Sawyer Utah has produced and published two EPs, “WHEREVER U ARE” and “WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN,” gaining over three million streams collectively. From the small recording booth in Utah’s high school to the studios in Nashville, he may have moved beyond the geographic boundaries of his hometown, but his love for community and being in the moment remains.

Award ceremonies like the Grammys are inadequately recognizing artists and their work. The Recording Academy, who present the Grammys, has faced scrutiny and lawsuits over the years for using an anonymous voting committee to decide nominations and winners. Social media and digital streaming services uplift artists and give the opportunity for smaller artists, who used to rely intensely on record labels and the academy, to make a name for themselves.