Grimes, Frank Ocean Win Webbys
Frank Ocean and Grimes are both recipients of 2013 Webby Awards. For his use of Tumblr to release music, his candor, and the movements he’s made in changing a landscape, Ocean has received a 2013 Webby for Person Of The Year:
Frank Ocean has had a truly remarkable, impactful year as both a musician and cultural icon, showing a deep understanding of the Internet as a communicative tool for social change. Just prior to the release of his critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning album Project Orange [sic] (which reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in 2012), Frank Ocean took to Tumblr (one of his favorite ways to interact with fans) to publish his letter “Thank You’s,” a move considered by many as particularly brave given the history of outspoken discrimination in the hip-hop and R&B music communities. Instead, Ocean helped launch a wave of support, understanding and conversation that continues to swell online and offline to this very day.
Grimes has received the award for Artist Of The Year for a similar use of online-engagement:
Since launching her earliest recordings on the Internet for free, Grimes has used the platform to spread a unique and compelling mix of cutting edge music, visual art and DIY style that has defined her as one of contemporary music’s most interesting and engaging artists. She’s shown a deep understanding of the Internet as not only a distribution platform, but as a social tool to connect with fans through candid, meaningful dialogue. In 2012, on the strength of her breakthrough album Visions, she was on myriad “best of” lists and topped The Hype Machine’s increasingly influential Most Blogged Artists list. Grimes has certainly raised the bar for all solo entertainers, showing a fearlessness, candor and understanding of the Web that makes her a true 21st century digital star.
Bjork also won a People’s Voice Award in Music for her video for “Mutual Core.” Check out the full list of winners here.