MERCY CHINWO: A FAST RISING NIGERIAN GOSPEL SINGER

Mercy Chinwo is a fast-rising songstress in the Nigerian music industry. The Port Harcourt born powerful vocalist, songwriter and recording artiste entered limelight in 2012 after winning the Season 2 of popular talent show ‘Nigerian Idols’. Before officially launching her musical career, she lent her voice as backup singer to some popular artists including Sammie Okposo, Joe Praize, Buchi, Chris Morgan and Preye.

Mercy subsequently signed a record deal with EeZee Conceptz record label, owned by Mr. Ezekiel ThankGod (Eezee Tee) who also manages popular singers including Frank Edwards, Preye Odede and Hilda Dokubo. In 2015, Chinwo released her first single titled “Testimony”, then followed up a year later with the release of another single titled “Igwe”. The song that has arguably won her more recognition is “Excess Love”, which she released in June 2018. ‘Excess love’ earned her nationwide recognition and sealed her status as one of the best vocalists in Nigerian Gospel music industry.

Mercy Chinwo has contributed to the gospel music industry with her numerous mind-blowing songs. Her hit songs include Testimony (2015) Igwe (2016) Excess Love (2018) No More Pain (2018) Chinedum (2018) Power Belongs To Jesus (2019) Oh Jesus! (2019). The award winning gospel vocalist and musician has just released a brand new single titled “Akamdinelu” to celebrate her 27^th birthday on 5^th September 2019.

Chinwo has already won some awards including the Best Gospel Artiste at the CLIMAX Awards 2018. In 2019, at the maiden edition of the Africa Gospel Awards Festival (AGAFEST), she won awards in three different categories for her song “Excess Love” beating the likes of Sinach, Prospa Chimana and Tim Godfrey.

Check out my new album Be Joyful distributed by TuneCore and live on iTunes!

Check out my new album Be Joyful distributed by TuneCore and live on iTunes!: Musicians: Sell your own music on iTunes, Spotify, eMusic, Amazon Music, Google Play and many more! Keep all your rights and get 100% of the royalties.

WHAT IS GOSPEL MUSIC?

Gospel music is a well-arranged melodious sound that has a real gospel message! It is not the Illicit, vulgar and derogatory lyrics with the “dim-dim kom-kom” type of sound that is played in the nightclubs. A gospel music is supposed to be a healing balm to a troubled soul. It should be able to add value to peoples lives. It should have a meaningful lyric that conveys a significant gospel message. A good gospel song should be exciting, inviting, refreshing and scintillating! I’d rather listen to a meaningful and exciting secular music than to the garbage some so called gospel artistes release today in the name of gospel music.

www.emeksmusic.com

THE VALUE OF GOSPEL MUSIC IN 2019

Gospel music is a vehicle that God uses on the earth to deliver a message. Gospel music can inspire, restore and convey God’s word and message through music. However, a laborer deserves his wages, and God did not give us such a beautiful music to be on the outside, looking in financially. To put it straight, no gospel artist that knows his/her onions is supposed to be struggling with finances.

 

Many people develop a victim mentality in the world of gospel songwriting and performance when apparent songwriting value is not reflected in equal real-world value.  The internet and technology have made everything easy for any gospel artist to prosper internationally. If you are a gospel artist, and you are on the right platforms, you will see value coming back in the form of royalties.

 

However, certain platforms generate income, and some do not, some streams within each right generate income, some do not. It is important therefore to learn what does and what doesn’t and ask questions to determine what generates higher income so that you can direct more efforts towards those that do. Year 2019 is not about working harder but working smarter! Things are really changing very fast in the gospel music scene and the intelligent thing any gospel artist would do is to be very dynamic and move with the time but remaining focused on Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our lives.

Goodluck to you if you are an upcoming gospel artist.

Emeka Okeke twitter@emekaokeke4u

BRIT AWARDS 2019: FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Brit Awards is the British Phonographic Industry’s annual popular music award organized to celebrate the achievements of British and International artists and musician over the past year. The awards were first held in 1977 and originated as an annual event in 1982.

Below is the full list of winners:

British album of the year
* WINNER: The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
* Anne-Marie – Speak Your Mind
* Florence + The Machine – High As Hope
* George Ezra – Staying At Tamara’s
* Jorja Smith – Lost & Found

British female solo artist
* WINNER: Jorja Smith
* Anne-Marie
* Florence + The Machine
* Jess Glynne
* Lily Allen

British male solo artist
* WINNER: George Ezra
* Aphex Twin
* Craig David
* Giggs
* Sam Smith

British group
* WINNER: The 1975
* Arctic Monkeys
* Gorillaz
* Little Mix
* Years & Years

British breakthrough act
* WINNER: Tom Walker
* Ella Mai
* Idles
* Jorja Smith
* Mabel

Critics’ choice
* WINNER: Sam Fender
* Lewis Capaldi
* Mahalia

British single
* WINNER: Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa – One Kiss
* Anne-Marie – 2002
* Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato – Solo
* Dua Lipa – IDGAF
* George Ezra – Shotgun
* Jess Glynne – I’ll Be There
* RAMZ – Barking
* Rudimental – These Days
* Siagla and Paloma Faith – Lullaby
* Tom Walker – Leave A Light On

British video
* WINNER: Little Mix ft Nicki Minaj – Woman Like Me
* Anne-Marie – 2002
* Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa – One Kiss
* Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato – Solo
* Dua Lipa – IDGAF
* Jax Jones ft Ina Wroldsen – Breathe
* Jonas Blue ft Jack & Jack – Rise
* Liam Payne and Rita Ora – For You
* Rita Ora – Let Me Love You
* Rudimental – These Days

