meta-scriptPress Play At Home: Watch Yola Perform A Rock-Solid Rendition Of "Stand For Myself" | GRAMMY.com
Press Play At Home: Watch Yola Perform A Rock-Solid Rendition Of "Stand For Myself"

Yola

news

Press Play At Home: Watch Yola Perform A Rock-Solid Rendition Of "Stand For Myself"

In the latest episode of Press Play At Home, four-time GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Yola declares her independence with a simple, strong performance of "Stand For Myself"

GRAMMYs/Jun 17, 2021 - 11:47 pm

After years of "vibes," it's official: Songs are back. No matter how much production wizardry you throw on a track, the world seems to be remembering that songs are only as good as their foundation. 

In her song "Stand For Myself," the gifted, four-time GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Yola seems to doubly allude to this axiom and her own self-containment.

Over a handful of first-position chords, Yola lets loose her mighty voice. "I understand why you close your eyes/Why you deaf your ears/I realize now, you wanna feel nothing," she booms. "Just like I was, a coward in the shadows/No view from above."


In the latest episode of Press Play At Home, Yola shows she's the opposite of cowardly. With the simple and strong flavors of an acoustic guitar, a stripped-down ensemble, and her inimitable voice, she proves she can stand tall on her own accord.

Check out Yola's self-assured performance of "Stand For Myself" above and click here to enjoy more episodes of Press Play At Home.

Press Play At Home: Watch Omah Lay Elevate A Room While Performing "Can't Relate"

Press Play: Watch Kenya Vaun Reminisce About "Yesterday" In This Sentimental Studio Performance
Kenya Vaun

Photo: Courtesy of Kenya Vaun

video

Press Play: Watch Kenya Vaun Reminisce About "Yesterday" In This Sentimental Studio Performance

Philadelphia native and R&B newcomer Kenya Vaun honors the beauty of childhood in this stripped-down performance of "Yesterday," a track from her new EP, 'The Honeymoon Phase.'

GRAMMYs/Mar 26, 2024 - 05:01 pm

Now in her early twenties, R&B rookie Kenya Vaun would give anything to return to her childhood adolescence — the days of block-turned-house parties and no bills.

"Feels like it was only yesterday/ And life was so easy yesterday," Vaun raps in the chorus of her new song, "Yesterday." "If I had the chance to do it again/ I'd do it the same/ The joy and the pain/ The coldest of winters/ The summertime rain/ No, I wouldn't change my yesterdays."

In this episode of Press Play, watch Vaun deliver a live rendition of the track, straight from the recording studio.

"Yesterday" arrives on Vaun's latest EP, The Honeymoon Phase, which dropped March 22 via 300 Entertainment. She also released an accompanying music video, filmed in her hometown, Philadelphia.

"'Yesterday' talks about my experiences when I was younger because that is a huge part of what made me who I am today," Vaun said in an interview with Rated R&B. "Seeing how times are today, it's kind of like, 'Dang. Imagine if I grew up during this time.' I don't know how I would be, like, for real."

Watch the video above to hear Kenya Vaun's nostalgic performance of "Yesterday," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more episodes of Press Play.

25 Artists To Watch In 2024: Chappell Roan, VCHA, Teezo Touchdown & More

Press Play: Jade LeMac Delivers A Stunning Acoustic Performance Of Her Breakthrough Single, "Constellations"
Jade LeMac

Photo: Courtesy of Jade LeMac

video

Press Play: Jade LeMac Delivers A Stunning Acoustic Performance Of Her Breakthrough Single, "Constellations"

On the heels of releasing a deluxe version of her second EP, 'Confessions,' rising pop star Jade LeMac strips down her starry-eyed debut single, "Constellations," for a sultry acoustic version.

GRAMMYs/Mar 12, 2024 - 05:00 pm

On "Constellations," pop singer and social media star Jade LeMac has stars in her eyes after a passionate moment in love.

"Your freckles lead the way/ I trace your constellations," LeMac sings in the chorus. But as the two leave each other's arms, it's like they're a galaxy away: "Now, you're gone in the blink of an eye/ I try to remember what you look like/ Orion's Belt in the sky/ Closest thing to you other than my mind."

In this episode of Press Play, LeMac delivers an at-home performance of "Constellations," stripping down the wavy track with just an acoustic guitar.

