Ep 3. Moses Sumney: Shades of Grae

Centerpiece season 1 episode 3, titled "Moses Sumney: Shades of Grae," follows the story of musician Moses Sumney and his rise to fame. Sumney is a singer and composer known for his experimental sound and hauntingly beautiful voice. This episode explores his journey from childhood in California to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world.

The episode starts with a glimpse into Sumney's childhood, where he first discovered his love for music. We see his parents' influence on his musical taste, with his father playing jazz in the house, and his mother introducing him to classical music. Sumney reveals that his musical taste is eclectic, and he listens to everything from Bjork to Nina Simone.

As we follow Sumney's journey, we see him struggle with his identity as a black musician in a predominantly white industry. He talks about his decision to drop out of college and pursue music full-time, and how he struggled to gain recognition in the industry.

Sumney's unique sound is the result of a mix of influences. He explains how his music is not just for entertainment, but a medium to convey complex emotional experiences. Sumney's devotion to honest expression and his refusal to be pigeonholed into any genre is a major theme of this episode.

We also see Sumney's creative process in action. Sumney is known for his ability to experiment with different sounds and textures, and we see him crafting his music from his personal experiences, drawing upon a range of influences to create a sound that is uniquely his.

The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look into various performances by Sumney, including his recent performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The show features interviews with fans, collaborators, and industry experts who discuss the impact and significance of Sumney's work in the music world.

"Moses Sumney: Shades of Grae" is an exploration of Sumney's rise to fame and the struggles he faced as a black musician in a predominantly white industry. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most talented musicians of our time and highlights how Sumney's unique voice and independent spirit have made him a force to be reckoned with.