SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

DAMN. Kendrick Lamar is the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The Pulitzer Prize was launched in 1917 and the first Pulitzer Prize for Music was awarded in 1943. Kendrick Lamar is the 67th recipient.

The Pulitzer is a name with overwhelming gravitas, commonly associated with American journalism, poetry and literature. The music category recognizes “distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the year.”

The award itself comes with little fanfare, no red carpet sizzle, but, rather, the recipient will forever be known as the “Pulitzer Prize winning author/journalist/ poet/ composer/ etc”. The attention heaped upon Pulitzer Prize winning rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar has been truly global. His award made headline news here in the UK, prompting widespread comment. The significance of this moment cannot be understated and had many layers relevant to all of us in the music industry and in a number of ways.

The significance for hip-hop and black music

As Jasmine Dotiwala pointed out on Sky News, in the early ‘90s the US government tried to shut down the likes of NWA, Ice T and Snoop Doggy Dogg. Twenty-five years later a 30-year-old rapper from Compton is being feted by the establishment, hopefully signaling a new level of acceptance.

It sets a significant marker for the music industry itself. The last black artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys was Herbie Hancock in 2008. Lauryn Hill and OutKast have won Album of the Year in the past, but in recent years no black artist has won the accolade. At a time when black music has reached new artistic heights and cultural resonance coupled with poor female representation, The Recording Academy has been blasted for being out of touch.

DAMN was actually shortlisted for Best Album at this year’s Grammys, Lamar’s third nomination for the award. Childish Gambino and Jay-Z also made the shortlist but they all lost out to Bruno Mars. Beyoncé has made the shortlist three times, culminating with her greatest work yet, Lemonade, leaving her empty handed again last year prompting many to ask, what has the lady got to do to win Best Album?

In winning the Pulitzer Prize, Lamar has leapfrogged the Grammys in recognition. Perhaps this serves as a challenge to The Recording Academy to go further and do better as it considers options for 2019?

The significance for contemporary music

Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, have all won many plaudits over the years as authentic and significant American artists and storytellers, but none have won a Pulitzer Prize for Music. The overwhelming majority of recipients are classical. In recent years, a handful of jazz artists have won the award, first Wynton Marsalis in 1997, then Ornette Coleman in 2007 and Henry Threadgill in 2016. These gentlemen are masters of their art, but it took them years to reach that level of acceptance by the American arts establishment.

Only last week, the debate surrounding Arts Council funding in the UK contrasting the attitudes afforded to opera and classical at the expense of other genres, illustrates how far contemporary music still has to go in winning over the arts establishment in the UK. Kendrick Lamar’s achievement is significant not only for hip-hop, or for black music, but for contemporary music as a whole. It challenges the arts establishment around the world to fully embrace the cultural significance of contemporary music.

Arts Council England could learn a great deal from the Pulitzer’s and the process behind them. Kendrick Lamar’s award was the result of not only diverse and inclusive voices, but also diverse and inclusive process, thought and debate.

As David Hajdu, one of the jurors and also a writer for The Nation, explained in the New York Times, “some pieces of classical music that drew upon hip-hop as a resource, that led us to put on the table the fact that this sphere of work - rap music - has value on its own terms and not just as a resource for use in a field that is more broadly recognized by the institutional establishment as serious or legitimate.

The tone and conduct of the debate brought together jurors from a range of artistic backgrounds, including those more traditional, to this unanimous outcome.

Be unashamedly artistic

In the streaming age, play counts are the new heavy rotation. Play counts have become an obsession. The challenge of introducing new artists to the market and making an impact is one the industry continues to grapple with. Once that artist finds an audience and begins to grow, however, the only limitations are the artist’s own ambition and hard work.

As the man himself, explained: “you have to listen to it over and over and over again to fully understand the direction and the message that I put in there; the execution of it. And I want you to do that. I wanna challenge the way you think and the way you take your music.”

We could be clever and conclude that Kendrick Lamar is taking a counter intuitive approach to music making in the streaming age, but really he is just being a true artist: thought provoking and provocative. He is putting out his music on his terms and he wants you to listen to it on his terms. Streaming included.

This Pulitzer success, coupled with DAMN’s commercial success signals very clearly that the album, as a format and a concept, is not going away. Moreover, whenever anyone says “could {insert classic album} be made today?” Stylistics aside, the answer is a resounding yes. 

#BLACKLIVESMATTER

What this award also recognizes is a journalistic quality to Kendrick Lamar’s work that documents contemporary African American life. YouTube and social media have exposed long-held injustices affecting the black community to broader white audiences and almost every form of artistic expression has harnessed this moment.

