Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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5 Takeaways From Halle Bailey’s GRAMMY U Masterclass
"Things change every day," Halle Bailey said during her Masterclass, "but if you find that love for what your passion is then you just stick to that."
Seated among a colorfully-draped stage, it was obvious that six-time GRAMMY nominee Halle Bailey was speaking to her people.
The packed room at GRAMMY House in downtown Los Angeles on Feb.2 listened intently as Bailey led a Masterclass for GRAMMY U Members, which was moderated by GRAMMY- winning artist and songwriter Muni Long. The event was presented by Mastercard.
In a live streamed conversation, Bailey offered a rare insight into her success in music and film — which includes two albums released with her sister Chloe Bailey, her lead role as Ariel in the live version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the role of Nettie Harris in the remake of The Color Purple. She also discussed balancing her career with her personal life as a brand new first-time mom.
While the Masterclass celebrated Bailey's achievements, it was also a showcase of what Ruby Marchand, the Recording Academy’s Chief Awards & Industry Officer, described as "the future of music."
Your cultural devotion and impact is something that the Recording Academy deeply cares about and we are here to help you find your careers, find your relationships, find your deepest inspired source that can help guide you," Marchand said before bringing out Bailey and Long. "Believe in yourselves, have the self confidence to take risks to make decisions that are right for you, that are right creatively, musically, and that’s the journey of GRAMMY U."
The Recording Academy’s President Panos A. Panay then made a special announcement that ensures a more diverse and inclusive future for the nearly 20-year-old GRAMMY U, which currently hosts 6,000 members and 30,000 alumni. GRAMMY U recently expanded its membership eligibility to increase inclusivity beyond college enrollment.
"I know everyone knows the Recording Academy for the GRAMMY Awards, but the mission of the Academy is ultimately about fostering the next generation of creators," he said. "It’s about providing a platform and a way of advocating for what we think is the most important class of citizens, which are the people that are creating these amazing songs and the music and the beats that move all of us."
Both Bailey and Long had incredible advice for attendees to apply to their own lives as early-career creatives. Read on for five of the biggest lessons from the 2024 GRAMMY U Masterclass.
Absorb Greatness & Get Aligned
Long suggested that the audience set an intention to learn as much as possible from the Masterclass. These lessons can be absorbed through osmosis, she noted.
"When you are in the presence of people that you admire and you respect — whether that’s Halle, or myself or whoever — understand that there is a frequency that you have to be aligned with in order to get closer to the beats that you desire," she said.
Long encouraged attendees at GRAMMY House and on the livestream to "align yourselves with the things that you want to see in your future." The "Hrs & Hrs" singer added that she wanted "to elevate you with my frequency, my intention, my energy."
Family Comes First
Bailey and her sister Chloe first garnered attention at kids singing cover songs on YouTube, which led to being signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment label as Chloe x Halle. They’re working on their third album together and also both have solo projects. At the Masterclass, Bailey emphasized the importance of family and how Chloe helped instill her with confidence.
"I was truly grateful and blessed that I was able to start in this industry with my big sister Chloe, who is my angel, my guide, my protector always," she said. "The beautiful symbolism of having a sister there to guide you through everything in life is that she’s filling me up with courage and joy and me just really believing in myself because that's something that I really needed to work on, and still do a bit today."
The 23-year-old has said she has learned that she can do more than she ever expected, and working with her family was crucial. "Being able to start that way with that anchor is something I was so, so grateful for."
Balance The Personal & Professional
Bailey recently had her first child, a baby boy named Halo; Long wanted to know what she’s learning now when trying to keep a personal and professional balance.
"I feel like I've reached this new level of maturity," Bailey said. "Especially being a mother now, which is so crazy to say! But I feel Like I've learned how to balance it by shutting the world out. That's the first thing. I have to shut out the opinions of other people when it comes to social media, Twitter, Instagram, I just have to not read anything, I have to turn it off…"
Motherhood has opened a new "can of worms" for Bailey. "You see, really, your heart in your hands in this beautiful being. So I feel like I have such a greater purpose and so much more to do for him, and so much more that I want him to be able to experience," she said. "So it gives me a new motivation and drive and passion for myself, for my family, for my life, for everything."
