In an Era of Exclusion: How The Wavys Are Leading Inclusion for Artists in Today’s Hostile Climate
A number of artists pose on the red carpet at The 5th Annual Wavy Awards
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Quad Recording Studios, New York, NY
In a time of increasing political hostility toward trans and autistic communities, The Wavys have set a new standard for inclusivity in the music awards landscape. The 2025 ceremony proudly featured winners who are trans (Boy Jr. for Zitty Stardust taking home The Song of the Year Wavy) and a dedicated team that includes autistic members, embodying the show’s core commitment to equity and representation. With live ASL interpreters and intentional accessibility measures provided by SignNexus via The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, The Wavys stand as the most inclusive awards show ever, creating a safe and celebratory space for marginalized voices to shine.
The 5th Annual Wavy Awards lit up New York City this weekend with a historic moment: Fiona Apple was honored with the Kristyn Potter Award, the Wavys’ most powerful recognition for artists who embody authenticity, courage, and uncompromising artistry through activism. Her music video for Pretrial (Let Her Go Home) was highlighted and honored by Michaela Jordan and Elana Lowe.
The awards ceremony and year-round initiatives provide visibility, connection, and validation that serve as a career launchpad for independent musicians. The Wavys are supported by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), which provides Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services. CART offers instant, live transcriptions of spoken language into text, supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including through ASL interpreters and live closed-captioning.
Rebecca Autumn Sansom, Founder of The Wavys: “The Wavys is about celebrating art as a human right.
M The Myth, co-founder of The Wavys: “These artists reflect the diversity, strength, and creativity that define New York City.”
Wavys Team: Rebecca Autumn Sansom, M the Myth (M the Myth Productions LLC), Medusa, Torin Rozzelle (Imperative Media), Jon Harper, Jenny Ward, Clare Jaymes (Clarity Events), Audrey Fortmeyer
Sponsors: New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Keychange, and Radical Wine.
Event Highlights
4:00 PM – Money Clinic for Artists with Kacie Luaders (Could Be Pretty Cool)
5:00 PM – Reception & Red Carpet
6:30 PM – Awards Ceremony featuring live performances and the presentation of the Kristyn Potter Award to Fiona Apple, hosted by Goldilocks
9:00 PM – After Party & Open Mic in the Penthouse
2025 Wavy Award Nominees & Winners
Artist
HEESU - WINNER
Songwriter
Underweight – DJ Pastor Rock
Stars in the Sky – Ciph Boogie - WINNER
Snow Angels – Rivita
Trust Issues – The Wanderer
She’s an Angel – Kalea Jordan
Live for the Moment – Stephanie Mae
Song for a Cause
TQIA – DJ Pastor Rock
Not Today Exploitation – Dr. Cyn & The Graduates Rise
Heterophobic – Holly Cinnamon - WINNER
Genius Daydream – Jenn DeSantis
Fight Fire with Fire – Sheryl Cohen
Burn – Contraforma
Music Video
(extra)ordinary – Julia Jade - WINNER
Waiting for You to Get Home – Michael Rider
Heterophobic – Holly Cinnamon
Did You Know? – Chanel & The Circus
What I Can’t Have – Piper Page
Pictures Fade Away – Luana Sandoval
Live Performance
Eliza and The Organix - WINNER
Production of the Year
DMGDZ – Grizzy Wynter
Sludge – Kisos - WINNER
Not a Saint – Dimitris Nezis
Purrr – Teamarrr
Beauty – Michael Rider
Aaliyah Interlude – Garfield
Take Me Away – Sherise
Song of the Year
Zitty Stardust – Boy Jr. - WINNER
Overdrive (feat. Goldilocks) – Bennett
I’m Not Your Perfect Daughter – Luana Sandoval
Trust Issues – The Wanderer
Stars in the Sky – Ciph Boogie
Guiding Light – Dimitris Nezis
Waiting for You to Get Home – Michael Rider
Invisible Man – Church Burglars
Ruthless – The Sea Tease
Serious – Piper Page
Album of the Year
Canary – Dr. Cyn & The Graduates Rise
One for the Road – Bennett
Songs of My Life – Luana Sandoval
Dimitrios – Dimitris Nezis
KITTEA CAT – Teamarrr
Toothache – Outer Shapes
Beauty – Michael Rider
The Elements of NaySoul Vol. 1 – Shanay Morant
Based on True Events – Piper Page - WINNER
Aftershocks – Matt Thompson
Performers
The Wavys is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit sustained by memberships, grants, and donations. Contributions directly support artists, workshops, and programming.
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