Ahead of the 59th edition of the popular music awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, we get Mumbai musicians to pick favourites
It is that time of the year when musicians go through tense moments as their work — recordings and compositions — is forwarded for ballots. The 59th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is round the corner. Ahead of the decisive day (February 12), industry stalwarts from India play punter.
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Sachin-Jigar (music directors)
The composer duo from Bollywood kept track of all releases last year despite their hectic schedules. They pick Justin Bieber’s Purpose in the Best Album category. “It gave the teen sensation a brand new aura and shifted the narrative of his career. He rekindled his relationship with his listeners at large and brought a few eclectic collaborations to the table. The track Sorry is the dance anthem of the year. Love Yourself and Company have a nice vibe to them, too,” they say.
Benny Dayal (vocalist)
The 32-year-old, one of the discoveries of AR Rahman, picks Adele’s 25 in the Best Album category. “This is Pop served at its best. The track, Hello, had such a mass and universal appeal. She has a powerful emotive voice and the lyrics are truthful. There is a sense of maturity in the album and the production is richly textured. I love how Adele is organic, old-fashioned and earthy in her approach. In her songs, there is joy even in pain,” says Dayal.
Raftaar (rapper)
The 28-year-old, also a former member of the urban music group Mafia Mundeer (formed by Yo Yo Honey Singh) is a fan of Drake. He believes that the album Views will walk away with top honours. “The track Hotline Bling says it all. He is the biggest artiste in the rap game right now, and is also the king of the streaming era. He represents the digital consumption theory, which is the future of the music business. The album is non-offensive and retro, yet it is Hip-Hop,” he says.
Nerm (founder, Shiva Soundsystem)
Besides being a broadcaster and producer, Nerm is also a renowned DJ. He picks Anderson Paak in the Best New Artiste category, and Beyoncé for the Best Female Artiste award. “After his appearances on Dr Dre’s Compton album and Kaytranada’s 99.9%, I am behind this guy. His production partner choices are second to none. The man has taste. Among female artistes, you can’t mess with Beyoncé. She is bad@#!,” he says.
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