So, skipping the obvious biggies list of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, etc. (the last three deservedly nominated), we're zeroing into the great alternative acts that comprise the Grammy nominations. The Grammy Awards season is on.
The nominees for the biggest music awards in the US were announced early last week. Normally, the nominees' presentation is often overlooked as it’s always the big winners during the actual awards show that counts. But for those looking to expand their listening palette beyond what went viral on YouTube or TikTok, the nominees' list is as good as any place to check out great acts and their music that have otherwise flown under the pop radar.
So, skipping the obvious biggies list of Beyonc é, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, etc. (the last three deservedly nominated), we're zeroing into the great alternative acts that comprise the Grammy nominations. André 3000, of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” fame, is nominated for Album of the Year for “New Blue Sun.
” Quite different from what he’s known for, the record is a collection of uplifting and sometimes eerily beautiful instrumental music. Those digging into lo-fi, chill, ambient, synth-pop and all its iterations would do well to dive into “New Blue Sun” for its heavy use of these styles, and yet it’s not only that. The jazz element underneath gives the songs.
