The 2026 Grammy Awards nominated Justin Gray’s album “Immersed” for Best Immersive Audio Album.
A Humber Polytechnic professor and musician from Toronto received a Grammy nomination for his record, which was assembled with help from numerous other Toronto musicians.
In one of the college’s production studios, Justin Gray, a Humber audio production instructor, created his CD Immersed. He claimed that while seated in the same room, he learned of the nomination.
“I don’t often get butterflies,” Gray remarked. “But for some reason, I felt that way about this one, especially since it was unique and something I’ve loved for a very long time.”
It took Gray almost three and a half years to finish Immersed, which was released in August. In the Grammy category of Best Immersive Audio Album, which honors music created for multichannel sound, it is nominated.
According to Gray, it’s sometimes referred to as 3D music. He explained, “The idea is that we can present sound from in front of us, beside us, and above.”
He stated that the category is not intended to honor the most extravagant combination or the most forceful application of the speakers. “Its purpose is to honor and represent music that has been brought to life through this technology.”
There are 38 performers on the CD and the film that goes with it. Although they reflect cultures from all across the world, Gray said the majority are from the GTA. Gray has known several of them for a long time.
He remarked, “It was a great chance to unite this musical family that encompasses various musical genres and cultures that are a part of my own musicianship and musical journey.”
A showcase of Toronto talent
The album’s composer and performer, Suba Sankaran, said it was an honor to be involved in its production.
“As a composer, arranger, and director myself, I feel like I’ve learned a lot,” she stated.
Sankaran remarked, “I feel like he’s almost unintentionally waving the flag for Toronto, for Canada, for arts.”
According to Sankaran, the album features local artists’ work in a “all-encompassing” manner, spanning everything from dance to music to videography.
The project’s violinist and co-producer, Drew Jurecka, described the Toronto music environment as “special.”
He remarked, “As a participant and simply as an example of what we can do here, I feel really proud of it.”
Although certain speakers and technology are needed to listen to surround sound, Jureka stated that because immersive sound can be played on headphones and smaller devices, it is becoming more widely available.
He stated, “I believe we’re involved in something that could be at the vanguard of a significant shift in the production of music.” “Seeing that happen and being a part of it is really exciting.”
The date of the Grammy Awards is February 1, 2026. Gray described his nominated endeavor as a “team effort” and said he “couldn’t be prouder” of it.
“We don’t create music to win prizes. “That’s not the purpose of it,” he remarked. “But it’s really incredible to recognize that journey.”
