Recording Academy Sends Over 4,000 Membership Invitations, Welcomes New Artists Including CASH COBAIN and EJAE

On July 9, 2026, the Recording Academy revealed that it had dispatched annual membership invitations to over 4,000 seasoned music professionals spanning diverse genres, backgrounds, and disciplines. Delivered by email, these invitations invite recipients to join the Academy’s community and help further its mission to support the music industry.

Harvey Mason Jr., the Academy’s CEO, emphasized that the invitations are central to sustaining a diverse and qualified membership. "Every year, we look forward to welcoming a new group of dedicated music creators and professionals through our membership invitations," he said. "Our membership is the engine of the Grammys, and we’re excited for invitees to join our vibrant community, engage with their peers and help shape the future of the music industry."

Among the invitees who have publicly expressed their gratitude are CASH COBAIN, EJAE, LOLA YOUNG, RAVEENA AURORA, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS and SOMBR. Their statements, posted on social media, highlight the personal significance of becoming a Recording Academy member:

CASH COBAIN: “Blessed to be a member of the Recording Academy/Grammys 2026 New Member Class. This is a huge moment in my career! Proud to be alongside the talented artists in this community and look forward to being involved in this chapter.” EJAE: "As a songwriter and recording artist, I couldn’t be more excited to join the Recording Academy. It takes a village to record an album, produce and perform live shows for fans, and bring our ideas from pen and paper to release and stage. Coming together only strengthens our community, allows us to preserve our work and help us to advocate for ourselves and for one another." LOLA YOUNG: "I am so happy to be part of the Recording Academy New Member Class of 2026. As a recording artist, I believe the Grammys represent the most prestigious award you can receive. Being a member now means I am part of a community of incredibly talented people who champion real musicianship, diversity, and legacy." RAVEENA AURORA: "Feeling so deeply grateful and full of love being welcomed into the Recording Academy/Grammys 2026 New Member Class to be held in the same space as so many beautiful, soulful artists. It feels like a dream. So thankful for a community that holds music, art, and our many different stories with such care." SLEEPING WITH SIRENS: "It’s an incredible honor to join the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class! Being acknowledged by a community that champions music, creativity, and inclusivity is particularly meaningful to us. We’re grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring talent and look forward to contributing to the future of music!" SOMBR: "I’m extremely honored to be part of the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class. Being nominated for Best New Artist and getting the chance to perform on the Grammy stage were moments I’ll never forget. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many artists I admire, and I’m excited to be part of a community that supports artists and songwriting."

Invitees who wish to become voting members must formally accept by July 31, 2026. Accepted members receive mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, and are encouraged to join initiatives such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion‑focused DREAM Network, federal, state, and local advocacy efforts, and the Producers & Engineers Wing and Songwriters & Composers Wing. These programs allow members to shape the Academy’s leadership and influence nomination and voting.

The Academy’s Online Entry Process (OEP) for the 2026 Grammy Awards runs from July 7 to August 21. New members who want to submit recordings, videos, or other materials must accept their invitation before July 31, as the OEP is the sole channel for nomination evaluation.

This expansion underscores the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and to keeping the Grammys representative of all music creation. By inviting a wide cross‑section of professionals, the Academy reaffirms its role as a guardian of artists’ rights, a promoter of career development, and a forum for industry dialogue.

As of now, more than 4,000 invitations have been issued, several artists have publicly accepted, and the Academy is gearing up for the next nomination cycle and the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026.