Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 5, 2021 Page 1 of 24

INSIDE Spotify & Fellow Streamers Soared in

• ICM Subject of L.A. 2020, But Expect Growth to Slow Times Report Over Toxic Workplace BY GLENN PEOPLES Claims A year ago, streaming services would have been year earlier even though the pandemic didn’t shock • BTS Label HYBE forgiven for singing along to the R.E.M. song, “It’s the most markets until March 2020. Comparisons will Turns a Modest First- Quarter Profit End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” be also tough later in the year as Spotify’s quarterly COVID-19 was shutting down cities around the world, gains are judged against the 8 million, 6 million and 11 • Billboard & Twitter governments were ordering people to remain at million subscribers it added in the last three quarters to Launch ‘Hot home in effort to stop the virus’ spread, and consum- of 2020. Trending’ Chart Tracking Music ers were leaning on streaming to escape the craziness. Key Takeaways: Buzz Online From video service Netflix to music platform Spotify, Don’t put too much stock in how companies’ business was booming. A year later, the pandemic quarterly earnings compare year-over-year to 2020. • Triller Teams boom is proving to be a difficult comparison for earn- The pandemic caused some services’ subscriptions to With SoundCloud to Cross-Promote ings reports for the first quarter of 2021, shaking up spike early in the year (Netflix) or build throughout Emerging Artists year-over-year figures. the year (Spotify). Today, streaming services should be humming Long-term trends have not changed. On-demand • Over 7,750 Live along to the Raconteurs’ “Steady as She Goes.” By streaming will continue to erode linear programming Music Businesses Have Applied for all measures — subscriber additions, acquisitions like cable television and broadcast radio. An odd quar- Shuttered Venue and investments, heightened level of competition, ter here or there won’t change the course of technol- Grants and quality of content — streaming is still boom- ogy in entertainment. ing. But the services and their investors will need to Streaming video on demand (SVOD) is a battle of • NYC Is Reopening, But Concerts Are adjust expectations to the U.S.’ burgeoning post-vac- titans — AT&T, Comcast, Disney, Apple, Amazon, Via- Still Restricted cination, out-of-the-home reality in 2021. As theaters comCBS — that requires big pockets to survive the and music venues reopen, the ways people use digital war of attrition. Music streaming companies get to media will change because they will spend less time focus less on original content and more on technolo- • BILLBOARD 200 at home. Spotify revenue and subscriber growth gies to create better user experiences. CLICK HERE was 3 million in the first quarter, down 50% from a (continued) 250 SPEAKERS FREE FESTIVAL REGISTER TODAY

TIMBALAND MERCK MERCURIADIS NILE RODGERS CHRIS BLACKWELL BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE DEBRA RATHWELL Award-Winning Record GRAMMY®-Winning Founder, Singer, Songwriter CEO/Founder ® EVP, Global Touring & Producer, Rapper, DJ, Composer, Producer, Island Records Oscar -Winning Composer Singer, and Songwriter Hipgnosis Songs Ltd. Arranger and Guitarist Talent, AEG Presents 2021 NOEL SCHAJRIS 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

Latin Grammy winner, singer, songwriter and pianist Noel CONTACTS Schajris, has sold more than 25 million records and 1 million tickets since his first solo album 20 years ago, some Joe Maimone of his songs and albums had been appeared at the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] Billboard’s top ten charts. He has earned international Lee Ann Photoglo success with the legendary duet Sin Bandera where he 615.376.7931 | [email protected] and Leonel Garcia created some of the biggest hits in Spanish music history. Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] His music videos have more than 700 million views and his social media includes 9.5 million followers from more than Marcia Olival 15 countries. As a recording artist, he has sung duets with 786.586.4901 | [email protected] John Legend, Brian Mcknight, Luis Fonsi, and Reik, just to Ryan O’Donnell name a few. +447843437176 | [email protected]

In 2020 he released the unique web www.NoelSchajris.fan which includes an online store, a fan subscription service and online shows . Mr. Schajris is considered to be one of the most important and celebrated artists in Latin music.

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Unfortunately for some video stream- will be weighted to the second half of 2021. in more mature markets is the financial ing companies, the first quarter of Disappointing first-quarter results equivalent of gaining more subscribers. On 2020 made for a challenging — and poten- don’t mean SVOD or music streaming is the video side, 17% of Netflix’s subscriber tially misleading — comparison since com- becoming less popular or less success- growth came from the U.S. and Canada, panies are judged against the prior year’s ful. Netflix was adamant in its investor letter according to the company’s latest financial quarter. Because the pandemic helped that “the rise of streaming to replace linear statements. Still, those countries’ subscrip- streaming adoption, expectations could TV around the world is the clear trend in tions added 5.3 million subscribers and be unreasonably high a year later. Netflix entertainment.” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek uses accounted for 33% of revenue growth — the found this out when it released first-quar- the same language to describe music, saying U.S. and Canada have a higher average rev- ter earnings on April 20 and announced in a Feb. 3 earnings call (for 2020) that “the enue per user ($14.25) than Europe, Middle its 4 million net subscriber additions shift from linear to on-demand that COVID East and Africa ($11.56), Asia ($9.71) and were about 50% below its forecasted 6 mil- accelerated will continue and remains a Latin America (7.39). lion and more than 70% behind the mind- massive multi-billion user opportunity.” On The music and video streaming markets blowing 15 million new subscribers it gained April 28, Ek repeated his familiar refrain, might seem crowded, but this is just the in 2020’s first quarter (which was more than “we’re very, very early in our efforts to move beginning. The best way to think about double its 7 million forecast). Netflix’s share the entire music industry from this one- music streaming’s potential is to imagine the price dropped 8.4% the following day and size-fits-all [structure] to a more individual entire world of audio entertainment: music barely budged the next. offering.” Weak year-over-year improve- and spoken word on the internet, broadcast For Netflix, COVID-19 struck the heart ments won’t mean streaming businesses radio and satellite radio. Ek said Spotify’s of its business model by disrupting televi- have a content problem that will impede April 28 earnings call the global audio sion and motion picture production. Last progress. In fact, live sports, a long-time market could be worth $200 billion by 2030, year, the company was able to release video lynchpin of linear television, has moved to more than 20 times later than Spotify’s $9.5 that was already in its pipeline before streaming platforms: Amazon, ESPN+ and million revenue in 2020. That may be COVID-19 shut down productions. In 2021, Hulu all broadcast live games. wishful thinking on his part, but you can’t Netflix’s thinned-out release schedule That said, subscription services will blame Ek for thinking big. As for video, Ber- contributed to its first-quarter subscription inevitably face a slowdown at some point nstein’s Todd Juenger argues that neither slowdown, executives explained in the first — but how far off that is varies with each SVOD nor Netflix is nearing maturity, and quarter earnings release. Original content is platform. Former Spotify chief economist if SVOD is the future of in-home video, and a major factor in driving new subscriptions. and Billboard contributor Will Page ar- Netflix will remain the “anchor” SVOD ser- When Netflix found itself with little to offer gued in December 2020 that “it’s likely that vice, the 800 million global homes that pay in the first quarter, its new subscriber count music streaming, competing for consumers’ for in-home video entertainment “are highly fell one-third below its forecast. But that attention against TikTok and gaming, will likely to become Netflix members in the won’t always be the case: Netflix says — and struggle to grow even when things return future.” Juenger gives Netflix a $617 price analysts tend to agree — its original content to normal.” Perhaps, although price hikes target, 21.2% above Monday’s $509.11 clos-

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On June 5th, Billboard will publish its 3rd annual CONTACTS Pride issue honoring culturally moving and Joe Maimone influential people who have contributed to the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] community’s history and its current landscape. Lee Ann Photoglo Year-round Billboard and Rolling Stone celebrate 615.376.7931 | [email protected] the LGBTQIA+ community through the lens of music, amplifying the culture of the proud Cynthia Mellow LGBTQIA+ community across our editorial 615.352,0265 | [email protected] channels, including Billboard Pride. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Building on this platform, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be joining together for the entire month Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] of June to celebrate love, acceptance, diversity and what it means to be queer in music. All month long, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be the go-to destination for music and entertainment Pride content. Leveraging our iconic voices within music and culture, Billboard and Rolling Stone will curate a mix of engaging video and social content featuring thought-provoking panels, heartfelt performances, and glam tutorials – all fostering a community of consumers and influencers in celebration of LGBTQIA+.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

