BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; BrettENTERTAINMENT Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayMARCH 3, 2021 Page 1 of 31 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Universal Music Group’s Sam Hunt’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville), debuts at No.Profit 1 on Billboard’s lion audienceMargins impressions, up 16%).Grew Top• Country TuneCore Albums Unveils chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earnedRewards 46,000 Program equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingas Indie to Nielsen Distributors Music/MRC Data. in 2020, Despiteand total Country Airplay No.Pandemic 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends SouthsideFend Off marks Major Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chartLabels: and fourth Exclusive top 10. It follows freshman LP BY ED CHRISTMAN Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He • David Crosby Sells vember 2014 and reigned for nineEven weeks. in Toa nearly date, year-long economic downturn, the hit 1.487 billionfollowed euros with ($1.68 the multiweek billion), orNo. a 1s20% “In Casemargin. You MontevalloLegendary has earnedCatalog 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionto in Irving album Azoff’s sales. Universal Music Group juggernaut posted a 3.8% In 2019, EBITDAYou” (three, totaled January 1.257 2018), euros “Mercy” billion (two,($1.412 August MontevalloIconic Artists has spent Group 267 weeksincrease on the list, in tying 2020, finishing the year with 7.43 billion billion) for a2018) 17.6% and margin. “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as theeuros sixth-longest- ($8.4 billion) in revenue — up 3.8% from 7.16 bil- On the other“Catch” hand, completescashflow his from longest operations journey to No.was 1, • Billboard Charts running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. having taken 46 weeks to reach the apex. It out- to Incorporate lion euros ($8.04 billion) in the prior year. down significantly to 50 million euros ($56.5 million) On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” Facebook Music Even more impressive, UMG grew operating mar- from 2019’s total of 704 million euros ($790.6 million) rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for Video Streams HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking Montevallogin. by more than two percentages as the company — which managementa new high. attributed to the timing of pay- posted 1.38 billion euros ($1.56 billion) — an increase ments for advances and signing some new publishing Hunt• Artists first Canreleased Thank the EPX2C , which debuted and peakedDolly Parton at No. for5 on Top Countryof 17.8% Albums over 2019’s in August operating 2014. Followingincome of 1.17COMBS billion ‘DOES’ deals.IT AGAIN Luke Combs’ “Does to Me” (River House/Columbia MontevalloThis $1.6M, Between Studio’s the Pines: eurosAcoustic ($1.31 Mixtape billion). started As ata percentage its No. 7 high of in revenue, Nashville), that featuringVivendi Eric Church management, ascends 11-8citied on releasesCountry Airplay, from The up 10% to NovemberEnhanced 2015. COVID-19 translates into an operating margin of 18.5%24.7 in 2020, million in audience.Weeknd, The Lil songBaby, is King Combs’ & Prince, eighth straight Juice World, career-opening Pop MontevalloProtections produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay: “Leave the Night On,” “Takecompared Your Time,” to 16.3% “House in 2019. Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles.Smoke, and BTS, as well as continued sales from Billie You Miss• The Me.” ‘Punk “Break Goes Up in a SmallWhile Town” Vivendi peaked atleadership No. 2. extolled UMG CEO LuChurch- adds hisEilish 15th and Country Post Airplay Malone, top for 10. driving revenue in 2020. HuntPop’ co-pennedSeries Laid all the 12 songscian on Southside Grainge and, including the rest “Body of management for Like a Back exercis- Going forward, the company cited upcoming re- Road,”Groundwork which was released For in 2017.ing rigorousThe smash cost hit ruledcontrol Country in a conference Airplay for callTHAT with TOOK QUITEleases ‘A fromFEW’ TaylorMONTHS Swift, Travis Justin Denning Bieber, shatters Lana the Del record Ray, for threeToday’s weeks and Dialogue the airplay-, streaming-Wall Street and analysts, sales-based they Hot also Country acknowledged Songs the that most weeks Selenait has taken Gomes, to penetrate Juanes, the Booba, Country Eddy Airplay de Pretto, top 10 asSamra “After chartBetween for a then-record Pop, Punk 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - some typical marketing costs like touring support, and and the Coming 2 America soundtrack. Floridaand Georgia Hip-Hop Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks atop the latter list in 2017-18). lion in radio reach. “Downtown’s Dead,” which isglamour also on thespending new set, this reached year Nos.didn’t 14 haveand 15 to be expandedThe song surpasses UMG’s two tracks2020 revenuethat took 50by weeksoperation: each to enter the top 10: on Hot Country Songs and Countrydue Airplay,to the pandemic, respectively, which in June curtailed 2018. “Kin live- televisionEaston Corbin ’s “ARecorded Girl Like You,”music which grew reached 5.9% to No. 5.97 10 euros in January billion 2018 be- folks” led Country Airplay on Feb.appearances 29, becoming and Hunt’s eliminated seventh concerts. No. 1. It hit fore peaking at No.($6.74 6 that billion) February, from and 2019’s Aaron 5.63 Watson billion’s “Outta euros Style,” ($6.33 which No.• 3BILLBOARD on Hot Country 200 Songs. Looking at other key profit ratios, UMPG’sachieved earnings its No. billion) 10 high in December 2017. LatestCLICK single HERE “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (continued) eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY

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Music publishing grew 12.7% to nearly Physical 15.8%. been revealed. 1.19 billion euros ($1.34 billion) from 2019’s Licensing and other 13%. They did at least assure analysts that 1.05 billion euros ($1.18 billion). (However, Braking down recorded music revenue by UMG is a company that “creates value, quar- Vivendi management added during the region: ter after quarter.” They also said they believe conference call that growth was boosted by North America grew 11.5% to 2.9 billion that streaming will continue to drive growth a one-time benefit in the second quarter; euros ($3.3 billion) from 2019’s 2.64 billion for the foreseeable future. otherwise the publishing operation would euros ($2.96 billion). The only thing that might have been new have had 10% growth year-over year.) Europe grew 2.7% to 1.79 billion euros for analysts was the assurance that the Spo- Merchandising dropped 39.6% to 292 ($2.02 billion) from 2019’s 1.174 billion euros tify stock holdings UMG gained in Spotify’s million euros ($330 million) from 2019’s ($1.96 billion). 2018 IPO would be included as a UMG asset 489 million ($549.1 million) euros, a 39.6% Asia grew 3.9% to 801 million euros ($905 when it becomes a publicly traded entity. decline. million) from 2019’s 771 million euros ($866 Vivendi management said that there Breaking down UMG’s 2020 recorded million). would be a Vivendi shareholder meeting on music revenue: Latin America dropped 1.6% to 181 million March 29 to modify the company’s bylaws Digital grew 13.14% to 4.24 billion euros euros ($204.5 million) from 2019’s 184 mil- so that UMG shares can be publicly traded. ($4.8 billion) from 2019’s 3.75 billion euros lion euros ($206.6 million). Subject to a favorable shareholder vote, a ($4.2 billion). The rest of the world dropped 15% to 256 shareholders’ meeting could be called be- Streaming grew 15.3% to 3.83 billion euros million euros ($289.3 million) from 2019’s fore the end of 2021 to vote on this distribu- ($4.3 billion) from 2019’s 3.33 billion euros 301 million euros ($338 million). tion of UMG shares, the company said in its ($3.73 billion). As a percentage of revenue, that breaks presentations. Downloads dropped 3.6% to 413 million out to: 00:00 of 10:03Volume 50% euros ($467 million) from 2019’s 428 million North America 49.3% 00:00 euros ($480 million). Europe 30% 10:03 Physical dropped 6.5% to 945 million Asia 13.4% More Videos euros ($1.07 billion) from 2019’s 1.01 billion Latin America 3% MRC Data Presentation: “Future Nos- euros ($1.14 billion). The rest of the world 4.3% talgia: How Catalog Earns as it Ages” | Licensing and other revenue dropped In light of the planned UMG public offer- Billboard Pro Spotlight 10.8% to 776 million euros ($877 million) ing, which is expected to happen later this One of the key revelations during the from 2019’s 870 million euros ($977 mil- year, analysts were keen to get more infor- conference call was that UMG’s investment lion). mation on profit levels and whether they in renewing contracts and acquiring music As a percentage of revenue, that breaks could be maintained going forward. Vivendi assets increased dramatically in 2020 to 1.52 out to: management, however, sidestepped all ques- billion euros ($1.71 billion) from 465 million Digital 71.2% (streaming 64.2% and down- tions about providing guidance; or on giving euros ($522 million). While UMG didn’t loads 6.9%). any more information than what has already specify what deals drove the increase, cer-

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 20 21 5TH ANNIVERSARY Raleigh Music Group was founded in 2016 by industry veteran As Raleigh’s reputation has grown, the company has partners Peter Raleigh and Steven Storch. The company is steadily built a contemporary roster of songwriters, artists headquartered in the heart of Times Square, NYC with offices in and producers and now publishes songs performed by or Los Angeles. In its first five years has experienced remarkable global featuring superstar artists including: Ariana Grande, Chris growth and expansion. Brown, Kid Rock, Madonna, John Legend, Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg, Cardi B, A Boogie, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, Lil Durk, The boutique music publishing company attributes its success to its Busta Rhymes and film and tv composers Randy Edelman “client first” approach to music publishing – delivering a high touch, and Rick Marotta. high service experience to a select roster of music publishing clients it represents. The company has benefitted from the support of Please join Billboard in congratulating Raleigh Music Susan Aberbach, an owner of the Elvis Presley catalog and an early group’s 5th Anniversary. stage investor. CONTACTS Raleigh’s client services are provided by A&R staff in NY and LA, a synch licensing team with strong relationships in the film/tv, Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advertising and gaming industries, and a first-class copyright and royalty administration department. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] The company’s best in class global sub-publishing partner network includes Budde, Café Concerto, Peer Music, Native Tongue, Supreme Cynthia Mellow Songs, Schubert, Cloud 9, GL Music, Clippers, Som Livre, Nichion, 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Geoff Paynter Music, Fujipacific, IDM, Pelikan and others. Marcia Olival Raleigh represents numerous iconic catalogs and songs including 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “A Little Less Conversation”, and “All Shook Up”, George Gershwin’s “Summertime”, “Let’s Call the Gene Smith Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take that Away from Me”, The 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, Gregmark Music’s “Stormy Monday”, Anthony Newley’s “What Kind of Fool am I” and numerous Debra Fink other classics. The company also represents the classic catalogs of 213.448.5157 | [email protected] Bo Diddley, America, Anthony Newley, Willy (Mink) Deville, Lords of Ryan O’Donnell the Underground, Trax Records, and many others. +447843437176 | [email protected]

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tainly the acquisition of Bob Dylan’s music “These days independent artists often teams, as well as assistance with digital mar- publishing catalog for more than $400 mil- behave like entrepreneurs, managing many keting, release planning, and help with their lion was a factor. if not all aspects of their own careers, be- social media presence. Legend status will Vivendi management pointed out that yond just the music,” Andreea Gleeson, the gain all the benefits of the Accelerator tier, by becoming a public traded entity, UMG co-head of TuneCore and its chief revenue along with what TuneCore is calling “VIP will be in a position to take advantage of officer, says in a statement to Billboard. artist support” and exclusive educational financing flexibility to pursue growth and “TuneCore Rewards places a roadmap to sessions. maintain its position as the premier music success in the artist’s hands, eliminating “Obviously we’d love to do one-to-one industry company. They reminded the ana- the guesswork. We provide them with the sessions with artists to be able to help lysts that things have changed dramatically tools and guidelines they need to grow their them, but that’s just not realistic, given that from 2014 when some where predicting the careers to avoid pitfalls and progress more we have hundreds of thousands of artists end of the music industry. quickly. It’s the first program of its kind and that use us,” Gleeson says in an interview I’m happy to announce it’s completely free with Billboard. “This is the best way we can to TuneCore artists.” provide something more intimate, but also TuneCore Providing quality artist services has be- scalable.” Gleeson says that TuneCore is come a focal point throughout the indus- working on adding experts from its part- Unveils Rewards try, with Sony Music snapping up indie ners at Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook to distributor and label AWAL for $430 million participate in its educational video content. Program as Indie in February, a move that Sony Music Group “We’ve shown it to Spotify, to YouTube, to chairman Rob Stringer said would give the Facebook, and everybody just loves what Distributors Fend label “another level of service to offer the in- we’ve put together. We’re going to be adding dependent music community.” A few weeks to it. The next phase is getting some of the Off Major Labels: later, Universal Music Group brought back experts at our store partners to participate the Virgin Records brand with the launch of and be a part of it.” Exclusive Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, as the TuneCore Certified will reward artists label looks to beef up its artist services offer- for hitting streaming milestones, ranging BY MICAH SINGLETON ings for indie acts. from 100 streams to 1 billion streams, with TuneCore, a subsidiary of French digital personalized digital plaques that can be n the latest sign that the competition music company Believe, was founded in easily shared on social media, bringing a is intensifying among music labels 2005 and has carved out a niche in the version of the Recording Industry Associa- and distributors to service the world’s crowded indie distribution space, with over tion of America’s (RIAA) Gold & Platinum fast-growing market of independent 1 million artists using TuneCore’s services Program to indie artists who may not have Iartists, TuneCore is taking a page from air- to date. Despite strong competition from the numbers to achieve gold status through lines, hotels and credit cards and rolling out DistroKid and CD Baby, which distribute the RIAA’s calculations. TuneCore says a customer loyalty program of its own. 2 million and 650,000 artists respectively, the Certified program will be retroactive Rather than points or miles, the 16-year- TuneCore has managed to continue grow- and consider past streaming totals, which old distributor’s so-called “TuneCore ing and has paid out more than $2 billion means most of the artists on its platform — Rewards” will go to artists who watch its to its artists, $1 billion of which was since who have earned over $2 billion since the educational “Master Class” videos, while 2017. TuneCore says its artists now earn TuneCore’s inception — will be eligible for a a new program called TuneCore Certified over $100 million per quarter, with its over digital plaque. will award artists with digital plaques for 200,000 hip-hop acts leading the way; hip- “For as much as TuneCore democratized hitting streaming milestones, the company hop artists earned more than $100 million in the music industry and made it easy for in- tells Billboard. streaming revenue in 2020 on TuneCore. dependent artists to distribute their music, TuneCore Rewards is currently in beta TuneCore Rewards has four standard these badges democratize the recognition of and will roll out at the end of March. The award levels — New, Emerging, Rising, and success and achievement, making it attain- “Master Class” videos are designed to teach Breakout — and two exclusive tiers called able for all levels of artists, from hobbyists artists about music promotion, release plan- Accelerator and Legend. Artists that have and beginners to full-time creators,” Glee- ning, and social media use, among other accrued over $1,000 in earnings from their son said in a statement. topics. The more videos an artist watches, music or have distributed more than 25 re- the more points they accrue, which can leases can bypass the first three tiers. Those be redeemed for things like free distribu- that reach the Accelerator level will get tion of an album or single or discounts on access to a one-on-one mentoring program TuneCore services. from TuneCore’s artist and partner relations 2021 TOP MUSIC LAWYERS

Behind every artist, songwriter and music produc- CONTACTS er is a trusted group of advisers who provide Joe Maimone guidance, advice and negotiate deals. Billboard’s 201.301.5933 | [email protected] 6th annual Top Music Lawyers list will recognize the biggest names and most prominent legal Lee Ann Photoglo minds in the world of music and 615.376.7931 | [email protected] entertainment law. They are the deal makers behind Cynthia Mellow the major contracts and lawsuits in the music 615.352,0265 | [email protected] industry. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] This feature will also include a round-up of top law schools attended by the notable alumni on the Gene Smith Top Music Lawyer list. 973.452.3528 | [email protected]

Please join Billboard in congratulating this year’s Ryan O’Donnell music power lawyers. Advertise and position your +447843437176 | [email protected] law firm to the decision makers in the industry who are always in need for the best legal counsel.

