Honoring Creative Forces in Music: The SONA Warrior Awards 2023
The Songwriters of North America (SONA) recently celebrated the achievements of notable figures in the music industry at their fifth annual Warrior Awards in Los Angeles. This year, the ceremony honored Chappell Roan, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Primary Wave founder Larry Mestel, prolific music attorney Dina LaPolt, and Girls Make Beats founder Tiffany Miranda. The evening was not just a recognition of talent but also a platform to address systemic issues affecting the music business.
A Star-Studded Night
The event attracted a diverse crowd, including major executives like Sony Music Publishing CEO Jon Platt and Warner Chappell COO Carianne Marshall, alongside artists such as Desmond Child and CeeLo Green. Even congressional members, including Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost, and Angie Craig, made their presence felt, emphasizing the significance of songwriting in cultural dialogue.
Honoring Girls Make Beats
The first honoree of the night was Tiffany Miranda, introduced by the multi-talented Janelle Monae. Miranda’s initiative, Girls Make Beats, aims to empower young women in music production. Monae expressed deep gratitude, stating, “Your vision reminds us that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about creating a world where others can see themselves.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, highlighting the importance of fostering diversity in the music industry.
Chappell Roan’s Impact
Second on the list was rising pop star Chappell Roan, who accepted her award through a moving pre-recorded message. Roan, known for her heartfelt Grammy acceptance speech advocating for better wages and healthcare for music creators, reiterated her commitment to pushing for change. “Songwriters are the backbone of the music industry,” she emphasized, calling for respect and fair pay. Her words struck a chord with many in attendance, reminding everyone of the urgent need for reform in the industry.
Musical Performances that Resonated
Hosted by songwriters Bonnie McKee and Shane Stevens, the event featured surprise performances that added excitement to the night. Linda Perry performed “What’s Up” in honor of LaPolt, showing a personal side of the night. Paul Anka serenaded Larry Mestel, while Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis delivered a medley that further engaged the audience. To cap off the evening, Desmond Child led a lively singalong of “Livin’ On A Prayer,” ensuring the spirit of celebration prevailed.
Recognizing Emerging Talent
In a significant addition to this year’s ceremony, SONA awarded the inaugural Emerging Songwriter Award to Toby Lightman. This recognition underscores SONA’s commitment to nurturing new talent, ensuring that the voices of the future are heard and celebrated.
Advocacy Takes Center Stage
The underlying theme of the night was advocacy. SONA CEO Michelle Lewis highlighted a concerning report about the threat of outsourcing songwriting to artificial intelligence. However, she also pointed out SONA’s successful initiatives, like their partnership with Amazon One, which aims to provide healthcare access for members.
Critique of Industry Practices
During his acceptance speech, Larry Mestel didn’t hold back while criticizing Spotify’s controversial bundling strategy, which he argued diminishes payments to songwriters. “There are no songs without songwriters,” he declared. His passionate remarks reflected a widespread sentiment among attendees about the need for fair compensation in the music industry.
LaPolt’s Call to Action
Dina LaPolt, a co-founder of SONA, took the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s mission and history. She voiced concerns about the regression of protections for vulnerable artists and stressed the necessity of the No Fakes Act to combat unauthorized uses in the age of AI. “Advocacy isn’t about waiting for respect,” she urged, emphasizing the need for relentless preparation and presence.
Addressing the Issue of Publishing Credits
Ross Golan, a past recipient and current board member of SONA, brought attention to a long-standing issue: non-songwriters receiving publishing credits and royalties for work they didn’t contribute to. His impassioned speech clarified the difference between songwriting and other contributions, urging a move towards accountability in the industry.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
As the night unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the SONA Warrior Awards were more than just a celebration of talent. They served as a critical platform for discussion, encouraging advocacy for fair practices, representation, and respect in the music industry. Each honoree and speaker contributed to an evening marked not only by recognition but also by a united front seeking to create lasting change within an ever-evolving landscape.