International male solo artist
* WINNER: Drake
* Eminem
* Kamasi Washington
* Shawn Mendes
* Travis Scott

International female solo artist
* WINNER: Ariana Grande
* Camila Cabello
* Cardi B
* Christine & The Queens
* Janelle Monae

International group
* WINNER: The Carters
* Brockhampton
* First Aid Kit
* Nile Rodgers & Chic
* Twenty One Pilots

Brits global success award
* WINNER: Ed Sheeran

British producer of the year
* WINNER: Calvin Harris

Outstanding contribution to music

* WINNER: Pink

WHAT MUSIC DOES TO YOU

Studies have shown that when you hear music to your liking, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine that has positive effects on mood. Music can make us feel strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, or fear—some will agree that it has the power to move us. According to some researchers, music may even have the power to improve our health and well-being.

Listening to music can have the following positive effects on health.

1.    Improves mood: Studies show that listening to music can benefit overall well-being, help regulate emotions, and create happiness and relaxation in everyday life.

2.    Reduces stress: Listening to ‘relaxing’ music (generally considered to have slow tempo, low pitch, and no lyrics) has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in healthy people and in people undergoing medical procedures (e.g., surgery, dental, colonoscopy).

3.    Lessens anxiety: In studies of people with cancer, listening to music combined with standard care reduced anxiety compared to those who received standard care alone.

4.    Improves exercise: Studies suggest that music can enhance aerobic exercise, boost mental and physical stimulation, and increase overall performance.

5.    Improves memory: Research has shown that the repetitive elements of rhythm and melody help our brains form patterns that enhance memory. In a study of stroke survivors, listening to music helped them experience more verbal memory, less confusion, and better focused attention. To be continued……

6.    Eases pain: In studies of patients recovering from surgery, those who listened to music before, during, or after surgery had less pain and more overall satisfaction compared with patients who did not listen to music as part of their care.

7.    Provides comfort: Music therapy has also been used to help enhance communication, coping, and expression of feelings such as fear, loneliness, and anger in patients who have a serious illness, and who are in end-of-life care.

8.    Improves cognition: Listening to music can also help people with Alzheimer’s recall seemingly lost memories and even help maintain some mental abilities.

9.    Helps children with autism spectrum disorder: Studies of children with autism spectrum disorder who received music therapy showed improvement in social responses, communication skills, and attention skills.

10.                       Soothes premature babies: Live music and lullabies may impact vital signs, improve feeding behaviors and sucking patterns in premature infants, and may increase prolonged periods of quiet–alert states.

2019 GRAMMY AWARDS WINNERS

Here is a list of winners in the major categories for the Grammy Awards, which were handed out on Sunday 10th February 2019 in Los Angeles.