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his music remains as innovative and rel- content) into its song-specific charts, fol- David Crosby evant as it did when it was first created. I’m lowed by the addition of officially licensed thrilled that David has chosen Iconic to be music video streams (excluding UGC) into Sells Legendary the custodian of his legacy.” the album charts in January 2020. Azoff just last week announced the official “Music availability and consumption con- Catalog to Irving launch of Iconic, which is dedicated to pre- tinues to increase at a remarkable rate and serving the legacies of legendary artists by the industry has seen incredible innovation Azoff’s Iconic acquiring and managing their assets, and across many digital platforms,” said Sil- exposing their music to new generations. vio Pietroluongo, senior vp, charts & data Artists Group Along with the announcement came development for MRC Data and Billboard. Iconic’s first official partner, The Beach “We are excited to announce the inclusion BY TATIANA CIRISANO Boys, who entered into an intellectual prop- of Facebook’s U.S. Premium Music Video erty partnership with Iconic that covers the streams to Music Connect and to Billboard’s rving Azoff’s newly-launched venture group’s recordings, brand, memorabilia and charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, Bill- Iconic Artists Group has partnered select compositions. board 200 and Billboard Global 200, further with David Crosby on a wide-ranging expanding the most comprehensive view of deal to monetize the California singer- music consumption and trends impacting Isongwriter’s life work in the digital era, the Billboard Charts the business.” two parties announced today (March 3). “Artists deserve recognition in music Under the agreement, Iconic has pur- to Incorporate charts for the social capital they drive and chased the publishing and recorded music the social discovery they fuel,” added Ta- rights to Crosby’s catalog, which includes Facebook Music mara Hrivnak, vp of business development his solo work as well as his output as a mem- and partnerships at Facebook. “Adding mu- ber of The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Video Streams sic video plays on Facebook to the Billboard the later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The charts is an important step in the right deal also includes Crosby’s songs as a duo BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN direction.” with Nash. Hrivnak continued, “On Facebook, music “I’ve known David as a friend and have treams of officially licensed videos represent so much more than just the admired him as a great artist since our music videos on Facebook, which video itself — it’s about creating a new chan- earliest days at Geffen Roberts Management were added to the social plat- nel for social experiences around music so shortly after I moved to Los Angeles,” Azoff form on Aug. 1, 2020, in the U.S., you can discover a new artist from a music said in a statement. “This is an incredible Swill soon be factored into the Billboard Hot video shared by an artist you follow or a time to be involved with David and his 100, Billboard 200, Artist 100 and Bill- friend in News Feed, connect with other tremendous catalogue of music. He’s truly board Global 200 charts, as well as fans who share your passion in a Facebook one of music’s most prolific songwriters and all other charts that incorporate streaming Group dedicated to your favorite artist, and artists and I’m honored he has made Iconic data, it was announced Wednesday. react to a video in real time as it premieres, the steward of his timeless musical legacy.” The changes will take effect with the all on the same platform.” Crosby added that “given our current in- charts dated March 27, reflecting sales and Recent examples of high-performing ability to work live, this deal is a blessing for streams from March 12-18. Only data from music videos on Facebook include Ali- me and my family and I do believe these are officially licensed music videos will be cia Keys’ “Love Looks Better” as well as the best people to do it with.” factored in, with user-generated content exclusive premieres from Karol G (“Bicho- The partnership coincides with the 50th excluded from the tallies. Facebook video ta”), Sam Smith (“The Lighthouse Keeper”) anniversary of the artist’s debut solo al- plays are categorized as ad-supported on- and Phoebe Bridgers (“Savior Complex”). bum, If I Could Only Remember My Name, demand streams and represent U.S.-based All were boosted by heavy involvement from as well as the 51st anniversary of Déjà Vu, activity only. Within MRC Data’s Music the artists themselves, who took part in a the CSNY classic released in March 1970. Connect platform, Facebook videos will be variety of interest-drivers including live “David’s impact on music and culture included among On-Demand Video totals, sessions on both Facebook and Instagram, is only equaled by the lasting power of his with the data visible beginning with activity comment thread engagement with fans and beautiful and sophisticated songs,” Iconic on March 5. custom stickers and effects, among other founder/CEO Olivier Chastan said. “From This is just the latest push to incorporate elements. the gorgeous melodies of ‘Guinnevere’ video streams into official chart rankings. Forthcoming exclusive premieres on and ‘Déjà Vu’ to the biting messages of In February 2013, Billboard began factoring Facebook include music videos from Juicy ‘Wooden Ships’ and ‘Almost Cut My Hair,’ YouTube streams (including user-generated J, Becky G and Common. 2 0 2 1 PRIMARY WAVE 15TH ANNIVERSARY

On April 24, Billboard will salute Primary Wave Music on its 15th CONTACTS anniversary. Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] Founded in 2006, Primary Wave Music is home to some of the most iconic songwriters and artists across the history of recorded Lee Ann Photoglo music including Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks, Frankie Valli & the Four 615.376.7931 | [email protected] Seasons, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Burt Bacharach, Cynthia Mellow Olivia Newton-John, and many more. 615.352,0265 | [email protected]

With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville and Marcia Olival London, Primary Wave Music has embraced an entrepreneurial 786.586.4901 | [email protected] spirit, offering and executing proactive one-of-a-kind ideas, Gene Smith unique services and marketing campaigns for our artists. Primary 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Wave has earned a stellar reputation for being forward thinking and re-introducing classic artists and their music into the modern Debra Fink marketplace as well as nurturing young talent to become legends 213.448.5157 | [email protected] themselves. This success is based upon their team of seasoned Ryan O’Donnell and creative executives collaboratively working together closely +447843437176 | [email protected] with our artists as partners. As a company, Primary Wave strives for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but moments of culture.

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“Music videos on Facebook are unique After Nozell’s team was through gutting One of those was Brock Gonyea, a because they enable fans to build commu- and reinventing the two-studio Noz Enter- 25-year-old singer from upstate New York nity around the artists, songs, and content tainment in September, Parton took over the whose debut album comes out in April. He that they love,” Hrivnak added. “The music next month, recording and filming like cra- needed to be loaded with promotional con- videos that tend to perform best are often zy: 19 productions in all, including the one- tent, so Big Machine booked the Noz space ignited by a spark - by an artist engaging hour Holly Dolly Christmas Special, which for 48 hours; the label’s plan was to hire a with their community on Facebook, or a aired on CBS in December, a Pandora Live new backup band for Gonyea, which would public figure sharing their favorite video - performance around the same time, her “All spend a day learning the songs, then an that inspires fans to engage, comment, and I Want for Christmas Is You” duet with entire night recording live. Scott Borchetta share with their friends.” Jimmy Fallon in which Parton sat by a fake would conduct an interview, and a crew Facebook tells Billboard that the dis- fireplace, the audio for her “5 to 9” Square- would film Gonyea getting a haircut and covery and sharing of music videos on the space ad that aired during the Super Bowl, singing in an on-site shower. The label platform is fostered in a variety of ways. plus additional videos and content for Apple brought in 15 of its own staff, from makeup New releases are displayed in users’ news and Amazon. artists to camera people. feeds based on the artists and labels they “Dolly was sitting at home watching “It surprised Brock,” says Julian Ray- follow and are also easily found through herself get oversaturated everywhere,” No- mond, senior vp A&R for Big Machine. “It’s search and official artist pages. In Facebook zell says. a lot of work.” Watch, videos are surfaced according to the Like everybody, Nozell was initially frus- But the day before Gonyea was supposed artists a user follows, with the experience trated in early 2020 when his original plans to meet his band for the first time, Big Ma- personalized over time based on the content fizzled due to the pandemic: He had already chine ran into Nozell’s COVID-19 proto- they engage with. received a $25 million loan to build what he cols. Before any visitors can access the new believed to be Nashville’s only “major studio studios, they must go through four check- with filming and scoring big enough to put points. The label’s people had to drive there Artists Can Thank in a 100-person orchestra” on three com- in separate cars, submit to swab-up-the- mercial properties he’d recently purchased. nose testing, then wait two days for their Dolly Parton But a week before breaking ground in fateful results. It turned out Gonyea’s new guitarist March 2020, Nozell had to pivot, updating tested positive and had to be replaced. for This $1.6M his 10,000-square-foot warehouse with the “He was very bummed,” Raymond says. help of an engineer and contractor. “He wasn’t even sick. I had to find a guitar Studio’s Enhanced “We started basically from scratch,” he player to learn the songs in less than 24 says. hours. But Danny doesn’t take any chances COVID-19 Why go to all the trouble? “Dolly said and Sandi Borchetta doesn’t take any she wanted to do a Christmas album,” chances, either.” Protections says Nozell, who has managed the country- Nozell, an amiable, fast-talking manager music icon for 16 years, in addition to Barry whose website refers to him as “a titan of BY STEVE KNOPPER Gibb, Meat Loaf and others. He also saw the entertainment industry,” used to work broader opportunity. After Parton finished with Slipknot before taking over Parton’s hen Dolly Parton is ready her work at the completed studios, No- management. (Early on, she told Nozell he to make an album, what zell opened the buildings to other artists in a “went from darkness into light.”) she gets is a new, way that, he says, will pay for itself. In several interviews for this story, what 7,200-square-foot studio Country stars Dan + Shay, Bret Eldredge, he most wants to enthuse about is COVID-19 complex, completeW with a 15-by-60-foot Carly Pearce and Badflower have recorded safety. The studio’s HVAC system pumps in video wall for 200 hanging lights; 24-foot at the facility in La Vergne, about 17 miles fresh, outdoor air, as opposed to the more ceilings with wall-to-wall soundproof- southeast of Nashville. A major label standard recirculated kind; two nurses and ing; and 75 to 100 staffers so committed to (which Nozell wouldn’t name) recently two safety “officers” are on staff; the four COVID-19 safety protocols that one employ- brought artists into the space. And when checkpoints include temperature checks ee’s full-time job is turning an air-condition- Big Machine Label Group’s team showed and submission of previous testing results; er on and off. up in late January, CEO Scott Borchetta and and, yes, one employee’s sole job is to turn Parton’s manager, Danny Nozell, spent senior vp creative Sandi Borchetta brought the outside air-conditioners on and off so $1.6 million to convert a warehouse outside in six new artists, including Callista the HVAC system, despite being “silent,” Nashville over six months last year, and Clark and Conner Smith, to film acoustic won’t disturb recording. when he finished, A Holly Dolly Christ- performances and other video clips, using When Parton, who is 75, record- mas could finally proceed. “every corner of the studios,” Nozell says. ed at Noz last fall, Nozell “cleared the stu- Page 10 of 31

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dios” and reduced the staff to just three so- fratboy, Hossler bears little resemblance to a Metal, which featured bands like AFI, New cially distanced camera, lighting and audio young Patrick Stump. However, his version Found Glory, and The Ataris covering clas- techs. “We go above and beyond the normal of the emotional ballad is a straight-up pop- sic hair/thrash metal songs. By the end of COVID-19 protocol. We want to give every- punk song: palm-muted guitars, drumming the ‘00s, the comps became dominated by one a safe environment,” Nozell says, adding from Travis Barker, and a nasally belt in metalcore, post-hardcore, pop-punk, and that his staff retested all the Big Machine league with Pierce The Veil’s Vic Fuentes Myspace-born alt-pop acts — the same staffers after Gonyea’s guitarist tested posi- and Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn. trajectory that Warped Tour and Fearless’ tive. Ten years ago, a pop artist at jxdn’s tier — competitors took throughout the decade. By After the studios first opened in the fall, who has a co-publishing deal with Warner 2006, the Punk Goes series had cracked the the nurses he’d hired from nearby Vander- Chappell and racked up over 200 million Billboard 200 albums chart, but 2008’s Punk bilt University tested a couple of No- worldwide streams in his first year as a mu- Goes Crunk was the first significant splash zell’s employees positive for the virus — so sician — would have no business reuphol- (peaking at No. 86 on the Top 200) and he promptly sent them home and tested stering the hit of the day into a Warped Tour it marked a distinct pivot from nostalgic them regularly before they could return. anthem. That duty was fulfilled by pop- themes (‘80s, ‘90s, older metal staples) to During productions, all employees are re- punk, metalcore, and Hot Topic-adjacent covers of present-day radio hits. quired to quarantine in “approved hotels” in alt-pop acts who were recontextualizing However, the very existence of Punk Goes addition to daily testing. The way Nozell de- Top 40 pop and hip-hop for the moshpit via Crunk highlights the stark generational scribes the recording process is akin to the Fearless Records’ iconic Punk Goes Pop se- distinctions between pop-punk of then and NBA’s approach for playing games during ries. Now, everything is topsy turvy. Celebri- now. Its Pen & Pixel-style cover art depicts the pandemic last season. ty artists like jxdn are the ones doing novelty a hooded white dude decked out in bling, “We got into a bubble,” he says. “It’s not pop-punk covers, and melodic rappers like and despite its title referencing a specific cheap, but we want people to feel safe. We Machine Gun Kelly and 24kGoldn are top- breed of Southern hip-hop, the compilation don’t take any chances. If there’s a doubt, ping the charts with songs that resemble the was a melting pot of myriad rap, R&B, and we’re not going to do it.” pop-rap-punk hybrids that filled the Punk pop songs covered almost unanimously by Goes tracklists in the late aughts and early white pop-punk and metalcore bands. Say 2010s. In essence, pop is going punk. Anything’s dry cover of ODB’s “Got Your The ‘Punk Goes “We’re sitting here in the studio every- Money” attempts humor in the quickly day making this music, and knowing that dated subgenre of “well-spoken white guy Pop’ Series Laid we’re changing pop,” says Hossler while reciting rap lyrics like stuffy poetry,” and zooming in from sunny L.A. The 20-year- most of the songs on the comp hinge on the Groundwork old has spent the last year working on his similarly condescending tropes. forthcoming debut album with Barker and It feels both sonically and culturally For Today’s producer Andrew Goldstein (who’s gone archaic to hear after the last decade; an era from producing Punk Goes Pop covers to when emo-rap facilitated a mutually benefi- Dialogue Between writing for the likes of Britney Spears and cial crossover between traditionally “black” blackbear), and he’s ecstatic about making a and “white” genres. Mainstream rappers Pop, Punk and festival-ready pop album that’s directly in- like Lil Uzi Vert and Juice WRLD embraced spired by Taking Back Sunday. “I tell Travis, pop-punk vocals and won over alt com- Hip-Hop ‘I don’t want to get too pop,’ and he’s like, munities, while Mac Miller graduated from ‘Bro, you’re making pop. We’re renaming fratboy whisperer to genuine auteur, and BY ELI ENIS what pop is.’” figures like Post Malone and Jack Harlow To see someone like jxdn, who fell in love became comfortably embraced by main- n January 19th, TikTok star with genre-smashing rappers like xxxten- stream pop and hip-hop fans alike, in a way Jaden Hossler, who started tacion and Juice WRLD in high-school Macklemore ultimately wasn’t. making music last year as long before he found traditional pop-punk, Crunk was the only time Fearless made jxdn, released a cover of Olivia namecheck former Punk Goes contribu- a hip-hop-specific comp, but many of the ORodrigo’s global smash “Drivers License.” tors All Time Low as a reference is wild. covers on the Punk Goes Pop editions of the There’s nothing unusual about a rising artist That’s mostly because the series originated late aughts and early 2010s — the ones that putting their own spin on the most popular as a tool for Fearless artists to reach for the charted at No. 15 (2009’s Punk Goes Pop 2) song in the world, but it was the sound and mainstream crossover potential that jxdn al- and No. 16 (2012’s Punk Goes Pop 5) on the style of jxdn’s rendition that made it feel ready has, as an artist who signed to Elektra Billboard 200 — either fumbled with racial like a watershed moment: As a social media Records after his first song. appropriation or were just plain cringey. star who could be mistaken for your local The first one was 2000’s Punk Goes In their grating metalcore cover of Kanye Page 11 of 31

