Justin Gray (MA ’14), an alumnus of York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, has won the award for Best Immersive Audio Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards for his album IMMERSED.
Gray, a graduate of York's MA program in Ethnomusicology and Musicology, created IMMERSED as a fully original work for spatial audio, placing listeners at the centre of a 360-degree orchestra.
“Receiving this incredible honour is both inspiring and humbling,” says Gray. “I am deeply grateful to my peers at the Recording Academy for recognizing this project. It encourages me to continue trusting the process, refine my craft, and explore the limitless potential of immersive audio production.”
The album was recognized for its innovative use of immersive sound and its collaborative scope, bringing together 38 artists from around the world, including several York faculty and alumni.
“At its core, IMMERSED was all about collaboration. I created this music for the musicians in my community, and realizing it together has been an absolute dream.”
York faculty and alumni collaborators
Professor Noam Lemish, a Juno-nominated musician, composer, and faculty member in AMPD’s Department of Music, was among the collaborators on the project.
“Working with Justin is always so special, not only because of his incredible artistry but also because he has a big heart and generous spirit,” says Professor Lemish. “His artistic vision was so strong from the start, and he was so meticulous and bold in the way he captured the sounds we were making that it was clear to me while we were recording that this was going to be a remarkable project.”
Gray also emphasizes the importance of these relationships.
“Several AMPD faculty and alumni are part of the project, including Professor Sundar Viswanathan, Professor Noam Lemish, as well as my brother and fellow alum Derek Gray. These musicians are very dear to me as friends and collaborators, and I could not imagine making this music without them.”
Derek Gray (MA ’16) is a York music alumnus and among the featured performers on the album.
Additional York alumni and faculty members featured on the album include Suba Sankaran (BFA ’97, MA ’02), Kevin Turcotte and Todd Pentney.
Career and professional practice
Gray has received numerous awards and distinctions, including a Canadian Screen Award, multiple Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and a Juno Award for his work as a bassist, producer and mastering engineer.
IMMERSED is also nominated for this year’s Juno Awards in the Best Jazz Album of the Year (Solo) category.
Gray’s practice spans contemporary jazz, world music and experimental sound, with a particular focus on immersive and spatial audio. He is also an educator, teaching audio production, performance and composition.
Reflecting on his time at AMPD
Gray credits his studies as foundational to the work that ultimately became IMMERSED.
“My professors at AMPD supported me in pushing the boundaries of my creative process while learning to see potential through multiple critical lenses. Many of the concepts that came to life in IMMERSED, both as a composer and performer, were first formulated during my time at York.”
His advice for students? “Trust the process and understand the importance of refining your craft. Music is a lifelong journey of learning and discovery, and if we dedicate ourselves to the areas we are passionate about, the potential is limitless.”
A connected creative community
Gray’s career and global recognition reflect a music community at AMPD that remains active long after graduation, sustained through ongoing mentorship and shared creative work.
“It makes me very proud that quite a few of those involved have ties to our Music department either as current faculty members or alumni,” says Professor Lemish. “I think it speaks to both the rich legacy our program has, but also to its current strength.”
For Gray, that sense of connection remains central to his work.
“All of the musicians on IMMERSED are my friends, colleagues, and mentors. They are my musical family, and most of those relationships began when I was a student. Ultimately, this award is a reminder of just how special our musical community is, and I am grateful.”
Explore Justin’s music on Spotify and visit his official website.
Cover image: Justin Gray with co-producers Drew Jurecka and Michael Romanowski.