The Recording Academy has announced five new Grammy Award-nominated parties, including Composer of the Year (Non-Classic) and Best Score for Video Games and Other Interactive Media.
The five new Grammy Awards, which will be presented for the first time next year, also include a Special Merit Award for the best song of social change. Also new: Best Alternative Music Performance, Best American Performance and Best Spoken Poetry Album.
“We are thrilled to honor this diverse community of music creators through newly established awards and changes and to continue to develop an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of Recording. Academy. “The academy’s top priority is to effectively represent the musical people we serve each year, which means listening to our members and ensuring that our rules and guidelines reflect our ever-changing industry.”
According to the academy, the new categories are:
Singer-songwriter of the year, not classic
It recognizes the excellence of songwriting, the profession and the art of honoring the most prolific, non-performing and unproductive songwriters for their new work released during the year of their tenure.
Play the best alternative music
Track and single category that recognizes the best albums in alternative interpretation by a solo artist, collaborator, duo or band.
America’s best performance.
A unique piece and a category that recognizes artistic excellence in the American performance of a solo artist, collaborator, duo or founding group.
The best soundtrack for video games and other interactive media
Recognizes excellence in sheet music score albums, which consist primarily of original sheet music and are designed specifically for, or as an accompaniment to, the actual video game or other interactive medium, released during the qualification period.
Best Spoken Poetry Album
An album category that recognizes perfection in specific spoken word albums for performing poetry with or without music.
Add a special merit award:
The best song for social change.
This Special Merit Award will be determined by the Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Directors. Contributions must contain texts that address a current social problem and promote understanding, peace-building and compassion.
Source: Deadline
