At the upcoming 2024 Grammy Awards, the rock band boygenius is causing quite the stir. Comprised of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, the group has garnered six nominations, putting them on par with industry heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish. What's more, if they were to take home either the coveted Record of the Year or Album of the Year awards, they would become the first 'all-female' group to do so since The Chicks in 2007.
Interestingly, boygenius is not particularly fond of being labeled as an 'all-female' group. In fact, they refer to themselves as 'the boys' and aim to distance themselves from the archaic genre descriptions such as 'female-fronted' or 'women who rock.' They embrace the lineage from The Chicks to the boys, as Julien Baker passionately expresses.
Their disdain for these labels stems partly from the past remarks made by former Recording Academy President Neil Portnow in 2018. Portnow suggested that women needed to 'step up' if they wanted to be recognized at the Grammys. His remarks sparked controversy and drew criticism from many in the industry, including boycotting artists. Portnow later issued an apology for his statement. However, in November 2023, Portnow faced a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of drugging and raping her in a New York hotel room in 2018. Portnow's representative firmly denied the allegations, calling them 'completely false.'
Acknowledging the historical significance of the Grammys, Phoebe Bridgers recalls The Chicks winning Record of the Year for their track 'Not Ready to Make Nice.' She notes that while this recognition was welcomed, it was merely a small nod from an institution rather than a transformative shift in the music industry.
Boygenius humorously pokes fun at the concept of 'cancel culture' by jokingly attributing it to the right-wing. Their irreverent attitude showcases their refusal to conform to expectations and their pride in being a 'PR nightmare,' as Lucy Dacus affectionately puts it.
The band sees their Grammy nominations as a validation of their talents and the significance of their collaborative project. Phoebe Bridgers emphasizes that being recognized for something they are genuinely proud of is what makes the nominations special. Lucy Dacus adds that it feels particularly gratifying because they have shattered their own preconceived notions of what was possible in their music careers.
Much of the conversation surrounding boygenius revolves around their deep friendship. While their debut album, 'The Record,' has received critical acclaim and resonated with audiences, it was primarily crafted as an expression of their admiration for one another and a desire to push the boundaries of their individual musical endeavors. The fact that others enjoy their music is seen as an added bonus.
Acknowledging the dichotomy between institutional recognition and personal enjoyment, Julien Baker cites the example of Mitski, an artist whose popularity within their genre is undeniable, yet who has received little recognition from the Grammy institution. It highlights the disconnection between awards and true artistic impact.
Looking ahead, fans may be curious about the possibility of another boygenius album. Phoebe Bridgers concludes the conversation by humorously admitting that they have no more knowledge about it than the readers. In the past, they may have teased the idea of future projects, but now they genuinely don't know. However, Lucy Dacus chimes in with a heartfelt sentiment, expressing her fondness for her bandmates and their collaborative bond.
The success and recognition bestowed upon boygenius at the Grammy Awards signify not only their individual talents but also a potential shift within the music industry. It showcases the growing appreciation for diverse voices and collaborative efforts while questioning the traditional metrics of success in the modern music landscape. Whether or not boygenius takes home any awards, their impact and influence are undeniable, making them a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
