The ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) is no stranger to the sociopolitical qualities of music. Through the 2024 ASCAP Citizen campaign, launched on July 9th, they continue to mobilize the industry. Powered by HeadCount, a well-known non-partisan, nonprofit dedicated to voter registration, the campaign focuses on encouraging society members to exercise their political awareness and involvement.
Kicking off the movement, the ASCAP published a video featuring several notable members sharing key reasons to use their vote. Furthermore, they send a message that music creators are as present as ever and ready to participate. This highlights how supporting each other can make a big difference for the future of the arts.
To drive momentum, @ASCAP social media channels will highlight educational content and personal encouragement from a varied range of members, starting with LENA (“Tu Corazón”), Blu June (“CUFF IT,” Beyoncé), Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel), 310babii (“Soak City (Do It)”) and more. Top ASCAP creators Olivia Rodrigo, Alicia Keys, and Kehlani will also share partnered content with HeadCount, amplifying the need to “get out and vote.” Aside from online promotion, since March 2024, HeadCount has had a voter registration booth at the U.S. dates of Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS World Tour.” Not only does it make the process easier and more inviting, but it also allows fans an opportunity to volunteer and see a show. A win-win!
On these collaborations, Executive Director of HeadCount Lucille Wenegieme noted “ASCAP Citizen embraces music’s power to bring people together – and music creators’ power as advocates…”
As this election year rapidly develops, legislation surrounding artificial intelligence, copyright law, and creative policies continue to spark conversation. One example is “The Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act,” introduced to the Senate in April by California Congressman Schiff. This bill would “require a notice to be submitted to the Register of Copyrights prior to the release of a new generative AI system with regard to all copyrighted works used in building or altering the training dataset for that system” (1). This niche is highly relevant to the songwriter, composer, and music publisher communities. ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews emphasized, “[It] directly impacts our members’ livelihoods…it’s time to show elected officials that they should listen to more than just our members’ songs…”
The ASCAP is also an official partner of National Voter Registration Day on September 17th and will continue engaging in grassroots registration and voting efforts up to Election Day, including Vote Early Day on October 29th.
Society member or not, jumping into the democratic process is super important—especially when it comes to congressional debates about the arts, which are a big part of creative freedom. Head over to http://www.headcount.org/ascap to register to vote, check or update your voter status, and see local ballots. It’s time to make voices heard and shape the future of the arts together!
For more information about the 2024 ASCAP Citizen campaign, visit www.ascap.com/citizen.
Follow the ASCAP on Instagram and X for updates.
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