In 2021, several awards at Swedish music galas aroused debate - after three artists who were suspected or convicted of crimes in the near future were awarded the P3 Gold, the Grammy Awards and the Music Publishers' Award.
After the Music Publishers' award for song of the year went to rapper Dree Low, who was sentenced to prison for robbery the same month, the trade association promised to review its routines.
On Wednesday, the industry association Musikförläggarna announced that they are now changing the terms of the prize - and the prize "perpetrators and perpetrators" will no longer exist.
Kulturnyheterna has asked three other Swedish music galas about how they view the message - and whether they themselves are considering similar policy decisions.
Swedish Radio: P3 Gold does not change its attitude
Swedish Radio, which annually arranges the P3 gold gala, has previously been criticized by several politicians for giving prizes to criminal suspects, most recently to the rapper Yasin, who was then a suspect and was later convicted of stamping for kidnapping.
P3 Guld then expressed that they believe it is important to separate the music from the person who makes it.
Swedish Radio's music director Anna-Karin Larsson does not want to appear in an interview with Kulturnyheterna, but writes in an email that SR has no comment on the Music Publishers' decision and that it also does not affect Swedish Radio's attitude towards music prices - which is unchanged.
Grammy Gala: We follow the decision with interest
The Grammy Awards also praised the rapper Yasin in 2021, and also nominated the artist Haval - who was then a suspect and later was convicted of, among other things, kidnapping and robbery.
The gala has declined an interview with Kulturnyheterna, but writes in a joint statement that they have taken note of the Music Publishers' decision and are following it with interest.
"As industry colleagues, we naturally have a dialogue, but Grammis has not yet made such a decision," they continue in their email.
Manifesto Gala: Looking forward to discussion
The annual Manifesto Gala praises Sweden's best independent music, and is organized by the Swedish Independent Music Producers' non-profit association.
They do not want to appear in an interview with Kulturnyheterna, but have sent a written comment, where they do not state whether the Music Publishers' message will affect their policy - however, they look forward to the debate on the issue that will be organized during Almedalen Week.
"The work for a safe and inclusive music industry is something that has long characterized all our activities for Sweden's independent companies and thus of course also the Manifesto Gala", writes Eva Karman Reinhold, chairman of the Swedish Independent Music Producers' non-profit association.
"We have taken note of the information from Musikförläggarna about their change work, and look forward to following the panel in Almedalen."