REPUBLIC Corps Collective named label of the year, Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson of Warner Records named executives of the year.
Today, Variety announced six more honorees for its eighth annual Hitmakers celebration, presented by AFEELA. The newly named recipients are being recognized for their exceptional artistry, while also celebrating the labels and executives that helped create today’s top music:
- Lainey Wilson – Storyteller of the Year
- Laufey – Crossover Award
- Young Miko – Trailblazer Award
- Grace Bowers – Next Gen Award presented by Sony Audio
- REPUBLIC Corps Collective – Label of the Year
- Aaron Bay-Schuck & Tom Corson – Executives of the Year
“We’re so excited to shine a light on the talents of four great artists, who happen to be female,” said Variety’s executive music editor Jem Aswad. “Lainey has established herself as one of the most important new voices in country music, Laufey has introduced a whole new generation to the timeless sound of classic jazz, Young Miko is redefining the Latin music industry and got a Grammy nomination in the process, and Grace is one of the most fiery young guitar slingers you’ll hear. We’re also honored to recognize REPUBLIC Corps Collective as label of the year for a record fifth time, and Aaron and Tom for bringing the iconic Warner label into a new era.”
The newly named honorees will join previously announced Hitmaker of the Year Charli xcx, Humanitarian of the Year Quavo, Changemaker of the Year Jelly Roll, Triple Threat Award recipient RAYE, Newcomers Award recipients Shaboozey and Benson Boone, Hip-Hop Disruptor Award recipient Doechii, Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen, Producer of the Year Daniel Nigro and Producer of the Decade Jack Antonoff.
Presenters for the event include Lana Del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo, Reba McEntire, Rachel Sennott, TDE’s Top Dawg and Moosa, and more.
Honorees will also be recognized in the accompanying magazine and website, looking back on the year in music; it will celebrate the writers, producers, publishers, managers and executives who helped make — and break — the 25 most-consumed songs of the year, as measured by Billboard and Luminate Charts.
This year’s event sponsors include Presenting Partner AFEELA, a mobility brand developed by Sony Honda Mobility Inc. They will showcase its prototype vehicle of their brand AFEELA and offer exclusive hands-on demos to attendees, providing a unique, up-close experience with the future of mobility.
Wells Fargo will be a premier partner of the event.
Spotify will be an official partner of the event with a Spotify Correspondent on the red carpet. Amazon is also an official partner and will tease their new show, “Celebrity Substitute.” Hosted by Julian Shapiro-Barnum, “Celebrity Substitute” is a digital-first feel-good series featuring celebrity guests who “substitute teach” their world-famous skills to a public elementary school class, clearing their Amazon Wish Lists along the way.
Cre: VARIETY