Find An Anchor In Artistry
Since Bailey’s career was kickstarted by YouTube success, Long asked what advice Bailey has for aspiring artists when it comes to making content and using social media today.
"I would say for anybody who is trying to start out and be in this confusing industry where the world of social media is crazy now — you have so many things to think about as an artist," Bailey said. "What I try to do for myself is block out all of those things and take it back to being in the garage with my pen and pad and writing out my true thoughts and my love for music. That’s what I stand on."
Bailey also encouraged the audience to have a realistic view of their work — something the veil of social media can make challenging.
"All of the glitz and glam is cool in this industry," she added, "but you know when you start working in it, it's very up and down. There’s a lot of 'nos'...but if you anchor yourself with your love for your artistry, that is what matters the most."
Things change every day, Bailey continued, "but if you find that love for what your passion is then you just stick to that. So remain open to being who you are and remembering why you started."
Ignore The Haters
Bailey admitted that mean comments on social media can really hurt and make her pull away, but she has learned to ignore the noise and focus on her music.
"I just ignore, ignore, ignore," Bailey said. "If somebody says something I don’t like, I don’t want to hear it. I don’t listen. I just have to say to myself, ‘Thank you, I respect and appreciate your opinion, but I agree to disagree.’ And I’m going to show you otherwise."
"That’s actually great advice," Long replied. "You not only have to say that, but you have to distance yourself because — what we were talking about in the beginning, leading through osmosis — you can also take on negativity through osmosis as well. So if you allow yourself to continuously be eroded by other people’s perception of who they think you should be versus how you see yourself, that's very dangerous."
After the Masterclass concluded, Bailey surprised the audience with a lovely live performance of "Angel," her first solo single that’s been nominated for Best R&B Song this year. Tune in to the GRAMMY Awards on Sun. Feb. 4 to see if she wins!
Photo: Raven B. Varona
interview
"Nasty" Girl Tinashe On 'Quantum Baby' & Her Newfound Agency As An Independent Artist
In an exclusive interview with GRAMMY.com, Tinashe talks about her latest viral hit "Nasty," the creative journey of her new album 'Quantum Baby,' and her collaborations with artists like Kaytranada and more.
Tinashe is riding high on creative freedom. Since stepping away from the major label system in 2019, the 31-year-old artist has been thriving independently, allowing her to drop new music as often as she pleases.
"It's given me a newfound sense of belief in myself and my agency," she tells GRAMMY.com.
Her seventh studio album, Quantum Baby, released on August 16, fully embraces this autonomy — evidenced by its catchy, sultry lead single "Nasty," which went viral in May and quickly became an inescapable summer hit.
She channels this momentum into Quantum Baby, part two of the ANGEL/BB trilogy. The breezy eight-track album explores the duality of confidence and vulnerability while showcasing Tinashe's vocal chops…and waits until the very end to unleash "Nasty."
"Nasty" not only showcases Tinashe's ability to create infectious music but also her savvy in capitalizing on its success. The song climbed to No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 — her second-highest charting single to-date — and spurred the release of the Match My Freak EP in June. The project features six remixes that include spins from UNIIQU3 with her signature Jersey club bounce and a jittery-yet-smooth take from swaggy beatmaster Kaytranada, with two new versions featuring Tyga and Chlöe as special guests. The original Nasty queen Ms. Janet Jackson even jumped in on the action, mixing Tinashe's tune into her 1986 classic of the same name during her Together Again world tour.
This isn't Tinashe's first rodeo. Since her 2014 breakout with the debut single "2 On," featuring ScHoolboy Q and its infectious trap beat laced with a Sean Paul sample, she has consistently pushed her musical boundaries. Her fourth album, Songs For You, marked her first release as an independent artist, featuring hits "Hopscotch" and "Die A Little Bit" with UK rapper Ms Banks. Tinashe is also a sought-after collaborator, having been tapped by Shygirl, Britney Spears, and a plethora of electronic music producers including Gryffin, Snakehips, TOKIMONSTA and Calvin Harris.
Ahead of her tour and the release of Quantum Baby, Tinashe spoke with GRAMMY.com just before boarding a flight to China, where "Nasty" first caught fire. She discussed her new music, the phenomenal success of "Nasty," embracing her creative independence, and shared valuable advice for emerging artists.
