Spotify Launced Wrapped 2024
Spotify officially launched its much-anticipated Wrapped year-in-review feature on Wednesday morning, marking the end of a notably long wait for fans eager to recap their listening habits. This year’s edition introduces new artificial intelligence-powered tools to enhance the personalized summaries.
Global pop sensation Taylor Swift dominated Spotify’s rankings as the most-streamed artist worldwide for the second consecutive year. Her chart-topping album, The Tortured Poets Department, was also the platform’s most-streamed album of 2023. Swift claimed three spots in the top 10 most-streamed albums: 1989 (Taylor’s Version), her re-recorded classic from earlier this year, landed at No. 6, while her 2019 album Lover ranked at No. 8. Following Swift were The Weeknd in second place, with Bad Bunny, Drake, and Billie Eilish rounding out the top five. The year’s most-streamed song was Sabrina Carpenter’s summer hit Espresso, followed by Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things, Eilish’s Birds of a Feather, FloyyMenor and Cris Mj’s Gata Only, and Teddy Swims’ Lose Control. Spotify also revealed that the most “viral” song of the year, shared widely across social platforms, was Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
For podcasts, Joe Rogan maintained his reign for the fifth straight year as the host of Spotify’s most-streamed show globally and in the U.S., even after concluding his exclusivity deal with the platform earlier this year. Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, a favorite among female audiences, was the second-most-streamed podcast worldwide and domestically. In the U.S., comedian Theo Von’s show claimed the third spot, followed by true crime hit Crime Junkie and The Daily from The New York Times. Podcasts played a notable role in the year’s political landscape, with President-elect Donald Trump appearing on four of the top 10 podcasts, including those hosted by Rogan, Von, Tucker Carlson, and Shawn Ryan. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Cooper but reportedly failed to reach an agreement with Rogan on terms for an interview.
Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Announces New Instrument: Orchid
Kevin Parker of Tame Impala has introduced a groundbreaking new instrument called Orchid.
The Australian musician and producer shared that the concept originated over a decade ago and has since evolved into a reality through his new electronic instrument company, Telepathic Instruments. In the official trailer, Orchid is described as "not just a synth, but more of an ideas machine," hinting at its innovative design and functionality.
The instrument’s standout feature is its matrix of eight chord-selecting and chord-modifying keys, paired with a single-octave keyboard that allows users to select a root note and trigger chords seamlessly. Orchid boasts a 16-voice polyphonic synth engine with onboard ambient and modulation effects, a dedicated bass synth engine for low-end sounds, dual stereo speakers, and a highly responsive keyboard. It’s equipped with features like reverb, delay, loop mode, MIDI output, and a rechargeable battery, all housed in a retro-futuristic design by co-founder Ignacio Germade.
Available for $549, Orchid launches on December 18, promising to be a versatile and creative tool for musicians.
More info: Here
2025 Grammy Nominations Announced (Complete List)
(Image: GRAMMYs
)
The nominees for the 2025 Grammys have been announced. Only recordings commercially released in the US between September 16, 2023 through August 30, 2024 are eligible for 2025 nominations.
Winners will be revealed during the live ceremony on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Album of the Year
André 3000 - New Blue Sun
Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter
Sabrina Carpenter - Short n Sweet
Charli XCX - Brat
Jacob Collier - Djesse Vol 4
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
Record of the Year
The Beatles - “Now and Then”
Beyoncé - “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”
Charli XCX - “360”
Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather”
Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us”
Chappell Roan - “Good Luck Babe!”
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone - “Fortnight”
Best New Artist
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
doechii
Raye
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey
Khruangbin
Teddy Swims
Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” - Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry and Mark Williams - songwriters (Shaboozey)
“Birds of a Feather” - Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas - songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die With a Smile” - Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Andrew Watt - songwriters (Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” - Jack Antonoff, Austin Post and Taylor Swift - songwriters (Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone)
“Good Luck, Babe!” - Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro and Justin Tranter - songwriters (Chappell Roan)
“Not Like Us” - Kendrick Lamar - songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Please Please Please” - Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff and Sabrina Carpenter - songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Texas Hold ’Em” - Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro and Raphael Saadiq - songwriters (Beyoncé)
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Alissia
Dernst “D Mile” Emile II
Ian Fithcuk
Mustard
Daniel Nigro
Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessi Alexander
Jessie Jo Dillon
Raye
Best Country Album
Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé
F-1 Trillion - Post Malone
Deeper Well - Kacey Musgraves
Higher - Chris Stapleton
Whirlwind - Lainey Wilson
Best Country Song
“The Architect” - Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne - songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
”A Bar Song (Tipsy)” - Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry and Mark Williams - songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Am Not Okay” - Casey Brown, Jason DeFord, Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips - songwriters (Jelly Roll)
“I Had Some Help” - Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters - songwriters (Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen)
“Texas Hold ’Em” - Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan - “Cowboys Cry Too”
Beyoncé featuring Miley Cyrus - “II Most Wanted”
Brothers Osborne - “Break Mine”
Dan + Shay - “Bigger Houses”
Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen - “I Had Some Help”
Best Country Solo Performance
Beyoncé - “16 Carriages”
Jelly Roll - “I Am Not Okay”
Kacey Musgraves - “The Architect”
Shaboozey - “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Chris Stapleton - “It Takes a Woman”
Best Melodic Rap Performance
Beyoncé, Linda Martell & Shaboozey - “Spaghettii”
Future, Metro Boomin & The Weeknd - “We Still Don’t Trust You”
Jordan Adetunji Featuring Kehlani - “Kehlani (Remix)”
Latto - “Big Mama”
Rapsody Featuring Erykah Badu - “3:AM”
Best R&B Album
Chris Brown - 11:11 (Deluxe)
Lalah Hathaway - Vantablack
Lucky Daye - Algorithm
Muni Long - Revenge
Usher - Coming Home
Best R&B Performance
Chris Brown - “Residuals”
Coco Jones - “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”
Jhené Aiko - “Guidance”
Muni Long - “Made for Me (Live on BET)”
SZA - “Saturn”
Best Traditional R&B Performance
Marsha Ambrosius - “Wet”
Kenyon Dixon - “Can I Have This Groove”
Lalah Hathaway featuring Michael McDonald - “No Lie”
Muni Long - “Make Me Forget”
Lucky Daye - “That’s You”
Best R&B Song
“After Hours” - Diovanna Frazier, Alex Goldblatt, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes and Daniel Upchurch - songwriters (Kehlani)
“Burning” - Ronald Banful and Temilade Openiyi - songwriters (Tems)
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” - Sara Diamond, Sydney Floyd, Marisela Jackson, Courtney Jones, Carl McCormick and Kelvin Wooten - songwriters (Coco Jones)
“Ruined Me” - Jeff Gitelman, Priscilla Renea and Kevin Theodore - songwriters (Muni Long)
“Saturn” - Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Solána Rowe, Jared Solomon and Scott Zhang - songwriters (SZA)
Best Progressive R&B Album
So Glad to Know You - Avery*Sunshine
En Route - Durand Bernarr
Bando Stone and the New World - Childish Gambino
Crash - Kehlani
Why Lawd? - NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge)
Best Rap Performance
Cardi B - “Enough (Miami)”
Common and Pete Rock featuring Posdnuos - “When the Sun Shines Again”
Doechii - “Nissan Altima”
Eminem - “Houdini”
Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar - “Like That”
GloRilla - “Yeah Glo!”
Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us”
Best Rap Song
“Asteroids” - Marlanna Evans - songwriter (Rapsody featuring Hit-Boy)
“Carnival” - Jordan Carter, Raul Cubina, Grant Dickinson, Samuel Lindley, Nasir Pemberton, Dimitri Roger, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West and Mark Carl Stolinski Williams - songwriters (¥$ [Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign] featuring Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti)
“Like That” - Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Kobe “BbyKobe” Hood, Leland Wayne and Nayvadius Wilburn - songwriters (Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar)
“Not Like Us” - Kendrick Lamar - songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Yeah Glo!” - Ronnie Jackson, Jaucquez Lowe, Timothy McKibbins, Kevin Andre Price, Julius Rivera III and Gloria Woods - songwriters (GloRilla)
Best Rap Album
Might Delete Later - J Cole
The Auditorium, Vol 1 - Common and Pete Rock
Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) - Eminem
We Don’t Trust You - Future and Metro Boomin
Best Alternative Music Album
Wild God - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Charm - Clairo
The Collective - Kim Gordon
What Now - Brittany Howard
All Born Screaming - St Vincent
Best Alternative Music Performance
Cage the Elephant - “Neon Pill”
Fontaines DC - “Starburster”
Kim Gordon - “Bye Bye”
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - “Song of the Lake”
St Vincent - “Flea”
Best Rock Album
The Black Crowes - Happiness Bastards
Fontaines DC - Romance
Green Day - Saviors
Idles - Tangk
Jack White - No Name
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter
The Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds
Best Pop Dance Recording
Ariana Grande - Yes, And?
Billie Eilish - L’Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit]
Charli XCX - Von Dutch
Madison Beer - Make You Mine
Troye Sivan - Got Me Started
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica - “The Boy Is Mine – Remix”
Beyoncé Featuring Post Malone - “Levii’s Jeans”
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish - “Guess Featuring Billie Eilish”
Gracie Abrams Featuring Taylor Swift - “Us.”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - “Die With a Smile”
Best Pop Solo Performance
Beyoncé - “Bodyguard”
Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather”
Chappell Roan - “Good Luck, Babe!”
Charli XCX - “Apple”
Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Short n’ Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter
Hit Me Hard and Soft - Billie Eilish
Eternal Sunshine - Ariana Grande
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
The Tortured Poets Department - Taylor Swift
Best Dance/Electronic Recording
“She’s Gone, Dance On” - Disclosure
“Loved” - Four Tet
“Leavemealone” - Fred Again.. and Baby Keem
“Neverender” - Justice and Tame Impala
“Witchy” - Kaytranada
Best Dance/Electronic Music Album
Brat - Charli XCX
Three - Four Tet
Hyperdrama - Justice
Timeless - Kaytranada
Telos - Zedd
Best Remixed Recording
“Alter Ego — Kaytranada Remix” - Kaytranada - remixer (Doechii featuring JT)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Remix]” - David Guetta - remixer (Shaboozey and David Guetta)
“Espresso (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix)” - FNZ and Mark Ronson - remixers (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Jah Sees Them — Amapiano Remix” - Alexx Antaeus, Footsteps and MrMyish - remixers (Julian Marley and Antaeus)
“Von Dutch” - AG Cook - remixer (Charli XCX and AG Cook featuring Addison Rae)
Best Rock Performance
“Now and Then” - The Beatles
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” - The Black Keys
“The American Dream Is Killing Me” - Green Day
“Gift Horse” - Idles
“Dark Matter” - Pearl Jam
“Broken Man” - St Vincent
Best Metal Performance
“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” - Gojira, Marina Viotti and Victor Le Masne
“Crown of Horns” - Judas Priest
“Suffocate” - Knocked Loose featuring Poppy
“Screaming Suicide” - Metallica
“Cellar Door” - Spiritbox
Best Rock Song
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” - Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Beck Hansen and Daniel Nakamura - songwriters (The Black Keys)
“Broken Man” - Annie Clark - songwriter (St Vincent)
“Dark Matter” - Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder and Andrew Watt - songwriters (Pearl Jam)
“Dilemma” - Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool - songwriters (Green Day)
“Gift Horse” - Jon Beavis, Mark Bowen, Adam Devonshire, Lee Kiernan and Joe Talbot - songwriters (Idles)
Best Spoken Word Poetry Album
Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say - Queen Sheba
Concrete & Whiskey Act II Part 1: A Bourbon 30 Series - Omari Hardwick
Good MUSIC Universe Sonic Sinema: Episode 1 in the Beginning Was the Word - Malik Yusef
The Heart, the Mind, the Soul - Tank and the Bangas
The Seven Number Ones - Mad Skillz
Best Jazz Performance
“Walk With Me, Lord (Sound | Spirit)” - The Baylor Project
“Phoenix Reimagined (Live)” - Lakecia Benjamin featuring Randy Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts and John Scofield
“Juno” - Chick Corea and Béla Fleck
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” - Samara Joy featuring Sullivan Fortne
“Little Fears” - Dan Pugach Big Band Featuring Nicole Zuraitis and Troy Roberts
Best Jazz Vocal Album
Journey In Black - Christie Dashiell
Wildflowers Vol. 1 - Kurt Elling and Sullivan Fortner
A Joyful Holiday - Samara Joy
Milton + Esperanza - Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding
My Ideal - Catherine Russell and Sean Mason
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
Owl Song - Ambrose Akinmusire Featuring Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley
Beyond This Place - Kenny Barron Featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Johnathan Blake, Immanuel Wilkins and Steve Nelson
Phoenix Reimagined (Live) - Lakecia Benjamin
Remembrance - Chick Corea and Béla Fleck
Solo Game - Sullivan Fortner
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
Returning to Forever - John Beasley and Frankfurt Radio Big Band
And So It Goes - The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Walk a Mile in My Shoe - Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band
Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence - Dan Pugach Big Band
Golden City - Miguel Zenón
Best Latin Jazz Album
Spain Forever Again - Michel Camilo and Tomatito
Cubop Lives! - Zaccai Curtis
Collab - Hamilton de Holanda and Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Time and Again - Eliane Elias
El Trio: Live in Italy - Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández, John Beasley and José Gola
Cuba and Beyond - Chucho Valdés and Royal Quartet
As I Travel - Donald Vega featuring Lewis Nash, John Patitucci and Luisito Quintero
Best Alternative Jazz Album
Night Reign - Arooj Aftab
New Blue Sun - André 3000
