Every January, the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants), gathers the global music industry at the Anaheim Convention Center for a transformative week that shapes the future of music. As the world’s largest not-for-profit music trade event, the 2025 NAMM Show will bring together 1,850 exhibitors showcasing over 4,400 brands, along with 250+ educational sessions tailored for NAMM members.
This premier event highlights cutting-edge music technology, groundbreaking product launches, and industry-defining trends, setting the tone for years ahead. More than just a trade show, it fosters networking, collaboration, and business growth, creating a powerful platform for music makers, professionals, and innovators worldwide.
In a powerful celebration of women in music, the 13th annual She Rocks Awards took center stage at the Pacific Ballroom, Hilton Anaheim, coinciding with NAMM as the presenting partner. This prestigious event, hosted by the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN), honors trailblazing women and innovators across the music and audio industries—recognizing both legendary figures and rising stars who are shaping the future of music.
I had the incredible honor of speaking with this year’s She Rocks Awards honorees, past recipients, and special guests on the red carpet—including Samantha Fish, Paula Cole, Aijia, and Laura Whitmore (Founder of WiMN)—among many others.
But before sharing their responses, I first spoke with Laura Whitmore, the founder of WiMN and the She Rocks Awards, to ask her:
“What do you think are the biggest challenges women still face in the music industry today, and how can events like the She Rocks Awards help address them?”
She shared, “I think women still face challenges in navigating their career paths—finding the right opportunities, networking, and feeling like they’re in a safe space. We held a panel today, and people are still sharing experiences that would make your jaw drop. It’s shocking that some of these issues are still happening.
That’s why we emphasize the importance of ‘finding your tribe’—connecting with people who uplift and support each other. That’s what we’re all about. We’re hopeful that as more women enter the industry, we’ll continue to lift each other up and bring others along with us.”
I also asked her:
“How does it feel to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the She Rocks Awards?”
She laughed and responded, “Holy moly! It feels great. And tonight’s show is going to be epic.”
As the She Rocks Awards celebrated its 13th anniversary, the red carpet was buzzing with excitement, passion, and an undeniable sense of empowerment. Honorees, past recipients, and special guests gathered to recognize the incredible impact of women in the music industry.
I had the privilege of asking them:
“We are celebrating women in music tonight. What does it mean to you to be part of the She Rocks Awards, an event that highlights women’s contributions to the music industry?”
Here’s what they had to say:
Samantha Fish – Powerhouse Award
Grammy-nominated, world-class guitarist and songwriter. She graced the cover of Guitar World alongside Slash and joined him on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour. In September, she received a special invitation from Eric Clapton to perform at his Crossroads LA Festival.
“It’s an honor. Honestly, it’s an honor. We’re celebrating women, and we should always support each other and acknowledge women in roles they haven’t always had the opportunity to hold. I’m proud to be a part of this and excited to be here.”
Paula Cole – Icon Award
Best known for her hits “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait,” Paula Cole won a Grammy for Best New Artist and later made history as the first woman ever nominated for a Grammy in the Producer of the Year category.
“I’m so happy to be seen. I’m so happy to be here. I’m honored to be recognized by women. Some of my sisters here tonight are incredible musicians, so I’m absolutely psyched to stand in their company. It’s important that women support women. The music business is a patriarchal industry, and it has been rough at times. Fortunately, there have been good men who have supported me along the way, which is why we need to stick together. I’m just grateful to be here—30-plus years into my career. It’s really about trying, sometimes failing, sometimes succeeding, and ultimately creating great art.”
Aijia – Inspire Award
A singer-songwriter behind chart-topping hits for Selena Gomez, Andy Grammer, Christina Perri, and more. She has appeared on SNL, The Ellen Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Additionally, she worked as a Talent Producer for NBC’s Songland.
“I wish there had been something like this when I was a little girl—so I could have grabbed my popcorn, sat in front of the TV, and fangirled over all these incredible women. I’m honored to be here. I hope my daughters grow up seeing this as the norm, knowing that women are out here doing amazing things.
What’s especially inspiring tonight is the recognition of the women behind the scenes—the publishers, producers, and executives—who are laying the foundation for artists like us to create and share our music. We are eternally grateful.”
Amanda Palmer – Vision Award
Singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer rose to fame as the piano-playing half of the Boston-based punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls. Her 2013 TED Talk, The Art of Asking, has garnered over 20 million views and later inspired her to publish a New York Times bestselling memoir of the same name.
“I think it’s really important, especially with the new government regime, for women to have opportunities to come together, exchange ideas, make plans, text each other, and trade numbers. Given everything happening with the internet—the spread of misinformation and the punishing algorithms—engaging in this old-school ritual of being in one room, listening to each other sing, speak, and rage is absolutely critical.
