Hitmakers Brunch Celebrates Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, Quavo

Charli XCX paid tribute to the enduring legacy of The Velvet Underground & Nico, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the music landscape.

Jack Antonoff humorously suggested to a gathering of music industry professionals that some attendees might prioritize Pop Crave over Pitchfork. Meanwhile, Lana Del Rey opened up about her initial hesitation to submit her work for Grammy nominations due to a lack of knowledge regarding the process. Olivia Rodrigo revealed that producer Dan Nigro was instrumental in teaching her how to parallel park, while Lainey Wilson shared her heartfelt journey, which began in a small Louisiana town where she started writing about life’s simple pleasures at just 10 years old. These candid moments were part of Variety’s eighth annual Hitmakers Brunch, which recognized the artists and industry leaders behind this year’s top 25 songs.

The brunch, expertly hosted by Jem Aswad, executive editor of music at Variety, took place at the stylish Nya West venue in Hollywood, sponsored by AFEELA, a cutting-edge brand launched by Sony Honda Mobility.

Accepting the title of Hitmaker of the Year, Charli XCX threw a surprising twist into her speech by emphasizing that the concept of a “hit” is subjective. She referenced the iconic 1967 debut album by The Velvet Underground, known for its Andy Warhol banana peel cover, as a prime example of a work that, despite selling only 30,000 copies upon its initial release, remains profoundly influential in the music world.

“This album is one of the most significant and revolutionary recordings of our era. It represents the pinnacle of high art and underground culture, merging poetry with gritty realism,” she explained. Charli noted that the Warhol cover is showcased in some of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, further cementing its cultural impact.

In a moment of humility, she humorously pointed out that while one of her album covers hasn’t yet made it to esteemed venues like the Guggenheim or the Whitney, some of her merchandise is available at Urban Outfitters. “I suppose that means I’m halfway there,” she quipped, as her striking outfit sparked lively reactions online.

The brunch was attended by several hundred music industry insiders, including songwriters, producers, label executives, talent managers, publicists, and legal experts. The atmosphere was vibrant, celebrating a successful year for song crafters and record labels, featuring major hits from both established stars and emerging talents like Shaboozey and Benson Boone, both of whom received the Hitmakers Newcomer of the Year accolade.

Shaboozey, who sent a pre-recorded message due to his performance slot on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” reflected on his humble beginnings as “a young kid in a small town,” realizing that music was a powerful outlet for his creativity that resonated with others. “To see how far I’ve come is truly humbling. Hopefully, next year will be even more incredible,” he expressed.

<Benson Boone was present to accept the trophy for Newcomer of the Year, which was presented by AFEELA.

“I don’t think I’m your average musician. I didn’t start making music until about five years ago,” Boone shared with the audience. “This industry is wild, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Lana Del Rey presented the Producer of the Decade award to Jack Antonoff, who has been enjoying a remarkable streak of success with his work alongside artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. She playfully acknowledged his remarkable achievements as both a producer and an artist.

“You’ll be richer than all of us with your 50% on everything,” she joked, highlighting his successful collaborations.

Jack Antonoff had his share of humorous remarks, including a lighthearted promise that he too might sue Universal Music, referencing the recent legal disputes initiated by Drake regarding the success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

“I enjoy my time in Hollywood because I don’t live here,” he confessed. After praising Del Rey’s exceptional talent, he added, “She’s the only person I feel comfortable putting a lot of pressure on.”

Reflecting on a more personal note, Antonoff discussed his growth as both a person and an artist, particularly highlighting his marriage to actress Margaret Qualley. He encouraged attendees to evaluate the relationships they cultivate in their professional lives, both positive and negative. “We all create our best work when we are decent to one another,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of kindness in the industry.

Lainey Wilson was honored as Storyteller of the Year, enjoying a career resurgence following her role in the popular Taylor Sheridan television series Yellowstone. The legendary Reba McEntire presented the award to her, praising Wilson’s ability to embody the stories she shares through her music. “She doesn’t just sing a song; she lives it,” McEntire exclaimed.

Wilson expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in her life. She reminisced about her childhood in Baskin, Louisiana, where her family would gather around the kitchen table to share stories, a tradition that greatly influenced her songwriting journey.

“The beautiful thing about storytelling is that it outlives us,” she noted appreciatively. “Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, Variety,” she concluded, feeling honored by the acknowledgment of her craft.

Olivia Rodrigo, who received the Storyteller of the Year award last year, praised Dan Nigro, the writer-producer who has been pivotal in her development as a songwriter (and even as a driver). She described him as an empathetic collaborator who attentively listens to her ideas and suggests improvements that transform a “pretty good” song into something truly transformative.

Reflecting on his own journey, Nigro expressed amazement at how much his career has flourished since being named Songwriter of the Year at the Hitmakers event in 2021. “I was so nervous and felt a lot of imposter syndrome during my first Hitmakers,” he admitted. After a successful year alongside Rodrigo and working with the rising star Chappell Roan, he remarked, “It’s been a fantastic journey, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

A particularly poignant moment of the brunch was the presentation of the Hitmakers Humanitarian of the Year award to Quavo, recognizing his efforts to combat gun violence following the tragic death of his Migos bandmate Takeoff in 2022.

“Losing my brother Takeoff was the worst moment of my life. I didn’t know where to turn, or if I still wanted to create music,” Quavo shared with the audience, reflecting on his profound loss.

Channeling his energy into anti-violence initiatives through his Rocket Foundation and other efforts has provided him with renewed purpose. Quavo dedicated the honor to “everyone fighting for change and for my brother Takeoff, who inspires me every day,” he stated with conviction.

For the fifth time in eight years, Republic Records was awarded Label of the Year. Co-founder Avery Lipman honored key Republic executives Wendy Goldstein, Alex Coslov, and Jackie Winkler, who are typically seen supporting artists like Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, Drake, and The Weeknd during award ceremonies.

“You won’t find a more self-critical group of people than those at Republic,” Lipman remarked. “The blessing and the curse of Republic is that we’re never satisfied. We are always looking ahead.”

Lipman highlighted that despite Republic’s expansion within Universal Music Group, incorporating the Republic Corps Collective that now encompasses labels like Mercury, Island, and Def Jam, the core values remain unchanged: “We respect artists, we revere them, and most importantly, we love them. In addition to creating great music, they’re genuinely helping to make the world a better place,” he concluded.

Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck, leaders at Warner Music, were celebrated as Executives of the Year, acknowledging the remarkable turnaround they have orchestrated at the renowned label.

“I strive to be more of a coach than a boss. I view feedback as a gift,” Corson explained, reflecting on the culture he fosters at Warner Music. “Communicating with compassion helps us navigate through challenging times.”

Bay-Schuck shared that the label’s revival started when they “committed ourselves to artist development.” Personally, he added that the resurgence coincided with the birth of his son, which has made the good days sweeter and the tough days more bearable.

The event also showcased the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Celebrity Substitute, where celebrities spend a day working in public elementary schools with students. Hosted by Julian Shapiro-Barnum, the show highlights the Amazon Wish List feature for schools, making it easier for parents and charities to support specific needs. Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, is among the featured guest stars.