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David Porter

Photo: Daniel Mendoza/Recording Academy

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David Porter's Made In Memphis Hosts Retreat david-porter-made-memphis-host-recording-academy-rap-rb-latin-writers-retreat

David Porter & Made In Memphis Host Recording Academy Rap, R&B & Latin Writers Retreat

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A Memphis music legend opens the doors of his state-of-the-art facility to welcome a wellspring of songwriting talent for three days of creative collaboration
Mark Jordan
GRAMMYs
Apr 5, 2019 - 3:14 pm

Some of the top tunesmiths in contemporary music converged in Memphis, Tenn., last month for three days of camaraderie and collaboration.

The occasion was the second in the Recording Academy's new series of writers' retreats. The first one, held last year in Nashville, sought to stir creative juices by mixing and matching songwriters from the worlds of pop and country music. For the second entry, the participants were drawn from rap, R&B and Latin. This year's group of writers — whose stellar credits include songs for Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, and Luis Fonsi — came together in the city that gave the world B.B. King and Elvis Presley. There they held up for three days at the new state-of-the-art Made in Memphis Entertainment studios and did what they do best — created music.

Recording Academy's Writer Retreat Hit Memphis

"The purpose of the retreat is to write, but also to meet fellow creators and build lifelong relationships," said Susan Stewart, the Recording Academy's Senior South Regional Director.

The songwriters on the scene included:

  • T-Pain, a two-time GRAMMY winner 
  • Claudia Brant, this year's GRAMMY winner for Best Latin Pop Album 
  • Mario Cáceres, writer of CNCO's chart-topping "Se Vuelve Loca" 
  • DalePlay, who has cuts for Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Enrique Iglesias 
  • Erika Ender, known for penning the mega-hit "Despacito" 
  • Nate "Danja" Hills, who is a two-time GRAMMY winner and has written for Madonna, Lopez, and Timberlake
  • Tish Hyman, writer for Alicia Keys and Diddy 
  • Sebastian Kole, who wrote Alessia Cara's "Here" 
  • Motiff, with credits including Lopez, Gloria Estefan and Wisin
  • Oscarcito, writer of Lopez's "El Anilo" 
  • Makeba Woods, who's written songs for likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna 

GRAMMYs

Photo: Daniel Mendoza/Recording Academy

All in all, this a jaw-dropping collection talent. Hosting them, looking over them almost like a proud mentor, was one of the greatest songwriters in music history, one of the architects of American music, David Porter, who opened Made in Memphis two years ago.

"The great part of this event, that I think really speaks volumes about what can happen when people get together, is just the fact that these are individuals —  in some cases that have never met, let alone worked together — that have come together in a structured kind of environment where they are able to collaborate, come up with ideas, and create a little bit of synergy between an urban hip-hop vibe and a Latin kind of influence," said Porter. "And to have that magic happening in Memphis, where so much of the magic in American music originated from, is a compliment to Memphis."

David Porter is himself made in Memphis, growing up just a few miles away from his studio. As a teenager in the early '60s, he worked across the street from an old movie theater that had been converted into a music studio/record store called Satellite records. A fledgling musician, he began trying to talk his way into the studio and spent many hours at the record store counter with the studio's co-founder, 2007 Trustees Award recipient Estell Axton, learning the finer points of songwriting.

By his early 20s Porter was one of the creative forces behind the studio, redubbed Stax Records. With his songwriting partner Isaac Hayes, Porter penned songs for, most notably, label rainmakers Sam And Dave, including the 1967 GRAMMY-winning "Soul Man." Porter also served as an A&R rep for the label, bringing in acts like the Emotions and the Soul Children.

"Stax is at the core of everything that I do," said Porter. "It was great as a beginning for me, but it also taught me the value of understanding what my [responsibilities to new artists are].

https://twitter.com/MIMELLC/status/1075879830485381120

Stax Records stars Sam and Dave to be honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award https://t.co/5T5QfleyeZ via @memphisnews

— Made in Memphis Entertainment (@MIMELLC) December 20, 2018

Stax folded in the mid-'70s, and Porter eventually turned his attention to matters outside of music, becoming a prominent businessman in the community. But the legacy of Hayes-Porter continued on. The Blues Brothers and Eurythmics, among many others, covered their songs. And his work took on a whole new life when his songs began to be sampled by R&B and hip-hop producers; a song Porter wrote for the Emotions became the backbone of Mariah Carey's 1993 GRAMMY nomated "Dreamlover," while another he wrote for the Bar-Kays was used in Will Smith's 1999 GRAMMY winner "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It."

In 1999 Porter and Hayes received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. In 2005 they were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

With such a long and distinguished career, Porter could have just sat back and basked in accolades. Just in the weeks following the writers' retreat, he was honored by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with a concert of his music, he released a new record of instrumental versions of some of his most important songs with stories about their creation, and "Soul Man" was selected for the Library of Congress' National Recording registry.

