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Latin Pop Producer Maffio: Why I'm Proud To Be A Voting Member Of The Recording Academy

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"I'm grateful for the many opportunities and initiatives the Recording Academy sets forth, such as maintaining the traffic and/or providing the platform for composers, producers, songwriters and artists to mingle and exchange ideas"
GRAMMYs
Nov 10, 2020 - 10:50 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its membership to reflect on their their career journey, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, Dominican producer and Florida chapter member Maffio shares his open letter with GRAMMY.com readers.

Dear Recording Academy Members,

Being a GRAMMY member and a voting member has been an honor and privilege and I couldn’t be prouder of being part of this organization. Admittedly, I’m a proud and "diehard" member.

I’m grateful for the many opportunities and initiatives the Recording Academy sets forth, such as maintaining the traffic and/or providing the platform for composers, producers, songwriters and artists to mingle and exchange ideas for the better. In addition, my experience with the Recording Academy has been a supportive and collaborative experience and one in which provides and pushes artists to deliver the very best in music.

In conclusion, as artists, producers and songwriters, we have to make the best in music and ensure there’s quality control in our music. The gold gramophone awarded at the GRAMMYs represents a worldwide recognition from your own music industry colleagues. No other organization recognizes artists in this way. It is for this reason that the Recording Academy continuously pushes artists boundaries and we respond by raising the bar. This is what the GRAMMYs and the Recording Academy represents, and I can't emphasize enough how proud I am of being a part of this.

Maffio 

Doug Emery: Music Creators Have A Unique Opportunity In Polarized Times

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Amythyst Kiah press photo

Amythyst Kiah

Photo: Anna Hedges

 
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Roots Musician Amythyst Kiah: From An Awkward Hobbyist To A GRAMMY-Nominated Professional

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Singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah, who was nominated for Best American Roots Song at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in 2020, discusses her beginnings and how she found a community in the Recording Academy
Membership
Feb 11, 2021 - 11:40 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, GRAMMY-nominated roots singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah shares her open letter with GRAMMY.com readers.

I have been a professional musician for 10 years. Over that time, I have had to reframe my relationship with music. What was once a personal escape within the confines of my bedroom now connects me to people all over the world.

As a child, I was riddled with anxiety and uncertainty, but when I would listen to music, I would feel a vastness—a spiritual transcendence that I could not explain. I was at peace. As I got older, I realized that I was, in fact, meditating before I even knew what that was. My suburban family home was full of music; my dad was an audiophile and my mother was happy to indulge him. Because of them, I grew a powerful connection to music and was able to turn to it for comfort when my anxiety was too much.

One of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me (besides life, of course) was my late 80’s Fender acoustic guitar. I was 13 when the social anxiety really started to set in, and playing guitar and writing were the only ways I felt comfortable expressing myself.

In my early 20’s, I learned the history of culture and roots music and started performing old-time string band music at East Tennessee State University. It was during this time that I learned that I was able to affect people with music in the same way that it affected me. With that realization came a responsibility that I wasn't ready for, but I jumped in anyway. I am grateful to my father (my mother has long since passed away) for being there for me as I struggled to tackle my anxieties and fears and transform into a performer.

I am also grateful for the Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country Music program and my professors who believed in what I was doing and gave me the skills needed to become the performer that I am today.

I used to think that I couldn’t have that feeling of peace that I felt as a child while also feeling a sense of community with others. However, after much emotional work on my part as an adult, I learned that there is a way to maintain that sense of peace and inspiration and still be of the world. Being part of a community, working together to forge relationships and help each other create and grow are crucial for us to flourish as individuals.

This is what I aim to do within the Recording Academy. Now that I am (literally) a card-carrying member as of this month, I can only say that the nervous, awkward girl from before would never have imagined this. Musically, I tend to live in a bubble and have not kept up with the current state of music until recently. I am quite green within the music industry and am excited for this incredible opportunity to learn from others.

I look forward to contributing to this community and the fans who love and support our work!

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a

Kalani Pe'a

Photo: Antonio Agosto

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GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

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Two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a offers advice to fellow indie artists on remaining authentic, engaging with fans online and generating income and grants during the pandemic
Membership
Feb 2, 2021 - 9:41 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a shares his open letter with GRAMMY.com readers. 

When we hear the word "authenticity," we think of traditional, something new or original. We automatically assume the word exemplifies one's creativity—someone who is innovative, unique and different from the rest. I'm all about that and much more. I'm not the typical Hawaiian slack key or 'ukulele artist most people expect me to be. I am a singer who speaks Hawaiian fluently, dressed in sequin blazers and Hawaiian print bowties, singing Hawaiian, contemporary and soul music. I also do Motown in Hawaiian if I had to, because I can as a modern, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian musician.

As an independent musician who is the co-founder and CEO of Pe'a Records & Entertainment, I am proud to own all of my music. I am my own label, publishing and entertainment company. My husband, Allan B. Cool, is also the co-founder and CEO of our company. We do everything on our own. We own all publishing rights to my music and we operate our own label. I answer to no one other than my husband. 

