NARAS backs artists’ rights

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences is aiming to add its weight to efforts advancing musicians’ rights with a new policy initiative and plans for a series of round-table meetings to address artists’ con- cerns about the business side of music.

“As an organization representing thousands of recording professionals, we have an obligation to help create an environment where they can grow creatively and thrive professionally,” academy President Neil Portnow said.

Said Jay Cooper, co-counsel for the musician-driven Recording Artists Coalition advocacy group, “What they’re doing is advocating artists’ rights, which I say is great.... They have been very cooperative with us in dealing with things like work-for-hire issues in Washington.”