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A Toronto musician and professor at Humber Polytechnic was nominated for a Grammy for his album, which was put together with contributions from many Toronto artists.
Justin Gray, who teaches audio production Humber, produced his album, Immersed, in one of the college’s production studios. He said he found out about the nomination while sitting in the same room.
“I rarely get butterflies,” Gray said. “But something about this one, especially being original, being something that has been near and dear to me for such a long time, I got that feeling.”
Immersed was released in August and took Gray about three-and-a-half years to complete. It’s nominated in the Grammy category of Best Immersive Audio Album, which celebrates music produced for multichannel sound.
It’s sometimes described as 3D music, Gray said. “The idea is that we can present sound from in front of us, beside us, and above,” he said.
“The category is not meant to celebrate the fanciest mix or the most aggressive use of the speakers,” he said. “It’s meant to represent and recognize music that has used this technology to come to life.”
The album, and its accompanying film, feature 38 artists. Gray said most are from the GTA, but represent cultures from around the world. Many of them Gray’s known for years.
“It really was an opportunity to bring together this musical family that happens to cross over multiple musical genres and musical cultures that are a part of my own musicianship and my own musical journey,” he said.
A showcase of Toronto talent
Suba Sankaran, a vocalist and composer who contributed to the album, said it was an honour to be a part of its creation.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot as a composer and as an arranger, as a director myself,” she said.
Suba Sankaran and Drew Jurecka both have musical contributions featured on the album. Both said they are proud to have been a part of the process. (Grant Linton/CBC)
“I feel like he’s almost unintentionally waving the flag for Toronto, for Canada, for arts,” said Sankaran.
From music to videography to dance, Sankaran said the album showcases the work of local artists in an “all-encompassing” way.
Drew Jurecka, a co-producer and violinist who worked on the project, said the Toronto music scene is “special.”
“I feel really proud of it, both as a participant and just as a demonstration of what we can do here,” he said.
While listening to surround sound requires particular speakers and technology, Jureka said immersive sound is becoming more accessible to the masses because it can be played on headphones and smaller devices.
“I think we’re participating in something that might be the forefront of a real change in terms of music production,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see that happen, to be part of it.”
The Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 1, 2026. Gray said he “couldn’t be prouder” of his nominated project, which he called a “team effort.”
“We don’t make music for awards. That’s not what the point of it is,” he said. “But the recognition of that journey, it is quite amazing.”