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ing price. Morgan Stanley’s Benjamin Swin- vices is the “unknown unknown,” an unde- burne agrees SVOD is still in its infancy even termined something that cannot reasonably ICM Subject if the U.S. has an aggregate of 300 million be anticipated. A global pandemic is a per- subscribers. His $700 price target is 37.5% fect example of an unknown unknown. This of L.A. Times above Netflix’s last closing price. year, the pandemic appears to be waning as The streaming market won’t reach its vaccinations spread through the U.S. and the Report Over Toxic potential through deep pockets and wars of world and infection rates begin to subside in attrition. Here, music companies, which are most of the world. But problems could arise Workplace Claims increasingly investing in podcast con- in unanticipated ways. Smart companies are tent to differentiate themselves from their hedging. In its April 20 letter to sharehold- BY MIA GALUPPO competitors (rather than original music), ers, Netflix admitted to “some uncertainty” don’t write big checks like SVOD compa- from COVID-19. Back in February, Spotify ver 30 former and cur- nies. In the first quarter, two new streaming warned investors about the high degree of rent ICM employees — from services debuted in the U.S. ViacomCBS’s uncertainty in 2021 because, well, 2021 is agents to former assistants — Paramount+ and Discovery’s Discovery+, hard to pin down. All of this could lead to a have made claims ranging from and AT&T’s HBO Max service added 2.7 bumpy year that fails to appease people — Osexual harassment to a pervasive workplace million U.S. subscribers — a “solid” num- including investors — after a stellar 2020. bullying culture, according to a report by ber, says Variety’s Heidi Chung. Comcast’s “No matter what you do, you’ll always feel the Los Angeles Times. Peacock SVOD service, which paid $500 as though you tripped and fell,” sings the Published on Wednesday by report- million for the streaming rights to The Raconteurs’ Brendan Benson. “So steady as er Wendy Lee, the wide-ranging story Office, had 33 million “sign ups” at the end she goes.” focused on individuals who filed complaints of 2020. And Apple’s SVOD service, Apple+ to the agency’s HR department. The claims added to its original slate by spending $25 stand in stark contrast to ICM’s outward- million for the Billie Eilish documen- facing commitment to diversity and gender tary, The World’s a Little Blurry, and $25 parity. (ICM signed a boardroom gender million for the motion picture CODA, a parity pledge, 50/50 by 2020, and launched record for a Sundance Film Festival entrant. an initiative titled Diversity/ICM that is These levels of spending are a cost of doing meant to recruit and train more Black agent business for a streaming service. For a music trainees.) streaming company placing bets on origi- The most serious of the claims includes nal podcast content, finding and keeping an incident where partner Steve Alexander subscribers looks like an increasingly expen- allegedly exposed himself to a female film sive game. finance executive in a car. Both Alexander, The bigger problem for all streaming ser- whose clients include John Travolta and

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On June 5th, Billboard will publish CONTACTS its fourth annual Indie Label Power Joe Maimone Players List. This special feature in 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advance of Indie Week (6/14-6/17) and Lee Ann Photoglo the 10th Anniversary Libera Awards will 615.376.7931 | [email protected] profile leading executives at top independent record labels, publishing Cynthia Mellow companies and distribution companies. 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Positioning themselves as the driving force Marcia Olival behind the success of independent music, 786.586.4901 | [email protected] these executives contribute to the independent music sector and to the Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] world of music at large.

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ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

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Tatiana Maslany, and the executive declined stein, who is currently serving a 23-year concerts in the second half of this year.” to give comment to the paper. In another sentence for sex crimes in New York state In the meantime, HYBE said it will offer incident detailed in the Times report, agent and is still awaiting extradition to Los An- more livestream concerts and “other diverse Kevin Hussey allegedly attempted to kiss a geles to sexual assault charges. content.” client in a hotel bar, after which the client, More recently, there has been a backlash Much of the earnings release focused who is not named, was moved to two female against abusive behaviors faced by assis- on HYBE’s acquisition of Scooter Braun’s agents. tants and support staff, after a Hollywood Ithaca Holdings, which was announced The story also centered on an allegedly Reporter expose in April about Oscar-win- April 2, noting it was the the largest acquisi- pervasive bullying culture, one where as- ning movie producer Scott Rudin. Rudin tion “in history for a Korean entertainment sistants are said to be subject to a range of announced that he is stepping back from his company and the first acquisition of an intimidation. Music agent Mitch Blackman work in both Broadway and film. international label.” It outlined how the deal allegedly threatened to “break” an assis- This article was originally published helps HYBE’s “fandom expansion,” as HYBE tant’s ankles, while another assistant alleged by The Hollywood Reporter. calls it: Ithaca increases HYBE’s YouTube that former agent Mark Gordon threw a subscribers from 120 million to 290 million package at her head, according to the report. and social media followers from 440 million VP of communications Brad Turell was BTS Label HYBE to 1.26 billion. HYBE plans to take Ithaca alleged to have openly berated an assistant, artists onto its WeVerse platform, which had yelling that she acted like she worked “in Turns a Modest 4.9 million monthly active users in the first a f— nail salon.” Turell told the Times: “I quarter. spoke in a tone that I regret, apologized for, First-Quarter HYBE’s earnings presentation also laid have learned from and have not repeated” Ithaca’s business segments: SB Projects and added: “However, let me be perfectly Profit is talent management; Big Machine is the clear, I vehemently deny making the state- record label and publisher; Silent Content ment that is ascribed to me here. It never BY GLENN PEOPLES Ventures houses premium content such as happened.” TV shows, documentaries, movies and other Black assistants were allegedly asked to YBE Corporation, the label content that can now leverage HYBE artists; appear in a promotional video for the agent and management home of K- and Venture & Consumer houses “consumer trainee program, so that the program ap- pop superstars BTS, turned in brands based on artist IP.” peared more diverse than it was, the report revenues of $158.7 million and In March, HYBE changed its name from stated. Ha profit of $14 million in the first quarter Big Hit Entertainment and restructured While no misconduct is alleged against of 2021, the company announced Tuesday itself into three segments: Big Hit Music CEO Chris Silbermann, the story claims he (May 4). houses the labels BELIFT Lab, Source “cultivates an insider culture” which allows Without tours or big music releases, Music, PLEDIS Entertainment and KOZ for a toxic culture. HYBE needed gains in what it calls “art- Entertainment; HYBE IP and HYBE 360 In a blanket statement given to the Times, ist indirect involvement” for a 29% jump encompasses HYBE Edu and Superb; and ICM offered that the agency “does not in revenue compared to the first quarter of WeVerse is HYBE’s social media platform tolerate harassment, bullying or other 2020. Merchandising, licensing, content and that had 4.9 million monthly average users inappropriate conduct. HR investigates all fan club revenues rose 123% while “artist during 2021’s first quarter, up from 2.4 mil- reports received and addresses each with direct-involvement” — recorded music and lion a year earlier. appropriate disciplinary measures up to and concerts — fell 24%. Except for the total revenue figures, the including dismissal.” Ahead of the article These positive first-quarter results don’t, below metrics are provided in Korean won publishing, the agency hired Rubenstein however, come close to the company’s (KRW) and can be converted at $1 to 1,125.9 Public Relations to handle crisis PR. impressive previous quarter, Q4 2020. Then, won. The agency’s marquee clients includes still without touring income, HYBE pro- Financial metrics: Shonda Rhimes, who is one of the found- duced livestreamed concerts and had strong Revenue: 178.3 billion KRW ($158.7 mil- ers of anti-sexual harassment organiza- music sales — 159% greater than 2021’s first lion) in Q1 2021 — up 29% from 138.5 billion tion Time’s Up. (THR has reached out quarter — and closed 2020 with quarterly KRW ($120.6 million) in Q1 2020; down to Time’s Up for comment on the Times re- revenue of $278 million and a $23.7 million 43% from 312.3 billion KRW ($277.9 million) porting.) profit. in Q4 2020. Allegations of workplace sexual assault HYBE didn’t provide guidance on concert Operating profit: 21.7 billion KRW in Q1 and harassment in Hollywood have been in revenue in 2021, saying “with pandemic 2021 — up 9% from 19.9 billion KRW in Q1 the spotlight since 2017, when women came conditions still in place, forecasts are still 2020; down 39% from 256.7 million KRW in forward en masse against Harvey Wein- unclear on the possibility of in-person Q4 2020. Page 8 of 24