GRAMMYs

T-Pain at Made In Memphis during the Recording Academy wrtier retreat
Photo: Daniel Mendoza/Recording Academy

But seven years ago, at the age of 70, Porter decided to get back in the music business. In 2012 he started The Consortium MMT, a nonprofit to identify, nurture, and mentor emerging talent. The organization's programs include the SoulRight Music Mentorship Program and the Talent Development Complex, where resources include speakers' series, one-on-one artist counseling, and a library of 135 videos Porter has amassed of industry legends and friends like Stevie Wonder and Eddie Levert dispensing career advice.

"To have Philip Bailey talking about the vocal exercise that he does religiously in order to still be in this business after almost 50 years as a performer, to give your career a life that extends well beyond what people think your potential is, to put all that kind of information together in structured ways, and to pass it on to young folk, that's what the consortium program is about," says Porter.

In 2016, Porter started Made in Memphis Entertainment as platform to showcase some of the talent he was discovering. He hired a staff that included Tony Alexander as president and managing director and Hamilton Hardin as vice president of A&R, and the label also has offices in Los Angeles where they work on licensing their music. Artists currently signed to the label include Porcelan, Matthew Michael and Jessica Ray.

In 2017 Porter opened Made in Memphis Studios in refurbished building downtown mere blocks away from Sun Studio, where Sam Philips discovered Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The $5 million, 16,000-square-foot facility was designed by renowned studio architect Michael Cronin and includes three recording studios and six breakout rooms that made the facility ideally suited for the writers' retreat.

"I get a lot of energy from all this new talent," said Porter. "When you find artists that are passionate about the music, you know that what you worked years to build, what you were so passionate about, will not be lost."

Songwriters Lori McKenna And Anderson East Get Creative Within The Limitations

GRAMMYs

Kristolyn Lloyd at 2018 GRAMMYs

 

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

 
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Looking Ahead To The 2021 GRAMMYs 63rd-grammys-looking-ahead-2021-grammy-awards

The 63rd GRAMMY Awards: Looking Ahead To The 2021 GRAMMYs

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Need something to look forward to? Here's what you'll want to know about the 2021 GRAMMYs, including nominations, timelines, rule changes, possible formats, voting and more...
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 19, 2020 - 9:37 am

Updated Jan. 5, 2021.

Given how this year has gone, perhaps you're ready to fast-forward to 2021 (we're almost there!). Beyond it no longer being 2020, next year has some other big things going for it, including Music's Biggest Night, a.k.a. the 2021 GRAMMYs. Airing Sunday, March 14, 2021, on CBS, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards recognize excellence in music released in late 2019 and 2020. Hopefully, you're as excited about the show as we are! 

To help make sure you stay in the loop, read on to learn more important dates and details about GRAMMY nominations (they were annouced on Nov. 24), the Recording Academy member voting process and everything else 2021 GRAMMY Awards!

It's Here! 2021 GRAMMYs: Complete Nominees List

When Is It?

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards will be happening. The health and safety of the artists, guests, crew and staff is always front of mind during every GRAMMYs, so, logistically, things will be a little different this year.

62nd GRAMMY Awards Wrap Up Show

How Can I Watch?

Music fans from around the globe will be able to watch the dazzling show live on CBS / CBS All Access. Additionally, the GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony, where the majority of the 83 categories of awards are handed out, will be streamed live on GRAMMY.com. Just like the main show, the Premiere Ceremony also features epic live performances from GRAMMY nominees and star-studded announcers.

Meet The New Class: Meet This Year's Best New Artist Nominees | 2021 GRAMMYs

Who Is Nominated?!

One of the biggest days in music outside of the show itself is the nominations announcement, when hundreds of artists learn they're in the running for a golden gramophone. For the upcoming 63rd GRAMMY Awards, the nominees were announced on Nov. 24. You can peruse the complete 2021 nominees list here and rewatch the star-studded nominations annoucement livestream here. You can also find out who are the most-nominated artists this year here.

GRAMMY nominations are always a very celebratory day for those nominated. It is truly a moment when all the love, long hours and hard work that was put into the music feels worth it. Celebrate with the 2021 nominees in this joyful reactions roundup. 

Revisit The Magic Noms Moment: "This doesn’t feel real:" 2021 GRAMMY Nominees Celebrate On Social Media

What Releases Are Eligible?

The Product Eligibility Period for the 63rd GRAMMY Awards is Sept. 1, 2019—Aug. 31, 2020.

Read: 62nd GRAMMY Awards & "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute To Prince" Earn Emmy Nominations

What Will The Show Look Like?

Just ahead of the nominees announcement on Nov. 24, the Recording Academy revealed GRAMMY-nominated South African comedian Trevor Noah will host the 2021 GRAMMYs.