Code Derivation - Robert Glasper
Foreverland - Keyon Harrold
No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin - Meshell Ndegeocello
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Plot Armor - Taylor Eigsti
Rhapsody In Blue - Béla Fleck
Orchestras (Live) - Bill Frisell featuring Alexander Hanson, Brussels Philharmonic, Rudy Royston and Thomas Morgan
Mark - Mark Guiliana
Speak to Me - Julian Lage
Best Musical Theater Album
Hell’s Kitchen - Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis and Meleah Joi Moon, principal vocalists; Adam Blackstone, Alicia Keys and Tom Kitt, producers (Alicia Keys, composer and lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)
Merrily We Roll Along - Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe, principal vocalists; David Caddick, Joel Fram, Maria Friedman and David Lai, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer and lyricist) (New Broadway Cast)
The Notebook - John Clancy, Carmel Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Derik Lee, Kevin McCollum and Ingrid Michaelson, producers; Ingrid Michaelson, composer and lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
The Outsiders - Joshua Boone, Brent Comer, Brody Grant and Sky Lakota-Lynch, principal vocalists; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay, Matt Hinkley, Justin Levine and Lawrence Manchester, producers; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay and Justin Levine, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Suffs - Andrea Grody, Dean Sharenow and Shaina Taub, producers; Shaina Taub, composer and lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
The Wiz - Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Nichelle Lewis and Avery Wilson, principal vocalists; Joseph Joubert, Allen René Louis and Lawrence Manchester, producers (Charlie Smalls, composer and lyricist) (2024 Broadway Cast Recording)
Best American Roots Performance
“Blame It on Eve” - Shemekia Copeland
“Nothing in Rambling” - The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Bonnie Raitt - Keb’ Mo’ - Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood
“Lighthouse” - Sierra Ferrell
“The Ballad of Sally Anne” - Rhiannon Giddens
Best Americana Performance
“Yaya” - Beyoncé
“Subtitles” - Madison Cunningham
“Don’t Do Me Good” - Madi Diaz featuring Kacey Musgraves
“American Dreaming” - Sierra Ferrell
“Runaway Train” - Sarah Jarosz
“Empty Trainload of Sky” - Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Best American Roots Song
“Ahead of the Game” - Mark Knopfler, songwriter (Mark Knopfler)
“All in Good Time” - Sam Beam, songwriter (Iron & Wine featuring Fiona Apple)
“All My Friends” - Aoife O’Donovan, songwriter (Aoife O’Donovan)
“American Dreaming” - Sierra Ferrell and Melody Walker, songwriters (Sierra Ferrell)
“Blame It on Eve” - John Hahn and Will Kimbrough, songwriters (Shemekia Copeland)
Best Americana Album
The Other Side - T Bone Burnett
$10 Cowboy - Charley Crockett
Trail of Flowers - Sierra Ferrell
Polaroid Lovers - Sarah Jarosz
No One Gets Out Alive - Maggie Rose
Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
Best Bluegrass Album
I Built a World - Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Songs of Love and Life - The Del McCoury Band
No Fear - Sister Sadie
Live Vol. 1 - Billy Strings
Earl Jam - Tony Trischka
Dan Tyminski: Live From the Ryman - Dan Tyminski
Best Traditional Blues Album
Hill Country Love - Cedric Burnside
Struck Down - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
One Guitar Woman - Sue Foley
Sam’s Place - Little Feat
Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa - The Taj Mahal Sextet
Best Contemporary Blues Album
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 - Joe Bonamassa
Blame It on Eve - Shemekia Copeland
Friendlytown - Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour
Mileage - Ruthie Foster
The Fury - Antonio Vergara
Best Folk Album
American Patchwork Quartet - American Patchwork Quartet
Weird Faith - Madi Diaz
Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All My Friends - Aoife O’Donovan
Woodland - Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Best Regional Roots Music Album
25 Back to My Roots - Sean Ardoin and Kreole Rock and Soul
Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles featuring J’Wan Boudreaux
Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - New Breed Brass Band featuring Trombone Shorty
Kuini - Kalani Pe’a
Stories From the Battlefield - The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Church Doors” - Yolanda Adams; Donald Lawrence and Sir William James Baptist, songwriter
“Yesterday” - Melvin Crispell III”Hold On (Live)” - Ricky Dillard
“Holy Hands” - Doe; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord and Juan Winans, songwriters
“One Hallelujah” - Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell and Israel Houghton featuring Jonathan McReynolds and Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine, songwriters
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“Holy Forever (Live)” - Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson featuring CeCe Winans
“Praise” - Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore, songwriters
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” - Honor & Glory Featuring Disciple
“In the Name of Jesus” - JWLKRS Worship and Maverick City Music featuring Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky and Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters
“In the Room” - Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine, songwriters
“That’s My King” - CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks and Jess Russ, songwriters
Best Gospel Album
Covered Vol. 1 - Melvin Crispell III
Choirmaster II (Live) - Ricky Dillard
Father’s Day - Kirk Franklin
Still Karen - Karen Clark Sheard
More Than This - CeCe Winans
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Heart of a Human - Doe
When Wind Meets Fire - Elevation Worship
Child of God - Forrest Frank
Coat of Many Colors - Brandon Lake
The Maverick Way Complete - Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore
Best Roots Gospel Album
The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2 - Authentic Unlimited
The Gospel According to Mark - Mark D. Conklin
Rhapsody - The Harlem Gospel Travelers
Church - Cory Henry
Loving You - The Nelons
Best Latin Pop Album
Funk Generation - Anitta
El Viaje - Luis Fonsi
García - Kany García
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran - Shakira
Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
Best Música Urbana Album
Nadie Sabe lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana - Bad Bunny
Rayo - J Balvin
Ferxxocalipsis - Feid
Las Letras Ya No Importan - Residente
Att - Young Miko
Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)
Diamantes – Chiquis
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 – Carín León
Éxodo – Peso Pluma
De Lejitos – Jessi Uribe
Best Tropical Latin Album
Muevense – Marc Anthony
Bailar – Sheila E.