Country star Kacey Musgraves won the top prize of the night, Album of the Year, for her “Golden Hour.” Album of the Year: Kacey Musgraves, “Golden Hour” Record of the Year (best overall song performance): Childish Gambino, “This Is America” Song of the Year (recognizing songwriting): Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Ludwig Goransson, “This Is America” Best new Artist: Dua Lipa Best Music Video: Childish Gambino, “This Is America” Best Rap Album: Cardi B, “Invasion Of Privacy” Best Rock Album: Greta Van Fleet, “From the Fires” Best Pop Vocal Album: Ariana Grande, “Sweetener” Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, “Shallow” Best Urban Contemporary Album: The Carters, “Everything Is Love” Best R&B Album: H.E.R., “H.E.R.” Best Alternative Music Album: Beck, “Colors” Best World Music Album: Soweto Gospel Choir, “Freedom” GENERAL Record of the Year: “I Like It” — Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin “The Joke” — Brandi Carlile WINNER: “This Is America” — Childish Gambino “God’s Plan” — Drake “Shallow” — Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper “All The Stars” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA “Rockstar” — Post Malone feat. 21 Savage “The Middle” — Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey Album of the Year: Invasion of Privacy — Cardi B By The Way, I Forgive You — Brandi Carlile Scorpion — Drake H.E.R. – H.E.R. Beerbongs & Bentleys — Post Malone Dirty Computer — Janelle Monáe WINNER: Golden Hour — Kacey Musgraves Black Panther: The Album — Various Artists Song of the Year: “All The Stars” — Kendrick Duckworth, Solána Rowe, Al Shuckburgh, Mark Spears & Anthony Tiffith, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar & SZA) “Boo’d Up” — Larrance Dopson, Joelle James, Ella Mai & Dijon McFarlane, songwriters (Ella Mai) “God’s Plan” — Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels & Noah Shebib, songwriters (Drake) “In My Blood” — Teddy Geiger, Scott Harris, Shawn Mendes & Geoffrey Warburton, songwriters (Shawn Mendes) “The Joke” — Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile) “The Middle” — Sarah Aarons, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, Kyle Trewartha, Michael Trewartha & Anton Zaslavski, songwriters (Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey) “Shallow” — Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper) WINNER: “This Is America” — Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson, songwriters (Childish Gambino) Best New Artist: Chloe x Halle Luke Combs Greta Van Fleet H.E.R. WINNER: Dua Lipa Margo Price Bebe Rexha Jorja Smith POP Best Pop Solo Performance: “Colors” — Beck “Havana (Live)” — Camila Cabello “God Is A Woman” — Ariana Grande WINNER: “Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?)” — Lady Gaga “Better Now” — Post Malone Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Fall in Line” — Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” — Backstreet Boys “’S Wonderful” — Tony Bennett & Diana Krall WINNER: “Shallow” — Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper “Girls Like You” — Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B “Say Something” — Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton “The Middle” — Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Love is Here to Stay — Tony Bennett & Diana Krall WINNER: My Way — Willie Nelson Nat “King” Cole & Me — Gregory Porter Standards (Deluxe) — Seal The Music…The Mem’ries…The Magic! — Barbra Streisand Best Pop Vocal Album: Camila — Camila Cabello Meaning of Life — Kelly Clarkson WINNER: Sweetener — Ariana Grande Shawn Mendes — Shawn Mendes Beautiful Trauma — P!nk Reputation — Taylor Swift DANCE/ELECTRONIC MUSIC Best Dance Recording: “Northern Soul” — Above & Beyond feat. Richard Bedford “Ultimatum” — Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara “Losing It” — Fisher WINNER: “Electricity” — Silk City & Dua Lipa feat. Diplo & Mark Ronson “Ghost Voices” — Virtual Self Best Dance/Electronic Album: Singularity — Jon Hopkins WINNER: Woman Worldwide — Justice Treehouse — Sofi Tukker Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides — SOPHIE Lune Rouge — TOKiMONSTA CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: The Emancipation Procrastination — Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah WINNER: Steve Gadd Band — Steve Gadd Band Modern Lore — Julian Lage Laid Black — Marcus Miller Protocol 4 — Simon Phillips ROCK Best Rock Performance: “Four Out Of Five” — Arctic Monkeys WINNER: “When Good Does Bad” — Chris Cornell “Made An America” — THE FEVER 333 “Highway Tune” — Greta Van Fleet “Uncomfortable — Halestorm Best Metal Performance: “Condemned to the Gallows” — Between The Buried And Me “Honeycomb” — Deafheaven WINNER: “Electric Messiah” — High on Fire “Betrayer” — Trivium “On My Teeth” — Underoath Best Rock Song: “Black Smoke Rising” — Jacob Thomas Kiszka, Joshua Michael Kiszka, Samuel Francis Kiszka & Daniel Robert Wagner, songwriters (Greta Van Fleet) “Jumpsuit” — Tyler Joseph, songwriter (Twenty One Pilots) “MANTRA” — Jordan Fish, Matthew Kean, Lee Malia, Matthew Nicholls & Oliver Sykes, songwriters (Bring Me The Horizon) WINNER: “Masseduction” — Jack Antonoff & Annie Clark, songwriters (St. Vincent) “Rats” — Tom Dalgety & A Ghoul Writer, songwriters (Ghost) Best Rock Album: Rainier Fog — Alice in Chains M A N I A — Fall Out Boy Prequelle — Ghost WINNER: From the Fires — Greta Van Fleet Pacific Daydream — Weezer ALTERNATIVE Best Alternative Music Album: Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino — Arctic Monkeys WINNER: Colors — Beck Utopia — Björk American Utopia — David Byrne Masseduction — St. Vincent R&B Best R&B Performance: “Long As I Live” — Toni Braxton “Summer” — The Carters “Y O Y” – Lalah Hathaway