4/11 - SONA

RECAP

- Raised in Long Beach by grandparents, Kellie gained a deep sense of community from early experiences like basketball, church service, and choir participation.

- She is Chief Operating Officer at Songwriters of North America (SONA), which was founded in 2015 by a close-knit group aiming to address songwriters' concerns.

- SONA has made significant strides, including suing the Department of Justice and influencing the Music Modernization Act, to better songwriters' conditions.

- Functions akin to a union for songwriters, SONA offers extensive support across financial, legal, educational, and mental health realms.

- Advocates for the importance of music ownership and fair compensation in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

- Recently focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on music, organizing summits to explore the nuances and potential regulation in this area.

- Emphasizes the need for acknowledging human creativity amidst AI advancements, advocating for the use of split sheets for proper credit.

- Through its efforts, SONA highlights the invaluable human element in music that speaks to shared experiences, pushing for equitable recognition and rights for artists.