Prince’s musical influence remains unparalleled, inspiring generations with hits like Purple Rain, Kiss, and Little Red Corvette. Known for his enigmatic persona and extraordinary musicianship, he left an indelible mark on the music industry.
For Canadian guitarist Donna Grantis, Prince was more than an icon—he was a bandmate and friend. Nearly nine years after his passing, he is being honored with a lifetime achievement award during Grammy weekend. In anticipation of the tribute, Grantis spoke with The National’s Ian Hanomansing about her experience working alongside the legendary artist.
In 2012, Grantis was an emerging solo artist and session musician in Toronto when Prince discovered her performances on YouTube. Two videos stood out: one featuring her original composition Elektra at a PRS Guitars event in Maryland and another of her playing Billy Cobham’s Stratus at Toronto’s Orbit Room—a song Prince often played at private gatherings.
A McGill University music graduate, Grantis had long admired Prince’s work. The opportunity to collaborate with him seemed unreal when she received an email from Prince’s associate Joshua Welton, inviting her to jam at Paisley Park. Initially skeptical, she soon got a follow-up call and a list of songs to learn before boarding a one-way flight to Minnesota.
Upon arrival, Grantis met her future 3rdeyegirl bandmates, Hannah Welton and Eda Nielsen. Then, Prince entered the room.
“I was so excited,” she recalled. “We introduced ourselves and immediately started playing. The sound of two electric guitars together was incredible—and that other guitarist being Prince was mind-blowing.”
The informal jam sessions turned into daily rehearsals. It wasn’t until Grantis performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with Prince and 3rdeyegirl that she realized she was officially part of the band.
Beyond her role as a guitarist, Grantis also contributed as a songwriter. During one rehearsal, Prince asked her to teach the band Elektra. He suggested a few arrangement tweaks and a name change, proposing Plectrumelectrum. The title stuck and became not just the name of the track but the 2014 Prince and 3rdeyegirl album.
The recording process for Plectrumelectrum was unconventional, with live-off-the-floor sessions in various locations at Paisley Park, including a basketball court. Grantis recalled Prince’s relentless dedication, pushing the band to exceed their limits.
“The bar was high,” she said. “And, of course, the expectation was to go beyond our potential.”
Prince’s legacy continues to inspire, and his influence on artists like Grantis ensures that his music will never fade.
Source: Swifteradio.com
