Music

The Recording Academy Denies The Weeknd’s Claim That The Grammys Are ‘Corrupt’

Getty Image Interim president/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. revealed in the statement that he was ‘surprised’ that the Canadian singer did not get nominated. …

The Weeknd opted against holding his tongue on Tuesday night and shared a post to Twitter where he called the Grammy awards “corrupt.” His accusation came after he failed to receive a single nomination in any category for the 2021 Grammys. His tweet also came shortly after TMZ reported that the singer did not get nominated at the award show because he insisted on performing at both the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Hours after The Weeknd’s tweet, The Recording Academy’s interim president/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. put out a statement that Variety shared where he denies The Weeknd’s claims and says he was also “surprised” that the Canadian singer was not nominated.

Congratulations to today’s Grammy nominees, who have earned their peers’ recognition for their incredible work. There were a record number of submissions in this unusual and competitive year. We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone’s admiration. We were thrilled when we found out he would be performing at the upcoming Super Bowl and we would have loved to have him also perform on the Grammy stage the weekend before.
Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. But as the only peer-voted music award, we will continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in music while shining a light on the many amazing artists that make up our global community. To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process.
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All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.

This is Mason Jr.’s second statement since the Grammy nominations were revealed. Earlier on Tuesday, he addressed some of the biggest snubs from the award show. “The Grammys have shifted in terms of what they value,” he said in his first statement. “Now they seem to value championing newer and less well-known artists over reinforcing things that have already been rewarded in the marketplace.”

(via Variety)

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Artist Spotlight

Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”

At the heart of “Counterfeit” is a tale of love manipulated for selfish purposes, yet still feels captivating. Sadie Brown’s new single “Counterfeit” invites listeners into the deceptive lull of beautiful and bleak love, one that promises everything while lacking genuine vulnerability, ultimately delivering only heartbreak. Brown adeptly illustrates the anguish of being entangled in a romantic relationship that never fully reveals itself, leaving listeners caught between longing and the painful acknowledgment of reality. Through ethereal pop sensibilities and a bittersweet melody, Brown explores the complexity of a “counterfeit love life” alluring yet reserved, a love that’s perpetually poised to “cut its losses.” The outcome is a sonic experience that feels as vast and unreachable as a memory of love gone awry.

“Counterfeit” doesn’t just touch on the hurt that comes from unrequited love; it captures the quiet resignation accompanying it. With “Counterfeit,” Sadie Brown steps into a new creative direction in her music, mixing introspective storytelling with emotional resonance.

Written during the lockdown and produced by Cashybear (Tim Ross, formerly of Cash+David), “Counterfeit” builds a hazy, indie-pop atmosphere that feels grounded and otherworldly. The collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Sims (known for his work with George Ezra) lends a retro warmth, creating swirling riffs that complement Sadie’s soft yet piercing vocal delivery. This subtle instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes: a relationship built on false pretenses, with its sweetness fading away like mist.

Brown draws inspiration from artists like Camera Obscura, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, bringing a charming and restrained sense of vulnerability. Like Joni Mitchell, Brown leans into the contradictions of love, evoking nostalgia but never retreating from the reality of unfulfilled desire. “Counterfeit” is a thought-provoking piece that establishes Sadie Brown as a voice that can authentically convey both the charm and the ache of illusion.

For more information about Sadie Brown, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sadie Brown’s “Counterfeit“ on Spotify.
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Indie

“Is Everything Okay?” by Tom Minor drops an anthemic vibe wrapped in a gold question

The newest single by Tom Minor, entitled “Is Everything Okay?” presents a compelling fusion of introspective lyrics and vibrant soundscapes, establishing a unique intersection where self-reflection meets the assertiveness of indie rock. The song commences with an almost casual inquiry, “If you are unhappy and you do not know it, what value does it possess?” This opening lyric serves as both a reflective mirror and a cautionary prompt; it suggests that well-meaning inquiries from others may compel listeners to confront uncomfortable truths they might prefer to overlook while seeking clarity within their complex emotions.

What renders “Is Everything Okay?” particularly noteworthy is Minor’s effective amalgamation of contemplative lyricism with a multifaceted, genre-defying composition. While indie rock sound with splashes of new wave and power pop have a discernible influence, the track ventures into unexpected realms of psychedelic music. Under the meticulous production of Teaboy Palmer, the song radiates the vitality of garage rock, simultaneously incorporating subtle elements of soul and R&B. The arrangement, characterized by vibrant guitar riffs and a fluid rhythmic structure, conveys the emotional depth of the message without appearing overly burdensome. Minor skillfully employs melody to construct an engaging groove that embodies optimism and challenge.

Additionally, Tom Minor’s vocal delivery demonstrates notable sincerity, reflecting his earnest intent to engage with the audience personally while allowing them space to process their emotional responses. By the conclusion of “Is Everything Okay?“, this work emerges as a significant addition to the contemporary musical landscape. It acts as a dialogue that invites contemplation of one’s current circumstances. The composition provides a form of sonic therapy that avoids offering simplistic solutions. This piece may represent Tom Minor’s most substantial achievement to date, as it fosters a more profound understanding among his audience.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Tom Minor’s “Is Everything Okay?“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Tom Minor | Facebook |