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West’s “Mercy,” The Word Alive’s white vo- crossover pop and trap-influenced records Halsey’s recent collabs with MGK and for- calist didn’t censor the song’s multiple “n”- with transparent rock elements — are global mer Warped Tour stars Bring Me the Ho- words, which might explain why it’s been chart behemoths. rizon signal that she’s preparing to reboot scrubbed from the Punk Goes Pop 5 tracklist “You listen to alternative radio and her teenage scene kid days. And although on streaming services. Cute Is What We Aim you’re hearing Juice WRLD or blackbear Papa Roach preceded the Punk Goes era, For’s acoustic flip of T.I.’s “Dead and Gone” or 24kGoldn or Post Malone,” he says. “It TikTok star Jeris Johnson doing a reloaded into something you’d hear during a Journeys would be hard for some of the artists in our melodic trap version of “Last Resort” feels in-store session is actually kind of charm- world to do a unique spin on those pop acts. relevant to mention. ing, but their stiff, passionless rap delivery We definitely wouldn’t be able to do MGK, “There’s not a single person in the f—king sounds like a relic from that era. You can that is our music.” (Guitar could not be industry right now who isn’t turning their hear the friction between the pop-punk reached for additional comment about some ear [to pop-punk],” Hossler says gleefully. delivery and the rap composition scraping of the series’ more unfortunately dated ele- “They hear real drums and they’re like, together in real-time, and the result is a ments.) ‘What’s that?’ Because they know it’s com- song with all the tension of a middle-school The classic Punk Goes Pop songs even ing.” dance where everyone is avoiding eye con- feel antiquated compared to what could be 24kGoldn might be the most salient tact except for the two weirdos in the center considered their present-day spinoffs. The example of this new top-down relation- of the room who are awkwardly grinding on post-hardcore band Our Last Night have a ship between pop, rap, and the type of punk one another. surprisingly successful YouTube channel that formerly hit its ceiling with rotation Meanwhile, Forever the Sickest (nearly 2 million subscribers) where they on Alternative radio. The 20-year-old was Kids’ chug-laced rendition of “We Found post high-quality covers of modern hits like included in XXL’s 2020 Freshman Class and Love” and Like Moths To Flames’ pitchy Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” blackbear’s his latest single features a verse from Da- take on “Some Nights” are too gimmicky to “Hot Girl Bummer” and Justin Bieber’s Baby, but his torrential hit, “Mood,” topped be offensive — but they do feel like snap- “Intentions.” Unlike Punk Goes metalcore the Hot 100 and the Hot Rock & Alterna- shots of a time when heavy music and pop covers, like For All Those Sleeping’s guttural tive Songs charts simultaneously. Another had a much more antagonistic relationship rendition of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With squeegeed pop-punk song of his, “City of with one another. Even though metalcore Me,” Our Last Night’s covers have a clean, Angels,” could easily be mistaken for a for- bands of the time were loading their own utilitarian feel to them. They’re not winking mer Fearless band like The Summer Set—a music with beaming pop hooks, there was at their listeners and approaching the songs group who were nominally pop-punk in the still an ambient hostility toward “tradition- from a place of rockist superiority. way 24kGoldn is nominally rap. Both are al” pop that proliferated throughout their How could they? If the music Machine basically making pop music, except now the scene. But when Attack Attack! and Upon Gun Kelly and blackbear are making today river is running in the opposite direction. This Dawning covered Katy Perry and came out ten years ago, it likely would’ve From Hossler’s vantage point, the next Carly Rae Jepsen, it exposed just how landed them one Warped Tour stage over couple years are going to give way to a full- much these bands loved the opportunity to from Our Last Night. jxdn himself is a hu- on pop-punk renaissance that will dominate cosplay as pop stars, while still keeping their man manifestation of that one degree of post-COVID festivals and continue to dunk tongues in their cheeks by littering the ar- separation between those acts. His latest on the charts like MGK’s unexpected No. 1 rangements with bludgeoning breakdowns. song “Better Off Dead” was co-written by smash, Tickets to My Downfall, did last fall. “In being a rock band, there’s some- streaming-friendly Billboard Hot 100 deni- He’s sure of it. times that idea of, ‘Oh, I don’t listen to pop zens blackbear and Lauv, so now the types “The fact that we’re up there running music, I’m too cool for that,’” says Shane of marquee pop artists that a band like Our this s—t, feeling like we’re on top of the pop Guitar, Fearless’ VP of Music Sales and Last Night are covering (blackbear) are in scene, is the coolest thing in the world,” Merchandise who’s marketed every Punk the studio with artists they could reasonably Hossler says. “I’d say that’s the most punk Goes release since 2009. From his vantage tour with (jxdn). you could get — f—king up somebody else’s point, the comps gave fans (and bands) the These interactions between pop, rap, and scene. And that’s what we like to do.” go-ahead to launder their pop taste through the types of pop-punk and metal that were niche forms of rock music. “I can say, ‘I once siloed from the pop zeitgeist are ines- like this band,’ but there’s no way I can say, capable. TikTok denizen Ashnikko flipped ‘I like that pop artist,’” he explains. That Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8r Boi” into a pop-trap rigidness between underground rock and banger on her recent mixtape, which has pop still exists in some form today, but it chunky guitars and nasally pop-punk melo- feels largely outdated in a post-genre world dies all over it. Rico Nasty’s “iPhone” uses where Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” and glitzy auto-tune and squeaky synths that Bad Bunny’s El Último Tour del Mundo — feel akin to older Breathe Carolina, and Page 12 of 31

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what we can all accomplish together.” The Everly Brothers. UTA Buys U.K.- Senior agent Belinda Law and a group Rowe’s career started in 1979 at CBS of rising star agents including Myles Jes- Records, initially as a lawyer in its Business Based Echo sop, Tom Jones, Jack Clark, Hannah Shog- Affairs Department before rising to presi- bola, Kazia Davy and Ishsha Bourguet will dent of Sony Music Publishing from 1991 Location Agency join Asika at UTA. to 2005. (The company was renamed Sony ATV Music Publishing in 1995.) BY DAVE BROOKS Hipgnosis has been on a head-turning Hipgnosis spending spree. This year alone, the nited Talent Agency has an- company has snapped up rights of produc- nounced the acquisition of Songs Poaches ers Jimmy Iovine and Bob Rock, Colombian U.K.-based Echo Location Talent singer Shakira, rock legends Neil Young and Agency. Publishing Vet Lindsey Buckingham, and more. UFounded in 2012 and led by Obi Asika, Mercuriadis isn’t finished buying-up big. Echo has grown its agent and artist roster in Richard Rowe On the recruitment of Rowe, he comments: recent years by focusing on emerging genres “I look forward to having him work closely including Afrobeats, grime, drill, hip-hop BY LARS BRANDLE with me as we grow and manage our portfo- and electronic music with an international lio of proven hit songs.” client roster that includes Alesso, Dip- erck Mercuriadis’ Hipgno- Hipgnosis’ investment advisor, The Fam- lo, Major Lazer, Marshmello, Wizkid and sis Songs Fund Limited taps ily (Music) Limited, has a “pipeline catalog” more across a mix of international territo- publishing veteran Richard currently under due diligence or late-stage ries. Rowe as executive vice presi- discussions at a combined purchase price Asika will serve as co-head of UTA’s U.K. Mdent, effective immediately. of over £1 billion ($1.4 billion), according to office alongside Neil Warnock. Rowe joins the acquisitive company a company prospectus issued January. “Obi and his team have built an impres- from Round Hill Music, the business he sive business and have done excellent work co-founded in 2010 alongside CEO Josh taking their artists to the next level,” said Gruss and its president Neil Gillis. Ex-Ticketmaster UTA chief executive Jeremy Zimmer. “He As vice chairman of Round Hill Music, is a highly respected leader in the music Rowe took the lead on a string of deals from Global COO industry and is well-versed in the global Carlin Music to Eddie Holland, ArtHouse entertainment marketplace. This acquisi- (Kara DioGuardi), Eric Carmen, Brody Amy Howe Hired tion further amplifies our efforts to expand Brown, Randy Bachman, and the Gil catalog UTA’s presence, and I know that alongside which included six songs by The Beatles. as President of Neil, Obi’s leadership, drive, and passion Prior to that, Rowe co-founded R2M will be a vital addition not only to the UK Music Publishing. FanDuel office, but for UTA at large.” Rowe made his mark with the Sony Music As co-head of the U.K. office, Asika will be Group, in particular its music publishing BY DAVE BROOKS responsible for driving UTA’s growing music division, which he helmed for 15 years as business as well as expanding into comedy, president. ne of Ticketmaster’s most cel- sports, marketing, and other verticals. Asika Today, Rowe is “one of the most impor- ebrated executives Amy Howe is will report to co-heads of worldwide mu- tant and successful executives in the music heading to sports gaming and sic Samantha Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck. industry,” Mercuriadis acknowledges in daily fantasy site FanDuel, “Throughout the years Echo has been a statement. “He helped build Sony ATV Owhere she’ll serve as president in a newly approached by several suitors, and as we into the company it is today and played an created position across the company’s core evaluated the agency landscape, UTA’s important role in bringing Round Hill Music commercial functions. strength, ingenuity and true commitment to Royalty Fund successfully to the market in “From my perspective, this is a once-in- their artists really stood out. UTA was ulti- the wake of Hipgnosis.” a-career opportunity,” Howe tells Billboard, mately the perfect fit,” said Asika. “Jeremy, Mercuriadis paid tribute to Rowe’s “in- describing sports gaming and wagering as Sam, David, and Neil have shown strong and credible” dealmaking skills, including the the “growth industry of the decade right thoughtful leadership as they have built out partnership with Michael Jackson bringing now.” the music division and the company’s global The Beatles copyrights to Sony ATV, and Howe is a Cornell grad, a Wharton School influence. I am so proud of what the team the acquisition of Acuff-Rose Music which alumni and a former partner at McKinsey & at Echo has achieved and I am fired up as to included the catalogs of Roy Orbison and Company, the consultancy firm that advises Page 13 of 31

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a number of Fortune 500 companies. That nity, openly promote mental health care and list of McKinsey clients includes Live Na- Sony Music create a healthier culture for songwriters tion, where Howe went on to work for six and employees.” years as the chief operating officer and later Publishing Teams Das added, “We are truly grateful to Jon global chief operating officer for Ticketmas- Platt and Sony Music Publishing for this im- ter. With Silence the portant collaboration around an issue that Working with former president Jared has often been taboo in the music industry. Smith beginning in 2014, Howe and Smith Shame on Mental Our goal is to educate this community on led the company through one of its most mental wellness and to provide effective successful periods of innovation and com- Health Program coping mechanisms, strategies and resourc- mercial growth, signing major clients across es for healthy and productive living.” sports and music while introducing new BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Das founded Silence The Shame (for- technologies like Verified Fan and Safetix. merly Hip-Hop Professional Foundation) in “The two of us really spent the last seven ony Music Publishing has teamed May 2016 with the goal of normalizing con- years transforming both the ticketing indus- with the mental health nonprofit versations around mental health, specifically try and Ticketmaster specifically,” she says. Silence the Shame on a new multi- within communities of color. Last year, the “From mobile entry to the aspiration that year program that aims to expand former music executive told Billboard she 100 percent of fans that are coming in to any Smental health resources to its songwriters was inspired by her own history of mental venue in the world do so digitally unlocks and employees, it was announced Tuesday health issues, which struck shortly after she tremendous growth potential,” she said. (Mar. 2). departed her high-level job at Universal/ Howe will work out of the company’s Los Dubbed The Soundtrack of Mental Motown in 2009. Her subsequent appear- Angeles office where she’ll focus on spear- Health, the global program — which is ance on Atlanta urban radio station V103 heading the continued growth of FanDuel, part of the $100 million Sony Music Group to discuss mental health issues sparked the which is owned Flutter Entertainment, Global social justice fund launched in idea for the nonprofit. reported a revenue increase of 81% in 2020 June — will offer educational trainings “I said people shouldn’t be afraid to speak at $967 million, according to Legal Sports and support for Sony Music Publishing’s up,” said Das at the time. “They should just Report. songwriters, employees and the greater silence the shame. That stuck with me and “And 2021 is already off to an incredible music community. The first trainings under as I went home and thought about it for the start, as well as you know, within the first 28 the initiative begin in April and will also be next few days, I was like, ‘Man, I really need days alone, we surpassed a billion dollars in available to employees and creatives at Sony to do something with this.’” handles,” which is the total amount wagered Music Entertainment. During the pandemic, Silence the Shame at a sports book. Created by Silence the Shame founder launched a virtual fundraiser series, Dance “Today we have retail sports books in nine and former music executive Shanti Das, The to Donate, as well as an Instagram talk series states and mobile [sports books] in another Soundtrack of Mental Health will offer a entitled Yeah Wellness, which hosted artists 10 States,” Howe notes. “That number is just broad range of workshops for self-care, in- including Ludacris, Chuck D, Estelle, Mi- going to continue to grow every year as the cluding coping techniques, stress and anxi- chelle Williams, Common and Swizz states start to get more organized around ety management, and a wellness curriculum Beatz. legalizing gambling.” for leaders. It will additionally provide trainings on mental health awareness and suicide prevention that will teach managers Gaana’s CEO Is and employees how to spot signs of mental health crisis in colleagues. Leaving the Indian With the new partnership, Silence the Shame has set a goal of training 10,000 cre- Audio-Streaming atives, musicians and executives by 2023. “The past year has put a spotlight on how Service we treat mental health in our industry, and overall society – we must break the stigma BY AMIT GURBAXANI and be proactive in our support,” said Sony Music Publishing chairman and CEO Jon UMBAI — Prashan Agarwal, Platt. “This partnership with Shanti and the CEO of Gaana, is leaving Silence the Shame will help Sony Music the Indian audio-streaming Publishing, and the greater music commu- M service. Page 14 of 31

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Gaana, which is jointly owned by the Gaana’s main competitors in India’s betical list of the top vote-getters by rank- Times Group and Tencent, announced his crowded audio-streaming market are Jio- and-file voters. They then listen, discuss and departure early Wednesday (March 3) on Saavn, which is owned by telecom behe- vote. Their votes alone determine the final LinkedIn, confirming news that was leaking moth Reliance Jio and also claims over 150 nominations. out and surprising many in the Indian music million MAUs, and Spotify, which is fast The Recording Academy’s idea in forming industry. Neither Agarwal nor Gaana has gaining traction since its launch in India in these committees was that experts in each said where he might move to next, or who February 2019. of the genre fields would be more apt to be would replace him. Prior to his half-decade stint with Gaana, really plugged in, and less apt to vote for Agarwal said on LinkedIn that he was Agarwal co-founded property website sentimental favorites, big names or best- “stepping down” from his role as CEO. He PropTiger and held leadership roles at jobs sellers. thanked his colleagues, music industry portal Naukri and GE Infrastructure. But the Academy’s heavy reliance on partners and investors for putting “so much committees raises a fairness issue. Is it trust and empowerment in enabling me to fair to allow a small, handpicked group of deliver.” Who Picks insiders (about 15-18 in the genre fields, Under Agarwal, who joined as COO in about 25 or more in the so-called “Big Four” 2016 and was promoted to CEO in 2018, Grammy categories) to second-guess the wishes of a Gaana has grown into one of India’s leading 14,000-member academy? Something could audio-streaming services. Gaana’s customer Nominees? conceivably rank first with rank-and-file base has increased exponentially each year, voters and not even get nominated. from about 25 million MAUs in late 2016 to General Voters The move to nominations review commit- over 185 million MAUs in August 2020, the tees began in 1989 with classical, followed platform has said. Decide in Just 12 by jazz. Gaana amassed much of this audience The committee approach was adopted in in less-populated cities — tier-II, tier-III of 84 Categories the “Big Four” categories — album, record and tier-IV cities — which the platform has and song of the year, plus best new artist — keenly targeted with a combination of tiered BY PAUL GREIN in 1995, after controversy erupted over some pricing, regional Indian language content of the 1994 Grammy nominations. Some and user-friendly features such as voice- ou probably know that the argued that album of the year nods for Tony based search. final Grammy nominees in the Bennett and The Three Tenors — and Agarwal and his team have also been so-called “Big Four” categories none that year for alternative or hip-hop quick to cater to changing consumption are determined by a nomination artists — showed that the Grammys were patterns by launching a string of original reviewY committee. And you may be aware out of touch. projects, such as Gaana Originals, a series that similar committees decide the final Many more genre fields shifted to com- of exclusive Hindi and Punjabi “non-film” nominees in various genre fields. mittee review in the next two decades. The or commercial pop singles the service has But you will probably be surprised to most recent fields to fall under the commit- been releasing since 2017. Gaana also started learn that rank-and-file Grammy voters tee umbrella are rock, dance/electronic mu- staging the multi-city Punjabi music festival determine the final nominees in just 12 of 84 sic, rap, new age and global music (formerly Crossblade in 2018, and in mid-2020, follow- categories. known as world music). ing the ban on TikTok in India, it unveiled In a whopping 59 categories, rank-and- The biggest fields (by number of catego- HotShots, a short video platform. file voters vote in the first round and then ries) in which the final nominations are However, revenues have not kept pace nominations review committees have the still decided by rank-and-file voters are pop with the rise in MAUs. While the number final say in determining the nominees. (with four categories) and music for visual of paid subscriptions grew 2 1/2 times in The final nominations in the remaining media (with three). the first half of 2020 compared to 2019, they 13 categories are determined by so-called The biggest fields (by number of catego- accounted for a little over a third of the total “craft committees.” ries) in which nominations review com- income. At the end of the 2020 fiscal year, With the 63rd annual Grammy Awards mittees make the final determinations are Gaana’s losses had risen more than 82% less than two weeks away — they will be American Roots music and classical (with from the previous financial year to Rs352 presented on March 14 — it’s a good time to eight categories each) and R&B, jazz and crore ($48 million). Last August, Gaana explore this. gospel/Contemporary Christian Music received fresh rounds of funding from exist- According to the Recording Academy, (with five each). ing investors, the Times Group’s digital arm here’s how it works: In each of the catego- Despite the clear overall trend to nomi- Times Internet and Tencent, which now ries that are reviewed, nomination review nations review committees in most fields, owns almost 35% of the company. committees are presented with an alpha- the nominations in pop — arguably the field Page 15 of 31