Radio Güira – Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) – Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
Vacilón Santiaguero – Kiki Valera
Best Global Music Performance
“Raat Ki Rani” – Arooj Aftab
“A Rock Somewhere” – Jacob Collier featuring Anoushka Shankar and Varijashree Venugopal
“Rise” – Rocky Dawuni”Bemba Colora” – Sheila E. featuring Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar
“Sunlight to My Soul” – Angélique Kidjo featuring Soweto Gospel Choir
“Kashira” – Masa Takumi featuring Ron Korb, Noshir Mody and Dale Edward Chung
Best African Music Performance
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
“MMS” – Asake and Wizkid
“Sensational” – Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Love Me JeJe” – Tems
Best Global Music Album
Alkebulan II – Matt B Featuring Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Paisajes – Ciro Hurtado
Heis – Rema
Historias de Un Flamenco – Antonio Rey
Born in the Wild – Tems
Best Reggae Album
Take It Easy – Collie Buddz
Party With Me – Vybz Kartel
Never Gets Late Here – Shenseea
Bob Marley: One Love — Music Inspired by the Film (Deluxe) – (Various Artists)
Evolution – The Wailers
Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album
Break of Dawn – Ricky Kej
Triveni – Wouter Kellerman, Éru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon
Visions of Sounds – De Luxe Chris Redding
Opus – Ryuichi Sakamoto
Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn – Anoushka Shankar
Warriors of Light – Radhika Vekaria
Best Children’s Music Album
Brillo, Brillo! – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Creciendo – Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats
My Favorite Dream – John Legend
Solid Rock Revival – Rock for Children
World Wide Playdate – Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids
Best Comedy Album
Armageddon – Ricky Gervais
The Dreamer – Dave Chappelle
The Prisoner – Jim Gaffigan
Someday You’ll Die – Nikki Glaser
Where Was I – Trevor Noah
Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording
All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words – (Various Artists), Guy Oldfield, producer
… And Your Ass Will Follow – George Clinton
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones – Dolly Parton
Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration – Jimmy Carter
My Name Is Barbra – Barbra Streisand
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
American Fiction – Laura Karpman, composer
Challengers – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, composers
The Color Purple – Kris Bowers, composer
Dune: Part Two – Hans Zimmer, composer
Shōgun – Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross and Leopold Ross, composers
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)
The Color Purple – (Various Artists)
Deadpool & Wolverine – (Various Artists)
Maestro: Music by Leonard Bernstein – London Symphony Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bradley Cooper
Saltburn – (Various Artists)
Twisters: The Album – (Various Artists)
Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Pinar Toprak, composer
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla – Bear McCreary, composer
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – John Paesano, composer
Star Wars Outlaws – Wilbert Roget, II, composer
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord – Winifred Phillips, composer
Best Song Written for Visual Media
“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” from Twisters: The Album – Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs and Jonathan Singleton, songwriters (Luke Combs)
“Better Place,” from Trolls Band Together– Amy Allen, Shellback and Justin Timberlake, songwriters (‘N Sync and Justin Timberlake)
“Can’t Catch Me Now,” from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – Daniel Nigro and Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)
“It Never Went Away,” from American Symphony – Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Love Will Survive,” from The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Walter Afanasieff, Charlie Midnight, Kara Talve and Hans Zimmer, songwriters (Barbra Streisand)
Best Music Video
“Tailor Swif” (ASAP Rocky) – Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, video directors
“360” (Charli XCX) – Aidan Zamiri, video director; Jami Arceo and Evan Thicke, video producers
“Houdini” (Eminem) – Rich Lee, video director; Kathy Angstadt, Lisa Arianna and Justin Diener, video producers
“Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar) – Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jack Begert, Sam Canter and Jamie Rabineau, video producers
“Fortnight” (Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone) – Taylor Swift, video director; Jil Hardin, video producer
Best Music Film
American Symphony (Jon Batiste) – Matthew Heineman, video director; Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman and Joedan Okun, video producers
June (June Carter Cash) – Kristen Vaurio, video director; Josh Matas, Sarah Olson, Jason Owen, Mary Robertson and Kristen Vaurio, video producers
Kings From Queens (Run DMC) – Kirk Fraser, video director; William H. Masterson III, video producer
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (Steven Van Zandt) – Bill Teck, video director; Robert Cotto, David Fisher and Bill Teck, video producers
The Greatest Night in Pop (Various Artists) – Bao Nguyen, video director; Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Julia Nottingham, Lionel Richie and Harriet Sternberg, video producers
Best Recording Package
“The Avett Brothers” – Jonny Black and Giorgia Sage, art directors (The Avett Brothers)
“Baker Hotel” – Sarah Dodds and Shauna Dodds, art directors (William Clark Green)
“Brat” – Brent David Freaney and Imogene Strauss, art directors (Charli XCX)
“F-1 Trillion” – Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, Blossom Liu, Kylie McMahon and Ana Cecilia Thompson Motta, art directors (Post Malone)
“Hounds of Love: The Baskerville Edition” – Kate Bush and Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
“Jug Band Millionaire” – Andrew Wong and Julie Yeh, art directors (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
“Pregnancy, Breakdown, and Disease” – Lee Pei-Tzu, art director (iWhoiWhoo)
Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package
“Half Living Things” – Patrick Galvin, art director (Alpha Wolf)
“Hounds of Love: The Boxes of Lost at Sea” – Kate Bush and Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
“In Utero” – Doug Cunningham and Jason Noto, art directors (Nirvana)
“Mind Games” – Simon Hilton and Sean Ono Lennon, art directors (John Lennon)
“Unsuk Chin” – Takahiro Kurashima and Marek Polewski, art directors (Unsuk Chin and Berliner Philharmoniker)
“We Blame Chicago” – Rebeka Arce and Farbod Kokabi, art directors (90 Day Men)
Best Album Notes
“After Midnight” – Tim Brooks, album notes writer (Ford Dabney’s Syncopated Orchestras)
“The Carnegie Hall Concert” – Lauren Du Graf, album notes writer (Alice Coltrane)
“Centennial” – Ricky Riccardi, album notes writer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band and Various Artists)
“John Culshaw — The Art of the Producer — The Early Years 1948-55” – Dominic Fyfe, album notes writer (John Culshaw)
“Sontrack Original De La Película ‘Al Son De Beno’” – Josh Kun, album notes writer (Various Artists)
Best Historical Album
Centennial – Meagan Hennessey and Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band and Various Artists)
Diamonds and Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition – Charles F. Spicer, Jr. and Duane Tudahl, compilation producers; Brad Blackwood and Bernie Grundman, mastering engineers (Prince and the New Power Generation)
Paul Robeson — Voice of Freedom: His Complete Columbia, RCA, HMV, and Victor Recordings – Tom Laskey and Robert Russ, compilation producers; Nancy Conforti and Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Paul Robeson)
Pepito Y Paquito – Pepe De Lucía and Javier Doria, compilation producers; Jesús Bola, mastering engineer (Pepe De Lucía and Paco De Lucía)
The Sound of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording — Super Deluxe Edition) – Mike Matessino and Mark Piro, compilation producers; Steve Genewick and Mike Matessino, mastering engineers (Rodgers and Hammerstein and Julie Andrews)
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Algorithm – Dernst Emile II, Michael B. Hunter, Stephan Johnson, Rachel Keen, John Kercy, Charles Moniz and Todd Robinson, engineers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer (Lucky Daye)
Cyan Blue – Jack Emblem, Jack Rochon and Charlotte Day Wilson, engineers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer (Charlotte Day Wilson)
Deeper Well – Craig Alvin, Shawn Everett, Mai Leisz, Todd Lombardo, John Rooney, Konrad Snyder and Daniel Tashian, engineers; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer (Kacey Musgraves)
Empathogen – Beatriz Artola, Zach Brown, Oscar Cornejo, Chris Greatti and Mitch McCarthy, engineers; Joe La Porta, mastering engineer (Willow)
I/O – Tchad Blake, Oli Jacobs, Katie May and Dom Shaw, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Peter Gabriel)