WINNER: “Best Part” — H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar “First Began” — PJ Morton Best Traditional R&B Performance: WINNER (TIE): “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand” — Leon Bridges “Don’t Fall Apart on Me Tonight” — Bettye LaVette “Honest” — MAJOR. WINNER (TIE): “How Deep Is Your Love” — PJ Morton feat. Yebba “Made for Love” — Charlie Wilson feat. Lalah Hathaway Best R&B Song: WINNER: “Boo’d Up” — Larrance Dopson, Joelle James, Ella Mai & Dijon McFarlane, songwriters (Ella Mai) “Come Through and Chill” — Jermaine Cole, Miguel Pimentel & Salaam Remi, songwriters (Miguel feat. J. Cole & Salaam Remi) “Feels Like Summer” — Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson, songwriters (Childish Gambino) “Focus” — Darhyl Camper Jr, H.E.R. & Justin Love, songwriters (H.E.R.) “Long As I Live” — Paul Boutin, Toni Braxton & Antonio Dixon, songwriters (Toni Braxton) Best Urban Contemporary Album: WINNER: Everything Is Love — The Carters The Kids Are Alright — Chloe x Halle Chris Dave And The Drumhedz — Chris Dave And The Drumhedz War & Leisure — Miguel Ventriloquism — Meshell Ndegeocello Best R&B Album: Love & Cigarettes — Toni Braxton Good Thing — Leon Bridges Honestly — Lalah Hathaway WINNER: H.E.R. — H.E.R. Gumbo Unplugged (Live) — PJ Morton RAP Best Rap Performance: “Be Careful” — Cardi B “Nice for What” — Drake WINNER (TIE): “King’s Dead” — Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake WINNER (TIE): “Bubblin” — Anderson .Paak “Sicko Mode” — Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee Best Rap/Sung Performance: “Like I Do” — Christina Aguilera feat. GoldLink “Pretty Little Fears” — 6lack feat. J. Cole WINNER: “This Is America” — Childish Gambino “All The Stars” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA “Rockstar” — Post Malone feat. 21 Savage Best Rap Song: WINNER: “God’s Plan” — Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels & Noah Shebib, songwriters (Drake) “King’s Dead” — Kendrick Duckworth, Samuel Gloade, James Litherland, Johnny McKinzie, Mark Spears, Travis Walton, Nayvadius Wilburn & Michael Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake) “Lucky You” — R. Fraser, G. Lucas, M. Mathers, M. Samuels & J. Sweet, songwriters (Eminem feat. Joyner Lucas) “Sicko Mode” — Khalif Brown, Rogét Chahayed, BryTavious Chambers, Mike Dean, Mirsad Dervic, Kevin Gomringer, Tim Gomringer, Aubrey Graham, John Edward Hawkins, Chauncey Hollis, Jacques Webster, Ozan Yildirim & Cydel Young, songwriters (Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee) “Win” — K. Duckworth, A. Hernandez, J. McKinzie, M. Samuels & C. Thompson, songwriters (Jay Rock) Best Rap Album: WINNER: Invasion of Privacy — Cardi B Swimming — Mac Miller Victory Lap — Nipsey Hussle Daytona — Pusha T Astroworld — Travis Scott COUNTRY Best Country Solo Performance: “Wouldn’t It Be Great” — Loretta Lynn “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” — Maren Morris WINNER: “Butterflies” — Kacey Musgraves “Millionaire” — Chris Stapleton “Parallel Line” — Keith Urban Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Shoot Me Straight” — Brothers Osborne WINNER: “Tequila” — Dan + Shay “When Someone Stops Loving You” — Little Big Town “Dear Hate” — Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill “Meant To Be” — Bebe Rehxa & Florida Georgia Line Best Country Song: “Break Up In The End” — Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill & Jon Nite, songwriters (Cole Swindell) “Dear Hate” — Tom Douglas, David Hodges & Maren Morris, songwriters (Maren Morris Featuring Vince Gill) “I Lived It” — Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley & Ben Hayslip, songwriters (Blake Shelton) WINNER: “Space Cowboy” — Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves) “Tequila” — Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds & Dan Smyers, songwriters (Dan + Shay) “When Someone Stops Loving You” — Hillary Lindsey, Chase McGill & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Little Big Town) Best Country Album: Unapologetically — Kelsea Ballerini Port Saint Joe — Brothers Osborne Girl Going Nowhere — Ashley McBryde WINNER: Golden Hour — Kacey Musgraves From A Room: Volume 2 — Chris Stapleton NEW AGE Best New Age Album: Hiraeth — Lisa Gerrard & David Kuckhemann Beloved — Snatam Kaur WINNER: Opium Moon — Opium Moon Molecules Of Motion — Steve Roach Moku Maluhia – Peaceful Island — Jim Kimo West JAZZ Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Some of That Sunshine” — Regina Carter, soloist WINNER: “Don’t Fence Me In” — John Daversa, soloist “We See” — Fred Hersch, soloist “De-Dah” — Brad Mehldau, soloist “Cadenas” — Miguel Zenón, soloist Best Jazz Vocal Album: My Mood Is You — Freddy Cole The Questions — Kurt Elling The Subject Tonight Is Love — Kate McGarry with Keith Ganz & Gary Versace If You Really Want — Raul Midón with The Metropole Orkest Conducted by Vince Mendoza WINNER: The Window — Cécile McLorin Savant Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Diamond Cut — Tia Fuller Live In Europe — Fred Hersch Trio Seymour Reads The Constitution! — Brad Mehldau Trio Still Dreaming — Joshua Redman, Ron Miles, Scott Colley & Brian Blade WINNER: Emanon — The Wayne Shorter Quartet Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: All About That Basie — The Count Basie Orchestra Directed by Scott Barnhart WINNER: American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom — John Daversa Big Band Featuring DACA Artists Presence — Orrin Evans And The Captain Black Big Band All Can Work — John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble Barefoot Dances And Other Visions — Jim McNeely & The Frankfurt Radio Big Band Best Latin Jazz Album: Heart of Brazil — Eddie Daniels WINNER: Back to the Sunset — Dafnis Preito