Los Angeles, December 5, : Variety’s fifth annual Hitmakers Brunch honored the artistes and industry insiders behind this year’s biggest hits.It attracted a large crowd to the open-air City Market Social venue downtown Los Angeles. All 300 participants had to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test within 72-hours.
Jack Harlow shared stories of being in second grade, reports Variety.com.
Lil Nas X stated that he had “a lot of fun pissing off people” this year.BTS expressed their gratitude via video.
Olivia Rodrigo praised “all the amazing supportive ladies in my life,” while Lana Del Rey said: “My lovemaking is my legacy – I get to make musical instruments in between.”
Jody Gerson, CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group, said, “Oh my god, it’s been 2 years since I left my house,” as she looked out at the crowd.
Gerson presented the first Hitmakers A&R Award for Wendy Goldstein, Republic Records veteran.
Goldstein stated that she was grateful for the recognition for her work in finding artistes and creating their vision and brands.
She still feels it’s an under-appreciated aspect of the industry.
She also spoke out about her early years as a secretary and how she was told that women couldn’t succeed in A&R.Goldstein, who was promoted as co-president of Republic on November 1, stated that she believes they were wrong.
Goldstein’s advice on how to enjoy a long career in music? Do not overlook the “special moments.” “Embrace them, savour and translate that enthusiasm, that excitement, and that love into your next artist, the next song, or the next album.She said, “Keep moving.”
Shirley Halperin (Variety’s executive editor for music) noted that Hitmakers is at its core, a celebration and celebration of musicians and the people who support them: talent representatives, label executives, marketers and so on.She said that music-makers consider it one of the most rewarding aspects of the creative process.”A conversation or a good hold can lead to a life-changing piece art.”
Hans Zimmer, the renowned composer, was present to present Film Song of the Year kudos to Billie Eilish (and Finneas) for their song “No Time to Die” for the James Bond movie.
Zimmer, who composed the score for the 25th installment of the 007 franchise, was extremely proud of the siblings’ ability to honor Bond tunes and “show us the future of all and every Bond can become in future.”
Eilish stated that ‘No Time to Die’ was the most surreal song she could make, even though it was released over a year before the film’s theatrical release.The film was delayed by multiple pandemic-related delays.Finneas was humble in adding a Hitmakers trophy into a case that already included eight Grammys.
“Our career thus far has been a cascading number of honours that we feel are too big for us.He smiled in a dark-red suit and said that we were here regardless.
“We are happy to be here.”
Harlow was honored as Hitmaker of Tomorrow.Harlow’s feat of 2021 was partly due to his collaboration with Lil Nas X for the smash ‘Industry Baby.
He was awarded the Innovator Award for his groundbreaking work on LGBTQ inclusion in hip hop with the ‘Industry Baby’ music video and his Montero’ album.
“By being exactly as he is and commanding the attention, by creating an universe that is both undeniable, and exceptionally entertaining,” said Chloe Bailey who presented the award.
After his 2019 breakthrough with Old Town Road, Lil Nas X admitted that he still had a long way to go.
He said, “It was very frightening to try to follow-up and keep it moving.” “I came out.I was me.I did what was necessary.I put effort into every aspect of my career.”
Del Rey was awarded the Decade Award, which honors her work since her 2011 debut with “Video Games”.
She stated that she was encouraged by the industry in which singer-songwriters can “just journal what they’re thinking, and then sing about it.”
Avril was there to honor Rodrigo as Songwriter-of-the Year.She noted her outstanding year with the viral hit ‘Drivers License,’ and other songs.
Rodrigo stated, “It’s a beautiful aspect of art: How music can bring people together and make them feel less alone.”
Anitta, a Brazilian singer, presented the Crossover Award for Kali Uchis.Kali Uchis had a Spanglish hit with ‘Telepatia’ this year.
Uchis stated that it was a sign the world’s ears are open.
Normani, who received the Collaborator Award, shared the story of how she came to be a high-profile performer with Cardi B and other artists.
She also thanked Sean Bankhead, her choreographer, for pushing her to be uncomfortable.This allows her to unlock parts of herself that used to scare and scared her.
Austin Rosen, Electric Feel Entertainment’s Manager of The Year, was the honoree this year and set the record for the shortest remarks during the afternoon.He said, “I appreciate it,” in his split-second at mic.
Mike Dean, who was nominated for Producer of Year, stated: “We’re fortunate to do what we love everyday.”
Record of the Year honors were won by BTS’ Butter.
K-pop’s superstars sent a special thank you video.They stated that the song was an attempt to “share fun and positive energy with many people.”
Record of the Year was accepted by Stephen Kirk, Alex Bilowitz and Rob Grimaldi, songwriters for ‘Butter’.
Andrews exclaimed, “This is the most wonderful moment in our lives.”
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