In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a shares his open letter with GRAMMY.com readers. 

When we hear the word "authenticity," we think of traditional, something new or original. We automatically assume the word exemplifies one's creativity—someone who is innovative, unique and different from the rest. I'm all about that and much more. I'm not the typical Hawaiian slack key or 'ukulele artist most people expect me to be. I am a singer who speaks Hawaiian fluently, dressed in sequin blazers and Hawaiian print bowties, singing Hawaiian, contemporary and soul music. I also do Motown in Hawaiian if I had to, because I can as a modern, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian musician.

As an independent musician who is the co-founder and CEO of Pe'a Records & Entertainment, I am proud to own all of my music. I am my own label, publishing and entertainment company. My husband, Allan B. Cool, is also the co-founder and CEO of our company. We do everything on our own. We own all publishing rights to my music and we operate our own label. I answer to no one other than my husband. 

Allan is also a two-time GRAMMY-winning co-producer on my debut and sophomore albums. I am an independent singer/songwriter who won two GRAMMY awards, making history as the first Native Hawaiian to win a GRAMMY award with my debut album, E Walea, in 2017 in the Best Regional Roots Music category. I made history again winning another GRAMMY award in 2019 with my sophomore album, No 'Ane'i. 

But it's not about the history-making. It's not about the accolades. The awards don't define the true you. Awards shouldn't be able to demonstrate the person you've become. It's about making and creating music, arranging songs, finding a safe spot or space at home and jotting down lyrics and arranging music. The Recording Academy, and winning GRAMMY awards as a Hawaiian, contemporary and soul artist, has given me the opportunity to network and build relationships with thousands of members in the Academy: musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers at the Academy's functions, especially when we celebrate once a year at the GRAMMY Awards in L.A. 

The GRAMMYs gave me a full-time job as a touring musician. I am a devoted member, and I love to listen and network with all types of musicians, music-makers and creators around the world. This pandemic has really affected many of us, where all of our shows and concerts got cancelled. We really had to learn to save or generate income in order to survive. 

The questions came to mind: How are you paying for your mortgage? Other household bills? Food? Or medical bills? If I've lost shows, what do I do next? How will I survive as a multi-GRAMMY-winning, full-time touring musician during this crisis?

I had to plan a "horizon scanning" concept. Meaning, I had to plan out goals for the entire year. Some may be short-term or long-term, but these were goals that help me reflect and embrace what was truly in my reach. I panicked for a bit, but I had to collect my fears, throw them in a bottle and send that bottle away across the ocean and hopefully never see those fears return to me. 

My life as a GRAMMY-winning artist changed forever. I left a full-time teaching job five years ago to live my dreams. During this crisis, I am applying for numerous COVID-19 relief grants and cultural, competitive and music grants to help me stay afloat as a musician. I have applied to grants to help me start my third solo project, coming out later in 2021, so that I have monies to start music video content and other digital marketing content. I don't come from any label. I have to work harder as an indie artist. The struggle is real, but I am doing my best to continue to create music each day. 

I am ready to tour again and sell out shows across Hawai'i, the West and East Coast of the U.S. and Japan. I look forward to performing in Europe in the upcoming years, sharing Hawaiian language and music across the globe. I encourage all music creators to continue finding your voice: Share it through songwriting and arranging new music. Never give up.

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I encourage artists to apply for COVID-19 relief funds and grants. If you get denied the first round, never give up on these grants. There are performing arts centers who truly believe in your gift. Share and speak about it. Do grants first then loans as the last resort. When the grants for music are out there, dive into it. Prepare 3-4 hours out of the day to apply for them and also gather your best work as supportive documents. I am also uploading new and old content on all social media platforms every day. 

Whether we're stuck at home, continuously post something on social media about your music. Post a blog, an old pic, some new material, some teasers for upcoming music or projects, a piece of bread or something you drank on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Consistently post any content, whether about music or family, during this pandemic and be engaging with your audience. Do Live feeds and talk about your music creation, sing a song or two. I was honored to have done a few Live performances. 