Big Band West Side Story Reimagined — Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band Cinque — Elio Villafranca Yo Soy La Tradición — Miguel Zenón Featuring Spektral Quartet GOSPEL/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC Best Gospel Performance/Song: “You Will Win” — Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr, songwriters (Jekalyn Carr) “Won’t He Do It” — Koryn Hawthorne, songwriter (Koryn Hawthorne) WINNER: “Never Alone” — Kirk Franklin & Victoria Kelly, songwriters (Tori Kelly feat. Kirk Franklin) “Cycles” — Jonathan McReynolds, songwriter (Jonathan McReynolds feat. DOE) “A Great Work” — Aaron W. Lindsey, Alvin Richardson & Brian Courtney Wilson, songwriters (Brian Courtney Wilson) Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “Reckless Love” — Cory Asbury, Caleb Culver & Ran Jackson, songwriters (Cory Asbury) WINNER: “You Say” — Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram & Paul Mabury, songwriters (Lauren Daigle) “Joy.” — Ben Glover, Matt Hales, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Seth Moslely, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone & Tedd Tjornhom, songwriters (for KING AND COUNTRY) “Grace Got You” — David Garcia, Ben Glover, MercyMe, Solomon Olds & John Reuben, songwriters (MercyMe feat. John Reuben) “Known” — Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp & Tauren Wells, songwriters (Tauren Wells) Best Gospel Album: One Nation Under God — Jekalyn Carr WINNER: Hiding Place — Tori Kelly Make Room — Jonathan McReynolds The Other Side — The Walls Group A Great Work — Brian Courtney Wilson Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: WINNER: Look Up Child — Lauren Daigle Hallelujah Here Below — Elevation Worship Living With A Fire — Jesus Culture Surrounded — Michael W. Smith Survivor: Live From Harding Prison — Zach Williams Best Roots Gospel Album: WINNER: Unexpected — Jason Crabb Clear Skies — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Favorite: Revisited By Request — The Isaacs Still Standing — The Martins Love Love Love — Gordon Mote LATIN Best Latin Pop Album: Prometo — Pablo Alboran WINNER: Sincera — Claudia Brant Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos), Vol. 2 — Natalia Lafourcade 2:00 AM — Raquel Sofía Vives — Carlos Vives Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: Claroscura — Aterciopelados Coastcity — COASTCITY Encanto Tropical — Monsieur Periné Gourmet — Orishas WINNER: Aztlán — Zoé Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): Primero Soy Mexicana — Angela Aguilar Mitad Y Mitad — Calibre 50 Totalmente Juan Gabriel Vol. II — Aida Cuevas Cruzando Borders — Los Texmaniacs Leyendas De Mi Pueblo — Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez WINNER: ¡México Por Siempre! — Luis Miguel Best Tropical Latin Album: Pa’ Mi Gente — Charlie Aponte Legado — Formell Y Los Van Van Orquesta Akokán — Orquesta Akokán Ponle Actitud — Felipe Peláez WINNER: Anniversary — Spanish Harlem Orchestra AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC Best American Roots Performance: “Kick Rocks” — Sean Ardoin “Saint James Infirmary Blues” — Jon Batiste WINNER: “The Joke” — Brandi Carlile “All On My Mind” — Anderson East “Last Man Standing — Willie Nelson Best American Roots Song: “All the Trouble” — Waylon Payne, Lee Ann Womack & Adam Wright, songwriters (Lee Ann Womack) “Build a Bridge” — Jeff Tweedy, songwriter (Mavis Staples) WINNER: “The Joke” — Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile) “Knockin’ on Your Screen Door” — Pat McLaughlin & John Prine, songwriters (John Prine) “Summer’s End” — Pat McLaughlin & John Prine, songwriters (John Prine) Best Americana Album: WINNER: By The Way, I Forgive You — Brandi Carlile Things Have Changed — Bettye LaVette The Tree Of Forgiveness — John Prine The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone — Lee Ann Womack One Drop Of Truth — The Wood Brothers Best Bluegrass Album: Portraits In Fiddles — Mike Barnett Sister Sadie II — Sister Sadie Rivers And Roads — Special Consensus WINNER: The Travelin’ McCourys – The Travelin’ McCourys North Of Despair — Wood & Wire Best Traditional Blues Album: Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here — Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio Benton County Relic — Cedric Burnside WINNER: The Blues Is Alive and Well — Buddy Guy No Mercy In This Land — Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite Don’t You Feel My Leg (The Naughty Bawdy Blues Of Blue Lu Barker) — Maria Muldaur Best Contemporary Blues Album: WINNER: Please Don’t Be Dead — Fantastic Negrito Here In Babylon — Teresa James And The Rhythm Tramps Cry No More — Danielle Nicole Out Of The Blues — Boz Scaggs Victor Wainwright And The Train — Victor Wainwright And The Train Best Folk Album: Whistle Down The Wind — Joan Baez Black Cowboys — Dom Flemons Rifles & Rosary Beads — Mary Gauthier Weed Garden — Iron & Wine WINNER: All Ashore — Punch Brothers Best Regional Roots Music Album: Kreole Rock & Soul — Sean Ardoin Spyboy — Cha Wa Aloha From Na Hoa — Na Hoa WINNER: No ‘Ane’i — Kalani Pe’a Mewasinsational – Cree Round Dance Songs — Young Spirit REGGAE Best Reggae Album: As The World Turns — Black Uhuru Reggae Forever — Etana Rebellion Rises — Ziggy Marley A Matter Of Time — Protoje WINNER: 44/876 — Sting & Shaggy WORLD MUSIC Best World Music Album: Deran — Bombino Fenfo — Fatoumata Diawara Black Times — Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 WINNER: Freedom — Soweto Gospel Choir The Lost Songs Of World War II — Yiddish Glory CHILDREN’S Best Children’s Album: WINNER: All the Sounds — Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats Building Blocks — Tim Kubart Falu’s Bazaar — Falu Giants Of Science — The Pop Ups The Nation Of Imagine — Frank & Deane SPOKEN