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Net profit: 15.8 billion KRW in Q1 2021, up 11% from 14.2 billion KRW in Q1 2020; down Billboard & Twitter Triller Teams With 41% from 26.7 billion in Q4 2020. Revenue streams metrics: to Launch ‘Hot SoundCloud to Albums: 54.5 billion KRW in Q1 2021 — up 33% from 80.8 billion KRW; down 61% from Trending’ Chart Cross-Promote 80.8 billion KRW in Q4 2021. Concerts: 0 KRW in Q1 2021 — down Tracking Music Emerging Artists 100% from 100 million KRW in Q1 2020; even at 0 KRW in Q4 2020. Buzz Online BY TATIANA CIRISANO Ads and appearances: 13.0 billion KRW in Q1 2020 — up 63% from 8.0 billion KRW in BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN riller is linking with SoundCloud Q1 2020; down 5% from 13.8 billion KRW in on a new integration to showcase Q4 2020. illboard and Twitter have part- emerging SoundCloud artists on Merchandise and licensing: 64.7 billion nered on a first-of-its-kind Bill- the short-form video app, the two KRW in Q1 2021 — down 89% from 34.3 board chart that will showcase Tcompanies announced Wednesday (May 5). billion KRW in Q1 2020; down 4% from 67.3 the most talked-about songs and A new monthly playlist featuring music billion KRW in Q4 2020. Bmusic topics on the social media platform, from up-and-coming SoundCloud artists Content: 37.2 billion KRW in Q1 2021 — it was announced Wednesday at Twitter’s across genres will be added to Triller’s Mu- up 360% from 7.2 million KRW in Q1 2020; annual NewFronts presentation. sic Discovery page, which Triller creators down 54% from 80.9 billion KRW in Q4 Named Billboard Hot Trending, the new can pluck songs from for use in their videos 2020. chart will track music-related trends and on the platform. The playlist will live on Fan clubs and other: 8.9 billion KRW in conversations in real time across Twitter, SoundCloud as well, and artists with ac- Q1 2021 — up 24% from 7.2 billion KRW in including buzz around new releases, awards counts on both Triller and SoundCloud can Q1 2020, down 6% from 9.5 billion KRW in show and festival moments, music nostalgia now link their profiles, making it easier for Q4 2020. threads and more. fans to discover their music. Guidance for Q2 2021: Unlike existing Billboard charts that The integration is intended as a cross- Operating expenses will increase update weekly, Billboard Hot Trending will promotional tool for the featured artists, “slightly” compared to the first quarter due refresh every 24 hours to capture the latest who will not be paid directly for the use of to expenses related to the Ithaca Holdings music-focused conversations happening on their music in the Triller app, Billboard has acquisition and preparation for second the platform. learned. quarter music releases. Advertisers can take advantage of “With a shared goal of showcasing estab- If concerts resume, HYBE expects Billboard Hot Trending via innovative ad lished and emerging talent, this partnership second-half revenues “to greatly outpace formats that will live on Twitter and across puts artists first — just like Triller does,” not only the first half but the second half of Billboard properties. The chart will be Triller CEO Mahi de Silva said. “In front of the same period last year as well.” supported with video content, consistent a global audience, emerging artists will now Stock market: editorial coverage and organic support from have the opportunity to develop a Triller fan Market capitalization on May 4, 2021: $7.6 A-list music stars. base that is empowered to create, share and billion. connect.” One-year increase in HYBE’s share price: The team-up makes sense: SoundCloud 149% has built a reputation as the platform where emerging independent artists often share their music first, and user-generated video content involving music on platforms like Triller and rival TikTok continues to popularize new artists and tracks. Triller claims to have 300 million global downloads (although it has been accused of inflating its usership figures), and SoundCloud has more than 30 million creators and 250 million tracks. SoundCloud hopes the integration will indirectly help artists who are signed up Page 9 of 24

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to its monetization programs (including 14 days of Priority Two funding, businesses “The tide is turning against COVID-19 Premier, Repost, and Repost Select) drive that lost 25% or more of their revenue due in New York, and thanks to our increasing more revenue through the platform’s new, to the pandemic (Priority Three) will be vaccination rates, as well as our successful, so-called “user-centric” royalty payment awarded. Given a timeline provided Tuesday data-based regional approach, we’re able to system, implemented April 1. (May 4) by the SBA, Priority Two and Three take more steps to reopen our economy, help “The new SoundCloud playlist on Triller will most likely receive relief funds in June. businesses and workers, and keep moving offers one more more way to elevate and According to federal grant award poli- towards returning to normal,” New York promote the rising artists who are build- cies, the SBA will reach out to award recipi- Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a release. ing their careers independently today,” ents as soon as the final award decisions are In New York and New Jersey, capacity said Repost by SoundCloud head of artist made. The SBA will then send a Notice of limits for most businesses will be replaced marketing Allison Moore. “We’re very ex- Award, which serves as a legally binding with a new distance-based maximum capac- cited to be working with Triller to connect issuance of the award. Once venues sign ity. Retail, food services, gyms and fitness these artists with a new audience — helping the agreement and accept the funds, they centers, amusement and family entertain- them to get discovered, build their profiles, are obligated to carry out the full terms and ment, hair salons, barber shops and other and grow their careers both on and beyond conditions of the agreement. Venues will personal care services will be limited by SoundCloud.” need to keep documentation of how they the space available for patrons or parties used the funds, as well as retain employ- of patrons to maintain the required social ment records for four years following distance of six feet. Over 7,750 Live their receipt of a grant and retain all other The entertainment industry, however, records for three years. will still be limited. As of May 10 in New Music Businesses Shuttered Venue Operators Grants are York, the outdoor social gathering limit will available to more than just the live music increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning Have Applied for industry. A total of 10,300 entities have sub- May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will mitted applications, including 1,362 motion increase from 100 to 250 people. Shuttered Venue picture theaters, 665 theatrical producers Music venues can exceed the social gath- and 522 museum operators. An addition- ering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 Grants al 12,238 applications have been started in people indoors if all attendees over the age the portal but not yet completed for SBA of four present either proof of full vaccina- BY TAYLOR MIMS review. tion status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing of ver 7,750 independent venues six feet can be accommodated. and talent organizations have NYC Is Beginning May 19, large-scale indoor successfully submitted appli- venues can move from 10% to 30% capac- cations for Shuttered Venue Reopening, But ity. Large-scale outdoor event venues will OOperators Grants, according to the Small operate at 33%. Social distancing, masks, Business Administration. After one week of Concerts Are Still and other applicable health protocols will the grant’s application opening, 4,227 ven- still apply, including the requirement of ues and promoters have applied for funding, Restricted attendee proof of full vaccination or recent as well as 1,135 talent representatives and negative COVID-19 test result. 2,389 live performing arts organizations. BY TAYLOR MIMS While capacity limits have changed, New The SBA stated they begin reviewing York will continue to require state or local applications upon receipt and that those ew York is working its way health authority event notification, health who qualify as SVOG Priority One appli- back to being a live entertain- screening, contact information for tracing, cants — entities that lost 90% or more of ment destination. The city is set enhanced air handling and building system their income in 2020 — “will receive notice to adjust many of its COVID-19 standards, hand hygiene, and environmental of awards this month and disbursement by Nsafety protocols and welcome fans back to cleaning and disinfection protocols. the end of May if they respond in a timely Broadway and music venues. “Maintaining this progress is critical and manner to the notice of award.” New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in order to keep moving in a positive direc- Priority One venues will be allotted funds governors jointly announced on Monday tion, New Yorkers must continue to take all for the first 14 days of award disbursement. that they would be lifting most industry the proper precautions,” Governor Cuomo The following 14 days, funds will be allo- capacity restrictions beginning May 19 given added. “If we let up now, we could slide cated to businesses that lost 70% or more of vaccination progress and COVID-19 case backwards and that is something nobody their revenue in 2020 (Priority Two). After decline. wants. So, let’s be safe and for anyone who Page 10 of 24

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has yet to be vaccinated, please do so as soon priate level of respect. Most offices closed that first meeting,” she says. But she remains as you can.” and instructed their employees to work cautious: “I hope we don’t [fall] into that In Connecticut, Governor Ned from home. Artists canceled the bulk of false sense of security.” Lamont said the state would eliminate all their tours, though they found ways to con- There are certainly positive signs. remaining business restrictions including nect with fans through virtual appearances, Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced those on capacity limits at large event ven- social media or TV shows. on April 27 that 40% of citizens were vac- ues in the state starting May 19. Nashville encountered a fair share of neg- cinated in the previous six weeks. The city ative press connected to the pandemic. The is dropping venue capacity restrictions on COVID-19-related deaths of Joe Diffie, John May 14, though mask mandates will remain Nashville Music Prine and Charley Pride were discouraging, in place. and some of the tourist-driven nightclubs on When PR company Schmidt Relations Biz Begins Lower Broadway flouted the city’s capacity had its first in-person planning meeting on restrictions, yielding YouTube videos that April 28, owner Jessie Schmidt and publi- Meeting In Person made it look like the community was still in cist Dixie Owen met that guidance, main- heavy party mode. taining masks and avoiding physical contact. Again After Year “That’s not indicative of the music scene “It is awkward because you have to in Nashville,” says Black River vp market- retrain yourself,” says Owen. “It’s a natural Of COVID-19 ing Tanya Schrage. tendency to hug someone or shake their Schrage had her first meeting with a hand or give them a side hug or whatever. BY TOM ROLAND company partner within the last few weeks, And now you just don’t, you know, unless convening at Jasper’s, a restaurant on West you really know the person and you know ith country artists rolling End Avenue. She had had one jab of the what situation they’re in.” out tour plans in anticipa- Moderna vaccine by then, and is now fully Safety, however, is not the only retraining tion of a receding pandem- immunized. They purposely picked a table involved. After a year of scheduling back-to- ic, Nashville executives are that was fairly isolated, and while they back appointments on Zoom, Owen packed beginningW to make personal appearances did not set any protocols in advance, they too much into her April 28 calendar. again, too. conducted a sort of unspoken dance, making “I’m a little bit off on my timing, so I over- It’s a slow trickle of two- and three- sure that both felt comfortable with their booked myself because I didn’t allow travel person meetings at the moment rather than conditions. time as much as I should have,” she says. a wave of large gatherings and parties, but “There’s no reason to not be smart about “It’s kind of relearning how long it takes to music professionals are starting to visit with it, at least for a while longer,” she says. get places, not overbooking.” people in the flesh that they’ve only seen via “We’ve come this far.” Creekhouse Entertainment owner Ju- Zoom or in photos over the last year. Two- Black River had, perhaps, an advantage lianne Drennon (Darryl Worley, Sydney person staff meetings, limited client visits over most labels in its reaction to COVID-19. Mack) picked Rafferty’s, a Southern and the time-honored lunch appointment After a short shutdown, Nashville’s studios steak-and-burger chain, for her first April are making a comeback in Music City as adopted intense testing and safety protocols meeting with day-to-day manager Ashley COVID-19 vaccinations are on the rise. to stay open. Since many — if not most — Cantrell. Drennon had received both doses It’s a cautious turnaround — some com- musicians operate in an isolation booth at of her vaccine, and Cantrell had gotten her bination of masks, sanitizer, safe distancing sessions, it was comparatively easy to keep first. But Drennon has seen the effects of and/or limited physical contact are still players socially distanced and masked, but COVID-19 up front — her daughter’s teacher endemic — but one that’s occurring with still productive. Black River owns three stu- contracted severe lung damage from it — so increased frequency as executives secure dios, including the prominent Sound Stage, the Creekhouse team stayed on opposite their vaccinations. and a handful of label employees continued sides of a well-ventilated patio table. She “I’m excited to get back out,” says Mav- to work at their discretion at the home office was nervous going into the meeting, but erick Nashville president Clarence Spald- since they were properly scanned by enter- relaxed once it started. ing (Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean), who ing through the studio. “I feel myself, as time goes along, getting noted the experience still felt a bit odd. “It Thus, Schrage has seen coworkers pe- less and less hypersensitive about things, I was nice to go sit in a restaurant and see riodically, and it has made her a tad more guess because I am vaccinated and lots of people and not feel concerned for your confident about reconnecting than many people are getting vaccinated,” says Dren- health. But I think it’s going to take every- other music pros. non. “I probably will be cautious for quite body just a beat to get used to it.” “If I weren’t already having to interact some time. I don’t know that I’ll be running The bulk of Nashville’s music community with others, I think it would be a little more up, hugging people in their face, but I cer- responded to the pandemic with an appro- unsettling than maybe it was for me to take tainly would be back to shaking hands and Page 11 of 24

