In 2017, the Recording Academy changed the rules allowing artists who released streaming only albums to win a Grammy. Chance the Rapper made history by becoming the first unsigned “streaming only” artist to win a Grammy Award (Best New Artist) for his celebrated album “Coloring Book.”
Now indie artists who either can not get signed by a major record label or do not want to be signed by a major record label can compete for the most prestigious music awards. Of course, you must have great songs that millions of people are streaming and you have to do the work promoting your music.
We’re putting the final touches on my second album which has social justice songs as well as love songs with elements of neo soul, pop, reggae, funk and jazz. It will be available for streaming and downloads this spring. I’m thankful to all my fans who support me and ask you to continue streaming my music. You will love the video for my first single from the new album, which will be uploaded to YouTube next month. Fires, smoke, mudslides, even threats of ballistic missiles could not stop me. I’m like a kid on Christmas Eve; too excited to sleep; going into the studio today putting finishing touches on one of my favorite neo soul songs. Like my first album, I either wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on this new album, so it’s a labor of love. When I watch the Grammy Awards show tomorrow, I’ll be thanking Chance for breaking down walls and visualizing myself and other indie artists walking on the stage and winning a Grammy.
One Love
Aria