The music industry’s A-list gathered at the annual Variety Hitmakers Brunch, held at the Soho House in West Hollywood, to celebrate the year’s top artists and producers. The event, now in its fifth year, has become a staple of the music industry’s awards season, and this year’s attendees did not disappoint.
The brunch, which was sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Sony Electronics, and Michter’s Distillery, brought together a diverse range of artists and producers, including Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, Lainey Wilson, Quavo, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lana Del Rey. The event was hosted by Variety’s Senior Music Editor, Jem Aswad, and featured a series of presentations and performances throughout the afternoon.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Hitmaker of the Year award to Jack Antonoff, who was honored for his work as a producer and songwriter on some of the year’s biggest hits, including Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” and Lorde’s “Solar Power”. Antonoff, who was visibly moved by the honor, thanked his collaborators and family members in a heartfelt acceptance speech.
Other honorees at the event included Lainey Wilson, who was named Country Artist of the Year, and Quavo, who was honored as Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. Olivia Rodrigo, who has had a breakout year with her debut single “Drivers License”, was named Songwriter of the Year, while Lana Del Rey was honored as Artist of the Year.
The event also featured a series of performances, including a surprise appearance by Charli XCX, who performed her hit single “Good Ones”. Other performers included Lainey Wilson, who sang her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know”, and a special tribute to the late music industry executive, Andre Harrell.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees mingled and networked, discussing the latest developments in the music industry and celebrating the year’s top artists and producers. The event was also attended by a number of music industry executives, including record label heads and publishers.
In addition to the presentations and performances, the event also featured a series of panels and discussions, including a conversation between Variety’s Jem Aswad and Sony Music Group’s CEO, Rob Stringer. The discussion focused on the latest trends and developments in the music industry, including the rise of streaming and the impact of social media on artist development.
Overall, the Variety Hitmakers Brunch was a celebration of the music industry’s best and brightest, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and inspire creativity. As the music industry continues to evolve and change, events like the Hitmakers Brunch serve as a reminder of the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process.