Black creators are succeeding in every creative field around the world, be it movies such as Get Out and Black Panther, television comedies such as Issa Rae’s Insecure and Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum in the UK. In non-fiction, Reni Eddo-Lodge has produced a global best seller that began with a frustration at that typically (white) British trait of brushing uncomfortable truths (race) under the carpet. Pulling it all together is a renewed focus on Africa not only as a source of inspiration, but also a source of creative talent. This dynamic has not gone unnoticed by Midem organisers who will be exploring African markets such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast and the Congo in Cannes this year.

A political thread connects all of these creators and across all continents, albeit from many different viewpoints and experiences. It also serves as a reminder to all recording artists and the industry that supports them, that in challenging times a political message has artistic resonance with a mainstream audience.

There is a generation of executives too young to remember the civil rights movement and Vietnam War that produced such a rich body of music in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Instead, that generation was brought up to think of politics in music as being aligned to “Red Wedge” or “New Labour” or some form of party political affiliation. Understandably, this resulted in cynicism and disengagement, whereas millennial artists and audiences display idealism reminiscent of their grandparent’s generation. 

The politics of 2018 cuts across party boundaries and country borders. Even in this past week, the Windrush debacle in the UK has prompted a global outcry and it was revealed that Grenfell was entirely preventable. Politics fuelled Stormzy’s electrifying BRITS performance. Politics has taken Beyoncé to new creative heights. Politics is not something for artists to be wary of, nor their managers nor their A&Rs for that matter.

A political narrative can fuel any artist from any background and any genre of music. As a former artist and current music executive said to me only last week, “grime and hip-hop are cutting through because those artists have something to say, other genres have to look to themselves and do better,” (he was once in a guitar band).

Kendrick Lamar has raised the bar not just for hip-hop but all contemporary music. Pulitzer Prize winner. DAMN.

Tweet Andy Edwards your thoughts to @andyedwardsbiz

30 May 2023 | Press release

Women in CTRL scoops IMPALA’s Changemaker award for their inspiring work on equity, diversity and inclusion in the independent music sector

For the second edition of its Changemaker award, IMPALA honours the UK not-for-profit organisation Women in CTRL, for their work developing and supporting music creators and music professionals from under-represented groups. Women in CTRL was founded by Nadia Khan and has...more

30 May 2023 | Press release

NME underline commitment to emerging talent with the relaunch of flagship editorial property The Cover

LAUNCH COVER STAR IS THE BOUNDARY-BREAKING VIRAL SENSATION D4VD A BRIGHT NEW MOMENT FOR THE INDUSTRY-LEADING MUSIC BRAND   Today, industry-leading music brand, NME, have launched The Cover, a new take on their historic flagship property that underlines their total commitment to the...more

30 May 2023 | Press release

MCPS announces highest distributions in 15 years with £188.4 million paid to members in 2022, an increase of £6.7 million from 2021

  Expanding membership, now collecting royalties for over 34,000 publishers, songwriters, and composers in the UK 4th consecutive year in growing distributions bucking its previous trend of revenue decline £188.4 million becomes highest annual distributions since 2007  Continued focus on driving value and efficiencies On...more

30 May 2023 | Press release

Industry reaction as government accepts CMS Committee recommendation on industry remuneration working group

Economics of music streaming: Government accepts CMS Committee recommendation on industry remuneration working group The BPI responded:“We are concerned the environment being fostered in the UK will disincentivise investment in our creative ecosystem at a time when labels are fighting hard to...more

30 May 2023 | Press release

Bridges For Music return to ADE for 7th charity cycle!

Returning for their 7th ADE charity cycle after the widely acclaimed event last year, non-profit organisation and record label Bridges For Music prepare for their annual 550 KM cycle ride kicking off 15th October.  Embellishing a cult status as the most...more

30 May 2023 | Press release

Hannah Colson & Sam Lunn promotions at Island Records

  Island President Louis Bloom has announce the promotions of two of the label's most talented and respected executives, Hannah Colson and Sam Lunn. Hannah is promoted from Head of Marketing to assume the newly-created role of Director of Artist Development while...more

29 May 2023 | Press release

Economics of music streaming: Government accepts CMS Committee recommendation on industry remuneration working group

  The Government has agreed to establish an industry working group to explore issues around fair pay for creators in the music streaming industry, as recommended by the CMS Committee in its report earlier this year.  The announcement of the new group is...more

