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Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight of Odesza
Interview
Interview: What Would Odesza Do With $1 Million? odesza-growing-artists-and-reaching-higher-ground

Odesza On Growing As Artists And Reaching "Higher Ground"

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The showstopping electronic duo ready 'A Moment Apart,' and reveal the secrets behind their latest single and how they've grown as artists from album to album
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Sep 6, 2017 - 9:34 am

Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight of the electronic production duo Odesza have been putting out music together since their self-released debut album, Summer's Gone, blew on to the scene in 2012.

Odesza Talk New Album, 'A Moment Apart'

Odesza gained early praise for their unshackled beats and cinematic melodies, a style energetic dancers and vibing shoegazers alike could bite into musically, and their SoundCloud plays quickly topped 1 million in the year following their indie LP's first release.

The album quickly grabbed the attention of underground heads and Odesza's live set won over discerning festival attendees eager to hear how the nascent future bass scene would evolve. Summer's Gone struck a nerve as fans of the then-highly striated progressive/big-room and U.S. dubstep (read: bro-step) crowds  began to intermingle and seek out new sounds built more around genre fusion and sonic experimentation, and less around the purity of a single dance music form.

They soon found a home with the venerable U.K. record label Ninja Tune, former launching pad for the careers of Daedelus and Floating Points, and current home to names like Bonobo, Amon Tobin, and Machinedrum. With support from Ninja Tune, Odesza's critically acclaimed 2014 album, In Return, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and spawned RAC's GRAMMY-nominated remix of "Say My Name," a track from the album.

All during this time, Mills and Knight kept their ears open and scoured sites like SoundCloud to seek out young, on-the-cusp vocalists in order to build collaborative relationships.

"A lot of younger artists are hungrier, and more willing to try new things," Mills explains.

As they began writing their third album, the forthcoming A Moment Apart, Odesza opened up the process even more.

"We really wanted to try new things and collaborate in a new way. It was a lot of actually going into the studio, vibing it out with the song, and trying to find a new route together," says Mills. Knight is quick to echo the sentiment, adding, "It was more collaborative this time, as opposed to In Return, where it felt like there was more space between us and the other artists."

On the subject of trying new things, we posed a hypothetical to the pair: Given their penchant for grand scale production and sweeping cinematic melodies, what type of live show would they dream of putting together if they were given a near-limitless budget?

"So … we're floating above everyone …," Mills begins, "No, actually Kanye kinda already did that (laughs)." More seriously, he explains, "We really love cinematic music, and it would be great to bring a full choir, a full drumline — bigger than we've had before — a string section, a horn section. Everything together would be a pretty epic performance. Hans Zimmer-style."

"I don't know how you'd pull it off though. [It's] hard to mix like 80 artists on a stage," Knight laughs.

The duo also shared the story behind the newest single from A Moment Apart, the nostalgic mid-tempo groover "Higher Ground," which they wrote while on a creative retreat at Lake Chelan, just outside of Seattle, Wash.

"We got this email from a fan, which was Naomi Wild, and she sent this a cappella, like an older demo of the track," Mills reveals. "We were about to leave and go get dinner, but we were so inspired by her vocal that we wrote pretty much the whole song right there. It really felt like it wrote itself, which is a rare moment."

A Moment Apart is due out this week, on Sept. 8, and you can still catch Mills and Knight on their 2017 A Moment Apart Tour, which is currently wrapping up its European dates before heading back stateside with plans to hit all areas of the U.S. and Canada between late October and mid-December.

James Murphy On Advice From David Bowie, Being "Done" With Producing

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa

Photo: Hugo Comte

News
Dua Lipa Talks 'Club Future Nostalgia' dua-lipa-club-future-nostalgia-interview-madonna-blackpink-gwen-stefani

Dua Lipa Talks 'Club Future Nostalgia,' Working With Madonna And How She's Navigating The Music Industry In The COVID-19 Era

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The GRAMMY-winning pop superstar tells GRAMMY.com about the creative process behind her newly released remix album, the project's high-profile collaborations and the challenges of releasing music during the coronavirus age
Lucas Villa
GRAMMYs
Aug 29, 2020 - 5:33 pm

Club Future Nostalgia is open for business. As clubs and bar spaces around the world remained closed during the COVID-19 era, British pop superstar Dua Lipa has created a virtual club experience with Club Future Nostalgia, her newly released remix album she developed and curated alongside Chicago DJ/producer The Blessed Madonna while in quarantine.

