This piece was written and reported by Alondra Lopez, a member of GRAMMY U's Los Angeles chapter, and Nicole Lewis, a member of GRAMMY U’s Nashville chapter, ahead of the 2021 GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Awards.
I flew into Vegas for my first-ever visit on the night of November 17. The MGM Grand lobby was buzzing with excitement ahead of the 2021 Latin GRAMMYs as I headed up to my room. Shortly after settling in, I received a text from Los Angeles GRAMMY U Representative Alondra Lopez, asking if I would be available for a meeting the next morning with L.A. Chapter Executive Director Qiana Conley, and a few of the nominees for an interview. Without hesitation, I said I would be there and immediately got to bed, anxious for the big day ahead.
This would later lead to a longer project covering three 20th Latin GRAMMY-nominated creators including Daniel Galindo and Maria Toledo and three 64th GRAMMY Award nominees, Autumn Rowe, Jeff "Gitty" Gitleman, and Dale Becker. Little did I know at the time of the Latin GRAMMYs, that I would be right back at the MGM Grand in April for the 2022 GRAMMYs.
In the morning, the three of us sat down with GRAMMY nominated engineer Brian Lucey — whose vast credits include projects with the likes of Ryan Tedder and Michael Buble, as well as The Greatest Showman, In The Heights and more. The energy was high when Lucey sat down with us on the morning of the Latin GRAMMYs ahead of his win.
Not only is Lucey an extraordinary engineer, but he is also a teacher which was evident as he seamlessly explained complex technical and musical concepts over our casual lunch at the MGM Grand.
Lucey explained how he listens to music as an engineer — a practice of "whole body listening" which can be achieved through meditation or whatever helps you listen without bias. Listening to music as an engineer requires you to "get out of the way" so that you can. He goes on to explain that when working on music, it is important to have a larger frame of references to be able to understand what they are listening to in a macro sense. He continues to stress the importance of balance between physical, intellectual and emotional responses.
Engineer Daniel Galindo joined us over Zoom and recalled how, when he got the call about his Latin GRAMMY nomination for Juanes' Origen, he was worried it would be bad news. After feeling initially relieved when it was good news, he was also shocked as this was his first major award nomination. Engineering for Juanes also proved to be a full circle moment for Galindo, as he grew up listening to the Colombian singer/songwriter.
Flamenco artist Maria Toledo celebrated her fifth Latin GRAMMY nomination this past year for her EP El Rey. She has been singing and playing piano her entire life and is her own accompanist, a distinguishing factor for the artist/performer. Maria's hometown of Toledo, Spain has great influence on her music, which is why she chose to film her music video for "El Rey," in her beloved city at the Castillo de San Servando.
She explains that the coexistence of cultures in Toledo has played a large role in how she conducts her collaboration in her music and her great desire to achieve fusion in her sound. On her most recent project, Ranchera Flamenca, she collaborated with "mastermind" Mexican producer and writer, Chuco Rinco and his son Fabian who she claims gave the album "the Mexican touch we needed and on the other hand, with the production of Curro Carrasco and mine we have given that flamenco touch we were looking for."
When asked what advice she would give to her 18 year old self she said: "My advice is to be yourself and be clear at least what you don't want in your life. If you have security and firmness, you will always be able to do what is born in your heart.
"Constancy and passion will help you a lot on your way. I never wait, I always keep working and may life surprise me with what it has in store for me," she continued. "Here I continue to enjoy everything beautiful that music gives us every day. It is a gift to live, it is a gift to sing."
Autumn Rowe — who won the GRAMMY Award for Album Of The Year for her work on Jon Batiste's We Are — and I bonded over our roots in the Bronx. Autumn explained how monumental finding out about her nomination was as she has worked for this for her entire life.
Having attended a school in Manhattan for the talented and gifted, Autumn has always been a force to be reckoned with. At just 16 years old, she interned at Island Records, helping her discover that her passion in life was to create. The partnership with Batiste comes from years of friendship and collaboration, highlighting how important it is to build relationships in this industry.
Mastering engineer Dale Becker was nominated for his work on Doja Cat's "Planet Her," and spoke about "departing from the status quo" when it comes to trends in audio. In order to understand where trends in audio are heading, you must be actively consuming new music and creating relationships with other audio tastemakers.
He explains the dynamic nature of the music industry and said he is excited for the future and continuing to grow and learn. While "maintaining a finger on the pulse" is important, it's also crucial to not get stuck on the "newness." Becker considers balance, partnerships and work ethic to be the most valuable as a team member.
My final interview was with producer/writer/musician Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman, who called me on his way to Palm Springs for Coachella. The jazz prodigy shared his musical journey to his 2022 GRAMMY nominations for his work with H.E.R., who he's been working with for 12 years.
Gitty had his first big break playing guitar with Lauryn Hill and eventually landed a gig as Alicia Keys' touring guitar player. He and Keys began writing together, which led him to an epiphany that he was passionate about not just playing, but producing and writing as well. He decided to leave touring life with Alicia to pursue a dream of his, starting his own rock band. After going through all of the trials and tribulations that one does in a major career pivot, he decided once again, to pivot, moving to Los Angeles and immediately booking a gig with the legendary Stevie Wonder.
Gitty spoke of the importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with people who dare to dream. He says you must almost be "delusional with your dreams" to make them a reality, and stressed that confidence is a necessity in the industry. He explained that achieving confidence takes tremendous work, and having someone in your corner that sees your vision is instrumental. Throughout my time with Gitty, he demonstrated what we all hear and what we all seem to forget: that success is never linear.
Attending the awards and having the opportunity to interview thought leaders in the music industry are experiences that I will always remember. As a GRAMMY U representative, it was important for me to seek their advice for students who are just getting started in the industry and these nominees did not disappoint.
"Giving the next generation of music creators and professionals an opportunity to meet with, connect and from the very golden nominee and award winners they aspire to be, is one of the best highlights of the work we do at the Chapters with our beloved GRAMMY U membership," Qiana Conley says.
GRAMMY U is currently accepting applications for Representatives. Learn more about the role and apply now.
