When San Antonio alt-rockers Nothing More
announced that they had been nominated for, not one, but three (!!!) Grammys, we were stoked. Not just because the band’s from here, but these dudes actually deserve it.
Since 2003, the band has been paying their dues on the local live music circuit, playing places like Jack’s and The White Rabbit (now Paper Tiger), and touring relentlessly. When they got word of the Grammys nominations, they were actually in the middle of their European tour.
Last night at the 60th Grammys, drummer Ben Anderson, guitarist Mark Vollelunga, vocalist/percussionist Jonny Hawkins, and bassist Daniel Oliver were robbed of all three nominations, and it’s more than just a little disappointing.
On top of the actual rock awards not even being broadcast during the ceremony (winners were announced before the show), the San Antonio quartet lost out to Foo Fighters’ “Run” for Best Rock Song while The War on Drugs snatched Best Rock Album for “A Deeper Understanding.” Finally, the late Leonard Cohen took home Best Rock Performance for “You Want It Darker.”
While the band has yet to release a statement, their fans have unleashed an outpouring of support for them and frustration toward the Grammys.
It
is sad that the Grammys didn’t go with a band that was fresh and put out a solid rock album that doesn’t subscribe to some trending sub genre of indie rock. The 2017 album,
The Stories We Tell Ourselves, showcased Nothing More's ability to write contemporary rock ‘n’ roll that’s heavy and heartfelt without sounding corny – a pit many an “active rock” bands fall into. The 18-track record blends technicality, thought-provoking lyrics, and enough pop aesthetic to sound approachable to the casual rock listener all while satiating the ears of folks who fancy the harder end of the music spectrum. To put it simply: the album is fantastic and we're not just saying that 'cause they're from here. Judging by the three Grammy nominations, we’re not the only ones to think so either.
Congratulations, guys. Regardless of whether or not y’all took home the awards, getting not one, but three Grammy nominations is something that
many a band or artist will ever get to experience.