The New Music Business with Ari Herstand How These DIY Artists Won a GRAMMY
Dec 3, 2025
Matt B, a Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his global collaborations, and Angela Benson, a dedicated manager and producer, share their inspiring DIY journey to Grammy success. They discuss recording across Africa, collaborating with notable artists like Eddie Kenzo, and the challenges of creating a visual album. The duo emphasizes the importance of networking and strategic bartering in music production, and they offer invaluable tips on navigating the Grammy submission process. Their story reflects both the creative hustle and the emotional highs of their journey.
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100,000-Person Festival Performance
- Matt B performed 'Gimme Love' with Eddie Kenzo in front of over 100,000 people at a Ugandan festival.
- That performance preceded their Grammy nomination and helped them build connections used on Alkebulan projects.
Backyard Movie-Magic Video Shoot
- The 'Gimme Love' video was shot in Topanga, not Africa, using local models and DIY production.
- They staged high-production visuals in their backyard by borrowing local talent and creative problem-solving.
Buy Gear And Learn Production
- Invest in gear and learn production skills to reduce crew costs and control your visual output.
- Buy cameras and train yourself so you can film, operate drones, and edit instead of hiring full crews every time.
