Bill Evans, John Coltrane and Miles Davis posters covered the walls of the combo room where eager GRAMMY Camp instrumentalists awaited an opportunity to speak with Kamasi Washington. Anticipation erupted into applause when Washington entered the room. Carrying his saxophone and sporting tribal prints, Washington was relaxed, yet his excitement was evident as well. For those who don’t know, Washington is a young and ambitious saxophonist, writer and composer who has worked with artists from Snoop Dogg to Erykah Badu. Washington grew up in LA and has been practically been playing jazz his whole life. However, he still appreciates great music and believes that fundamentals of great music are there across the board. One of his most significant pieces of advice to the campers was to keep an open mind because it will open future doors.
artists from Snoop Dogg to Erykah Badu. Washington grew up in LA and has been practically been playing jazz his whole life. However, he still appreciates great music and believes that fundamentals of great music are there across the board. One of his most significant pieces of advice to the campers was to keep an open mind because it will open future doors.
Trailing off that advice, Washington presented a concept that all of the campers should remember for the rest of their careers: finding a balance between music and business. “Take every situation for what it is,” he advised, “and make decisions musically first.” Washington wanted to clearly express the difference between monetary value and invaluable experiences. He warned the campers to question whether they’re being used and to always speak up for themselves. He lastly touched on always being available; Washington stressed that your name is everything. “Favors open doors. A $50 gig can turn into being Lenny Kravitz’s music director.”
Kamasi Washington's Message
Welcome to day four of GRAMMY Camp Los Angeles where professionals from the music industry have joined all of the campers at the Carson Sound Stage for a panel to discuss the realities of pursuing a career in music. While all the artists provided valuable insight, Rob Knox stressed the importance of trusting in yourself in the music business. Rob Knox is a GRAMMY-nominated producer/songwriter who has worked with a vast array of artists, including Justin Timberlake, T.I., Jamie Foxx, and Ciara. After the panel, I talked with Knox about confidence.
artists from Snoop Dogg to Erykah Badu. Washington grew up in LA and has been practically been playing jazz his whole life. However, he still appreciates great music and believes that fundamentals of great music are there across the board. One of his most significant pieces of advice to the campers was to keep an open mind because it will open future doors.
After the panel, I talked with Knox about confidence. Like many young artists today, Knox was initially discouraged when pursuing music. However, he used the negativity as his motivation when forming his career. “Just keep going on,” he advised. “If it’s something you truly love, you won’t give up. If you give up, you truly didn’t love it.” He admitted to knowing how the campers think and feel. Through the anxiousness, nervousness, and “weird feelings,” Knox clearly expressed that the journey isn’t always easy. “Obstacles and walls could slow you down, and that’s fine. Although that’s a part of the process, you always have to find a way through it or around it. Never stop.”
Rob Knox: "Never Stop."
While at Grammy Camp, I was part of a team of 7 journalists who documented the camp experience. Below were the first two articles of mine to be published onto a blog by a noteworthy publication: Grammy In The Schools. Check em out.