Guitar Legends Shine at the 67th Grammy awards
while the buzz surrounding pop rivalries captured headlines leading up to the 67th Grammy Awards, it was the guitar-driven talents of St. Vincent, Andrew Watt, and Gojira that truly stole the show, collectively securing six prestigious awards.
St. Vincent’s Triumphant night
St. Vincent emerged as a standout, taking home three awards for her innovative album All Born Screaming. This dark and edgy record was honored with the Best Alternative Music Album title, while her singles Broken Man and Flea clinched the Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Performance awards, respectively.
The Music Man signature artist, whose guitar is tailored for the female form, has garnered admiration from artists like Olivia Rodrigo and The Last Dinner Party. St. Vincent drew inspiration from diverse sources for her latest work. In an interview with Total Guitar,she reflected on the creative process behind Flea,stating,“I aimed for a sound that feels almost wrong—like,‘Is this person a genius,or are they completely off-key?’ That’s the space I inhabit.Take Neil Young’s iconic solo in Down By The River; it’s essentially one note,but its impact is subjective.”
This album marks her debut as a self-producer, where she intentionally avoided needless guitar embellishments, believing that “the guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument, yet it carries a lot of preconceived notions. We’re all aware of the clichés we strive to move past.”
Additionally, Broken Man features a Stratocaster gifted to her by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, which she used to deliver a powerful performance that helped secure the Best Rock Song award.
Despite being nominated for three awards—Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Album—Pearl Jam left the ceremony without any wins.
Andrew Watt’s Dual Success
Andrew Watt, a renowned guitarist and producer, also celebrated notable victories, contributing to the success of three major acts. The Rolling Stones took home the Best Rock Album award for Hackney Diamonds, which Watt produced. Additionally, the collaboration between Lady Gaga and bruno Mars, Die With A Smile, co-written and co-produced by Watt, won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award.
These accolades add to Watt’s notable Grammy collection, which includes the Producer of the Year award in 2021 for his work on Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding and Dua lipa’s Future Nostalgia. He also won Best Rock Album in 2023 for producing Ozzy Osbourne’s Patient Number 9.
Gojira’s Metal Mastery
The competition for the Best Metal Performance award was intense, with French metal band Gojira emerging victorious. They captivated audiences with their powerful rendition of Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 olympic Games, outperforming contenders like Spiritbox, Knocked Loose, and Metallica.
This performance, broadcast to millions globally, marked a significant debut for Joe Duplantier’s new ESP signature guitar, following his transition from Charvel, a brand he had long supported.
In his acceptance speech, Duplantier expressed gratitude, stating, “We dedicate this award to all the bands pushing the envelope. Support your local artists and bands, as they are the ones inspiring us to keep going. Thank you!”
Justus West: A New Voice in Guitar Music
Simultaneously occurring, Justus West is making waves in the mainstream by incorporating rock elements into Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album using his Abasi Concepts guitar. This album has garnered accolades for both Best Album and Best Country Album, showcasing the enduring influence of guitar music across genres.
Breaking Barriers: St. Vincent, Andrew Watt, and Gojira Celebrate Guitar Greatness at the Grammys
The Rise of Guitar Music at the grammys
The 67th Grammy Awards showcased a remarkable party of guitar music, with St. Vincent, Andrew Watt, and Gojira leading the charge. these artists not only took home prestigious awards but also highlighted the importance of supporting local musicians and pushing the boundaries of creativity in the music industry.
St. Vincent: A Trailblazer in Choice Music
St.vincent, known for her innovative approach to guitar and songwriting, won three Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album for her critically acclaimed record All Born Screaming. This album has been praised for its unique sound and lyrical depth, making it a standout in the alternative music scene.
Key Achievements
- Best Alternative Music Album: All Born Screaming
- Best Rock Song: Broken Man
- Best Alternative Music Performance: Flea
Innovative Sound and Production
St. Vincent’s approach to music production is as groundbreaking as her guitar work. In her own words, she aims to create sounds that challenge conventional notions of virtuosity. “I was going for a sound where it’s like… wrong? Like, ‘Is this person virtuosic, or do they totally suck?’” she explained in an interview with Total Guitar.
Andrew Watt: The Powerhouse Producer
Andrew Watt, a celebrated guitarist and producer, also made waves at the Grammys. His work with iconic bands and artists has earned him recognition as one of the industry’s leading figures.
Grammy Wins
- Best Rock Album: Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Impact on the Music Industry
Watt’s influence extends beyond his Grammy wins. He has been instrumental in shaping the sound of contemporary rock and pop music, collaborating with artists like Post Malone and Dua Lipa. His ability to blend genres has made him a sought-after producer in the industry.
Gojira: Metal’s Rising Stars
French metal band Gojira took home the award for Best Metal Performance, solidifying their status as one of the leading forces in modern metal. Their performance of Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony showcased their unique sound and stage presence.
Achievements and Recognition
- Best Metal Performance: Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)
Performance Highlights
Gojira’s performance was not only a celebration of their music but also a statement about the power of metal to inspire and unite. Their acceptance speech emphasized the importance of supporting local artists,echoing a sentiment shared by many in the music community.
Supporting Local Artists: A Call to action
As St. Vincent, Andrew Watt, and Gojira have demonstrated, the music industry thrives on innovation and creativity. Supporting local artists is crucial for fostering new talent and ensuring the continued evolution of music.Here are some practical tips for supporting local musicians:
Practical Tips for Supporting Local Artists
- Attend Local Shows: Make it a point to attend performances by local bands and artists.
- Purchase Merchandise: Buy albums, T-shirts, and other merchandise directly from artists.
- Share on Social Media: Promote local artists on your social media platforms to help them reach a wider audience.
- Join Local Music Groups: Engage with local music communities to discover new talent and support events.
Case Studies: Local Artists making Waves
Many local artists have gained recognition through grassroots support. For instance, artists like Hozier and Billie Eilish started in small venues before achieving global fame. Their journeys highlight the importance of community support in nurturing talent.
Success stories
| Artist | Origin | Breakthrough Moment |
| Hozier | County Wicklow, Ireland | Viral success of Take Me to church |
| Billie Eilish | Los Angeles, California | Release of ocean Eyes |
| Shawn Mendes | Pickering, Ontario | vine covers leading to record deal |
First-Hand Experience: The Power of Community Support
Many artists attribute their success to the support of their local communities. For example, singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus shared how her local music scene in Richmond, Virginia, played a pivotal role in her growth as an artist. “The encouragement from my peers and local venues made all the difference,” she noted in a recent interview.
Join the Movement: Support Local Legends
As we celebrate the achievements of St. Vincent, Andrew Watt, and Gojira, let’s not forget the importance of nurturing local talent. By supporting local artists, we contribute to a vibrant music scene that continues to inspire and innovate.
To further engage with the music community, consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. Here, you can submit ads, discover new artists, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Join the movement and help support the next generation of musical talent!
