Spotify has canceled all Grammy-related events and parties in Los Angeles due to ongoing wildfires, following a boycott from Songwriter of the Year nominees over royalty payment concerns.

Grammy-nominated songwriters Jessi Alexander, Amy Allen, Jessie Jo Dillon, and RAYE had already decided to skip Spotify's celebration due to the company's recent bundling strategy, which resulted in reduced royalty payments. The policy change is expected to decrease royalty payments by approximately $150 million in 2024.

Photo Credit: Aleksandr Popov

Joe Hadley, Spotify's Global Head of Music Partnerships & Audience, announced that the company will redirect the event funds to support local relief efforts, including:

• Donations to MusiCares charity
• Support for FireAid benefit concert
• Partnership with GoFundMe for artist and music community fundraisers
• Pro bono ad inventory for relief awareness
• Studio time offerings at Spotify's LA office
• Total commitment of $5 million in combined support

"It is very nice to be individually honored, but it is better for me and my entire songwriter community to be paid fairly for our art," stated Dillon to Billboard, emphasizing the ongoing tension between creators and the streaming platform over fair compensation.

The company's decision to cancel events comes as part of a larger effort to support the Los Angeles music community during the wildfire crisis, shifting focus from celebration to community aid and relief efforts.

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