Photo by Reto Sterchi
So, yesterday saw the official announcement of the 2017 Grammy Awards. A few non-surprises (ADELE and BEYONCÉ‘s beeing nominated for pretty much everything), even fewer surprises (TYCHO finally got nominated which is nice) questionable decisions (LUKAS GRAHAM for best record?), and an ‘Best Alternative Record’ category which is basically the Top 5 of NBHAP’S Albums Of The Year list (including RADIOHEAD, BON IVER and DAVID BOWIE) – you know, the usual US-based focus. You can find the full list right here.
One thing that might surprise most Non-Americans is the name STURGILL SIMPSON which showed up right next to JUSTIN BIEBER and BEYONCÉ in the ‘Album Of The Year’. His third album A Sailor’s Guide to Earth was released back in spring and also received a nomination as ‘Best Country Album’. It sold okay but the 200.000 units are nothing compared to ADELE and DRAKE, giving him the clear outsider position in this category this year and basically something to please the Country Music lobby.
Aside from that the 38-year old songwriter from Jackson, Kentucky has been quite active in the past years and his sound is not just packed with pure country clichés but also comes with a surprising psychedelic note from time to time. And if that doesn’t catch your attention: STURGILL SIMPSON covered In Bloom by NIRVANA on the album and it’s pretty solid. The boost this nomination will get him is not the worst that could happen. We seriously wonder what might happen when he beats BEYONCÉ. Thank god, KANYE WEST already said he won’t attend. So, if you asked ‘Who the hell is STURGILL SIMPSON?’, here’s your answer.
—-