AMP hosts inaugural West Coast Awards reception
The Elements Music and agency Droga5 were honored for its Ryan Barkan “Best in Show” winning ad for General Motors’ See You on the Road.
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The West Coast branch of the Association of Music Producers (AMP) held its inaugural West Coast Awards Reception at Playa Studios in Culver City.
While the annual AMP Awards show is traditionally hosted at Sony Hall in New York City, this special post-show celebration marked a strategic expansion to the West Coast, honouring the year’s "best work in music and sound in advertising."
The well-attended event drew many advertising music and branded entertainment professionals, including 2026 AMP Award winners, nominees, and a vibrant community of production and advertising partners. Guests enjoyed catered bites and craft cocktails while listening to a playlist curated exclusively for the event by HangTheDJ’s own Charlie Davis and Francis Garcia.
In a creative twist, the evening's winning work was showcased via a high-fidelity silent disco showreel. This allowed attendees to step away from networking and immerse themselves in the creative content at their own pace in a dedicated lounge area.
AMP West President Jean Scofield of Mophonics welcomed attendees and read an opening message from National President Amy Crawford of Massive Music. Following the welcome, Zeno Norris of West One Music and Liz Myers of Trivers Myers Music led a roll call celebrating all 2026 winners and nominees. Although the official winners were announced at the flagship AMP Awards Show in May, this reception marked the first time that the nominated work was integrated into a public showcase.
Among the evening's highlights, The Elements Music was celebrated as this year's Ryan Barkan “Best in Show” recipient for their collaboration with Droga5 on General Motors’ See You on the Road campaign. The Elements co-founders and co-Creative Directors, J. Bonilla and Ian Dalsemer, were in attendance to accept the recognition and express their appreciation to the AMP community.
Later in the evening, AMP Communications Director Darnell “Crooz” Crooms invited attendees to contribute to the AMP Scholarship fund. Spearheaded by AMP’s Social Impact and Inclusion Committee, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of music creators and foster greater diversity within the industry. The application portal for the scholarship remains open, with two recipients selected annually.
Broadly, AMP continues its ongoing mission to advocate for media music and sound professionals.
“It’s a joy to expand the spotlight on the creativity, craft, grit and partnership that defines the AMP Awards in New York – the community vibes in LA were strong,” Scofield said. "On the heels of this successful event, AMP West intends to establish the reception out here as an official annual event for years to come.”
