Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Ledisi Discuss Her Journey In Music As An Independent Artist

Ledisi (L) & MC Lyte (R)

Ledisi PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF Artist / MC LYTE PHOTO CREDIT: D'ANDRE MICHAEL

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Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Ledisi Discuss Her Journey In Music As An Independent Artist

In the latest episode of the "Black Music Collective Podcast," GRAMMY-winning artist Ledisi talks through her journey in music on a road that hasn't always been easy and how she's remained true to who she is as an artist

Recording Academy/Jul 16, 2021 - 04:00 am

In the latest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast," a new podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble, host and two-time GRAMMY nominee MC Lyte chats with powerhouse vocalist Ledisi, one of the greatest singers of her generation.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ledisi has garnered an impressive list of accolades, including three Soul Train Music Awards, a NAACP Theater Award and six NAACP Image Award nominations. Most recently, Ledisi received two LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award nominations, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This year, she received her first GRAMMY Award, for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her hit song, "Anything for You," at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards this past March. (She counts 13 career GRAMMY nominations overall.)

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Born in New Orleans and reared in Oakland, California, Ledisi has wowed fans with her unparalleled vocals ever since she burst onto the scene. She is a beloved favorite among fellow musical and cultural icons, including the Obama family, the late Prince, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and so many others.

An influential figure within the Recording Academy family, Ledisi was elected President of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter this year.

Listen to Ledisi talk through her journey in music on a road that hasn't always been easy and learn how she has remained true to who she is as an artist in the newest episode of the "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" above.

About The Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast:

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" is a six-part podcast series presented by Procter & Gamble. Hosted by MC Lyte, the series includes various members of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and beyond, who discuss their contributions and impact within the community and the music industry at large.

The "Recording Academy x EBONY: Black Music Collective Podcast" streams every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT through July 29 on EBONY.com and EBONY's YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on GRAMMY.com/BlackMusicCollectivePodcast and the Recording Academy's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Black Music Collective Podcast: Watch Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Discuss Their Legendary Legacy As GRAMMY-Winning Producers

The Recording Academy Celebrates Women's History Month And International Women's Day With 2024 "Power In Women" Series
Celebrate Women's History Month 2024 with the Recording Academy

Graphic courtesy of the Recording Academy

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The Recording Academy Celebrates Women's History Month And International Women's Day With 2024 "Power In Women" Series

The "Power In Women" series honors the incredible contributions women have made to music and celebrates the women making waves in the industry. Hear from Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., Autumn Rowe, Ebonie Smith, and more leading women in music.

Recording Academy/Mar 8, 2024 - 10:55 pm

As the world's leading community of music professionals, the Recording Academy understands the importance of diverse experiences. All year long, we work to address and improve the challenges that marginalized communities and creators face every day in the music industry, especially by women and other marginalized gender identities. In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day this year, we're recognizing and celebrating the contributions of every woman in music via our 2024 "Power In Women" series. 

The "Power In Women" series is a social and digital media campaign aimed at honoring the incredible contributions women have made to music and celebrating the women making waves across the industry. We've partnered with a diverse range of Recording Academy members and music industry creators and professionals to highlight the power and influence of women across every facet of the music industry. Via exclusive social media interviews that are personal yet universal and impactful stories about the women who are shaping the future of the music industry, the "Power In Women" series is giving women the stage they deserve. 

"On International Women's Day, I find myself thinking about the evolution of the Recording Academy and our steadfast commitment to inclusivity, equity, and empowering women in music," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a special video message to the music community published on International Women's Day 2024. "At last month's GRAMMY Awards, female stars completely shined." 

Below, hear from Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., Autumn Rowe, Ebonie Smith, Emily Bear, and some of the brightest women in music in our 2024 "Power In Women" series, and learn more about the Recording Academy's recent achievements and actions to further amplify women empowerment and representation in our industry. Make sure to check out GRAMMY.com for more content celebrating some incredible women in music all throughout Women's History Month and beyond.

