joined the effort through digital activations, proving that music advocacy doesn’t have to be face-to-face to make an impact.
GRAMMYs on the Hill isn’t about performances—it’s about policy. It’s about ensuring that the future of music isn’t defined by algorithms but by the creators who give it life. And while the red carpet might be the more glamorous side of the GRAMMYs, this is where some of the most meaningful work happens.