We can’t do this on the internet. We have to do it in person. So I’m really grateful to anyone who organizes a space where we can make that happen. I just got to talk to Paula Cole and connect with so many incredible people—off the internet, around a table—and that’s essential. We have so much work to do.”
Nurit Siegel Smith – Champion Award
As the Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation, a national nonprofit and charitable partner of Live Nation Entertainment, Nurit Siegel Smith is committed to empowering young talent, shaping future careers, and fostering greater inclusivity within the music industry. With over 20 years of experience, she has held key leadership roles at organizations such as Blue Man Group, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and Grand Performances at Music Forward.
“It is so important to continuously recognize women in these roles. It’s also essential for the next generation of young women to see themselves reflected here and to celebrate that.”
Isolde Fair – Guest
Isolde Fair is a singer, songwriter, and violinist whose talent has earned widespread recognition. Her song “Rise Until We Stand” won a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Compendium category, and she was honored with the prestigious “Impact” Award by BMI.
“It’s empowering. It means having the freedom to do what you want. Being a woman is often defined biologically, but to me, it’s about having the freedom to pursue your dreams—especially in this country. I think that’s what being a woman truly means: having the ability to follow your passion without limitations.
I’m actually freaking out—this is amazing! This is my first year performing, and I’m 21 years old. It feels so surreal. When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being here. What makes it even more special is that Lindsey Stirling has been an inspiration to me since I was 10 years old. It’s crazy! When I saw her in the Green Room, it was only the second time we had met, and she told me, ‘I might be announcing your performance.’ I was like, pinch me!
Being able to perform alongside people who have inspired me since I was literally 10 years old is just incredible—it’s a true pinch-me moment.”
Andy Grammer – Guest, Singer, Songwriter, and Record Producer
Andy Grammer first gained recognition with his debut music video “Keep Your Head Up,” featuring actor Rainn Wilson. The video was named iTunes Video of the Week in 2010 and later won MTV’s O Music Award for Most Innovative Video in 2011.
His hit single “Honey, I’m Good” became a massive success, earning triple-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and ranking among Nielsen SoundScan’s top ten best-selling songs of 2015.
Lindsey Stirling – Co-Host
A multi-award-winning violinist, dancer, and composer, Lindsey Stirling is renowned for blending classical violin with electronic music. With over 13.7 million YouTube subscribers and 3 billion views, she has built a global fanbase. Her electrifying performances consistently sell out iconic venues worldwide. Her chart-topping album, Artemis, reached number one on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Album chart. In 2024, she was honored with a She Rocks Award.
“It’s amazing to be part of the She Rocks Awards, and tonight is a special night. All the planets are aligning today in a very lucky astrological event, and when you combine that with female power, we are unstoppable.”
Jennifer Batten – Co-Host
A Musicians Institute graduate, Jennifer Batten has captivated audiences worldwide, from her Las Vegas residency with Cirque du Soleil to international tours, performing in both solo acts and band settings. She was honored with the 2016 She Rocks “Icon” Award and inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s “Gallery of the Great.”
Popbuff: What are some of the biggest challenges women in music still face today, and how can the industry collectively address them?
“You know, the music industry is challenging for everyone. I don’t really have a specific solution for overcoming those challenges, other than to keep playing music—because it’s a drive that’s within you. Whether you’re performing in front of an audience or playing at home, it’s something that will happen naturally because you simply can’t stop. And just seeing so many women thriving with passion right now is incredibly inspiring—it sparks even more to follow their dreams.”
MILCK – Guest
MILCK first gained national attention as a contestant on the inaugural season of The Voice. She rose to prominence in 2017 when a video of her performing her song “Quiet” at the Women’s March went viral, solidifying it as a feminist anthem for the movement. In 2018, she returned to the Women’s March to perform the song once again. That same year, she released her debut EP, This Is Not The End, which she promoted with a performance on The Today Show. She was also invited to perform at the Save the Children’s Illumination Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. In 2022, MILCK was honored with the “Vision” Award at the She Rocks Awards.
Popbuff: What does being here tonight mean to you on a personal level, and how does it reflect your journey in music?
“There are a lot of unknowns happening in our nation right now, and being in a space filled with positive energy is really comforting for my central nervous system—so that’s a personal win for me. I think being in spaces like this reminds me that there are people I can look up to and also people I can mentor. Just being part of this supportive ecosystem keeps me grounded and prevents me from getting too caught up in my own thoughts, especially when so much in the world feels uncertain.
And yeah, I’m releasing an album on February 14, so I’m spreading the word—and this is the perfect community to do that.”
The She Rocks Awards continue to be a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting the game-changers and pioneers redefining the industry.
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