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GRAMMYs

"Press Play"

News
"Press Play" On Pride Month With New Episodes press-play-series-celebrate-pride-month-special-edition-episodes

"Press Play" Series To Celebrate Pride Month With Special Edition Episodes

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Every Wednesday in June, the Recording Academy will feature a new LGBTQ+ artist in our exclusive original performance series in celebration of Pride Month.
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 4, 2019 - 11:42 pm

Pride Month is here! And the Recording Academy is celebrating with four new episodes of our exclusive performance series Press Play. Each Wednesday this month at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT starting June 5, a new installment of Press Play will premiere right here on GRAMMY.com.. 

"Press Play" Celebrates Pride Month 2019

This special edition will feature up-and-coming musicians that represent the LGBTQ+ community including three-time GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Asiahn, country singer/songwriter Brandon Stansell, pop singer VINCINT, and soul singer Shea Diamond.

"Having my single where I'm singing about loving another woman on the radio is a big deal," said Asiahn when asked how music can help make progress toward equality, adding, "I feel like we still need some more representation out there, there's still people who aren't represented."

As we celebrate Pride all month long, get to know these four artists through their "Press Play" episodes each week.

Celebrate LA Pride With The Recording Academy & Special Guests

 

 

 

GRAMMYs

Asiahn

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Asiahn Sings "Like You" On Press Play asiahn-sings-about-love-vibes-timing-you-special-pride-month-edition-press-play

Asiahn Sings About Love, Vibes & Timing On "Like You" In This Special Pride Month Edition Of Press Play

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The accomplished songwriter and artist performs her latest In this exclusive special Pride Month edition of Press Play
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 19, 2019 - 10:00 am

Our celebration of Pride Month continues with another special edition of Press Play. This week, three-time GRAMMY nominationated singer/songwriter Asiahn bares her soul in an exclusive performance of her song "Like You" from her latest album, Love Train 2. 

So far this month, she has performed at Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and L.A. Pride in Los Angeles. Asiahn spoke to us about what the LGBTQ+ communtiy means to her and how she's helping promote equality.

"I am a lesbian, so just to be a part of the community is big for me, and then to be an advocate and a person in the music industry to represent for so many others who don't get that representation in the music industry is definitely a big deal," said Asiahn. "Having my single where I'm singing about loving another woman on the radio is a big deal... I feel like we still need some more representation out there, there's still people who aren't represented."

If you're lucky enough to catch her show live with her band, which she calls Asiahn & The Vibe, you'll feel her talent is matched only by her authenticity. The Charleston, S.C.-raised Los Angeles-based artist first became interested in music from her parents and her grandmother, also a vocalist. Asiahn's music talents bloomed, and the versatille artist now plays several instruments, including violin, clarinet, bass clarinet, and bass guitar. Recently, she was also invited to join the Recording Academy as part of its inaugural invite class of 2019.

Y’all .... I’m Officially apart of the @RecordingAcad Thank you to everyone at the Academy for your Love and support!! It’s Lit!! pic.twitter.com/5rrjF3q1t7

— ASIAHN (@IamAsiahn) June 5, 2019

In addition to her accomplishments as an artist, Asiahn also counts an impressive list of songwriting credits under her writing moniker Asia Bryant for other artists, including J. Lo, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Lil Wayne and more. She also was featured on "Just Another Day" from Dr. Dre's Compton album. We asked he what her secret is to writing great songs without getting stuck.

"If I ever get writer's block. I just put the pen down, put the phone down. I go live life. It means you're just not inspired at the moment," she said. "You need to go live some real life and do some real things that inspire you. Sometimes just sitting behind a computer, or behind your phone or pad all the time, you run out of things to say, and you run out of ways to say it, which means it's time to go do something else. Go listen to some different genres of music... go bunjee jump or do some go-karts, lazer tag, do anything to get your creative juices flowing."

You can hear the creative juices flowing in her exclusive performance of "Like You" for Press Play. Enjoy!

VINCINT Sings "Please Don't Fall In Love" For Press Play Pride Month Special Edition

 

GRAMMYs

Shea Diamond 

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Shea Diamond Sings "Don't Shoot" For Press Play shea-diamond-sings-dont-shoot-special-pride-month-edition-press-play

Shea Diamond Sings "Don't Shoot" For Special Pride Month Edition Of Press Play

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The dynamic soul singer delivers a moving perfomranc of her new single In this exclusive special Pride Month edition of Press Play
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 26, 2019 - 10:00 am

In this special Pride Month edition of Press Play, we hear from soul singer Shea Diamond as she delivers an exclusive performance of her new single, "Don't Shoot."

Born in Little Rock, Ark, before moving to Memphis and then Flint, Mich, Diamond was inspired to become a singer by Tina Turner and honed her skills as a singer singing in church choir. As a Black Transgender woman, she faced many obscacles and expectations.

“As early as I can remember, I always identified as being a girl. It was hard work to pretend to be a gender that you’re not," Diamond said. "I should have gotten an Oscar, really. I had so much pressure on me as child to be masculine. Even when I was the choir director for our church, my mother would still whisper in my ear that I was singing too high. Growing up trans takes a lot of guts.”

Her debut EP, Seen It All, arrived last year, and earlier this month, "Don't Shoot" was released as a single. "Don't Shoot" was co-written by Diamond with Justin Tranter and Brandon Colbein and it is dedicated to the memory of gun violence victims, especially Black and Brown Trans people.

This year I fell like a superstar! Trans woman out her in these streets proudly represented at #DCPride #musician #MusicHourUK #WorldPride #TransIsBeautiful #erasureisreal #RepresentationMatters #BlackMusicMonth #activist #BlackExcellence #BlackLivesMatter #musicthatmatters pic.twitter.com/IDQp5cp4aj

— Shea Diamond (@iamsheadiamond) June 26, 2019

Feel the power in her words and voice in this exclusive performance of "Don't Shoot" for Press Play.

VINCINT Sings "Please Don't Fall In Love" For Press Play Pride Month Special Edition

 

 

GRAMMYs

Brandon Stansell

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Brandon Stansell's "Hometown" On Press Play brandon-stansell-takes-us-his-hometown-special-pride-month-edition-press-play

Brandon Stansell Takes Us To His "Hometown" In Special Pride Month Edition Of Press Play

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Meet the Tennessee native singer/songwriter changing the landscape of country and watch his exclusive Press Play performance of his biggest hit in thie special Pride Month edition of Press Play
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 5, 2019 - 10:39 am

In the first of four special Pride Month edition episodes of Press Play, the Recording Academy's orignal perormance series, country singer/songwriter Brandon Stansell delivers his song "Hometown," inspired by his own coming out story.

As a native of Georgetown, Tenn., Stansell played his first show ever at the Grand Ole Opry at age of 6 - not a bad start to a career on-stage. A man of many talents, he also performed as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift in 2009 and 2010.

Stansell initially wrote "Hometown" for himself, not thinking the song would be released. Now, the music video is receiving regular rotation on CMT, one of first of its kind to address LGBTQ themes on the network. The singer has also pledged a portion of proceeds from vinyl pre-sales of "Hometown" will go to support Equality California.

Watch Stansell's special Press Play performance of "Hometown" and catch him performing at Pride Festivals in L.A. and Nashville this month. For a full list of tour dates, visit his website.

"Press Play" Series To Celebrate Pride Month With Special Edition Episodes

GRAMMYs

Kristolyn Lloyd at 2018 GRAMMYs

 

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

 
News
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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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.