“And the Grammy Award goes to….”

On February 4, 2024, Carla Patullo found herself in a rarefied place that many artists dream of but few attain: the Grammy Awards. As the words ‘And the Grammy goes to…’ echoed through the venue, Carla’s name was called out. The Grammy was for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album marking a pivotal moment in her career.

The win stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Carla. Beyond its career implications, the award held deep personal significance tied to her album ‘So She Howls’. This work was more than music; it encapsulated years of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. And on stage that night, Carla expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her through her journey.

Carla Patullo is not just a Grammy-winning composer; she is a trailblazer and innovator in the music industry. A vocal advocate for women and the LGBTQ+ community, Carla’s journey from a young girl enamored with music to her current stature is a testament to her dedication and creative spirit. 

Raised in a musically vibrant environment and influenced by her grandmother, Carla’s diverse influences shaped her eclectic style and propelled her through formal training in composition. From writing her first song at age 11 to earning degrees in songwriting and film music from Berklee College of Music, Carla’s career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. 

During her musical career, she teamed up with Actress Sandra Berhardt and the rock band White Widow before transitioning to a successful tenure as a composer for film and television. Her recent works, including scores for acclaimed films like ‘Bitterroot’, ‘Maxine’, ‘Everybody Dies…Sometimes’, ‘Magic Hour’, ‘My Name Is Maria De Jesus’, ‘Porno’, and the IDA shortlisted documentary ‘Lotte that Silhouette Girl’, highlight her versatility and impact in cinematic storytelling. Carla is a Sundance Film Music and Sound Design Lab alumna and a four-time Hollywood Music in Media Award Nominee. Her contributions to animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger’s legacy were recognized with two of her film scores being presented at The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences Museum.

However, Carla’s journey faced a formidable challenge when she was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Carla confronted not just physical trials but also profound emotional upheaval that came with the diagnosis. Despite these setbacks, Carla emerged stronger and more inspired, channeling her experiences into her music – ultimately leading to the album “So She Howls”. 

The COVID-19 pandemic posed further challenges, but Carla’s resilience shone through. With unwavering support from her medical team and musical collaborators, she continued to create, documenting her journey on YouTube. Her raw, emotive tracks from this period became a testament to her indomitable spirit and artistic integrity.

Carla’s advocacy extends beyond her compositions. She champions diversity and inclusion in music, mentoring aspiring female musicians and composers. Her collaborative ethos and commitment to uplifting women in the industry exemplify her role as a leader and inspiration.

The 2024 Grammy’s marked a new era in the LGBTQ+ community.  Along with Carla, LGBTQ artists saw huge wins.  Miley Cyrus’ record won for Flowers, Billie Eillish took home Song of the Year for “What Was I Made For?” and Victoria Monét’s Best New Artist win marked the first time in recent memory that three different LGBTQ artists took home trophies in the evening’s main categories. Steven Daw of Billboard noted in a writeup for Billboard, “We had Carla Patullo winning for best new age, ambient or chant album. It felt like we finally had wonderful representation in all genres, and I think that’s really important because it’s not just about [queer artists] being in pop or dance. I never even thought about having LGBTQ inclusion in the best new age category!”   

As Carla Patullo continues to push boundaries in musical storytelling, her collaborations with acclaimed directors and producers promise to deliver more groundbreaking scores to global audiences. Her journey from musician to cancer survivor to Grammy winner is a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope for future generations of women in music.

Carla Patullo’s story is not just about music; it’s about breaking barriers and proving that passion and perseverance can lead to greatness in any field.

Watch for Carla’s podcast “So She Howls” which comes out TOMORROW and learn more about her amazing career on Unconditionally Her Conversations.  You can download “So She Howls” on Apple Music and Spotify. You also can view the incredible YouTube documentary of the record here.  

Congratulations, Carla!  The world is falling in love with you.