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being kind of cautiously cordial.” A music technology investments. He began mo’s Monday announcement about what Thus far, none of those companies has a his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. state-mandated capacity restrictions in New particular date planned to reopen offices, “Michael brings with him a wealth of York City would be lifted on May 19. At the though it’s on all their minds. Still, if any of experience in music and business develop- time, Cuomo included Broadway among their acts has to cancel 10 days of shows this ment from both the recorded and publish- businesses that could lift most restrictions, summer or fall because of exposure, venues ing sides of the business,” said Moot and alongside restaurants, bars, museums, gyms, are booked so tightly that they’ll likely be COO Carianne Marshall in a joint statement. salons and retail shops. unable to reschedule the dates. So Spald- “With music becoming increasingly more The Broadway League, however, re- ing is encouraging his employees, his artists global, his wide-ranging expertise will sponded to Cuomo in a statement at the and their employees to operate with group be instrumental in helping us execute big time noting that they were still eyeing a safety in mind. picture deals such as catalog acquisitions fall reopening, considering the extensive “It’s not mandatory [that] anybody comes and partnerships with emerging technology logistics of theater producing. “We applaud in,” says Spalding. “If you’re not going to feel companies.” the Governor’s recent announcement easing comfortable going out, then stay home until LoBiondo added, “Warner Chappell is capacity limits on performance venues in you feel comfortable. I’m not going to jump committed to building long-term value for New York State,” they said in a statement. out in front on any level and do anything its songwriters while fostering a collab- “We are encouraged by this good news, that would potentially put one of my em- orative, forward-thinking culture for its which is a long-awaited indication that New ployees in harm’s way.” team. With increased activity around cata- York is truly on the road to recovery. We This article first appeared in the weekly log acquisitions and new digital platform look forward to reopening at full capacity Billboard Country Update newsletter. licensing, the company is ideally positioned and are working to safely welcome audi- Click here to subscribe for free. to further capitalize on opportunities in the ences and employees back to Broadway market and I’m excited to contribute to the theatres this fall. As always, we continue to growth of the company.” work closely with our elected officials and Warner Chappell LoBiondo arrives at a time of accelerated will share more information as soon as plans growth for Warner Chappell, which saw its become finalized.” Hires Michael revenues grow 15.7% to $192 million during On Wednesday, the League confirmed its second fiscal quarter. that ticket sales would indeed resume, eye- LoBiondo as ing a fall comeback. “With guidance from Gov. Andrew Head of Business Broadway Cuomo, based on current health trends and subject to continuing improvement of Development to Reopen in public health and vaccination rates, as well as the state’s final approval of each theatre BY BILLBOARD STAFF September, Says operator’s health and safety protocols, the Broadway League announces that Broadway ndustry veteran Michael LoBion- N.Y. Gov. Andrew shows in New York City will resume ticket do has joined Warner Chappell Music sales this month for Fall 2021 performanc- as head of business development, the Cuomo es,” echoed the League in a press release. company announced on Wednes- “We are thrilled that Governor Cuomo Iday. Based in Los Angeles and reporting BY SHARAREH DRURY clearly recognizes the impact of Broadway’s to CEO Guy Moot and global CFO David return on the city and state’s economy Woirhaye, LoBiondo’s role will include ew York Gov. Andrew Cuo- and the complexity of restarting an entire identifying and executing acquisitions and mo announced Wednesday industry that has been dormant for over a partnerships for the publisher’s songwriters that Broadway will be back in year,” added League president Charlotte St. and song catalog. business on Sept. 14. Tickets go Martin. “Nothing beats Broadway. The the- LoBiondo most recently worked at artist Non sale tomorrow for Broadway shows and atre owners, producers, and other League development company mtheory, whose theaters will be open at 100 percent capacity members will continue to work with the roster includes A$AP Rocky, Twenty One once they reopen. N.Y. State Department of Health and the Pilots and Major Lazer. Prior to mtheory, he “Broadway is major part of our state’s Governor to coordinate the industry’s return spent a number of years as senior director at identity and economy, and we are thrilled and the related health and safety protocols WCM’s parent, Warner Music Group, where that the curtains will rise again,” he required to do so. We remain cautiously op- he supported the 2013 acquisition of Parlo- wrote on Twitter. timistic about Broadway’s ability to resume phone Label Group and a number of Series The updated reopening date follows Cuo- performances this fall and are happy that Page 12 of 24

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fans can start buying tickets again.” claimed in an Instagram post that Manson attorney, and has previously made several The initial shutdown of Broadway oc- abused her. In the Feb. 1 post, she alleged attempts to reach the musician for comment curred March 12, 2020, as Cuomo banned that her relationship with the singer in- through his now former management, but gatherings of more than 500 people in a cluded “abuse, sexual violence, physical vio- has not received any responses. bid to slow the infection rate of the novel lence and coercion.” During their two-year On May 1, the Associated Press reported coronavirus. At that time, 31 productions relationship, Smithline told People, Manson that Manson denied Bianco’s allegations were running, including eight new shows allegedly bit and whipped her, cut her with a with a statement from attorney Howard E. in previews, and eight productions were in knife featuring a Nazi swastika symbol, and King: “These claims are provably false. To rehearsals. shoved his fist in her mouth during sex. be clear, this suit was only filed after my Wicked recently announced that it She also claimed that he forced her into a client refused to be shaken down by Ms. would become the first Broadway show to blood pact and locked her in a soundproof Bianco and her lawyer and give in to their resume its U.S. tour following the shutdown. glass “bad girls’ room” whenever she an- outrageous financial demands based on Anticipated dates for returning Broadway gered him. The pair reportedly began dating conduct that simply never occurred. We will productions will be announced in coming in summer of 2010 when Manson reached vigorously contest these allegations in court weeks on a show-by-show basis. Theatrego- out with the promise of a role in a film, in- and are confident that we will prevail.” ers can visit Broadway.org for developing triguing her with his “endless intelligence” Manson also previously denied Wood’s information. and chats about literature and foreign films. allegations. “Obviously, my art and my life This story was originally published in The Smithline said in her interview that have long been magnets for controversy, Hollywood Reporter. Manson barraged her with dozens of texts but these recent claims about me are hor- at all hours of the day and night, and also rible distortions of reality,” he wrote in a allegedly asked Ashley — who is of Jewish Feb. 1 Instagram post after Wood publicly Marilyn Manson’s descent — to find him some Nazi memo- named him as her abuser. “My intimate rela- rabilia to bring back to him in Los Ange- tionships have always been entirely consen- Ex Ashley Morgan les. “He kind of made it like this is just like a sual with like-minded partners. Regardless joke between us,” she told the mag. “I think of how - and why - others are now choosing Smithline Details at that point, I was already coerced enough to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.” that I felt he would not like me if I didn’t Stories about sexual assault allegations Alleged Abuse: bring those things. If I’d known the weapons can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual would be used on me, I think it would have assault. If you or anyone you know needs ‘I Survived a felt a lot stranger.” support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse In allegations that are chillingly similar & Incest National Network (RAINN). The Monster’ to those of Manson’s other accusers — organization provides free, confidential sup- which include former fiancee, actress Evan port to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN’s BY GIL KAUFMAN Rachel Wood — Smithline claimed Manson National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656. whipped her, bound her arms, raped her HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence orga- ust days after former Game of in her sleep and cut her as part of a “blood nization’s website for more information. Thrones actress Esmé Bianco filed pact” in which he drank her blood and suit against Marilyn Manson and his asked her to drink his. former manager in U.S. District Court “At one point I asked him, ‘Do you want Jalleging that the singer sexually assaulted me to kill myself? Do you want me to just and terrorized her on various occasions f—-ing kill myself?’” she said. The relation- during their relationship, another one of the ship continued for several years, with her disgraced shock rocker’s former girlfriends healing process kicking off in September has come forward with shocking allegations 2020 when she met with Wood, Bianco and of her own. several other alleged Manson victims. To date, Manson, 52, has been accused “Being with the other girls, these feel- by a number of women of sexual, physical ings of guilt and shame have lessened,” and psychological abuse, and in a harrow- said Smithline, who says she suffers from ing interview with People magazine, Ashley OCD, night terrors and PTSD as a result Morgan Smithline alleged she suffered of her alleged abuse at Manson’s hands. A similarly at the singer’s hands. spokesperson for the rocker told People they “I survived a monster,” Smithline, 36, told “strongly deny her claims.” the magazine four months after she first Billboard has reached out to Manson’s Page 13 of 24

