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Will Jay

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Rising Pop Artist Will Jay Wonders What Could Have Been On "By Now" For Press Play

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The Los Angeles native singer/songwriter reflects on a decade of pursuing his dreams in his moving original song
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Apr 9, 2020 - 10:00 am

Will Jay might be the first to tell you that he still hasn't written anything you know... at least not yet. But this rising talent has been on the rise long enough to know the value of hard work toward your dreams. In latest episode of Press Play, Jay unleashes his candid and personal original song, "By Now," showing all of his music industry battle scars as well as his deep well of talent. 

Will Jay Performs "By Now" For Press Play

Released as a single in 2019, "By Now," which was produced by Jeoff Harris and co-written by Jay with Sam Creighton and Emily Kocontes, is a two-and-a-half minute life story, a moving tale of a young man chasing his dreams and losing himself in the process. 

The timeline in the song goes back as early as age 5. when Jay started performing. He started writing his own songs at age 11 and was signed to a record deal at just 14 years old, when he dropped out of high school to pursue music when is band were signed to a deal. It's all there in the lyrics of "By Now," which are factual about his life and the decade he's spent pursuing a career in music. 

Jay names The Beatles, Elton John, Jon Bellion, Max Martin and Labrinth as his musical influences, and credits Lady Gaga for inspiring him to be fearless and keep going toward his dreams. 

His latest single, the equally as literal and direct "I Don't Want To Die," has been creating even more buzz for the still-young whimsical pop tunesmith. At this rate, it's only a matter of time before the world know his name...

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

 

GRAMMYs

Durand Bernarr

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Durand Bernarr Unleashes "Melody" For Press Play At Home

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The talented singer/songwriter and Erykah Badu protégé invites you into his home for this special performance
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 25, 2020 - 11:12 am

Durand Bernarr's Incorporates musical flavors inspirations from everywhere from gospel to music theater, Rick James to Erykah Badu, creating a sound and a style all his own.

Durand Bernarr Performs "Melody" | Press Play

In the latest edition of the Recording Academy's Press Play At Home series, Bernarr delivers a stripped-down performance of "Melody," sizzling with style, swaggar, and soaring vocal riffs that show off his range and charisma as an artist.  

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and based in Los Angeles, Bernarr worked GRAMMY-winning band Earth, Wind & Fire when he was just 16 years old. He counts his performance at Coachella 2011 as a career highlight, and he's performed extensively as a back-up singer for Badu and worked with the likes of The Internet, Anderson .Paak and Teedra Moses. 

Bernarr released his debut EP, Sound Check, in 2016. His forthcoming album DUR& featuring Ari Lennox and Kaytranada is due out summer 2020.

Learn more about what's influenced Bernarr's unique sound and experience his head-spinning vocal range in the video above.

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MAX Asks The Lover's Big Question On "Love Me Less" For Press Play At Home

 

 

GRAMMYs

MAX

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MAX Asks The Lover's Big Question On "Love Me Less" For Press Play At Home

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Watch his electrifying stripped-down performance from home of his latest hit
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 18, 2020 - 10:19 am

Catchy is a state of mind, and for New York native MAX, it seems to run through his blood. In the latest edition of the Recording Academy's Press Play At Home, MAX proves his pop prowess with a stripped-down version of his hit "Love Me Less."

MAX Performs "Love Me Less" | Press Play

Born and raised in Hell's Kitchen, MAX got his start in entertainment on Broadway starring alongside fellow future star Ariana Grande in the show "13."

"Love You Less" was co-written by Roget chahayed, imad-Roy El-Amine, Max Schneider, Nolan Sipe and Mikael Temrowski after MAX's ex-girlfriend threatened to get his British wife deported. It took over a year to complete to be included on MAX's sophomore album Colour Vision, set to be released Sept. 18.

In the video, you'll learn a lot more about "Love You Less," including that it was the first song MAX released after he could not speak for four months following vocal cord surgery, and it gave MAX his second song to go gold after breakout hit "Lights Down Low."

The song earned some famous co-signs from both Jungkook and SUGA of BTS, sharing it on their playlists. 

For further viewing, and to get to know MAX even better, check out the song's official music video, featuring his actual parents, wife Emily and one of his best friends.

Grammys Newsletter

Rising Pop Artist Will Jay Wonders What Could Have Been On "By Now" For Press Play

GRAMMYs

Lollapalooza 2019

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

News

Lollapalooza 2020 Canceled, Along With Other Chicago Summer Fests, Due To Coronavirus Concerns

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Festival organizers turn their sights to its 30th anniversary edition in 2021 as the city announces slate of summer virtual events
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 9, 2020 - 12:56 pm

The city of Chicago has officially canceled Lallapalooza 2020, as well other summer festivals including the Chicago Jazz Festival, due to concerns over coronavirus. As the Chicago Tribute put it, "Summer is over in Chicago before it even began."

“We must provide ways for people to enjoy the spirit of a Chicago summer while prioritizing health and safety,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. “As difficult as it is to remove these in-person events from our calendar, we are pulling out all the stops for an inventive, engaging and fun festival season this summer.”

The annual mega-festival was set to return to Chicago's Grant Park July 30 - Aug. 2. But Lolla organizers had yet to reveal this year's lineup or make tickets available for sale, and now shifting their focus to planning for the festival's 30th anniversary celebration in 2021.

The news is not all bad, however, as the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has announced, "A slate of more than 150 reimagined summer events that will include at-home dance parties, virtual concerts, farmers markets and community meals for frontline workers."

Similarly, Lollapalooza is instead planning a weekend-long streaming event for July 30 - Aug. 2. For more information, visit the festival website.  

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11 Breakout Acts You May Have Missed At Lollapalooza 2019

GRAMMYs

Angela Aguilar

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Angela Aguilar Releases "Que No Se Apague la Música" At-Home Concert To Benefit MusiCares

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From her home in Zacatecas, Mexico, the teen superstar offers up a dynamic performance dedicated to the music community, the doctors and nurses fighting the pandemic and her loyal fans
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Jun 3, 2020 - 11:16 am

GRAMMY-nominated ranchera singer Angela Aguilar has taken the perform-at-home format to a new level, releasing her elaborate new concert-at-home video, "Que No Se Apague la Música," to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Releif Fund.

The seven-song set from outside her home in Zacatecas, Mexico, proves even without an audience, Aguilar dazzles and endears, complete with costume changes, guest appearances, heartfelt messages to viewers and an eclectic mix of songs to keep the music from stopping amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

Along the way, Aguilar welcomed cameo song introductions from a few friends. GRAMMY winner Jesse Huerta of Jesse & Joy introduced Aguilar's version of his duo's song "Corre,' folk singer Angeles Ochoa teed up the Tomás Méndez-written ranchera classic "Paloma Negra" and singer/actress Ana Bárbara offered her well-wishes before Angela kicked into "Fruta Prohibida" with her brother, Leonardo Aguilar, on guitar and vocals, keeping Aguilar musical dynasty going strong.

The concert set out to raise money for the MusiCares COVID-19 Releif Fund to help music creators and professionals affected by the Coronavirus crisis. Thanks to support from various artists, organizations and charites, the fund has raised millions so far, but much more is needed.

Last year, Aguilar was nominated for her first career GRAMMY when her sophomore album Primero Soy Mexicana earned the nod in the for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) category. Earlier this year, Aguilar released Baila Esta Cumbia, a seven-song tribute to Selena.

You can watch Aguilar's concert special "Que No Se Apague la Música" and make a donation on her YouTube page.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.