Industry Ink: Recording Academy, BMI, Song Suffragettes

Recording Academy Appoints Todd Dupler To VP, Advocacy & Public Policy

The Recording Academy has appointed Todd Dupler as Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy. Dupler will report to Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Daryl Friedman.

In his role, Dupler will work with the Academy’s leadership to develop policy positions on issues affecting the music community as well as represent the interests of the Academy’s members before Congress and federal agencies. He will also coordinate state and local advocacy with the Academy’s 12 regional chapters. Friedman will continue to oversee the advocacy division focused on championing creators’ rights and elevating important policy issues.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Todd into his elevated role as Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy,” says Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “His track record for advocating on behalf of music creators nationwide has proven to be invaluable to the music community. As we continue to evolve to better serve the music industry at-large, we are excited to see what great work he will lead to ensure fair treatment and compensation for music creators.”

Dupler joined the Recording Academy in 2012, most recently serving as Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy. He was instrumental in launching the Academy’s District Advocate program as well as the Grammy Fund for Music Creators where he acts as it’s Treasurer. He has also managed the Grammys on the Hill Advocacy Day for nine years. Dupler also has over two decades of experience in Washington, D.C., serving on the legislative staffs of two members of Congress and a United States senator. He was also a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

 

BMI, Bluebird Cafe Unveil New Songwriters-In-The-Round Series

BMI and the Bluebird Cafe have partnered for a new songwriters-in-the-round series: BMI Presents at Bluebird Cafe.

The recurring monthly series will be curated by BMI’s Nashville Creative staff to highlight a lineup of emerging and established songwriters. The series will continue monthly through the end of 2022. The first installment will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 28 with Rissi Palmer, Kam Franklin, and Leon Timbo. Tickets for the first show are available here.

“We are excited to partner with the Bluebird to provide opportunities for our songwriters to be heard on this legendary stage,“ says Shannon Sanders, Executive Director, Creative, Nashville. “Songwriters are the lifeblood of our creative community. These writers and their craft are just as important to the Bluebird as they are to us, so there could not be a more perfect partnership.”

The Bluebird Cafe is now requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of show entry. For the most up-to-date information on the Bluebird Cafe’s COVID-19 policy, click here.

 

 

Song Suffragettes Adds Maddie Lenhart As New Event Director

Song Suffragettes, Nashville’s only all-female weekly singer-songwriter showcase, has added Maddie Lenhart as Event Director.

Lenhart will be responsible for the overall operations of the Monday night show at The Listening Room Café. A graduate of James Madison University, Lenhart most recently worked in licensing at SESAC.

“My personal passions and beliefs could not align more perfectly with an organization. Song Suffragettes has been elevating women and breaking ground in Nashville for years and I am beyond grateful and excited to be a part of it,” says Lenhart.