Spotify Cancels Grammy Events, Redirects $5M to Wildfire Relief Efforts
Spotify has announced the cancellation of all Grammy parties and events due to Los Angeles wildfires, following a boycott by Songwriter of the Year nominees over royalty payment concerns.
Grammy-nominated songwriters Jessi Alexander, Amy Allen, Jessie Jo Dillon, and RAYE had already decided to skip Spotify's Grammy celebration, protesting the platform's bundling move that reduced royalty payments to publishers and songwriters. The change is estimated to decrease royalty payments by $150 million in 2024.
Pink-lit crowded club at Grammys
Photo Credit: Aleksandr Popov
Joe Hadley, Spotify's Global Head of Music Partnerships & Audience, announced the company will redirect event funds to support local fans and charitable organizations, including:
- Donations to MusiCares charity
- Support for FireAid benefit concert
- Partnership with GoFundMe for artist and music community relief
- Pro bono ad inventory for relief awareness
- Studio time at Spotify's LA office
- Total commitment of $5 million in relief efforts
"After careful consideration, we've decided that canceling all Grammy Week events, including our annual Best New Artist party, is the most impactful way to support LA and the music community," stated Hadley.
Grammy nominee Jessie Jo Dillon emphasized the importance of fair compensation: "It is very nice to be individually honored, but it is better for me and my entire songwriter community to be paid fairly for our art. There are no songs without songwriters."
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