Women in music have indeed had a phenomenal year, with the 2024 GRAMMYs serving as a landmark year for the Academy recognizing and awarding women in music. Women dominated in the majority of the General Field Categories and broke records at the 2024 GRAMMYs: For the second time in four years, women won Album Of The Year (Taylor Swift), Song Of The Year (Billie Eilish), Record Of The Year (Miley Cyrus), and Best New Artist (Victoria Monét.)

As the most winning artist of the night, Phoebe Bridgers took home four GRAMMYs in total: three with her all-woman band boygenius and one for her collaboration with fellow woman artist SZA

Taylor Swift broke the all-time record for most Album Of The Year GRAMMY wins when she secured her fourth GRAMMY in the Category for Midnights. She still holds the position as the only woman to ever win the Album Of The Year Category more than twice. 

Kacey Musgraves also made history by becoming the first artist ever to win in all four Country Categories. Paramore became the first rock band fronted by a woman to win Best Rock Album, and Karol G became the first Latina to win Best Musicá Urbana Album. The 2024 GRAMMYs also marked the thrid consecutive that a woman won the Producer Of The Year, Classical Category, with Elaine Martone taking home the golden gramophone last month.

Prior to the 2024 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy honored and amplified the voices of women in music at the A Celebration of Women In The Mix event, present in partnership with PEOPLE and Sephora and held at GRAMMY House during GRAMMY Week 2024; Dyson and The Hartford were participating sponsors of the event

In addition to these history-making achievements, the Recording Academy has also welcomed more women into our leadership and membership ranks than ever before. Under the guidance of Ruby Marchand, Chief Awards & Industry Officer, and Kelley Purcell, Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations, the Recording Academy is now 98% of the way to reaching our goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025; we are set to achieve this milestone in 2024 — a year ahead of schedule.

Last year, the 2023 New Member Class had a record-breaking, diverse group of 2,400+ music creators join the Recording Academy, with women making up 37% of this group. (See the full statistics surrounding the demographics of the 2023 New Member Class.) 

Later this month, the Recording Academy will host additional events and programs in celebration of Women's History Month. Presented by our Membership & Industry Relations and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) teams, the Recording Academy is hosting a Women In The Mix Brunch at SXSW 2024. Also, the Recording Academy Washington D.C. Chapter will host "Blueprints in Leadership with Ruby Marchand," an intimate conversation with Academy executive Marchand, alongside Washington D.C. Chapter Trustee WAYNA, about her the guiding principles that have driven her dynamic professional career and Recording Academy journey. Both events are private events not open to the public.

As a leading organization championing equity, inclusion, and empowerment of women in the music business, the Recording Academy has made commendable progress in women's representation among our Voting and Professional Membership ranks as well as our GRAMMY winners and nominees. Beyond our rigorous efforts to recruit and retain women members, the Academy is also committed to amplifying women in music through providing curated events, mentorship, networking opportunities, recognition, and more. 

But our work is not done, and our mission remains ongoing. And we can't do it alone — it takes every one of us. Download our "Power In Women" social media toolkit to support and amplify women in music on your social and digital media channels. Stand with us in empowering women in music and help us create a more inclusive and fair music industry. 

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recent DEI achievements, and year-round work to support women and other marginalized voices in music.

2023 New Member Class: Why These Artists Joined The Recording Academy: "Together, We Can Elevate The Academy To Even New Heights"
Members of the Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class: (L-R) Rap-Unzel, Duncan Daniels, OG Parker, Weyes Blood, Bedouin

Source Photos (L-R): Armani Lyons/Lyons Pride Photography; Yanran Xiong; Armen Kaleshian; Neelam Khan Vela; Ben Price; Graphic Courtesy of the Recording Academy

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2023 New Member Class: Why These Artists Joined The Recording Academy: "Together, We Can Elevate The Academy To Even New Heights"

From elevating peers to acknowledging extraordinary work to pushing for inclusivity, hear why artists like Weyes Blood, Bedouin, Gera MX, and more just joined the Recording Academy.

Recording Academy/Dec 5, 2023 - 08:44 pm

Becoming a member of the Recording Academy is no mere title or honorific. Academy members directly impact the global music community for the better. Without our Membership, the Recording Academy wouldn't exist at all.

