Alessia Cara and Scott Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum

Alessia Cara and Scott Goldman

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage.com

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Alessia Cara: From "Here" To Best New Artist | "Required Listening"

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The Canadian singer/songwriter opens up about her songwriting inspiration, how she tackled her shyness and the great advice she received from Coldplay's Chris Martin
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
May 11, 2018 - 7:57 am

Alessia Cara's incredible musical journey has taken her from singing YouTube covers from the comforts of her closet to winning Best New Artist at the 60th GRAMMY Awards. On this week's episode of the GRAMMY Museum's "Required Listening" podcast, the Canadian singer/songwriter revealed how her dreams for a career in music were clouded early on by performance anxiety.

Listen Now: "Required Listening" Episode With Alessia Cara

"Growing up, it was a lot harder for me to share my ideas and be creative, even just singing in front of my own parents. I was very, very shy," said Cara. "I protected that side of me a lot and I'm not really sure why. I think maybe it was just the fear of not being good enough or failing. When something's that precious to you it's always really scary to give it away and to just lay it out there."

The pragmatic Cara turned to technology — namely, YouTube — to get her music out. On her channel, the then-teenager posted covers of songs by the likes of Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, and Amy Winehouse, ultimately garnering millions of collective views.

"The closest thing to singing for an audience was doing it in a way that I didn't have to actually be in front of them," said Cara. "I thought, 'YouTube!' [I'll] use my resources as a millennial. I have this great thing called the Internet.'"

During her conversation with GRAMMY Museum Executive Director/host Scott Goldman, the GRAMMY winner also shared her experience in working with producer/songwriter Sebastian Kole on her debut album, 2015's Know-It-All, the recording of her hit "Here," why Winehouse is a constant source of inspiration, and the useful piece of advice she received from Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Released as the debut single off Know-It-All, "Here" suddenly was everywhere in charting in the top 40 in Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., it reached all the way to No. 5. But did Cara and her collaborators know she had something special on her hands?

"We were all just kind of like, 'This is pretty cool,'" Cara said. "I think all of us were feeling the same thing but none of us wanted to be the one to say that, 'We have the song.' … But we all had that mutual feeling of, 'We have something here. This is the one.'"

One of Cara's major influences is the late Winehouse, whose sheer ability as a pure singer still provides a fountain of inspiration today.

"I've seen [Amy] so many times," said Cara. "One of the reasons why I look up to her so much, and why I look up to the people I look up to in the music world, [is] because they're able to [sing] without anything else. They can just sit there and just sing for you and still move you with no music and no anything. That's something really special to be able to do that. So that's what I've always strived for."

Cara's personal songs and own powerful voice have taken her to the some of the biggest stages in the world and winning one of the most coveted GRAMMYs on Music's Biggest Night. During her stint opening for Coldplay, Cara received an important piece of advice that she still takes to heart.

"Chris Martin basically [told me], 'The crowd always gives you what you give them. So, if you give them all your energy and all your love and you try to connect with them as much as possible, then usually they'll give that back to you. It's like a conversation.'"

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Billy Porter Jr. and Scott Goldman

Billy Porter Jr. and Scott Goldman

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images

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Billy Porter Jr. | "Required Listening" Podcast

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Porter discusses his imaginative new album, his process of learning the delicate balance between humility and leadership, and how theater saved his life
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 28, 2018 - 8:37 am

For three decades, Billy Porter Jr. has been blazing his own trail as a true quadruple-threat artist. A singer, actor, songwriter, and playwright, Porter has found success on his own terms. Since bursting on the scene in the first revival of "Grease," Porter has made various Broadway and film appearances and delivered a Tony Award and GRAMMY-winning performance originating the role of Lola in "Kinky Boots."

Listen Now: "Required Listening" With Billy Porter Jr.

Now, Porter has released his latest music triumph, the ambitious new album, Billy Porter Presents: The Soul Of Richard Rodgers, and he's taken on the charismatic role of Pray Tell on Ryan Murphy's new groundbreaking FX series "Pose." His impressive body of work and continuous artistic evolution proves Porter's talent is matched only by his drive. Lucky for us, Portner joined us for an episode of the GRAMMY Museum's podcast, "Required Listening."

As Porter reveals to "Required Listening" host Scott Goldman, Artistic Director of the GRAMMY Museum, the stage called to him from an early age, starting with his time in church as a child. Interestingly, his new album embodies a soulful sound that harkens back to those church roots while infusing the flair and brilliance of his Broadway work.

When asked why Broadway music and soul music work so well together for him, Porter says, "I think it is my journey to it. I grew up singing in the church, singing gospel music, singing R&B and soul music, and you know, [my] childhood wasn't so lovely. I was looking for stuff to occupy my time, get me out. ... In the sixth grade I was introduced to theater. Being onstage in a theatrical production and going to a Pentecostal church are kind of the same thing. Pentecostal church service on a Sunday morning is theater of the highest order. So it just worked for me."

