Artists Who Win Grammys

The Winners of the last 8 years:

If you look back at the last eight years at the winners of ‘Record/Album of the Year’ at the Grammys, you'll notice that most of them are average singers as far as vocal technique, as for high notes, and being great with riffs and all that kind of stuff. These are people like Taylor Swift, Beck, Daft Punk, and Gotye.

I know Adele is considered a great singer; however, she has very organic, emotional stories and sings them passionately. Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift (has won twice now), and duet: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have all respectively, won a Grammy. Alison Krauss is pretty simple in the way she sings, and Robert Plant when he sings in harmony with her is also very simple. He does a little bit of his old-style high notes in various places on the album and it won a Grammy in 2009. (Simply put to win a Grammy: “Keep it simple”.).

Examples of Why They Win – Organic, Emotional Expression:

A note here to try to explain what I mean. Back in 2009 at the Music Video Association (MVA), when Taylor Swift was announced as the MVA winner; Kanye West grabbed -the microphone and said Beyoncé had the best video of all time and was very upset that Taylor Swift had won. While Taylor Swift may not exude what Kanye West might call superstar singing like, a Celine Dion or Whitney Houston; she exudes honesty organically, and everything has incredible feel and emotion. The same can be said of the aforementioned Grammy winners. They all have great feel, great emotional expression, and great commitment (stick-to-itiveness) to their art.

Spending Too Much Time on Vocal Technique:

While most singers are out looking for high notes, being able to belt louder, building up their breathing, and so many other technical accomplishments; artists who are actually influencing the music industry have average technique. However, they have exceptional feel and emotional expression. The simple point here is if you want to win a Grammy, you need to learn how to be emotionally connected to your songs and express this emotion during performances. (Focus on the emotion of the song’s story and your voice will dynamically change (without thought) as you give a standing ovation performance,)

Straight Talk:

I am recommending, if you want to win a Grammy; to work on feeling your songs while you write them and feel the emotions of these songs while you sing them. As I have mentioned in the past, Grammy winning producers will tell you that the completed recording must emote 80 to 90% honesty from the heart and soul (especially from the singer). Focus on the work and don't let people sidetrack you. Pay more attention to these things rather than technique, and you will enjoy more success with your performances.

Brad Chapman Vocal Pre-Producer www.bradchapmanvocals.com (involved in the making of hundreds of Grammy winners)