Recording Academy membership is one of the most impactful honors in music. Recording Academy members have the power to shape the music industry and foster a more inspiring, inclusive world for all creators and industry professionals. Active participation in the Academy’s various divisions and initiatives — including voting for the annual GRAMMY Awards — allows artists, creators, and industry professionals to elevate the music world and ensure that music remains an indelible part of our culture.
The Recording Academy’s 2024 New Member Class invitees exemplify this commitment to music. This year’s invited class comprises invitations to more than 3,900 established music professionals spanning diverse backgrounds, genres and disciplines and representing a vibrant spectrum of ages, genders and ethnicities: Of the 2024 New Member Class invitees, 45% are women, 57% are people of color, and 47% are under the age of 40. With this year’s new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025; the Academy is set to achieve this milestone later this year, one year ahead of schedule.
To celebrate the induction of our 2024 New Member Class, GRAMMY.com spoke to some new Academy members about their goals as new members and their plans for contributing to the music industry. Dive into their stories below and discover the impact they aspire to make in the music world.
IMPORTANT: 2024 New Member Class invitees must accept their membership invitation by Sunday, Sept. 15, in order to participate in First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs.
Learn more about the Recording Academy’s membership and membership requirements. Read our Membership Resource Guide to learn more about the Recording Academy, its affiliates, and our membership and advocacy efforts.
Leon Thomas
What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?
I was inspired to join the Recording Academy because of its commitment to uplifting the music community, celebrating musical craft, and advocating for the rights of musical creatives. I wanted to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the music industry.
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
Participating in impactful initiatives through my Recording Academy membership feels incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to contribute to initiatives that support and empower music creators. I am particularly excited to participate in initiatives that focus on diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
As a new member, I strive to advocate for fair compensation and recognition for all music creators, regardless of their background or genre. I believe in the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for all stakeholders.
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
I expect that my membership at the Recording Academy will provide me with valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and a platform to amplify my voice as a music professional. I believe that being a member will open doors for collaboration and growth in my music career.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
I am excited about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution because it presents an opportunity to shape the future of the music industry. I look forward to being part of discussions and decisions that will drive positive change and progress in the industry.
What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?
From my experience as a Recording Academy member, I hope to gain knowledge, connections, and inspiration that will help me grow as a music professional. I am eager to learn from industry leaders and fellow members to enhance my skills and understanding of the music business.
What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?
Being an active member of the Recording Academy means being part of a community that values creativity, innovation, and advocacy. It means having a voice in conversations that shape the music industry and being committed to supporting and uplifting fellow music creators. I am proud to be a member of an organization that stands for excellence and integrity in music.
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310babii
What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?
When learning about the Academy, I was amazed and inspired by the list of great artists that came before me, and I thought to myself, “If this is where the legends are at, I wanna be here, too.”
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
Yes, I am excited to participate. To whom much is given, much is required, and I’m ready to uplift and educate the young music community. I want to be an advocate for the rights of young creatives like myself, and I hope to leave an impact on my generation and those generations that follow.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
I strive to show people of all ages that you can succeed in the music business independently, without a major record label, and go as far as you want to go. You can maintain creative control, own your masters, and still compete at the highest level.
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
With me being a part of the Academy, I expect my membership to help me cross over into different genres through networking and meeting other members who are creatives, such as artists, writers and producers as well.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
It excites me because I have a chance to leave my mark on the music industry for years to come, making sure my voice is heard, voting for the greats, and working toward accolades that push the industry forward [and open] doors for future members.
What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?
I hope to continue to educate myself more. I never want to stop learning about the history of the music business, and I want to be able to meet the legends who have paved the way before me to thank them for what they’ve done for me and the impact they’ve had on my life.
What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?
Being an active member to me is a reminder that anything is possible, but also that there is more work to be done. I am now in a position to be recognized and heard among the most prestigious academies in the world. Let’s get to work!
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Charm La’Donna
What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?
I have worked with artists and been a recording artist for a very long time. The Recording Academy has a history of advocating for performers and ensuring that music and the arts grow and thrive in our culture. It is important that the work we do keeps the arts accessible for future generations.
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to participate in initiatives that make the industry better for musicians and creatives. I am particularly interested in underrepresented voices that need the space and support to thrive and make sure that the Recording Academy remains inclusive and reflective of the uniqueness and diversity we have in the arts.
Lastly, mentorship is deeply important to me and has been a major part of my career. I understand the impact of passing on knowledge and supporting the next generation of artists, and want to foster a community that will emphasize mentoring new and future artists. I am excited to participate and make a difference through my membership.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
As a new member of the Recording Academy, I strive to contribute to several key changes in the music industry that reflect my passion for inclusivity, artist advocacy and innovation. These changes include: promoting greater diversity and representation across all genres of music; enhancing the protection and rights of musical creatives; fostering a community of education and mentorship among creators.
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
I believe that my membership at the Recording Academy will impact my music career by providing various opportunities for networking, learning and exposure. Being a member of an influential organization of like-minded professionals who are passionate about music and committed to its growth and evolution is a dream!
As a member of the Recording Academy, I will have the opportunity to advocate for important issues such as artists’ rights, diversity, and inclusion. It will also help me be a more proactive and engaged member of our industry.
Ultimately, I believe that my membership in the Recording Academy will empower me to grow both as an artist and as a professional, providing me with the tools, connections and platform needed to make the best decisions for my future endeavors and to be impactful in the music industry.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
What deeply excites me is the opportunity to bring new perspectives and creative ideas that can help the Academy remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. The music industry is so different from where we were even five years ago. It is evolving rapidly with new technologies and culture shifts, and as an organization, we have to be adaptable and agile.