By getting directly involved with the Academy's various divisions and initiatives, artists, creators and industry professionals can expand their participation in the music world to the next level. Our newest members, who just joined the Recording Academy as part of our 2023 New Member Class, perfectly embody this spirit. This newly inducted, record-breaking class represents a diverse group of 2,400+ music creators. In a demonstration of the Academy's commitment to remaking its overall membership, 50% of the new class are people of color, 46% of this year's class are under the age of 40, and 37% are women. See the full statistics surrounding the demographics of the 2023 New Member Class and a snapshot of the Recording Academy's 2023 DEI initiatives.

To celebrate our 2023 New Member Class, we're spotlighting some of our newest Recording Academy members, including Weyes Blood, Bedouin, Gera MX, and others. Learn more about the many reasons why they joined the world's leading community of music professionals.

Learn more about Recording Academy Membership and join now.

Read More: 50 Percent Of The Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class Are People Of Color

*Weyes Blood | Photo: Neelam Khan Vela*

Weyes Blood

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Recorded music is my lifeblood. I wanted to see and be a part of the whole process that acknowledges some of the best recorded music of our times, and the Recording Academy is the best way to recognize the contributions of the wider music community.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As someone who listens to a lot of music from the past, I look forward to exploring newer records on a more regular basis. I also look forward to listening to a wider variety of genres outside of my normal wheelhouse.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to contribute my weird perspective. As somebody who started in the DIY experimental music scene and collecting odd records, I feel like my input would come from a passionate and progressive place.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means getting to shed light on people that pour their hearts and souls into a recording. I feel very privileged to be admitted. All my years of experiencing and transcending through music will be put to good use, and staying connected with music — not only as a songwriter and singer, but as a listener — is very important to me.

*Gera MX | Photo Courtesy of Gera MX*

Gera MX

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I feel that one of my missions as an artist is to continue contributing to the growth of new talents who may have great opportunities like the ones I have had.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to continuing to meet new talents as well as experienced colleagues. Also, new professionals who can add to my vision. And, of course, maybe very soon to see a GRAMMY Award in my cabinet.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to continue giving you music for many more years, that it can reach new corners of the world and connect with new people.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It is very important to me. It is a milestone in my career and, for me, it means having reached a new level in my career.

It is great for me to become a member of the Academy and contribute to the mission of continuing to grow the name of all Mexican and Latino artists, creatives and professionals who contribute their grain of sand to this industry every day.

*Bedouin | Photo: Ben Price*

Bedouin

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Becoming a Recording Academy member was fueled by the desire to immerse and align ourselves with this vibrant community of exceptionally talented musicians. The electronic music industry has grown immensely in recent years, and we're honored to be a part of that growth. We're excited that artists in our genre are finally being recognized for their contributions to the history of music. 

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

We are so excited and honored for the opportunity to continue advocating for and shining a spotlight on the electronic music genre as Recording Academy members. Electronic music is a multibillion-dollar industry, yet it still struggles to get mainstream recognition.

As part of the Recording Academy, we look forward to being a representative of our genre and helping to further establish it alongside the other popular, more conventional genres. We hope to use this opportunity to bridge the gaps between genres, collaborating and exchanging ideas with fellow music professionals from various backgrounds.

This vibrant network provides a platform to push boundaries and redefine musical conventions.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

First and foremost, we hope to further champion diversity within the music industry — with a specific focus on music and musicians of Middle Eastern descent.

As a Recording Academy member, we have the unique opportunity to push for a more inclusive industry that reflects the global richness of musical traditions from all over the world. 

Additionally, we're excited to act as a representative for the electronic music space and will work to bring that community more respect, credibility and awareness overall. Electronic music is the moment, right now! And we're excited to be part of the movement that brings the genre into the spotlight.  

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It's a distinct privilege to be recognized alongside other professional creatives that share a deep dedication to their craft. After such a monumental year for our own artistic journey, to be accepted into the new member class of the Recording Academy is truly a capstone moment. 

Our sonic vision pulls from our diverse personal influences, Middle Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. To now receive this level of recognition from the world's leading society of music professionals — it's an honor to be not only a face for electronic music, but also for all Middle Eastern musicians.

