RESONATOR AWARDS – Los Angeles, CA – January 27, 2026
We Are Moving The Needle will present the annual Resonator Awards on January 27, 2026 at Los Angeles’ iconic Chaplin Studios (formerly Henson Studios). Kicking-off the most high-profile week in music, the Resonator Awards center the artists, producers, and engineers whose craft shape the sound and culture of our time. This year’s event will honor trailblazing musical artists, producers, engineers, songwriters and industry leaders. Chaka Khan, whose profound impact has shaped not only music but culture, will receive this year’s Luminary Award. St. Vincent will be honored as a top creator who is reinventing the rules: an innovator who breaks down traditional barriers to make magic happen on both sides of the glass. HAIM will be celebrated for their creative vision, redefining what’s possible in music by crafting sound that challenges norms and sparks inspiration. The event will also honor exceptional producers, engineers, and songwriters who are changing the future of music including 2x GRAMMY® -winning producer, recording and mix engineer and current GRAMMY® -nominee Gena Johnson (Jason Isbell, John Prine, Chris Stapleton, etc.); GRAMMY® -winning engineer and current nominee Jayda Love (Doechii, Janelle Monae, etc.); recording and mix engineer and GRAMMY® -nominee Bella Blasko (Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, The National, etc.); 2x GRAMMY® -winning songwriter and reigning GRAMMY® winner for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) Amy Allen (Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Rosé, etc.); 2025 Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) GRAMMY® -nominee Alissia (Mary J. Blige, Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, etc.); writer-producer duo Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser who crafted Addison Rae’s breakout debut album this year; and GRAMMY® -nominee Roselilah, who co-produced Kendrick Lamar’s monster hit “Luther.” In addition to honoring creators, the Resonator Awards shines a light on the leaders who support them including Betty Bennett, co-founder of award-winning audio company Apogee Electronics.
We Are Moving The Needle was founded in 2021 by GRAMMY® winner and nine-time nominated mastering engineer, Emily Lazar who notes, “We Are Moving The Needle is about strengthening the music industry so creators can thrive on their own terms. The Resonator Awards are a reflection of that mission—honoring not only remarkable artistry, but the shared commitment to building an industry that lives up to its values.”
In addition to special performances and surprises throughout the ceremony to be announced in the coming weeks, the evening’s honorees will be presented with awards by their collaborators and friends, including the likes of Tony Berg, Sia, Rostam, Olivia Rodrigo, Laufey, Jason Isbell, Anderson .Paak, Addison Rae, Aaron Dessner and more.
The evening will celebrate the honorees’ transformative contributions to music and will include a seated dinner, awards ceremony, and live performances. Garnier will support this year’s red carpet interviews, amplifying the voices and stories of these trailblazing creators at the heart of the Resonator Awards, and bringing the spirit of this special night to audiences worldwide. Funds raised from the evening will go to support the mission of We Are Moving The Needle – a nonprofit organization working to radically reshape the future of the recording industry. The organization empowers women, trans, and non-binary creators, producers and engineers to succeed at the highest levels through scholarships & grants, mentorship, research, advocacy, and community events. Its mission is to strengthen the future of the music industry and transform the studio into a place where all creators can thrive.
“Luminary Award” recipient and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chaka Khan adds, “Empowered women empower women. I am honored to be part of a movement that celebrates the creativity, resilience, and determination of women creators everywhere. We lift each other and shine. Together, we are moving the needle.”
2026 HONOREES AND PRESENTERS
Luminary Award – Chaka Khan presented by Sia
This award is presented to a creator whose profound impact has transcended the confines of the music realm to significantly change culture. A true luminary, their artistry is a beacon of inspiration not only to those within the industry but also to the world.
Golden Trifecta Award – St. Vincent presented by Olivia Rodrigo
This award honors a top creator who is reinventing the rules: an innovator who breaks down traditional barriers to make magic happen on both sides of the glass. This creator is a triple threat, exerting prowess across multiple disciplines as a producer, engineer, and artist.
Disruptors Award – HAIM presented by Rostam
This award celebrates visionary creators who are redefining what’s possible in music. Fearless and innovative, they shatter conventions and blur lines between roles—producer, engineer, artist—crafting sound that challenges norms and sparks inspiration. Their work doesn’t just follow trends; it sets them, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and proving that true artistry knows no limits.
