Songwriters of North America - SONA

It is time to shine a bright light on SONA Board Member, Songwriter, Artist, and Producer, Lauren Christy. Not only is she a co-founder of The Matrix, and a 7-time Grammy nominee with over 50 million record sales, Lauren is one of 2 women to ever be nominated for a Grammy as Producer of the Year for producing artists other than themselves. She has worked with Rihanna, David Bowie, Shakira, Dua Lipa, Quavo, G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha, Jason Mraz, Korn, and Britney Spears to name a handful. In addition being one of the greatest music creators of all time, Lauren also has a passion for helping creators at every stage of their careers. On October 5 she is hosting a not-to-be-missed group Songwriting Master Class live on zoom. These group classes will happen twice a year and she has generously offered to extend an invitation to two lucky SONA members at each class . We’ll be sending out details on how to apply soon but in the meantime, be sure your SONA membership is up to date! On joining SONA Lauren says, “SONA is the nearest thing songwriters have to a union. We’re out there fighting the good fight to try and change the streaming rates so that future Diane Warrens can exist, as right now it is tough to just be a songwriter and make a sustainable living. You need to be producer or an artist to get points on the recording. SONA is also getting many other laws put into effect to help songwriters.” #wearesona #songwritersfirst #thematrix #laurenchristy

This Saturday, SONA's own Michelle Lewis is participating in a panel about AI at the Guild of Music Supervisors 'State of Music in Media Conference.' Get tickets: https://lnkd.in/e32g9eT

The polls are open! Help us get to #SXSW2025 by voting for “Keys to Success: Growing a Creative Enterprise” https://lnkd.in/eSr-KfvG and “Protect and Profit: A Practical Guide for Musicians” https://lnkd.in/epw6wZt5. Voting ends August 18.

“A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the highly anticipated NO FAKES Act on Wednesday (July 31), which aims to protect artists and others from AI deepfakes and other nonconsensual replicas of their voices, images and likenesses.” SONA’s own Michelle Lewis says, “Protecting the integrity of music creators has never been more imperative. Songwriters Of North America thanks Senators Coons, Tillis, Kloubuchar and Blackburn, as well as our advocacy partners, for their efforts to ensure that the true creators of musical works are recognised for their contributions, preventing the exploitation and misrepresentation of their original art”. Link to Billboard article here: https://lnkd.in/gW2k6Bbg #songwritersfirst #wearesona #nofakesact #advocacy #ai #legislation

SONA is proud to partner with Music Votes and join dozens of other companies and organizations in the industry’s first-ever voter engagement coalition. It’s critical that eligible music fans use their voice this November. Voting is the best way to ensure a healthy democracy and to have a say in which leaders and policies will shape our future. Music Votes focuses on three easy steps: Register, Know Your Voter ID laws, and Turn out to Vote. More info @ music-votes.org #musicvotes #useyourvoice #songwritersfirst #wearesona

SONA Member of the Month Ashwin Shenoy on reasons to join SONA: “It’s a no brainer! They’re fighting for your rights and providing so many resources that help you along the way. They’re not just waiting to get us to the final destination, they’re really strengthening the community and building a strong foundation for all of us. I also love that it’s largely run by strong, intelligent women that set an example of how successful this industry can be if it had more women involved.” A talented songwriter & artist and a dedicated SONA volunteer, we are grateful Ashwin is a key part of the SONA community! #SONAmemberofthemonth #songwritersfirst #wearesona

“RAYE, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Thomas Scherer, Ross Golan and the late songwriter Andrea Martin will be honored at the fourth annual SONA Warrior Awards gala on Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. at Herscher Hall at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. The awards are presented by Songwriters of North America (SONA).” https://lnkd.in/grVWhGNr #2024warriorawards #warriorawards #songwritersfirst #wearesona

Ask the Insider, our quarterly member-exclusive speed networking event in partnership with BMG, connects rising songwriters and music makers with industry pros for advice, insider tips, and a priceless community. Our next session will be focused on making sure you are collecting all the money you are due! Register to attend 7/18 from 3-6pm at BMG in Los Angeles. This is a member-only event, so if you aren’t a SONA member, join now! Register here: https://bit.ly/3zG1076 #songwritersfirst #wearesona #mentor #networking

Curious to know more about the terminations news that hit today? SONA board member and advocacy committee co-chair Jack Kugell breaks it down for us here. Many thanks to all the members of the creator group coalition and the individuals who helped make this happen! #copyrightlaw #terminations #songwritersfirst #wearesona #songwriters

It is #fixthetix day of national action! Live music is a cornerstone of our music ecosystem, and we need legislation aimed at transparency and fairness regarding ticketing practices to make it work for everyone. Please take a moment to visit fixthetix.org and call on your representatives to pass the Fans First Act! @nivassoc