WORD Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry Audio Books & Storytelling): Accessory to War — Courtney B. Vance (Neil deGrasse Tyson & Avis Lang) Calypso — David Sedaris (David Sedaris) Creative Quest — Questlove WINNER: Faith – A Journey for All — Jimmy Carter The Last Black Unicorn — Tiffany Haddish COMEDY Best Comedy Album: Annihilation — Patton Oswalt WINNER: Equanimity And The Bird Revelation — Dave Chappelle Noble Ape — Jim Gaffigan Standup For Drummers — Jim Gaffigan Tamborine — Chris Rock MUSICAL THEATER Best Musical Theater Album: WINNER: The Band’s Visit — Etai Benson, Adam Kantor, Katrina Lenk & Ari’el Stachel, principal soloists; Dean Sharenow & David Yazbek, producers; David Yazbek, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast) Carousel — Renee Fleming, Alexander Gemignani, Joshua Henry, Lindsay Mendez & Jessie Mueller, principal soloists; Steven Epstein, producer (Richard Rodgers, composer; Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist) (2018 Broadway Cast) Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert — Sara Bareilles, Alice Cooper, Ben Daniels, Brandon Victor Dixon, Erik Grönwall, Jin Ha, John Legend, Norm Lewis & Jason Tam, principal soloists; Harvey Mason, Jr., producer (Andrew Lloyd-Webber, composer; Tim Rice, lyricist) (Original Television Cast) My Fair Lady — Lauren Ambrose, Norbert Leo Butz & Harry Hadden-Paton, principal soloists; Andre Bishop, Van Dean, Hattie K. Jutagir, David Lai, Adam Siegel & Ted Sperling, producers (Frederick Loewe, composer; Alan Jay Lerner, lyricist) (2018 Broadway Cast) Once On This Island — Phillip Boykin, Merle Dandridge, Quentin Earl Darrington, Hailey Kilgore, Kenita R. Miller, Alex Newell, Isaac Powell & Lea Salonga, principal soloists; Lynn Ahrens, Hunter Arnold, Ken Davenport, Stephen Flaherty & Elliot Scheiner, producers (Stephen Flaherty, composer; Lynn Ahrens, lyricist) (New Broadway Cast) MUSIC FOR VISUAL MEDIA Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media: Call Me By Your Name — Various Artists Deadpool 2 — Various Artists WINNER: The Greatest Showman — Various Artists Lady Bird — Various Artists Stranger Things — Various Artists Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media: WINNER: Black Panther — Ludwig Göransson, composer Blade Runner 2049 — Benjamin Wallfisch & Hans Zimmer, composers Coco — Michael Giacchino, composer The Shape Of Water — Alexandre Desplat, composer Star Wars: The Last Jedi — John Williams, composer Best Song Written For Visual Media: “All The Stars” — Kendrick Duckworth, Solána Rowe, Alexander William Shuckburgh, Mark Anthony Spears & Anthony Tiffith, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar & SZA) “Mystery Of Love” — Sufjan Stevens, songwriter (Sufjan Stevens) “Remember Me” — Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Miguel Featuring Natalia Lafourcade) WINNER: “Shallow” — Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper) “This Is Me” — Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, songwriters (Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble) COMPOSING/ARRANGING Best Instrumental Composition: WINNER: “Blut Und Boden (Blood And Soil)” — Terence Blanchard, composer (Terence Blanchard) “Chrysalis” — Jeremy Kittel, composer (Kittel & Co.) “Infinity War” — Alan Silvestri, composer (Alan Silvestri) “Mine Mission” — John Powell & John Williams, composers (John Powell & John Williams) “The Shape Of Water” — Alexandre Desplat, composer (Alexandre Desplat) Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella: “Batman Theme” (TV) — Randy Waldman & Justin Wilson, arrangers (Randy Waldman feat. Wynton Marsalis) “Change The World” — Mark Kibble, arranger (Take 6) “Madrid Finale” — John Powell, arranger (John Powell) “The Shape Of Water” — Alexandre Desplat, arranger (Alexandre Desplat) WINNER: “Stars and Stripes Forever” — John Daversa, arranger (John Daversa Big Band feat. DACA Artists) Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: “It Was A Very Good Year” — Matt Rollings & Kristin Wilkinson, arrangers (Willie Nelson) “Jolene” — Dan Pugach & Nicole Zuraitis, arrangers (Dan Pugach) “Mona Lisa” — Vince Mendoza, arranger (Gregory Porter) “Niña” — Gonzalo Grau, arranger (Magos Herrera & Brooklyn Rider) WINNER: “Spiderman Theme” — Randy Waldman, arranger (Randy Waldman feat. Take 6 & Chris Potter) PACKAGE Best Recording Package: Be The Cowboy — Mary Banas, art director (Mitski) Love Yourself: Tear — HuskyFox, art director (BTS) WINNER: Masseduction — Willo Perron, art director (St. Vincent) The Offering — Qing-Yang Xiao, art director (The Chairman) Well Kept Thing — Adam Moore, art director (Foxhole) Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package: Appetite For Destruction (Locked N’ Loaded Box) — Arian Buhler, Charles Dooher, Jeff Fura, Scott Sandler & Matt Taylor, art directors (Guns N’ Roses) I’ll Be Your Girl — Carson Ellis, Jeri Heiden & Glen Nakasako, art directors (The Decemberists) Pacific Northwest ‘73-74’: The Complete Recordings — Lisa Glines, Doran Tyson & Roy Henry Vickers, art directors (Grateful Dead) WINNER: Squeeze Box: The Complete Works Of “Weird Al” Yankovic — Meghan Foley, Annie Stoll & Al Yankovic, art directors (“Weird Al” Yankovic) Too Many Bad Habits — Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (Johnny Nicholas) NOTES Best Album Notes: Alpine Dreaming: The Helvetia Records Story, 1920-1924 — James P. Leary, album notes writer (Various Artists) 4 Banjo Songs, 1891-1897: Foundational Recordings Of America’s Iconic Instrument — Richard Martin & Ted Olson, album notes writers (Charles A. Asbury) The 1960 Time Sessions — Ben Ratliff, album notes writer (Sonny Clark Trio) The Product Of Our Souls: The Sounds And Sway Of James Reese Europe’s Society Orchestra — David Gilbert, album