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with the highest profile — continue to be tions for the 64th Grammy nominations in Notes (often called Liner Notes) (1) decided by rank-and-file voters. the category. Historical (1) The nominations in the rock field are Here are the 84 current Grammy catego- Production, Non-Classical (best remixed reviewed by a committee; the nomina- ries, broken down into four groupings based recording) (1) tions in the alternative field are not. These on how the voting is conducted. They are Production, Immersive Audio (1) are distinct fields, but there’s a significant listed in the order that they appear on the degree of overlap: Five acts have won top Grammy ballot. album honors in both fields: Beck, Cold- Final nominations are determined by Leila Cobo play, U2, Green Day and The Black Keys. direct vote of rank-and-file voting members In 13 categories, the nominations are (12 categories) Talks ‘Decoding determined by craft committees — which Rank-and-file voting members also vote in are different from nominations review the first round of voting. ‘Despacito’’ Oral committees, though they operate similarly. Pop (including Traditional Pop) (4) The biggest field (by number of categories) Alternative (1) History Book on in which a craft committee makes the final Reggae (1) determinations is Composing/Arranging (3). Spoken Word (1) Latin Songs That In seven of these 13 craft categories, rank- Comedy (1) and-file voters vote in the first round. In the Musical Theater (1) Have Stood the other six, rank-and-file voters play no role in Music for Visual Media (3) the nominations process. Final nominations are determined by Test of Time Within one field — production, non- nominations review committees (59 catego- classical — there are two approaches as to ries) BY GRISELDA FLORES who votes in the first round. In two of the Rank-and-file voters vote in the first round. categories in the field — best engineered al- General Field (a.k.a. “The Big Four”) (4) racking the stories behind some bum, non-classical and producer of the year, Dance/Electronic Music (2) of the biggest Latin songs of the non-classical — rank-and-file voters vote in Contemporary Instrumental Music (1) past fifty years that have stood the the first round. In the third — best remixed Rock (4) test of time – from José Felici- recording — rank-and-file voters have no R&B (5) Tano’s 1970 “Feliz Navidad” to Luis Fon- involvement. Rap (4) si and Daddy Yankee’s 2017 “Despacito” According to the Academy, the nomina- Country (4) – was the goal of Leila Cobo, Billboard’s vp tions review committee in the Big Four New Age (1) of Latin music, with her new book Decod- categories reviews the top 20 picks of Jazz (5) ing “Despacito”: An Oral History of Latin rank-and-file voters, while the nominations Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music (5) Music. review committees in the genre committees Latin (4) The collection gives behind-the-scenes reviews the top 15 picks of rank-and-file American Roots Music (8) looks at 19 anthemic songs that “defined voters. In the genre committees — but not Global Music (formerly known as World movements and moments,” as Cobo writes in the Big Four committee — they have the Music) (1) in her book. “All these songs, they have option of replacing up to two of the listed Children’s (1) several things in common — one of them be- candidates with write-ins (provided the Classical (8) ing that they are very different to what was write-ins were released in the eligibility Music Video/Film (2) playing at the time,” she says. “None of them year). Final nominations are determined by craft sounded like anything [else] at the time and This is designed to give late-breaking re- committees (7 categories) I think that was key to their success.” leases, or simply worthy entries that voters Rank-and-file voters vote in the first round. In a span of nearly two years, Cobo — an may have missed, a second shot at qualify- Composing/Arranging (3) authoritative voice in Latin music, and ing. Production, Non-Classical (best engineered writer for Billboard since 2000 — collected One category, best immersive audio al- album, non-classical and producer of the accounts from key players (including artists, bum, will not be presented this year, owing year, non-classical) (2) songwriters, producers, managers, execu- to difficulties in convening a craft com- Production, Classical (2) tives and the arrangers) behind needle- mittee posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Final nominations are determined by craft moving tracks ranging from an array of In a unique solution, the nominations for committees (6 categories) genres such as salsa, reggaeton, ballads and the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in this Rank-and-file voters play no role in these corridos. category will be announced next year in ad- nominations. In celebration of the book’s release, Fonsi dition to (and separately from) the nomina- Package (2) will sit down with Cobo for a virtual conver- Page 16 of 31

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sation at 7:00 p.m. ET in partnership with have been hits in 2021, or does timing play a all over radio. Then the remix started get- Books & Books. (You can register here.) Be- major role in each song’s success? ting played — but it was not a No. 1 like low, Cobo discusses Decoding “Despacito” No, I don’t think all would have been hits “Rompe.” But the song I have there is “Gaso- An Oral History of Latin Music. in 2021. And I think timing does play a huge lina,” not “Rompe.” In the prologue you write, “their growth role. Definitely some things are ahead of Which contemporary songs, that you has been my growth; their breakthroughs their time, and some things are a little late, didn’t include in your book, would you want have also been mine.” What did you mean and that’s why they don’t hit. But all these to know the backstory of? by that? songs, they have several things in common There are so many. I want to do “Tusa,” I interviewed Luis Fonsi when he was just — one of them being that they are very dif- I think it’s a great song. I would like to do a starting — I think I was still at the Miami ferent to what was playing at the time. None Romeo Santos song — probably “Cancionci- Herald — so being able to work at a place of them sound like anything [else] at that tas de Amor.” And another one I want to do where you can begin covering someone specific moment and I think that was key to is “Danza Kuduro.” I don’t know the story right at the beginning of their careers and their success. behind that song, and I would really like to follow their growth is really wonderful. And After studying these 19 Latin songs, what know it — ‘coz it’s a Brazilian song, and I that’s the case for most artists in this book. would you say has been Latin music’s big- think that song is very cool. There’s a lot! I think that’s what allows you to have these gest ally? If I did a part two, I would also include lasting relationships with them, where you Right now streaming is a humongous ally. Maluma in there with “Hawái.” In five interview them when they are just start- It really cannot be overstated. Because of years, we’ll see what new Latin songs have ing, when they’re in the middle and when streaming, you have everyone around the remained. they’re superstars. It does say something world listening to Latin music — and you As a writer, journalist, musician, what about you having believed in them at the be- can see it as it’s happening, and that has do you take away from this collection of ginning, and it also makes you happy when been so powerful for us. Because if not, it stories? people that you kind of pushed do well. would’ve been impossible to convince some I take away many things. I take away that What sparked the idea for this book? And people that this [music] was important. I the artists that made these songs take their how did you land on the concept for it? think from a business perspective, streaming craft really seriously — even songs that Penguin [Random House] wanted a his- is a great ally. appear to be frivolous and superficial, like tory of Latin music, and the idea started to And then just from a musical perspective “Macarena,” are songs that were done with be tossed around after “Despacito” some- — I know this will sound cliché, but Latin these two guys that were born with a guitar, where in 2018. They called me and asked if is a very musical culture, you can’t over- that’s all they do. Sometimes we think that I would be interested in writing, and I really state that. There’s places you go to in Latin just because it’s a hit and it’s an easy hit, that was hesitant because I thought a history America where there’s music everywhere all the artists behind them are flippant. I think of anything was kind of boring and I didn’t the time. that they’re anything but — that they’re know if anyone would read it. We went back Is it harder for artists to create memo- super-committed and take these things and forth on what a history would be and at rable songs or to make a hit in the 21st very seriously. I think that’s one thing. The first I said, “Let’s do just an oral history of century? second thing is that they’ve all worked really Latin music.” But that was really hard for I don’t think it’s harder. I think it’s equally hard. me to grasp. I thought, “God this book is go- hard. The thing is now there’s so much And, the third thing, what is really beauti- ing to be so long and so hard to write” that I music coming out all the time that you have ful about all these stories, is how open all of couldn’t wrap my head around it. to dig to find those hits. I think its different them were. Like, no one was saying, “Oh no And finally, I don’t remember how I to have a song that’s a hit now, and it reaches you can’t be in my song because you’re not came on the idea — which isn’t my idea, it’s No. 1 and has millions of streams — but it Latin, or because you’re Spanish, or because a Billboard idea — but it comes from “The doesn’t mean that that song is a hit hit. In you sing English or Spanish, or because you No. 1s,” which is when we do the history of other words, it doesn’t mean that 10 years do another kind of music.” That was never the songs [that top the Billboard charts], be- from now we’ll be singing it. And these 19 part of the conversation. They were just cause I love writing those. It tells you every- songs, 50 years have passed and we are still doing music with people that they wanted thing about the song. So, I took out all my singing them. And I think that’s a big differ- to do music with, and whoever made sense. “Despacito” notes and all my “Despacito” ence. And the mix of cultures and of genres and of interviews that I had ever done. I put them All these songs, not all of them were hits languages in these songs is amazing to me. all together in this cool chapter on “Despa- in their time, but I think they’ve all stood That I really take away, especially in a time cito,” and I sent it to them and they loved it. the test of time. A great example is Daddy when people are so intent on dividing every- They asked, ‘Can we do a whole book like Yankee’s “Gasolina” — it was a hit, it just thing or putting everything in a box. this?” And I said yes! wasn’t a hit in the traditional way at the When I spoke with Jorge [Hernández] Do you think that these 19 songs would time. It wasn’t No. 1, it wasn’t being played from Los Tigres del Norte, and he started Page 17 of 31

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talking about Arturo Caminante — it’s not Ricardo Montaner and most recently, Fito the first time he’s told the story, but it was Páez, have played major livestreams. Postmates to the first time I heard it, and I thought, that’s But Anthony’s show seems poised to be- extraordinary. Jorge spoke no English then come the largest ticketed Latin livestream, ‘Sustain the — he was 18 years old, he had just arrived thanks to the mix of the artist’s strong live from Mexico — and he pairs up with some appeal coupled with a massive marketing Scene’ With British guy from Liverpool that speaks no and promotion effort that includes both lo- Spanish and he says, “Hey, I have a song that cal and international efforts. New Initiative you guys should record.” Like, how does “Our goal is to make this the biggest that even happen? It just blew my mind. Ev- Latin global livestream to date,” says Nelson to Benefit eryone was welcome to participate. I really Alabareda, CEO of Loud & Live. “Marc is hope that of all things, Latin music would be a huge ticket seller and a guy who sells out Independent a point of bringing people together versus a everywhere he goes. But can only do 100 place where people would be divided. shows a year. How do his fans [in far-flung Music Venues places] see him?” “The first thing we did was an analysis BY RANIA ANIFTOS Marc Anthony of social media to really understand where those Marc fans are,” adds Albareda, whose s music venues continue to To Perform ‘One company counts marketing as one of its big- remained closed amid the gest strengths. COVID-19 pandemic, some of Night Only’ Based on the result of that analysis, Loud the nation’s beloved indepen- & Live partnered with local promoters in dentA locations are at risk of shutting down Livestream: markets like Venezuela (Emporio Group), permanently. Tu Boleta (Colombia), Bizarro (Chile) and To help combat that unfortunate reality, Exclusive Planet Events (Spain). In these cases, the Postmates, Dublab and Restless Nites are livestream is being treated as an actual teaming up to launch Sustain the Scene. BY LEILA COBO live show with traditional marketing and Starting on March 12 in Los Angeles, the promotion, including radio spots and out of nonprofit initiative will help participating arc Anthony, one of the home advertising like Billboards. Sponsors venues reopen for delivery to return much- world’s top touring acts, will are also targeted by country. Walmart will be needed revenue. perform a single livestream a U.S. sponsor, for example, while Ameri- Sustain The Scene will also provide op- concert that will be promoted can Express and Avianca are coming in for portunities for local communities to support Mand marketed for global consumption. Colombia. their favorite independent venues by order- One Night Only, set to stream April 17, is According to Albareda, ticket prices will ing food from exclusive new menus, cocktail expected to be seen by over 100,000 fans hover in the $20-$40 range in all territories. packages, custom co-branded merch and gift worldwide, according to organizers. For those seeking a plus, there will be an cards that can later be redeemed for concert One Night Only will feature Marc after party hosted by Alex Sensation with an tickets — all available to order through Anthony performing a full-length show added bump to the ticket price. Postmates. accompanied by his full band of 20-plus “We think this is going to be an historic Additionally, the initiative will hold musicians and featuring “surprises.” The moment for a legendary artist,” says Michel livestream performances from the venues show will be produced by Magnus Studios, a Vega, co-founder and CEO of Magnus. “It’s for music fans worldwide. division of Magnus, Marc Anthony’s sports a love letter from Marc to his fans after not The first round of venues includes The and entertainment company. performing for nearly a year.” Regent, Lodge Room, El Cid, Catch One, Worldwide marketing efforts will be led The Comedy Store, Akbar, The Eagle, The by Loud & Live, the Miami-based entertain- Lash, 1720 and ETA in Los Angeles and The ment, marketing, media & live events com- Alibi in Palm Springs, and more will roll out pany. Video and film director Carlos Perez, in the coming weeks. of “Despacito” and “Vivir mi Vida” fame, See the full venue, food and livestream will direct the special, which will stream lineup below, and sign up for Post- from Miami. mates here. Donations to Sustain the This is certainly not the first livestream by Scene can be made here, which will then a major artist since the shut down of major be equally distributed to each venue in the touring last year. Big names like J Balvin, program. Page 18 of 31

