The SOCAN Foundation, part of the SOCAN Group of companies, is thrilled to announce Kellylee Evans and Savannah Ré as the grand prize recipients of the third annual Her Music Awards, in partnership with Bandzoogle.
“This important initiative has previously supported trailblazing artists including Haviah Mighty, Leela Gilday, Nuela Charles, and Caveboy,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of SOCAN Foundation. “We’re thrilled to add the incredible Savannah Ré and Kellylee Evans to this group as this year’s grand prize recipients. We are thankful for the support of Bandzoogle and community stakeholders that made the Her Music Awards possible, and have allowed us to celebrate in person this year!”
SOCAN CEO, Jenn Brown and past Her Music Award winner Haviah Mighty, announced the recipients at an intimate, in-person celebration hosted by previous award winner Nuela Charles in Toronto, ON on February 9, 2023. Grand prize recipients, Kellylee Evans and Savannah Ré, were both awarded a $5,000 cash prize and a one-year complimentary membership from the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) and Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec (SPACQ).
“I was so surprised and honoured to hear that I had been chosen for this award alongside Savannah Ré,” said Kellylee Evans. “As my career shifts and changes with the years, my love for creating has not dampened. This recognition gives me the affirmation and the energy to keep going, despite the challenges along the way. I’m so thankful.”
“So happy an award like this even exists. Winning the Her Music Award is a significant achievement because it’s an award that empowers and recognizes female creators,” said Savannah Ré. “It highlights our talents and contributions to the music industry. It also helps to promote and support female artists in the industry, which can be especially important in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. This award will open doors for me and help me pave the way to reaching my goals in my career.”
Additionally, five Her Music Awards honourable mention distinctions were awarded to Haley Blais, Jorane, Moira & Claire, Tanika Charles and Zeina. Each of these recipients received a $1,000 cash prize.
The Her Music Awards is a program designed to celebrate and support female-identifying Canadian music creators on the verge of taking their creative careers to the next level. The Awards are administered by the SOCAN Foundation, with financial contributions made by SOCAN Foundation and Bandzoogle.
“We would like to congratulate Kellylee Evans and Savannah Ré for receiving Her Music Awards,” said Stacey Bedford, CEO Bandzoogle. “We couldn’t be happier to support this amazing initiative from the SOCAN Foundation, and we wish these incredible artists continued success in their careers.”
Applications were adjudicated on a number of factors, including artistic merit, career potential, and impact. The jury was composed of Cécile Doo-Kingué, Carole Facal, Kesi Smyth, Suzie Ungerleider, and jury committee chair Shakura S’Aida.
