As a musician working in the competitive entertainment industry, one of the many dreams an artist hopes to accomplish in their career is to have the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work. For several University of Miami Frost School of Music alumni, that dream is now a reality. This year, four alumni received nominations for the upcoming 20th annual Latin Grammy Awards.
“It’s a huge honor and I’m very happy that the Academy is recognizing the work we’ve been doing as a team. I can’t believe this is happening,” said Natalia Ramirez, a 2017 Frost graduate.
Ramirez, along with Julio Reyes Copello and Carlos Fernando Lopez, are in the running to win Album of the Year. The team, who are all graduates of the Frost School of Music, served in a variety of roles including producers, engineers, songwriters, and mixers for the album “Visceral” by Colombian singer Paula Arenas.
“This is a very dynamic team we’ve created here. We all love good music and we enjoy each other’s company,” said Copello, a 2000 Frost graduate.
The producer, pianist, and composer is the founder of the Art House record label, where the album was created. The record label has welcomed many well-known names in the industry – coming from all over the world and spanning almost every genre. Copello’s hard work at the label has led him to receive several other nominations in other categories including Record of the Year and Producer of the Year. He shares two of those nominations with Lopez, who helped engineer hits by Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. The pair first met at Frost and have collaborated on more than 200 songs by artists including Ricky Martin, Laura Pausini, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony.
“It was great to meet Julio and have him as a mentor. It’s been an amazing opportunity to grow and get experience in big projects,” said Lopez, a 2012 graduate. “Once you graduate from Frost you realize the large network the school provides in terms of alumni.”
Another Frost School of Music alumni nominee is George Noriega, who was nominated for Song of the Year for the reggaeton hit, “Calma” by Pedro Capó and Farruko. From its inception at the writing session, Noriega said the song was filled with laughter, joy and good friends, creating instant success.
“It’s a very positive, inclusive song and it’s really fulfilling as a songwriter to inject a little bit of that energy into the world. That makes this nomination particularly special for me,” he said. “I think we as songwriters have a duty to not only reflect society but also affect, shape and mold it.”
Copello believes his hard work and patience helped him get to where he is today.
“I haven’t seen a profession where patience pays off better than in music. I think that is the key. It’s easy for someone to get discouraged with negative experiences, but you have to have a strong relationship and pure love for the art,” he said.
Ramirez urges Frost students to never give up their passion.
“Be very consistent and have initiative. That extra mile is going to take you to places that you never thought you can reach,” said Ramirez.
“Your love for music is what is going to keep you going when you face difficult circumstances, not only in the industry but in your life. That love for music will be your refuge,” said Lopez.
Winners will be announced by The Latin Recording Academy on Nov. 14 at the 20th annual Latin Grammy Awards’ Premiere and telecast ceremonies. The telecast will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on the Univision Network from 8–11 p.m.
