Every fall, Billboard magazine - one of the music industry's leading sources for news - puts on their Women In Music event. One female artist is named the "Woman of the Year" as a result of their influence and achievements throughout the year. Previous winners include Fergie, Taylor Swift, and 2013's winner P!nk. In addition, a Rising Star is crowned for her breakthroughs as an artist. Janelle Monae and Carly Rae Jepsen are among the artists that have recieved that honor in the past few years.
Another main focus of the event is the industry honors. Each spring people in the music industry are encouraged to nominate their female colleagues that are doing great work and moving the industry forward. Billboard then selects the top 40 and runs a report in the Billboard Power Players series, as well as recognizes them at the fall event.
Now in its tenth year, the Women In Music event and report has become a great showcase for the talent in the industry. Not only is it a great achievement for the artists honored, but it puts the focus of the industry onto the women that are doing great things to create change and impact the business. Companies included range from publishing - such as Sony/ATV - and concert promotion to agencies and major networks like NBC.
Last year's top executive recognized was Julie Greenwald, Chairman/COO of Atlantic Records Group. As of last year, Greenwald was the highest ranking woman at a record label, and said that her favorite part of the job was discovering new talent. Among the long list of achievements Atlantic had in 2013, some include Ed Sheeran's success with sales and touring, as well as multiple Grammy awards at the start of the year.
As we start making Songbird Magazine bigger and better, we look to Billboard and their dedication to women in the industry as a great example of how to increase support and awareness of the talent and ideas women bring to the table.