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Sustain The Scene Livestream Concert came in at No. 10, demonstrating Anuel can Lineup (more dates to come): Here Are the 10 be a hit maker in multiple arenas. - Friday, March 12, 2021 at 8 p.m. PT Bad Bunny – Girlpool, Vinyl Williams, MIKE/dj black- Nominees for It’s safe to say that 2020 was Bad Bunny’s power year. A year ago on Leap Day (Feb. 29, - Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 6 p.m. PT Artist of the Year 2020), the Puerto Rican hitmaker, whose – Light Asylum, ADULT., Patriarchy, Second up for eight awards, dropped his record- Skin, John Fryer (This Mortal Coil), Xavier at 2021 Latin breaking album YHLQMDLG, which landed (3TEETH) at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 becoming - Friday, April 2, 2021 at 8 p.m. PT – Star- AMAs the highest-charting all-Spanish-language crawler, ESPRIT/George Clanton, MIKE/dj album ever on the all-genre chart. Fast for- blackpower BY BILLBOARD STAFF ward to May, he dropped Las Que No Iban a Food Lineup: Salir (No. 7 peak on the Billboard 200) and The Comedy Store x Prince Street Pizza rom reggaeton/trap heavy hitters in November, he unleashed El Último Tour - Comedy Store is partnering with Prince to 21st century regional Mexican del Mundo. The 16-track set became the first Street Pizza for three pizza and soda com- pioneers, the 2021 Latin Ameri- all-Spanish album to reach No. 1 on the Bill- bos. can Music Awards artist of the board 200 shattering one of the last ceiling Lodge Room x Burgerlords Fyear category’s 10 nominees are Anuel glasses for Latin artists, as Billboard’s Leila - Lodge Room is partnering with Burger- AA, Bad Bunny, Christian Nodal, Daddy Cobo wrote in her column. lords for the Lodge Room Loud Pack. Yankee, Eslabon Armado, J Balvin, Karol Christian Nodal The Lash x Something Good LA G, Maluma, Ozuna and Sech. In addition to artist of the year, Nodal is - The Lash is partnering with Something The Latin AMAs announced the complete nominated for favorite male artist, favorite Good LA food truck for family meal packs list of nominees for this year’s awards show. solo regional Mexican artist, favorite re- and individual brunch, lunch and dinner Leading the tally are Karol G and Balvin gional Mexican album for AyAyAy!, and fa- items. with nine nods each. Bad Bunny follows vorite video for the Angela Aguilar-assisted El Cid x Burritos La Palma with eight and Ozuna with seven. “Dime Como Quieres.” With his nominated - El Cid is partnering with Burritos La Nominees are based on key fan interac- album, Nodal earned his third straight No. Palma for several Mexican favorites. tions with music, including streaming, sales, 1 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart ETA x The Greyhound airplay and social activity tracked by Bill- as a deluxe reissue of Ayayay! pushed the - ETA is partnering with The Greyhound- board through its data partners MRC Data set 15-1 on the Sept. 26 survey. “I want to for classic wings, veggie wings, pizzas and and Next Big Sound for data covering the take Regional Mexican to the next level,” he fries as well as a selection of cocktails periods of Jan. 17, 2020, through Jan. 21, previously told Billboard about his experi- The Regent 2021. mental fusions including cumbia, salsa, ‘70s - The Regentis offering a selection of clas- The 2021 Latin AMAs are set to take rock, and more. sic pizza favorites, wings, small bites, salads place April 15 live from the BB&T Center Daddy Yankee and dessert from Prufrock Pizzeria in Sunrise, Fla. The Latin AMAs return Daddy Yankee had a promising year with Catch One after the show went on hiatus in 2020 due many collaborations that included Sech, - Catch One will offer a large variety of to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Play-N-Skillz, Zion & Lennox, Anuel AA, melts, chicken sandwiches, wings, mac n sixth annual ceremony will be broadcast on and Kendo Kaponi, to name a few. He closed cheese, tater tots, onion rings, fries, choco- Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. ET with the off 2020 with his Marc Anthony-assisted late chip cookies, brownies and more. red-carpet pre-show followed at 8 p.m. ET salsa “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta,” which ar- 1720 by the awards show. rived at No. 6 on the Hot Latin Songs chart - 1720 will offer a selection of sushi Below, a breakdown of the 2021 Latin (dated Dec. 26). Yankee and Marc also from Umi. AMAs artist of the year nominees. scored their first No. 1 together as “De The Alibi Palm Springs Anuel AA Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” landed atop the Latin - The Alibi Palm Springs will offer an Anuel displayed both his artistic and Airplay chart dated Feb. 27, earning Yankee array of cocktail party pack options and ac- commercial prowess with not one but two his 23rd leader, which places him as the art- companying plates albums reaching the top 10 of the Billboard ist with the third-most No. 1s. If you purchase an independently re- 200 in less than 12 months. Anuel’s sopho- Eslabon Armado viewed product or service through a link more effort, Emmanuel, debuted at No. 8 Based in Patterson, Calif., Eslabon Ar- on our website, we may receive an affiliate and veered from soulful to hugely commer- mado — brothers Pedro (18, lead vocalist) commission. cial with massive hits like “China.” Less than and Brian Tovar (17, bass and bajoloche), 12 months later, Los Dioses, with Ozuna, along with friend Gabriel Hidalgo (19, Page 19 of 31

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harmony and background vocals) — started rank on the chart. Maluma is up for four awaiting a return to the festival grounds recording music in the Tovars’ garage in awards including favorite male artist and where we will reunite our community and early 2019. By 2020, the sierreño trio, Bill- song of the year for the”Hawái” remix. celebrate the role of art and music in provid- board’s January chartbreaker, had scored Ozuna ing us hope when we need it the most.” three consecutive chart-topping albums: Tu The prolific hitmaker delivered two No. 1s The festival is set to once again take over Veneno Mortal, Vibras de Noche and Corta on Top Latin Albums —a solo album, ENOC 18 city blocks from Sept. 17–19 with 170,000 Venas. Eslabon is up for five awards includ- (El Negrito Ojos Claros) and the joint Los attendees over the course of the three-day ing favorite regional Mexican album for Tu Dioses with Anuel —within five months of event. Previous years have hosted big acts Veneno Mortal and favorite duo or group. each other. That, together with collaborative including Billie Eilish, Chance the Rapper, J Balvin hits like “Caramelo” and “China” continue Kanye West, Foo Fighters and more. J Balvin is up for nine awards includ- to make Ozuna a force to be reckoned with. Over the past year, the live music industry ing his Black Eyed Peas-assisted “Ritmo” He garners seven nominations, including has faced a series of cancellations and nominated for song of the year, favorite Artist of the year. postponements for festivals and concerts urban song, and collaboration of the year. Sech but a string of recent announcements seem The song, which samples Corona’s mid- In the midst of the pandemic, Sech to be placing faith in a return to live events ’90s smash, earned Black Eyed Peas their dropped his sophomore studio album 1 of 1, this fall. first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart home to 21 tracks including his banger “Re- On Feb. 24, Cárdenas Marketing Network (dated Jan. 4, 2020) and Balvin’s eight. Bal- lacion.” With this set, the Panamanian artist (CMN) announced Maluma’s 30-date arena vin’s Colores is also up for album of the year claimed his second top 10 on the Top Latin tour slated to kick off on Sept. 1 in San Jose, and favorite urban album. The set, released Albums chart, where it pushed 15-4 on the California. CEO of CMN Henry Cárde- during quarantine, surged 32-2 on the Top June 6, 2020-dated survey following its first nas told Billboard last week that they have Latin Albums chart (dated April 4) after full tracking week. “The title represents that had many conversations with all the arenas registering its first full week. I’m unique and that there’s no one like me in Maluma plans to hit and “They agreed that Karol G this genre. Everyone is unique. This album between now and September, things will The top Latin female artist on Billboard’s too,” he previously told Billboard. The star- have returned to normal.” Cárdenas added year-end charts was Karol G, whose hits studded remix to “Relación” with Daddy that there are contingency plans – such as seem to grow exponentially bigger with Yankee, Rosalia, J Balvin, and Farruko limiting capacity – if the pandemic worsens every release. The Colombian star started peaked at No. 2 on the Hot Latin Songs chart later in the year. 2020 with “Tusa,” which hit No. 1 on Hot dated Sept. 19, 2020. In January, New York’s Governors Ball an- Latin Songs in late 2019, then delivered “Bi- nounced it would be moving its 2021 edition chota” which peaked at No. 3. In fact, Karol to Sept. 24-26. The Randall’s Island festival G was the only female artist on the year-end Life Is Beautiful typically takes place in June. “We’ve decided Hot Latin Songs artist chart beside Nicki to move the 2021 show to a time of year that Minaj, who made the tally on the strength of Plans to Return is both more realistic and safer for all,” said her appearance on Karol G’s “Tusa.” More festival producer Founders Entertainment impressive, perhaps, was Karol G’s ability to to Las Vegas in in a release. deliver hits both as a soloist and a collabora- “While there is still uncertainty in the tor. September world, we are watching problems evolve Maluma into possibilities and are beginning to see The Colombian star released his highly- BY TAYLOR MIMS all the right signs,” added Life Is Beautiful’s anticipated Papi Juancho label late August Weniger. “Much like most of our audience, securing his fourth straight top five set hree-day music festival Life Is we’re excited to reacquaint ourselves with a on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart Beautiful has announced plans to world where discovery and serendipity are as set bowed at No. 2 on the Sept. 5, 2020 return in September after the pan- once again the norm. We’re ready to hear survey. Featuring guest appearances by demic canceled the 2020 edition. those three magical words echo from the Yandel, Lenny Tavarez, Justin Quiles, Ñengo TA lineup will be announced at a later date, stage, ‘Are you ready?’ Most importantly, Flow, and others, the track’s standout single but early bird tickets go on sale Thursday. we’re ready to feel the power and connec- “Hawái” ruled the inaugural Billboard “It’s a good day when you get to announce tion that comes with Live experiences.” Global 200 Excl. U.S chart back in Septem- that LIVE is back,” said Justin Weniger, Life Passes for Life Is Beautiful go on sale ber. A remix of the track dropped later in Is Beautiful partner, in a statement. “In the Thursday with early bird pricing starting at November featuring pop star The Weeknd. darkest days of 2020 when everything else $295 for the weekend. A lineup is expected The remixed tracked surged from No. 60 stopped, the Life Is Beautiful community to be announced in the coming months. to No. 12 on the Hot 100, Maluma’s highest kept us moving forward. We’re eagerly Page 20 of 31

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the bank the 39-year-old singer originally And we asked her several times if she’d Britney Spears’ requested to oversee her finances instead wanted to update us because now she knows of her father. Ingham also told the judge different information, but she declined.” Dad ‘Would that he wanted to make sure Bessemer had Billboard has reached out to Britney’s equal decision-making powers to Jamie or reps for comment. Love Nothing else “the appointment of Bessemer Trust The next court hearing in Spears’ conser- would be rendered meaningless,” according vatorship case is set for March 17. More’ Than for to court papers he filed. “Jamie never contested or objected Conservatorship to Bessemer being appointed as his co- Chartbreaker: conservator. And at the last hearing, it was to End, Lawyer reported that Jamie was trying to get more LOONA Cracked power than his co-conservator, and that is Says completely inaccurate,” Thoreen added. the Code to a “What we were arguing is that Jamie and BY HERAN MAMO his co-conservator should have equal power; K-Pop U.S. Radio that was always consistent.” ritney Spears’ father Jamie Penny declined to suspend Jamie from Crossover Spears has publicly declared his his central role in the conservatorship in wish to see his daughter’s court- a Nov. 10-dated hearing, after Ingham BY CRYSTAL BELL ordered conservatorship over the said Britney fears her father and will pause Blast 12 years come to an end. her musical career as long as he remains in OONA member Yves didn’t believe His attorney Vivian Lee Thoreen, who charge of it. it at first when the K-pop girl recently appeared in the Framing Britney Even though Jamie told CNN in Decem- group debuted on Billboard’s Pop Spears documentary, shared Jamie’s state- ber that he hadn’t spoken to his daughter in Airplay chart last month with its ment with CNN on Friday. The New York months, Thoreen told the publication last Lsnappy synth-pop single, “Star.” Times documentary has caused renewed week that the entire Spears family quaran- “It sometimes feels unrealistic,” she says interest in the ongoing conservatorship that tined together in their Louisiana home at over Zoom from a conference room in Seoul. has controlled the pop superstar’s life and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandem- Reality will sink in, she believes, when she career for more than a decade and subse- ic. CNN obtained videos of the family from and LOONA’s 11 other members can all quently sparked the #FreeBritney move- the two weeks they spent together, which travel safely to the United States and hear it ment. revealed the pop superstar riding bikes and on the radio for themselves. “[Jamie] would love nothing more than playing in the yard alongside her father, Only a handful of Korean acts have expe- to see Britney not need a conservatorship,” mother Lynne Spears, younger sister Jamie rienced that singular thrill. Despite K-pop’s Thoreen told CNN. “Whether or not there Lynn Spears, and her nieces. strong physical sales, booming streaming is an end to the conservatorship really Jamie was first appointed by the court to numbers and titanic influence on social depends on Britney. If she wants to end her oversee Britney’s estate and person in 2008 media (LOONA alone has 1.6 million Insta- conservatorship, she can file a petition to after she suffered serious mental health gram followers), it has long struggled to gain end it.” issues that were publicly exacerbated by traction on American radio, an institution She continued: “Jamie is not suggesting media and the paparazzi, as seen in Framing that doesn’t play a lot of non-English pop that he is the perfect dad or that he would Britney Spears. songs. So Korean artists looking to break receive any ‘Father of the Year’ award. Like Samantha Stark, the documentary’s through on U.S. airwaves typically adapt any parent, he doesn’t always see eye-to- director and producer, told Billboard that to the market with strategic label partner- eye on what Britney may want. But Jamie she originally requested Thoreen to appear ships, Western collaborations, and English- believes every single decision he has made in the documentary for her expertise in language singles — and LOONA has adopted has been in her best interest.” conservatorships before she began work- the lattermost option with “Star.” Britney’s court-appointed attorney ing with Jamie. “We wanted somebody who Before LOONA ever attempted to cross Samuel Ingham III reminded Judge Brenda believed in the system to tell us why. And we over, though, the group — whose members Perry during a Feb. 11 hearing in Los Ange- knew she had worked on the case for three range in age from 18 to 24 — promoted each les Superior Court that his client didn’t want months in 2008, when Britney was getting member individually before debuting as a her father as her conservator. Jamie serves her temporary conservatorship,” Stark said. 12-member unit under its Korean manage- as the co-conservator of Britney’s $60 mil- “We were surprised that soon after that ment company, BlockberryCreative. In an lion estate with Bessemer Trust Company, interview, she rejoined Jamie’s legal team. atypical move, the members of LOONA were Page 21 of 31