Quantum Baby, your seventh studio album is almost here. What does this album mean to you and what emotions were you processing or experiencing while working on it?
This album is kind of a representation of where I am right now in my life, and the feelings that I'm going through, of sometimes teetering on this hyper-confident, in-your-face persona, and then something that feels a little bit more vulnerable underneath, and how that paradox exists within me. That was the mind state I was in when it came to the concept for this album.
What are you hoping fans experience or feel when they listen to it?
I just hope that it continues to push the narrative of what I've been creating and move it forward into a slightly new territory. I love evolving with every project and getting deeper and even taking it down different lanes that maybe people wouldn't necessarily expect. I'm excited for people to take that journey with me.
"Nasty" is one of your biggest songs to date and has had a huge impact on pop culture — I'm not mad that it's one of the inescapable songs this summer. When you finished it, did you think that you had a hit on your hands?
No, not necessarily. The last few years, I have been focused on making music that inspires me or that I like, and using that as the barometer for if I want to put it out, not considering if I think it's a "hit" or not. In the past, in my experience, there were times where chasing things or trying to create things that felt like hits led me to a not-as-pure creative place. I think it sometimes does a disservice to the art. I guess I could have created it and then realized that it sounded like a hit, but I think a lot of my songs sound like hits, so you never know.
Why do you think "Nasty" resonated so strongly in this particular moment?
It's summertime, I think people are ready to get out there and just feel free and have fun. There's so much heaviness that's going on in the world around us, and sometimes people just need a release and something that feels playful. And I think people can relate to the song in a lot of ways. It's just youthful and free and it feels like summer.
One of the other tracks on the album that really feels like it's also gonna pop off is "No Broke Boys." When you create from that super confident space you were referring to, are those songs coming to you in a different way than some of the more introspective or vulnerable tracks?
I think in terms of what type of song I make on any given day, it really just depends on my mood, or perhaps the weather, the time of year, or how I'm feeling any given week, whatever's going on in my life. There're so many elements that could play into why I would want to make a certain song, but I find myself also wanting to make songs that feel hyper-confident and in your face like "No Broke Boys" as a means of almost harnessing that energy for myself. A lot of times I don't necessarily feel as confident as the characters that I portray via music. I think that's a cool way to conjure up and harness that energy and make something that feels that way, and to be able to share that with other people. That's the intention behind making songs like that.
Do you see it as an alter ego?
I wouldn't say it's as deep as an alter ego, but it definitely feels like a side of my persona that I really just relate to through music. In real life, I'm a little bit more laidback and easygoing, kind of quiet. Through my art, [I can tap into] a whole different side of my personality.
What's one thing that you think people either get wrong about you or don't know about you?
I think people assume that someone who's in the entertainment industry or has a public-facing job is extremely outgoing and always wants to be on and talking all the time and surrounded by people. As much as I want my art to communicate that and I love playing shows and things of that nature, I'm definitely more of a homebody and [keep] to myself. I just want to just hang out, to be chill. I'm not super social. I have a really small social circle.
Read More: Love "Nasty"? Get To Know Tinashe With 10 Songs That Show Her Honesty & Artistry
It was cool how fast you responded to the virality of "Nasty" with all the different remixes. How did that happen so quickly? How did you kind of choose who to bring into it?
It's a couple things. I think there was an aspect of just being ready for the moment. I have a whole album coming out and I have all these different things that I'm already planning on doing. So when I had this amazing viral moment and there were a lot of new eyes on my work, I had the work already prepared to continue the momentum or use that energy to move into my album roll out, as opposed to it feeling unexpected and unprepared.
I also think the song just had so much energy with its initial burst of virality that there were so many people already remixing it and just popping on it in a super organic way. That felt extremely organic to put out all the different versions because I was hearing so many dope interpolations and interpretations of it online everywhere. It just felt very of the moment [by] embracing the energy that was already naturally happening.
It's amazing how worldwide it gets too, because it was trending in China before the United States. I was out there doing some shows, so I got to see that firsthand. That was crazy. It's been really fun.
One of the remixers was Kaytranada, who's also tapped you for features on his last two albums, including "More Than A Little Bit" on his latest. Both of your styles always sound so good together. Can you speak to that particular creative relationship?
