By Tomas Peña
April 18, 2011
“Adding further fuel to the fire, NARAS announced late last night that the use of “Minor Chords or any chord that would be a ‘breach of the peace’ is prohibited in any song or arrangement submitted for Grammy Consideration”. Bob Belden
“It’s like the old conquer and divide scenario. Except here it’s eliminate and conquer.” Bobby Sanabria
On Wednesday, April 6, 2011 the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) announced the restructuring of the Grammy Award categories in order to “tighten and create a parallel structure among the various fields.” According to Ben Sisario of the New York Times, “The restructuring was a response to longstanding criticism in the music industry that too many categories were diluting the Grammy’s impact.”
A thorough review of the awards process began two years ago however, after the most recent Grammy telecast, Stephen Stoute, an industry insider, ran a full-page ad in the New York Times, reproaching NARAS for “being out of touch with pop tastes.” Stoute’s comments were a reaction to bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding’s surprising win over teen idol, Justin Bieber for Best New Artist. Continue reading
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