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announced over a two-year period: each ative prioritized local promotion, investing month, a new face was revealed to the public in digital advertisements and a billboard in Mike Stock — hence its Korean name, , which Los Angeles in support of LOONA’s third translates to “girl of the month” — along EP, [12:00] (pronounced “midnight”), which Looks Back on 36 with a solo single. Throughout this ambi- hit No. 112 on the Billboard 200 last October. tious pre-debut process, three official sub- “Star,” included as a B-side on the EP, was Years of Stock- units were formed (1/3, ODD EYE CIRCLE, recorded in English as a gift for LOONA’s yyxy), and an elaborate fandom was created international fans (the Korean-language Aitken-Waterman called the LOONAverse. version of the track is called “Voice”). And As Heejin, Hyunjin, Haseul, Yeojin, ViVi, its music video, which arrived in November Smashes Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, Yves, Chuu, Go and has since earned over 10 million You- Won, and Olivia Hye were introduced, the Tube views, was the bow on top. BY FRED BRONSON spectrum of LOONA’s sound only grew “Having a full English song was the best more diverse, from the saccharine bombast way we could get attention from the radio ack on May 10, 1995, an executive of Chuu’s “Heart Attack” to Kim Lip’s hazy stations,” a representative from the group’s from the peermusic office in Los R&B to the future bass intensity of JinSoul’s U.S. team says. “LOONA has no feature with Angeles, Brady L. Benton, was “Singing in the Rain” to the Grimes features a Western artist. It’s just LOONA.” spending a few days in London on yyxy’s synth-heavy “love4eva.” Mean- As such, the song had to appeal to main- Bon business. That afternoon, he made an while, the anticipation for the full group to stream audiences with a trendy retro sound extracurricular trip to Hundred House finally arrive grew more feverish. that ushered in a change in LOONA’s sonic in South London, where Mike Stock and “We were happy to be the main char- direction. Go Won was excited to show a Matt Aitken had their offices and studios. acters,” Chuu adds. “It took a long time to “different side” of LOONA, while Olivia Hye Although the music publishing expert was debut as a whole, but I’m proud that we’ve thinks the message of togetherness is more an industry professional, he was also a created our own unique characteristics.” important than ever: “You can understand mega-fan of the Stock-Aitken-Waterman Looking back, Heejin, who joined the and enjoy it easily because it’s meaning- team. While waiting to meet Mike and Matt, company as a trainee at 15, says she was ini- ful without being too complicated,” she he was escorted into a room where the walls tially worried about the unusual process. “At says. Adds Jong Hyeon Lee, CEO of Block- were adorned with dozens of gold and plati- first, there were lots of concerns, wondering BerryCreative, “I want LOONA to become a num records, mostly for the team’s work if this project will be able to gain attention group that overcomes cultural and language with Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. from the public since it was something very barriers globally.” Overcome with emotion, he broke down in new,” she says. “Now, I’m very proud of my “Star” has climbed to No. 32 on Pop tears (of joy), just one example of the love [solo] album and the fact that [our projects] Airplay in its fifth week on the chart, garner- and devotion fans around the world have became what makes LOONA so special.” ing 3.5 million on-demand streams, ac- long held for the trio affectionately known The intensive launch strategy culminated cording to MRC Data. It has also been the as SAW. in August 2018 with the release of LOONA’s most requested song on iHeartRadio Most This week marks 36 years since Stock, first official single, the hyper and hooky “Hi Requested Live for five consecutive weeks, Aitken and Waterman had their first No. 1 High.” While the LOONAverse was a cre- with LOONA fans reaching out to individual hit in the U.K.: Pete Burns’ group Dead or ative concept and fictional world built with stations and DJs around the country to Alive reached the top of the British singles the group’s fans, Orbits, in mind, LOONA request more spins. chart on March 3, 1985 with “You Spin Me has done fairly little press in the U.S., aside “It just grew and grew, and we got lucky,” Round (Like a Record).” It was the first of from a 2019 performance at KCON LA. their U.S. rep says. “Now radio DJs and pro- 13 No. 1 singles for SAW in the U.K. The an- Without much name recognition in America moters are like, ‘Hey, we want to meet these niversary of that auspicious beginning was beyond Twitter and no support from a major girls.’ Because the fan engagement is crazy.” reason enough to catch up with Mike Stock label — but a strong belief in the crossover A version of this article will appear in to talk about his long and successful career potential of “Star” — BlockberryCreative the March 13, 2021 issue of Billboard. as a songwriter, producer and label founder. doubled down on an expansive global strat- Let’s go back to childhood. What is your egy. earliest memory of becoming aware of That plan started with the launch of a dig- music? ital initiative last October called “Map of Or- My earliest memory is of my mother bits,” a website where LOONA’s fans could listening to a classical piano piece on BBC register to become a star in the group’s radio around 1954, and though I remember galaxy, with thousands of stars surrounding that moment to this day I can’t remember LOONA’s moon. From there, BlockberryCre- the name of the piece, but I knew I liked Page 22 of 31

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“music.” I soon found out that a lot of the old songs ing was the way forward. I told the band Was music played in your home? Did I liked were composed by a few writers that the last gig we’d do would be the Royal your parents enjoy music, and what did they whose names kept coming up. Irving Berlin, Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London listen to? for example, and Richard Rodgers and Oscar on New Year’s Eve 1983. The rest of the Mum sang a bit. Dad was an entertainer in Hammerstein. Then later, of course, Len- members decided to wander off but Matt World War II. He played rudimentary piano non and McCartney. I also seemed to really said he would come with me. We went into and ukulele. My older brother, who died last like the chart hits, or the hit parade as we the studio I had built under my house, to year, was lead viola in the German National called it back then. Popular hit songs were pursue fame and fortune through songwrit- Opera Orchestra. My younger sister studied definitely working with me. ing and record production. In January 1984, music at the University of Wales; she also What was the first song you ever wrote? less than a month later, we took our idea for died a few years ago. They both went to “The Thunder and the Lightning.” When a female Frankie Goes to Hollywood to Pete the local grammar school and had music you’re seven and there’s been a big electrical Waterman and he got it immediately and lessons. My other siblings and I missed out storm over your house, it leaves an impres- by Feb. 14 we were in the Marquee Studios on the grammar school and music lessons. sion. Wardour Street, making the first Stock Ait- I don’t think my parents could afford it for Did you have another profession in mind ken Waterman record. all of us. as you were going to school, or did you That would have been “The Upstroke” by What was the first 45 you purchased? know you wanted to be a musician? Agents Aren’t Aeroplanes. Tell me about the First album? I thought I might be an actor. Something band. There was a battle in our house in the in the arts. I went to audition at famous Frankie Goes to Hollywood had big late ‘50s between who liked Adam Faith and London acting schools, but no grants were success. We thought we’d sign up a couple who liked Cliff Richard. My elder brother available and my parents could not afford it. of great looking girls, make a dance/boys liked Adam, but my surviving sister liked Someone said go to university. Nobody from town, Hi-NRG track and we might have a Cliff. Strangely, my departed younger sister Swanley Comprehensive had ever gone to chance. We were honing our skills at that married the composer Johnny Worth, who university. Surprisingly I got the grades at point and working in a good quality London wrote Adam Faith’s big numbers “What Do the advanced level in English and art and studio was a great thrill but a bit daunting. You Want?” and “How About That!” I didn’t won a place at the University of Hull to I’d never seen a sampler until then. Boy, was take sides and kept my powder dry until the study drama and theology. This was in 1971. that a revelation! Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” To When did you first meet Pete Waterman? What strengths did each of you bring to purchase that single, which cost six shillings And first meet Matt Aitken? the team? and fourpence, I boarded the number 423 I first met Pete Waterman when he was Matt is a bit more technical as a musician, Bus to Dartford, entered Challenger and managing record producer Peter Collins. having had lessons, and he had a grasp of Hicks record shop on my own at age 12, a I’d written a song that Waterman thought the new technologies coming into play in Beatle fan. There followed a lifelong affec- had some commercial possibilities, so Pete the early 1980s. I was more into songwriting tion for the band, especially the songwriting Collins produced it and I sang vocals on the and working with singers and vocal arrange- of Paul McCartney. As you can imagine the recording. That was in 1980. I was run- ments. Matt and I did all the musical playing first album I purchased was Please Please ning a band that had two working names. on all the tracks, from guitars through brass Me, priced 40 shillings or £2. One for the posh hotels and better London string arrangements, drum programming When did you become aware that you had venues, another for the clubs and music and the rest. Pete was the man to sell us to musical ability? And how did that manifest pubs. I charged £60 in the music pubs for the industry and bring in the work. With his itself? my band to play but £500 in the hotels. I had contacts and personality he was very good I liked the old songwriters. I saw a film sacked yet another unreliable guitarist and at that. about Tin Pan Alley and it fascinated me. I needed a replacement. One of the singers How did you work together – who took taught myself guitar and there was a piano in the band recommended Matt Aitken and responsibility for what, or did you mix it up? in the house. So I dabbled on that. I began he auditioned for me at the Royal Garden I always worked directly with the artists writing my own songs aged about seven. I Hotel in Kensington. He was in the band behind the mic and the backing singers and had a singing voice and my playing really that evening. took the lead in the songwriting. Matt wrote was just to accompany my voice. Later, How did the Stock-Aitken-Waterman with me of course and he was leading the when the Beatles broke, I was very excited team form? fight to get our sequencers, tape machine to learn they actually wrote their own songs. I did not want to carry on being a func- and drum computers to talk to each other. Quite revolutionary in its day. Nobody ever tioning bandleader. We were quite good at it This was a major problem in the early years. told me you could earn a living at it though! and we could have kept going until we were Of course it was always a collaboration and As you were growing up, what songs very old. A lot of those bands did just that. we did swap roles in most areas. I’d program influenced you? Which artists? I thought record production and songwrit- drums and other times Matt would. Same Page 23 of 31

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for all instruments. I think I even played record “You Spin Me Round” in Septem- world and before long was at RCA. After guitar once or twice, but that was mainly ber 1984. By the time CBS got around to Matt Aitken went off to do motor racing, Matt. releasing the single we had moved out of the Simon came to Pete Waterman and me with Let’s talk about some of your earliest Marquee Studios and into our own facility. the World Wrestling Federation. Pete didn’t work — with Divine, Princess and Hazell We had no idea it was going to be our first fancy it. Neither did I really, but my older Dean. No. 1. I didn’t really stop to smell the roses. son, 12 years old at the time, was madly ex- We had a thought that most of the emerg- We were already onto other artists and cited about me working with them. In fact, ing subculture of upbeat club dance music projects when it hit the top. Working with he came up to the studio and sat with Randy was being made on the cheap. Some of the Pete Burns and Dead or Alive was a little Savage and the Undertaker whilst they did songs in the genre were not very good. The tense at times. But looking back I selectively their bit behind the mic. Simon was always important aspect was the beat and tempo. remember only the good bits. a gentleman. All the girls thought he was We thought we could take it up a notch by Looking back on the early days of SAW, suave. I liked him. No idea he would soon introducing a proper song and recording in how much of it was a struggle and what conquer the TV world. But not before an- better quality. We mixed in a 12” format to came easy? At what point in your career did other act he brought to me in 1995, [the act- help the DJs and went to the market with you think that you had really made it? ing duo of ] Robson and Jerome. They had extended versions. Geoff Deane was the I always felt a double pressure. Not only four No. 1 singles and two No. 1 albums and writer of “You Think You’re a Man,” which were we always hoping that the public the sales figures were enormous. Simon’s we recorded and which became our first would like the records but also whether our base at RCA/BMG was elevated. He became proper chart hit. The high camp and out- songs were good enough. It’s a lot easier to very important to the company’s financial rageousness of Divine caused a big enough do covers or produce other writers’ songs. bottom line, and soon assumed the manage- stir in both the clubs and the mainstream. You lay yourself bare to prying eyes when ment position. Next, we wrote “Whatever I Do (Wherever you write a song. Our songs were always Like Sinitta, Bananarama had also made a I Go)” for Hazell Dean. This song was a direct. They had a narrative. I did not like to number of recordings before working with bigger hit across the board, even picking up disguise a sentiment behind allegory, simile SAW. How did that working relationship some radio. We thought perhaps we were or colorful euphemism. In our songs you develop and what did you bring to the trio on to something. I remember writing “Say can hear every word, for better or worse. We that was different from what they had done I’m Your Number One” at my kitchen table never hid. I have never felt certain a song or before? and working with the artist, Princess, late in a record would be successful. It has always As I said earlier, one thing leads to an- the evening after the day’s work was over, been a nervous moment awaiting audience other. Bananarama had heard “You Spin Me definitely in studio down time. The suc- reaction, sales figures or chart placings. Round” on the radio and came to Stock-Ait- cess of “Say I’m Your Number One” clearly Sinitta, who was Miquel Brown’s daugh- ken-Waterman hoping for a bit of the same opened my eyes to the possible breadth of ter, had a couple of hits before you started energy. I recorded their vocals for “Venus” our opportunity, as this was a British form of working with her. What did you do with her in about two hours. They could not believe R&B, with commercial potential. that was different from her previous work? it. They told me it normally takes them two Then you have your first U.K. No. 1 with Simon Cowell brought Sinitta to us. There days. But my thinking was to get them in Dead or Alive. How did you first get to- was an article in the press about ‘toy boys’ the studio and out on the road promoting gether with Pete Burns? When you had the — older women and young men. Typically as quickly as possible and let us producers finished track of “You Spin Me Round (Like tabloid. We always had our antenna out. I bring it all together. You can endlessly pick a Record)” did you have a feeling this was looked at headlines or phrases, novelty or holes in a vocal performance if there is no going to be your biggest hit to date, or were news stories to see if there was anything we time constraint. I was juggling five or six dif- you surprised when it went to No. 1? could use. With a new unheard artist my ferent artists all requiring songs, vocals and One thing leads to another. Pete Burns normal method was to attempt to write a productions. No time to sit and chat! told me he had heard Hazell Dean’s song which reflected the character or some- Bananarama’s “Venus” is just one example “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” on the thing of the personality of the singer. A real of SAW turning an older song into a hit radio and was determined to work with the tailor-made song. Sinitta had, of course, a all over again. What went into your think- producers who had created it. Pete Burns – big hit before and so, given the nature of her ing about covering songs and how did you always with big hair, full makeup and drag, style already established, I think “Toy Boy” choose which artist should cover which whatever the time of day or night. Certainly was the right kind of idea. older hit? a giant character and a little overwhelming You’ve had a long working relationship I think there’s not much point in covering at times. He was sharp tongued. But I knew with Simon Cowell. How did that relation- an older song unless you can add some- he had a great big heart. He sent my wife ship progress over the years? thing new to it. Very often that would just flowers at the birth of our son, for example. We worked with Sinitta off and on for a be a tighter, punchier production available He was thoughtful like that. We made the few years. Simon Cowell moved up in the through modern multi-track recording Page 24 of 31

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techniques and advancements such as the the 10 days and finally came to the studio melody or chordal structure is definitely not emerging digital format. Sometimes the with her manager explaining they were due allowed. artist might suggest the cover, as with Ba- on a flight back to Australia that afternoon. You worked with another Australian star nanarama, other times it was a request from David Howells walked into the studio where of Neighbours (and Mushroom recording an advertiser or partner in some other area I was working on Bananarama, and told artist) Jason Donovan. Tell me about work- as with some of the very big charity records me Kylie was in the waiting room. I called ing with Jason and his hit singles. we made. I always felt less pressure when Pete who was in Manchester in the North We took on Jason Donovan at a time we were asked to cover an old hit. Half the of England. “Pete,” I said, “Kylie Minogue — when I was worried about producing an- work was already done. ring any bells?” “S***!” he said. “I’d forgot- other soap star. Could we do it again? Would Are there certain voices more suited to ten all about it!” I turned to Matt and said the music fans buy it? Jason came into our singing a SAW song and some that are not? we would have to come up with something studio in early February 1989. We had writ- I’ve read that you were concerned Rick quickly. Otherwise this was going to be too ten “Too Many Broken Hearts” for him, and Astley’s voice was “unorthodox.” embarrassing. I knew nothing about her, so the record was released on Feb. 20 and was Our view is that you don’t have to be David Howells quickly filled in the blanks. No. 1 on March 10th. Conceived, written, Pavarotti to be a pop star. There are lots She’s young, beautiful, sings and dances and recorded, released and top of the U.K. sales of great singers. Some of the best artists, is an award-winning famous actress in Aus- charts, all in under one month. I say this to British or American, do not necessarily tralia. I thought, why does she want to make reflect in stark contrast to the way things are have technically great voices. Conversely, a record with us? She’s got it all going on. done today. Looking back, it seems impos- the best singers are not necessarily great art- My mum had a phrase, “lucky at cards, un- sible. ists. There is a distinction. These days with lucky in love.” It went through my head and Bananarama, Kylie and Rick all had hits vocal tuning and other tricks it’s very hard got me immediately thinking, Kylie had all in the U.S., but Jason did not. Why do you to tell anything about the true quality of a this success going for her, maybe she hasn’t think that was? singer. Rick Astley has a surprising voice. It found true love. Maybe there’s no time for I am not sure if Jason had American is powerful. It doesn’t need any tricks. Just love in her busy life. Maybe you can’t have releases of his records. I’d say Jason is more a decent tune and a heartfelt lyric. “Never all the luck. I said to David, “give her a cup atypical of European pop stars than his big Gonna Give You Up” is about him. He told of coffee and ask her to sit in the waiting vocal U.S. counterparts. He has other quali- me about his life and the song followed. room. I’ll come and get her in a while.” ties, of course, and they were recognized When Rick was working as a tape op and Within 40 minutes the song “I Should Be So over here. tea boy in your studio, did you have a sense Lucky” was written. I discovered she could At this point you are having hit after hit that he would have hit records, or did that nail the vocals instantly. Her acting training and can do no wrong – what was this time become obvious later? and very good ear were obvious. We finished like for you, personally and professionally? We did not know what to do with Rick. up the recording and she was on the 4pm I had energy. I still have. At any one time, He was put on what we called the “back flight to Melbourne. I apologized to Kylie we were working on several acts, often writ- burner.” Pete Waterman suggested a Mo- later after the success of the record. We ing and producing and mastering several town cover, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” When had nothing else in the can and there was a songs a week. At the same time my wife I eventually got Rick behind the mic and lis- rather desperate need to make a follow-up and I were raising our three kids, all born tened to his voice I realized this was special. single. I flew to Melbourne where she kept through this period. I did not have much I said to Matt and Pete that we should not me waiting all day for three days while she time for anything else. I was focused. Some- release a cover song with Rick. He was too was filming episodes of Neighbours. Touché, thing told me to keep on making that hay good for that. Rather, we should write one as they say. I played golf. But at 6pm on the while the sun was still shining. specifically for him. That’s one of the best final evening I had her for a few hours in the Pop songs frequently do not get a lot of re- decisions we ever made. studio and we got the job done. spect. Did you feel that SAW did not get the Kylie Minogue was already a star in her Kylie had already recorded “The Loco- same respect as the producers of “heavier” native Australia when you started to work Motion” in Australia. What was the differ- rock? together. How did that come about? I under- ence between that original production and We were permanently the target of stand the first recording session did not go the SAW version? industry jibes. Our records were “too pop.” well because of a misunderstanding. The original version Kylie did in Mel- “Too lightweight.” Of “no lasting value.” I Our business affairs man, David Howells, bourne had some flaws. We just gave it a cut my teeth on all the rock and blues bands arranged with Pete Waterman for Kylie more danceable production and stayed through the ‘60s and ‘70s. I taught myself Minogue to come to London for 10 days faithful to the chord structure of the original guitar and went through all the pain associ- to work with us in the studio. The only Carole King composition. I believe you ated. The criticism pointed at us was that we problem was that Pete forgot to tell us. Kylie must always respect the original song when were inauthentic. I was actually more rock went sightseeing and shopping for nine of making covers. Taking liberties with the n’ roll than all of them! We thought we’d Page 25 of 31