Released Friday (Aug. 28), Club Future Nostalgia remixes all the tracks off her latest album, Future Nostalgia, which Lipa dropped in late March just as the coronavirus pandemic began to spread widely around the world. The remix album, which features contributions from fellow Brits like Mark Ronson, Joe Goddard, Paul Woolford and Jacques Lu Cont as well as American and international electronic DJs/producers like Jayda G, Masters At Work, Yaeji and others, reimagines Future Nostalgia into a nearly hour-long set that spans '80s soul and '90s house music to today's Lipa-led disco-pop revival. 

Other artists featured on the album include the Queen Of Pop, Madonna, and hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, who both guest on The Blessed Madonna's funky "Levitating" remix, as well as Gwen Stefani and K-pop princesses BLACKPINK.

The album's unique creative setting was central to the creation of Club Future Nostalgia, Lipa says. 

"It was the perfect opportunity to create something like this," Lipa tells GRAMMY.com by phone. "I had what felt like all the time in the world, and everyone's at home. It doesn't really happen so often that you get the opportunity to collaborate with all these incredible producers and artists. I think it was of-the-moment that I was able to snap everyone up, especially The Blessed Madonna, who would've been on tour by [that] time. This album really came to be because of the current climate."

Five years ago this month, Lipa launched her career with the release of her debut single, "New Love." It would take more singles to build some buzz and nearly two years for her 2017 self-titled debut album to see the light of day. After a slow-burn success, she wowed the world with her 2017 breakthrough hit, "New Rules." Never limiting her musical horizons, she next delved into dance music via collaborations with Calvin Harris ("One Kiss") and Silk City ("Electricity"), Mark Ronson and Diplo's supergroup duo. The latter garnered her a GRAMMY win for Best Dance Recording in 2019. That same night, she also took home the coveted Best New Artist GRAMMY.

With the breakout success of Future Nostalgia further solidifying Lipa's name in the music industry, she's reached a point in her career where she can do as she pleases. She now has a Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart-topper under her belt with "Un Día (One Day)," a collaboration with J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Tainy. The sky's the limit for Lipa, but what she wants most is for her fans to find joy in Club Future Nostalgia. 

Dua Lipa chatted with GRAMMY.com about the creative process behind Club Future Nostalgia, the album's high-profile remixes and collaborations and the challenges of releasing music in the age of COVID-19.

How did you manage to get Madonna on the "Levitating" remix?

It was very much a manifestation thing. I was thinking out loud. I was just talking with my manager and I was like, "You know who would sound really good on this? Madonna." And he said, "You know, we could try. We could send it to her and see if she likes it." She responded and she was so down. I was over the moon. I couldn't believe that she wanted to do this record with me. I'm such a fan. It was really exciting.

How did Gwen Stefani get involved with the "Physical" remix?

Oh my God! She is my queen. She's just amazing. When I got to interview her for "Jimmy Kimmel [Live!]," she was such a ball of light and energy. It was one of those things that just happened by chance. We had the "Hollaback Girl" sample on the remix album and we were contacting her and her team to get it cleared. I was like, "While we're at it, we should just ask her if she wants to be on the record." She was so down. She loved the "Physical" remix that Mark Ronson did. She was totally up for jumping on it. When I was waiting for her vocal to come in, I was jumping around like a 5-year-old. I was so excited.

"Physical" sounds like it was made for Gwen. She sounds great on it.

Yeah, she snapped! [Laughs.]

What was the experience like to work with BLACKPINK on "Kiss And Make Up"?

On the original version, it was really cool and fun. I had written "Kiss And Make Up" probably a year and a bit before it came out. It didn't quite fit with my album at the time, and I wanted to put it out, but I wanted it to be really special. 

I did a show in Seoul. [BLACKPINK's] Jennie and Lisa came to the show to hang out. We had an absolute blast. Immediately after hanging out with them, I was like, "I have a crazy idea. I have this song and I would love for you guys to be on it." They were so up for it and they went in the studio and translated the lyrics. It worked out so perfectly. It's one of my favorite collaborations that I've done.

The album comes with an extensive animated visualizer. Where did the idea for that come from?