Short n’ Sweet – Bryce Bordone, Julian Bunetta, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, Oli Jacobs, Ian Kirkpatrick, Jack Manning, Manny Marroquin, John Ryan and Laura Sisk, engineers; Nathan Dantzler and Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers (Sabrina Carpenter)
Best Engineered Album, Classical
Adams: Girls of the Golden West – Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (John Adams, Daniela Mack, Ryan McKinny, Paul Appleby, Hye Jung Lee, Elliot Madore, Julia Bullock, Davóne Tines, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Andres: The Blind Banister – Silas Brown, Doron Schachter and Michael Schwartz, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Andrew Cyr, Inbal Segev and Metropolis Ensemble)
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Resurrexit – Mark Donahue and John Newton, engineers; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
Clear Voices in the Dark – Daniel Shores, engineer; Daniel Shores, mastering engineer (Matthew Guard and Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
Ortiz: Revolución – Diamantina Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (Gustavo Dudamel, María Dueñas, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Producer of the Year, Classical
Erica Brenner
Christoph Franke
Morten Lindberg
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone
Dirk Sobotka
Best Immersive Audio Album
Avalon – Bob Clearmountain, immersive mix engineer; Rhett Davies and Bryan Ferry, immersive producers (Roxy Music)
Genius Loves Company – Michael Romanowski, Eric Schilling and Herbert Waltl, immersive mix engineers; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; John Burk, immersive producer (Ray Charles with Various Artists)
Henning Sommerro: Borders – Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive producer (Trondheim Symphony Orchestra)
I/O (In-Side Mix) – Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Richard Russell, immersive producers (Peter Gabriel)
Pax – Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive producer (Ensemble 96 and Current Saxophone Quartet)
Best Instrumental Composition
“At Last” – Shelton G. Berg, composer (Shelly Berg)
“Communion” – Christopher Zuar, composer (Christopher Zuar Orchestra)
“I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time” – André 3000, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau and Carlos Niño, composers (André 3000)
“Remembrance” – Chick Corea, composer (Chick Corea and Béla Fleck)
“Strands” – Pascal Le Boeuf, composer (Akropolis Reed Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf and Christian Euman)
Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
“Baby Elephant Walk — Encore” – Michael League, arranger (Snarky Puppy)
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly and John Legend, arrangers (Jacob Collier featuring John Legend and Tori Kelly)
“Rhapsody in Blue(grass)” – Béla Fleck and Ferde Grofé, arrangers (Béla Fleck Featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz and Bryan Sutton)
“Rose Without the Thorns” – Erin Bentlage, Alexander Lloyd Blake, Scott Hoying, A.J. Sealy and Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Scott Hoying Featuring säje and Tonality)
“Silent Night” – Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje)
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
“Alma” – Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johanye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje featuring Regina Carter)
“Always Come Back” – Matt Jones, arranger (John Legend)
“Bigfeelings” – Willow, arranger (Willow)
“Last Surprise (From ‘Persona 5’)” – Charlie Rosen and Jake Silverman, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band featuring Jonah Nilsson and Button Masher)
“The Sound of Silence” – Cody Fry, arranger (Cody Fry featuring Sleeping at Last)
Best Orchestral Performance Award
“Adams: City Noir, Fearful Symmetries and Lola Montez Does the Spider Dance” – Marin Alsop, conductor (ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra)
“Kodály: Háry János Suite; Summer Evening and Symphony in C Major” – JoAnn Falletta, conductor (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)
“Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina” – Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
“Sibelius: Karelia Suite, Rakastava, & Lemminkäinen” – Susanna Mälkki, conductor (Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra)
“Stravinsky: The Firebird” – Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)
Best Opera Recording Award
“Adams: Girls of the Golden West” – John Adams, conductor; Paul Appleby, Julia Bullock, Hye Jung Lee, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore, Ryan McKinny and Davóne Tines; Dmitriy Lipay, producer (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale)
“Catán: Florencia En El Amazonas” – Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Mario Chang, Michael Chioldi, Greer Grimsley, Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Mattia Olivieri, Ailyn Pérez and Gabriella Reyes; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
“Moravec: The Shining” – Gerard Schwarz, conductor; Tristan Hallett, Kelly Kaduce and Edward Parks; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Kansas City Symphony; Lyric Opera of Kansas City Chorus)
“Puts: The Hours” – Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming and Kelli O’Hara; David Frost, producer (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
“Saariaho: Adriana Mater” – Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan and Christopher Purves; Jason O’Connell, producer (San Francisco Symphony; San Francisco Symphony Chorus; Timo Kurkikangas)
Best Choral Performance
“Clear Voices in the Dark” – Matthew Guard, conductor (Carrie Cheron, Nathan Hodgson, Helen Karloski and Clare McNamara; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
“A Dream So Bright — Choral Music of Jake Runestad” – Eric Holtan, conductor (Jeffrey Biegel; True Concord Orchestra; True Concord Voices)
“Handel: Israel in Egypt” – Jeannette Sorrell, conductor (Margaret Carpenter Haigh, Daniel Moody, Molly Netter, Jacob Perry and Edward Vogel; Apollo’s Fire; Apollo’s Singers)
“Ochre” – Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
“Sheehan: Akathist” – Elaine Kelly, conductor; Melissa Attebury, Stephen Sands and Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Elizabeth Bates, Paul D’Arcy, Tynan Davis, Aine Hakamatsuka, Steven Hrycelak, Helen Karloski, Enrico Lagasca, Edmund Milly, Fotina Naumenko, Neil Netherly, Timothy Parsons, Stephen Sands, Miriam Sheehan and Pamela Terry; Novus NY; Artefact Ensemble, The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Downtown Voices and Trinity Youth Chorus)
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
“Adams, J.L.: Waves & Particles” – JACK Quartet
“Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 4 And Op. 97, ‘Archduke’” – Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos and Emanuel Ax
“Cerrone: Beaufort Scales” – Beth Willer, Christopher Cerrone and Lorelei Ensemble
“Home” – Miró Quartet
“Rectangles and Circumstance” – Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion
Best Classical Instrumental Solo
“Akiho: Longing” – Andy Akiho
“Bach: Goldberg Variations” – Víkingur Ólafsson
“Eastman: The Holy Presence of Joan D’Arc” – Seth Parker Woods; Christopher Rountree, conductor (Wild Up)
“Entourer” – Mak Grgić (Ensemble Dissonance)
“Perry: Concerto for Violin & Orchestra” – Curtis Stewart; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Orchestra)
Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Beyond the Years — Unpublished Songs of Florence Price – Karen Slack, soloist; Michelle Cann, pianist
A Change Is Gonna Come – Nicholas Phan, soloist; Palaver Strings, ensembles
Newman: Bespoke Songs – Fotina Naumenko, soloist; Marika Bournaki, pianist (Nadège Foofat; Julietta Curenton, Colin Davin, Mark Edwards, Nadia Pessoa, Timothy Roberts, Ryan Romine, Akemi Takayama, Karlyn Viña and Garrick Zoeter)
Show Me The Way – Will Liverman, soloist; Jonathan King, pianist
Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder – Joyce DiDonato, soloist; Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor (Il Pomo d’Oro)
Best Classical Compendium
“Akiho: BeLonging” – Andy Akiho and Imani Winds – Andy Akiho, Sean Dixon and Mark Dover, producers
“American Counterpoints” – Curtis Stewart – James Blachly, conductor – Blanton Alspaugh, producer
“Foss: Symphony No. 1; Renaissance Concerto; Three American Pieces; Ode” – JoAnn Falletta, conductor – Bernd Gottinger, producer
“Mythologies II” – Sangeeta Kaur, Omar Najmi, Hilá Plitmann, Robert Thies and Danaë Xanthe Vlasse – Michael Shapiro, conductor – Jeff Atmajian, Emilio D. Miler, Hai Nguyen, Robert Thies, Danaë Xanthe Vlasse and Kitt Wakeley, producers
“Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina” – Gustavo Dudamel, conductor – Dmitriy Lipay, producer
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
“Casarrubios: Seven for Solo Cello” – Andrea Casarrubios, composer (Andrea Casarrubios)
“Coleman: Revelry” – Valerie Coleman, composer (Decoda)
“Lang: Composition as Explanation” – David Lang, composer (Eighth Blackbird)
Legendary Composer & Producer Quincy Jones Dies at 91
Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in American popular music for over half a century, passed away on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California, at the age of 91.
