MEET THE GRAMMY CLASS: MIGUEL

You won a Grammy in 2013 for the phenomenal “Adorn.” How is the experience different now, being a nominee again for the song “Coffee” and your album Wildheart?
It’s amazing for your music to be recognized by your peers and your community. It feels great!

Who was the greatest influence in the recording process of Wildheart, and what did they do?
My experiences growing up in Los Angeles contributed the most in making this album.

What connects you to a song that makes you instinctually feel, “OK, this one is special”?
It’s always about how it makes me feel. When I can stay in the feeling every time I listen to it, I know it’s special.

As an artist who writes their own songs, what is more important for you: pushing sonic boundaries, or finding that big money hook?
I think writing music that feels real to me, that feels authentic to me, is what means the most. Sometimes a big hook comes out of it, other times not so much. But as long as it feels authentic and as long as it’s true to the feeling, I’m happy.

You’ve worked with two fellow Grammy nominees before, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole—and were nominated for Grammys on both collabs in 2014. When you were in the studio with each of them what surprised you the most about their process?
Oddly, I wasn’t in the studio with either of them for the songs that were nominated for Grammys. But I imagine, based on friendship and level of respect,that process being very organic.