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rights of producers Jimmy Iovine and Bob and Ajay Relan, bringing EngineEars to their Hipgnosis Songs Rock, Colombian singer Shakira and rock pre-seed goal of $1 million. legends Neil Young and Lindsey Bucking- The Gardena, CA native got his start in Buys Catalog of ham, among others. the music business making parody cell- The Company has splashed out after phone ringtones as a side hustle in high Grammy-Winning raising a total of more than £1.1 billion ($1.5 school. He soon fell in love with the record- billion) through its Initial Public Offering on ing process, and furthered his craft learning Producer Andrew 11 July 2018, and several subsequent issues. alongside former classmate and pgLang co- Mercuriadis “is in the process of changing founder Dave Free, who was a computer Watt the game for songwriters,” comments Watt technician at their school. on the announcement of his new deal. “He Fifteen years and countless ringtones BY LARS BRANDLE leads his company by putting the creators later, Ali has earned Grammy wins for his first.” engineering work on Kendrick Lamar’s ipgnosis Songs Fund continues 2015 masterwork To Pimp A Butterfly and its spending spree, this time Childish Gambino’s 2018 Billboard Hot buying the catalog of Andrew MixedByAli’s 100-topper “This Is America.” Outside of his Wotman, the writer and pro- award-winning work, Ali’s resume boasts a Hducer of hits for Shawn Mendes, Camila EngineEars who’s who of current star artists, including Cabello, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, 5 Seconds Cardi B, Drake, Roddy Ricch, Pop Smoke, of Summer and many more. Announces Star- Megan Thee Stallion and Nipsey Hussle. He Working under the name Andrew Watt recently acquired the former Death Row or just Watt, the music man kicked off his Studded Investors: Records studio, formerly known as Can-Am career initially as a guitarist for artists Recorders and now called NoName studios, including Justin Bieber, before establishing Kendrick Lamar, under Ali’s ownership. the rock band California Breed in 2013. Ali spoke with Billboard about his start Aged just 30 and still on the rise, Watt DJ Khaled & More in the music industry, the importance of has co-written five of the Top 100 most- mentorship and the impact of artists turned streamed songs of all time, and he recently BY NEENA ROUHANI entrepreneurs like Nipsey and Dr. Dre on won producer of the year (non-classical his own path. category) at the 2021 Grammy Awards. erek Ali wants to give mixing How did you enter the world of audio Financial terms of the deal were not dis- engineers what he never had. engineering? closed. Watt was represented in negotiations Known as MixedByAli in the In high school, I had a small business by manager Scooter Braun at SB Projects music world, the 31-year-old making ringtones. I would have friends and attorney Doug Mark. Dhip-hop aficionado turned entrepreneur is come over after football practice and they “It is amazing to be welcoming Watt to one of the most sought-after engineers in would record parody ringtones that I would the Hipgnosis Family just as he has been the rap game. In late 2020, Ali launched his put on phones. I kind of fell into the posi- awarded the producer of the year Grammy music-making platform, EngineEars, meant tion, like, “Hey, instead of selling ringtones, for his work with Miley Cyrus, Post Malone to transform and ease the way engineers, I can make a career out of being an audio et al, and as he has been No. 1 all over the songwriters and producers run their busi- engineer.” Dave Free was the computer tech world with Justin Bieber,” comments Merck nesses. Through the company, Ali hopes to at my high school. He’s always been DJing, Mercuriadis, founder of The Family (Music) uplift the behind-the-scenes musical sub- throughout high school, and working with Limited and Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited. community that he says has not yet received artists here and there. I reached out to Dave “He is arguably the most important writer its deserved recognition and respect. and asked for guidance, like, “Yo, I want and producer in the world today and I don’t In an exclusive interview with Billboard, to help — I don’t want money, I just want use those words lightly,” he continues. “Watt Ali shared EngineEars’ latest angel inves- knowledge.” and Scooter are an incredibly important part tors: Kendrick Lamar, Roddy Ricch, Russ, Being raised in Gardena, all my friends of our future.” Mustard, DJ Khaled, YG, Ella Mai, Bas, were black, some of them were in the Hipgnosis’ acquisition binge shows no Smino, Masego, Cardogotwings, Young streets. Then I came home to this [Pol- sign of abating. Just this week, the U.K. list- Guru, Kenny Beats, Ibrahim Hamad of ish] immigrant family and they don’t look ed investment company reportedly nabbed Dreamville, La Mar Taylor of XO, Meko anything like me. How do I relate to these the Red Hot Chili Peppers song catalog in Yohannes of 10Summers, and indie-record people that I interact with, and then come a deal said to be worth $140 million to $150 label EQT. The investments are led by home and I’m eating sauerkraut? I was very million, struck soon after buying-up the Slauson & Co., founded by Austin Clements insecure — it took a long time to be comfort- Page 14 of 24

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able with who I am. [Engineering] gave me we grow our name and we grow our busi- talking about business, how to elevate your purpose. I hated authority, I hated going to ness off credits. mind, how to elevate your family.” Just school. Having something that naturally sat We’re [also] giving artists access [to] some being around during that time, I have no me down naturally controlled my ADD. I of the top-tier audio engineers. An artist choice but to follow that blueprint. said, this was it. from middle America or Japan, or Germany [Dr.] Dre has also played a major part, What inspired you to create EngineE- or somewhere in Australia, can have access how his career led from him being top tier ars? to these engineers, and instantly book them in sonics and audio and production to then It all comes from the struggle that I had on EngineEars. owning Beats [by Dre]. 50 [Cent] said, “Hard coming into the industry. The pressure, How receptive was the music commu- work overrides talent, when talent isn’t the being sh—ted on. I’m 6’5”, 250 pounds, nity to EngineEars? working,” and I live by that. tatted up neck to toe, so people look at me a I reached out to all the biggest booking certain way. When I really want to learn and agencies and artist agencies that I had per- they see that hunger and passion, that turns sonal relationships with, and they didn’t see ‘Wonder Women into, “Oh, this kid might be coming from my the value in [EngineEars]. They just com- spot, let me push him away.” I always told pletely threw me to the left. So I was like, of Latin Music’ myself that once I get to a [certain] point, f—k it. I went out, raised my own money, I can be the person that I wish I had for did it myself, booked the venues, booked Panelists Stress myself. That’s what we’re doing through the flights. We did everything ourselves EngineEars. If I train 1,000 kids and not be internally, between my partner and I. We the Importance stingy with information, my legacy will live did the first [EngineEars event] in LA at the through millions of people who will follow 1500 Sound Academy and it sold out within of Mentorship at what I’ve done. four weeks. How has the music industry changed Our community went berserk. We got LAMC since the time you entered into it? an influx of people hitting us up like, “Yo, Over the past five to six years, music has come here, come here.” And we dropped BY GRISELDA FLORES been changing drastically — but the inde- everything and launched a [sold out] world pendent music sector is taking off crazy, and tour. We were like, “Holy f—king s—t.” I’m he second edition of the Wonder because of COVID, it’s growing even faster. not a producer. I’m not an artist. I’m doing Women of Latin Music panel at A lot of these kids are making music in their a worldwide tour as an engineer. Since we the Latin Alternative Music Con- homes, in their bedrooms and makeshift launched at the top of January, every month ference featured Maria Fernandez studios. And they’re going straight online we’ve grown in sales. Not a single dollar to T(Sony Music), Gabriela González (ASCAP), for people to enjoy. There is no blueprint to marketing, we’ve been growing organically Alicia Arauzo (Universal Music España), creating a song or mixing a song anymore. just off of word of mouth. Gabriela Martínez (Warner Music Latin), Kids are doing what they want to do and What would you say is the value of Sandra Jiménez (YouTube) and moderator that’s beautiful to see. It’s just finding a way engineers to the music industry? Laura Tesoriero (The Orchard), who all en- to really harness and cultivate that for the Engineers are in the trenches. We are the gaged in a conversation on the importance next generation and the sound of tomorrow. first ones at the studio, last ones to leave; of mentorship and helping the next genera- How is EngineEars different from we’re the ones driving this industry. The tion of women. other similar platforms? engineers have really become the sound “You should always look toward the The independent music sector is growing producers, the vocal producers, of a lot of younger generation and identify that next at such a rapid rate. More platforms are be- these artists. It’s showing that [engineers] person and help them get into a position,” ing made available for artists, for producers. are finally getting their recognition, one said González, vice president U.S. Latin & Engineers, we’re getting the most love now thing that that we really fight for. Latin America for ASCAP. “My mentor was than ever. Why isn’t there anything cultivat- Who are some of your inspirations in Alexandra [Lioutikoff ], who is at Universal ed for these people? This is a platform built the music game? now but was at ASCAP when I started. She for engineers, by engineers. The problems I got motivation from Nipsey. We were in really helped me become the executive I am that we’re fixing with EngineEars are issues the studio mixing Victory Lap, and he would today.” that I deal with on a day-to-day basis. For come in bringing books, just talking to ev- Presented by Amazon Music, the panel, the first time, they don’t have to wait on net erybody about business and how ownership which celebrates women making a differ- 45 label payments, they don’t have to wait works, like, “Yo, we’re not having homies ence in the industry, helped kick off day one on tracking a payment for something they around — that’s just on some street s—t, if of the virtual, four-day conference taking did last month — you get paid instantly. You you come around talking that, that’s when place from May 4-7 with back-to-back pan- get credited. As engineers, we live off credit, you get beat up. You need to come around els on mental health, the future of touring in Page 15 of 24

