Turn Off The Grammys and Turn on Internet Radio

Bronx resident Lawrence “Improv!?” Ferrell (@prov_sez) is a writer, producer, engineer, and former spoken word artist during the Love Jones Era. Mr. Ferrell’s work can be found on Couch Sessions as well as IWriteToKeepSane. You can also hear his voice on Jooksi Radio.

On February 8th, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) will honor their peers at the 57th Grammy Awards. These awards are defined as a celebration of “artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position.” The last statement seems almost laughable to me because it seems NARAS takes sales and position into account more than the artistic aspect. Just look at the nominees for such prestigious categories as Record, Song, Album of the Year and tell me differently. Let’s be clear, the Grammys is a marketing tool for the artists as well as for NARAS since a nomination generates sales and work. So if you’re not happy with some of the nominees or looking for something fresh, what’s the alternative?

Internet Radio and Podcasts.

With terrestrial radio stations more concerned about advertising revenue than music itself, listeners are bombarded with the same repetitive playlist of ten songs. Program Directors seem too handcuffed to data and higher ups to take chances by adding lesser known artists. Taking a page out of the Punk Rock “Do It Yourself” manual, technology has allowed individuals to take matters into their own hands and showcase artists terrestrial radio seem to shy away from. If you’re looking for some recommendations, I’m here to help. 

ABLRadio: (http://ablradio.com/)

Based in Atlanta, Arts Beats & Life is an internet radio station on the come up. Streaming 24/7, you are sure to hear something you never heard before. I got put on to Joy Jones’ “Nomad” from a random listen. The ABL team, led by Jabari Graham, also provide original programming. You can tune in on a Thursday and hear the Day 1 Radio crew interview R&B singer Raheem Devaughn or founder of UniverSoul Circus Cedric Walker for example

Music Snobs: (http://themusicsnobs.com/)

Ever been to a family gathering and someone’s uncle throws out a question like “What If Michael Jackson Never Did The Moonwalk on Motown 25”? Arthur Turnbull, Jehan, writer Issac Perry, and journalist Scoop Jackson are those uncles. The Music Snobs podcast is funny, intelligent, and gives just the right amount of digs. I mean what other show would make a compelling argument on the merits of digital audio format? Exactly.

The Combat Jack Show: (http://thecombatjackshow.com/)

Reggie Osse aka Combat Jack (@combatjack) is fast becoming an icon in Hip Hop culture. Along with co-host Premium Pete, the former attorney for Roc-A-Fella Records (yes even for THAT guy) has interviewed such artists as J Cole, LL Cool J, And Chuck D. What sets this podcast apart is Combat’s ability to make his guests feel comfortable. That comfort level allows the artists to be open and connect with the audience.That comfort level allows them to open up and connect with the audience. There have been a few times when I’ve changed my opinion about a guest after listening to them. And not just artists, the Combat Jack Show has interviewed Raymond Santana of the Central Park 5 as well as baseball legend Darryl Strawberry.

Jooksi: (http://jooksi.com/blog/)

Disclaimer: I’m one of the hosts. Every Tuesday at 10am EST on ALBRadio (more on that later), Dr. Fredara Hadley and me discuss various themes ranging from new Jazz voices and why Black Lives Matter. Our goal is service our listeners with music we think they would enjoy from such diverse acts as All Cows Eat Grass, Joi, Dianne Reeves, and Gwen Bunn. The Thanksgiving Special as well as the one where we thank our listeners for their support are some of my favorite episodes.

So as you scrunch up your face watching Iggy Azalea perform or the Lady Gaga/Tony Bennett duet, remember there are alternatives to the old guards. Ones who’ve heard enough and took matters into their own hands to splash colors onto a drab musical landscape. It’s up to you to join in.