Being in quarantine and lockdown, I had to think outside the box. While I was preparing the "Hallucinate" video, which I ended up doing an animation for with the animator Lisha Tan, who is amazing; it was so exciting to do that with her. I thought, "What a perfect time to try to get as many incredible and fun animators to bring their own world with every song." That's what we did with the remix album, where every producer and DJ threw their flavor and take on it. I thought it was the perfect pairing to create an animated visual video. 

Again, during this time, when would I ever be able to have the opportunity to work with so many incredible animators and artists? It's been an amazing thing to see so many people come together to create this record. A lot of time, effort and love has been put into it. It's been a fun way to reimagine the album.

There's a disco-pop revival happening in music right now. Future Nostalgia is one of the albums leading the way. Why did you decide to take that direction?

Thank you. That's such a compliment for me, especially from my first album moving into my next. I wanted to do something that felt fresh and new, something that touched on a memory, something that always rings so true to me, especially in my childhood. To be able to recreate that in a modern way was an absolute dream for me. I'm so happy that I stood by and honed in on that sound that I love. It makes me feel so good. I'm really proud of this record because I feel like I found my [footing] as an artist and as a songwriter. I really wrote things that I absolutely love. It's definitely a milestone for me in my career.

Future Nostalgia was also one of the first major albums to be released at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. What was that experience like?

At times, especially a couple days before, it was scary. It was a time of uncertainty that I was like, "I don't even know if people need my music right now." I was scared that maybe it won't get received well or that it would come across as tone-deaf because there was so much suffering. 

In the preparation to put it out, I remembered that I created this record to get away from any pressures or anxieties from the outside world. The album made me feel happy and want to dance. That persuaded me, like maybe this would at least get people's minds off what's going on and make them want to dance and feel happy. 

I'm grateful for the way people responded and the messages and videos I was sent. All the love that was pouring in—I was so happy. It still makes me so excited when people are like, "Thank you, because it was like the soundtrack to all our workouts and motivated us to stay fit during this quarantine." [Laughs.]

What was the experience like to work with J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Tainy on "Un Día (One Day)"?

It was really fun. They have such great energies, such lovely boys. What I love to do with the collaborations I do is always something that people don't expect me to do, something that's a little bit outside of my comfort zone. I love to experiment. I love to surprise people and learn so much from my peers. It was such a great experience. I love the song. 

I feel like it's another one that when I listen to it, it immediately transports me somewhere really sunny and warm. I feel like I'm by the beach when I listen to it. It was exciting for me to write to a track that I wouldn't naturally do for my own project. I think that's the magic of music and collaborations at this time. Everything is so genre-bending.

It's been five years since you released your debut single, "New Love." What have you learned about yourself in that time?

I think from five years ago, I really did stick to everything I believed in the beginning. And that was sticking to my vision, talking about my stories and being open and standing by things that I believe in and never backing down and believing in my art. That's something that I told myself five years ago that I stuck by. I always want to grow and learn so much. I really stuck to those words so much, so I feel like it helped me and guided me so much during this process.

You won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist in 2019. How did you feel when that happened?

Oh my God! I literally think I blacked out in that moment because I had to go back and listen to my speech afterwards. I was so nervous that all I did was "umm" and "ahh" because I just couldn't believe it. Like my whole world just exploded right in front of my eyes. It was the most insane thing to have ever happened. To be recognized by my peers and to have the opportunity to be up there was absolutely incredible and surreal. It definitely pushed me to be better and do better and work harder and really stick by what I believe in. I'm really grateful. I wanted to prove that I deserved it. 

You have always used your platform to support the LGBTQ+ community. Do you have a message for your LGBTQ+ fans?

Absolutely. I always believed that everyone deserves to live their truth. Tomorrow isn't promised, so we have to be as loud as we can and be proud. There's so much love and support, and I'm right here for you. I'm here every step of the way, and I love you. Thank you for everything that the LGBTQ+ community has done for me. I couldn't have done it without them.

Dua Lipa Reflects On Her Journey To Pop Stardom: "Absolutely Mental"

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Best Dance Recording Nominees, 60th GRAMMY Awards

Nominees For Best Dance Recording, 60th GRAMMY Awards

Photos: WireImage.com

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Who Will Win Best Dance Recording? 2018-grammys-poll-who-will-win-best-dance-recording

2018 GRAMMYs Poll: Who Will Win Best Dance Recording?

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Bonobo, CamelPhat & Eldrebrook, Gorillaz, LCD Soundsystem, and ODESZA are the 60th GRAMMY nominees for Best Dance Recording — who will the GRAMMY voters choose as the winner?
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Jan 3, 2018 - 11:58 am

Since first being awarded at the 40th GRAMMY Awards, the Best Dance Recording category has recognized tracks by artists as varied as Janet Jackson, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, Skrillex, and the Chemical Brothers.

