Video by Mikayla Barnes @mikaylaraela
(AllHipHop Features) ASCAP recently hosted the 11th annual ASCAP Women Behind the Music event at Bardot in Los Angeles.
Presented by the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul department, ASCAP Women Behind the Music was established to recognize and encourage women in the music community and honors not only songwriters and artists, but also female executives in all facets of the entertainment business including managers, attorneys, label executives and music publishers. D’ussé VSOP Cognac, MAC Cosmetics, Cre8tive Bond Event Décor, Tieks Designer Shoes and Mixed Chicks Hair Products partnered with ASCAP to sponsor the event.
This year’s honorees included artist/songwriter Victoria Monet (Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown), Roc Nation Co-President Shari Bryant and Capitol Records Vice President of Artist Relations Britney Davis.
Executives, influencers and media were all in attendance to celebrate each honorees accomplishments.
ASCAP’s Associate Director of Rhythm & Soul, Lauren Gaspard, was the co-host of the evening. Cristina Chavez, ASCAP’s Associate Director of Rhythm & Soul was also a co-host, and she moderated a Q&A with the honorees about their bright beginnings, defining moments, and where they are currently in their careers.
After the Q&A the honorees were presented with personalized plaques to commemorate their achievements in music and entertainment.
AllHipHop had an opportunity to speak with honorees Britney Davis and Victoria Monet about what they are currently working on and any advice they would give to those following in their footsteps.
AllHipHop: What’s next? Who are you working with now Britney?
Britney Davis: Music wise at Capitol Music group, I work with Motown and Quality Control. I’m super excited about the Queen & Slim soundtrack…. On Quality Control, we have Lil Baby, we have City Girls; JT’s free. Really just developing and discovering new artists. I think my background allows me to be a vessel and help these artists develop and cultivate their talent.
AllHipHop: If you could leave a piece of advice for executives that want to follow in your footsteps and budding music artists what pieces of advice would you give?
Britney Davis: I think it’s really the same. Make sure you love it. This is a lot of work. There are going to be days you want to stop and you need a higher purpose or passion to really persevere through those moments and remember why you wanted to do it in the first place.
I tell people all the time that if you aren’t really passionate about it, and you don’t love it, there are so many other things you can do and have a life because this is a lifestyle…You gotta grind and put in the work.
AllHipHop: For those that will be newly joining your fan base who may not be familiar with your work, tell us some of the hits that you’ve written and some of the projects you’ve been a part of.
Victoria Monet: I got my first and second No. 1 this year with “Thank You Next” and “Seven Rings”. In the Hip Hop world, I’ve been featured with Nas, T.I., Meek Mill. Machine Gun Kelly, Chris Brown, and Jhene Aiko…. I’m doing what I love everyday.
AllHipHop: If you could leave off with a piece of advice for somebody who wants to follow in your footsteps, what words of encouragement would you give them?
Victoria Monet: I would say to write things down. I think that that’s a great way to manifest and really plan out your goals…..Your thoughts really become your future and become what you focus on.