notes writer (Various Artists) Trouble No More: The Bootleg Series Vol. 13 / 1979-1981 (Deluxe Edition) — Amanda Petrusich, album notes writer (Bob Dylan) WINNER: Voices of Mississippi: Artists And Musicians Documented By William Ferris — David Evans, album notes writer (Various Artists) HISTORICAL Best Historical Album: Any Other Way — Rob Bowman, Douglas Mcgowan, Rob Sevier & Ken Shipley, compilation producers; Jeff Lipton, mastering engineer (Jackie Shane) At The Louisiana Hayride Tonight… — Martin Hawkins, compilation producer; Christian Zwarg, mastering engineer (Various Artists) Battleground Korea: Songs And Sounds Of America’s Forgotten War — Hugo Keesing, compilation producer; Christian Zwarg, mastering engineer (Various Artists) A Rhapsody In Blue – The Extraordinary Life Of Oscar Levant — Robert Russ, compilation producer; Andreas K. Meyer & Rebekah Wineman, mastering engineers (Oscar Levant) WINNER: Voices of Mississippi: Artists And Musicians Documented By William Ferris — William Ferris, April Ledbetter & Steven Lance Ledbetter, compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Various Artists) PRODUCTION, NON-CLASSICAL Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: All The Things That I Did And All The Things That I Didn’t Do — Ryan Freeland & Kenneth Pattengale, engineers; Kim Rosen, mastering engineer (The Milk Carton Kids) WINNER: Colors — Julian Burg, Serban Ghenea, David “Elevator” Greenbaum, John Hanes, Beck Hansen, Greg Kurstin, Florian Lagatta, Cole M.G.N., Alex Pasco, Jesse Shatkin, Darrell Thorp & Cassidy Turbin, engineers; Chris Bellman, Tom Coyne, Emily Lazar & Randy Merrill, mastering engineers (Beck) Earthtones — Robbie Lackritz, engineer; Philip Shaw Bova, mastering engineer (Bahamas) Head Over Heels — Nathaniel Alford, Jason Evigan, Chris Galland, Tom Gardner, Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel, Serban Ghenea, John Hanes, Tony Hoffer, Derek Keota, Ian Kirkpatrick, David Macklovitch, Amber Mark, Manny Marroquin, Vaughn Oliver, Chris “TEK” O’Ryan, Morgan Taylor Reid & Gian Stone, engineers; Chris Gehringer & Michelle Mancini, mastering engineers (Chromeo) Voicenotes — Manny Marroquin & Charlie Puth, engineers; David Kutch, mastering engineer (Charlie Puth) Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Boi-1da Larry Klein Linda Perry Kanye West WINNER: Pharrell Williams Best Remixed Recording: “Audio (CID Remix) — CID, remixer (LSD) “How Long (EDX’s Dubai Skyline Remix)” — Maurizio Colella, remixer (Charlie Puth) “Only Road (Cosmic Gate Remix)” — Stefan Bossems & Claus Terhoeven, remixers (Gabriel & Dresden feat. Sub Teal) “Stargazing (Kaskade Remix)” — Kaskade, remixer (Kygo feat. Justin Jesso) WINNER: “Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)” — Alex Crossan, remixer (Haim) PRODUCTION, IMMERSIVE AUDIO Best Immersive Audio Album: WINNER: Eye In The Sky – 35th Anniversary Edition — Alan Parsons, surround mix engineer; Dave Donnelly, PJ Olsson & Alan Parsons, surround mastering engineers; Alan Parsons, surround producer (The Alan Parsons Project) Folketoner — Morten Lindberg, surround mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, surround mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, surround producer (Anne Karin Sundal-Ask & Det Norske Jentekor) Seven Words From The Cross — Daniel Shores, surround mix engineer; Daniel Shores, surround mastering engineer; Dan Merceruio, surround producer (Matthew Guard & Skylark) Sommerro: Ujamaa & The Iceberg — Morten Lindberg, surround mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, surround mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, surround producer (Ingar Heine Bergby, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Choir) Symbol — Prashant Mistry & Ronald Prent, surround mix engineers; Darcy Proper, surround mastering engineer, Prashant Mistry & Ronald Prent, surround producers (Engine-Earz Experiment) PRODUCTION, CLASSICAL Best Engineered Album, Classical: Bates: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs — Mark Donahue & Dirk Sobotka, engineers; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Michael Christie, Garrett Sorenson, Wei Wu, Sasha Cooke, Edwards Parks, Jessica E. Jones & Santa Fe Opera Orchestra) Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 — Mark Donahue, engineer; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) John Williams At The Movies — Keith O. Johnson & Sean Royce Martin, engineers; Keith O. Johnson, mastering engineer (Jerry Junkin & Dallas Winds) Liquid Melancholy – Clarinet Music Of James M. Stephenson — Bill Maylone & Mary Mazurek, engineers; Bill Maylone, mastering engineer (John Bruce Yeh) WINNER: Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 11 — Shawn Murphy & Nick Squire, engineers; Tim Martyn, mastering engineer (Andris Nelsons & Boston Symphony Orchestra) Visions And Variations — Tom Caulfield, engineer; Jesse Lewis, mastering engineer (A Far Cry) Producer Of The Year, Classical: WINNER: Blanton Alspaugh David Frost Elizabeth Ostrow Judith Sherman Dirk Sobotka CLASSICAL Best Orchestral Performance: Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 — Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) Nielsen: Symphony No. 3 & Symphony No. 4 — Thomas Dausgaard, conductor (Seattle Symphony) Ruggles, Stucky & Harbison: Orchestral Works — David Alan Miller, conductor (National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic) Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 — Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor (San Francisco Symphony) WINNER: Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 11 — Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra) Best Opera Recording: Adams: Doctor Atomic — John Adams, conductor; Aubrey Allicock, Julia Bullock, Gerald