Meet The GRAMMY Man

The five tracks nominated this year include first-time nominee Bonobo’s “Bambro Koyo Ganda,” featuring Innov Gnawa; first-time nominees CamelPhat & Elderbrook’s “Cola”; Gorillaz’s “Andromeda,” featuring DRAM; LCD Soundsystem’s “Tonite”; and first-time nominees ODESZA’s “Line Of Sight,” featuring WYNNE & Mansionair.

With such a stacked class of nominees, who do you think GRAMMY voters will choose as the winner for Best Dance Recording at the 60th GRAMMY Awards? Cast your vote now!

Polls

Who will GRAMMY voters choose for Best Dance Recording for the 60th GRAMMYs?

The 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, 2018, airing live on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

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Noah Cyrus at the MTV VMA Awards in 2017
Interview
Interview: Noah Cyrus on 'NC-17,' Katy Perry noah-cyrus-talks-katy-perry-tour-ben-howard-working-dad

Noah Cyrus Talks Katy Perry Tour, Ben Howard, Working With Dad

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The 17-year old singer proves she’s more than just Miley’s younger sister
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Sep 14, 2017 - 10:13 am

Pop singer/songwriter and actress Noah Cyrus has a lot to be proud of.

Noah Cyrus: Writing 'Better Me' With Her Father

In the 10 months since her debut single "Make Me (Cry)," featuring Labrinth, was released, she's garnered more than 123 million Spotify streams, the track has been certified platinum by the RIAA and, in less than a week, the 17-year-old will serve as the opening act on 21 dates of Katy Perry's 2017 Witness Tour.

Cyrus' forthcoming debut album, NC-17, is hotly anticipated, and she's even teased that her father, Billy Ray, a country singer/songwriter best known for his hit "Achy Breaky Heart," is a surprise co-writer on one of the album's tracks.

With her career having kick-started at such a frenetic pace, it's safe to say Cyrus has already encountered and had to overcome some big hurdles in the past year: namely dealing with constant questions about her older, and extremely successful older sister, Miley Cyrus.

"Getting over the questions about Miley, and pushing pride aside," she admits. "Not that I don't want to talk about her, because I love her! But that was kinda the time where I had to accept it, and not let it bother me, because that's what comes with it."

For my part, I kept questions about Miley to a minimum and light-hearted — I wanted to know which number she thought was higher: the number of streams she'd gotten to date on her debut single, or the number of questions interviewers have asked her about Miley.

"(Laughing) I get asked a lot of questions … but not, like, every single day, so it's definitely the streams on 'Make Me (Cry).'"

However, at first, Cyrus felt a sense of nervousness and vulnerability prior to sharing her music with the world for the first time, especially given the fast success of the single. But this also became "the best part."

"I was so nervous, but it was probably the best time I've has so far," says Cyrus. "['Make Me (Cry)'] came out, and I went right on to Jimmy Fallon. And then to 'Ellen,' and then to James Corden, and [the] iHeart Awards. It was all the things I wasn't used to, and those were all in the first couple weeks. That was definitely the best part for me."

What helped prepare Cyrus for sharing her most personal music in a big way was her collaboration with multitalented artist and producer Labrinth, with whom she was able to give her own sound a test run in a place she felt comfortable before heading to these huge, public stages.

"I played him all this music that I was uncomfortable playing [for] people, because I didn't know what they'd think of it," she reveals. "I was only really comfortable with him. He really accepted it, and made me feel so much more confident about it. It was instant when we clicked."

While performing your music live in front of massive TV and live audiences may be nerve-wracking at first, given Cyrus was a competitive equestrian rider when she was younger, the pre-show jim-jams she may have felt before a horse show have prepared her for high-pressure situations.

"Oh my God, nothing compares to the pre-horse show jitters!" she gushes. "It's like going on 'American Idol' or 'The Voice' all the time, because you're just going and getting judged for your entire show. [The judges] are there to tell you, 'You did a bad job (laughing).'"

