The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 2018 Grammy Nominees Reception on January 27 at The Top of The Standard. The ASCAP Grammy Nominees Reception celebrated its talented artists, songwriters and music creators nominated for the 60th Annual Grammys.We spoke with two of The Stereotypes Jeremy Reeves Ray and Charles McCullough II on the red carpet about being 2018 nominees. They are up for three awards — producer of the year (nonclassical), a song of the year and best R&B song (both for “That’s What I Like”).
Congratulations on the Grammy Nominations. How excited are you?
Jeremy: Pretty excited. I mean we had some expectations for the Bruno ones coming up, but when we found out we were nominated for Producer of the Year that’s when we had to take a step back and be like “Okay, this is serious.” You know, this is our Superbowl.
Ray: I feel crazy.
Jeremy: I mean we’re here on the Red Carpet so it’s like alright.
How has the week been so far going to all the festivities? Has it been fun being in New York?
Jeremy: Absolutely. Because if this was in LA, it’d be one thing, but we live in LA. So it’s like old hat. So the fact that we had to pack a bag and fly to the other side of the country, it made it more of an event. It made it more special for us.
Jay: It’s cold. It’s freezing.
Tell me a little bit about collaborating with Bruno Mars on his last project. The reception has been so massive. How was working with him?
Jeremy: I mean, the guy’s a living legend. He’s extremely talented and so hands on. It’s inspiring. It’s almost like a competition. Like “Oh yeah, you do that? Okay, well I’m going to do this.” You know? But we have a great time in the room. We have like a ten-year history together so you know we do a lot of catching up when we first get in the room, and then we get to work. And you can tell that we’re having a great time because what you guys are listening to is the great time that was in the room.
What do you most admire about Bruno?
Jay: He’s a legend but he’s so down to earth. I think what I admire the most is he still drives the first car he got on his first check a long time ago. And it’s hella low key. It’s not like a crazy car. And he just tests all his music. You know what I’m sayin’? He listens to brand new music in there. It’s crazy to me.
And how is it working on the “Finesse” record and having Cardi B join? How exciting was that?
Jay: Ridiculous.
Jeremy: That was pretty fun. I mean when we did “Finesse” and we knew it was on the album and then when he decided that it was time to release and he was like “I want to put Cardi B on it,” we were like “Bro. That would be amazing.” And then when she got on it, she killed it. And then they do the video, and it’s the In Living Color set. He’s a genius for that.
Jay: That’s when it came together.
And what’s coming up next for you guys?
Jay: We got a record with Foster the People about to hopefully come out. We did some work with this group Why Don’t We, we have an artist that we just signed called Destiny Rogers.
You have your own label?
Jeremy: We’re working on that right now, but just our production company at the moment. She’s like rhythmic pop. Check her out on Instagram and @ImDestinyRogers.
Jay: She plays guitar amazing!
