R&B star Leon Thomas will serve as the artist ambassador for the Recording Academy’s 11th annual Music Advocacy Day, helping to mobilize musicians nationwide in support of music creators’ rights. In an email to Recording Academy members sent Wednesday (Aug. 27), Thomas emphasized the importance of the movement and urged participation in this year’s effort:
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“Some of my favorite moments in life have happened because of music…not just creating it, but connecting with people through it,” Thomas wrote. “Music has given me community, purpose, and a way to tell my story. That’s why I said yes when I was asked to be this year’s Music Advocacy Day Artist Ambassador. On Thursday, September 25, I’ll be standing alongside other Recording Academy members across the country for the 11th annual Music Advocacy Day, talking to lawmakers about the issues that really matter to us as creators.”
As the nation’s largest grassroots music advocacy effort, Music Advocacy Day brings together approximately 2,000 musicians each year for face-to-face meetings with their congressional representatives to address issues of concern to the music community.
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This year, music-makers will focus on two topics in their conversations with lawmakers:
Safeguarding creators from the harmful aspects of artificial intelligence through legislation such as the NO FAKES Act.
Protecting and preserving programs that provide critical funding for the arts.
Recording Academy members must register by Sept. 2 to take part. Music Advocacy Day meetings will take place on Sept. 25 in cities nationwide, bringing the annual rally for music creators’ rights directly to members of Congress across the country.
Thomas’ soulful ballad “Mutt” moved up to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart last week, dethroning Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther.” “Mutt” has climbed as high as No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Thomas, 32, won a Grammy two years ago as a co-writer of SZA’s hit “Snooze,” which was voted best R&B song. He is thought to have a good chance of being nominated for best new artist when this year’s nominations are announced on Nov. 7 (though the screening committee will make the final ruling on his eligibility, given his previous win).
Read Thomas’ letter to Recording Academy members in full:
Dear Recording Academy Members,
Some of my favorite moments in life have happened because of music…not just creating it, but connecting with people through it. Music has given me community, purpose, and a way to tell my story.
That’s why I said yes when I was asked to be this year’s Music Advocacy Day Artist Ambassador. On Thursday, September 25, I’ll be standing alongside other Recording Academy members across the country for the 11th annual Music Advocacy Day, talking to lawmakers about the issues that really matter to us as creators.
Back in 2024, I went to Washington, D.C. for GRAMMYs on the Hill. I sat down with members of Congress and shared what music means to me, and I saw how their faces changed when they really understood our side of the story. It reminded me that if we don’t speak up, decisions will be made without us.
This year, we’re focusing on two things close to my heart:
🎵 Making sure AI works with us, not against us. The NO FAKES Act would protect everyone from having their voice, image, or likeness exploited by AI. And tech companies must respect copyright law when building their AI models. New technology can be amazing, but only if it respects human creativity.
🎵 Keeping the arts alive in every community. Federal arts programs support performances, concerts, and programs that millions of people enjoy each year. That kind of access changes lives, and we can’t let it fade away.
I’m not asking you to be a policy expert — just to show up, share your story, and let lawmakers see the people behind the music. The Recording Academy will make sure you have everything you need to feel ready.
If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time. Registration closes on September 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and I’d love for you to be part of this with me. It’s one day, but the impact we can make together will last far longer.
I hope you’ll join me on September 25. Let’s protect the future of music — together.
With respect, Leon Thomas III
