Grammys to add songwriter of the year category for 2023
LA TimesSongwriters are getting their moment in the sun. Mason described the songwriter of the year prize as part of the academy’s larger effort to “wrap our arms around more creators and more excitement around music.” The songwriting award was one of several new Grammys the academy introduced Thursday, along with prizes for alternative music performance and Americana performance — those recognize individual songs in genres that already had album categories — and an award for score soundtrack for video games and other interactive media. Of that last prize, Mason said the academy wanted to “make sure we’re not missing the incredible skill and talent” of composers “creating spectacular art around video games” such as “Halo,” “Minecraft” and “Assassin’s Creed,” tracks from which boast tens of millions of streams each on Spotify. “When we hear from a constituency, and they’re saying, ‘Hey, we’re out here, and you’re missing us,’ we pay close attention,” Mason said of the game composers among the academy’s approximately 11,000 voting members. According to the academy’s guidelines, that award — which will be determined by a committee of insiders rather than by Grammy voters — is meant to celebrate songs with “lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy.” Asked whether he’s concerned that such a commendation might turn off conservative viewers who regard awards shows as venues for grandstanding Hollywood liberals, Mason said, “We’re always concerned with turning off anybody, but I’m hopeful we’re not doing that because this is a celebration of music, not of politics.” The academy also announced that it will begin charging members to submit more than five recordings for consideration for the Grammys.