I am that type of musician that doesn't ask for donations or has a personal Venmo or PayPal. Every musician has their own goals and objectives when it comes to making a living. Some musicians play in bars or hotels on Maui and others are touring musicians like me. What I've done the last few months was host a 30-minute to 1-hour show. The first show was last May where I sang some of my original compositions and I had a donation link that went directly to the Alzheimer's Association. My grandmother, who turned 90 in November, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. I try my best to donate a part of my concert proceeds to the association to take care of our kupuna (elders) and their caregivers. 

My second online show was 1 hour in June, and I gave away prizes. I had local businesses and entrepreneurs, who are makers, creators and bakers of Hawai'i, donate their "art" to me, and I gave it away as prizes. Thousands tuned in and were anxious to win. I did this to build a collaboration with local businesses who are the face of Maui and Hawai'i altogether. I wanted to support the businesses during these trying times. It brought awareness to these local brands in a time like this. Many have moved to all online shopping.

We musicians have bills to pay, so how do we stay relevant? Social media and digital marketing are important resources to stay relevant as a working musician. Get on all platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. The audiences and target audiences vary from each platform, but engage with your audience. You have fans all over the world if you're a recording artist. Start a website, update your website or create a Wiki page. On social media, you can post 50 times a day, but consistently share your work. 

We are indie artists. We are our own label. We do everything on our own and we don't have the support like artists do with big labels. We need to be creative and authentic in our own way as indies, as music-makers, creators and shakers of today. Continue creating and making music. Our music is our medicine. The world needs that medicine during this time. Let's heal the world with our creation of music, being ourselves as the music-makers while building "bridges," not "walls" or "cages," around the world. 

Also, know your value. If Live performances on social media is what you're good at, do it. I personally refuse to have a PayPal or Venmo link; however, it's up to you as a musician. Everyone has different goals. Know your value and surround yourself with likeminded and valuable people. If you already sell $100 tickets for your shows, why do a free online concert? 

Think of strategies on how to earn your income during this pandemic. Will you create an online ticketing show? Will you have a donation link set up and sell merchandise online? Or will you help other local businesses thrive by doing gift giveaways during your little online show? 

Be the voice during this pandemic. Continue making music. Focus on value. Be authentic. Never change your sound. Never allow anyone to define your success as an indie artist and be you. 

Learn more about Kalani Pe'a and his music.

For info on grant-writing for musicians and COVID-19 relief funds for artists and musicians, visit Kalani Pe'a's official Facebook page.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Membership.

Producer & Engineer Gena Johnson: How To Create Total Harmony In A Recording Session

When Sam Barber wrote his first song, he had no idea how far it would take him. Just 16 at the time, the country singer/songwriter penned "Straight and Narrow," an aching, clear-eyed plea for resilience that revealed his old soul — and proved he's a star on the rise.

"Straight and Narrow," which appeared on Barber's 2023 EP, Million Eyes, was the now 21-year-old's first brush with viral success, racking up streams and drawing in fans who were intrigued by the young guitar slinger who seemed to appear out of nowhere. The song would eventually land on Billboard charts — in both rock and country — and helped Barber earn a Grand Ole Opry debut and a partnership with Atlantic Records.

Barber's latest milestone is his debut album, Restless Mind, which arrived Nov. 1. The double LP shows the true breadth of his artistry, which is grounded in raw, narrative songwriting — like that of two of Barber's musical idols, Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers — and gritty, spare production that puts the listeners' focus squarely on Barber's emotive, bellowing voice.

Barber says he originally planned to record around a dozen songs for the LP, but instead, Restless Mind comprises a whopping 28 tracks. While that volume was intentional, Barber wasn't trying to keep up with the double-album trend country music has seen as of late — he simply wanted to please his fans.

Though he just began sharing his music in 2021, Barber's rapidly growing fan base — who first loved him for his covers on TikTok — continuously asked for more music. He felt his listeners deserved as much from him as he could muster for his debut album, and as he tells GRAMMY.com, "I want them to know I am working very hard."

Barber describes himself as a prolific writer and that it's his love for songwriting, specifically, that motivates him. Restless Mind is "an accumulation of my entire music career up to this point," Barber says, adding that some material comes from his teen songwriting years while other songs are just months old.

At the helm of Restless Mind was producer Eddie Spear, whose creative partnership with Barber began in 2022 after Spear DMed the singer. As one of Zach Bryan's frequent collaborators, Spear's desire to work with Barber wasn't just "surreal" for the budding star, but also validated the work he'd created up to that point. Spear's involvement also helped Barber see his music in a new light.

