SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Oct 6, 2004--Recording Academy:
-- What`s The Download Recognizes Lack of Dialogue Between Music Industry and Digital Music Fans; Continues to Seek Solutions for File-Swapping Issues
-- Search Culminates in Assembling ''Interactive Advisors'' and Music Makers for First Roundtable During 47th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards in February 2005
WANTED: Music Enthusiasts! What`s The Download(R) (WTD), along with Earth, Wind & Fire, Mark McGrath and JD Natasha, is on a nationwide search to find members for the all-new ''What`s The Download Interactive Advisory Board.'' The premier source for information regarding the value of paying for music, WhatsTheDownload.com is launching the Interactive Advisory Board to give music fans ages 18 - 24 a direct and influential voice when it comes to their music.
As young adults nationwide struggle to have their opinions and frustrations heard when it comes to digital music, WTD continues to listen as it extends this unprecedented opportunity to interact one-on-one with music makers. The Interactive Advisors will collaborate directly with a number of leading artists and music makers who are serving as Honorary Interactive Advisory Board Members, including legendary funk band Earth, Wind & Fire, Sugar Ray frontman and co-host of ''Extra'' Mark McGrath, and newcomer, singer/songwriter/rocker JD Natasha. (More honorary members to be announced shortly.)
The first official duty of each member will be to take part in the first-ever What`s The Download roundtable about the future of music during the 47th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards in February 2005. As VIP guests of What`s The Download, members will attend the GRAMMY Awards and receive round-trip travel to Los Angeles; three-night hotel accommodations; and, the opportunity to interact with music makers. Additionally, Interactive Advisors will contribute to both www.WhatsTheDownload.com and ''The Download'' e-newsletter, as well as take part in local music industry events nationwide.
''When we launched What`s The Download earlier this year, it was clear that young adults needed more information about digital music,'' stated Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy(R). ''Then, through the message boards and ongoing feedback from these music fans, we realized how important it is to also give them a voice and way to be heard. With that in mind, the Recording Academy is taking the lead to get the fans and artists in the same room to address file-swapping and other important issues.''
Calling all music fans! For those looking to put the music back into their lives, here`s the important information they need to get started. An online application must be submitted before the Nov. 5, 2004 deadline, which will include the submission of an essay (300 words or less) explaining to WTD why he or she should be one of the chosen few. Judges, including industry insiders, music makers and Academy members, will select up to 50 semi-finalists who will be chosen to submit a video application. Upon receipt of the videos, the judges will narrow the search even further, having the finalists participate in phone interviews. In the end, there will be up to 10 advisors selected to take a seat at the board. For all entry details and the application, log onto www.WhatsTheDownload.com.
About ''Extra'' -- What`s The Download Interactive Advisory Board Partner
One of the highest-rated, nationally syndicated entertainment newsmagazines, ''Extra'' is the industry leader in celebrity journalism and breaking news. Entering its 11th season, the show is positioned at the forefront of show business and pop culture, delivering comprehensive, innovative coverage of the entertainment industry, and the personalities and trends most important to viewers. From films to fashion, television to music, ''Extra'' goes behind the scenes of the entertainment world -- and the dynamic host duo of Dayna Devon and Mark McGrath offers an insider`s look at the entertainment landscape.
About the Recording Academy
Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as the Recording Academy, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers. The Recording Academy is internationally known for the GRAMMY(R) Awards and is responsible for numerous groundbreaking outreach, professional development, cultural enrichment, education and human services programs -- including the creation of the national public education campaign What`s The Download(R) (www.WhatsTheDownload.com). For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
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