The news was shared by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, who confirmed Jones’ peaceful passing but did not disclose the cause.
Starting his career as a jazz trumpeter, Mr. Jones quickly became a sought-after arranger, working with legends like Count Basie and arranging music across big bands, films, and records. Yet his influence extended far beyond his musical creations. Known for his ability to connect and collaborate, Jones shaped an era of cross-genre music that merged styles and bridged audiences. His legacy as a cultural connector is profound, laying the groundwork for Black artists to reach unprecedented heights of social and professional mobility in the late 1950s and beyond. And even without producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller—the best-selling album in history—Jones’ contributions to music would have left a lasting impact.
An acclaimed musician and a versatile arranger, conductor, record executive, and civil rights advocate, Quincy Jones built an extraordinary career that remains nearly unmatched in entertainment history.
Lost Chopin Waltz Discovered in New York Museum After 50 Years
A remarkable discovery has surfaced at a New York museum: a previously unknown composition in the hand of a famed composer, marking the first such find in over half a century. Following extensive tests on the manuscript’s paper and ink, detailed handwriting and musical style analyses, and consultations with independent experts, the Morgan Library has drawn a significant conclusion—this piece is very likely an undiscovered waltz by Frédéric Chopin, one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic period.
The manuscript, which the Morgan Library dates to between 1830 and 1835 when Chopin was in his early 20s, contains several distinctive features. While it is thought to be a complete piece, the work is unusually short compared to Chopin’s other waltzes, spanning only 48 measures with a repeat, giving it an approximate duration of 80 seconds. The piece is set in the key of A minor and showcases rare dynamic markings, including a striking triple forte near the beginning—an instruction for maximum volume that is atypical in Chopin’s compositions.
The discovery of this manuscript not only offers new insight into Chopin's creative development during his early years but also stands as a rare addition to his known body of work, potentially enriching our understanding of his evolving style during one of the most influential periods of his life.
The First Trailer of ''Music by John Williams'' Documentary on Disney+
(Image: John Williams conducting the Boston Pops in May 2018)
The iconic scores of John Williams will be celebrated with documentary “Music by John Williams.” The Disney+ film reunites legendary composer Williams with his frequent collaborators Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Kathleen Kennedy, who all produce the documentary. Williams has scored films such as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Jurassic Park,” and in 2023 made history as the oldest Oscar nominee in any category for “The Fabelmans.” The composer has a total of 54 Oscar nominations and five wins.
“Music by John Williams” will “offer a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of the legendary composer,” according to the official logline. “From his early days as a jazz pianist to his Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture.”
The documentary also includes interviews with artists and filmmakers including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Chris Columbus, Yo-Yo Ma, Ke Huy Quan, James Mangold, and Alan Silvestri.
“Music by John Williams” premieres November 1 on Disney+ and will have a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Check out the trailer below.
Songs by Adele, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, Nirvana & More Blocked on YouTube
(Image: TikTok)
YouTube has blocked songs by several popular artists, including Adele, Green Day, and Bob Dylan, due to an expired licensing agreement with SESAC, a performing rights organization. According to reports from Variety, users attempting to play affected videos are met with a message stating the content is unavailable in their country, as YouTube and SESAC negotiate a new deal.
The blocking of popular songs on YouTube stems from an expired licensing agreement with SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers), a performing rights organization representing over 35,000 music artists and publishers12. SESAC, which manages public performance rights for more than 1.5 million songs, failed to reach a new agreement with YouTube before the existing deal's expiration32. This dispute echoes a similar situation between Universal Music Group and TikTok earlier in the year, highlighting the complex relationships between digital platforms and music rights organizations2. While YouTube claims to have negotiated in good faith, an unnamed source suggested that the previous deal was not set to expire until the following week, implying that the content removal might be a negotiation tactic.
The content blocking extends beyond Adele, affecting a diverse range of high-profile artists across various genres. Some of the notable musicians impacted include:
Kendrick Lamar
Nirvana
R.E.M.
Burna Boy
Kanye West
Britney Spears
Green Day (though newer releases remain available)
Interestingly, the block's scope is not uniform, with some artists having only specific songs or versions affected12. For instance, while one version of Kanye West's "Power" is blocked, the music video version remains accessible2. Even covers of Bob Dylan's songs have been removed in some cases3. This selective blocking highlights the complex nature of music licensing and copyright management in the digital age.
New Mozart Music Discovered in Germany
A previously unknown piece of music by one of the world's most celebrated composers has been uncovered.
The 12-minute piece by Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is called "Ganz kleine Nachtmusik" and was likely written when he was a teenager sometime in the mid-to late-1760s. Researchers found the manuscript while putting together the latest update to the Köchel Catalog, the official archive of Mozart's music which has existed for more than 160 years. The latest edition of the catalog took more than 10 years to compile and is the first update since 1964, according to the International Mozarteum Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on the life and works of Mozart by offering free concerts, maintaining Mozart museums and supporting academic research.
The piece written for a string trio is a significant piece in the mosaic of Mozart's music, according to Ulrich Leisinger, head of research at the International Mozarteum Foundation and editor of the latest version of Köchel.
"Until now the young Mozart has been familiar to us chiefly as a composer of keyboard music and of arias and sinfonias but we know from a list drawn up by [his father] Leopold Mozart that he wrote many other chamber works in his youth, all of them unfortunately lost." Leisinger said in a statement.
Fazioli Launches F198 Grand Piano
(Image Credit: Fazioli)
The F198 is a medium-sized piano ideal for smaller spaces like living rooms, home studios, classrooms, and small venues. It's perfect for space-conscious settings.
Fazioli, founded in 1981 by Paolo Fazioli in Sacile, Italy, ranks among the top piano makers, known for its concert grands praised by leading pianists. The F198 delivers a surprisingly powerful sound for its size. Fazioli achieved this by redesigning the soundboard and bridges, and using advanced technology to optimize string pressure, resulting in exceptional dynamics and a stronger tone.
We are very proud to present this new model. It symbolizes how our company always looks to the future, embracing new challenges and offering pianists worldwide an increasingly wide range of expressive possibilities. The piano is not an instrument passively and indissolubly anchored to tradition, but, like every other work of human ingenuity, it must evolve and follow continuous technical and scientific development, without this constituting a betrayal of that glorious past that has written its history.
Paolo Fazioli, founder and CEO of Fazioli.
Length: 198cm (6.5ft)
Width: 154cm (5ft)
Height: 100cm (3.5ft)
Weight: 400kg (880lbs)
More info: Here
Arturia's Avant-garde Stage Keyboard: AstroLab
(Image Credit: Arturia)
French electronics company Arturia has unveiled its avant-garde stage keyboard, the AstroLab. Tailored for the contemporary musician and producer craving boundless creative exploration, AstroLab is a cutting-edge instrument that redefines the boundaries of expression.