*Rap-Unzel | Photo: Armani Lyons/Lyons Pride Photography*

Rap-Unzel

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I was inspired to become an Academy member when I learned about the different ways I could get more involved in the industry through various membership opportunities. Being a part of an organization that celebrates artists and creatives is right where I want to be!

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to connecting with my fellow members and industry peers, as that's a way for me to continue my growth as an artist and be part of change. I feel there's always a takeaway and learning opportunity in everything I do, so I look to gain more knowledge from my experience as an Academy member!

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

As a new member, I'm excited to have the opportunity for my voice to be heard in new rooms! I hope to advocate for the many different lanes there are for artists, especially female rappers. There are so many different sounds and styles with space for all of them in the industry. I'm here to show my lane.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

As a songwriter and recording artist, my words mean a lot to me, and music is one of my first true loves. So, naturally, being a member of the Recording Academy means so much! It's important to me because I stand by the Recording Academy's mission, and I want to do my part in ensuring that the music community continues to thrive!

*Duncan Daniels | Photo: Yanran Xiong*

Duncan Daniels

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I plan to help bring more awareness to the vast community of Afrobeats artists based in the diaspora, most especially here in the U.S. I also look forward to connecting and collaborating with my peers to make some amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I would love to contribute by mentoring younger, budding musicians who intend on growing their music industry knowledge and career.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means that my peers saw my years of contribution to music as a whole and deemed me worthy to be a part of this prestigious body. It has been a great aspiration of mine ever since I started making music more than 20 years ago.

I never imagined I would get here, so it's still surreal. I also have a chance to submit my works and works of other great artists I know for GRAMMY consideration, and that's huge.

*OG Parker | Photo: Armen Kaleshian*

OG Parker

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Growing up, watching some of my favorite musicians at the top of their game [and being] appreciated and honored by their peers and music professionals within the Academy inspired me to hopefully be a part of such a coveted institution. For it to be a reality for me now, I'm extremely grateful and honored.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I hope to be a trusted voice of reason and help continue the tradition of greatness the Recording Academy has created by offering my expertise and love for amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

Being a new member of the Recording Academy, I hope to contribute my unique talents and experience and learn from and build with the legendary veterans that have helped make the Academy what it is; together, we [can] elevate it to even new heights.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

I will never take for granted being a part of the organization that provides the highest honor and award in music. I've given music all I have, and to continue to have the opportunity to push and advocate for musicians as a musician [myself], especially at this level, I am truly blessed and appreciative.

*Trousdale | Photo: Raea Palmieri*

Trousdale

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

The Recording Academy has such a long legacy of honoring music and artists that have inspired us, and we're so excited to become a part of that legacy. To be able to share the positivity that we try to spread with our music and inspire future artists is such an honor.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As active members of the Recording Academy, we're really looking forward to the chance to meet new people and to share our voices within this community that shares our love of music. We are also really looking forward to the opportunity to cast our votes for the GRAMMYs in support of artists we love.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

The three of us have always been very proud of the fact that we write and produce and record the majority of the music we release. We really hope that as members of the Recording Academy, we can inspire other young women who are thinking about writing their own music and telling their own story.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

Art is how we make sense of the world and connect to other people, so it means the world to us to be able to voice the value of that art through the Recording Academy, to make sure it continues to be a pillar of connection in society.

4 Ways To Maximize Your Recording Academy Membership

50 Percent Of The Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class Are People Of Color

Image courtesy of the Recording Academy

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50 Percent Of The Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class Are People Of Color

As part of the organization's 2023 New Member Class, more than 2,400 diverse music creators have joined the Recording Academy. As per the Academy's ongoing resolve to render its membership more inclusive, 50 percent of the new class are people of color.

Recording Academy/Nov 30, 2023 - 01:59 pm

The Recording Academy's commitment to remaking its membership isn't just dogged and ongoing: it's the kind of thing that breaks records.

More than 2,400 diverse music creators have joined the Recording Academy as part of the organization's 2023 New Member Class. In a demonstration of the Academy's commitment to remaking its overall membership, 50 percent of the new class are people of color, 46 percent of this year's class are under the age of 40, and 37 percent are women.

Full statistics surrounding the demographics of the new class can be found here, and a snapshot of the Recording Academy's 2023 DEI initiatives can be found here.