"Eddie made my songs something that I never could have imagined, just putting extra pieces," Barber says. "And the people I met in the room… It opened my mind to a completely different world of music that I didn't even know was a thing."

One such world is pop. Barber and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Amy Allen, whose extensive list of credits includes cuts for pop stars like Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter, met at a co-write and found unexpected creative common ground. Though he initially felt skeptical that they could bridge the gap between their different styles, Barber left their session (which spawned Restless Mind's "Thought of You," as well as a few other unreleased songs) with an expanded sense of what his music could be.

Restless Mind opens with the honest and tender track "Man You Raised," inspired by Barber's close relationship with his mother. After sharing a snippet of a voicemail from her, Barber promises his mother not to let the freewheeling lifestyle of a touring musician get the better of him. A singer who sometimes favors feeling over precision, Barber wrings every last drop of emotion from the lyric, a move that characterizes the rest of the album.

While 28 tracks can be daunting, Restless Mind is thoughtfully sequenced, with other bits of scene-setting audio sprinkled throughout and offering natural resting points. "G-PA," for example, is a clip of Barber's grandfather speaking about how the singer's "mind is always on the move," and sets up the Avery Anna-featuring title track, which offers one of Barber's most haunting vocals.

Another highlight is "Bet on My Ghost," which takes cues from grunge and alt-rock with its droning opening riff and Barber's garbled delivery. "Down the Road" lightens the sonic mood, with a driving beat and rambling riff illustrating the restlessness at the heart of the lyric. Barber closes the LP with "You Know I Know," an ambivalent song about existential exhaustion that makes a drastic musical shift in its final minute — ending Restless Mind in both poignant and captivating fashion.

Barber's live show is equally as compelling as his music, and he suggests that time on the road has been especially educational as he navigates the ins and outs of both stardom and live performance. Before kicking off his headlining Restless Mind Tour in September, Barber has spent 2024 playing other headlining gigs as well as festival slots at Stagecoach, Railbird and Lollapalooza. And last year, he had the chance to learn from Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen, both of whom Barber opened for on select dates.

"Ed wanted to show me that, no matter how large or big you are, people thinking you are just a good human being goes the longest way," Barber recalls. "It will get you as far as anything else."

Watching Sheeran perform was equally as impactful as his words of wisdom. "The way that he would go up on stage with just a guitar and completely control a crowd, the things he said and the emotion he could put out — everyone was dead silent, and it showed me that you don't need that much," Barber adds. "You just have to be a good person, [be] strong and know yourself. People see that."

Barber may rub elbows with big-name stars these days, but he says it's his family who truly fuels his creative fire. In fact, his late great-grandfather's musical history was what first inspired him to make music, and it was his mother who encouraged him to drop out of college in favor of pursuing music.

"My great-grandpa had played in bars and stuff," Barber says. "He had his old guitar in my parents' house, and that's what I picked up for the first time. I never got to meet him, unfortunately, but knowing that there was music in the family, it drove me."

He also calls his grandfather, who is still living, one of the "biggest supports and motivations" — and may be one of the biggest reasons Barber is wise beyond his years.

"He's the hardest working man I've ever met in my life," Barber adds. "He definitely showed me that anything is possible… He has nothing to do with music, but just seeing a man like that, it drives you every day. He's a wise man, holding a lot of very smart things and aspects to life that I would have never thought of without his encouragement."

As evidenced on "G-PA," Barber's grandfather may never have imagined all of this success for his grandson, either, but sometimes "straight and narrow" paths lead to unexpected places. Landing a hit with the first song you write is a dream come true for most aspiring artists — but for Barber, it's just the beginning.

Voting in the GRAMMY Awards is a unique opportunity to recognize excellence across all facets of the music industry. As the 2025 GRAMMYs draw closer, First Round Voting is now open through Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. PT/9p.m. ET. To help Voting Members navigate the process, we've outlined some helpful GRAMMY voting tips and resources.

