Who We Are
The Wavys is a trusted, influential music platform dedicated to celebrating exciting new talent. We fill a vital gap in the music industry by providing a dedicated space where independent, emerging artists can gain authentic recognition, community support, and meaningful career opportunities.
Since 2021, The Wavys has championed inclusion, diversity, and equitable access in an industry that traditionally favors established names. Our commitment to excellence has been honored by prestigious recognitions, including the Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Excellence Award, and sustained support from The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment since our inception. We proudly maintain a strategic partnership with KeyChange US, advancing gender equity in music leadership.
Our annual ceremony, The Wavy Awards, spotlights artists shaping the future of music—voices and perspectives historically underrepresented. Our mission is to uplift emerging artists by elevating their stories and fostering a vibrant, accessible music culture for all.
Through year-round initiatives, we provide visibility, connection, and validation that serve as career launchpads for independent musicians. Our supporters enable us to expand our reach, enhance artist services, and deepen community engagement, driving systemic change toward a more inclusive and innovative music industry. By investing in The Wavys, funders align with a pioneering movement transforming the discovery, celebration, and cultivation of music talent.
OUR
FOUNDERS
M The Myth
Artist, producer, & educator M the Myth is an electro-pop artist, producer, and community leader known for fusing cinematic soundscapes, raw emotion, and deeply personal storytelling. As co-founder of Blonde Records and The Wavy Awards, they’ve been recognized for their commitment to uplifting LGBTQIA+ and historically excluded artists.
Music Professional, Filmmaker, Rebecca Autumn Sansom
Rebecca Autumn Sansom is a community builder amplifying marginalized voices through art, as the Founder of The Wavys, and as a filmmaker. Recent projects center the Adoptee Experience (Reckoning with The Primal Wound, Fog Lift Events). With a focus on LGBTQ+, BIPOC, women, and artists with disabilities, Sansom advocates for inclusivity and ethical practices within the music and arts industries.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
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Kat Leander
Kat is founder of Symphonic Mind Body Coaching, and a Certified Life Coach accredited by the ICF. With experience as a Breathwork Practitioner, HR Professional, and Fitness Consultant, Kat serves as Partner Coach for The Wavys.
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Medusa
Medusa (they/them) is an artist and producer whose uniquely visceral sound emerged from Buffalo’s underground hip-hop scene, gracing stages like SXSW and NYC Pridefest. Beyond their DAW, Medusa is an advocate for gender equity in the entertainment industry, selected for Keychange U.S.'s inaugural cohort and the Audiofemme Agenda Grant. They are a member of Recording Artists and Musicians With Disabilities (RAMPD). Their songwriting has earned GRAMMY® recognition, and their perspective on Queer Liberation and Disability Justice has been published by outlets such as The Independent and GRAMMY.com. After journeying from Wavy Winner to Wavy Host, Medusa joins the advisory board with a dedicated history of championing historically excluded talent.
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Jon Harper
Jon Harper (he/they) is a NYC-based lighting designer and also the Chief Operating Officer of the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan. They have toured in the past as the lighting supervisor for Pilobolus, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, PS122, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. His design work has been recognized and awarded by the South-Eastern Theater Conference, LDI, Electronic Theatre Controls, and the Buffalo Artvoice 'Artie' awards. His work was selected to represent the United States in the Prague Quadrennial's Schools of Scenography exhibit at the PQ-2007.
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Andrea Jennings
Andrea Jennings holds a Master of Music (M.M.) degree with a focus on Music Business and Entertainment Industries. Her passion for music, law, TV, and filmmaking led her to create Shifting Creative Paradigms Entertainment and Productions®, where she develops transformative projects bridging access and inclusion gaps. Andrea is a keynoter, moderator, and panelist for numerous diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) panels advocating for social justice through the lens of disability culture, film, music, and art. Andrea's professional artistic work has been featured at Park Avenue Armory, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Rutgers University's Jack Tchen exhibitions. In addition, Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and The New York Times have recognized Andrea's advocacy work.
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Bella Smith
Bella’s values are as follows: music, disability, and things of substance. Her ever-growing list of vocations invariably combines the three. While Bella champions music of every genre, her favorites are pop, rock, country, folk, and Broadway musicals.
A note, from Bella: “It's rare for organizations to include outsiders, even though an outside perspective provides valuable insight. I can't wait to see what happens.”
Mission Statement
To discover, celebrate, and uplift the next generation of independent artists by providing authentic recognition, fostering a supportive community, and creating meaningful opportunities. We are dedicated to advancing inclusion and diversity in the music industry, cultivating an accessible and equitable landscape where all voices are heard and empowered to shape culture and inspire change.
Vision
To be the leading platform for emerging artists worldwide, recognized for championing diversity, authenticity, and innovation in music. We envision a future where the music industry is truly inclusive, barriers are removed, and every artist’s unique voice enriches a vibrant, culturally diverse musical landscape.
Core Values
Artistic Excellence: We honor artists who consistently push the boundaries of their craft, displaying exceptional talent, creativity, and skill. We celebrate those who exemplify the highest standards of artistic excellence.
Empowerment through Opportunity: We are dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for emerging artists. Through our awards, community engagement, and educational outreach, we empower artists to build sustainable careers and make their mark on the industry.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we aim to represent, seeking input and involvement from diverse individuals and organizations. This includes partnerships with community-based initiatives and platforms that uplift emerging artists.
Equitable and Accessible: The Wavy Awards prioritize accessibility in all aspects, ensuring that individuals can fully participate in the nomination and selection process. Our selection process is transparent, fair, and unbiased, with a diverse panel of industry professionals evaluating submissions to ensure a well-rounded perspective.
Continued Commitment: We demonstrate an ongoing commitment to our mission by regularly reviewing and reassessing our practices and impact. We adapt and evolve to address the changing needs of the music industry and the communities we serve.