Featuring advanced virtual synthesis capabilities, an innovative ecosystem, and intuitive controls, AstroLab seamlessly integrates studio production, live performance, and unrestricted artistic innovation. Boasting 34 meticulously crafted instruments and over 1300 inspiring presets, it introduces a galaxy of essential sounds, iconic synths, and contemporary textures previously unheard in a performance keyboard.
From streamlined mobile sound management to seamless DAW integration and intuitive drag-and-drop playlist creation, AstroLab’s companion software empowers users to organize, customize, and expand their sonic palette effortlessly. Elevate your performances, unleash your creativity, and explore new musical horizons with AstroLab.
AstroLab is priced at €1599.
More info: Here
Jazz Composer Phil Nimmons Dies at 100
(Image Credit: Mark Miller)
Canadian composer, educator and clarinetist Phil Nimmons has died at the age of 100 after a career that included Canada's highest artistic honor. (Governor General's Performing Arts Award)
TikTok Has Announced It's Music Distribution Platform: SoundOn
(Image: TikTok)
TikTok has announced the launch of SoundOn, an all-in-one platform for music marketing and distribution, designed to empower new and undiscovered artists, helping them develop and build their careers.
SoundOn is TikTok's own promotion and music distribution platform, enabling artists to grow their fanbases, harness their creative voice and get their music heard worldwide. The platform allows artists to upload their music directly to TikTok and begin earning royalties, when that music is used. SoundOn pays out 100% royalties to music creators in the first year and 90% after that, and provides a range of promotional tools and support. Audience insight and development, expert advice from a dedicated SoundOn artist team, access to TikTok's song tab where music is linked on profile pages and promotional support through creator marketing on the TikTok platform is all part of what's offered to artists signing up.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music at TikTok said:
New artists and musical creators are a vibrant community within TikTok and SoundOn is designed to support them as they take the first steps in their career. Our SoundOn teams will guide creators on their journey to the big stage and bring the expertise and power of TikTok to life for the artist. We're incredibly excited about how this will surface and propel new talent and how SoundOn will contribute to an increasingly diverse and growing global music industry.
Artists wanting to register to SoundOn can do so through: Here.
Orchestral Tools EQUINOX Bundle & Spring Textures
(Image: Orchestral Tools)
Orchestral Tools has unveiled the debut of the EQUINOX Bundle, featuring five libraries sourced from their FABRIK collection. This exclusive bundle is set to be released as part of their Spring Textures Sale.
The Spring Textures Sale presents a rare, time-limited opportunity with a 50% discount on five collections that encapsulate the rich sonic textures of the season. This enticing offer expires on March 20th, prompting you to seize the chance to acquire your favorites at half price—or immerse yourself fully in the sensory journey by embracing all five collections with added savings in the Equinox bundle.
EQUINOX Bundle: €399 (combined value of €1015)
Salu: €198 (usually €399)
Babel: €39 (usually €79)
TIME micro: €174 (usually €349)
Whisper: €64 (usually €129)
Sinoid: €29 (usually €59)
More info: Here
Ableton Has Released Live 12
(Image: Ableton)
A major update to Ableton's popular DAW software has been released with Live 12. This update introduces a range of new features aimed at igniting musical creativity.
Among these are new MIDI tools that assist in generating unexpected ideas, along with new devices and sounds, as well as various improvements geared towards enhancing user intuition. The upgraded MIDI Editor in Live 12 offers unprecedented control over compositions. Users can easily rearrange selected notes, smoothly adjust velocities, and seamlessly integrate them into any musical scale. This tool is particularly advantageous for producers seeking precision and flexibility.
There's a lot to unpack with this update, and that's before delving into the headline devices. Live 12 introduces a new synth, Meld, a new effect, Roar, and an update to the popular Max instrument, Granulator. Over the years, Ableton has earned a reputation for releasing updates that are incremental and often subtle, rather than revolutionary. Consequently, it can be challenging to determine the value of investing in the latest version. However, if you've been hesitating to upgrade, Live 12 is the one you've been waiting for.
New UI: Live 12’s cleaner, more minimal look removes visual complexity and keeps the focus on your music.
Tuning Systems: Break free from traditional tuning constraints.
Keys and Scales: Visual guides in the MIDI editor for crafting in-key melodies.
Screen Reader Support: Making Live 12 accessible to all producers.
Sound Browser Similarity: Find the perfect sound with smart browsing.
User Tagging: Personalize your browsing experience with custom tags.
Save Browser Views: Keep your preferred browsing filters handy.
Browsing History: Revisit your search journey effortlessly.
Factory tags: Quickly find sounds with predefined tags.
Meld: A bi-timbral, MPE-capable instrument designed for deep sound shaping that lets you create a wide array of textural and experimental tones with its two easy-to-use macro oscillators.
Granulator III: The latest iteration of Robert Henke’s granular instrument now has MPE capability, giving you expressive control over parameters like note bend, vibrato and glissando. Plus, you can now capture audio in real time and start manipulating it immediately.
Roar: Create everything from subtle and precise mastering-grade warmth to wild and unpredictable sound degradation with Live’s new coloring and saturation effect. Roar’s three saturation stages can be used in series, parallel, or even in mid/side and multiband configurations – and it comes equipped with a feedback generator and an extensive modulation matrix.
and more.
More info: Here
Native Instruments Launch Jacob Collier Audience Choir
(Image: Native Instruments)
Jacob Collier has collaborated with Native Instruments to develop an exclusive virtual instrument that replicates the harmonious sound of a live audience singing in unison. This innovative tool allows users to tailor sounds using Dynamics, Timbre, Attack, and Release parameters. Additionally, it offers built-in effects such as delay and reverb for additional sound manipulation. With a Chord Generator feature, users can effortlessly generate harmonies, while a Triad Blend function enables the activation of pre-designed triads.
Jacob Collier Audience Choir runs in Native Instruments’ free Kontakt Player or the full Kontakt (versions 7.8 or higher), which are supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 11 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with standalone applications.
Experience the Jacob Collier Audience Choir, now accessible for free download through Native Access 2.
More info: Here
Spitfire Symphony Orchestra Re-released with New Features
(Image: Spitfire Audio)
Spitfire Symphony Orchestra has been revamped and reissued, now conveniently available as a comprehensive, all-in-one library.
In its latest iteration, Spitfire Symphony Orchestra now offers a 118-piece orchestra with a comprehensive selection of over 800 articulations, along with multiple dynamic layers and up to eight round robins, all presented in a brand new Native Instruments Kontakt 7 Player-based interface offers quick and easy access to the entire collection in one place.
Spitfire Symphony Orchestra runs in Kontakt Player 7.5.2 or higher, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 11 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
The download size for the library is 345GB.