The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will recognize the best in music, and First Round Voting is where the annual GRAMMY Awards voting process begins. During First Round Voting, Recording Academy Voting Members will cast their ballots through their member dashboard to determine the GRAMMY nominees across all 94 Categories for the upcoming 2025 GRAMMYs. Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs, which opens Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, and closes Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, will determine the final GRAMMY winners across all Categories to be revealed on GRAMMY night. Each year, GRAMMY winners and GRAMMY nominees are determined as voted by the Recording Academy's Voting membership, which is composed of music creators, including artists, producers, songwriters, and engineers.

Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. The 2025 GRAMMY Awards, when all final GRAMMY Award winners will be announced, take place Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcasts live on the CBS Television Network and streams live and on demand on Paramount+.

"During this time, I reflect on the power of our collective voice as Voting Members of the Recording Academy, and the unique light our awards shine on music's ability to shape the world and connect people across the globe," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said about the importance of GRAMMY Voting in a message sent to Recording Academy Voting Members. "Every vote can shape the future of music, empower creators, and ignite innovation. It’s a 67-year legacy that lasts well beyond Music’s Biggest Night."

As a member of the Academy, you may be asked questions about GRAMMY Voting. Equip yourself with the knowledge to explain the complete GRAMMY Awards process by reviewing the tips below and visiting our interactive online resource. Whether you’re a new voter or returning for another GRAMMY season, following these tips can ensure your vote reflects the best in music. 

Vote now!

Essential Tips For First-Time GRAMMY Voters

Take Your Time

GRAMMY voting isn’t a race. While the ballot is extensive, it’s crucial to consider each entry thoughtfully. Give every submission the same level of attention to ensure a fair and well-rounded outcome.

Break Voting Into Manageable Chunks

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, tackle the GRAMMY voting ballot in sections. For example, set goals to finish certain Categories each day. Taking short breaks between sections can help maintain focus and avoid fatigue.

Utilize The Save & Return Feature

When you start feeling tired, the Save button can be a lifesaver. Don't rush it. Save your progress and return to the GRAMMY voting ballot when you’re refreshed to ensure you’re voting with a clear mind and fair judgment.

Consider Reviewing From Z To A

The GRAMMY voting ballot is presented alphabetically, which can sometimes lead to fatigue near the end. Try reviewing the entries in reverse order or splitting the alphabet into smaller groups. This approach can help maintain objectivity across all entries.

Review The Voter Code Of Conduct

Before voting, familiarize yourself with the Voter Code of Conduct to maintain the integrity of the GRAMMY Awards. Voting within your areas of expertise helps honor each submission fairly.

Download The My Academy Hub App

The My Academy Hub App allows Voting Members to vote from their phones, making it easy to complete GRAMMY Voting ballots from anywhere. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

Make Use Of Resources

The Recording Academy offers an interactive guide explaining the GRAMMY Awards process in full to help members fully understand the GRAMMY journey from entry to award. This resource is invaluable for first-time GRAMMY voters and provides context for the entire awards cycle.

Encourage Your Peers

Our Voting membership class is the most diverse it’s ever been. As a fellow member and respected industry professional, your encouragement to your Voting Member peers during the voting process can make an impact on voter participation and turnout.

When your peers sit down to cast their GRAMMY vote, their voices will reflect the diversity and excellence of the greater music community. If you manage or represent an Academy Voter, please remind them that their First Round Voting ballot is available via their member dashboard. 

Explore The "GRAMMY Effect"

Winning or even just being nominated for a GRAMMY can dramatically boost an artist's career by increasing resources, visibility and industry standing. GRAMMY nominees often receive greater production support, see higher Billboard chart rankings, and gain recognition that opens doors to further opportunities. This is know as the “GRAMMY Effect,” an industry phenomenon in which a GRAMMY accolade directly influences the music biz and the wider popular culture. Your GRAMMY vote highlights deserving talent and also contributes to elevating careers across the music landscape.

Ask For Help If Needed

If you encounter technical issues or have questions, voter support is available through phone and email. Don’t hesitate to reach out to ensure your GRAMMY voting ballot is completed successfully.