Allan is also a two-time GRAMMY-winning co-producer on my debut and sophomore albums. I am an independent singer/songwriter who won two GRAMMY awards, making history as the first Native Hawaiian to win a GRAMMY award with my debut album, E Walea, in 2017 in the Best Regional Roots Music category. I made history again winning another GRAMMY award in 2019 with my sophomore album, No 'Ane'i. 

But it's not about the history-making. It's not about the accolades. The awards don't define the true you. Awards shouldn't be able to demonstrate the person you've become. It's about making and creating music, arranging songs, finding a safe spot or space at home and jotting down lyrics and arranging music. The Recording Academy, and winning GRAMMY awards as a Hawaiian, contemporary and soul artist, has given me the opportunity to network and build relationships with thousands of members in the Academy: musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers at the Academy's functions, especially when we celebrate once a year at the GRAMMY Awards in L.A. 

The GRAMMYs gave me a full-time job as a touring musician. I am a devoted member, and I love to listen and network with all types of musicians, music-makers and creators around the world. This pandemic has really affected many of us, where all of our shows and concerts got cancelled. We really had to learn to save or generate income in order to survive. 

The questions came to mind: How are you paying for your mortgage? Other household bills? Food? Or medical bills? If I've lost shows, what do I do next? How will I survive as a multi-GRAMMY-winning, full-time touring musician during this crisis?

I had to plan a "horizon scanning" concept. Meaning, I had to plan out goals for the entire year. Some may be short-term or long-term, but these were goals that help me reflect and embrace what was truly in my reach. I panicked for a bit, but I had to collect my fears, throw them in a bottle and send that bottle away across the ocean and hopefully never see those fears return to me. 

My life as a GRAMMY-winning artist changed forever. I left a full-time teaching job five years ago to live my dreams. During this crisis, I am applying for numerous COVID-19 relief grants and cultural, competitive and music grants to help me stay afloat as a musician. I have applied to grants to help me start my third solo project, coming out later in 2021, so that I have monies to start music video content and other digital marketing content. I don't come from any label. I have to work harder as an indie artist. The struggle is real, but I am doing my best to continue to create music each day. 

I am ready to tour again and sell out shows across Hawai'i, the West and East Coast of the U.S. and Japan. I look forward to performing in Europe in the upcoming years, sharing Hawaiian language and music across the globe. I encourage all music creators to continue finding your voice: Share it through songwriting and arranging new music. Never give up.

I encourage artists to apply for COVID-19 relief funds and grants. If you get denied the first round, never give up on these grants. There are performing arts centers who truly believe in your gift. Share and speak about it. Do grants first then loans as the last resort. When the grants for music are out there, dive into it. Prepare 3-4 hours out of the day to apply for them and also gather your best work as supportive documents. I am also uploading new and old content on all social media platforms every day. 

Whether we're stuck at home, continuously post something on social media about your music. Post a blog, an old pic, some new material, some teasers for upcoming music or projects, a piece of bread or something you drank on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Consistently post any content, whether about music or family, during this pandemic and be engaging with your audience. Do Live feeds and talk about your music creation, sing a song or two. I was honored to have done a few Live performances. 

I am that type of musician that doesn't ask for donations or has a personal Venmo or PayPal. Every musician has their own goals and objectives when it comes to making a living. Some musicians play in bars or hotels on Maui and others are touring musicians like me. What I've done the last few months was host a 30-minute to 1-hour show. The first show was last May where I sang some of my original compositions and I had a donation link that went directly to the Alzheimer's Association. My grandmother, who turned 90 in November, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. I try my best to donate a part of my concert proceeds to the association to take care of our kupuna (elders) and their caregivers. 

My second online show was 1 hour in June, and I gave away prizes. I had local businesses and entrepreneurs, who are makers, creators and bakers of Hawai'i, donate their "art" to me, and I gave it away as prizes. Thousands tuned in and were anxious to win. I did this to build a collaboration with local businesses who are the face of Maui and Hawai'i altogether. I wanted to support the businesses during these trying times. It brought awareness to these local brands in a time like this. Many have moved to all online shopping.

Kalani Pe'a: "Music Saved My Life"

We musicians have bills to pay, so how do we stay relevant? Social media and digital marketing are important resources to stay relevant as a working musician. Get on all platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. The audiences and target audiences vary from each platform, but engage with your audience. You have fans all over the world if you're a recording artist. Start a website, update your website or create a Wiki page. On social media, you can post 50 times a day, but consistently share your work. 

We are indie artists. We are our own label. We do everything on our own and we don't have the support like artists do with big labels. We need to be creative and authentic in our own way as indies, as music-makers, creators and shakers of today. Continue creating and making music. Our music is our medicine. The world needs that medicine during this time. Let's heal the world with our creation of music, being ourselves as the music-makers while building "bridges," not "walls" or "cages," around the world. 

Also, know your value. If Live performances on social media is what you're good at, do it. I personally refuse to have a PayPal or Venmo link; however, it's up to you as a musician. Everyone has different goals. Know your value and surround yourself with likeminded and valuable people. If you already sell $100 tickets for your shows, why do a free online concert? 

