I Survived Grammy Week
As a Recording Academy Voting Member I’ve voted every year since the early 90’s when Julie Lipsius at Hit and Run, a little publishing company that could, told me to join, as one day I could be nominated and I’d want to be able to vote.
It happened twice. She was a smart lady.
Back then, I wasn’t a fan of everything on the menu but I knew who the acts were and what they sounded like.
As time went on I got less familiar with the nominees. But I listen via links provided so I’m not voting blindly, and so I don’t eliminate an artist that simply never crossed my radar.
I voted the best I could and got ready for the parties. (I have voter’s remorse for one category. Put a pin in that.)
Lindy picked me up for the Kobalt party. We got lost in the elevator (if that’s even possible) before we even got to the party.
I’ve been signed to Kobalt for almost 20 years. For the past 5 of them I’ve had to call and tell them I didn’t ‘get the invite.’ (I seem to have stopped receiving them as I’ve matured.)
I’m told ‘it must’ve gone to spam.’ I don’t take it personally because apparently other more seasoned songwriters’ invites also ‘went to spam.’ I get it. There’s only so much space in a room.
That said, they’re always delighted to see me. As I am them.
When I reach social overload, I commonly retreat to the privacy of a restroom stall, with a slider and a martini, until I get my second wind.
At the NMPA Gala (National Music Publishing Ass.) Bon Iver gave an enlightening speech after which I bought myself a sterling silver whistle necklace. ❤️
I don’t get what all the fuss is with Sombr – but the song about the friends and the bed, which he performed, is killer.
From Megan Moroney’s promo shot, mini dress and rhinestoned guitar I made assumptions But, her song “Beautiful Things,” was heart stopping. No melisma in sight. I felt foolish for judging.
When HUNTR/X sang “Golden” as a ballad (see clip below), I finally heard the melody, appreciated the intervals and THE WORDS. Ejae gave an elegant, humble speech. This is the one I wish I had checked for Song of the Year. I’ll put money on – it would have won if more voters heard it that like that.
On the way back to my car, I grabbed a $10 slice at my favorite over-priced pizza hole on Hollywood Blvd. After a few glasses of wine, I splurged, burping all the way home.
The Friends and Family party is always the most, umm, dense, shall I say. Everyone in the music business and adjacent gets invited.
No Sauvignon Blanc though. And post Covid I can no longer drink Chard. I was directed to where there might be champagne. There was. For $20 a glass, or … an acrylic flute. The sign said my $20 would be donated. I asked the young woman to whom would it be donated? She didn’t know. I bought a glass.
Took it outside, parked at a cocktail table, and tapped another chapter of my book-in-progress on my Notes App. And then I left. I took the flute with me.
On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending a more serious, yet joyful event with Senator Adam Schiff. He held a candle up for the legendary Paul Williams, so he could read some inspirational words for our times. Paul said of the Senator, “He Who Holds The Light.” I’ll say. Both of them.
On my way home I was looking forward to the next episode of Landman, when Sheryl Crow’s “I Shall Believe,” came on. Warm. Sultry. Soulful. Restrained. I said to Adam, remember when music sounded like this? I wasn’t trying to be funny.
I missed the Recording Academy Black Music Honors where, I hear, Brandy sang my song, “Almost Doesn’t Count.” I wish I was there. I wonder if they considered inviting the songwriter.
Which brings me to the Grammys themselves.
I’ve been to a handful. I was offered a ticket. But the idea of putting on another night of make-up – my face would have fallen off. So I made pasta and DVR’d it. And ate a whole pint of Haagen-Dazs out of the tub. 😫
Takeaways:
Red carpet:
Why do women, mostly the younger ones, touch their hair so much?
Why didn’t Finneas’ girlfriend know what to do with her arm? (I’m never sure what to do with mine but I’m not Finneas’ girlfriend.) Even Brandi Carlile wasn’t sure what to do with her arm. I suspect with all the hand-on-waist over-kill we’re all looking for options.
Are boobs bigger than ever?
What is with lip liner? It’s out of control.
Fave moments
The Maria’s: More please.
Lola: getting up ‘off the floor’ and bringing her balls with her, and blowing us away. Stay well, young sista.
Olivia: Way to show them you don’t have to be a freak.
Reba
Miscellaneous
Did Pharrell Williams always have a grill?
Most try hard: Lady Gaga. I stand by that even though she won.
Most over the top speech: Jelly Roll. I loved you until …
Best Speech(es): Bad Bunny. The first one wasn’t about him at all. And the one after the best song win – I mean, I don’t even understand Spanish but I FELT it. I’m in love with Bad Bunny. He’s such a good bunny.
Sabrina: No Grammy! What? You may remember I submitted “What A Girl Wants,” her duet with Christina Aguilera, for Best Duo, but I was asked to withdraw the submission. Apparently management didn’t want to dilute her chances in Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Vocal Album, or Best Music Video. Given how the night turned out, that might’ve been her best shot at a statue. 😕
Songbook Slaughter: Roberta Flack. seriously, It was the antithesis of who she was. 💔
Most WTF: Cher 😟😟. That’s OK, Cher. we love you!
Ok enough!
At some point in the not-so-distant future I'm gonna get up Grammy week and stay home. I’ll have graduated to one of those people who don't go to any parties anymore. It will be a sad day, but it'll also be a happy one.
Because it will mean I didn't just survive another Grammy week, but that I made it through the wild and crazy ride of the ever evolving music business.
That said, I'm not going anywhere yet.
See you next year.
If I get invited. 😳
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