So. Much. Going. On.
The Vision for Curiyo Embedded
I'm working tirelessly on Curiyo Embedded, a project that I believe will transform the way artists and fans connect through media. Curiyo Embedded is an initiative that merges the physical and digital realms in an entirely new way—it brings high-fidelity music into crafted, tangible forms that invite touch, interaction, and true connection. In an age of impersonal streaming and endless algorithms, Curiyo seeks to rekindle that profound artist-fan bond—the one that inspires, uplifts, and fuels creativity.
An artist like myself is nothing without supporters. Whether it's a few encouraging voices—like my mom, Susan FoxTrotter; Gordon Getty, or institutions such as Tacoma Opera, Opera Parallèle, Opera Santa Barbara; and publications like San Francisco Classical Voice—they give my work meaning and drive me to give back, to make life better for all of us.
The Challenges We Face
Yet, somewhere in the late 90s and early 2000s, music shifted—not for the better. Music piracy first, then the rise of MP3s, disrupted our livelihoods. The invention of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music seemed to offer a lifeline—all the music you could want, at your fingertips for $9.99 a month. The profits are astronomical—ten dollars a month from over 80 million users—but artists see almost nothing: between $0.003 and $0.01 per play. Spotify only just broke even this year, but still, you can't make a living on fractions of a cent per stream.
Worse still, the value of music itself has become imperceptible—the connection is missing. With millions of tracks released weekly, listening has become more about algorithms than artists. It's convenient, sure, but it's removed us from each other. It's worth noting: if you fear AI replacing jobs, that future is already here. For years, machine learning has guided our music experiences, sidelining artists in favor of formulas.
The Myth of Vinyl Revival
Then came the “vinyl revival,” as if resurrecting a 70-year-old medium would save us. Don't get me wrong—I love vinyl too. But to truly enjoy it, you need to spend hundreds, if not thousands, on quality equipment. And even then, the physical medium degrades, the sound deteriorates. CDs, too, are becoming obsolete—computers and cars no longer even come with optical drives—while cassette tapes make a nostalgic, impractical return.
The truth is, half of the people don't buy records for sound quality anymore; they buy them for the physical experience. The touch, the smell, the look of an album—those are the reasons people still seek physical music. Yet, streaming platforms have left us in a position where if we stop paying, we lose access to the music entirely. There's no permanence, no tangible connection.
The Struggle of Modern Musicians
The past two decades have been brutal for musicians. The MP3 crisis, the 2008 recession, the pandemic, and rising costs have all taken a toll. We’re pressured to produce music at an exhausting rate, with merch sales often the only reliable income. Survival means striving for middle-class basics—paying rent, covering bills, maybe taking a vacation. It’s not about wealth—just the chance to live comfortably as an artist.
Introducing Curiyo Embedded
After much thought, I created Curiyo Embedded—a new way to merge digital high-fidelity music with tangible, artistic objects. A hybrid album that’s physically playable, wirelessly charged, and designed to reconnect us as people. To combine the convenience of the digital age with a real human touch.
Major Projects on the Horizon
All of this comes as I reach a major point in my career, performing and recording projects that are incredibly meaningful to me. In the next few months:
- I'll be singing The Messiah with the Pacific Chamber Orchestra alongside my wife, Jamie Chamberlin Granner.
- Recording the soundtrack for Gordon Getty's full version of Plump Jack (filming summer 2025).
- Releasing a new version of Goodbye, Mr. Chips with PENTATONE Music.
- Singing Ullman and Grady in Portland Opera's production of The Shining by Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell (March 15–24, 2025).
- Heading to Dayton Opera for Aida, singing my first Radames (April 4 & 6, 2025).
- Reprising the role of Korey Wise in The Central Park Five with Detroit Opera (May 10, 16 & 18, 2025).
- Heading to Dayton Opera for Aida, singing my first Radames.
- Reprising the role of Korey Wise in The Central Park Five with Detroit Opera.
The Journey Forward
Amidst all this, I’m still pushing forward with Curiyo Embedded, even when it’s daunting and the schedule feels overwhelming. Join me on my journey as I develop Curiyo Embedded, and let’s make a difference together. Follow my updates on the Nathan Granner page, share your thoughts, and let your voice be heard—your words matter, and together, we can reshape how we connect through music. Because you—the fans, the fellow artists—matter to me. Because the connection between us matters. I want us all to prosper from the work we do, to feel the impact of knowing we’ve touched someone's life with our art.
I chose to dedicate my life to opera at 23, but the music industry’s challenges are too dire for me to stand by idly watching for another second!
Come with me on this journey. I promise—it won't be boring.