European Composer & Songwriter Alliance to receive the 2026 WSA Industry Award
The WSA Industry Award honours individuals or organisations that make a lasting contribution to the world of film music. Through research, lobbying, campaigns and events, they defend the rights of composers and songwriters, with extra care for technological developments and new challenges that come with those. For instance, the ECSA has published reports on the impact of artificial intelligence on copyright, abuses in contracts and the dynamics of the streaming market, and raises awareness of these issues amongst policymakers.
About the European Composer & Songwriter Alliance
The ECSA was founded in 2007 and is based in Brussels. The organisation is committed to defending and promoting the rights and interests of music authors on a national, European and international level. They advocate for fair commercial terms and work to strengthen the social and economic development of music creation.
With 57 member organisations from 29 European countries and a wide range of stakeholders from various cultural and creative sectors, the ECSA represents more than 30,000 composers and songwriters.
Since 2022, Helienne Lindvall, an award-winning musician and columnist for The Guardian, has been the organisation’s chair. Originally from Sweden, she began her career as a session singer and performer in Stockholm and New York before settling in London.
“We are extremely honoured to receive the WSA Industry Award and to join such an esteemed list of previous recipients. In this day and age, there are many threats to the sustainability of the film composer profession, such as generative AI companies exploiting their works without authorisation and compensation, dwindling remuneration, buy-outs and other harmful contractual practices challenging their very livelihoods. It is absolutely crucial to connect composers and give them a seat at the table. WSA has always been a great ally by providing a platform for exchange on these issues, and has consistently helped us to amplify the creator’s voice. It is wonderful to be recognised for our work by this institution."
World Soundtrack Awards 2026
The award will be presented on 9 October 2026 during the WSA Nominees Celebration Reception, the evening before the 26th edition of the World Soundtrack Award Ceremony & Concert at the De Bijloke music centre in Ghent. ECSA President Helienne Lindvall will accept the award in person.
Previous winners of the WSA Industry Award include the Composers Diversity Collective (2025), Maggie Rodford (2024), Robert Townson (2023) and The Alliance for Women Film Composers (2022).