The eighth annual Variety Hitmakers Brunch brought together some of the biggest names in music to celebrate the year’s top songs and their creators. Held Saturday at Nya West in Hollywood and hosted by Variety’s executive music editor Jem Aswad, the event honored artists, producers, and industry leaders for their contributions to music in 2023.
From heartfelt tributes to humorous anecdotes, the brunch was a showcase of talent and camaraderie among music’s elite, with honorees including Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, Olivia Rodrigo, Lainey Wilson, and Quavo.
Charli XCX Reflects on Art and Influence
Introduced by Bodies Bodies Bodies star Rachel Sennott, Charli XCX accepted the Hitmaker of the Year award with a thought-provoking speech. She challenged the conventional definition of a “hit,” citing The Velvet Underground & Nico as a groundbreaking but initially underappreciated record.
“This record is the apex of fine art and underground culture, colliding poetry and raw emotion,” Charli remarked. She humorously noted that while her own album covers haven’t made it to prestigious art museums, “some of my merch is available at Urban Outfitters. I guess that means I’m halfway there.”
Highlights and Honorees
- Jack Antonoff received the Producer of the Decade award from frequent collaborator Lana Del Rey, who joked about his prolific success: “You’ll be richer than all of us with your 50% on everything.” Antonoff urged the crowd to value kindness in their professional relationships, saying, “We all make our best work when we’re being decent.”
- Lainey Wilson, named Storyteller of the Year, reflected on her small-town Louisiana roots and how storytelling shaped her artistry. Reba McEntire, who presented the award, praised Wilson’s ability to “live her songs.”
- Olivia Rodrigo honored her collaborator Dan Nigro, calling him “the man who taught me how to parallel park” and credited his guidance for turning her music from “pretty good to life-changing.”
Emotional Moments
One of the most poignant moments came when Quavo was recognized as Hitmakers Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts to combat gun violence following the tragic 2022 death of his Migos bandmate Takeoff. “Losing my brother was the worst moment of my life,” Quavo shared. “But I’m fighting for change in his name.”
Industry Powerhouses
- Republic Records won Label of the Year for the fifth time in eight years, with co-founder Avery Lipman applauding the team’s relentless drive for excellence.
- Warner Music Group’s Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck were named Executives of the Year, recognized for their leadership in revitalizing the label.
Beyond the Music
The event also spotlighted philanthropic and educational efforts. Amazon Prime Video previewed its upcoming series Celebrity Substitute, which highlights the importance of creativity in classrooms, with guest appearances from stars like Cynthia Erivo.
A Celebration of Talent
The Hitmakers Brunch wasn’t just a celebration of achievements but a reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire. With humor, emotion, and gratitude, the honorees left an indelible mark on an audience of industry insiders, publicists, and fans alike.
.jpeg)
0 Comments