Donna Grantis: Remembering PrinceS Musical Genius
Table of Contents
- 1. Donna Grantis: Remembering PrinceS Musical Genius
- 2. A “Cool Name” Emerges: Donna Grantis and the making of “Plectrumelectrum”
- 3. The Night Donna Grantis Took on ‘Purple Rain’
- 4. Donna Grantis Honors Prince’s Legacy Through Music and Climate Activism
- 5. How does Donna Grantis’ project _humanNATURE_ seek to use music to raise awareness about climate change?
- 6. An Evening with Donna Grantis: Exploring Prince’s Legacy and the Power of Music
- 7. Tell us about your first encounter with Prince and how life changed after that.
- 8. You played on the album “Plectrumelectrum.” How did that creative process unfold?
- 9. What was it like sharing the stage with Prince? Did his approach to performances differ from what you expected?
- 10. Beyond music, what other profound lessons did you learn from Prince that continue to inspire you today?
- 11. you’re now working on a new project called _humanNATURE_ that blends music and climate activism.What spurred this creative direction?
- 12. What’s your message to those who want to use their voice and their talents to make a difference?
Prince’s musical legacy continues to inspire generations. Known for iconic hits like “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” and “Little Red Corvette,” he remains a legend,celebrated as a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and a captivating figure in pop culture. For Canadian guitarist Donna Grantis, Prince wasn’t just a musical idol; he was a bandmate and friend.
Nearly nine years after his passing, Prince is receiving a grammy lifetime Achievement Award. In anticipation of this momentous occasion, Grantis sat down with The national’s ian Hanomansing to share her unique perspective on working with the enigmatic rock star.
grantis’ journey began in 2012. While pursuing her solo career and session musician gigs in Toronto, Prince stumbled upon her talent. It wasn’t a typical discovery; Prince, a keen observer of musical talent, discovered Grantis through YouTube.
“He said, ‘hey, would you like to visit Paisley Park and jam with Prince and his band?'” grantis recalls, recounting the surreal moment Joshua Welton, Prince’s collaborator, reached out. “I didn’t know if it was real or not, because it was my dream to play with him.”
A whirlwind followed.Grantis, a graduate of McGill’s prestigious music program, had long admired Prince’s artistry. Within days, she was on a one-way flight to Minnesota, armed with a list of songs to learn.Upon arrival, she was introduced to her future bandmates, Hannah Welton and Eda Nielsen, and then, Prince walked in.
“I was so excited,” Grantis admits. “We introduced ourselves and then very quickly just started playing.You know, the sound of two electric guitars is amazing, and for that other guitarist to have been Prince was just mind-blowing.”
Days turned into weeks, filled with intense jam sessions. It wasn’t untill they appeared together on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon that Grantis realized she was officially part of Prince and 3rdeyegirl.
Prince’s musical genius, Grantis emphasizes, extended beyond his technical prowess. He possessed a rare ability to connect with his audience,creating an atmosphere of pure musical magic. “His energy was infectious,” she shares. ”He lived and breathed music, and it was unfeasible not to be swept up in his passion.”
A “Cool Name” Emerges: Donna Grantis and the making of “Plectrumelectrum”
Toronto guitarist Donna Grantis’s collaboration with Prince on the album “Plectrumelectrum” was a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. During a rehearsal, Prince asked Grantis to teach the band her song, “Elektra,” a piece that resonated with him. He offered suggestions for the arrangement and, in a moment of inspiration, declared, “What do you think about if we call it plectrumelectrum?” Grantis recalls thinking, “cool, that’s a cool name.”
That ”cool name” became the title track for the acclaimed 2014 album, a testament to Prince’s ability to spot brilliance and guide it towards its full potential. The process of creating “Plectrumelectrum” was an immersive experience, with recording sessions taking place in various locations around Paisley Park. Grantis recounts, “sometimes we recorded in the studio, sometimes we just set up in a basketball court without any sound barriers or anything like that.”
Prince’s work ethic was legendary, pushing his bandmates to excel. As Grantis explains, “The bar was high. And, of course, you know, the expectation was to go beyond our potential.” The result was an album brimming with energy, talent, and the undeniable magic that emerged when Prince collaborated with others.
The Night Donna Grantis Took on ‘Purple Rain’
Toronto guitarist Donna Grantis’s life changed forever when she landed a spot in prince’s band. But beyond the thrill of playing alongside a musical icon, Grantis learned invaluable lessons about artistry, spirituality, and the unexpected turns life could take.
