A2IM Analysis Show Grammy Hurt Indie Labels More Than Majors

(UPDATED) An analysis by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) trade organization of the past two years of Grammy Awards showed that if winning is the primary measure of success, the impact of the recent category reductions and consolidations would effect the independent label community and the four major labels equally. But the bottom line effect of the Grammy's changes cut far deeper for some independent labels.

The major labels, according to A2IM, were most affected by combining genders in many categories and  the elimination of the duo/collaboration categories.  Also, some categories like Rap, that have been recently dominated by the majors. were eliminated or suffered consolidations.

But according to A2IM, "If a label’s repertoire includes Blues, Folk, Hawaiian, Zydeco (all now in a single combined roots category), Classical (where even the Best Classical Album was eliminated), Country, Latin, Jazz, and others this combining of categories; equity argument doesn’t even out for your label." The cuts also will mean fewer nominations for indies; and nominations often lead to increased sales, particularly in niche genres.

UPDATE:  A2IM president Rich Bengloff contacted Hypebot this morning to say that the trade group’s position on changes at The Grammys is far more balanced than this article implies. “The Recording Academy has engaged us in dialog and listened to our concerns,“  wrote Bengloff. "They've been helpful to A2IM in many ways over the years." Read the entire A2IM open letter to the music industry here.