Resonator Awards Celebrate Women in Music, Kick Off Grammy Week

The second annual Resonator Awards, hosted by We Are Moving The Needle, a non-profit supporting women, trans and non-binary producers and engineers, took place Tuesday night at the recently renamed Charlie Chaplin Studios in Hollywood. The event honored a diverse group of individuals within the music industry, from performers to engineers, and served as an unofficial launch for Grammy Week.

A Return to Celebration

The evening, hosted by comedian Fred Armisen, marked a return to form after last January’s devastating fires in Los Angeles led to the cancellation of many Grammy Week events. This year’s celebration brought together a star-studded guest list including Chaka Khan, Chappell Roan, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Rodrigo, St. Vincent, Doechii, Addison Rae, Laufey, Haim, and Amy Allen.

Honorees included Khan, Roan, St. Vincent, Haim, Allen, Gena Johnson, Jayda Love, Bella Blasko, Alissia, Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, Roselilah, Betty Bennett and Roger Davies. Presenters included Rodrigo, Doechii, Rae, Laufey, The National’s Aaron Dessner and Anderson .Paak.

The event featured a mid-dinner auction that saw attendees like Doechii and John Mayer actively contributing to the non-profit’s scholarship fund. Doechii successfully bid on a vacation and brought her winning number onstage while presenting an award to Jayda Love. Mayer and Dave Grohl were also recognized for their direct donations.

Themes of Community and Support

Chappell Roan received the Harmonizer Award, recognizing artists who leverage their platforms for social good. Roan, known for her advocacy within the LGBTQ community, emphasized the importance of giving back, stating, “I kind of think it’s just an artist, and anybody that has money, it’s your duty to give it away.” She also spoke to the uncertainty facing marginalized groups, stressing the importance of community and kindness.

A particularly moving moment occurred when 82-year-old Joni Mitchell took the stage to a standing ovation and presented an award to her friend, Chaka Khan. Khan, receiving the Luminary Award, echoed the theme of collective upliftment, stating, “When women, and all creators are supported, we rise together.”

The evening’s theme, as summarized by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Amy Allen, was “long live women in music.”

The Resonator Awards could signal a continued focus on inclusivity and support within the music industry as Grammy Week unfolds. Industry leaders may be prompted to consider further initiatives to empower underrepresented groups. It is also possible that the event’s emphasis on community will inspire increased philanthropic efforts.

Did You Know? Joni Mitchell and Chaka Khan shared a playful history, including a story Mitchell recounted of Khan convincing her to dine and dash at a restaurant.

Expert Insight: The Resonator Awards demonstrate a growing recognition of the vital contributions of women and non-binary individuals not just as performers, but also in the crucial roles of producers and engineers – areas historically dominated by men. This focus on behind-the-scenes talent is essential for fostering a truly equitable industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is We Are Moving The Needle?

We Are Moving The Needle is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, trans and non-binary producers and engineers in the music industry.

Who hosted the Resonator Awards?

Comedian Fred Armisen hosted the Resonator Awards.

What was a key message from the honorees?

Both Chappell Roan and Chaka Khan emphasized the importance of community, giving back, and supporting all creators.

What role does this event play in the broader music industry landscape?