The Recording Academy has been devoted to supporting the progression of musical excellence for more than six decades. Through its NEXT Class program, founded in 2014 by the organization’s Los Angeles Chapter, voting and professional members aged 21-35 are provided real-life experiences to foster their budding careers in the music industry.
The NEXT Class of 2024 featured 20 accomplished participants from various industries, backgrounds, and professional experiences. The participants engaged in multiple mentoring circles with esteemed Recording Academy members, gaining invaluable networking opportunities and deepening their understanding of the music industry. Areas of focus included music business, music licensing & supervision, music marketing & technology, production & engineering, and songwriting.
“The L.A. Chapter’s NEXT program continues to bring in top quality industry professionals and creatives that truly exemplify the up-and-coming talent that is present in the L.A. Chapter,” said Luke Savage, Operations Manager of the L.A. Chapter. “I am so proud of the mentees and mentors that participated in the program this year and can’t wait to see what they do NEXT.”
“Los Angeles Chapter’s NEXT program has continued to be a key platform for creative and professional development, through the unique opportunity of peer-to-peer mentorship and the acclaim only a GRAMMY esteemed program can bring,” added Qiana Conley Akinro, Senior Executive Director of the L.A. Chapter. “I am delighted to see the growth of the mentees and the sincerity and encouragement the mentors brought to this year’s program. Congratulations to the 2024 NEXT Class and the amazing creators and executives that made it memorable!”
Get To Know The NEXT Class Of 2024
To celebrate the NEXT Class of 2024, the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter is highlighting some of this year’s participants and mentors.
NEXT Class Mentees
“During my time in the Recording Academy’s NEXT class of 2024, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the music industry’s most influential leaders and peers. I loved having a safe space to get to know them, ask for advice and inquire about where leaders see the music industry going. The program offered exclusive opportunities for networking events, which allowed me to foster connections and deepen my understanding of the Academy’s mission. This program ignited a deeper sense of purpose in me, empowering me to advocate for the wellbeing of music-makers and celebrating musical excellence with renewed dedication.” – Kate Cordova, Senior Director of Social Media, Marketing, and Communications at ASCAP
“I am so honored to have been chosen to be a part of this year’s Grammy NEXT program. Learning directly from experienced professionals is still a key aspect of any music professional’s career development and the conversations we had with our mentors were hugely informal. Massive thanks to the Recording Academy and all the mentors who gave their time to help us grow.” – Phil McGowan, Mixing & Recording Engineer
“The NEXT program was a truly great opportunity to learn and connect. Being able to ask questions and get advice from industry leaders like Dale Becker and Mike Elizondo in a small group was a special experience. I’m grateful that I was chosen to participate!” – Moritz Braun, Music Producer and Owner at JUST FOR THE RECORD, LLC
“Participating in the Grammys NEXT Class of 2024 was an invaluable honor and experience that significantly shaped my understanding and approach to the music business. It was a pivotal step in my professional journey, and I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to my future endeavors.” – Joy Wayodi, Artist & Music Publicist at Afrika Plug
“The Grammy NEXT Program gave us the rare opportunity to learn directly from incredible industry leaders in music. We had open conversations, resources to build upon our strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly a chance to build community together. Thank you to the Recording Academy for creating such a positive experience.” – Dolly Ave, Artist
“I had an incredible experience with the Grammys NEXT Gen program, where we were paired with highly esteemed mentors from the music industry. I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe it’s a fantastic initiative by the Grammys to connect young professionals with the academy and provide invaluable learning opportunities. This program truly brings us closer to the heart of the industry.” – Emilio Esteban, Music Producer, Composer, & Conductor
“The NEXT Class of 2024 has given me invaluable opportunities to grow both as an artist and a professional. The guidance from experienced mentors and the connections I’ve made have been instrumental in pushing my career forward. I’m grateful for the support and excited about the future.” – Chisom “Cheekychizzy” Ifeachor, Performer, Music Producer, Sound Engineer, and Co-Founder at The Bridge Management
“Finding good mentors in the recording industry is difficult – NEXT makes it easy. Every mentor and all my fellow mentees have made a lasting impact on me. I’m leaving NEXT feeling connected to my community and better at my craft.” – Emile Figgins, Audio Engineer: Immersive & Experimental Media
“NEXT has been a really nurturing experience where I have been able to connect with amazing mentors that stepped up my vision and gave me a clear path in my career in this ever-changing music industry.” – sonnemm, Music Producer, Songwriter, and Music Director
NEXT Class Mentors
“It has been a great pleasure to serve as a GRAMMY Next Mentor. Through this program, I have met many impressive, passionate, and ambitious young artists and executives who make me excited about the future of our industry. It has been a joy to exchange ideas with the mentees, share my knowledge of the past, offer advice on navigating the music industry, and learn from them about how they discover new music and perceive emerging trends. I look forward to continuing as a GRAMMY Next mentor for years to come!” – Shannon Herber, Head of Artist Strategy & Music Business Development at Campaign
“Participating in the NEXT program as a mentor was an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m grateful to the Recording Academy for facilitating and prioritizing interconnectedness within our creative network. I always say that mentorship is a two-way street; it’s an exchange of knowledge and information, not merely a one-sided occurrence. I really enjoyed meeting the mentees from all around the world who have such colorful and diverse career paths. It served as an opportunity to meet emerging artists who have exciting futures ahead. I came away from the experience feeling so inspired and encouraged by their commitment to their craft.” – Stephanie Economou, GRAMMY -winning film/television/video game composer
“It was such a pleasure being a part of NEXT Class of 2024. The participants were very impressive, all with diverse backgrounds and experience. NEXT is nurturing the next generation of the music business.” – Mike Elizondo, GRAMMY-winning producer
“Getting to connect with the next generation of music professionals is a wonderful opportunity to both give and receive. It’s an honor to help young professionals at such a critical stage of their career, especially in helping them believe in themselves to achieve what they’re setting out to achieve. On the other hand, I love to interact with colleagues at this stage because it helps me stay connected to what is important for the next generation of music professionals and gauge the subtle movements/shifts in culture, thought and artistic expression that will undoubtedly come as they start to make their mark. Thank you, NEXT!” – Dale Becker, GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineer
“I loved participating in the NEXT Program as I genuinely felt like I walked away learning as much as I was able to give. We were able to cover much more than our original topic (marketing) and have open dialogues about what it really means to work in music in 2024.” – Dani Chavez, Artist Manager, CMO of FM Group at YMU
“The NEXT program is great in helping guide the future of the industry and I am honored to be a mentor. The mentees are all eager to learn, receptive, and fully engaged. No one makes it in life, let alone this business, without assistance and it is a pleasure to impart my experiences and wisdom to these current artists and/or future industry executives.” – Chris Lakey, SVP, Global Creative Synch at Kobalt Music Group
Meet the NEXT Class of 2024 Participants:
Meet the NEXT Class of 2024 Mentors:
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Adam Anders
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Dale Becker
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Sam Benfey
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Jacqui Bransky
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Dani Chavez
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Stephanie Economou
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Mike Elizondo
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Josh Gudwin
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Shannon Herber
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Amanda Jones
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Chris Lakey
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Ellen Lu
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Gita Williams
Voting and Professional Members within the age range of 21-35, at the time the application goes live, are eligible to apply to the NEXT Class program. NEXT Class of 2025 application details will be available to LA Chapter Members in November 2023.
Learn more about the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter and its initiatives.
