Brandi Carlile will be honored with the Songwriter Icon award by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) as part of the organization’s annual meeting at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on June 14.
“Brandi Carlile is in a class of her own,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite in a statement. “A critical success who has become a cultural and commercial force, she consistently has delivered stunning lyrics and vocals that cut to the heart of the human experience. We are thrilled to celebrate what she has given and continues to give to the craft of songwriting.”
The first-ever NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon award will be presented to country hitmaker Ashley Gorley and RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier will be presented with the NMPA Industry Legacy award. Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl will deliver a keynote conversation on the “value of music and the ever-evolving opportunities for songwriters, artists, and creators” in the context of streaming and artificial intelligence.
Related Stories
VIP+
Kids Content Strategy Will Be Key to Success of WBD’s Max
Melissa McCarthy Reveals a ‘Hostile, Volatile’ Set Left Her ‘Physically Ill’ and the Crew ‘Weeping’: ‘My Eyes Were Swelling Up’
Additionally, the evening will feature surprise tribute performances and an impactful lawmaker will be presented with the NMPA President’s award which this year will go to Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) for his leadership on the Music Modernization Act and CASE Act.
The evening will also include a State of the Industry address that will examine the new streaming rates which recently went into effect.
+ AI company Endel is partnering with Universal Music Group to create “AI-powered, artist-driven functional music designed to support listener wellness,” per the press release. Through this partnership, Endel will help UMG artists reimagine their catalogs by generating new versions of their songs geared for sleep, study, relaxation, or focus.
Artists from Republic and Interscope have already signed on to participate with the first releases expected to debut within the next few months. Endel had previously worked with Republic Records’ artist James Blake, who released “Wind Down” with Endel in May 2022.
In making the announcement, Michael Nash, UMG’s executive VP and chief digital officer said: “At UMG, we believe in the incredible potential of ethical AI as a tool to support and enhance the creativity of our artists, labels and songwriters, something that Endel has harnessed with impressive ingenuity and scientific innovation. We are excited to work together and utilize their patented AI technology to create new music soundscapes – anchored in our artist-centric philosophy – that are designed to enhance audience wellness, powered by AI that respects artists’ rights in its development.”