Like the GRAMMYs — which return Feb. 4 — the Recording Academy's membership model is community-driven and peer-reviewed to create a more diverse and engaged membership base that represents all corners of the music industry.

Since the Academy's 2019 implementation of the new member model — which refined the new member submission process — membership among people of color has swelled from 24 percent to 38 percent. The percentage of women members has also increased, from 26 percent to 30 percent.

The Recording Academy is happy to report that it's 98 percent of the way to reaching its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025. The Academy is set to achieve this milestone a year ahead of schedule, in 2024.

"I'm proud as our organization continues to evolve and build a membership body that reflects the diverse talents and backgrounds that make up our music community," Harvey Mason jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. "Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, however, is an ongoing effort.

"While we celebrate our progress, we also acknowledge that there's still more work that must be done," Mason continued. "Our members play a crucial role in everything we do, so representation is integral to our mission of supporting and uplifting music makers. I'm thrilled to welcome this year's new class and look forward to watching them engage with our Academy for years to come." 

The Recording Academy offers three types of membership: Voting Membership for recording creators, Professional Membership for music businesspeople, and GRAMMY U for the next generation aspiring to a career in the music industry.

The final round of voting for the 2024 GRAMMYs is open from Dec. 14, 2023  Jan. 4, 2024, and determines the winners of the GRAMMY Awards across all 94 categories. Voting Members, including those welcomed in the 2023 new class, are eligible to vote for the GRAMMY Awards.

In addition to voting in the GRAMMY Awards process, members can submit product for GRAMMY Awards consideration, propose amendments to GRAMMY Awards rules, run for a Recording Academy Board position or Committee, vote in Chapter elections, support fellow musicians through advocacy efforts and MusiCares, engage with our Producers & Engineers Wing, Songwriters & Composers Wing, Black Music Collective, and more.

For more information on the Recording Academy's membership process and requirements, visit here — and stay tuned as more exciting news regarding membership comes down the pike!

Here's What Went Down At The Recording Academy's New York Chapter GRAMMY Career Day

The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter Celebrates The NEXT Class Of 2023: Building Community For Future Leaders
Participants of the Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter's NEXT Class of 2023

Graphic Courtesy of the Recording Academy; Source Images Courtesy of Participants

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The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter Celebrates The NEXT Class Of 2023: Building Community For Future Leaders

Founded by the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter in 2014, the NEXT Class program provides real-life experiences to rising creators and industry professionals.

Recording Academy/Oct 18, 2023 - 10:12 pm

The Recording Academy has been devoted to supporting the progression of musical excellence for more than six decades. Through its NEXT Class program, founded in 2014 by the organization's Los Angeles Chapter, voting and professional members 21-35 years of age are provided real-life experiences to foster their budding careers as they begin their paths as future leaders of the music industry. 

The NEXT Class of 2023 featured 15 accomplished participants from various industries, backgrounds and professional experiences. The students participated in multiple Mentoring Circles with esteemed Recording Academy members and gained networking opportunities to grow a deeper understanding of the industry. Areas of focus included music business, music licensing & music supervision, music marketing & technology, production & engineering, and songwriting. 

"Here is the NEXT Class of 2023, innovative, devoted, globally sound and readied for future success. What an honor to congratulate our NEXT Class of 2023 on their participation and announcement. I look forward to attracting even more stellar talent in the future," Qiana Conley Akinro, Sr. Executive Director of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, said.

"At the Recording Academy, we are in a unique position that allows us to build community and connect professionals in the music industry that might not usually have the opportunity to do so. The NEXT Class of 2023 is a prime example of this community building in action," Luke Savage, Operations Manager of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, said. "Up-and-coming creators and professionals were able to network and learn from each other in intimate Mentor Circles, inspiring future collaborations and even friendships among the classmates and mentors." 

To celebrate the NEXT Class of 2023, the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter is highlighting some of this year's participants and mentors. Get to know the NEXT Class of 2023 in their own words.