29 May 2023 | Press release

James Arthur receives BRIT Billion Award live on BBC’s The One Show

Middlesbrough singer-songwriter the latest artist to be celebrated for achieving over one 1bn UK streams The BPI – the representative voice for the UK’s world leading record labels and music companies – is delighted to share the news that acclaimed singer-songwriter...more

27 May 2023 | Press release

Winners announced for Heavy Music Awards 2023

    Tonight, the Heavy Music Awards 2023 has announced the winners of their 2023 event, at the world's biggest celebration of rock and metal music at OVO Arena Wembley.  In the seventh year of the awards, 17 artists, festivals, and icons collected their revered Heavy Music...more

27 May 2023 | Press release

A statement from Roger Waters on the controversy over his Berlin Concert

My recent performance in Berlin has attracted bad faith attacks from those who want to smear and silence me because they disagree with my political views and moral principles. The elements of my performance that have been questioned are quite clearly...more

26 May 2023 | Press release

Professional-Grade Instant Mastering with Dolby.io and EmuBands

  EmuBands is excited to announce its integration with Dolby.io's Music Mastering APIs, offering users an instant mastering solution that delivers professional-grade sound. With an easy-to-use mastering tool powered by Dolby.io, music creators and engineers can now create release-ready masters in minutes,...more

26 May 2023 | Press release

Reservoir acquires rights to catalog of miami Sound Machine co-founder & lead songwriter Enrique “Kiki” Garcia

  Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a new deal with songwriter Enrique “Kiki” Garcia to acquire rights to his full catalog, including the international hit song “Conga” performed by Gloria Estefan and the Miami...more

25 May 2023 | Press release

Wise Music Group renews worldwide publishing deal with Olafur Arnalds

  Wise Music Group is delighted to announce that the Icelandic composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds has renewed his publishing agreement with Berlin-based Bosworth Music GmbH.  Ólafur’s fifth studio album ‘some kind of peace’, released in 2020, made a great impact...more

25 May 2023 | Press release

PRS Foundation announces the latest recipients of the targeted PPL Momentum Accelerator support in Liverpool City Region, Yorkshire and Wales

Music creators Courting, Piss Kitti, Ntantu, Dilettante, Sara Wolff, Samana, L E M F R E C K, Luke RV and Bwncath receive PPL Momentum Accelerator grants of up to £5,000  Music Industry professional Alexandra Jones receives PPL Momentum Sbardun |...more

25 May 2023 | Press release

Round Hill Music - Q1 2023 Trading Update

Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited ("Round Hill Music" or the "Company") Q1 2023 Trading Update Continued strong revenue growth across catalogues supported by active song management   Round Hill Music (LSE: RHM), which invests in evergreen music catalogues with proven longevity and revenue streams...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

First winners of prestigious O2 Silver Clef Awards 2023 announced by Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy

  47th annual music award ceremony set to honour Stormzy, Wet Leg, Biffy Clyro, Neneh Cherry, Mark King, and Ayanna Witter-Johnson    Nordoff and Robbins, the UK's largest music therapy charity, is delighted to announce the first round of artists to win this year's prestigious O2...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

Attention unsigned artists! You have 3 days to apply for the FAC’s Step Up Fund powered by Amazon Music

Up to 10 places are available with grants of up to £8,000 to help boost your creativity and career development  Applications close at 23.59pm on Friday 26th May. See HERE for full details  2022’s Step Up awardees were Daniel Casimir, Friedberg, LVRA,...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

DAACI Celebrates the Acquisition of Two Technology Companies with Event at Abbey Road Studios

The acquisitions of MXX and WiSL herald the ultimate creative AI ecosystem Music composition system DAACI announced the acquisitions of music technology companies MXX and WiSL yesterday, with an industry event at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The acquisitions...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing UK Promotes Andrew Spence to General Counsel

  Sony Music Publishing UK has announced the promotion of Andrew Spence to General Counsel. In his elevated role, Spence will oversee business and legal affairs strategies and initiatives on behalf of SMP UK and its roster, as well as provide guidance...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

X Ambassadors sign with Virgin Music

Virgin Music today announces the signing of X Ambassadors. As the first release of the new deal, X Ambassadors today release their new single, “Happy People.” In welcoming X Ambassadors to the Virgin Music family, Jacqueline Saturn, President says, “X Ambassadors are...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