More info: Here
Will Sharpe Cast as Mozart in Upcoming ''Amadeus'' TV Series
(Image: Hero Magazine)
A forthcoming Sky series, "Amadeus," delves into the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, set to grace screens this year. The show traces Mozart's arrival in vibrant 18th-century Vienna, brimming with aspirations for musical greatness. Stepping into the shoes of Mozart is actor, writer, and director Will Sharpe, known for his Primetime Emmy-nominated role as tech entrepreneur Ethan Spiller in HBO's "The White Lotus" second season (2023).
Ben Lanzarone, Pianist & Composer Passed Away At 85
(Image: LANZARONE-GRAFF FAMILY)
Ben Lanzarone, the composer, pianist, and musical director who wrote music for such shows as Dynasty, Happy Days, Ms. Belvedere, and The Tracey Ullman Show, has passed away at 85.
Lanzarone died Friday in his Los Angeles home of lung cancer, his family announced.
DNA From Beethoven's Hair Reveals A Surprise
(Image: Current Biology)
In March 1827, the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven died after being sick for a long time. He had been very ill since the previous Christmas, struggling to breathe because of jaundice, which made his body swollen. When his friends were sorting through his things after he died, they found a letter he had written 25 years earlier. In the letter, Beethoven asked his brothers to tell people about his health problems.
It's well known now that Beethoven, one of the greatest musicians ever, became deaf when he was in his 40s. He wanted people to understand that it wasn't just a personal tragedy but also a medical one. Almost 200 years after Beethoven died, scientists analyzed his DNA from hair samples to learn more about his health. They found that he likely became deaf because of a mysterious illness that started when he was in his 20s.
Beethoven also suffered from severe stomach pains and diarrhea starting from his early adulthood. Six years before he died, he showed signs of liver disease, which probably contributed to his death at 56.
Some people thought Beethoven might have died from lead poisoning, but a study in 2023 showed that wasn't true. Instead, he likely died from a hepatitis B infection, worsened by his drinking and other health problems. The study also found something surprising in Beethoven's family history. It seems there was a secret in his family that goes back several generations, involving infidelity.
This research raises new questions about Beethoven's life and death. It's a bit ironic that despite his wish for people to understand his deafness, there are still mysteries surrounding it. But his DNA has revealed more than he might have expected when he wrote that letter all those years ago.
Full Research: Here
VSL Has Released the Fazioli F212 Piano Plugin
(Image: VSL)
Vienna Symphonic Library has unveiled the Synchron Fazioli F212, capturing the classic mid-sized piano sound of Fazioli, previously sampled in their Stage A room. Recording engineers utilized multiple high-end microphone arrays to capture this instrument's essence on Stage B, providing a plethora of options for customizing your sound. The Full Library includes three sets of close microphones (condenser, ribbon, and tube options), two pairs of mid mics, and the Decca tree with additional surround outriggers.
Synchron Pianos is compatible with PCs running Windows 10 or later and Macs running macOS 10.14 or higher, offering VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plug-in versions. The Standard version requires 68.7GB of storage, while the Full Library demands 148.6GB.
Standard Library: €225, Full Library: €375.
More info: Here
Mischa Zupko Named 2024 Guest Composer for Fermilab
(Image: Dan Svoboda, Fermilab)
Fermilab scientists collaborate with composers to craft music inspired by particle science. Chicago based composer and pianist Mischa Zupko has been named the 2024 guest composer by the Fermi Research Alliance for this endeavor.
Meanwhile, works from past Fermi Research Alliance guest composers and artists are currently on display at the exhibition "Beyond the Visible" at the Schingoethe Center at Aurora University. The exhibition features works by Mare Hirsch, David Ibbett, Jim Jenkins, Chris Klapper & Patrick Gallagher, Ricardo Mondragon, Ellen Sandor, and Roger Zare. It will be on display until May 10.
The Winners of the 2024 SCL Awards Have Been Announced
(Image: SCL Awards)
The winners of the 2024 SCL Awards have been announced. Among this year's winners are Ludwig Göransson, Billie Eilish, John Powell, and Martin Scorsese.
Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film
Anthony Willis, Saltburn
Joe Hisaishi, The Boy and the Heron
WINNER: Ludwig Göransson, Oppenheimer
Laura Karpman, American Fiction
Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon
Outstanding Original Score for an Independent Film
Jon Batiste, American Symphony
WINNER: John Powell, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
Daniel Pemberton, Ferrari
Mica Levi, The Zone of Interest
Fabrizio Mancinelli/Richard M. Sherman, Mushka
Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical
WINNER: Billie Eilish O’Connell/Finneas O’Connell, “What Was I Made For?,” Barbie
Mark Ronson/Andrew Wyatt, “I’m Just Ken,” Barbie
Diane Warren, “The Fire Inside,” Flamin’ Hot
Heather McIntosh/Allyson Newman/Taura Stinson, “All About Me,” The L Word: Generation Q
Jack Black/John Spiker/Eric Osmond/Michael Jelenic/Aaron Horvath, “Peaches,” Super Mario Bros. Movie
Outstanding Original Song for a Drama or Documentary
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo/Dan Nigro, “Can’t Catch Me Now,” The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Jon Batiste/Dan Wilson, “It Never Went Away,” American Symphony
Lenny Kravitz, “Road to Freedom,” Rustin
Nicholas Britell/Taura Stinson, “Slip Away,” Carmen
Sharon Farber/Noah Benshea, “Better Times,” Jacob the Baker
Outstanding Original Score for a TV Production
WINNER: Nicholas Britell, Succession
Natalie Holt, Loki
Martin Phipps, The Crown
Carlos Rafael Rivera, Lessons in Chemistry
Gustavo Santaolalla, The Last of Us
Outstanding Original Title Sequence for a TV Production
WINNER: Carlos Rafael Rivera, Lessons in Chemistry
Atli Örvarsson, Silo
Nainita Desai, The Deepest Breath
Kevin Kiner, Ahsoka
Chanda Dancy, Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Outstanding Original Score for Interactive Media
Austin Wintory, Stray Gods
Pinar Toprak, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
WINNER: Stephen Barton/Gordy Haab, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Winifred Phillips, Secrets of Skeifa Island
David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent
Kenny Wood, The Naughty Nine
Hannah Parrott, After Death
Fabrizio Mancinelli, The Land of Dreams
WINNER: Catherine Joy, Home Is a Hotel
Allyson Newman, Commitment to Life
The Spirit of Collaboration Award
Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese
Celebrating 100 Years of Gershwin's ''Rhapsody in Blue''
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the renowned American composer George Gershwin's masterpiece, 'Rhapsody in Blue.'
First premiered in 1924, it is often considered a quintessential example of 20th-century American music, blending elements of classical music with jazz and blues, a style sometimes referred to as "symphonic jazz. It has been performed in countless concert halls, adapted into various arrangements, and featured prominently in films, television shows, and advertisements, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide with its electrifying blend of classical sophistication and jazz vitality.
Unsuk Chin is Awarded the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize
(Image: Unsuk Chin)
Unsuk Chin, the Korean composer, is awarded the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize. The Ernst von Siemens Music Prize is regarded as the Nobel Prize of classical music. Since its establishment in 1974, the main prize annually honors one contributor in compositions, interpretations, writings or teachings in music. Previous winners include composer Benjamin Britten, conductor Herbert von Karajan and pianist Maurizio Pollini.