"There is nothing that I enjoy more than sharing my industry knowledge, experience and perspective with the next generation. At the same time, I have learned so much from them and it has helped guide me and my company as we look to embrace trends that will connect our artists with their fans in a deeper way." – Jonathan Azu, NEXT Class of 2023 Mentor

"When I received the acceptance email into the NEXT Class program, my 'self-value' went up! Definitely felt excited and grateful that my work in the music community was being appreciated by the Recording Academy. Within the NEXT Class program, I had the opportunity to be mentored by JoJo Villanueva in the music supervision division. What a pleasure! Big love to the staff at the Los Angeles Chapter: Luke Savage, Qiana Conley, Samantha Takemori, Anngela Hanks. Looking forward to doing more, because when we learn, we create value, and we share that with others we connect with." – Jared Oluwa, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant

"NEXT Class provides connection between fellow creatives across the wide gamut – from developing to established – opening up a wide dialogue and fostering relationships, which are invaluable. Throughout my career thus far, I have found visibility and access to be two highly significant commodities in the current music industry landscape. NEXT promotes both as part of its mission. So happy to have been welcomed into the NEXT Class community!" – Alexandra Petkovski, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant

"I thoroughly enjoyed the chat that I had as a mentor during the NEXT Class program. My hope was to have a group of mentees who were eager to hear about my experience as well as share some of their own experiences. The group was very engaging, asked a lot of questions, and were in tune with wanting to learn, even outside of their particular industries. I left the chat feeling inspired, and I hope the mentees did as well." – Kendra Ellis, NEXT Class of 2023 Mentor

"Being a part of NEXT Class of 2023 was an incredibly special experience for me. I learned a lot from unique insights from incredible songwriting mentors like JP Saxe and Eric Bellinger, and I got to connect with exceptionally talented, like-minded peers across many genres. As a fairly recent addition to the Recording Academy, the experience left me feeling warmly welcomed into the GRAMMY family. I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of applying for the program to do so!" – Mike Casey, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant

"Being a part of the NEXT Class of 2023 has broadened my mind and my network. Not only did I get to meet like-minded individuals in my cohort, but I had the privilege of speaking with an industry leader in the sync placement and music licensing world, and that connection has led to other connections that have created opportunities for my organization and the musicians we support. My goal in applying for the NEXT Class program was to learn new things and meet people that can help me further my mission of providing opportunities to and creating avenues for success for neurodivergent musicians. This goal was exceeded, and I'm looking forward to participating in other programs and initiatives that the Recording Academy, specifically the Los Angeles Chapter, has to offer." – Ifunanya Nweke, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant

"The NEXT Class program gave me a mentor who immediately changed my life. We've walked a very similar path, and his success has motivated me to keep pushing toward every goal I've set. I'm blessed to continue working with the Recording Academy on so many different levels." – Cameron Parsons, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant

The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter congratulates the NEXT Class of 2023 participants and mentors!

Meet the NEXT Class of 2023 Participants:

  • Shalev Alon

  • Pamela Charbit

  • Eddy Kenzo

  • Cameron Parsons

  • Courtney Passikoff

  • Brittany Perry

  • Brandon Holman

  • Ifunanya Nweke

  • Jared Oluwa

  • Tia P.

  • Randy Slaugh

  • Mike Casey

  • Kate Diaz

  • Alexandra Petkovski

  • Rhea Raj 

Meet the NEXT Class of 2023 Mentors:

  • JP Saxe – Singer/songwriter

  • Eric Bellinger – Singer/songwriter

  • Jonathan Azu – Founder and CEO at Culture Collective

  • Jojo Villanueva – SVP, Music Creative Affairs at Sony Pictures Entertainment

  • Kendra Ellis Johnson – VP of Marketing for Music, Film & TV Soundtracks at Atlantic Records

  • Brian Lucey – Mastering engineer and owner at Magic Garden Mastering

  • Kizzo – Record producer, songwriter, and music entrepreneur

  • Dale Becker – Engineer at Becker Mastering

Voting and Professional Members within the age range of 21-35, at the time the application goes live, are eligible to apply to the NEXT Class program. NEXT Class of 2024 application details will be available to LA Chapter Members in November 2023.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter and its initiatives.

The Recording Academy Proudly Invites Nearly 3,700 Music Creators & Professionals To Join Its 2023 New Member Class