Teo Glacier signs to Capitol Records

Capitol Records has signed Teo Glacier – the 18-year-old, New Zealand-born, Samoan artist who found a global audience with his recent viral hit “Too Much.” Drawing inspiration from 90s R&B, Glacier’ssingular, hypnotic style is profoundly expressive. Pairing raw, contemplative lyricism with sultry sound and...more

24 May 2023 | Press release

Survey reveals what the UK audience thinks of the Eurovision voting system

The yearlong anticipation and build-up for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest ended with disappointment for the UK audience with Mae Muller's placement in the competition.  A recent survey by PartyCasino does however indicate that the support for Mae Muller's performance and "I Wrote...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

BRITs Week presented by Mastercard for War Child Announces 2023 money raised

£411,000 raised for War Child from 15 intimate shows in London, Manchester, Bristol & Glasgow  Taking the combined total to over £5,500,000 since BRITs Week’s inception in 2009   BRITs Week presented by Mastercard for War Child proudly announces details of the money raised from...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

MPs to question music festival representatives on gender-balanced line-ups and tackling sexual harassment

Evidence session Misogyny in musicWednesday 24 May at 14.30, Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster Watch live on parliamentlive.tv   Women’s safety at live music events and the gender balance of festival line-ups is the focus of the fourth session of the Women and...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

IFPI statement on the publication of the EU Priority Third Countries Report 2023

  The European Commission has published its EU Priority Countries Report (here) in order to strengthen the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) in countries outside of the European Union.  The report identifies “priority countries” in which the state of...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

Ron Trent signs to Wise Music Group

  Wise Music Group is very happy to announce the signing of Ron Trent to Campbell Connelly in an exclusive worldwide songwriter agreement. DJ/Producer Ron Trent, rooted in the dance music world for over 29 years, is known for producing...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

Anton Corbijn’s first feature documentary ‘Squaring The Circle (The Story Of Hipgnosis)’

  The doc focuses on Hipgnosis, the legendary music art design studio, with interviews with Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.   The link to the trailer on YouTube is here: https://youtu.be/O1OuRErYtqc Today the official trailer for the documentary SQUARING...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

Jack Valero signs with Modern Sky

JACK VALERO SHARES HIS NEW SINGLE ‘PULL BACK THE HAMMER’ HIS FIRST RELEASE UNDER A NEW DEAL WITH MODERN SKY THE FIRST SONG FROM HIS DEBUT EP WHICH FOLLOWS LATER THIS SUMMER UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS WITH HIS NEW BAND INCLUDE GLASTONBURY AND KENDAL...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

Ernst Trapp steps down from his positions as President, E-Commerce at WMG and CEO at EMP Merchandising

  Ernst Trapp has announced that he has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of EMP, Europe’s leading speciality music and entertainment online retailer, at the end of May so that he can pursue other projects.   Trapp has led EMP...more

23 May 2023 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing signs Drake and Dave hitmaker Nana Rogues to new worldwide publishing agreement

Concord Music Publishing, today announces a new global publishing agreement with producer-singer-songwriter Nana Rogues, best known for producing and co-writing hits for global artists including Drake (including his 2017 global hit “Passionfruit” which is his 3rd highest streaming song at...more

30 May 2023

  • Government to establish industry working group on fair pay for creators (see News)

26 May 2023

  • The state of music, according to Will Page (see Opinion)

25 May 2023

  • Tributes paid to Tina Turner, who passed away at 83 (see Features, Showbiz&News)

24 May 2023

  • Sony's Rob Stringer reports “record-breaking year for the company on almost every core metric” (see Business)

23 May 2023

  • Dispelling the utopian dream: the complex reality of music royalties (see Comment)

  • Google CEO: Building AI responsibly is the only race that really matters (see Bigger Picture)

22 May 2023

  • Why your Spotify subscription is about to get more expensive (see Comment)

19 May 2023

  • Is the UK album chart broken? (see Features)

  • TikTok tests feature that integrates with streaming services (see Digital)

  • Industry applauds ruling in Prince artwork case — emphasising the potential implications for AI (see News)

18 May 2023

  • JKBX CEO Scott Cohen on democratising music rights investing (see Features)

  • Rajar quarterly figures announced (see Media)

  • Culture minister outlines ambition to add £50bn in value to UK creative industries sector (see Bigger Picture)

17 May 2023

  • If Ed Sheeran's victory was a victory for songwriters, it was a Pyrrhic one (see Opinion)

16 May 2023

  • YouTube copyright lawsuit nears trial with 'almost everything on the line' (see News)

  • Why Warner Music operates a covert Spotify remix account (see Digital)