While the format of next year's GRAMMY Awards has not been announced, Harvey Mason jr., the Recording Academy Interim President/CEO, offered some insight on what to expect at the 2021 show back in June during an interview with Variety. "We are simultaneously developing three plans for what the show would look like: One is the traditional show with the full crowd, two is a limited crowd, and three is no crowd, and there's creative around all three of those ideas: how and where we would film it. But none of them involve changing or postponing the date," said Mason. 

"I've spent a lot of time talking to artists, managers and labels and getting a feel for how the pandemic is affecting the release of music—and as I'm sure you've noticed, the amount of music released has actually increased during the pandemic, so we would not want to delay our date with so much great music coming out," he continued.

"But I also think it's important and helpful to have shows like this, when there's been so much uncertainty and unrest—to have something you know is coming around every year and to know there's a time when we all sit down together and watch great entertainment and art… We're trying to build the next evolution of the Academy, and the show will go hand-in-hand with that. Whether it's with a crowd or not, we're going to try to take things to the next level," Mason added.

Let's Add It Up: Find Out Who Has The Most GRAMMY Nominations, Which Categories Are All-Female & More: 2021 GRAMMYs By The Numbers

More recently, on Sept. 30, he spoke to Variety again and added that no matter what, the show will be executed fully live, with no pre-recorded segments.

"We're looking at Staples [Center] with a limited audience, although that seems increasingly unlikely; Staples with live performances and no audience; or something a little more virtual, with some elements from different locations," Mason said. "We're still waiting to hear back from our partners at the network and the venue and our medical experts, because obviously we want this to be safe for everyone ...

"Obviously, this is a very unique year. We've been looking at all of the [2020 awards] shows really closely and I've been talking with some of the people who put them together—the creative and also the business side. I think there have been some great examples of how to present music and awards at these shows, and I think there's some other things that we're gonna do pretty differently. The civic and social unrest deserves to be addressed, and we always encourage artists to voice their opinions, so I expect we'll see messages both from the artists' side and the Academy side."

Behind The Board: Harvey Mason Jr.

We can't wait for all the magical GRAMMY moments, epic performances and moving speeches—it's exactly what we need to start 2021 off on an inspirational note. While you'll have to wait to closer to the show to find out who the performers and presenters are (which are always announced in multiple waves), what's certain is things will be off the chain.

The Recording Academy Announces Changes For 63rd Annual GRAMMYs, Releases Rules And Guidelines

What's New For 2021?

There are quite a few exciting changes going into effect with the 63rd GRAMMY Awards! Following Ken Ehrlich's celebrated 40-year run as the show's executive producer, Emmy Award-winning producer Ben Winston is taking over the reins. The highly experienced TV/film writer/director/producer has worked on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," co-creating Corden's beloved "Carpool Karaoke" show with the comedian himself.

James Corden Subway Carpool Karaoke | 2018 GRAMMYs

Additionally, several major changes to the voting guidelines and rules, the latter which affects five award categories, go into effect this year. These updates, announced in June, reflect the Recording Academy's ongoing commitment to evolve with the musical landscape and to ensure that the nomination process and rules are more transparent and fair. More details on the changes can be found in the above link, but, the rule/category updates are highlighted below.

  • Best Urban Contemporary Album has been renamed Best Progressive R&B Album to include a more accurate definition to describe the merit or characteristics of music compositions or performances within the genre of R&B.
  • Best Rap/Sung Performance has been renamed Best Melodic Rap Performance to represent the growing hybrid performance trends within the rap genre.
  • Latin Pop Album has been renamed Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album AND Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album has been renamed Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album to represent the current state and prominent representation in the Latin urban genres.
  • There is no longer a specified maximum number of releases prohibiting artists from entering the Best New Artist category. The screening committees will determinine whether the artist had attained a breakthrough or prominence prior to the eligibility year, with such a determination would result in disqualification.

Another exciting category update occured in November, when Best World Music Album changed to the more inclusive Best Global Music Album. While this might appear subtle to those not familiar with the baggage the term "world music" carries, it represents an important honoring of its past and movement towards a more inclusive, adaptive future.

The new name was decided after extensive conversations with artists, ethnomusicologists and linguists from around the world, who decided it was time to rename it with "a more relevant, modern, and inclusive term," an email sent to Recording Academy members explained. "The change symbolizes a departure from the connotations of colonialism, folk and 'non-American' that the former term embodied while adapting to current listening trends and cultural evolution among the diverse communities it may represent."

Related: Travel Around The World With The Best Global Music Album Nominees | 2021 GRAMMYs

Key Voting Dates

As the only peer-recognized music award, the GRAMMY is the music industry’s highest honor. This means GRAMMY nominations and winners are determined by the music professionals who are voting members of the Recording Academy. 