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a pandemic era and streaming strategies. On the importance of mentorship nounced murder charges against Bennett For the second year in a row, the 23rd Gabriela González: “You should always in January, saying he was the driver in a annual LAMC is offering free registration look toward the younger generation and December gang-related drive-by shooting for all panels, workshops and showcases. identify that next person and help them get that left one man dead. The felony murder Check here for the full panel and concert into a position. My mentor was Alexandra charge in last week’s indictment is based on schedule. [Lioutikoff ] who is now at Universal now that incident. Below, the most memorable moments but was at ASCAP when I started. She re- “He’s not guilty of any crime that’s from the “Wonder Women of Latin Music” ally helped me become the executive I am referenced in the previous charge and now panel: today. I definitely would like to mentor more in this indictment,” Bennett’s lawyer Drew On climbing the corporate ladder people if the opportunity comes up.” Findling said in a phone interview. Maria Fernández: “I was very lucky to The indictment says one of the Atlanta have many opportunities and take advan- gang sub-groups of the Bloods, known by tage of them. Most of my career has been YFN Lucci the initials YFN, was “centered around” in entertainment and I got into the music Bennett. business by chance. I decided it was a good Charged in Gang- “The YFN studio located on West moment to make a change after working for Peachtree Street in Atlanta is a central point Disney and DirectTV and applied to this job Related RICO for the group and a notorious stronghold. at Sony and 30 minutes later I was contact- YFN has continued to attract additional ed. Since, I’ve had amazing allies and really Indictment associates as Bennett gained notoriety,” the I owe this position to Afo Verde, he has indictment says. always been very supportive of women and BY ASSOCIATED PRESS “He’s absolutely not a gang member, and under his leadership we have seen change. this indictment — neglectfully or purposely Of course, hard work is also very important.” apper YFN Lucci is among a — fails to say that Mr. Bennett is a nationally What women bring to the table dozen people charged in a wide- and internationally recognized musical art- Gabriela Martínez: “One of the charac- ranging indictment in Atlanta ist,” Findling said. teristics the we have as women is empathy targeting alleged members of the Among Bennett’s biggest hits is the 2016 and it goes a long way because you’re able to RBloods gang. song “Key to the Streets” featuring the At- connect with the needs of other people and A Fulton County grand jury on Friday lanta rap group Migos. try to find a middle ground. It all has to do handed up the 105-count indictment that The indictment also cites social media with bringing in perspective and comple- resulted from a six-month investigation, postings by Bennett and others, as well as menting what men can bring to that table.” Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Charles Hamp- song lyrics, alleging they are proof of gang On the new generation ton said at a news conference Tuesday. It involvement and other criminal activity. Alicia Arauzo: “Digital streaming plat- includes racketeering, aggravated assault, “To sit and analyze somebody’s social forms launched with female leadership and murder, gun, armed robbery, property dam- media account and to try to somehow find that changed the scenario. There’s still a age, theft and gang-related charges. some evidence of a crime is ridiculous when lot of more male-oriented environments on “We are serious about the violence in At- people are just really expressing themselves the publishing side but it’s more female- lanta,” Hampton said. “We are serious about through social media,” Findling said. oriented in the live, management and holding people accountable.” streaming platforms side. It’s about time and The indictment alleges that each of the it’s because of a younger generation that is 12 people charged is associated with sub- coming up. They are more open to diversity groups of the national Bloods gang. It says and hiring other women.” they had connections and relationships to Progress in Latin America each other and accuses them of commit- Sandra Jiménez: “We are in the process ting a wide variety of crimes to protect and of seeing more women at the table but we enhance the gang’s reputation and to gain have a lot of work to do. It’s interesting to and maintain control of territory. see that all the digital streaming platforms YFN Lucci, whose given name is Ray- have women in common. If you see there are shawn Bennett, is charged with racketeer- a lot of powerful women working them. We ing, violating the state’s anti-gang law, felony need to change the other side of the music murder, aggravated assault and possession business. I have meetings where I am the of a firearm during the commission of a only woman participating in and negotiating felony. deals with publishers.” Atlanta police previously an- Page 16 of 24

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West partnered with Mary Tyler Moore’s Winter Music Tommy West, Co- MTM Records in Nashville in the 1980s to produce for country artists including Holly Conference Producer of Jim Dunn and Judy Rodman. In his later career, West operated his Releases Full Croce Albums, Somewhere in New Jersey studio from in- side a barn in the northern part of the state. Lineup for May Dies at 78 He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two stepsons. Virtual Event BY ASSOCIATED PRESS His funeral will be private, his family said.

BY KATIE BAIN ommy West, a music producer, singer and songwriter who played Warner Music inter Music Conference a major role in the short-lived ca- has released the full lineup reer of musician Jim Croce, died Group Marketing for its upcoming virtual Tof complications associated with Parkin- event, which will take son’s disease, his family said. He was 78. Veteran Beth placeW on the internet this May 20-21. West died Sunday in hospice care. Keynote speakers include Twitch Co- Born Thomas Picardo Jr. in Jersey City, Appleton to founder Kevin Lin, Pandora Cofounder Tim New Jersey, he developed his musical Westergren, N.W.A’s Arabian Prince, Dro- talents after his family moved to Neptune, Depart plabs CEO Susan Paley, Raised In Space’s according to his friend Mike Ragogna. CEO Zach Katz and a team from Spotify. “His musical career began in 1958 as BY LARS BRANDLE Additional speakers include Claude Von- co-founder of the doo-wop group, The Stroke, Jazzy Jeff and Junior Sanchez, along Criterions, with childhood friend and future eth Appleton is set to leave War- with other artists and dance world figures Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser,” ner Music after ten years with specializing in music, tech, production and Ragogna said. the company, both in Australia more. Panel discussion topics include NFTs, West had met Croce while both were stu- and the U.K., Billboard can reveal. blockchain and rebuilding the live events dents at Villanova University in 1961. BCurrently, Appleton serves as General industry. See the complete lineup below. West and Terry Cashman co-produced Manager Australia and Senior VP Market- The two-day virtual conference will, nat- three albums for Croce in the early 1970s, ing Australasia at Warner Music Australia, urally, also include a virtual afterparty along which went on to platinum status. You Don’t based in WMG’s Sydney offices. with a screening of the documentary Larry’s Mess Around With Jim, Life and Times and I “I’m so grateful to Beth for her contribu- Garage, which unpacks the backstory of Got a Name included the Billboard Hot tion to the Warner Music Family and the dance scene legend Larry Levan and his 100 No. 1 singles “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” wider music industry,” comment Dan Rosen, iconic New York nightclub Paradise Garage. and “Time in a Bottle.” You Don’t Mess President, Australasia. Warner Music Group, 2021 marks the first time that the annual Around With Jim topped the Billboard in a memo to staff. “She’s always had a pal- Winter Music Conference will happen vir- 200 albums chart for five consecutive weeks pable passion for the music business and the tually. The event, which typically happens in early 1974. “Leroy Brown” received a people who work in it.” every March in Miami in conjunction with Grammy nomination for record of the year Appleton has worked in the music Miami Music Week, was canceled in 2020 for both Croce and Cashman & West. industry for 25 years, starting with EMI in due to the pandemic. Croce was killed in a plane crash in Loui- London and transferring to Australia for the siana at age 30 in 1973. first time in 2000. She returned to the U.K. In 1972, Cashman & West had a top 30 to work for Richard Branson’s V2 label and hit on the Hot 100 as recording artists. The Universal Music before joining Warner Mu- single, “American City Suite,” was a three- sic Australia in 2011, in the role as director part suite that ran 7:44. They released it on of marketing. Dunhill/ABC, which was Croce’s record An honoree in Billboard’s Women In label. Music feature, Appleton returned to the The team also wrote songs for the televi- U.K. in January 2014 to spearhead global sion musical sitcom The Partridge Family, marketing for WMG, based in London, and featuring David Cassidy and his stepmother returned to Australia in January 2018 to as- Shirley Jones. sume her current role. Page 17 of 24