Contributing to the Academy’s evolution would allow me to help ensure that these changes are reflected in the way we recognize, award and promote music, making the industry more equitable and forward-thinking. Hopefully, one day we can even have a category that honors dance.
Beyond that, I’m passionate about music’s power to bring people together and inspire change. By working with the Recording Academy, I would be able to contribute to initiatives that not only recognize outstanding musicians, but also support the growth and development of the entire music community.
What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?
I hope to foster collaborations, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from others’ experiences and perspectives with various artists and creators from different genres. These relationships can lead to creative partnerships, new projects, and a broader understanding of the diverse facets of the music industry.
What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?
It means engaging with a community of like-minded individuals who all love this industry and the people in it. It also means the chance to elevate the voices of all kinds of creators and to have an impact on the arts for future generations. I know what an impact music and dance have had on my life. For me, it has been a lifeline and catalyst to live my wildest dreams. As a creative, it is important to ensure that the next generation and everyone that follows has the opportunity to find and follow their dreams in the arts.
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Flavour
Can you share what inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?
My inspiration to become a Recording Academy member comes from my desire to make valuable contributions to an organization that supports artistic excellence and advocates for the rights and recognition of music professionals. I have always been passionate about music and its transformative power, and the Academy’s dedication to promoting a supportive community for artists and industry professionals aligns with my values and aspirations.
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
I feel deeply honored and excited to take part in such positive initiatives. I’m particularly eager to contribute to efforts that support emerging artists, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure fairness for all music creators.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
As a new member of the Recording Academy, I plan to champion diverse voices, promote transparency in the award process, and advocate for fairness. I’m also keen on encouraging innovation in music and fostering collaboration across genres and cultures.
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
I expect that my membership will boost my music career by significantly expanding my network, opening up new collaboration opportunities, and increasing my visibility and influence within the industry.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
An evolution would include fresh perspectives and advocacy. Being part of this evolution means I get a chance to bring fresh perspectives, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and help to shape the future of the industry. Being part of all that excites me.
What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?
I hope to gain deeper industry insights, valuable connections, and the chance to influence positive changes in the world of music. I also look forward to expanding my reach and impact as an artist.
What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?
Being an active member of the Recording Academy is both a responsibility and privilege to make a meaningful impact in the industry. It means that I get to be part of a collective effort to recognize and celebrate the best in music, making sure that excellence and artistry are acknowledged and rewarded. I see it as an opportunity to support other artists and also contribute to the legacy of music history by helping to highlight innovative work.
Raja Kumari
What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?
The Recording Academy has always represented excellence in music to me. I’ve been inspired by GRAMMY winners my entire life, and to now be a Voting Member of that society is a milestone in my relationship with music. I have so much respect for the Recording Academy, and now as a Voting Member, I get to vote for the music that inspires me, the music that will lead us into a beautiful future. I get to honor the incredible music being created by voting for it. My opinion means something in this Academy as a Voting Member, and that gives me so much pride.
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
The music industry has evolved so much in the last few years. As a songwriter, a recording artist, and now as the head of an independent label, I have seen and experienced the gauntlet of challenges experienced by a musician. There is a need for community and education regarding our rights as songwriters and performers. As the industry shifts more and more to streaming, how as a community can we strive to protect artistic creation over commerce? As an artist that has been part of the independent music scene in India for the past 10 years, I also look forward to giving insight to my peers regarding this emerging market.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
I think representation is extremely important. Growing up in America in an Indian household, I was exposed to so many different instruments and sounds. It was always my mission as a songwriter and artist to bring these Eastern influences to the West. As a Recording Academy member, I want to give a platform to more South Asian artists and musicians.
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
It’s hard to judge your success in music. It’s always a series of stats and numbers to compare. We didn’t have a delineated path from college to the workplace to the studio — we had to find our own way, sometimes without any type of external validation. Coming from an immigrant family, it was hard to express the importance of my first placement or first 1 million views. But becoming a member of the Recording Academy is something tangible, something special, and something my parents can actually comprehend. It’s a milestone I have dreamed of since the first time I sang on a mic. But like all things, this is just the beginning. I am so honored to be a part of this community and excited to use my voice to celebrate the art that truly means something.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
It’s an exciting time. More artists than ever from the South Asian community are being heard. To be a member of the Recording Academy means I get to help foster that dream and champion my community.
Kaash Paige
What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?
I was inspired to join the Recording Academy to connect with fellow artists, contribute to the music community, and help shape the future of the music industry.
Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?
I feel honored to be a part of such an impactful community that uplifts and supports creatives. It’s history! I’m excited to participate and advocate for artists’ rights, particularly in initiatives that empower young, emerging artists.
What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?
As a new member, I just strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented artists, aka “the underdogs.” I push for more inclusivity in the industry and to create opportunities for young creatives to thrive!
How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?
I expect my Recording Academy membership to open doors for networking with industry leaders, provide new opportunities for collaboration, and enhance my understanding of the business side of music.
What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy’s evolution?
I’m just excited about getting the chance to bring fresh perspectives, ears and innovative ideas to the Recording Academy to ensure it remains relevant and inclusive for the next generation of artists.
What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?
I hope to gain deeper industry insight! More valuable connections with other artists and professionals around me, and use my platform to influence positive change in the music community through my experience as a Recording Academy member.
What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?
Being an active member of the Recording Academy not only means having a voice in the industry, but it means contributing to important decisions that impact the music community! Playing a role in recognizing and celebrating diverse talent. I see it as a way to give back and help shape the future of music.