Grantis recounts a night at Toronto’s Sony Center that perfectly encapsulates her experience with Prince. they were performing his iconic anthem, ”Purple Rain,” the moment when Prince usually unleashed his masterful solo. But on this particular night, something extraordinary happened. He turned to Grantis and gave her the nod.
“It was a total surprise,” Grantis recalled.”I felt like that was a really special moment. and you know, I consider that to be a gift to have had the chance to play that for a hometown audience.”
Playing ”Purple Rain” was more than just hitting the right notes; it was an possibility to channel Prince’s spirit and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
prince’s approach to performing was marked by spontaneity and unpredictability. He rarely stuck to setlists, keeping his band on their toes and ensuring every show was a unique experience.
Beyond the stage, Grantis found herself drawn into prince’s world of deep philosophical discussions. Topics like religion and spirituality were explored with open minds and genuine curiosity.
“There was a difference in views and in opinions,” she said. “But we all talked for hours and really listened to each other, and those were really special conversations.”
“Prince was a master of manipulating the electric guitar,” she explained. “He taught me so much about having conviction in your playing and really connecting with the instrument.”
Donna Grantis Honors Prince’s Legacy Through Music and Climate Activism
Donna Grantis, the talented guitarist who toured with Prince as part of his 3rdeyegirl band, is channeling her musical passion into a powerful new project.Inspired by a conversation with the iconic musician, Grantis is creating an audio experience called humanNATURE that blends the voices of climate leaders with her own original compositions.
“what if we could use music to teach?” Prince had asked her during one of their discussions. This simple question sparked a fire in Grantis, leading her to explore the intersection of music and environmental activism.
“And I’ve been learning a lot, talking to ocean scientists and activists,” Grantis shares. “My goal is to add a musical frequency to their words.”
In humanNATURE, Grantis aims to amplify the voices of those fighting for a sustainable future, weaving their words into a tapestry of sound that is both moving and thought-provoking.
This project is a testament to grantis’s commitment to both her musical artistry and her concern for the planet. It’s a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music to inspire action and create meaningful change.
When asked about Prince’s legacy, Grantis speaks with reverence and affection. “His legacy is in the music,” she says. “I can’t pick a favorite song or a favourite album, because I think they’re all so special. But it truly is,it’s a gift,you know,that he has left us.And in celebrating his life and legacy, I would say: listen to all of it.”
How does Donna Grantis’ project _humanNATURE_ seek to use music to raise awareness about climate change?
An Evening with Donna Grantis: Exploring Prince’s Legacy and the Power of Music
Donna Grantis, a gifted guitarist who toured with Prince as part of his renowned 3rdeyegirl band, joins us today to reflect on her extraordinary experiences, the enduring influence of Prince, and her latest project dedicated to climate action.
Tell us about your first encounter with Prince and how life changed after that.
It was truly a whirlwind! I was invited to perform at Paisley Park with 3rdeyegirl, and it wasn’t until our appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon that it hit me – I was officially part of Prince’s world.
Just being beside a musical genius like him was mind-blowing.
His energy was infectious. He lived and breathed music, and you couldn’t help but be swept up in his passion.
You played on the album “Plectrumelectrum.” How did that creative process unfold?
Prince loved my song “Elektra” and suggested we adapt it. He came up with the brilliant title “Plectrumelectrum,” and it just felt right. The recording sessions were an immersive experience; sometimes we were in the studio, other times just setting up in a basketball court with no sound barriers whatsoever.
His work ethic was incredible. The bar was high, and he pushed us to go beyond our limits.
What was it like sharing the stage with Prince? Did his approach to performances differ from what you expected?
He was incredibly spontaneous. Prince rarely stuck to setlists; every show was unique and exciting. I still remember the night at the Sony Center in toronto when he gave me the nod to play his iconic “Purple Rain” solo. It was a total surprise, a real gift.
Beyond music, what other profound lessons did you learn from Prince that continue to inspire you today?
Prince was deeply interested in spirituality and ideology.We had some amazing conversations that covered a wide range of topics. He encouraged us to be open-minded, curious, and to listen deeply to others, irrespective of their beliefs or opinions.
you’re now working on a new project called _humanNATURE_ that blends music and climate activism.What spurred this creative direction?
“What if we could use music to teach?” Prince once asked me. His words sparked a fire in me. I wanted to find ways to amplify the voices of climate leaders and bring awareness to the urgent environmental challenges we face. _humanNATURE_ is my attempt to marry my passion for music with my concern for the planet.
What’s your message to those who want to use their voice and their talents to make a difference?
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice and your creativity. Whether it’s through music, art, or any other form of expression, find a way to share your message and inspire others.