Finley & Brindley Sherratt; Friedemann Engelbrecht, producer (BBC Symphony Orchestra; BBC Singers) WINNER: Bates: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs — Michael Christie, conductor; Sasha Cooke, Jessica E. Jones, Edward Parks, Garrett Sorenson & Wei Wu; Elizabeth Ostrow, producer (The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra) Lully: Alceste — Christophe Rousset, conductor; Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro & Judith Van Wanroij; Maximilien Ciup, producer (Les Talens Lyriques; Choeur De Chambre De Namur) Strauss, R.: Der Rosenkavalier — Sebastian Weigle, conductor; Renée Fleming, El?na Garan?a, Günther Groissböck & Erin Morley; David Frost, producer (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Metropolitan Opera Chorus) Verdi: Rigoletto — Constantine Orbelian, conductor; Francesco Demuro, Dmitri Hvorostovsky & Nadine Sierra; Vilius Keras & Aleksandra Keriene, producers (Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra; Men Of The Kaunas State Choir) Best Choral Performance: Chesnokov: Teach Me Thy Statutes — Vladimir Gorbik, conductor (Mikhail Davydov & Vladimir Krasov; PaTRAM Institute Male Choir) Kastalsky: Memory Eternal — Steven Fox, conductor (The Clarion Choir) WINNER: McLoskey: Zealot Canticles — Donald Nally, conductor (Doris Hall-Gulati, Rebecca Harris, Arlen Hlusko, Lorenzo Raval & Mandy Wolman; The Crossing) Rachmaninov: The Bells — Mariss Jansons, conductor; Peter Dijkstra, chorus master (Oleg Dolgov, Alexey Markov & Tatiana Pavlovskaya; Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks; Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks) Seven Words From The Cross — Matthew Guard, conductor (Skylark) Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: WINNER: Anderson, Laurie: Landfall — Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet Beethoven, Shostakovich & Bach — The Danish String Quartet Blueprinting — Aizuri Quartet Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring Concerto for Two Pianos — Leif Ove Andsnes & Marc-Andre Hamelin Visions And Variations — A Far Cry Best Classical Instrumental Solo: “Bartók: Piano Concerto No. 2” — Yuja Wang; Simon Rattle, conductor (Berliner Philharmoniker) Biber: The Mystery Sonatas — Christina Day Martinson; Martin Pearlman, conductor (Boston Baroque) Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46; Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 26 — Joshua Bell (The Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields) Glass: Three Pieces In The Shape Of A Square — Craig Morris WINNER: “Kernis: Violin Concerto” — James Ehnes; Ludovic Morlot, conductor (Seattle Symphony) Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: ARC — Anthony Roth Costanzo; Jonathan Cohen, conductor (Les Violons Du Roy) The Handel Album — Philippe Jaroussky; Artaserse, ensemble Mirages — Sabine Devieilhe; François-Xavier Roth, conductor (Alexandre Tharaud; Marianne Crebassa & Jodie Devos; Les Siècles) Schubert: Winterreise — Randall Scarlata; Gilbert Kalish, accompanist WINNER: Songs of Orpheus – Monteverdi, Caccini, D’India & Landi — Karim Sulayman; Jeannette Sorrell, conductor; Apollo’s Fire, ensembles Best Classical Compendium: Fuchs: Piano Concerto ‘Spiritualist’; Poems Of Life; Glacier; Rush — JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Tim Handley, producer Gold — The King’s Singers; Nigel Short, producer The John Adams Edition — Simon Rattle, conductor; Christoph Franke, producer John Williams At The Movies — Jerry Junkin, conductor; Donald J. McKinney, producer WINNER: Vaughan Williams: Piano Concerto; Oboe Concerto; Serenade To Music; Flos Campi — Peter Oundjian, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer Best Contemporary Classical Composition: Bates: The (R)evolution Of Steve Jobs — Mason Bates, composer; Mark Campbell, librettist (Michael Christie, Garrett Sorenson, Wei Wu, Sasha Cooke, Edwards Parks, Jessica E. Jones & Santa Fe Opera Orchestra) “Du Yun: Air Glow” — Du Yun, composer (International Contemporary Ensemble) Heggie: Great Scott — Jake Heggie, composer; Terrence McNally, librettist (Patrick Summers, Manuel Palazzo, Mark Hancock, Michael Mayes, Rodell Rosel, Kevin Burdette, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Nathan Gunn, Frederica von Stade, Ailyn Pérez, Joyce DiDonato, Dallas Opera Chorus & Orchestra) WINNER: “Kernis: Violin Concerto” — Aaron Jay Kernis, composer (James Ehnes, Ludovic Morlot & Seattle Symphony) “Mazzoli: Vespers For Violin” — Missy Mazzoli, composer (Olivia De Prato) MUSIC VIDEO/FILM Best Music Video: “Apes***” — Ricky Saiz, video director; Melodie Buchris, Natan Schottenfels & Erinn Williams, video producers (The Carters) WINNER: “This Is America” — Hiro Murai, video director; Ibra Ake, Jason Cole & Fam Rothstein, video producers (Childish Gambino) “I’m Not Racist” — Joyner Lucas & Ben Proulx, video directors; Joyner Lucas, video producer (Joyner Lucas) “PYNK” — Emma Westenberg, video director; Justin Benoliel & Whitney Jackson, video producers (Janelle Monáe) “MUMBO JUMBO” — Marco Prestini, video director; Sara Nassim, video producer (Tierra Whack) Best Music Film: Life in 12 Bars — Lili Fini Zanuck, video director; John Battsek, Scooter Weintraub, Larry Yelen & Lili Fini Zanuck, video producers (Eric Clapton) Whitney — Kevin Macdonald, video director; Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn & Lisa Erspamer, video producers (Whitney Houston) WINNER: Quincy — Alan Hicks & Rashida Jones, video directors; Paula DuPré Pesmen, video producer (Quincy Jones) Itzhak — Alison Chernick, video director; Alison Chernick, video producer (Itzhak Perlman) The King — Eugene Jarecki, video director; Christopher Frierson, Georgina Hill, David Kuhn & Christopher St. John, video producers (Elvis Presley).