Think of strategies on how to earn your income during this pandemic. Will you create an online ticketing show? Will you have a donation link set up and sell merchandise online? Or will you help other local businesses thrive by doing gift giveaways during your little online show? 

Be the voice during this pandemic. Continue making music. Focus on value. Be authentic. Never change your sound. Never allow anyone to define your success as an indie artist and be you. 

Learn more about Kalani Pe'a and his music.

For info on grant-writing for musicians and COVID-19 relief funds for artists and musicians, visit Kalani Pe'a's official Facebook page.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Membership.

Producer & Engineer Gena Johnson: How To Create Total Harmony In A Recording Session

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Gena Johnson

 

Photo: Courtesy of Gena Johnson

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Producer & Engineer Gena Johnson: How To Create Total Harmony In A Recording Session

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"To care for someone in a recording situation is to ensure their comfort and anticipate their needs. Get out of your own head and tune into the signs around you"
GRAMMYs
Nov 12, 2020 - 4:22 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its membership to reflect on their their career journey, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, producer and engineer and Nashville chapter member Gena Johnson shares her open letter with GRAMMY.com readers.

Moving to Nashville not knowing a soul (like most young engineers), I discovered it takes a while to find your footing. It takes even longer to feel a part of a true community, to build your tribe and to carve out a slice of the pie that tastes best to you. For me, it happened in waves. The community I love and connect with continues to grow more lush and empathetic as the years go by.

When artists and I collaborate, we strive to create music that represents them—not to just get songs on the radio. Before we even begin working on music, the focus and energy has to be right. Whatever it takes to get there, I’m in. When the energy is right, the music will be right. Every record or side I’m a part of is unique, and in turn moves the needle toward my internal growth as a human and as an engineer.

I feel exorbitantly fortunate to have been in the rooms that I have. Sometimes I have to pinch myself even dreaming up what that would be like to my younger self. Starting off as an intern, then assistant engineer, to production assistant and then making the transition to head engineer and producer, there are so many things to consider.

Each one of these roles, at the most basic level, is a customer service job. The most important thing to remember is: the artist must feel heard and respected in all ways. If you care about each person in the room, whether you are at the bottom or at the top of the "hierarchy," you will go far. I’m not saying that you must care about every intimate detail of everyone’s lives. But to care for someone in a recording situation is to ensure their comfort and anticipate their needs. Get out of your own head and tune into the signs around you. Perspective is a blessing. Give your complete self every time, or you could miss something really important. Even simple things like getting hot tea for the artist instead of having them get it themselves contributes to keeping the artist in the moment. It is their day. Customer service. Kindness, caring, positive energy, vibe.

With each new project, endeavor, new producer or new artist, be sure to keep an open mind. If you don’t know how to do something, even technically, show up as your absolute best self—no one can fault you for that. Leave all personal drama at the door. Be honest with yourself and others. If there is something going on in your personal life that will affect your role, express that prior to beginning of the session and, in advance, find a substitute that has greater or equal skill to you. It happens. Be a pro and handle it professionally.

As an engineer, the way something sounds is your opinion. If the producer isn’t digging what the engineer is providing as a soundscape for the record, the producer will let the engineer know. The producer’s job is to be the "adult" in the room—the person who is responsible for bringing the artist’s vision to life. It’s a team effort. It has to be a team effort, a “we” effort. As a “we” effort, ego goes out the window and coziness is allowed to settle in. Creativity and vulnerability become tangible. The vibe is set, the candles are lit, the fragrance of palo santo is in the room, the lighting is on point and we’re ready to begin.

Every session is different. You don't always have the time to set the scene quite as described, but it’s essential to find ways that will be special to each individual client. What is best for the situation at hand? Think about it and find a way to make it happen. Maybe it’s making sure the drummer has the right kind of creamer for his coffee or that the artist feels a part of the old inside jokes the musicians are telling. Create unity and keep the artist as the central focus.

Once a project is finished, all that the world hears is the music. The artist leaves with the experience, a combination of all the small details and how you and others made them feel, in addition to the music. I believe that if the experience is special, the music will be that much better—maybe even next-level magic. The little things ARE the big things.

Attorney Shay Lawson Talks #TheShowMustBePaused & Feeling Inspired By Industry Changemakers

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Care For The Culture: Afro-Latinas Talk Identity & The Music Industry | Hispanic Heritage Month

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The Afro-Latina experience is a multi-dimensional one. Hear Calma Carmona, Leslie Cartaya and Jeimy Osorio talk about what their identity means to them
Membership
Oct 14, 2020 - 4:48 pm

Being Afro-Latina doesn't mean choosing one identity over the other. Venezuelan singer Marger moderates an intimate conversation with artists Calma Carmona, Leslie Cartaya and Jeimy Osorio about identity, how it impacts their music, anti-Blackness in Latinx communities and more. 

Care For The Culture: Afro-Latinas In Music

Industry Insights: Building The Right Team | Hispanic Heritage Month