Luckily, it sounds like Cyrus is well prepared for the next major leg of her career, her upcoming tour dates with Perry, along with other openers Purity Ring and Carly Rae Jepsen. Cyrus will be joining the Witness tour for the North American leg from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, including cities such as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York.  

"I'm so excited, I've loved Katy since I was super little," she exclaims. "I've always looked up to her and she's such a sweetheart. I feel like I'm not going on the road with a complete stranger, so I'm not going to be quite so nervous and scared."

Being around celebrities such as Perry is likely second nature to Cyrus, but there is one artist who might stop her in her tracks: Lady Gaga. Cyrus credited her favorite track as the GRAMMY winner's piano ballad "Speechless," calling it "an artist's song."

"It's very true to her, and very honest," she adds. 

She counts Ben Howard as another of her inspirations. In Howard's case, however, Cyrus found herself unable to narrow down a single favorite song, instead picking the entirety of the British crooner's 2014 album, I Forget Where We Were.

While Cyrus admitted that she rarely gets starstruck, she said Howard is most likely the one person who would leave her speechless upon meeting.

"I don't think I would say anything. I think I would just stare and be like, 'Oh my goodness, the words I've been listening to actually come out of your mouth!'" she says. "Or I would just be like, ' I love you so much, thank for starting all of this for me,' because really, I don't know if I ever would have gone into a session if I hadn't fallen in love with music, and I really fell in love with his music first."

Cyrus' NC-17 is slated for release this fall, though no release date is set as of this writing. In the meantime, you can catch her on tour with Perry starting Sept. 19.

Interview: Odesza On Growing As Artists And Reaching "Higher Ground"

Student plays music with headphones

Photo: Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images

 

List
19 End Of Summer Songs For Heading Back To School back-school-students-reveal-end-summer-songs-soundtrack

Back To School Songs: Students Reveal End Of Summer Soundtrack

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From Kendrick Lamar and Foo Fighters to COIN, Paramore and Khalid, get a taste of the songs GRAMMY U college students are feeling as they head back to school this fall
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Aug 29, 2017 - 4:56 pm

Almost everyone is stoked when summertime rolls around each year, and that usually goes double for college students.

Exams are finished, papers are written, presentations have been delivered, and all that's in front of you is a few months of rest, relaxation, vacation, and vegetation (of the couch-potato variety). But on the flip side of the season, the feelings we experience as we transition back into fall, and by extension the school year, are generally a bit more complex.

Each student views the coming school year through a different lens, their feelings informed by everything from how they left things with their roommates and teachers the previous year, to what they may have accomplished during the summer months, to their excitement (or sometimes lack thereof) for the future as they start the next phase of their scholastic career.

Music is there for us whenever we try to examine and unpack our most complex feelings. The words and melodies written by our favorite artists have the power to strengthen and embolden us, comfort or console, or just let us know that someone else understands.

We asked a group of our most active GRAMMY U students to bottle their feelings in song as they return to school for the 2017–2018 year. Here are the 19 tracks they picked — take a listen, take a read, and take some time to reflect on where your head is at as the summer draws to a close.

 

"Run," Foo Fighters

This new single from the Foo Fighters has been on my playlists all summer. With lyrics like "In another perfect light/we run," that seem to be reminiscing on better summer days, and lyrics that are more forward looking like "We are the nation's stakes/ if everything's erased/what you gonna do?" the song sounds like a classic Foo Fighters jam, which is always helpful for getting me ready to go to class.  — Christina F., Seattle University, class of 2018

"Get It," Kaleb Mitchell

This song describes my motivation for this year and how I want to excel in everything I do. It gives me motivation that, though one may be looked at as the underdog, it is possible to still come out victorious. — Wande I., University of Texas at Austin, Class of 2018

"Young, Dumb & Broke," Khalid

As a second-year law student, everyone is rushing to plan the next two years of their lives in two weeks instead of realizing that life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We have the rest of our lives to plan our careers, so there is time to enjoy the journey. — Honor W., Howard University School of Law, class of 2019

"Blood & Tears," Joseph

As I'm heading into my senior year, I've spent time reflecting on my time in college, and I truly feel I have put blood and tears into finishing my degree. However, like this song implies, it wasn't easy, but I'm going to finish strong! — Meredith W., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"DNA.," Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar's "DNA." is a confidence booster, and a bold reminder of how limitless the future is when you tap into what's already inside of you and focus on that end goal. — Brandon T., Full Sail University, class of 2017

