Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch, held at the Soho House in West Hollywood, was a celebration of the music industry’s biggest names and most impactful songs of the year. The event, now in its fifth year, brought together a diverse group of artists, producers, and songwriters who have made significant contributions to the music industry.
Charli XCX, known for her experimental and avant-garde style, was one of the first artists to arrive at the event. She spoke to Variety about her latest album, “Crash,” and the inspiration behind her music. “I’ve always been drawn to the weird and the unknown,” she said. “I think that’s what makes my music so unique and interesting.”
Jack Antonoff, the producer and songwriter behind some of the biggest hits of the year, including Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” and Taylor Swift’s “August,” was also in attendance. He spoke about the importance of collaboration and the role of producers in shaping the sound of contemporary music. “Producers are the unsung heroes of the music industry,” he said. “We’re the ones who bring the artist’s vision to life.”
Lainey Wilson, the country-pop singer-songwriter, was another notable attendee. She spoke about her breakthrough year and the success of her single “Things a Man Oughta Know.” “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to share my music with the world,” she said. “I’m still pinching myself to see if it’s all real.”
Quavo, one-third of the hip-hop group Migos, was also at the event. He spoke about the group’s latest album, “Culture III,” and the challenges of creating music during the pandemic. “It was tough, but we made it work,” he said. “We’re always pushing ourselves to be better and to make music that our fans will love.”
Olivia Rodrigo, the teenage pop sensation, was another highlight of the event. She spoke about her debut album, “Sour,” and the inspiration behind her hit single “Good 4 U.” “I was going through a tough time in my life, and I just wanted to write music that would help me process my emotions,” she said.
Lana Del Rey, the singer-songwriter known for her dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes, was also in attendance. She spoke about her latest album, “Chemtrails Over the Country Club,” and the importance of taking risks in her music. “I’ve always been drawn to the unknown and the unexplored,” she said. “I think that’s what makes my music so unique and interesting.”
Throughout the event, attendees were treated to performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names. The brunch also featured a series of panel discussions and interviews, moderated by Variety’s editors and writers.
One of the panels, “The Art of Collaboration,” brought together some of the music industry’s most successful songwriters and producers to discuss the importance of collaboration in creating hit music. The panel featured Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX, and other notable songwriters and producers.
Another panel, “The Future of Music,” explored the impact of technology on the music industry and the ways in which artists and producers are using new tools and platforms to create and distribute music. The panel featured Quavo, Lainey Wilson, and other industry experts.
Overall, Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch was a celebration of the music industry’s biggest names and most impactful songs of the year. The event brought together a diverse group of artists, producers, and songwriters who shared their insights on the music industry and their own creative processes.