We've always just had a natural chemistry when working together. It's always felt very effortless and just really easy. And he's also super laidback and cool. I think we just gel, personality wise and creatively. Like I said, it just feels really effortless and that's the best [kind of] collaboration. So we just keep doing it.
You just announced the Match My Freak world tour — what can fans expect from this tour and these shows?
I think the biggest thing they can expect and look forward to is that I will be playing new material. I think that's something that's also really cool for the fans, they get to experience a new show that's always evolving. It's really fun for me because as someone who performs the show so often, you get bored sometimes doing the same thing. It's exciting to be able to add new numbers. We're going to have new choreography, new numbers, new transitions — it's going to be an entirely new production. I think that's always something to look forward to, because then you always get a new experience, even if you've been to a show before.
Going back, it's been a decade since you put out your debut studio album, Aquarius. How have you felt that you've grown as an artist since then and what's one of the biggest things you've learned about yourself in the process?
I think the biggest thing I've learned about myself is also the biggest way that I've grown, which is my level of confidence. I know now that my ideas are good and when I stick to what I believe in with the creative, that's ultimately when the music and the art is the purest and most authentic. The audience can tell the difference when it comes to authenticity, so [it's important to] never doubt your perspective as a creator.
A big part of your story the last couple years has been leaving the major label system and stepping out on your own. What has that freedom felt like for you, and how does that specifically come out in Quantum Baby?
It's given me a newfound sense of belief in myself and my agency. I'm my own boss, the captain of my ship; as a creative that's very empowering. I like having that kind of pressure and responsibility.
Is there music that you can release now that you couldn't before?
It's more so the cadence of my releases, being able to release a lot faster and to make decisions easier. I wouldn't necessarily say [it's resulted in] totally different songs, but it's little things creatively that feel different. Not having to answer to anyone is cool. It's fun. I feel like that's the way it should be as a creative.
You've had some pretty iconic collabs over the years, including Britney Spears, Usher, Devonté Hynes, Normani, and many more. What have been some of your biggest pinch-me moments meeting artists you admire?
The top for me are probably my girls. Britney Spears was insane, so surreal. And I recently met Janet Jackson, that was also super surreal and really, really cool. I think those moments are so affirming as an artist, because to see people that you've looked up to your entire life connect with you in that way, you've almost hit all the benchmarks. Where do you go from there? That's such an ultimate sign that you're on the right path.
Are there any other dream collabs you've yet to realize?
I would love to work with SZA, James Blake, Janet — that would be amazing. I'll put that on the bucket list, why not? I'd still love to work with André 3000; that would be crazy.
What's your advice to younger artists, particularly women of color, navigating the music industry, trying to get their music heard, trying to find their creative voice?
One: teach yourself to use the computer programs that are required to record your music. That's extremely advantageous, and that way you don't have to wait around for studio time or for someone to do it for you. There're so many ways that you can record music at home, on your own. So get that DIY spirit and start creating your music on your own.
The second thing I would say is just be fearless in putting your art out there. Just share it. Don't wait.
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news
The Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter Celebrates Its GRAMMY Nominees With Music To Our Ears & Food For The Soul
The Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter celebrated the wide range of talent from the region. Featuring performances by Killer Mike and Muni Long, its nominee celebration was "a prime example of what it means to be a part of a community."
While Atlanta continues its reign as one of the hip-hop capitals of the world, its creative and music communities want the globe to understand that its music scene is more than just sections in the club with bottle service, beats and rhymes.
So for the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter Nominee Celebration at The Loft in midtown Atlanta on Jan. 25, the intimate live music venue showcased a range of talent. The soul-stirring performances stuck to attendees' ribs like the shrimp and chicken sausage etouffee that "New Soul Kitchen" host Jernard Wells was serving in the back.
It was on and poppin’ once Senior Executive Director Michele Caplinger and Atlanta Chapter President Henny Tha Bizness welcomed members and their guests. DJ Willy Wow!, whose Hip Hope For Kids! is nominated at the 2024 GRAMMYs for Best Children’s Album, was spinning tunes while Chapter Secretary Mara Davis warmed up the crowd as emcee. A wall featuring all of this year’s Atlanta-based nominees displayed ATL's diverse array of talent.