It sure did work. Billy Porter Presents: The Soul Of Richard Rodgers feels uniquely his own, as he curated the project as a celebration of the work of the great GRAMMY-winning composer, Richard Rodgers. But he doesn’t do it alone. Porter called upon his circle of musical friends to contribute to the album, including Pentatonix, Ledisi, India.Arie, Brandon Victor Dixon, Zaire Park, Leslie Odom Jr., and many more. Collectively, the project is an exhibition in collaboration, something that came naturally to the experienced entertainer. But the real glue that holds the album together, according to Porter, is the timeless familiarity and quality of the songs.

"When people know the song, the deconstruction of the arrangement becomes that much more amazing to them because they know where it came from. I think with Richard Rodgers' music, that was the pop music of the day," says Porter. "Everybody on the planet knows a Richard Rodgers song, even if you don't know that you know one. … So the music being in our DNA has allowed the project to resonate in a really great way."

Porter didn't get to a place in his career where he could execute a project of this magnitude by sitting back and letting things happen. He came to Broadway through years of hard work, standing up for his artistry and refusing to be pigeonholed into roles granted by an industry that wanted his high-flying vocal acrobatics but were unwilling to help tell his story. Porter learned to make success on his own terms by demanding respect and challenging himself in new and different ways, something he has called, "owning the leader in me."

"I've always felt like a leader, but there was this part of me coming from the church, the idea of, 'You can't be braggadocious. It's a gift and therefore you need to be humble.' And that's all good," says Porter. "But the humility of it, for me, it reached a ceiling. I had to go, 'You know what? I actually know what I’m doing, and I actually need to be out in the front doing that. So I'm going to honor that. I'm going to own that. I'm going to have faith in that. I'm going to step out on faith and I'm going to do it.'"

One thing is clear: Porter belongs onstage. He also left listeners of "Required Listening" with some valuable advice for others singers on how to find the path to where they belong.

"The only thing that you can be is the best version of yourself," says Porter. "I lived it. People tried to make me something else because who I am and what I represent made them uncomfortable. So the minute you stop caring about that, you find your voice."

Learn More: Listen To The Full Interview On The "Required Listening" Podcast 

Andy Grammer and Scott Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum

Andy Grammer and Scott Goldman

 

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage.com

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Who Is Andy Grammer And What Are 'The Good Parts'? | "Required Listening"

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L.A.-based singer/songwriter opens up about fatherhood, collaboration and how he came up with the goods for his third studio LP
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
May 3, 2018 - 4:50 pm

Andy Grammer's remarkable music career has taken him from strumming a guitar on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif., to crafting multi-platinum pop hits in the recording studio. On this week's episode of the GRAMMY Museum's "Required Listening" podcast, the prolific singer/songwriter shared the biggest lesson he learned from performing on the streets for complete strangers.

Listen Now: "Required Listening" Episode With Andy Grammer

"The number one thing [I learned from busking] is the ability to just act without any guarantee of anything happening in return," said Grammer. "There's no greater place to do that every day than [on] the street because there's nobody there [to see] you. … It's a great muscle to build."

In a wide-ranging chat with GRAMMY Museum Executive Director/host Scott Goldman, the "Fresh Eyes" singer also shared how fatherhood and collaboration sparked the songwriting process for his latest album, The Good Parts, and why albums provide for a truer snapshot of a musician's art.

"One of the biggest benefits of writing with others is that it makes you write," said Grammer, who collaborated with songwriters Ian Kirkpatrick and Ross Golan, among others, on the new LP. "If you have a session on the books with somebody else, you're going to write a song that day. If you have a session by yourself, you might. That's just real."

Speaking of real, nothing can prepare you for the real emotions that hit you upon becoming a first-time parent. For Grammer, he channeled his feelings into "Always," an angelic tribute to his newborn daughter featured on The Good Parts.

"It definitely opens you up to a whole new area of life, which is fun to write about," said Grammer. "It's such a big thing that when you're able to distill it down to a line, it holds. When you say to your daughter, 'You and me will be always,' that's like a simple little line that means [so much]."

As far as the modern debate over releasing songs versus albums? Put Grammer down as "pro-album."

"With one song, you can get an idea," said Grammer. "With 12 songs you can get a real sense of where somebody is.

"As you go along creating art, you have a feeling of how you personally feel about it. And you go about the process of trying to get it out of yourself. And then [you] give it to [the fans]."

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Sheryl Crow and Scott Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum

Sheryl Crow and Scott Goldman

Photo: Timothy Norris/WireImage.com

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How Sheryl Crow Learned To 'Be Myself' | "Required Listening" Podcast

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The GRAMMY winner tells all about her latest album, how current political conditions inspire her songwriting, and why everyone needs a tech detox
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Apr 5, 2018 - 1:15 pm

If all you wanna do is have some fun, then you're in luck. On the new episode of the GRAMMY Museum's "Required Listening" podcast, you'll get your dose and then some in the form of a compelling discussion with Sheryl Crow.

