Long before the music hits the charts—or even the speakers—there’s a team of professionals ensuring it sounds exactly as it should. The Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing (P&E Wing) is the beating heart of that operation, dedicated to advancing the art and science of recorded sound. As part of the Recording Academy, the Wing brings together the world’s leading producers, engineers, and studio professionals to shape standards, champion best practices, and build a stronger future for the audio community.
“The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals,” notes the organization. “Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future.”
The P&E Wing has taken that mission seriously over the past year, advancing its role as a hub for collaboration, education, and innovation. A statement from the Recording Academy reflects that the Wing is “building on a legacy of advocacy, collaboration and innovation,” and “continues to shape the future of audio by honoring the past and empowering the next generation of music professionals.”
Leading With Experience and Vision
The 2024–2025 Steering Committee was helmed by co-chairs Ebonie Smith (known for her work with Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, and Hamilton) and Marcella Araica (Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Usher). Together with a committee of respected industry leaders—including Anna Frick, Chuck Ainlay, Jimmy “The Senator” Douglass, and others—they’ve continued to guide the P&E Wing’s strategic direction.
Their priorities include some of the most pressing issues in music production today: from the proper crediting and documentation of audio metadata to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in studios. The committee has also addressed how rapidly shifting modes of music distribution are affecting production workflows, signaling a forward-thinking approach that balances legacy expertise with new technology.
A New Industry Standard: 2025 Delivery Recommendations
One of the P&E Wing’s most significant recent achievements is the release of its 2025 Delivery Recommendations for Recorded Music Projects, unveiled at the 157th AES Show in New York City. Described by the organization as a “definitive, industry-shaping document,” the guide represents a collaborative effort by some of today’s most respected engineers and producers.
The guide outlines best practices for media delivery, metadata management, file organization, and master recording protocols. As music production grows more complex and digital systems evolve, the document “sets a new standard for consistency, clarity, and accountability,” offering critical guidance to studios and creators navigating increasingly technical terrain.
Education and Engagement Through The Forum
To ensure these conversations continue beyond conferences and committee rooms, the Wing launched The Forum, a digital series driven by member-submitted topics. The first episode, Mixing for Atmos® – What We've Learned, featured insights from Matt Wallace and Will Kennedy on immersive mixing. The two shared lessons from their work on Atmos remixes for artists like Nina Simone, Jason Mraz, and the B-52s, offering viewers a window into the creative and technical evolution of immersive audio.
Other Forum episodes have explored topics such as hearing health and business management—illustrating the Wing’s commitment to supporting both the craft and the careers of audio professionals.
Regional Events Highlight Local Talent and Global Issues
Across the country, the P&E Wing hosted a range of events that spotlighted local communities while contributing to broader industry dialogue. In Los Angeles, the annual Summit included a keynote from James Fauntleroy and Rance Dopson of 1500 Sound Academy. Florida’s In The Mix session offered an intimate listening experience featuring engineers Adrian Morales-Demori and Quaz Deville, while a Nashville panel tackled the evolving workflows around music credits with representatives from Muso.AI, VEVA Sound, and Warner Music Nashville.
In Texas, GRAMMY-winning engineer Trina Shoemaker headlined an Up Close & Personal interview during SXSW, and in Chicago, the Wing hosted its first in-person event since 2019, creating a collaborative space for production professionals to share techniques and experiences.
Looking Ahead
“This past year has been both dynamic and rewarding for the P&E Wing,” said Maureen Droney, Vice President of the Producers & Engineers Wing. “Marked by new events, collaborations and continued growth, all made possible by the invaluable support of our steering committee and advisory council.”
She added: “As a vital bridge between music and technology, our ongoing initiatives aim to engage top-tier producers, engineers, artists, and industry leaders in meaningful dialogue that clarifies emerging trends, advances professional standards, and reinforces the connections that unify our industry.”
With its blend of technical leadership, educational outreach, and community-building, the P&E Wing continues to amplify the voices of those behind the console—and ensure that great sound doesn’t just happen, it’s built on purpose.
