The SONA Warrior Awards: More Than Just a Celebration
The night of October 12, 2025, showcased the vibrant heart of songwriting at the SONA Warrior Awards held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The event, which honored the often-overlooked architects of our favorite songs, also doubled as a call to action for industry reform. Songwriters like Chappell Roan passionately proclaimed the intrinsic value and necessity of songwriters in the music landscape, referring to them as the “backbone of the music industry.”
Opening Remarks: On Creativity and AI
Michelle Lewis, CEO of SONA, opened the ceremony with a refreshing blend of celebration and sober reality, highlighting new initiatives that support songwriters while acknowledging the chilling shadow of artificial intelligence looming over the creative community. “We must value and safeguard creativity — along with those who create it,” Lewis admonished, urging attendees and fans alike to let the insistent melodies of human expression echo.
Performances That Resonated
The evening's performances were nothing short of electric. A heartfelt duet of “Pink Pony Club” by cohosts Bonnie McKee and Shane Stevens set a poignant tone, honoring Roan's presence through her absence. Though she did not attend, her influence reverberated throughout as she accepted her award via video, calling for respect and better pay for songwriters.
“Songwriters are the backbone of the music industry... There is a lot of change needed within the music industry and the whole world,” Roan urged, echoing sentiments driving the night.
The Message of Solidarity
Justin Tranter, a pop artist and fierce advocate for the creative community, unveiled the urgent need for inter-artist solidarity. “We must be the blueprint for change,” Tranter asserted, stressing the collective responsibility of all industry stakeholders.
A Spicy Moment: Critique of Streaming Giants
As the night unfolded, tensions rose when award recipient Larry Mestel, CEO of Primary Wave, took a bold stand against Spotify for its archaic pay structures. “There is no Spotify without songwriters. Shame on Spotify,” he declared, obliterating the façade of neutrality often projected by these platforms. The crowd erupted in applause — a reminder of the ongoing struggle against the indifference of music streaming giants.
Education and Empowerment
Even amidst the glamour, the night consistently returned to the theme of education and empowerment, demonstrated by Janelle Monáe's stirring address praising Tiffany Miranda, founder of Girls Make Beats. “Through education, mentorship, and access, they're helping girls not only find their will but own their power,” Monáe shared, encapsulating the evening's essence of lifting voices that often go unheard.
Closing: A Commitment to Change
As the curtains fell on the SONA Warrior Awards, the message was clear: the music industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. With lawmakers echoing calls for a federal grant to support artists directly, it's evident that the community is rallying not just for recognition but for tangible reforms to ensure that every songwriter, artist, and creator feels valued.
In a lyrical nod to the evolution of activism within the music industry, the night concluded with veteran songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis receiving their own Warrior Award. Their acceptance proved that the path forward is paved with both legacy and responsibility.
For further insights into the event and its impact on the future of music, you can read more at Rolling Stone.
Source reference: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chappell-roan-songwriters-sona-warrior-awards-1235445857/