Listen Now: "Required Listening" Episode With Sheryl Crow

In a 40-minute-plus conversation with host Scott Goldman, the "If It Makes You Happy" singer/songwriter will take you inside the creation of her 2017 album, Be Myself. Crow discusses her frame of mind going into the album's creative process, how the political and social climates influenced her songwriting and why, as a mother, "scheduling inspiration" is imperative.

"Truth be told, [Be Myself] really is where I'm at. I feel like, 'Hey, I'm my age and I love it. And I don't want to be anybody else,'" the former Best New Artist GRAMMY wwinner said about the LP. "It's about acceptance."

The GRAMMY winner also shares her thoughts on her two-decade-plus creative journey, the importance of music teachers and music education, and why she is a big believer in tech detoxes.

"I actually did go through a detox period. I keep my phone on me but it's always on silent. When I'm with my kids, I don't have my phone on me," revealed Crow. "I will never regret missing phone calls or texts or any of that to be present and to model that for my children. Because there will be a point in our evolution as people on this planet where it is going to cause some major problems."

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Justin Tranter and Scott Goldman, "Required Listening"

Justin Tranter and Scott Goldman

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Songwriter Justin Tranter: Women Tell Awesome Stories | "Required Listening"

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Master pop songwriter reveals what makes for amazing collaborations, why Julia Michaels' "Issues" exploded and the strong women he wants to work with in the future
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Mar 22, 2018 - 1:28 pm

He's a Berklee grad. He's fronted his own alt-rock band. He's opened for Lady Gaga. He's written songs that have yielded millions of streams and hit the top of the charts. He's a Song Of The Year GRAMMY nominee. And he's a huge advocate for the LGBTQ community.

Listen Now: "Required Listening" Episode With Justin Tranter

In the latest episode of "Required Listening," the GRAMMY Museum's podcast in conjunction with HowStuffWorks, you'll get to meet this songwriter par excellence in question: Justin Tranter.

By now, you've heard plenty of ear candy that has been sweetened due to Tranter's gift for songwriting. He's written songs for some of pop music's biggest artists, including Justin Bieber ("Sorry"), Selena Gomez ("Good For You," "Bad Liar"), Maroon 5 ("Cold"), DNCE ("Cake By The Ocean"), Britney Spears ("Slumber Party"), and Hailee Steinfeld ("Love Myself").

But it was his collaboration with fellow songwriter Julia Michaels on her breakthrough solo hit, "Issues," that earned him a first taste of big-time recognition in the form of a Song Of The Year nod at the 60th GRAMMY Awards.

"The first text was from [Sarah Kate Ellis,] the CEO of GLAAD, being like, 'Congratulations,'" recalled Tranter, who amplifies the voice of the LGBQT community as one of the organization's board members. "That's also pretty cool because I worship her and she's a huge activist that saves a lot of lives. So, to have her text me and be like, 'Yo, GRAMMY.' You're just like going, 'How did I get here?'"

As an alumnus of Berklee College of Music, and as the previous frontman for alt-rockers Semi Precious Weapons, Tranter knows his way around on packaging a hook. His solid résumé, which includes opening for Gaga, has helped inform his personal approach to songwriting.

"In my band, for so long I got to write, and sing, and say, and wear, and do exactly what I wanted for 10 years, and it was all pretty f***ing extreme," said Tranter.

In the case of working with Michaels, the duo's personal bond proved to be the key ingredient in yielding something that ultimately resonated with millions of ears.

"Obviously, me and Julia have written an insane amount of songs together. At that point, when we wrote 'Issues,' we were already really close," he said. "To write something as raw and honest and bare your soul as 'Issues,' you kind of really need to know somebody."

Formed in 2006, Semi Precious Weapons recorded three studio albums during their near decade-long run. As is sometimes the case with unique music success stories, Tranter fell into the songwriting occupation by accident.

"I'm here to facilitate and … make things a little more fabulous and a little more urgent." — Justin Tranter

"I was in the band and we were on Epic, and they refused to release our album. And we had a publishing deal," recalls Tranter. "And this woman named Katie Vinten came into Warner/Chappell, and she listened to the new album that we made and she's like, 'Well, this is amazing, but I can't help you. I don't work at Epic, I work at Warner/Chappell, but I could put you in sessions to write for other people if you want. I think your songs are amazing, do you want to try that?'"

Tranter hasn't looked back since. As big of a believer he is in establishing a personal connection with a collaborator, Tranter is quick to point out that his focus is always on the artist.

"Once I got into pop songwriting, I was kind of just ready to help other people tell their stories. … I'm here to facilitate, and structure, and grow, and make things a little more fabulous and a little more urgent."

"How do you do that?" interjected Goldman.

"You have to get to the truth."

As a teen, Tranter was inspired by the truths of "the whole '90s era of female singer/songwriters," including Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Paula Cole, and Courtney Love. As far as strong women he'd like to collaborate with in the future?

"Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, Ani DiFranco, Cardi B," he said. " Women tell awesome stories."

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