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Killer Mike hit the stage dressed in all-white denim with a wooden pulpit to spit a few scriptures from his three-time GRAMMY-nominated magnum opus, MICHAEL. Backed by the gospel harmonies of the five-member vocal ensemble Mighty Midnight Revival and Trackstar the DJ working the turntables, Mike encouraged the audience to put their phones away and just vibe to the music.
The majority of the audience complied. The rapper and businessman opened with "Motherless" while a headshot of his late mother, Denise, sat on an easel flanked with white flowers. He landed into "Shed Tears" and "NRich" before taking the crowd six miles west in his old school Chevy to his old stomping ground, Adamsville, for "Exit 9" and closing with his movement "Scientists and Engineers."
"Atlanta made the best hip-hop album of 2023," Mike told the crowd.
Muni Long appeared in a sheer gown that resembles a Ciroc bottle’s color schemes to deliver her tender R&B ballads "Made For Me" and "Hrs and Hrs" with a vocal delivery sweeter than the Sweet Cheats cookies shaped like a GRAMMY.
"This was amazing," said Long, who took home a golden gramophone for Best R&B Performance for "Hrs & Hrs" in 2023. "It’s always an honor to be recognized by your peers. I had no idea that that record was going to do what it did. I’m forever grateful and can hopefully do it again."
Muni Long ┃Derek White/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Alt-pop artist Forrest Isn’t Dead came with melodic pop meshed with alternative rock that blurs between something out of CBGBs and The 40 Watt Club. The quartet turned up the amps and got the crowd on its feet with "Born or Made," "Here We Are," and "The Light."
"My happiness is to be able to get up on that stage, make the music, and try to help people through whatever they’re going through with the words that I share from my own life," Forrest Isn’t Dead frontman Forrest Kleindienst said.
Sibling foursome The BoykinZ threw some country twang, ‘50s girl group harmonies and 808 claps together to give hoedowns a trunk rattling makeover. The sisters threw on some pink, cowboy hats and studded denim costumes for a cool cover of TLC’s "Waterfalls" featuring "Mama" Jan Smith on guitar.
Rudy Currence posted up in black leather behind a Nord Stage 3 keyboard for some gospel-flavored soul: taking the audience back to his daddy’s Rock Hill, S.C. church as he covers Donny Hathaway’s "A Song For You" and Gnarls Barkley’s "Crazy."
Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt considered the evening’s performances to be perfect precursor for the diverse musical acts that will hit the stages during GRAMMY Week.
"It’s great to be home and see these amazing artists from this city being celebrated," Hurt said. "Music brings us together, and events like tonight are a prime example of what it means to be a part of a community."
Several local and state representatives also pulled up to join in on the fun and recognize how important the music business is to Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
"We export music all around the world, so this is what we do," said State Senator Sonya Halpern. "Atlanta is a place where you can do music, be successful at it, and we want to help grow more people to be part of the industry and understand all of the opportunities."
"I’m a creative legislator, and you have to be in this day and age," said artist-turned-State Representative Inga Willis. "The pipelines are what are fueling the music industry as a whole. Atlanta music influences everything. We define sounds and genres while reshifting and recreating, and we’re the business."
The Atlanta Chapter’s executive team expressed confidence that each act and the vibe of the night left attendees pleased with an evening they will never forget.
"People don’t really understand how diverse the Atlanta community is," Tha Bizness said. "We have a strong hip-hop, R&B, country, bluegrass, rock and a great DJ scene all within an amazing community. When you bring all of that together, allow the drinks to flow, the food to be great, and the people should be energized, you’ll have an electrifying night."
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The Atlanta Chapter's celebration was sponsored by Sean O'Keefe Enterprises, The MLC and City National Bank.
Photo: Courtesy Halle Bailey / Muni Long
news
During 2024 GRAMMY Week, Halle Bailey Will Discuss Artistic Versatility During GRAMMY U Masterclass Keynote
Six-time GRAMMY nominee Halle Bailey will lead the GRAMMY U Masterclass conversation presented by Mastercard on Friday, Feb. 2 during GRAMMY Week. GRAMMY winner Muni Long will moderate the discussion about Bailey’s journey in the entertainment industry.