  • Sept. 1, 2019—Aug. 31, 2020: Product Eligibility Period
  • Sept. 30—Oct. 12, 2020: First-Round Voting—eligible members vote to determine the 2021 nominees!
  • Nov. 24: Nominations Announcement!
  • Dec. 7, 2020—Jan. 4, 202: Final-Round Voting—this round determines the GRAMMY winners!
  • Sunday, March 14, 2021: 63rd GRAMMY Awards & Premiere Ceremony

Your Academy: Welcoming The 2020 New Member Class

Find more at the GRAMMY Awards FAQ page here, including on the voting process.

To make sure you don't miss a beat on anything GRAMMY Awards related, make sure to follow us on our social channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) and subscribe to our newsletter (sign up below) and YouTube channel.

2021 GRAMMYs: Complete Nominees List

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Atlanta, Georgia

Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

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Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: South Region

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The Recording Academy's Memphis, Nashville, Florida and Atlanta chapters are committed to sharing resources for music creators and professionals affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic
GRAMMYs
Mar 19, 2020 - 2:24 pm

In the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, music creators and many of the professionals who support them have been greatly affected. The Recording Academy’s Memphis, Nashville, Florida and Atlanta chapters are committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources that will provide some form of comfort.

While The Academy’s MusiCares has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund available as a safety net for music creators in need, below you will find resources available to those in the music community who live within states that make up the Academy’s South Region. Please visit regularly for updates.

FLORIDA

III Points Miami Artist Initiative
III Points has created the III Points Miami Artist Initiative, in Partnership with ICA Miami, to give back to Miami artists who continue to drive the scene to new heights. Together, III Points and ICA Miami will provide financial assistance to artists and musicians experiencing uncertainty at this time. 

GEORGIA

Georgia Department of Labor Unemployment Assistance
Georgia’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program provides temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are either looking for another job, have a definite recall to their jobs within six weeks of the last day worked, or are in approved training. The funding for unemployment insurance benefits comes from taxes paid by employers. Workers do not pay any costs. Eligibility for benefits is determined based on past wages, reason for job separation, and availability and job search requirements. Claims are effective on the date they are filed and are not retroactive to the last day worked. 

Garrie Vereen Memorial Emergency Relief Fund
Established by musician-focused suicide prevention organization Nuçi's Space in Athens, Georgia; this fund aims to support musicians, artists, crew, venue and bar employees. The goal is to help those who will be hit the hardest by the economic shut-down and not eligible for assistance through traditional channels.

Georgia State Unemployment Insurance
Georgia residents can submit an application for unemployment benefits here.

Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Atlanta Community Food Bank partners with a network of 700 nonprofit food pantries and meal programs in 29 counties. A list of pantries and programs will come up with contact info. It is recommended that persons call ahead to find out the pantry’s hours and the zip codes that they serve. Some of the partners only serve people who reside in their zip code while others serve beyond their zip code.

HomeSafe Georgia – Free Mortgage Payment Assistance
HomeSafe Georgia is operated by the State of Georgia. Applications will not be accepted after Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Due to limited funding not all applicants will receive funding.

MISSOURI 

St. Louis Arts and Music Fund
Created by Ben Majchrzak (Native Sound Recording), this fund seeks to help artists in need in the St. Louis, MO community. Donations will go directly into the hands of those that we are helping to aid them with rent, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.

NORTH CAROLINA

NC Artist Relief Fund
This fund has been created to support creative individuals who have been financially impacted by gig cancellations due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 100% of donated funds will go directly to artists and arts presenters in North Carolina. Musicians, visual artists, actors, DJs, dancers, teaching artists, filmmakers, comedians, and other creative individuals and arts presenters are experiencing widespread cancellations due to this global pandemic. Many North Carolina artists rely on markets, performances, classes, and exhibitions in order to pay the bills directly aligned with their costs of living.

Durham Artist Relief Fund
Durham-based artists, arts presenters and arts venues in need of funds due to coronavirus-related cancellations can apply for financial assistance, with priority given to BIPOC artists, transgender and non-binary artists and disabled artists.

LOUISIANA

New Orleans Business Alliance Relief Fund
As a result of the anticipated local economic impact of COVID-19, the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) is setting up a relief fund to meet the needs of gig economy workers (musicians, arena workers, and festival production staff) who have been directly impacted via loss of income.  NOLABA has committed $100,000 to initiate the fund, with a goal of increasing the fund assets to a minimum of $500,000.

Culture Aid Nola
Culture Aid Nola (CAN) is group of organizations that advocate for hospitality and culture workers. CAN is working with multiple restaurants, management groups, suppliers and chefs to provide access to healthy food for out of work service and entertainment workers. CAN also assists with Medicaid access navigation, and advocacy for cultural groups.

The Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the non-profit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, has established this fund as a statewide relief fund to support Louisiana-based musicians who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

TENNESSEE

Nashville COVID-19 Response
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville has created a website to help local citizens understand the disease, answer questions and provide information on available resources.

