On Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Grammy U came to UCLA for the first time. Grammy U is an organization aimed specifically at college undergrads and recent graduates who have an interest in music and want to work in the music industry with either a creative or business focus. As an organization they put on various events throughout the year with varying themes within the industry.
The event this past Wednesday had a panel of people from various aspects of the industry, ranging from a current artist to an active studio engineer. First on the panel was recording artist and eight-time Grammy nominated R&B artist Ledisi. Next, was Stacy Barthe, an Afrikan- American songwriter and artist whose credits include writing songs for mega stars such as Rihanna and Katy Perry. Joining the ladies was studio engineer Gavin Lurseen, a Grammy award winning mastering engineer who has worked with acts such as Sheryl Crow and Elton John; John Alagia, a Grammy nominated producer who has worked with the likes of John Mayer and the Zac Brown Band, and MC Lyte, the legendary, Grammy-nominated, and groundbreaking female Hip-Hop MC.
All five members on the panel had a great insight into the music business, and their comments made for a fun and informative night. Topics ranged from their beginnings in the music industry, to facing fears, to how to choose management.
Resounding themes of the discussion were hard work and the importance of being personable. Those two factors combined with a little bit of luck seemed to be the formula that worked in all of their success stories. When asked about how she started in the industry and the way she operates now, Ledisi shared how much she studied acts that came before her to understand why they were so great. She recounted how she read about Diana Ross’s childhood and learned of the royal aurora that surrounded Diana when she performed on stage. Today, Ledisi incorporates some of those aspects into her own live shows.
Another aspect of hard work is the importance of always doing everything to the best of one’s ability. Ledisi states, “Always have your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted,” because mediocrity is not something to be proud of.
According to all members of the panel, personality, too, is important. “Nobody wants to talk to a weirdo,” John Alagia jokes while Gavin Lurseen responds, “Bedsides, manners goes a long way.”
Mentorship was also heavily stressed. “Get a mentor,” advised Stacy Barthe. All members on the panel agreed that mentorship is an invaluable tool. Gavin Lurseen added to Stacy’s advice with an anecdote of his own about how important his mentor had been to him during his fledgling days as a budding engineer. “Be patient. Everyone wants to do everything so fast without realizing that all of this takes time. Study, do your homework about the people in your desired field. Grab a mentor to show you the ropes. They know what they’re doing. They’ve been in the business a lot longer than you.”
After talking for about an hour, gears shifted as the night came to an end, and MC Lyte prompted the panel to name something that they hope doesn’t change in the Music Industry. MC Lytes starts, “I love the fact that a boy or a girl from the middle of nowhere can still make their dreams come true and become a star by moving to one of the big cities: Los Angeles, New York, Nashville… That is something I hope never changes.” The panel nodded in agreement and reiterated her statement.
With closing remarks, MC Lyte asks, “What piece of advice has been the most helpful in your careers?”
John Alagia responds, “Be yourself.”
Stacey Barthe states, “Be a good person. When you’re a good person, you attract good people in your life. I’m a firm believer in that.” With that last piece of advice, the panel nodded once again, and it was time to go home.
This was Grammy U’s first event on the UCLA campus and hopefully it won’t be the last.
Author: Hailey Harris
Nommo Staff