Halle Bailey’s stardom continues to reach new heights. Following her first solo GRAMMY nomination, Bailey will be the featured artist at the GRAMMY U Masterclass Presented by Mastercard. The annual GRAMMY Week event will be held at GRAMMY House in Los Angeles on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.
Moderated by GRAMMY-winning artist Muni Long, Bailey's will offer practical insights about crafting a unique path as an artist. Attendees will learn how to follow their creative intuition and translate their passion to diverse sectors of the music industry. Drawing inspiration from Bailey's multifaceted music career, this program will explore the versatility of her artistry, from acting to music.
Bailey has recently explored lead roles in blockbusters such as The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple, yet the multitalented artist considers music her first love. In their early teens, Halle Bailey and her sister, Chloe, received millions of views on their YouTube covers, leading them to be discovered by Beyoncé, who signed the sister R&B duo Chloe x Halle to her label in 2015. Since, Chloe x Halle have earned five GRAMMY nominations for their soulful albums, The Kids are Alright and Ungodly Hour.
At the 66th GRAMMY Awards, Halle Bailey is nominated for her first GRAMMY as a solo artist; her single "Angel" is up for Best R&B Song. This marks the sixth GRAMMY nomination of her career.
Bailey's story of artistic growth and cultural representation has inspired many young creatives who are interested in working in the entertainment industry. At just 23 years old, her insight on balancing multiple artistic endeavors is sure to resonate with emerging Gen Z creatives. From young professionals exploring their interests to those perfecting their craft, Bailey will encourage GRAMMY U attendees to continue expanding on their musical passions.
The Masterclass will kick off with a welcome mixer with sounds by GRAMMY U member DJ KAHLO where attendees can connect while grabbing custom merch and snapping photos.
For members who aren’t able to attend in person, the GRAMMY U Masterclass will be livestreamed on the Recording Academy’s YouTube and Twitch channels at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.
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news
The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY House Returns For GRAMMY Week 2024; Immersive Pop-Up Experience To Feature The Third Annual #GRAMMYSNEXTGEN Party
GRAMMY House, presented by Mastercard, will host key events from Feb. 1-3, 2024, in Los Angeles, leading up to the GRAMMYs. Highlights include a 'Women In The Mix' celebration and a GRAMMY U Masterclass with Halle Bailey, available via livestream.
The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY House is returning for a second consecutive year for music makers, culture creators and rising industry leaders to participate in three program-packed days leading up to the 2024 GRAMMY Awards airing Sun, Feb. 4 on CBS and Paramount+. GRAMMY House is presented by Mastercard and runs from Thurs, Feb. 1, 2024, to Sat, Feb. 3, 2024, in Los Angeles.
As a longtime sponsor of the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Mastercard is committed to connecting consumers to their passion for music and continues to be a dedicated supporter of the music industry, artists, fans as well as programs for emerging artists.
“I am so excited for this second installment of GRAMMY House,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “The response last year from younger fans and artists just starting their relationship with the Recording Academy was overwhelming, and we’re a better organization because of the increased engagement with them. I’m grateful for the amazing artists and partners who are helping make this year’s GRAMMY House an even bigger success.”
The dynamic GRAMMY Week destination is carefully curated to honor and inspire a diverse community of music creators and professionals. Programming kicks off with a celebration of Women In The Mix and continues with an independent music panel, an emerging artist showcase, a GRAMMY U Masterclass presented by Mastercard, and the third annual #GRAMMYsNextGen party. GRAMMY House concludes with the debut of Academy Proud – the Recording Academy’s new initiative dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Additionally, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, The Latin Recording Academy will exhibit a time capsule that showcases important and memorable moments of Latin GRAMMY history, which will be available for guests to visit throughout the duration of GRAMMY House.
GRAMMY HOUSE PROGRAMMING
All events are invite-only.