Opry Trust Fund
The Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance in time of extraordinary need, emergency or catastrophe to individuals who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry (i.e. performer, songwriter, publisher, radio, session musician, etc.). The Opry Trust Fund is not able to assist in situations of financial need that result solely from lack of employment, poor sales and/or poor business practices. The Opry Trust Fund accepts referrals from individuals within the country music community, including Opry members, as well as from other charitable organizations, such as MusiCares.

Music Export Memphis
Music Export Memphis has started a COVID-19 Emergency relief fund for local musicians who have lost income because of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. To qualify, those applying must be a musician who lives in Memphis and can provide some proof of lost income from COVID-19.

Nashville Musicians AFM Local 257
Members of the Nashville chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have access to its Local 257 Emergency Relief Fund for financial assistance, as well as access to group health insurance through Sound Healthcare.

Nashville UNITED WAY COVID-19 Response Fund
This more than $1 million fund, housed by United Way of Greater Nashville and chaired by former Senator Dr. Bill Frist, will deploy resources to community-based organizations. Funding decisions will be made by an advisory committee including former Sony Music Nashville CEO Joe Galante.

GRATITUNES
Say “Thank You” to the local doctors, nurses, and staff of Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a song.

GENERAL RESOURCES:

Crew Nation
Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar. Crew Nation is powered by Music Forward Foundation, a charitable 501c3 organization that will be administering the fund.

NEW MUSIC SOLIDARITY FUND
The New Music Solidarity Fund is designed to help new/creative/improvised music freelancers whose livelihood has been threatened as a result of performances which have been canceled during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes small business owners in the following designated states are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19): California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington.

Creative Capital’s List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Creative Capital has created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.

Foundation for the Contemporary Arts Emergency Fund
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts has created a temporary fund to meet the needs of artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. For as long as the foundation’s Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse $1,000 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus.

Jazz Foundation of America
The Jazz Foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund provides housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief and direct financial support in times of crisis.

Rauschenberg Emergency Grants Program
New York Foundation for The Arts has partnered with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new emergency grant program that will provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 for medical emergencies. The grants are available to visual and media artists and choreographers who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation COVID-19 DISASTER FUND
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) have created the COVID-19 Disaster Fund that is now available to eligible SAG-AFTRA members who have been impacted by this pandemic.

Sound Girls
Sound Girls, an organization that supports women working in professional audio and music production, is compiling a list of resources to utilize during this forced downtime and unemployment. From best business practices, career development, continuing education, and side hustles to get you through this trying time.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.

Resources for Writers in the Time of Coronavirus
As writers, teachers, publishers, and booksellers in local, national, and international communities “grapple with how to proceed in their creative, financial, professional, and personal lives during this time of uncertainty,” POETS & WRITERS has compiled a list of resources.

Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
Started by Luther Hughes, founder of Shade Literary Arts, this relief fund seeks to “help at least 100 queer writers of color who have been financially impacted by the current COVID-19. Priority will be given to queer Trans women, and queer disabled writers of color. The minimum disbursement is $100, and the maximum is $500.

The New Music Solidarity Fund 
This fund is an artist-led initiative that aims to grant emergency funding to musicians impacted by COVID-19. The Fund has raised over $130,000, primarily from fellow musicians, composers, and music professionals. At least two hundred and sixty, $500 emergency assistance grants will be made available to applicants who meet the criteria.

American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund
Any AGMA member in good standing is invited to apply for financial assistance under the AGMA Relief Fund, which has temporarily doubled the amount of assistance available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

AudioAssemble.com Online Resources For Musicians The website has compiled a list of online remote opportunities that are available for U.S.-based musicians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their financial resources page has short-term and long-term job opportunities, as well as governmental resources to help musicians generate revenue. 

Coronavirus: Resources for Property Owners
National Association of Realtors has compiled an online hub of resources for property owners impacted by the global pandemic

The Creator Fund
The fund covers up to $500 per creator to help cover medical, childcare, housing or grocery needs.

Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Mortgage Help for Homeowners Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Banks are taking steps to help people who have been impacted by the coronavirus.   If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period

Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger.

HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust)
The Blues foundation’s fund helps underinsured or uninsured blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a range of health concerns.

THE INNER LIGHT CHALLENGE
The Material World Foundation, created by George Harrison in 1973, is today donating $500,000 to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, Save the Children, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) charities, which are providing much needed aid and care during this COVID-19 pandemic. For every person that shares their own “Inner Light” moment on social media using the hashtag #innerlight2020, the MWF will give another $1 to help those affected by COVID-19 (up to $100k.)