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In a separate message to staff, Apple- They inspired her to reach out and ask him and Los Angeles, and will be hosted by MLC ton admits she’s ready to “pursue my next to record the leftover from her 1986 True representatives who will give a full rundown adventure.” At present, those plans have not Blue album, as well as provide backing on the importance of the new agency, which yet been revealed. vocals on the bouncy synth-pop ditty that recently made its first distribution of me- “As many of you know, I often ask the climbed to No. 5 on the U.K. singles charts. chanical royalties to rights holders. question ‘What is the right thing to do?,’” The “Each Time You Break My Heart” “We are thrilled to work with the Acad- she continues. “Me moving on now is the remix also peaked at No. 5 on Billboard’s emy on this webinar series, which builds right thing for me to do and through me Dance Club Songs chart in May 1987. It on our ongoing efforts to reach as many po- leaving to pursue my next challenge role, I spent 11 weeks on the chart. tential MLC Members as possible, provide hope I will provide space for others to grow His next single, a cover of the Four Tops’ them with the information they need to join and take on more responsibility. You’re such “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever,” hit No. our organization and help position them- an amazing team and it’s been a pleasure 16 on the U.K. singles chart and No. 1 in selves to receive the digital audio mechani- to help support you all as you’ve developed Italy, according to the BBC, with another cal royalties they have earned and deserve,” your careers in our fast-changing business.” Madonna collab, 1988’s “Tell Me,” topping said Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. Though Appleton’s departure date has the Italian charts. Added Daryl P. Friedman, chief advoca- not been announced, she will continue for a Friend Boy George paid tribute on cy officer of the Recording Academy: “Acad- time at WMG to assist with the transition. Wednesday (May 5), calling Kamen “the emy members were so active in passage of most beautiful and sweetest man” in an the Music Modernization Act, they should Instagram post. now benefit from The MLC that the Act Madonna Duran Duran’s John Taylor also hon- created. We’re pleased to partner with The ored Kamen, describing him as “one of the MLC to reach our membership of creators Collaborator and loveliest and gentlest men I ever met. He far and wide and ultimately get royalties was a beloved friend to my daughter and her into their hands.” Singer-Model Mom. We shall all miss him. RIP Nick.” The first webinar took place on Tues- “Twist in My Sobriety” singer Tanita day (May 4) for Memphis members, while Nick Kamen Dies Tikaram recalled the times they met and across the state in Nashville an event is said Kamen was “kind & sweet , none of the slated for May 17. Academy members will at 59 ego of someone who had just set the world receive a registration link in advance of their alight with his extraordinary beauty.” local webinar. See the full list below: BY GIL KAUFMAN Watch “Each Time You Break My Heart” Memphis Chapter / May 4 and the Levi’s commercial, and see the trib- Nashville Chapter / May 17, 2 p.m. CT ick Kamen, the British model- utes below. Chicago Chapter / May 25, 11:30 a.m. CT singer best known for an iconic San Francisco Chapter / May 25, 5:30 p.m. 1985 Levi’s ad and his Madonna PT co-written 1987 hit “Each Time MLC & Recording Philadelphia Chapter / May 26, 4 p.m. ET NYou Break My Heart,” has died at age 59. New York Chapter / June 8, 12:30 p.m. ET According to BBC News, a friend of the Ka- Academy Partner Pacific Northwest Chapter / June 15, 3 men family confirmed his death on Tuesday p.m. PT (May 4) after a long, undisclosed illness; at for Outreach Texas Chapter / June 16, 3:30 p.m. CT press time no cause of death had been an- Los Angeles Chapter / June 16, TIME nounced. Campaign TBD Kamen, born Ivor Neville Kamen in Es- Florida Chapter / June 23, 12:30 p.m. ET sex, England, in 1962, blew up in 1985 when BY BILLBOARD STAFF Atlanta Chapter / July 29, 2 p.m. ET he appeared in a beloved Levi’s commercial in which the ripped model stripped down he Mechanical Licensing Col- to his boxer shorts as women lustily looked lective has partnered with the on. The ad, cued to Marvin Gaye’s 1967 Recording Academy to host a version of “I Heard It Through the Grape- dozen webinars across the country vine,” helped make Kamen a sex symbol and Tto educate chapter members of the MLCs earned him the attention of Madonna. mandate to match and distribute unpaid According to the BBC, she told the news royalties to rights holders. service at the time that she was smitten by Each webinar will be tailored to a specific Kamen’s “charisma” and “beautiful voice.” market, including Nashville, New York City Page 18 of 24

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explain what a “jaripeo” is? rancheras. I haven’t worked on something Pepe Aguilar Jaripeos are popular festivals where farm with mariachi in six years. Leonardo brings work is involved with fun. Basically, they new music that’s incredible. I think that all on Bringing His are contests where bull riders get prizes and of that, mixed with my brother, who has a awards, and there are many types of jaripeos more traditional show, will offer something ‘Jaripeo Sin in Mexico. That’s why I called it “Jaripeo different for our fans. Sin Fronteras,” because we don’t do it in any As you mentioned, “Jaripeo Sin Fron- Fronteras’ Tour to particular style, and it’s not just jaripeo. I teras” is more than just a tour, it’s a fam- wanted to use a word that many Mexicans ily tradition. How many years have you Life: ‘It’s One of a understood and also our fans in Latin Amer- produced this show? ican, who understand the concept. What This would be my third Jaripeo. I lasted Kind’ predominates in our spectacle is the ma- 20 years without riding a horse and per- riachi, the band, the charro suit, and other forming by myself at arenas. One thing is BY JESSICA ROIZ international numbers from Spain, Canada, for you to sing in an arena for 20,000 people the United States, but the show, overall, has and another thing is for you to open the fter a year of not touring because to do with the relationship between animals entire arena, as we do with the jaripeo. Of of the global pandemic, Pepe and humans. regional Mexican music, there is no col- Aguilar returns with his “Jaripeo In its totality, including musicians, league who does it this way. I tell you with Sin Fronteras” tour, announcing staff, and horses, how many people and great pride because in the end what is filling 15A new U.S. dates for 2021. animals go on tour with the Aguilar fam- these shows are the traditions and it’s the Conceptualized by the renowned ily? music, the mariachi. This show is unique Regional Mexican star himself, the family- PEOPLE: We are more than 150 people. and goes beyond us. What’s more, I think friendly concert will have performances by It’s like a circus. There’s a series of acts that that this type of show will continue happen- Pepe, Angela Aguilar, Leonardo Aguilar, happen back-to-back and are interspersed ing but without me as a headline. I’ll offer it Antonio Aguilar Jr., Banda Sinaloense, and with music and horses, bulls, acrobats. It is to another headliner in the future because Mariachi Zacatecano. similar to the tour we did in 2018 - 2019, but we already know how to do it and we have But “more than a concert, it’s an experi- now we bring that and much more. This is all the structures. ence,” Aguilar tells Billboard. A Jaripeo, more than a concert, it is an experience. You are kicking off the tour in the fall, which fuses Mexican traditions with live ANIMALS: It depends. I still haven’t but how long does it actually take to pre- music, also includes rodeo acts, horse decided how many horses I will take. What pare a tour of this magnitude? shows, charreria competition, bull riders, this year has shown us is that we control Just so you have an idea, we are already and more. absolutely nothing. I am proposing the same working on our summer 2022 tour. We More than 150 people and about 20 ani- number of animals from the last tour, which signed a two-year contract with Live Na- mals travel with the Aguilar family to bring is approximately 15 horses, eight bulls, two tion that includes 33 dates, and we need to this spectacle to life. “It’s very complicated fighting bulls, ponies, dogs, monkeys. Larger sort them out. We have the pre-production, but I think it’s one of a kind and unrepeat- animals go overland and have to take breaks production, and post-production teams. able,” he notes. between trips. When traveling with our For a show like this one, we involved scene The 2021 tour, produced by Live Nation, horses, we have to take a slower pace for directors, artistic directors, sports directors. will kick off Sept. 4 in Phoenix’s Gila River transportation from one city to another. For example, our 2021 artistic director is a Arena, and wrap up on Dec. 5 in San Jose’s CHARROS: There are eight riders, plus young man who has worked on four Cirque SAP Center. The Aguilar dynasty will also my son who’s just beginning, and myself, du Soleil, doing costumes, choreography, make pit stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Ve- who’s a charria champion. We are talking and production. For this tour, we have been gas, and Los Angeles, to name a few. about 12 charros on this tour. preparing for about six months to a year. It’s Combining traditional equestrianism with Last time, you had special guests on a lot of work. Physically speaking, I have to the latest technology such as video, lasers, tour such as Christian Nodal. How will train on my horse at least one month before lights, and special effects, Aguilar describes the 2021 tour be any different from the to be in shape and get the horse accustomed. the tour as “a rock concert but with tradi- 2018-2019 tour? Overall, it’s three hours of concert with 35 tional content.” This time we won’t have any special musicians, a lot of animals, and more. Each In an exclusive Q&A with Billboard, Agui- guests but we will have many new songs. department takes a while. lar tells all about the making of “Jaripeo Sin Angela has two hits since the pandemic. On that note, how expensive is it to Fronteras.” Read it below. She’s grown a lot on social media and has create a jaripeo that requires so much For our readers who may not un- new fans. You’ll definitely see a new side detail? derstand the term or concept, can you of her. I have a new album with romantic I don’t have the exact figure, but so you Page 19 of 24