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make a record that nobody would believe comparison with HDH as a great compli- French and turned “Total Eclipse of the was us. [So] last thing on a Friday evening, I ment. Motown was always a yardstick. Heart” into a hit 12 years after the Bonnie put the “Roadblock” groove together. You formed your own label, PWL. What Tyler smash. The point in releasing “Roadblock” with- effect did that have on your work? The first project we did at Hundred out having our name attached was entirely Most of our hits were on other labels, House, Union Street London SE1, was Nicki to get back at the trendy press journalists or including EMI, CBS, London Records, French. My club promotions guy, Pitstop, music business executives who spared us no BMG and Warner. My thought was that suggested that we cover Jim Steinman’s criticism. Any chance they had to denigrate we should always be as independent as we song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Pitstop’s “pop” or Stock-Aitken-Waterman as purvey- possibly could at every stage of the process. reasoning was that the dance culture and ors of what they considered unworthy, did When the industry rejected what we had to gay clubs loved the song. The lyrics and the not go begging. The truth was we were hav- offer my answer was always, well let’s put drama were widely appreciated but he said ing success. With just a handful of people in it out ourselves. That’s why we eventually you can’t dance to the Bonnie Tyler version. an independent studio in South London we released Kylie on PWL Records Limited. There was a newer version which straight- were making them look a bit inefficient and Nobody else could see the potential. ened out the production, but in my view, wasteful. We made no excuses. Our sales How did the eventual departures of Matt this missed the spot. I did two versions. One figures said it all. Aitken and Pete Waterman from the team you might call out-and-out club Eurobeat So we sent it out on white label. We only affect you? and the other a slightly more refined radio put on the sleeve the phone number of our Matt left our trio in early 1991. Pete and friendly version which if my calculations American New York lawyer. I played it to I stayed on for a while. But it was get- were correct could bring us a club and radio Bananarama who thought it was a ‘70s rare ting more difficult. There were financial hit. This would virtually guarantee us a groove. People in the office had no idea. We problems — nothing to do with me. The commercial hit in the mainstream. We re- got rave reviews in the industry magazines studio and its creative role was reduced by leased it on our in-house Love This Records and the movers and the groovers of the the introduction of staff whose job was to label in January 1995. The club white labels industry also fell for it. We did not intend bring in pre-made product for release in the and extended versions were promoted by to fool the record buying public. Just the U.K., completely undermining the point of a Pitstop. We quickly had the club hit and industry snobs. So after we revealed it was creative team and a recording facility. Pete then radio followed. I organized promotion SAW, A&M Records released it as a single. sold his label to Warner and took a salary. I in the U.S. and pretty soon Nicki was out Not a massive commercial hit, but that was thought this is the end of our equal relation- there promoting and we were repeating the the irony. We were selling bucket loads of ship. I only got paid after a record was a hit, success in America. Nicki was No. 2 on the our “lightweight” pop. The one track the through the royalties it generated. I never Billboard Hot 100. The second project at industry loved was only modestly success- wanted a salary. Hundred House was Robson and Jerome for ful. But it did silence the critics. You opened a new studio in South Simon Cowell. Four No. 1 singles, two No. Speaking of “Roadblock” finally being London, right near London Transport’s 1 albums. Not a bad start! But it was soon released under the “Stock Aitken Water- construction of the extended underground obvious that London Underground had un- man” name, did you have a desire to be a Jubilee Line. What problems did that cause? dermined my building. The studio’s sound recording artist as well as a songwriter and At the end of 1993, I decided there was no insulation had been compromised. I sued producer? point in continuing with Pete Waterman if them. That’s a bit like suing the govern- We never really thought about being the business plan did not involve in-house ment. You need endless supplies of money. performing artists in the normal sense. Matt independent songwriting and record pro- Matt and I also set out to try and recover and I of course were performers on all our duction. A quick call to Matt Aitken, and I our rights in the recordings we created with records. In a way we were the band and the set about on a new venture. I went around Pete Waterman. He’d sold them to Warmer artists the guest vocalists. the corner from the Vineyard Studios and – that was AOL Time Warner. Our pockets There are a lot of similarities between purchased a warehouse and began the were not that deep. SAW and Holland-Dozier-Holland, in terms process of converting it for studio and office Eventually, you and Matt went your of writing & producing many hits for a use. My lawyers informed London Trans- separate ways. Talk about that evolution and number of artists. Did you feel like you were port of our plans and London Transport working on your own. following the HDH model? Was that a goal? informed us that their plans to tunnel the The industry changed seismically in the I think Pete Waterman felt HDH were a Jubilee Line extension of the Underground mid to late 1990s, courtesy of the inter- good model. Matt was more into Led Zep- nearby would have no damaging effect on net. Digital downloads brought about the pelin and I was into any strong songwriting my building. I started recording there in eventual terminal decline of record sales partnership. All comparisons break down at August 1994. But almost immediately the on physical CDs and vinyl and the closure some point. I think we were more diverse cracks began to show. Literally. of high street record shops. They were all and eclectic in our styles. But I take any This was the same time you signed Nicki becoming irrelevant. I could not work with Page 26 of 31

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established artists because the studio was sing! I knew what I wanted, fortunately. nobody will understand in five years’ time. I compromised by the tunneling. I wrote and Cliff Richard — instant melody, instant tone. like up tempo, heartfelt lyrics and melodies, produced for a newly formed band, Scooch, Pitch perfect. I found the more talented a proper musical arrangements and classic for EMI and did a few other projects. Matt singer is, the easier they are to work with. instrumentation. So, all those artists willing had had enough and by 2000 I sold the All treasured memories. to sign up to this, please form an orderly building and moved out. I had a small facil- I recall reading that you were going to queue. ity at my home. I made the “Fast Food Song” produce Johnny Mathis. Did that ever hap- Considering your long and successful [by Fast Food Rockers, who took the single pen and are there recordings of that work career, what are the moments that mean the to No. 2 in the U.K.] and I started a project hidden away in a vault somewhere? most to you? for children, The Go!Go!Go! Show. I built We met Johnny and it was certainly Occasionally an artist bothers to thank a new studio and office facility and I now planned to make a record with him. I keep you. But seriously, from the outside it might work on projects controlling all aspects of finding stuff in the archive. Sometimes on look that I have had some very big highs and the production, including videos and online formats that you had forgotten about. I need a few lows but I am always hovering around sales. I’m too old now to bother about what to go through all the DAT tapes, hundreds the middle. I take it all in my stride. There anybody thinks of me. I am doing what I of them, and find some unknown Johnny has been a good measure of music, mayhem, believe to be right and enjoying myself. Mathis and Kylie and Cliff and Donna re- magic and money. You’ve worked with far too many artists cordings, maybe! If you could put one recording in a time for me to ask about each one, but let me ask In 2015, you reunited with Nicki French capsule to be dug up centuries from now so this – are there recordings that surprised on “This Love.” What was it like to work future citizens could listen to your work, you when they were massive hits, and are with her again? which one would it be? there recordings that you thought you I always get along with the artists in the I think I might be tempted to put Kylie would be hits but weren’t? studio. Nicki is always easy to work with. I Minogue’s second album we made, Enjoy I’d say Kylie Minogue has not had the did “This Love” to acknowledge the change Yourself, in the time capsule for its mix of success in the U.S. that she could have. in the law in the U.K. to recognize gay mar- uptempo singles and innocent musical fun. Songs like “Better the Devil You Know” riage. I thought the moment shouldn’t be I’d leave a little note, “Parents, don’t encour- and “Step Back in Time” could do with a allowed to pass us by without a song. age your children to grow up too soon. Let second look. With ‘80s nostalgia only get- You brought Bucks Fizz back to the charts kids be kids.” That’s it! Lecture over, I’m out ting stronger, particularly with huge Netflix (as The Fizz) after an absence of many of here. shows like Stranger Things, which features years. I think your work with them is as an eclectic mix of ‘80s pop culture as its great or greater than their earlier work. Are soundtrack, I’m surprised more of Kylie’s there challenges and/or advantages working Mija, Louisahh, early hits from the U.K. haven’t gained more with a legacy act? exposure in the U.S. In general, I think Stock The Fizz come with 40 years of non-stop LP Giobbi & Aitken Waterman’s catalogue is undiscov- gigging. That’s a long distance legacy. They ered in America. It is a unique resource if deserve a medal, each of them. All I need More Lined Up you need a collection of largely untapped to be happy is a singer who wants to sing ‘80s styled hit songs. pop songs. The Fizz are a good vocal band for Dirtybird’s You worked with a number of artists and working out the harmony and vocal who spent most of their recording careers arrangement is always fun. Cheryl Baker ‘Women in Music’ working with other producers – I’m think- has a fantastic and adaptable voice. Mike ing specifically of Donna Summer and Cliff Nolan has incredible range and Jay Aston’s Livestream Richard. How was it to work with these two voice emotes. I think we can do a variety of superstars? styles with them. I am just getting the songs BY KATIE BAIN I worked with some of the best vocal- together for our fourth album which will be ists the industry has ever produced. Donna out later this year. hile every day is women’s Summer was just a joy. She took my song, Are there any artists still on your wish list day in our book, March 8 “This Time I Know It’s for Real,” and trans- to work with? is International Women’s muted it into pure gold. It’s the fans’ favorite I am always on the lookout for an artist Day, the officially designat- over here. I worked with Paul McCartney that wants to sing honest pop songs. I don’t edW holiday on which the world recognizes on some big charity records. A big thrill do rap or computer-tuned robot voices. I the accomplishments of ladies and pushes was when he was on the mic asking, “Mike, avoid bad language and any over sexualized for greater gender equality around the globe. how do you want me to sing this?” Imagine references. I don’t date stamp my songs with On March 11-14, Dirtybird will commemo- Paul McCartney asking me how he should current trendy phrases or street talk that rate the occasion with Women in Music, Page 27 of 31

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a four-day livestream event featuring sets Albums chart (dated March 6). The set — ability to share like that. I see all kinds of from a gaggle of gals, including Louisahhh, which is her first Spanish-language album songs on TikTok and rarely stream or buy Mija, LP Giobbi, Gina Turner and 21 other — is also her first leader on any Billboard al- them afterwards, so it’s humbling to know female-identifying producers. The event bums chart. people saw it around and it actually stuck will also launch with a yoga session by “I feel so proud because this is a testa- with it beyond that.” Turner and other activities to be announced ment to following your instincts,” Uchis Beyond its Hot Latin Songs swell, in the coming days. (See the complete lineup tells Billboard. “A lot of people didn’t want “Telepatía” debuts at No. 54 on the all- below.) me to make this album or tried to make me genre Billboard Hot 100. It grants Uchis Streaming on Dirtybird’s Twitch chan- feel it wasn’t a real contribution to my dis- her first entry as a lead solo act and her nel, the event is co-sponsored by She Is the cography, all because it was in Spanish.” highest ranking there. Music, an organization working to estab- Sin Miedo is Uchis’ second studio album. “I’m still shocked, very grateful and lish greater opportunities, inclusivity and Prior to Isolation, her debut English album humbled,” Uchis adds. “I feel this is good equality for women working in the music that tested the waters with Latin Pop karma returning itself to me and tables industry. With a female COO, chief market- (“Nuestro Planeta,” featuring Reykon), she turning for the best, part of why I tweeted ing officer and head of business operations, released Por Vida, her first all-English EP. before I dropped this album ‘todo lo que me Aundy Crenshaw, Dirtybird is certainly one Uchi’s sophomore effort rises to the top in han quitado, la vida me lo va a duplicar’ (all of the dance labels most walking this walk. its 15th chart week with 10,000 equivalent of which has been taken away from me, life On March 8, famed French label Kit- album units earned in the U.S. in the week will give back) and I’m really watching that sune will host a 24-hour female-centric ending Feb. 25, up 129%, according to MRC come true.” livestream co-sponsored by Bandsintown Data. The surge concurrently takes the set Sin Miedo concurrently launches at and Shesaidso, a community of women and to a No. 3 high on Top Latin Albums, a No. 77 on the all-genre Billboard 200 gender minorities in the music indus- new peak. It previously topped out at No. 8 albums chart. “As an artist and person, it’s try. Featuring 13 up-and-coming female on the Dec. 5, 2020-dated chart, the week so important to know who you are without producers from around the world, the event following its debut at No. 21 (from two days outside validation,” the Colombian-Ameri- will stream via the Bandsintown Twitch of tracking activity in the week ending Nov. can adds. “I was going to be OK if the album channel. The event has also created a 19). was a success, or if everyone got it all wrong fund to provide hardship payments of up to As Sin Miedo rises to the top of Latin Pop and thought it was horrible. I still would approximately $300 to freelancers, contrac- Albums, Uchis becomes the first female solo have felt just as proud.” tors and artists in the independent music act to rule with her first Latin Pop Albums space whose income has been affected dur- entry since Rosalía’s El Mal Querer in No- ing the pandemic. vember 2018. Michael Gudinski Sin Miedo traces its surge to “Telepatía’s” streaming gain across services like YouTube, to be Honored Kali Uchis Trusted Spotify and Apple Music, sparked by its popularity on TikTok. (TikTok itself does With State Funeral Her Instincts & not contribute to Billboard’s chart rankings.) The set’s third single has stormed TikTok as BY LARS BRANDLE Got Her First No. millions continue to share their videos using the song. It propels to a No. 2 high on Hot ichael Gudinski will be laid to 1 Album: ‘A Lot Latin Songs — Uchi’s highest ranking there rest at a state funeral. — boosted by 10 million U.S. streams earned The legendary Australian of People Didn’t on the week ending Feb. 25, almost tripling music mogul, whose Mush- its clicks from the previous week (3.4 mil- Mroom Group is an independent powerhouse Want Me to Make lion in the week ending Feb. 18), which with more than 20 subsidiaries operating yields a No. 24 start on the overall Stream- across music and entertainment, passed This Album’ ing Songs chart. away Monday (March 1) at the age of 68. “Honestly, I had downloaded the app dur- Gudinski’s surprise death sent shock- BY PAMELA BUSTIOS ing the pandemic,” Uchis muses. “I found waves through the music industry, as the interesting the amount of creativity there likes of Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, owered by the TikTok hit but for me it was just good fun. I noticed Kylie Minogue and the Foo Fighters turned “Telepatía,” Kali Uchis’ Sin that ‘Dead To Me,’ from my first album had to social media to share their memories of Miedo (Del Amor y Otros Demo- gotten a resurgence even though it was a the impresario. P nios) hits No. 1 on the Latin Pop couple years old, and I respected the app’s On Wednesday, Victoria’s Premier Daniel Page 28 of 31

