Chaka Khan Delivers Powerful Message at Resonator Awards

The Resonator Awards returned for their second annual ceremony at Charlie Chaplin Studios, celebrating women and non-binary voices in music. Presented by nonprofit We Are Moving the Needle, the evening blended the intimacy of a cocktail party with the gravity of an awards show.

Honorees included Chaka Khan, Chappell Roan, St. Vincent, and Haim, while presenters such as Nancy Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Rodrigo, and Rostam added star power. The outdoor gathering drew a wide mix of industry figures, from Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum to Beck, Linda Perry, Paula Abdul, John Mayer, and Laufey. Host Fred Armisen kept the tone light alongside wife Riki Lindhome.

A Night of Community and Purpose

Founder Emily Lazar, mastering engineer and CEO of The Lodge, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks. She acknowledged the challenges of the past year, from devastating wildfires to social unrest, and emphasized the importance of unity. “Being together now like this matters,” she said. “It reminds us that even when things feel unstable, the creative community still shows up for one another.”

Lazar also highlighted inequities in the industry, noting that this year’s Grammy Award for Producer of the Year had no women nominees. Only nine women have ever been nominated in the category. Gesturing to the room, she reminded attendees: “Talent is everywhere. It’s about access—who gets trusted, who gets invited into the biggest rooms, and who keeps getting left just outside the door.”

Honorees Share Wisdom

Producer Roselilah accepted the Breakthrough Award with humor and resilience. “Sometimes the best thing you can do is ignore expectations and keep going anyway,” she said, reflecting on her unconventional path. Gena Johnson, recipient of the Powerhouse Award, stressed collaboration. “Together, we are more powerful, more profound, and create a more fun and interesting world of music and art,” she said. Other highlights included Addison Rae introducing collaborators Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd for the In Stereo Award, and Anderson .Paak presenting Alissia with the All-Star Award.

Emotional Tributes

One of the night’s most moving moments came when Laufey presented songwriter Amy Allen with the Calliope Award. Allen, inspired by Joni Mitchell since childhood, thanked Mitchell directly: “Thank you for being here and paving the way. I am grateful for all of the women who have done that before me, everyone doing it now, and everybody who will be doing it in the years to come.”

Chaka Khan’s Message

The evening’s most resonant words came from Chaka Khan, who urged younger generations to embrace their voices. “To the next generation, your voices matter,” she said, underscoring the event’s mission to amplify underrepresented talent. The Resonator Awards, postponed last year due to Los Angeles fires, returned with renewed purpose. With its Wildfire Relief Fund and commitment to equity, the ceremony stood as both celebration and call to action.