Harpo Foundation Visual Arts Grant
This grant provides direct support to under-recognized artists 21 years or older. Amount awarded can be up to $10,000. Application deadline is May 1, 2020

MORE RESOURCES

Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: East Region
Resources For Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: West Region

Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

GRAMMYs

Billie Eilish

Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

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10 Major Moments From The 2020 GRAMMY Awards 10-best-unforgettable-moments-2020-62nd-grammy-awards

10 Unforgettable Moments From The 2020 GRAMMY Awards

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From Lizzo opening the show in grand fashion to Tyler, The Creator's fiery set, relive the magic below with our roundup of 10 unmissable moments from the 2020 GRAMMY Awards
Pamela Chelin
GRAMMYs
Jan 27, 2020 - 9:10 am

The 2020 GRAMMY Awards were a sight to behold on Sunday, Jan. 26, opening with a brilliant performance from Lizzo and Sasha Flute and closing out with multiple wins from 18-year-old pop wunderkind Billie Eilish, who swept the major categories (Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Album Of The Year, respectively). Though the night had an unexpected dark cloud overhead with the recent news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant's passing, host Alicia Keys and the night's many performers came through with both respectful tributes and still-celebratory vibes. Relive the magic below with our roundup of 10 unmissable moments from the 2020 GRAMMY Awards.

Lizzo Poses With Her Three GRAMMYs

Lizzo Opens The Show

Singer/songwriter, rapper and flutist Lizzo, who took home three GRAMMYs—Best Pop Solo Performance for "Truth Hurts," Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Jerome"—opened the show with a stellar performance of "Cuz I Love You," which she dedicated to Kobe Bryant. Backed by a group of all-female string and horn players and all-female backup dancers, Lizzo, dressed in a floor-length black sparkling gown before switching into a futuristic leotard for "Truth Hurts," delivered a powerhouse performance, replete with her flute delivered to her onstage on a silver platter which was fitting for this queen who, like her "Truth Hurts" lyrics express, clearly won't ever be anyone's "side chick."

Alicia Keys & Boyz II Men Pay Tribute To Kobe Bryant

GRAMMY host Alicia Keys, with her hair tightly pulled back into a bun and dressed in a silver gown, adopted an appropriately somber tone when she opened the show and addressed the audience, paying her deepest respect to the tragic loss of basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash earlier in the day. Standing in the Staples Center, home to the GRAMMYs and Los Angeles Lakers, Keys referred to the center as "the house that Kobe built" as a photo of Kobe was displayed on an overhead screen. Keys asked the audience to hold Kobe, Gianna and all those who were lost in the helicopter crash in their thoughts, prayers and spirits. Keys was then joined onstage by Boyz II Men with whom she sang a beautiful rendition of "It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye."

Read More: Alicia Keys & Boyz II Men Give A Moving Tribute To Kobe Bryant At The 2020 GRAMMY Awards

Tyler, The Creator Burns Down The House

Rapper, singer/songwriter and record producer Tyler, the Creator, who won a GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for Igor and brought his mom onstage for his acceptance speech, wore his signature platinum blond wig (for his character Igor) and a pink and magenta suit and brought sizzling, amped up energy to a charged-up performance of "EARFQUAKE" and "NEW MAGIC WAND." As he sang and danced on a simulated street, with rooftop flames coming out of surrounding houses, he was joined by an army of Tyler, the Creator lookalikes, R&B artist Charlie Wilson (his Igor collaborator) and Boyz II Men as he rose up on a platform above the stage bringing the energy to a fired-up frenzy before taking it back down again. He ended his fiery, magnetic performance appearing to fall backwards on to the ground as flames burned all around.

Tyler, The Creator Wins Best Rap Album

Camila Cabello Honors Her Father

Singer/songwriter and actress Camila Cabello, who, in 2019, was the first Latina woman to open the GRAMMYs, wore a pink gown as she sang "First Man," which she wrote about her father Ajelandro. As Cabello delivered a tender and beautiful performance, home video from her childhood played on a nearby pink curtain that was erected next to her onstage. She ended her performance by singing directly to her father who was seated in the front row of the audience. Holding his hand, as tears streamed down his face, Cabello’s father kissed his daughter’s hand before standing up and hugging her. With the two locked in a heartfelt father-daughter embrace, it was an especially powerful moment given the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. 

Demi Lovato Gives A Heartwrenching Performance Of "Anyone"

Singer/songwriter and actress Demi Lovato, dressed in a sweeping white shimmering floor-length gown, became so choked up when she began to sing "Anyone," her new song which was written several days before she overdosed in 2018, that she had to stop her performance to begin again. Her emotionality and false start, however, added further sentiment and poignancy to her heartfelt and stunning delivery as tears streamed down her cheeks while she sang. While powerfully singing "Anyone"'s painfully naked lyrics "No one is listening to me," it was clear that everyone in the audience was absolutely listening. Lovato's performance, her first return to the stage since 2018, received a standing ovation from the audience.

Lil Nas X Takes Us To The "Old Town Road"

Rapper and singer/songwriter Lil Nas X, who won two GRAMMYs—Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Old Town Road"—made his GRAMMY debut performing the smash hit. Starting off solo, strumming his guitar and singing seated on a couch next to a Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey spread across a nearby armchair, Lil Nas X, wearing a black and silver sparkly cowboy hat and silver outfit, moved through a variety of ever-changing colorful sets where he was joined by  Billy Ray Cyrus, Diplo, K-pop seven-piece BTS, and 13-year-old viral yodeling sensation Mason Ramsey for a high octane and compelling performance before diving into "Rodeo" with "Big" Nas.

