From Brossard to the Grammys: Montreal Producer's Nomination Marks Major Milestone
Chase Worrell began his musical journey at the age of 12, playing piano and crafting beats in his Brossard bedroom, inspired by a passion for music passed down from his father. Now, a decade and a half later, the 27-year-old Montrealer is preparing to attend the Grammy Awards with his parents by his side, nominated for best contemporary R&B song and two additional awards. This achievement is particularly remarkable given that less than two years ago, he packed his car and drove to Los Angeles with hopes of breaking into the music industry.
A Swift Rise to Recognition
Worrell's rapid ascent in the competitive music scene is a testament to his talent and a series of fortunate connections. He serves as a songwriter and producer on Durand Bernarr's track Overqualified, which has earned him a nomination for best contemporary R&B song. Additionally, Bernarr's album Bloom is up for best progressive R&B album, granting Worrell a contribution nomination by association. He also receives another contribution nomination for his work on Duckwrth's All American Fuckboy, nominated for best immersive album.
During a video call from Los Angeles, Worrell explained that a contribution nomination acknowledges all producers and songwriters involved in a project who were not the primary contributors. While it does not come with a trophy, it awards a certificate—a honor Worrell is familiar with, as he has one framed on his studio wall from 2024 for his work on Barbie the Album, which won best compilation soundtrack for visual media.
From Video Games to Grammy Wins
Worrell's path to the Grammys includes a pivotal moment rooted in casual connections. He regularly played video games, such as Call of Duty, with Khalid's engineer, Denis Kosiak, and other producer friends. One day, Kosiak inquired if they had any tracks that might interest the American R&B star Khalid. Worrell shared a jam he had recorded in his Brossard bedroom, which eventually became the foundation for the song Silver Platter, co-written and co-produced by Worrell.
The lion's share of that song was something I made a long time ago, Worrell reflected. It has my DNA musically. It's very validating. This initial Grammy win motivated the Concordia University Communications Department graduate to leave his tech desk job in Montreal and pursue his dreams in Los Angeles.
Celebrating a Significant Achievement
Worrell describes Overqualified as a contemporary R&B song influenced by classic neo-soul, built around a track he created while living in St-Henri. I just pulled out all the stops, he said of the infectious and groovy tune, on which he played most of the instruments. Having a hardware nomination for his work with Bernarr represents the next tier of nomination, Worrell noted. It feels important. It feels like a really good achievement.
Bernarr, who has been a backup singer for Erykah Badu for over a decade and performed notably at Osheaga last summer, continues to collaborate with Worrell. When you get nominated for best R&B song of the year with someone, it definitely makes you think it's a relationship worth pursuing, Worrell added.
Family Pride and Support
Worrell's father, Colin, a former musician on Montreal's funk, soul, and R&B scene, expressed immense pride in his son's accomplishments. It's hard to earn a living and raise a family playing music, Colin explained, having stepped away from music out of necessity. Throughout that time, even being away from it, it was a great subject among me and my sons.
Attending the Grammys for the first time, with his son up for an award, is a moment Colin does not take for granted. Who gets to say that? he remarked. Colin and his wife plan to sit separately from Chase and his friends to give him space but will be there cheering him on.
The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. EST, marking a significant night for Worrell and his family as they celebrate this milestone in his burgeoning career.
