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        Hilary Hahn

        Hilary Hahn

        Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

        News
        Classical Music Is More Than Just Relaxing lets-break-classical-music-out-stereotype-its-simply-relaxing

        Let's Break Classical Music Out Of The Stereotype That It's Simply "Relaxing"

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        A recent op-ed rebuts the marketing language that pigeonholes the genre as simply an antidote for stress. Like all great music, it also has the power to move and excite
        Philip Merrill
        GRAMMYs
        Dec 5, 2018 - 5:24 pm

        Before we had the ability to record music, live classical music was one of the Western world's greatest forms of entertainment. Listeners were attuned to follow details of composition such as playful variations on a theme. Composers such as Chopin and Liszt were cultural celebrities, greeted by adoring crowds when entering a new city to perform. Fast forward to the current day, where modern descriptions of classical music tend to lump it all into simply relaxing music, as a recent essay points out, inviting listeners instead to open their ears and feel for themselves what delights  the genre might hold in store for them.

        Writing in The Washington Post, violinist and prize-winning music critic Jennifer Gersten rips a wonderful rant against marketing language she feels confines the power of the classical genre into an audio sedative. "Popular discussions promote the notion that it was invented to address a yawn shortage," she writes, questioning the marketing logic that oversimplifies classical music as a relaxing tonic.

        Modern GRAMMY-winning classical musicians such as Hilary Hahn and chamber ensemble Eighth Blackbird, certainly know how to bring more diversity and excitement to the genre. Eighth Blackbird works to bring their music to a wider audience, describing their mission as "moving music forward through innovative performance, advocating for new music by living composers and creating a legacy of guiding an emerging generation of musicians." It is a disservice to artists such as these to simply classify their work as relaxing, as it's truly so much more. As Gersten says, "we should think harder about how the language we choose shapes how people experience this art form — especially those encountering it for the first time."

        She points to another common downfall of the typical marketing of the genre —  focusing on its association with wealthy listeners. "The idea that classical music is always relaxing shares a problem with the idea that it is merely entertainment for the upper crust," writes Gersten. If we want to expand the perception of the genre, it cannot only be for the elite. Groups like Eighth Blackbird make sure more communities get to experience the joy of classical music first-hand to learn its intricacies for themselves — no genre should feel too out of reach for anyone to enjoy.  

        Gersten's rant against "misguided promoters" has an excitement all its own, but she also offers a wonderful invitation, along with her own playlist of recommended selections. No matter how intense the feelings classical music might inspire, you will be in good company. Depending on the selection, it can also be relaxing but like all great music, it can also transport you into another world all its own.

        Bach Performances Show An Ultra-Lively Trend Toward Rising Tempos In Classical

        Wu-Tang Clan

        Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

        News
        NYC Approves Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie Smalls Streets nyc-council-approves-wu-tang-clan-and-notorious-big-street-names

        NYC Council Approves Wu-Tang Clan And Notorious B.I.G. Street Names

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        NYC is honoring rap history by voting to rename two streets after the iconic rappers
        Phillip Merrill
        GRAMMYs
        Dec 28, 2018 - 2:05 pm

        Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan are steps closer to becoming a permanent part of New York City, their hometown and one of the birthplaces of hip-hop.

        The New York City council has unanimously voted to have a Booklyn street become Christopher Wallace Way (after Biggie) and a Staten Island street become Wu-Tang Clan District. The measures are still pending Mayor Bill de Blasio's signature.

        The street Notorious B.I.G. grew up will be co-named "Christopher Wallace Way." There will also be a "Wu-Tang Clan District" in Staten Island. pic.twitter.com/CTpLIM36jp

        — Nigel D. (@NigelDPresents) December 24, 2018

        "As soon as you put a name on a street sign, you say something about the public importance of that individual," University of Tenn. Geography Professor Derek Alderman told NPR. "Hip-hop deserves that respect."

        Brooklyn Community Board 2 first approved the re-naming petition 33-1 in November.

        NYC resident LeRoy McCarthy, who led the naming initiatives for both streets, thinks naming a street after Biggie symbolizes something greater than the rapper. "It symbolizes a culture. It symbolizes a borough. It symbolizes a people, and hip-hop is worldwide,” he told Rolling Stone.

        The council also voted to name a street after Woody Guthrie in Coney Island, where the iconic folk singer lived in the 1940s.

        ​

        The block expected to become Christopher Wallace Way is on St. James Place between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue where B.I.G. actually grew up. Wu-Tang Clan District will be centered on the intersection of Vanderbilt Avenue and Targee Street, the location of Sobel Court Park, according to Rolling Stone.

        The news of the council passing the measures came shortly after Chuck D was announced as chairman of the celebrity board for the Universal Hip-Hop Museum to open in Brooklyn in 2022. 

        Universal Hip-Hop Museum Names Chuck D Celebrity Board Chair

        SoundCloud

        Photo: Ole Spata/picture alliance/Getty Images

        News
        SoundCloud Tells Artists To Be "YOUnique" In 2019 how-new-artists-can-build-following-2019-according-soundcloud

        How New Artists Can Build A Following In 2019, According To SoundCloud

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        The key to standing out is showing up as yourself and growing a network of fans
        Philip Merrill
        GRAMMYs
        Dec 28, 2018 - 11:49 am

        The artist and label services team at SoundCloud has some advice for artists hoping to grow their audiences in 2019: Be “YOUnique.”

