Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch, held at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles, was a star-studded celebration of the music industry’s most talented artists, producers, and songwriters. The event, which took place on a sunny Saturday morning, brought together some of the biggest names in music to honor the year’s most iconic hits.
Charli XCX, known for her experimental and genre-bending sound, was one of the first to arrive at the event. The British singer-songwriter, who has collaborated with artists such as Troye Sivan and Christine and the Queens, was honored for her work on the hit single “Boys.” XCX, who has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, spoke about the importance of using her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance.
Jack Antonoff, the mastermind behind hits such as “Bad Liar” and “Out of the Woods,” was also in attendance. The producer and songwriter, who has worked with artists such as Taylor Swift and Lorde, spoke about the importance of taking risks in the creative process. “I think the most interesting songs are the ones that take the biggest risks,” Antonoff said. “When you’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, that’s when the magic happens.”
Country-pop sensation Lainey Wilson, who has gained a following for her unique blend of country and pop, was honored for her work on the hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Wilson, who has been praised for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, spoke about the importance of staying true to oneself in the music industry. “It’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit into a certain mold or genre,” Wilson said. “But I think the most important thing is to stay true to who you are and what you want to say.”
Quavo, one-third of the hip-hop group Migos, was also in attendance. The rapper, who has collaborated with artists such as Drake and Cardi B, spoke about the importance of collaboration in the creative process. “When you’re working with other artists, you learn so much from each other,” Quavo said. “It’s like a never-ending cycle of inspiration and creativity.”
Olivia Rodrigo, the 18-year-old pop sensation who has taken the world by storm with her hit single “Drivers License,” was also honored at the event. Rodrigo, who has been praised for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, spoke about the importance of using her platform to promote self-acceptance and self-love. “I think the most important thing is to be kind to yourself and to others,” Rodrigo said. “When you’re in a place of self-love and self-acceptance, that’s when the magic happens.”
Lana Del Rey, the dreamy pop singer-songwriter known for her nostalgic sound and nostalgic aesthetic, was also in attendance. Del Rey, who has collaborated with artists such as The Weeknd and A$AP Rocky, spoke about the importance of staying true to oneself in the music industry. “It’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit into a certain mold or genre,” Del Rey said. “But I think the most important thing is to stay true to who you are and what you want to say.”
Other notable attendees at the event included producer and songwriter Louis Bell, who has worked with artists such as Post Malone and Camila Cabello, and singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, who has collaborated with artists such as Taylor Swift and Khalid.
Throughout the event, attendees were treated to performances by some of the music industry’s most talented artists, including a rendition of ” Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo and a performance of “Boys” by Charli XCX.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring some of the music industry’s most influential figures, including Variety’s own Shirley Halperin and Andrew Wallenstein. The panel discussed the state of the music industry, the importance of collaboration and creativity, and the impact of social media on the music industry.
As the event came to a close, attendees were left with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what the future holds for the music industry. With the rise of new artists and the continued success of established acts, it’s clear that the music industry is in a state of constant evolution and growth.