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Andrews confirmed the late music man Lyricists Award for Soul, which was voted Composers & Lyricists, here’s a link to the would be remembered “somewhere iconic outstanding original score for a studio film. SCL website. that we can come together and celebrate his Oscar-winning composer Michael Gi- life.” acchino hosted the awards ceremony, which He continued, “It will be a celebration of is in its second year. The hybrid ceremony, Foo Fighters Break his life; the details will be finalized in com- which included performances and live ac- ing days. It’s got to be COVID-safe of course, ceptance speeches, was held on Wednesday Record for Most but I think we will be able to come together (March 2). in an iconic venue and celebrate his life and The Globe winner for best original song, Alternative Airplay the mark that he made and the legacy he “Io Sì (Seen)” from The Life Ahead (La Vita leaves.” Davanti a Se), wasn’t even nominated here. Top 10s Gudinski, a Melbourne native, “was The winner in that category was “Husavik” a good friend of mine,” Andrews noted, from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD adding “he was a great Victorian, he’ll be of Fire Saga. Both of these songs are on the missed.” Oscars’ shortlist of 15 contenders for best oo Fighters slot into sole pos- As news spread of Gudinski’s death, original song. session of the most top 10s in the Andrews posted a picture of himself with Lolita Ritmanis’s score for Blizzard of history of Billboard’s Alterna- Gudinski and another famed Melbourne Souls won outstanding original score for an tive Airplay chart, as “Waiting music man, former Countdown host Ian independent film. Both Soul and Blizzard Fon a War” jumps 14-10 on the survey dated “Molly” Meldrum. of Souls are on the Oscars’ shortlist of 15 March 6. “Few people – if any – have shaped the contenders for best original score. The Dave Grohl-led band now has 26 top Australian music industry more than Mi- The spirit of collaboration award was 10s since the list’s 1988 inception, breaking chael Gudinski,” Andrews tweeted. “His was presented to Terence Blanchard and Spike out of a tie with Red Hot Chili Peppers. the beating heart of the Victorian scene, and Lee. The award is presented “to a composer Foo Fighters first reached the top 10 with his irrepressible spark entertained our state and filmmaker with an enduring and dis- their debut entry, “This Is a Call,” which for 50 years. Treasured friend, Victorian tinguished creative partnership, represent- peaked at No. 2 in August 1995. legend – and a legacy that will last forever. ing a significant body of work.” Blanchard Of the band’s top 10s, 10 have hit No. 1, During his lifetime, Gudinski was feted and Lee’s most recent collaboration, Da 5 most recently “Something From Nothing” with a long list of accolades for his out- Bloods, was nominated for outstanding orig- for eight weeks in 2014. standing contribution to the nation’s music inal score for a studio film. (Da 5 Bloods is Most Alternative Airplay Top 10s industry and artist community. also on the Oscar shortlist.) 26, Foo Fighters Among those honors was the Member of Here’s the full list of winners: 25, Red Hot Chili Peppers the Order of Australia medal (AM), the Ted Outstanding original score for a studio 24, Green Day Albert Award, and induction into Music film: Soul, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Jon 23, U2 Victoria’s Hall of Fame in 2013, on the 40th Batiste 19, Pearl Jam anniversary of the inception of Mushroom Outstanding original score for an inde- 18, Weezer Records. pendent film: Blizzard of Souls (Dvēseļu 17, Linkin Park Putenis), Lolita Ritmanis 17, The Offspring Outstanding original score for a television 17, The Smashing Pumpkins ‘Soul’ Score production: The Queen’s Gambit, Carlos 16, Muse Rafael Rivera “War” has already hit the top 10 at the Wins Society of Outstanding original song for visual me- other two charted rock radio formats, dia: “Husavik” from Eurovision Song Con- peaking so far at No. 4 on Adult Alterna- Composers & test: The Story of Fire Saga, Savan Kotecha, tive Airplay and No. 8 on Mainstream Fat Max Gsus, Rickard Goransson Rock Airplay. The song has tied the band Lyricists Award Outstanding original score for interactive for the second-most top 10s in the latter media: Metamorphosis, Garry Schyman, chart’s nearly 40-year history, with Shine- BY PAUL GREIN Mikolai Stroinski down; Tom Petty (solo and with the Heart- Spirit of collaboration award: Terence breakers) leads with 28. ust two days after winning a Golden Blanchard and Spike Lee On the all-rock-format, audience- Globe for best original score, Trent Here’s a link to the digital awards pro- based Rock Airplay chart, “War” holds at Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Ba- gram. its No. 4 high, up 11% to 5 million impres- J tiste won a Society of Composers & For more information about the Society of sions, according to MRC Data. It also spends Page 29 of 31

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a third week atop the multi-metric Hot The married duo has tallied eight entries on to the OCC. Hard Rock Songs tally. the Billboard Hot 100 as songwriters. Here’s Just 2,500 chart sales separate the Top The song is the latest single from Medi- a chronological recap: 5 on the chart blast. cine at Midnight, Foo Fighters’ 10th studio Artist Billing, Title, Peak Position, Peak Maximo Park crashed through with their set which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rock Date 2005 Warp debut A Certain Trigger, which Albums, Alternative Albums and Hard Rock Demi Lovato, “Let It Go,” No. 38, Jan. 18, caught the attention of the NME and earned Albums charts dated Feb. 20 and has earned 2014 a Mercury Music Prize nomination. Their 105,000 equivalent album units to date. Kristen Bell & Idina Menzel, “For the First sophomore album Our Earthly Pleasures, Time in Forever,” No. 57, Feb. 8, 2014 from 2007, peaked at No. 2 on the Official Kristen Bell & Santino Fontana, “Love Is an Albums Chart and is their only Top 10 ‘WandaVision’ Open Door,” No. 49, March 29, 2014 album to date. Idina Menzel, “Let It Go,” No. 5, April 5, Nature leads an all-new Top 7. Coo- Song ‘Agatha All 2014 per’s Detroit Stories could become the Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monn & Katie shock-rock legend’s highest position on the Along’ Is Now a Lopez, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” U.K. chart since 1989’s Trash peaked at No. No. 51, April 12, 2014 2. Detroit Stories is the best-selling album Billboard Chart Panic! at the Disco, “Into the Unknown,” No. on CD at the halfway mark. 98, Dec. 7, 2019 Meanwhile, metalcore group Archi- Hit Idina Menzel & Aurora, “Into the Un- tects could snag their first U.K. Top 10 known,” No. 46, Dec. 14, 2019 album with For Those That Wish To Ex- BY XANDER ZELLNER Idina Menzel & Evan Rachel Wood, “Show ist (Epitaph), new at No. 3 on the Chart Yourself,” No. 70, Dec. 14, 2019 Update. It’s the most downloaded LP over he 62-second earworm from the “Agatha” also helps Kathryn Hahn join the past weekend. Disney+ and Marvel series Wan- a long list of actors with Billboard chart British rapper Digga D’s second mix- daVision, “Agatha All Along,” is hits. She has appeared in numerous film and tape Made in the Pyrex (CGM) starts at No. now a Billboard chart hit. TV shows over the past two decades, includ- 4 and is the most-streamed effort of the TThe tune, which plays at the end of the ing Crossing Jordan, How to Lose a Guy in week so far, while homegrown singer-song- show’s seventh episode, “Breaking the 10 Days, Parks and Recreation, Transpar- writer Lucy Spraggan is hunting her first Fourth Wall,” debuts at No. 36 on the Digi- ent and Step Brothers. Top 5 album with Choices (Cooking Vinyl), tal Song Sales survey (dated March 6) new at No. 5. with 3,000 downloads sold in the tracking The White Stripes’ Greatest Hits (Sony week ending Feb. 25, according to MRC Maximo Park on Music CG) bows at No. 6, while Neil Data. It also tallied 1.6 million U.S. streams Young and Crazy Horse’s live collec- in that span. The song was released Feb. Track For First tion Way Down In The Rust Bucket (Re- 23 on the WandaVision: Episode 7 original prise) opens at No. 7. soundtrack. U.K. No. 1 With Over in the U.K. Singles Chart battle, Kathryn Hahn (who plays Wanda and Olivia Rodrigo sets the pace with “Drivers Vision’s neighbor, Agnes) is credited as an ‘Nature Always License” (Interscope). It’s the best-seller artist on the song, along with backup singers on the Official Singles Chart Update and is Robert Lopez, Eric Bradley, Greg Whipple, Wins’ chasing an eighth-straight week at No. 1. Jasper Randall and Gerald White. “Agatha” The Official U.K. Singles and Albums is the first Billboard chart entry for all six BY LARS BRANDLE Charts are published late Friday, local time. credited vocalists. Hahn sings lead on “Agatha,” which aximo Park are strolling to the reveals that her character is more than U.K. chart title with Nature just Wanda’s silly neighbor on the series. Always Wins (Prolifica). The composition was inspired by the Hailing from Newcastle theme songs for ‘60s sitcoms The Mun- Mupon Tyne, the alternative rock outfit moves sters and The Addams Family. ahead in what’s shaping as a tight race. Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson- At the halfway stage, Nature Always Wins Lopez wrote and produced “Agatha.” They takes the edge by almost 1,500 combined previously penned the Grammy Award-win- sales over the No. 2-placed Detroit Sto- ning smash “Let It Go,” among other songs. ries (Ear Music) by Alice Cooper, according Page 30 of 31

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tion here. A Series Inspired Dua Lipa Stars in Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may by Iconic Mexican Puma’s Powerful earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive Group Bronco Is New ‘She Moves certain auditable data for accounting pur- On the Way: See Us’ Campaign poses. the Trailer BY RANIA ANIFTOS Niecy Nash Set

BY GRISELDA FLORES uma is aiming to inspire women to Host Virtual worldwide in 2021. Bronco-inspired series is set to That’s why on Monday (Mar. Ceremony For make its debut via Pantaya on 1), the athletic brand unveiled Thursday, March 11. Pthe “She Moves Us” theme for the year. The 2021 GLAAD Bronco, La Serie is an adapta- campaign, led by Dua Lipa, will generate tionA of the book “Cicatrices de un Corazón” content over the course of 2021, including Media Awards written by vocalist Guadalupe Esparza and talks, videos and interviews with its female will focus on the origins Mexican music ambassadors. BY STEPHEN DAW group Bronco in Latin America. In the new anthem video, Lipa’s “Electric- According to an official synopsis by Panta- ity” plays as she poses in sleek Puma styles very party needs a host, and the ya, the 13-episode series will, “[tell] the story alongside a number of empowering women, GLAAD Media Awards just found of a young man who emerges from extreme including Winnie Harlow, Cara Delevingne, theirs. poverty with his three friends who tries to Skylar Diggins-Smith, June Ambrose, Lau- On Wednesday (March 3), gain a foothold in the cutthroat music busi- ren London, Nicole McLaughlin, Bethany C. EGLAAD announced that actress Niecy ness by overcoming discrimination and typi- Meyers and more. Nash will host the online ceremony taking cal obstacles seen in the industry and even “She Moves Us” hopes to inspire through place for this year’s GLAAD Media Awards. their insensitive own manager. On the road Puma’s partnership with Women Win, a The event is set to take place on Thursday, to the top, they will endanger what they global women’s fund which uses sport to April 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET on GLAAD’s You- value the most: holding the reigns of their advance gender equality. The campaign will Tube channel. The awards will later be own lives and the love of their families.” also tell the story of how Puma’s female available to stream on Hulu, starting at The official trailer released today (March ambassadors were inspired to become who 10:00 p.m. ET on April 8 and remaining 2) gives fans a first look at the actors that they are today, the women who helped available to stream on the platform until the will portray Bronco’s original members: them, how they overcame challenges and end of June. Esparza (frontman and founder), Ramiro how they succeeded in their respective The news comes less that a year after Delgado, Erick Garza, José Luis “Choche” fields. the actress, known for her roles on shows Villareal and Javier Villareal. “Sharing stories of success is all part of like Reno 911 and Claws, came out to the In a career that spans nearly four de- changing the narrative, especially in fields public by posting photos of her wedding cades, Bronco became a household name in like sports and entertainment that have to singer-songwriter Jessica Betts back in Mexico, the U.S. and beyond thanks to their tended to amplify the accomplishments August. modern take on norteñas, cumbias and me- of men,” Lipa, who was announced as the “I am so thrilled to be hosting this year’s lodic pop style that became popular in the sports brand’s new ambassador in Novem- GLAAD Media Awards, honoring the early ‘8os. The group’s current five mem- ber, said in a press statement. “Women LGBTQ stories and images that change bers include Esparza, his two sons (José are already nailing it across the board and the world by growing acceptance and Adan and René Esparza), Javier Cantú and celebrating their achievements is exciting understanding,” Nash said in a statement. Arsenio Guajardo. and empowering. It also encourages those “My wife Jessica and I are still thriving in See the trailer below: rising up to aim for the stars. That’s why I’m newlywed bliss, and I’m looking forward to so grateful to Puma for including me in their bringing that love and joy to GLAAD’s big- ‘She Moves Us’ campaign. Now let’s show gest night. Be ready for a surprise or two!” the world what we are capable of!” GLAAD also announced a new special Watch the “She Moves Us” anthem recognition category for this year’s cer- video below, and check out the new collec- emony; the “TikTok Queer Advocate of Page 31 of 31

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the Year” will spotlight TikTok creators “I’m made of South LA, walking to the beats who have “taken LGBTQ visibility to new of my neighborhood streets. I’m made of the heights.” The nominees for this new recog- people who came before me and who stand nition are Denise & Ebony, Kyne, Crissa beside me. Stories told by comforting Black Jackson, Chris Olsen, Ian Paget, Josh voices.” Helfgott, Ve’ondre Mitchell, Dr. Austin To launch the collaborative campaign, Chiang, MD MPH and Christine Marshall. Madewell proposed the “What Are You You can vote for your favorite here until Made Of” prompt to Issa, who then worked voting closes on March 12. with her production company ColorCre- Earlier this year, GLAAD announced the ative and record label Raedio to curate the nominees for the annual awards, including collection. The Spring 2021 line champions artists like Sam Smith, Halsey, Lady Gaga, the next generation of creatives, featuring Adam Lambert and more. GLAAD also works from art curator Autumn Breon, announced their new music category, for poet Tonya Ingram, novelist Yaa Gyasi and outstanding breakthrough artist, featuring more. musicians like Arca, Chika, Rina Sawayama Shop the full collection on Madewell’s and others. site here. The 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, Products featured are independently hosted by Niecy Nash, will take place Tues- selected by our editorial team and we may day, April 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET. earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting pur- Issa Rae Teams Up poses. With Madewell for Empowering ‘What Are You Made Of?’ Campaign

BY RANIA ANIFTOS

hat are you made of? That’s the question behind Madewell’s Spring 2021 campaign, which fea- tures WInsecure star Issa Rae. According to Issa, she’s made of “good ideas, good music, good vibes” — all of which are reflected in the sunny campaign photos and video. In the one-minute clip, the Emmy-nominated actress stuns in green, blue and salmon-colored hues as she navi- gates a busy morning in a colorful, Califor- nia home. “I’m made of pools and palm trees, [...] blasting my favorite artist through my head- phones,” she muses as she enjoys breakfast, listens to music and takes meetings.