        Ledisi Has Three I's For Social Media

        As summed up in a handy list on Hypebot, there are a few ways aspiring artists can build a following: Keep to a consistent schedule of uploads (Fridays are reportedly the best days to release new music), and stay inspired by listening to your fellow artists. You never know when you’ll discover a new friend and/or collaborator.

        But above all, when marketing yourself, remember to be "YOUnique": after all, being real is part of what makes music compelling.

        https://twitter.com/jazzdotorg/status/1035512534151745536

        .@WyntonMarsalis has some advice for young musicians just starting out in jazz.

        Want more tips like this? Stay tuned and sign up for #JazzCongress 2019, where you can connect with jazz mentors like Wynton! The early bird rate expires on 9/15: https://t.co/w4g7Hk9YnQ pic.twitter.com/yTHnMp86Ho

        — Jazz at Lincoln Center (@jazzdotorg) August 31, 2018

        SoundCloud also advises artists to pay close attention to their fan network (yes, that means reading the comments section) and study the streaming analytics available with the service’s SoundCloud Pro package. It always helps to know what your listeners are gravitating toward the most, right?

        Check out SoundCloud’s advice for aspiring artists over at HypeBot, and the best of luck to all of you creators in 2019.

        SoundCloud And Instagram Launch Cross-App Link-Up

        ASCAP Logo

        Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

        News
        ASCAP Makes Disaster Relief Donation To MusiCares ascap-makes-disaster-relief-donation-musicares

        ASCAP Makes Disaster Relief Donation To MusiCares

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        Donation will help music community members most affected by the fires
        Philip Merrill
        GRAMMYs
        Dec 27, 2018 - 11:59 am

        Performing rights organization ASCAP announced on Dec. 18 that it is donating to MusiCares to support music's creators including those "affected by the recent wildfires in northern and southern California" needing help with food, shelter and replacement of instruments or equipment.

        "We are truly grateful for the support and ongoing partnership of ASCAP," said Recording Academy and MusiCares President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Their work on behalf of music people is vital, and their generosity to the music community is equally strong. This donation demonstrates how the music industry works together to take care of their own."

        "We have all been stunned by the devastation caused by the California fires and the heartache and loss suffered by our members who reside there," said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, winner of three GRAMMY awards as a songwriter. "ASCAP has always been an advocate for music creators, and faced with these terrible circumstances, we have their backs. We are pleased to work with MusiCares to get help to those who need it most."

        https://twitter.com/ASCAP/status/1075132594763685888

        #ASCAP Donates to @MusiCares To Help Provide Relief for Members of the Music Community Affected by Recent California Wildfires https://t.co/XDHqBRxjjh pic.twitter.com/vJ5Ya7XPEA

        — ASCAP (@ASCAP) December 18, 2018

        Members may make disaster relief requests by contacting MusiCares toll-free at 1.800.687.4227.

        For those wishing to donate, the "Gift Designation" choice at MusiCares' donation page offers "Disaster Relief" as a selection.

        "The music community knows that it can turn to MusiCares in times of distress," said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. "They have the organization and the infrastructure necessary to respond to these horrible events and help members of the music community in times of need. We're glad to work with MusiCares once again to ensure that our funds reach the people most affected by the fires."

        Learn Why "She Is The Music" & ASCAP's Female Songwriting Camp Felt "Essential"

        Aretha Franklin_122718

        Aretha Franklin

        Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

        News
        "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration..." Announced all-star-lineup-pay-tribute-aretha-grammy-celebration-queen-soul

        All-Star Lineup To Pay Tribute At "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen of Soul"

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        A historic CBS tribute to be broadcast in 2019 will tape at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Jan. 13, 2019 with performances by GRAMMY winners and 61st GRAMMY Award nominees
        Philip Merrill
        GRAMMYs
        Dec 27, 2018 - 6:31 am

        The Recording Academy's tradition of tribute specials continue with "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul," a one-of-a-kind tribute concert and passionate remembrance of Aretha Franklin. The special will be taped on Jan. 13 and aired sometime in 2019 on CBS with performances from outstanding GRAMMY winners and nominees.

        Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY Highlights

        GRAMMY winners celebrating her legendary repertoire include Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and BeBe Winans. They will be joined in song and tribute by artists nominated for the 61st GRAMMY Awards — coming soon on Feb. 10, 2019 — Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, and SZA.

        "For more than six decades, her extraordinary artistic achievements coupled with her passionate dedication to her philanthropic work — which ranged from children's and artists' issues to civil rights activism — served as a testament to her power, majesty, and genius," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "These gifts positioned her as a true cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is honored to celebrate her inspirational legacy"

        https://twitter.com/celinedion/status/1030123347798110210

        I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed.The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time. / Je suis attristée d'apprendre le décès d’Aretha Franklin. La chanteuse la plus inspirante de notre époque. - Céline xx…
        📸 : Kevin Mazur https://t.co/3Tz7G2W205 pic.twitter.com/Q5DtmJ1IVa

        — Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 16, 2018

        The unforgettable night will be hosted by movie and television actor, writer, director, and producer Tyler Perry. "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul" is presented together with AEG Ehrlich Ventures, CBS and Clive Davis.

        "Aretha was more than the Queen of Soul; she was a national treasure," said Davis. "This unique concert — featuring many of today's greatest artists — will celebrate Aretha in a spectacular manner befitting her once-in-a-lifetime talent."

        Presale tickets for this live concert at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium will go on sale Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. PST (use code "Aretha"), with general tickets going on sale Monday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. PST via AXS.com. Stay tuned for additional unique performance announcements as the special night approaches.

        Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul

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        Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.