Lil Nas X | 2020 GRAMMYs Thank You Cam

Billie Eilish Gives A Raw Performance Of "When The Party's Over"

18-year-old singer/songwriter Billie Eilish, who won five GRAMMYs (Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album) and her collaborator and brother FINNEAS delivered a stripped down, anguished performance of "when the party’s over" driven by Eilish’s emotional, raw and gut-wrenching vocals. Eilish, seated on a stool and dressed in sparkly Gucci pajamas with matching sneakers, kept her eyes closed throughout her anguished and mesmerizing performance as Finneas accompanied her on piano. 

Read More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: FINNEAS On Billie Eilish & "Doing Production That No One's Ever Done Before"

Watch: Billie Eilish Wins Album Of The Year

Nipsey Hussle Gets A Worthy Tribute

L.A.-born rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was shot and killed last year at just 33 years old, won two posthumous GRAMMYs—Best Rap Performance for "Racks In The Middle" and Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Higher." DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and YG paid an all-star tribute to the slain rapper in a hip-hop, R&B and gospel-infused performance that began with Mill performing a rap tribute to Hussle before being joined by Ricch for a new song called "Letter To Nipsey" followed by a powerful and affecting delivery of "Higher" by Khaled, Legend, Franklin, YG and video footage of Hussle. Photos of both Hussle and Bryant were shown at the end of the incredibly spirit-lifting performance. 

Rosalía Owns The GRAMMY Stage

Spanish singer/songwriter Rosalía, who won a GRAMMY for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for El Mal Querer, performed "Juro Que" and "Malamente (Cap 1: Augurio)." Dressed in a white fringed, form-fitting bodysuit, Rosalía started her strong vocal performance standing next to full-length mirrors and accompanied by flamenco guitarists before breaking into a captivating solo flamenco dance. The charismatic and powerful Spanish singer was then backed by a bevy of red outfitted male dancers for a red-hot, memorable performance.

Watch: Rosalia 2020 GRAMMYs Backstage

Aerosmith Prove Rock's Not Dead

Aerosmith, who were honored during GRAMMY Week with the MusiCares Person Of The Year award, took it back to the '90s with their GRAMMY-winning hit "Livin’ On The Edge"—with Steven Tyler walking off the stage, directly into the crowd and running right up to Lizzo to join in for the chorus—before being joined by legendary hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C., who broke through and emerged from a graffiti-covered wall onstage, for a rocking rendition of "Walk This Way." Originally recorded in the '70s by Aerosmith and re-recorded in the '80s by Run-D.M.C. with Tyler and lead guitarist Joe Perry, the infectious energy of the collaborative performance and Tyler's signature stalking the stage like a panther provided a great throwback touch to the evening.

Read More: Check Out The Full 2020 GRAMMYs Nominees And Winners List

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Breaking Down The Coachella 2020 Lineup breaking-down-coachella-2020-lineup-rage-against-machine-frank-ocean-calvin-harris-more

Breaking Down The Coachella 2020 Lineup: Rage Against The Machine, Frank Ocean, Calvin Harris & More Announced

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From hip-hop headliners to K-pop comebacks, the Coachella 2020 lineup reflects the current state of the music industry
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Jan 3, 2020 - 2:24 pm

The world-leading Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival is back with the much-anticipated lineup announcement for its upcoming 2020 edition. Returning to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., across two weekends—weekend one takes place Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12; weekend two takes place Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19—Coachella 2020 will feature headlining performances from the recently reunited Rage Against The Machine (Friday), hip-hop giant Travis Scott (Saturday) and R&B avant-gardist Frank Ocean (Sunday). Other artists rounding out the lineup include Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, FKA twigs, Flume, Thom Yorke, Lil Uzi Vert, Run The Jewels, Megan Thee Stallion, Disclosure, 21 Savage and many others. 

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Coachella, the most successful reoccurring festival franchise, is known for its wide-spanning annual lineups, which regularly predict and solidify music trends while also reflecting the current state of the industry. This year's artist roster continues the trend. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the Coachella 2020 lineup and what it means for the year ahead. 

Hip-Hop And R&B Lead The Way

With hip-hop and R&B surpassing rock as the most popular genre in the U.S., it's no surprise that Coachella, once a rock-centric festival in its early years, is leaning heavily into those dominating scenes. Two of the festival's main headliners, Scott and Ocean, come from the rap and R&B worlds, respectively. Even Friday headliners Rage Against The Machine, who headlined the first-ever Coachella in 1999, feature hip-hop elements in their rap-rock sound. 

