News

Music Business Association Announces 2023 Bizzy Awards Finalists

Winners will be announced during the Association’s Awards Dinner — sponsored by The LSS Group at RBC Wealth Management — on Wednesday, May 17

March 30, 2023 — The Music Business Association (Music Biz) today announces the finalists for the organization’s second annual Bizzy Awards program, hosted by Noelle Scaggs (Fitz and the Tantrums, Elektra solo recording artist, Diversify the Stage) on Wednesday, May 17 at the JW Marriott Nashville during the Music Biz 2023 conference and sponsored by The LSS Group at RBC Wealth Management. This marks the second time that nominations for the Association’s awards program were crowd-sourced, allowing the global music business at large to recognize their companies and their peers who are making a difference in improving the global industry.

“I want to congratulate all the 2023 Bizzy Award finalists!” said Music Biz President, Portia Sabin. “The number of Bizzy nominees doubled this year, and the high quality of those submissions made this selection process incredibly hard. We’re proud to once again celebrate those who are doing great work in our industry, and to support and shine a spotlight on those attempting to make change for the better.”

Previously announced, Music Biz’s 2023 Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement will be presented to Gina Miller, SVP and General Manager, Nashville for MNRK Music Group. Finalists for the 2023 Bizzys are as follows:



Leading Light Award — For a company or executive that has supported their staff via internal initiatives aimed at improving mental health & wellbeing and work/life balance.

  • Mike Heyliger, The Orchard
  • Sarah Robertson, A to Z Media
  • TuneCore
  • Warner Music Group



Agent of Change Award — For a company that exemplifies a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring practices, executive development, and promotion structure.

  • mtheory Equal Access Development Program
  • Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)
  • Sony Music Publishing
  • Warner Music Group



#NEXTGEN_NOW One To Watch Award — For an executive under 40 whose work (professional and/or volunteer) has been exceptional, innovative, and stands out as a contribution to the industry.

  • Chris Dampier, TuneCore
  • Jenna Gaudio, Vydia
  • Sarah Janiszewski, TIDAL
  • Lindsey Major, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
  • Emilio Morales, Rimas Publishing



Master of Metadata Award — For a company or executive who has made a significant impact in the area of data processing, credit clarification, streamlining or otherwise promoting clean data and best practices.

  • Kim Beauchamp, Universal Music Group
  • Scott Farrant, Kobalt Music
  • BMAT Music Innovators
  • Jaxsta



Frontline Innovator — For a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.

  • D. Tobago Benito, DBS Sounds/ F.A.M.S. Coalition
  • Harry Crumpler, T-Bones Records & Cafe
  • Gallery of Sound
  • Park Ave CDs



Marketing Superstar — For a marketing campaign that was innovative and thought provoking. Candidates can be from any sector of the industry, and campaigns can be physical or virtual.

  • “Drink to This” presented by Macklemore  |  FlyteVu
  • Encanto IRL Meta Reels Activation | Disney Music Group and Meta
  • Jack White — Fear of the Dawn / Entering Heaven Alive | Third Man Records, The Orchard, Monotone
  • Scene Queen  | Hopeless Records



Music Business Educator of the Year — Celebrates a music business educator who inspires students to enter the music business.

  • Kevin Block-Shwenk, Berklee College of Music 
  • Serona Elton, Frost School of Music – University of Miami
  • Shea Fowler, Belmont University; University of New Haven
  • Clyde Rolston, Belmont University

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About Music Biz 2023
After its highly successful return to an in-person format in 2022, Music Biz 2023 will take place May 15 – 18, 2023 at the JW Marriott Nashville. The organization’s flagship event will once again deliver four days of industry-defining conversations and connections, plus important discussions on how our industry may evolve to better serve the needs of all music professionals. Music Biz has confirmed that Kobalt Founder & Chairman, Willard Ahdritz will participate in a keynote conversation on Tuesday, May 16th. Visit musicbiz2023.com for an up-to-date conference agenda, event registration & lodging information, and more.



About The Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advances, promotes and invests in the future of the music business by providing a trusted forum where ideas and cooperation flourish. Through events, education and engagement, the Association brings together the full breadth of the industry for unparalleled access to networking, resources and thought leadership. 



About RBC Wealth Management – U.S.
In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Wealth Management is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and other major securities exchanges. RBC Wealth Management has $510 billion in total client assets with more than 2,100 financial advisors operating in 187 locations in 42 states.



Music Biz Media Contact
Nicole Hennessey, Vice President — nicole.hennessey@musicbiz.org