Chappell! Chaka! Inside The Resonator Awards—Which Are Rewriting Who Gets Heard in Music

As she puts it, the issue has never been a lack of talent. It’s about access: Who gets trusted with major sessions, who gets invited into the room, and who continues to be left out of the conversation. That belief led Lazar to launch We Are Moving the Needle, an organization with four tenets: Educate, equip, energize, and equalize. Since 2021, the nonprofit has awarded $875,000 in scholarships and grants, pairing recipients with one-on-one mentorship from its advisory SoundBoard—a group Lazar affectionately calls the organization’s fairy godmothers. “And we know a fairy godmother can change someone’s life in a single moment,” she offered.

The work now extends beyond professional studios. With 22 college chapters and an Amplitude Youth Program reaching students as young as middle school, the goal is long-term normalization. Girls growing up seeing women in positions of creative authority—and boys growing up assuming that presence is standard rather than surprising. “If you can see it; you can be it,” Lazar said. “That idea drives everything we do.”

Midway through the ceremony, the focus shifted sharply as a live auction took over the room. With an auctioneer on the mic, the volume rose as bids moved quickly across the floor, from music memorabilia tied to HAIM, boygenius, and Remi Wolf, to one-of-a-kind experiences, like a trip to Mykonos that ultimately went to Doechii.

The awards categories shone a light on both visible and unseen creative labor. Chappell Roan received the Harmonizer Award, presented by Heart’s Nancy Wilson, honoring her use of music as a vehicle for social change. St. Vincent accepted the Golden Trifecta Award from Olivia Rodrigo, recognizing her work across artistry, production, and engineering. The HAIM sisters received the Disruptors Award, while Gena Johnson was presented with the Powerhouse Award for her enduring influence as a producer.

Behind-the-scenes excellence also came to the fore. Bella Blasko and Jayda Love were each recognized with the Exceptional Ears Award, while Amy Allen received the Calliope Award for songwriting. Alissia accepted the All-Star Award, Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser were honored with the In Stereo Award, and Emily Lazar herself presented the Breakthrough Award to Roselilah. The ceremony paused to recognize the Resonator Hall of Fame too, honoring Allee Willis and SOPHIE posthumously, alongside Elaine Martone, Jaime Sickora, Judith Sherman, Mary Mazurek, and Michelle Sabolchick.

The evening concluded with an emotional centerpiece as Chaka Khan received the Luminary Award, presented by Joni Mitchell. The room then turned its attention to an all-star musical tribute in her honor. Sia kicked things off with Tell Me Something Good, joined by Danielle Haim on the drums. Maggie Rogers followed with Ain’t Nobody, before Lalah Hathaway performed Through the Fire, eventually joined by Khan herself.

When asked what she hopes the Resonator Awards will represent five or ten years from now, Lazar didn’t hesitate: “I want them to become unnecessary. I want true parity to feel normal. And when we get there, we’ll celebrate, and then move on to fixing the next thing.” Until then, the work continues. Last year alone, We Are Moving the Needle received more than 1,000 scholarship applications and was able to fund just five percent. “The hunger is there,” Lazar said. “The talent is there—the support needs to catch up.”