The Coachella 2020 lineup also features rising hip-hop and R&B artists and bona fide stars including Roddy Ricch, 21 Savage, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Brockhampton, City Girls, Doja Cat, Pink Sweat$, Princess Nokia, Summer Walker and others. This year's lineup expands Coachella's large bet on hip-hop and R&B as the de facto sound of the new decade, a continuation of previous years, with a larger focus on emerging artists and global acts. 

Reunions, Surprise Acts And Comebacks

The big reunion at Coachella 2020 is the return of Rage Against The Machine, who last performed at the festival in 2007 and last played together as a group in 2011. Elsewhere, K-pop fans worldwide are ecstatic for the return of South Korean boy band BIGBANG, who are reuniting as a group for the first time since 2018, the year the act went on official hiatus after some of its members enlisted in their homeland's military and another member retired from the entertainment industry amid criminal and legal investigations against him. The BIGBANG booking continues Coachella's expansion into K-pop, which last year welcomed BLACKPINK as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the festival.

Read: Why is K-pop's popularity exploding in the United States?

The biggest surprise act to wow Coachella fans is Danny Elfman, the former Oingo Boingo frontman who's since become a film and TV score composer virtuoso. (You might know him best as the man behind the everlasting theme song of "The Simpsons" as well as the scores and music for major blockbuster films like Planet Of The Apes (2001), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and many others.) While Elfman may be the odd man out at this year's lineup, he joins fellow film score composer Hans Zimmer, who performed at the festival in 2017, in Coachella history.

Read: "The Simpsons" At 30: A Complete History Of Every Band That's Ever Rocked Springfield  

Latin Music Comes Back Strong

The influence of Latin music at Coachella 2019 was undeniable. Last year's lineup featured Latin pop's heavy hitters like J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Rosalía. As well, Coachella welcomed Los Tucanes De Tijuana, a legendary band from Tijuana, Mexico, who became the first-ever norteño act to perform at the festival in 2019. 

This year, Coachella continues the Latin music spree with confirmed performances from Brazilian pop superstar Anitta, Mexican banda group Banda MS and Brazilian drag star and pop singer Pabllo Vittar. The lineup also features rising Latinx indie pop and rock artists like Jessie Reyez, Cuco, Chicano Batman, Omar Apollo and Inner Wave. Ranking as the fifth most popular genre in America, Latin music continues its global domination on the charts and again at Coachella 2020.

The Many Flavors Of Pop

Ever since Drake headlined Coachella in 2015, the festival has experimented with mainstream pop headliners over the past five years: Calvin Harris in 2016, Lady Gaga (replacing Beyoncé) in 2017, Beyoncé (actually) in 2018 and Ariana Grande in 2019. For 2020, Coachella enlists a wide array of pop artists, each offering a distinct take on the genre. Acts like Lewis Capaldi, Alie Gatie and Marina lead the pack for the vocal pop singer-songwriter bunch. Lana Del Rey and FKA twigs, both billed as subheadliners for Sunday, will offer a moodier, more experimental pop experience. Then there's Charli XCX and Kim Petras, two alt-pop auteurs taking the genre to the future. Finally, Lil Nas X and Carly Rae Jepsen, both pop giants who tout global crossover appeal, will undoubtedly bring their viral sound to the festival masses. Coachella 2020 is a pop lover's dream come true. 

Experiences As Artists

While not officially billed on the lineup, Kanye West stole the show at last year's Coachella with an Easter Sunday performance from his gospel group, Sunday Service Choir. The event was one of the most talked-about performances at Coachella 2019, essentially becoming an "experience within an experience." This year, Coachella continues the trend via two standout bookings: Emo Nite and 88rising's Double Happiness.

Emo Nite, which takes over on Saturday, is the wildly popular emo-themed event series from Los Angeles that has largely sparked the emo and pop-punk revival and emo nostalgia trend of the past decade. The throwback dance party has hosted performances, surprise DJ sets and full-on tours from the genres' mainstays, including 3OH!3, Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, Dashboard Confessional and From First To Last, featuring frontman Sonny "Skrillex" Moore. That's all to say you can expect a star-studded roster at the Emo Nite gig this April. 

Elsewhere, 88rising, the hybrid management and multimedia production company and record label globalizing rap artists and hip-hop culture from the wider Asian-American and Asian markets, is presenting its Double Happiness event series at the festival. While the event, scheduled for Saturday, is featured as a standalone experience at the bottom of the bill, 88rising has confirmed several of its artists across the Coachella 2020 lineup, including Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (Friday), Japanese R&B singer/rapper Joji (Saturday) and Indonesian singer NIKI (Friday).

With Coachella leading the way, festival lineups this year may feature more experiences-as-artists bookings. 

Tickets for weekend one of Coachella 2020 are now sold out, but presale registration for weekend two is now open. A first-ever presale for weekend two begins Monday, January 6, at 12 p.m. PT. 

View the full Coachella 2020 lineup and register for the presale via the festival's official website.

Coachella Co-Founder Paul Tollett Talks Kanye, Safety, Legacy & More

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