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.
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

“Rainbow Family” by Dryadic evokes a luminous folk-pop anthem of mutual bonding

“Rainbow Family” is a hallmark composition by the folk ensemble Dryadic, co-founded by Zora McDonald and Joanna Dziecelska, who previously achieved acclaim with The Tatsmiths. Since its establishment in 2017, Dryadic has cultivated a singular sonic identity that resonates profoundly with individuals who identify as outsiders. This track is a mesmerizing tribute to the resilience of interpersonal bonds forged through adversity, focusing on themes of chosen families, misfits, and unanticipated communities articulated in a sonic landscape that feels particularly poignant on a chilly evening.

Composed during a lockdown period, Zora McDonald conceived “Rainbow Family” while living on a canal boat in rural Gloucestershire. The piece delves into the transformative aspects of isolation and the pursuit of solace amidst trying circumstances. The single’s introduction features a complex melodic framework that gradually envelops the listener within a rich acoustic tapestry. The instrumental is meticulously constructed, incorporating intricate fiddle lines, a grounding double bass, and stomp percussion that evoke a dynamic sense of motion akin to a flowing river.

Lyrically, the song is steeped in authenticity, effectively capturing the intricate nature of human connections within a fragmented social milieu. Zora’s heart-soaring vocal execution showcases vulnerability and assertiveness, imbuing each lyric with considerable emotional resonance. The accompanying music video, highlighting members of her queer community, visually reinforces the thematic core of love, resilience, and chosen kinship.

Musically, Dryadic draws from an eclectic array of influences, notably the stylistic echoes of artists like The Levellers, while weaving elements of European folk traditions into their compositional approach. This intermingling demonstrates how folk music transcends temporal constraints, embodying narratives that reflect historical inclusivity and evolving cultural stories. “Rainbow Family” emerges as a meticulously crafted anthem for marginalized communities, inviting listeners to unite, celebrate shared identities, and collaboratively foster a sense of belonging. This track is a must-listen for those seeking deeper connections within their communities, embodying the notion of finding a home through one another.

For more information about Dryadic, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Dryadic’s “Rainbow Family“ on Spotify.
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Indie

Catlea stirs an anthemic fiery of love and self-discovery in her recent release “Why Them?”

Something is intoxicating about how indie pop artist Catlea evokes a mesmerizing anthem of self-discovery with her hypnotic latest single, “Why Them?” Written by Dylan Skylar Rippe and produced by Jason Boshoff, the track dives headfirst into the intricacies of love, exploring themes of jealousy and the ever-complicated journey of self-evolution. The result is a stunning emotional whirlwind that resonates with many.

From the first pulsating beat, “Why Them?” captures the audience’s attention and refuses to let go. Catlea’s voice smolders and soars in equal measure, delivering a relatable and deeply personal narrative about love, confusion, and the universal struggle of finding oneself amid romantic chaos.

The production, split between Cincinnati and Barcelona, is sleek and dynamic, with driving beats that mirror the track’s restless energy. The song’s pulsating rhythm and infectious melodies are irresistibly catchy, and her sensual yet vulnerable vocal delivery glides effortlessly over the vibrant instrumentals, allowing listeners to feel every word. Catlea masterfully portrays the push and pull of tumultuous relationships, where insecurity and longing battle for control.

Lyrically, “Why Them?” is both introspective and anthemic. It questions the wisdom of directing affection toward someone else when you desperately need to understand yourself first. The song is a flicker of frustration and aching desire for clarity, culminating in an empowering statement of self-reliance. It resonates with anyone learning to prioritize themselves, especially after a challenging breakup.

If you’ve ever felt lost in love or overwhelmed by emotional uncertainty, “Why Them?” is your new anthem. Through this release, Catlea continues to demonstrate that she is not merely making music; she is crafting moments of truth wrapped in unforgettable melodies that last long after the last note fades.