How Music Groups Decide on Award Trophy Ownership
When a music group whether it's a duo or an ensemble wins a prestigious award such as the Grammy or Brit Awards, the decision on who takes the trophy home can vary widely. This decision is often influenced by internal agreements within the group or guidelines set by the awarding organization. Below, we delve into the common practices and the diverse ways in which groups manage this situation.
Group Agreement
One of the most common methods is through a group agreement. Members of the group often engage in discussions and come to a mutual decision based on various factors such as individual contributions to the project or personal significance. This approach allows for transparency and a level of shared ownership, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the group.
Award Guidelines
Some awards organizations have specific guidelines for handling trophies of groups. For example, they might provide a trophy for each member or designate a primary recipient. This method ensures a sense of individual recognition while also promoting group unity.
Management or Label Input
Another factor that can influence who carries the trophy is the input from the group's management or record label. Especially in cases where there are contractual obligations or promotional considerations, these external parties may play a significant role in the decision-making process. For instance, a label might prefer that the trophy be displayed prominently at their headquarters to promote the band or an individual member.
Display or Shared Ownership
Some groups choose to share the trophy through display or shared ownership. This is particularly common in larger bands or groups, where a trophy museum might be built to showcase their collective achievements. In Seoul, Korea, there's a band with seven members who have built such a museum, symbolizing their shared success and collective honors.
Flexible Practices
The decision on who takes the trophy home can also vary from group to group and from duo to duo. The dynamics within each group can vary greatly, and this can affect how the trophy is managed. Some groups might designate a leader to take the award home, while others might have a rule about who takes the next trophy they win. Similarly, they could hand the trophy over to their management, display it in a music museum, or even cut the trophy into pieces, allowing every member to take a piece home as a memento.
Collective Honors
It's important to note that the trophy often represents a collective effort and achievement. While one member might take the physical trophy home, it's a celebration of the entire group's hard work and success. Other members, especially the singer or songwriter, might also have a piece of the trophy or be recognized in some other form. Ultimately, the trophy is a symbol of the group's achievements and can be celebrated collectively or individually, as decided by the group's preference and agreements.
While the concept of ldquo;everyone receiving their own awardsrdquo; is a common myth, the reality is that trophy ownership can be managed in a way that reflects the group's values, agreements, and goals.
Conclusion
The decision on who takes the trophy home is a private conversation between the members of the group. It can be influenced by internal agreements, award guidelines, or even management and label input. The key is to ensure that the trophy serves as a symbol of collective success and is managed in a way that reflects the dynamics and relationships within the group. Whether it's displayed in a museum, shared among members, or designated for a specific individual, the trophy is a testament to the group's hard work and the honor of their collective achievements.