Grammy Sweep: British School Rivals Bring Authenticity to Music Industry
This year's Grammy Awards saw a plethora of talented British artists make their mark on the music world, with many having once walked the halls of the prestigious BRIT school in Croydon, south London. The likes of Olivia Dean, Lola Young, FKA twigs, and Raye all attended the school, where they honed their craft and developed a unique voice that set them apart from manufactured pop stars.
The BRIT school's focus on nurturing young talent has proven to be a potent launchpad for global stardom, with an impressive list of alumni including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis, and Loyle Carner. Even artists like Ed Sheeran, who never attended the school, have referenced its influence in his music.
According to BRIT school principal Stuart Worden, this year's Grammy winners are a testament to the power of free arts education. "Those women are fantastic role models of what's achievable if you give young people access to the arts," he said. Worden remembers all three winners - Dean, Young, and Raye - who joined the school as 14-year-olds and developed their craft over time.
What sets these artists apart is not just their talent, but also their dedication to writing about the things that matter to them. Olivia writes about love's complexities, Lola is unflinchingly honest about her experiences with life, and Raye tackles topics like harassment in her music. These authentic voices are what make their music so powerful.
The BRIT school's approach is not just about producing successful artists, but also about instilling professional standards and values such as kindness. Worden believes that allowing people to be kind and open to emotion creates possibilities for success. The school prides itself on diversity, with 40% of students from global majority heritage, 50% from income-deprived backgrounds, and a third with SEN diagnoses.
As Worden noted, it's not always easy to predict which student will become a star. However, by fostering a spirit of collaboration and creativity, the BRIT school provides its students with the tools they need to succeed. The impact is clear, with former students having sold almost 300 million albums, racked up over 70 billion streams online, and won numerous high-profile awards.
The BRIT school's success story is one that should inspire us all. By providing access to the arts for young people from diverse backgrounds, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive music industry that celebrates individuality and creativity above all else.
This year's Grammy Awards saw a plethora of talented British artists make their mark on the music world, with many having once walked the halls of the prestigious BRIT school in Croydon, south London. The likes of Olivia Dean, Lola Young, FKA twigs, and Raye all attended the school, where they honed their craft and developed a unique voice that set them apart from manufactured pop stars.
The BRIT school's focus on nurturing young talent has proven to be a potent launchpad for global stardom, with an impressive list of alumni including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis, and Loyle Carner. Even artists like Ed Sheeran, who never attended the school, have referenced its influence in his music.
According to BRIT school principal Stuart Worden, this year's Grammy winners are a testament to the power of free arts education. "Those women are fantastic role models of what's achievable if you give young people access to the arts," he said. Worden remembers all three winners - Dean, Young, and Raye - who joined the school as 14-year-olds and developed their craft over time.
What sets these artists apart is not just their talent, but also their dedication to writing about the things that matter to them. Olivia writes about love's complexities, Lola is unflinchingly honest about her experiences with life, and Raye tackles topics like harassment in her music. These authentic voices are what make their music so powerful.
The BRIT school's approach is not just about producing successful artists, but also about instilling professional standards and values such as kindness. Worden believes that allowing people to be kind and open to emotion creates possibilities for success. The school prides itself on diversity, with 40% of students from global majority heritage, 50% from income-deprived backgrounds, and a third with SEN diagnoses.
As Worden noted, it's not always easy to predict which student will become a star. However, by fostering a spirit of collaboration and creativity, the BRIT school provides its students with the tools they need to succeed. The impact is clear, with former students having sold almost 300 million albums, racked up over 70 billion streams online, and won numerous high-profile awards.
The BRIT school's success story is one that should inspire us all. By providing access to the arts for young people from diverse backgrounds, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive music industry that celebrates individuality and creativity above all else.