Grammys CEO on Diversity, Streaming, and AI

Interview with Harvey Mason Jr.

Harvey Mason Jr. is the CEO of the Recording Academy, responsible for producing the Grammy Awards, as well as the charity MusiCares. He is a musician and producer in his own right, with credits including Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Girls’ Generation, and more. In this interview, Harvey discusses the Recording Academy, the Grammy Awards, the impact of AI on music, and the future of the music industry.

The Tension between Professionals and Consumers

I: One of the main themes I noticed is the tension between professional musicians and part of that community, and an audience of consumers and fans.

Harvey: That’s a great point. There are members who are super excited about AI and are already using it in their creative process. There are others who are scared because they feel like it’s going to take their place. And then there’s a group of people who are like, "Oh, this is great; I can make a whole album with AI!" We have to figure out a way to serve both camps.

AI and Its Impact on Music

I: AI has caused a lot of controversy, especially in the creative world. Our members are divided on this topic.

Harvey: AI is a part of that debate. There are those who say it’s the end of music as we know it, and then there are those who see the potential. As an industry, we need to be responsible and reasonable. How can we integrate AI in a way that doesn’t replace human creativity? The beauty of music, art, or creativity is that everybody creates differently.

The Future of the Music Industry

I: Who’s a young artist on the come-up that people should be paying attention to?

Harvey: I don’t want to single out anyone specific, but I can tell you that there are so many new creators making great music. We have new artists in hip-hop, rock, country, jazz, and more. These new artists are making it possible for us to experience music in ways we’ve never experienced before.

Conclusion

Harvey Mason Jr.’s experience in the music industry is one of excitement and nervousness as we navigate the changes brought by AI. He recognizes the tension between professionals and consumers and emphasizes the need to be responsible and reasonable as we integrate AI into music production. Harvey encourages creators to keep exploring new possibilities and for listeners to discover new music and artists.