BMAC PREPARES A MUSIC BIZ REPORT CARD

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) will debut data from the second edition of its Music Industry Action Report Card (MIARC) in a keynote conversation during the Music Biz 2023 conference, scheduled for 5/15-18 in Nashville.

The MIARC offers an assessment of how thoroughly major-label groups, DSPs, the Recording Academy and other music entities have followed through on the public promises they made in 2020 to elevate Black employees, financially commit to racial-justice initiatives and otherwise move to rectify decades of racism in boardrooms. It will also consider if these companies have continued to build on those initial commitments in ways that will create sustained change.

The results of the MIARC will be unveiled on 5/15 at 5pm CT at JW Marriott Nashville. Keynote speakers will be BMAC Co-Founder & Chair and 50/50 Music Group Management CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC Board Member & MIARC author Naima Cochrane and Color of Change Chief Marketing & Storytelling Officer Kelle Rozell.

“In just three short years, BMAC has proven to be an essential voice in combating systemic racism and shaping a more inclusive music industry community,” Music Biz President Portia Sabin, who will conduct all keynote interviews, said. “While we wish and strive for a world where this type of research is no longer necessary, we’re grateful to BMAC for choosing the Music Biz stage as the place to debut this important data, and look forward to working together to make it actionable.”

"BMAC is committed to accountability and equity within our industry," Stiggers added. "Our Music In Action Report cards are a way for us to take an honest look at where we are and ultimately where we want to be. It's our intention to create annual benchmarks rooted in the initial commitments and pledges made by the music industry in 2020. Music Biz Week is a great opportunity to share our findings and to have an honest dialogue with the music community on developing sustainable solutions that ensure Black and Brown executives and artists are able to equitably participate in an industry that's heavily built on our creativity and artistry.”

Kobalt Founder & Chairman Willard Ahdritz has been confirmed for a keynote conversation on 5/16, which will kick off with a special presentation by Luminate CEO Rob Jonas. Indie artist LU KALA, Prescription Songs/Amigo Records' Jillian Rutstein and TikTok's Tracy Gardner serve as the final keynote interview on 5/18. Additional speakers include Primary Wave's Natalia Nastaskin, producer Prince Paul, the RIAA's Michele Ballantyne and Ingrooves' Sharma. Find more details here while we sharpen our pencils.