Initially released in 2021 via Arista Records, "Constellations" was LeMac's debut single, and eventually became the title of her 2023 debut EP. Nine months after releasing Constellations, LeMac delivered another EP, titled Confessions — and on March 1, she gave it the deluxe treatment.

"['Constellations'] started this whole journey, and I wouldn't be here without it," she said in a statement about the song, which went viral on TikTok after being featured in Netflix's My Life with the Walter Boys. "I have learned so much about myself, my songwriting, and storytelling."

Watch the video above to watch Jade LeMac's lovesick performance of "Constellations," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Press Play.

TikTok's Musical Class Of 2023: 8 Artists Who Transformed Virality Into Stardom, From Tyla to FIFTY FIFTY

Press Play: Chikoruss Delivers A Suave Performance Of "In 2 Deep"
Chikoruss

Photo: Courtesy of Chikoruss

video

Press Play: Chikoruss Delivers A Suave Performance Of "In 2 Deep"

R&B newcomer Chikoruss strips down his 300 Entertainment debut single, "In 2 Deep," for an intimate acoustic rendition.

GRAMMYs/Feb 27, 2024 - 11:48 pm

On "In 2 Deep," R&B newcomer Chikoruss makes one thing clear: he's blasé about any potential lover's relationship status. If he feels a spark, he'll follow that connection and consider the consequences later.

"I know you got a man, but I don't care," he boldly declares in the first verse. "Honestly, you should really make more time for me/ F— around, find out, you gon' see/ No matter, they say this love the same."

In this episode of Press Play, Chikoruss performs an acoustic rendition of the assertive single.

"In 2 Deep" is the Montreal native's premiere track with 300 Entertainment. As Chikoruss explained in a press release, the song is special to him because he made it during his first trip to LA. "It was the day I dropped my debut single, 'Body Language,'" he recalled. "I was beaming off of the good energy from the release."

Chikoruss' rookie year also saw the singer opening up for Bryson Tiller at the Toronto show of his 2023 tour. As he continues to craft "the Chikoruss sound," his goal is to create more tracks like "In 2 Deep," which channel the 2000s with a feel-good, modern approach.

Watch the video above to hear more about Chikoruss' fearless pursuits in love in this live performance of "In 2 Deep," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Press Play.

7 Artists From R&B's New Class: Coco Jones, Kiana Ledé, Phabo & More

Press Play: Watch Tish Melton Preview Debut EP With A Stripped-Down Performance Of "Sober"
Tish Melton

Photo: Courtesy of Tish Melton

video

Press Play: Watch Tish Melton Preview Debut EP With A Stripped-Down Performance Of "Sober"

Indie pop newcomer — and Brandi Carlile's mentee — Tish Melton premieres "Sober," an emotional track from her upcoming EP, 'When We're Older,' out March 1.

GRAMMYs/Feb 13, 2024 - 07:50 pm

Beneath the empty bottles, Tish Melton wants to know if her love is true; to her, drunken confessions of love mean nothing. It's what happens when the party's over and no one is watching — that's when she sees that person at their most authentic.

"You're standing close/ But you're so far away/ Your eyes are closed/ But you see me anyway," Melton sings on the bridge of her emotional track "Sober." "And I swear you told me you love me on the walk home/ If you meant it, I'll never know/ I think we should stay sober."

In this episode of Press Play, the indie pop newcomer premieres "Sober" with a raw and intimate acoustic performance.

"Sober" is an unreleased track from her upcoming first EP, When We're Older, which arrives on March 1. Melton previously released three singles in 2023, "Damage," "The Chase," and "Michelle."

As she prepares her debut project, Melton already has a major supporter in her corner: nine-time GRAMMY winner Brandi Carlile, who has been a mentor to Melton since recognizing her talent at her debut show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

"Tish is so young and so brilliant," Carlile, who produced When We're Older, revealed in a press statement. "Like most lessons in life, I learned this one while I thought I was teaching it. We should guide youth in music, but there is no question that it should lead."

Watch the video above to hear Tish Melton's honest performance of "Sober," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Press Play.

How 'Venus' Helped Zara Larsson Find Joy In Her Journey: "I Have Cemented Myself As An Artist"