A Celebration of Women In The Mix
Presented by PEOPLE and Sephora
Date: Thurs, Feb. 1, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Recording Academy has teamed up with long time partner, PEOPLE, and Sephora to present an event honoring and amplifying the voices of women in music. Event programming includes a luncheon, panel discussion on the road to success, GRAMMY-nominated guests, and live performances by Sephora Sounds artists Rawan Chaya, Beth Million, and Dounia, who will DJ the event. PEOPLE and Sephora aim to serve as megaphones for women in music, creating pathways to professional success. Sephora will provide make-up touch-up stations and a music-infused photo booth. Dyson, a participating sponsor, will provide styling stations for hair touch-ups and curate an immersive listening experience with the Dyson Zone™ noise-canceling headphones. The Hartford is also a participating sponsor and will activate an interactive, augmented reality graffiti wall.
The Recording Academy launched Women In The Mix in 2019 to drive representation and provide opportunities for studio professionals, artists and beyond. Sephora Sounds is a music collective to support and amplify underrepresented, emerging artists through Sephora’s social platforms.
Growing Wild Independent Music Community Panel
Date: Thurs, Feb. 1, 2024
Doors: 2:45 p.m.
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Leading professionals in the independent music community including Stan Founder and CEO Denisha Kuhlor, independent recording artist Cocoa Sarai, Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava, and SymphonyOS Co-Founder and CEO Megh Vakharia will discuss key trends and predictions for 2024 and beyond, moderated by Vydia VP of Label & Artist Relations Chris Maltese.
Beats & Blooms Emerging Artist Showcase
Date: Thurs, Feb. 1, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
An emerging artist showcase, hosted by comedian Matt Friend, featuring performances by Sephora Sounds Artists Aint Afraid, Mastercard’s Artist Accelerator Artist Cocoa Sarai, and rising stars BETWEEN FRIENDS, Teezo Touchdown, and Tiana Major9. PEOPLE will amplify the showcase and Sephora will provide make-up and touch-up stations.
GRAMMY U Masterclass with Halle Bailey
Presented by Mastercard
Date: Fri, Feb. 2, 2024
Doors: 11 a.m.
Livestream: 1 p.m.
An exclusive masterclass with GRAMMY-nominated artist Halle Bailey, presented by Mastercard. GRAMMY U members are invited to attend this event in person and programming will be livestreamed for the public on the GRAMMY Awards YouTube & Twitch channels.
#GRAMMYsNextGen Party & Red Carpet
Date: Fri, Feb. 2, 2024
Red Carpet: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Doors: 8 p.m.
The third annual #GRAMMYsNextGen Party for leading creators and professionals who are shaping the future of music, presented by Mastercard and Dyson. The party will feature live performances by first-time GRAMMY nominee Romy, Blaqbonez, Cyanide Beats, and Yasmin. As guests arrive on the red carpet they will experience music amplified by Sonos, and enjoy photo opportunities, light bites, food trucks, and refreshments. Guests can visit the Mastercard Secret Garden and Bloom House Speakeasy to learn more about their Priceless Planet Coalition initiative. Dyson will provide a pure, immersive listening experience, with opportunities to trial and capture content of the brand’s first audio technology, the Dyson Zone™ noise-canceling headphones. In addition, Dyson styling stations will be available for on-site touch ups and hands on access to its full range of haircare technology.
#GRAMMYsNextGen Ambassador Power Brunch
Date: Sat, Feb. 3, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Recording Academy will honor the 2024 Class of #GRAMMYsNextGen Ambassadors and Advisors with a private Power Brunch to celebrate the year’s successes. Sonos will celebrate their contributions by gifting the Era 300, its revolutionary new spatial audio speaker.
Academy Proud: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Voices
Date: Sat, Feb. 3, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
In partnership with GLAAD and OUTLOUD, the Recording Academy is launching Academy Proud – a new initiative aiming to support and amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and drive queer representation at the Recording Academy and the music industry at-large. The debut mixer will feature photo opportunities, a live DJ and remarks from leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Additional Participating Sponsors:
Smirnoff will be on hand with specialty bars serving specialty cocktails and its new Smirnoff SMASH vodka soda cans.
CELSIUS will provide Essential Energy to all attendees through their Cosmic Vibe activation.
FIJI Water will keep guests hydrated with Earth’s Finest Water in their 500mL and 330mL bottles, made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET).
The 2024 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 66th GRAMMY Awards, will air live hosted by Trevor Noah from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 4 (8 -11:30 p.m. LIVE ET/5-8:30 p.m. LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network and will stream on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Music's Biggest Night!