Powerhouse Award – Gena Johnson presented by Jason Isbell
This award celebrates a visionary producer whose exceptional work has made a profound and enduring impact on music and culture. An unparalleled master of the craft, this creator’s artistic intuition and technical brilliance sets new creative standards in the recording industry. Their accomplishments are both an inspiration to peers across the industry and a driving force in popular culture.
Exceptional Ears Award – Bella Blasko presented by Aaron Dessner
This award recognizes a leading engineer whose technical prowess has made a noteworthy mark on the field this year. This creator’s acute sense of detail, unwavering commitment to sonic excellence, and mastery of the engineer’s craft have not only elevated their own work but have set a new standard for the industry. Blasko’s credits include: Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, The National, Ed Sheeran, Brandi Carlile, Florence & the Machine, Mumford & Sons, Laufey, etc.
Exceptional Ears Award – Jayda Love presented by Special Guest
This award recognizes a leading engineer whose technical prowess has made a noteworthy mark on the field this year. This creator’s acute sense of detail, unwavering commitment to sonic excellence, and mastery of the engineer’s craft have not only elevated their own work but have set a new standard for the industry. Love’s credits include: Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Fana Hues, Coast Contra, etc.
Calliope Award – Amy Allen presented by Laufey
The Muse of Poetry and Storytelling, Calliope represents the voice of inspiration who gives words their music and songs their meaning. This award honors the songwriter behind the year’s most impactful music, celebrating their creative brilliance that has shaped both the charts and the cultural conversation. Their words and melodies have resonated across the industry—proving just how transformative great songwriting can be.
All-Star Award – Alissia presented by Anderson .Paak
This award is presented to an unstoppable force: a top-tier producer whose commitment to excellence and skillset knows no bounds. They are a catalyst, influencing and enhancing the work of a wide array of artists across various genres and disciplines.
In Stereo Award – Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser presented by Addison Rae
This award celebrates a duo of visionary producers whose creativity and partnership move music forward. Together, this pair embodies the fusion of craft, innovation, and instinct — creating work that transcends genres and generations. Their combined impact resonates far beyond the studio, shaping the future of sound and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Breakthrough Award – Roselilah presented by Emily Lazar
This award celebrates a producer on the rise whose work has left a defining mark on music this year. Through innovation, precision, and fearless creativity, this creator is elevating the art of production—reshaping the sound of popular music and setting a new standard for excellence behind the console.
Equalizer Award – Betty Bennett presented by Tony Berg
Presented to a company or group that is at the forefront of innovation in the recording industry. This award acknowledges an industry leader who pioneers change through their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
RESONATOR HALL OF FAME
The Resonator Hall of Fame honors legendary producers and engineers who pave the way and make significant contributions to the music industry over their careers. Previous inductees include Alicia Keys, Linda Perry, Ann Mincieli, Leslie Ann Jones, Marcella Araica, among others.
Allee Willis (In Memoriam)
Elaine Martone
Jaime Sickora
Judith Sherman
Mary Mazurek
Michelle Sabolchick
SOPHIE (In Memoriam)
We Are Moving the Needle was founded to empower women, trans, and non-binary producers and engineers through tangible resources from scholarships, to mentorships, to equipment. The organization drives industry wide change through their landmark “Fix the Mix” research and advocacy. Since 2021, We Are Moving The Needle has awarded over $875,000 in scholarships and grants opening doors for women, trans, and non-binary creators to attend premier audio programs around the world and advance their careers in music. We Are Moving The Needle has chapters on 22 college campuses across the country, and supports emerging creators through mentorship, resources, and equipment.
The inaugural Resonator Awards, held during GRAMMY® Week 2024, was one of the most talked about events of the week. Honorees in attendance included Alanis Morissette, Corinne Bailey Rae, Caroline Polachek, Catherine Marks, Laura Sisk and Jennifer Decilveo, Michael Goldstone and Christine Thomas. Inaugural Hall of Fame inductees included industry stalwarts Alicia Keys and Linda Perry. Presenters included Shirley Manson, boygenius, Jack Antonoff, Ariel Rechtshaid, FLETCHER, Autumn Rowe and Emily Lazar, while Empress Of, Sasami, and Remi Wolf treated the audience to intimate live performances. The Awards were hosted by Jenny Eliscu.
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