Music

The Recording Academy Actually Addressed Some Of The Biggest 2021 Grammy Nomination Snubs

Getty Image Recording Academy interim president/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. spoke about The Weeknd and Harry Styles missing out on major nominations. …

Every year after the Recording Academy announces its extensive list of Grammy nominations (which it did this morning), music fans take to the internet to point out the artists and works they feel should have been up for certain awards. One thing that doesn’t usually happen, though, is the Academy addressing those snubs, but interim president/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has done so this year.

The Weeknd didn’t earn a single nomination despite having one of the year’s most successful and beloved albums in After Hours, and Harry Styles’ Fine Line and accompanying singles were also excluded from the Big Four categories (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist). Mason was asked about that in a new Billboard interview, as the publication’s Paul Grein said, “I was shocked that The Weeknd wasn’t nominated at all, and that Harry Styles wasn’t nominated in any of the Big Four categories. Why do you think they weren’t nominated?” Mason responded:

“For The Weeknd, in every year you only have a certain amount of people you can nominate for each category. As for Harry, he has some great nominations this year [even though he wasn’t nominated in the top categories]. We are excited about some of the other categories where he was nominated. It’s never easy to tell where people are going to land.”

The interviewer then continued, “There was a day where both of these artists would have been nominated for album, record and song of the year. The Grammys have shifted in terms of what they value. Now they seem to value championing newer and less well-known artists over reinforcing things that have already been rewarded in the marketplace.” Mason “hesitantly” (as the publication put it) responded, “Yeah, it’s interesting.”

It was later pointed out to Mason that country artists weren’t well-represented in the Big Four categories, to which he responded, “There are a certain amount of nominations that we can give out. The voting body really determines where those nominations go. We take it very seriously. We review every bit of music that is submitted. From year to year, it is really hard to predict who is going to be nominated and who’s not. I personally wish we could give everybody a nomination, but there are only a certain amount of slots. There were some amazing records that did not get nominated.”

Mason was then pressed, “There doesn’t seem to be a high priority given to making sure country is represented, like there is to making sure the nominations are diverse.” He replied, “We don’t sit down and decide we have to have this person and we have to have that person; We have to have that genre; and we have to have this race. We really are trying to land on quality. In my experience, it’s not really been about trying to even the playing field for every different group and make sure that everyone’s included. It’s really about trying to highlight quality and excellence. We really hope that is a diverse group; that it represents a lot of genres. I think this year if you look at the overall nominations, we have represented more genres than we generally do in our Big Four categories. They’re very diverse across the board in gender, age, and genre.”

Read the full interview here.

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Artist Spotlight

Alwyn Morrison drops an enchanting love ballad to Manhattan with the single “Lenox Hill”

Alwyn Morrison has delivered an evocative sonic experience with his latest track, “Lenox Hill,” designed for those who have ever felt the pang of leaving a piece of their heart behind. This song emerges as a meticulously crafted blend of pop-rock, characterized by its emotional resonance and sophisticated production techniques. From the opening measures, Morrison immerses listeners in an auditory landscape reminiscent of New York’s electrifying streets, where motifs of love and heartbreak are seamlessly interwoven.

The production, helmed by Michael Carey, an established figure recognized for his collaborations with artists like Pablo Alborán and Idina Menzel, masterfully fuses the raw intimacy inherent in live performances with a contemporary synth-pop aesthetic. This duality creates a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Morrison’s partnership with Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman infuses the songwriting with a dramaturgical quality that elevates it beyond conventional love ballads. Harlan Hodges’ emotive piano arrangements also provide a poignant foundation, enhancing the track’s lingering emotional impact long after the final notes decrescendo.

At its core, “Lenox Hill” explores themes of love and loss, a nuanced meditation on transient moments forever imprinted on our lives. The recording, executed in Los Angeles, showcases Morrison’s earnest and yearning vocal delivery, guiding listeners through the complex emotional landscape of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Each lyric acts as a fleeting memory, meticulously captured in time.

With its rich cinematic production, “Lenox Hill” solidifies Morrison’s identity as a distinctive artist possessing a unique vision. His songwriting transcends mere auditory enjoyment, resonating with a deep emotional core. Whether navigating the remnants of a broken heart or seeking a musical accompaniment to a reflective late-night stroll through New York City, this track stands out as an unforgettable piece of art.

For more information about Alwyn Morrison, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Alwyn Morrison’s “Lenox Hill“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

“No Daylight” by Fiona Amaka evokes an anthemic storm of emotion

It’s as if each release is chasing the next, never quite catching up. Emerging London-based artist Fiona Amaka returns with “No Daylight,” a sonic masterpiece that invites listeners to delve into the unfiltered corners of emotion. From the outset, the track distinguishes itself as a composition and an immersive auditory experience. The crashing guitars and soaring instrumentals create a sonorous landscape, but Fiona’s voice truly takes center stage. Her vocals embody poignant expressiveness, delivering an aching vulnerability long after the last chord fades.

The mesmerizing production of “No Daylight” showcases Fiona’s artistic versatility and sonic innovation. Echo and delay effects aren’t just embellishments but vital threads in the song’s emotional tapestry, amplifying its haunting allure. The track pulses with controlled chaos, balancing intensity with intimacy and power with restraint. Its cinematic quality evokes a palpable sense of time dilation, where emotions rise, and reality blurs into something more profound.

With every release, Fiona Amaka cements her status as a formidable presence in the contemporary music industry. From the pulsating, club-oriented rhythms of ‘In-Club’ to the profoundly introspective ballad ‘Miles Apart,’ her capacity to traverse varied moods and genres is remarkable. “No Daylight” continues this trajectory, further establishing her as an artist to monitor closely. The single brilliantly enriches her discography, crafting compelling soundscapes that captivate listeners and invite deeper engagement.

As the buzz around her music intensifies, “No Daylight” stands out effortlessly, infusing pop sensitivities with her emotive storytelling. Get ready for an evocative auditory journey that warrants repeated listening.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Fiona Amaka’s “No Daylight“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Fiona Amaka | Instagram |