"Obsession (25/7)," Vice feat. Jon Bellion & Kylie

Not wasting any time, the beat creates an instant vibe that refuses to let you to sit still. The rhythmic high-pitched sounds throughout this song work as a funky humming bird serenading your ear. And with Jon Bellion's smooth vocals leading the verses, by the chorus you're in it! The crazy pallet of sounds used and strong synths immediately hypnotize your body, leaving you with uncontrollable movement. This hit song just exudes happiness and joy; a great way to start off the school year! — Medhan A., Columbia College Chicago, class of fall 2017

"ABC," Jackson 5

It helps me remember that everything can be as easy as 123, and as simple as do re mi, especially as a music student. — Oliver R., California State University, Northridge, class of 2018

"There For You," Martin Garrix feat. Troye Sivan

The song is bittersweet and has a centralized idea around the trust between one person to another. I see the song as my trust toward my school, and the emotions that come with friends, finals, and new experiences that come with each new year. — Marc G., Seattle University, class of 2019

"Unforgettable," French Montana feat. Swae Lee

Going into my last semester of school, I think of how unforgettable my time at Columbia College has been, and how I've grown to be the person I am today. It also has such a summer vibe, I've been listening to this song every day since it came out. — Nicole H., Columbia College Chicago, class of 2018

"Another Day Of Sun," from La La Land

This song is about chasing your dreams, because there is really no other thing you want to or could possibly do, but also a reminder that "when they let you down" there is a new mercy each morning.  I'm excited to "chase all the lights that shine" this school year, as the new year offers a clean slate to have yet another day of sun. — Kenady S., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"Malibu 1992," COIN

This song encapsulates the reminiscence and longing one can have for something/someone, and it relates to how I feel moving on from this summer and going back to school. I am excited for what is ahead of me, but I know I will be nostalgic for the simplicity and memories of this past summer. — Saloni J., DePaul University, class of 2020

"Hard Times," Paramore

Lyrically, the song perfectly describes the majority of college students' mindset midway through a semester. Ironically, the song's dynamic is very upbeat. I like to think that, despite the hardships that academics may bring, there's an acceptance that academics will be difficult, but we may push through and strive if we choose to. — Maxwell Y., Texas State University, class of 2018

"The Queen," Lady Gaga

This song captures my excitement to take on new challenges and helps me unleash the confidence I need to take on my new classes and upcoming performances/showcases! When I'm feeling stressed out, I'll remember I can be the queen that's inside of me! — Kira M., Los Angeles College of Music, class of 2018

"2U," David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber

Above all, this song is about devotion, and if I have learned anything about college or the music industry, it is that there is truly no limit to what you can achieve if you commit fully in body, mind, passion, and honesty. — Lucky B., Musicians Institute, class of 2018

"Glorious," Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey

After a semester of studying abroad, I cannot wait to get back to school, and back to GRAMMY U! This song captures my excitement about the upcoming school year, and how motivated I'm feeling for another great year.  — Gabrielle R., George Washington University, class of 2018

"Wish (Komm Zu Mir),” Thomas D. feat. Franka Potente

The song is a soundtrack from Run Lola Run, a movie in which the protagonist runs relentlessly to subvert fate. I'm starting my final year in college, and this song helps prepare me for an extremely hectic semester. — Evie W., Agnes Scott College, class of 2018

"Molasses," Hiatus Kaiyote

The song describes a person who doesn't know their future, but they stay fearless regardless. It's something I resonate with at the beginning of a crazy last year. — Bria D., Pepperdine University, class of 2018

"Bellyache," Billie Eilish

My college experience has been rather underwhelming as far as knowledge and growth are concerned … my classes haven't pushed me much, so most of my time is spent teaching myself how to grow as an artist based upon real world experiences. I chose this song because it embodies how psychotic school makes me feel. — Butch "OddKidOut" S., Drexel University, class of 2018

"The Future," San Holo feat. James Vincent McMorrow

We all think wayyy too much about our careers and where we are headed in the future. Stop thinking so much about the future and be present in the now. — Janette B., master's student, University of Miami, class of 2018

Go Back To School With Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton: College Courses With Your Favorite Artists

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.