LOS ANGELES — This week, the Grammy Awards will exhibit a fresh approach amidst the ongoing challenges in the community. Each year, the Recording Academy organizes various events to celebrate Grammy week, collaborating with record labels and other institutions. However, many of these events have been scrapped this year by major players like Universal Music Group, Sony, Spotify, BMG, and Warner Music Group. Instead, they are redirecting their efforts towards assisting those severely impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
The Grammy Awards are still set to occur on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, now with a renewed focus on supporting wildfire recovery efforts. The Recording Academy, along with the MusiCares charity, has already initiated the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a significant donation of $1 million. Following additional donations, they have successfully distributed $2 million in emergency assistance just days after the fires wreaked havoc in areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. explained that in the wake of the fires, the organization began rethinking how Grammy week would unfold, holding many discussions virtually as staff dealt with the evacuation of their homes. “That process has really consisted of reaching out to just listen and learn from a lot of people — state officials, local officials, the governor’s office, the mayor’s office, the fire department. We talked to hotel managers, just really trying to get a grasp on what was happening currently,” he stated.
In the end, the Recording Academy opted to compress their pre-Grammy week activities into a mere four events, each structured to incorporate fundraising initiatives. On Friday, MusiCares will host its annual Persons of the Year benefit gala, which will honor the Grateful Dead. On Saturday, the Special Merit Awards Ceremony and a gathering for Grammy nominees will proceed, followed by Clive Davis’s fundraising event prior to the awards show.
Certain events, including the Black Music Collective gathering and Grammy advocacy brunch, which were originally scheduled at the immersive pop-up Grammy house, have been canceled. Mason emphasized that streamlining the events would enhance their impact. “We just don’t feel it was the right time to have social gatherings or places to party or schmooze and just hang out. We wanted our events to serve a more meaningful purpose,” he noted.
Changes have also been made to the Grammy award show format. Mason acknowledged that hosting a typical show was inappropriate given the ongoing hardships affecting many individuals. Therefore, they pivoted to create an event that could effectively raise funds and present a united front through music. Over 6,500 individuals work on these shows, highlighting the need for a communal approach in this difficult time.
The directors, including Grammy producers Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins, are collaborating closely to maximize the show’s impact while still honoring award winners and providing memorable performances. The emphasis remains on raising awareness and generating assistance for those in crisis, and Mason expressed optimism about including elements in the show that will support fundraising efforts and acknowledge the efforts of first responders.
Furthermore, feedback from the music community reveals that nearly 3,000 individuals have requested help, reflecting the immediate need for basic essentials like food, shelter, and water. Mason indicated that the focus for relief extends to providing assistance with long-term needs, such as housing and replacing damaged musical equipment.
Mason compared the current situation to past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, during which MusiCares provided over $40 million to those in need. He recognizes that there’s no precedent for how to navigate the Grammy Awards during a time of local disaster, acknowledging the potential for changing circumstances.
Nevertheless, Mason expressed a strong desire to forge ahead with compassion and purpose. “It all makes sense for us to move forward,” he concluded, looking forward to the unity and support that the show can foster.