VOTER TECHNICAL SUPPORT 
PHONE: 866-992-9902 x403  
EMAIL: grammys@yangaroo.com  
HOURS: M-F, 5 a.m. — 5 p.m. PT / 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. ET 

• First Round Voting: Oct. 4 — Oct. 15 

• Final Round Voting: Dec. 12, 2024 — Jan. 3, 2025  

AWARDS, FYC (FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION) & NON-TECHNICAL SUPPORT:  
PHONE: 833-789-8683  
EMAIL: votersupport@grammy.com  

HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT / noon – 8 p.m. ET 
 
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS:  
PHONE: 866-794-3391  
EMAIL: membership@grammy.com 
HOURS 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT / noon – 8 p.m. ET 

With First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs officially opening today, Friday, Oct. 4, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. has once again reminded Voting Members of the critical role they play in shaping the future of music through their GRAMMY votes. As the head of the world's leading community of music professionals, Mason jr. continues to underscore the responsibility that GRAMMY voters carry in selecting the next class of GRAMMY nominees — artists and creators who are changing the soundscape of today's music industry.

The upcoming 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2025 GRAMMYs will recognize the best in music, and First Round Voting is where the annual GRAMMY Awards voting process begins. During First Round Voting, which takes place from Friday, Oct. 4, through Tuesday, Oct. 15, Voting Members will cast their ballots to determine the GRAMMY nominees across all 94 Categories to be awarded at the 2025 GRAMMYs. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

In a message sent to Recording Academy Voting Members this week, which you can read in full below, Mason jr. reflected on the immense power of GRAMMY voters and how their votes highlight individual achievements, shape trends, and fuel creative innovation within the global music industry. He encourages members to vote with care, integrity, and the understanding that their GRAMMY votes have long-lasting impacts on careers, the worldwide music industry, and the cultural legacy of the GRAMMY Awards.

Learn more about our My Academy Hub mobile app, which allows Recording Academy Voting Members to vote directly from their phones.

For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process; read our First Round Voting guide for the 2025 GRAMMYs; read about the key updates happening at the 2025 GRAMMYs; read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section; view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines; and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

Read Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.'s letter to Voting Members about GRAMMY voting in full below:

Dear Voting Members,

Another season of GRAMMY Voting is here, and I'm thrilled to share that First Round Voting officially opens this Friday, October 4.

During this time, I reflect on the power of our collective voice as Voting Members of the Recording Academy, and the unique light our awards shine on music's ability to shape the world and connect people across the globe. Every vote can shape the future of music, empower creators, and ignite innovation. It's a 67-year legacy that lasts well beyond Music's Biggest Night.

You last heard from me this summer when I encouraged you to vote with purpose during this GRAMMY season. Now, with First Round Voting just days away, I want to remind you that your choices have the power to shape careers and lives. It is your responsibility to your peers to vote with intention, pride, and purpose. Your fellow creators in music are counting on you.

So, join me and do your part: VOTE. Once you've cast your ballot, download our social toolkit and inspire your fellow members to make their voices heard by sharing on social.

*On Oct. 4, your ballot will be available on your member dashboard and in the My Academy Hub App, available to download on iPhone and Android. Please open and review it early, take time to listen to your peers' entries, and cast your votes to determine this year's GRAMMY nominees and winners. The deadline to submit your votes is Oct. 15 by 6 p.m. PT.*

Remember, the GRAMMY Awards' power and significance continue thanks to dedicated members like you. Next February, all across the globe, the people who make music and the fans who love music will be watching to see who the GRAMMY voters have chosen to honor. All eyes will be on you, on us. Your vote matters now more than ever.

All the best,
Harvey Mason jr.
Recording Academy CEO

The annual GRAMMY Awards voting process this year kicks off Friday, Oct. 4, with First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs, a process that determines the nominees at the GRAMMY Awards each year. 

Voting Members of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, are able to cast their ballots for a variety of GRAMMY Categories to be awarded on Music's Biggest Night. The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, so it's essential to get involved from the beginning. 

Before First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs gets underway, hear from some of music’s leading artists and Recording Academy Voting Members, including Troye Sivan, Coco Jones, Will Smith, John Legend, and others, speak about the importance of GRAMMY voting this year and every year.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's membership process and requirements.

For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process; read our First Round Voting guide for the 2025 GRAMMYs; read about the key updates happening at the 2025 GRAMMYs; read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section; view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines; and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

Read More: The Recording Academy Adds More Than 3,000 Women GRAMMY Voters Since 2019, Surpassing Its 2025 Membership Goal