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have an idea, this is not a normal concert. Kenny Ascher, Marcus Miller, Portugal. in 2017. Milck performed the song with an To begin with, a jaripeo costs more than you The Man and “Weird Al” Yankovic, among all-female choir. The performance quickly can imagine. Each horse is quite expen- others. went viral, with such celebrities as Emma sive, they are Andalusian, Aztec, Spanish, “We are beyond grateful to have such an Watson, Paramore’s Hayley Williams and quarter-mile horses, the best of the best and extraordinary array of talent take part in Tegan and Sara retweeting the performance. there the prices are subjective because I give the very first SONA Warrior Awards,” said Milck – the name is comprised of the my horses the price I want or some do not Michelle Lewis, SONA executive director. singer’s first two initials (C.K.) and her last have prices at all! “We thank them for coming together to help name (Lim) spelled backwards – sat down The most complicated thing, more than us honor the hard work, the vision, and the with Billboard as part of the “You Should expensive, is to be able to do it with dignity, advocacy of Paul Williams and Milck — two Know” video series (see video below). In seriousness, credibility, knowledge. That is of the world’s most inspiring songwriters.” that video, she explained that “Quiet” was why we are the only ones doing this type of Williams won a 1976 Oscar and a 1977 inspired by her own story. “I am a survivor tour. I inherited it to a certain level where Grammy for co-writing “Evergreen (Love of abuse and anorexia and depression. It’s my father took it and then we transported Theme from A Star Is Born).” He’s won two been quite a journey getting here – and that it to the 21st century, but I already count other Grammys: best recording for children song is the thesis of my journey as a woman, with a school and education to make it a big for The Muppet Movie (1979) and album as an Asian American, and as a feminist, as a show. I am not intimidated. I can physically of the year for his contribution to Daft human being who has been silenced in one do things that 99% of my colleagues cannot Punk’s Random Access Memories (2013). way or another.” do, which is go out on horseback singing and The songwriter and sometime actor had In 2020, Milck released “Somebody’s sound like I’m at a concert, and then bring two songs on the American Film Institute’s Beloved,” a haunting and timely song she my family along. It is totally complicated 2004 list “100 Years…100 Songs,” a ranking wrote amidst Black Lives Matter protests. and I think it is one-of-a-kind in its genre of top film songs. “Evergreen” placed No. 16 The SONA Warrior Awards will take place and unrepeatable, simply because several on that list and “The Rainbow Connection,” Sunday, May 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. PT. A factors came together to make this show from The Muppet Movie, ranked No. 74. re-stream of the event for U.K. viewers will happen. If God allows it, this is just the Williams is slated to receive the Johnny take place Monday, May 24, at 6 p.m. Mini- beginning. Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of mum donation for tickets is $30 through Fame induction ceremony in June 2022. May 15 and $35 thereafter. He was announced as the recipient of that For tickets, news on performers and other Songwriters Paul prestigious award in February 2020. It was details for the SONA Warrior Awards, click to have been presented at a ceremony in here. Williams & Milck June 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the SHOF to postpone its signature to Be Honored at event twice. Eminem & Coolio In addition to his songwriting, Williams Inaugural SONA is president and chairman of the board of Classics Debut on ASCAP. He has met with members of Con- Warrior Awards gress and testified at Congressional hearings Billboard Global on the need to reform and update music li- BY PAUL GREIN censing regulations, as well as helping form Charts the coalition that enabled the passage of the egendary songwriter Paul Wil- Music Modernization Act. He also lobbied BY ERIC FRANKENBERG liams will receive the warrior federal legislators for COVID-19 relief for award and singer/songwriter/ music creators and inspired ASCAP’s efforts wo weeks ago, the late DMX land- activist Milck will receive the new to provide resources and support to its song- ed five songs on the Billboard Lwarrior award at the inaugural SONA War- writer and composer members. Global 200 and one on the Bill- rior Awards, which will be held on May 23. Williams is also passionate about recovery board Global Excl. U.S. chart, The awards are sponsored by Songwriters and works tirelessly to destigmatize alcohol- Tmarking the first rap songs released before of North America (SONA), which advocates ism and addiction. His career, life and work 2010 to hit either survey. for fair pay, safety, equality, and a collective in recovery were chronicled in the 2011 When it rains, it pours. After it took seven voice for songwriters. documentary Paul Williams Still Alive. months from the charts’ launch for classic The event will feature appearances by Milck is the voice behind the viral hit hip-hop to impact the global charts, three Diane Warren, Herb Alpert, Willie Nelson, “Quiet,” which was one of the highlights of rap songs from the same era debut on the Gustavo Santaolalla, Ingrid Michaelson, the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., latest, May 8-dated lists: Coolio’s “Gang- Page 20 of 24

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sta’s Paradise,” featuring L.V., from 1995, broadly recognizable rap songs can behave formed at the Brits in 2016, when he sang and Eminem’s “Without Me” (2002) enter more like classic pop and rock hits, while his smash “The Hills.” the Global Excl. U.S. chart at Nos. 185 and modern Gen Z-friendly hip-hop continues The Weeknd is nominated for the third 193, respectively, while the latter’s “Lose to overperform domestically. time for international male solo artist at this Yourself” (2002) lands on the Global 200 at An iconic hook doesn’t hurt either. year’s Brits. And the third time may well No. 174. “Gangsta’s Paradise” interpolates the ever- be the charm. He lost in 2016 and 2017 to While DMX’s chart entries surged in green chorus of Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song fellow Canadians Justin Bieber and Drake, sales and streams following his passing, “Pastime Paradise,” while “Without Me” respectively. This year, he is going up against these three debuts by Coolio and Eminem sees Eminem slip into a reliably comic sing- Bruce Springsteen, Burna Boy, Childish inch onto the surveys after bubbling under songy tone for its central refrain. This pat- Gambino and Tame Impala. for months. “Gangsta’s Paradise” is up 4% tern continues throughout a handful of Emi- “Blinding Lights” spent eight non-con- in both sales and streams (to 8.5 million) nem’s other top-streaming songs, separating secutive weeks at No. 1 on the Official U.K. outside the U.S. in the week ending April 29, his more pop-friendly hits from his more Singles Chart and was the U.K.’s biggest while “Without Me” climbs 1% in streams hip-hop-centric songs. The similarly hooky track of 2020. (8.1 million) and dipping by 5% in interna- “The Real Slim Shady” and “Love the Way Coldplay will open the Brit Awards. The tional sales, according to MRC Data. You Lie,” featuring pop-R&B-dance(hall) show will also feature performances by Dua “Lose Yourself,” while also having earned star Rihanna, boast high non-U.S. stream- Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Arlo Parks, Griff, steady streams and sales in prior weeks, ing shares, while “Godzilla,” featuring Juice Headie One, and Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk got an extra new boost. The song was WRLD, and “’Till I Collapse,” featuring Nate with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS discounted to 69 cents on iTunes as part of Dogg, score higher U.S. shares, closer to the Trust Choir. a Soundtrack Hits spotlight accompanying average performance for contemporary rap Lipa and Coldplay leader Chris Martin the April 25 Academy Awards. Having won songs on the global charts. will be the only artists to perform on both the best original song Oscar in 2003, the 8 the Grammys and the Brits this year. At Mile track sold 8,000 downloads worldwide, the Grammys, Lipa performed a medley up 390% from the previous week, while The Weeknd of songs from her Future Nostalgia album. remaining relatively steady in streams, Martin performed in the In Memoriam spot. down 2% to 7.1 million. Lady Gaga and Set to Perform (Coldplay did not perform, despite being Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow,” the lone other nominated for album of the year for Every- Oscar winner on this week’s Global 200, also Remotely on 2021 day Life.) benefited from the iTunes sale, up 124% in The Grammys didn’t book a performance worldwide downloads. Brit Awards (or even an appearance) by Rodrigo, who is Largely because of this special discount likely to be a nominee in several categories tied to the America-centric Academy BY PAUL GREIN at the 64th annual Grammy Awards on Jan. Awards, “Lose Yourself” debuts on the 31, 2022. Global 200 but not the Global Excl. U.S. he Weeknd has joined the star- The Brit Awards 2021 with Mastercard chart; 92% of its sales are in the U.S., com- studded lineup for this year’s Brit – as the show is officially known – will be pared to the week’s average of 55%. Con- Awards, which will take place May broadcast on ITV and ITV Hub and hosted versely, “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Without 11 at The O2 arena in London. As by award winning comedian and actor Jack Me” launch on the Global Excl. U.S. chart Tthe Brits acknowledged in a press release, Whitehall. but not the Global 200, earning 77% and “Due to current restrictions the exclusive Unlike the Grammys, where there are 84 74% of their worldwide streams from out- performance will be filmed remotely.” categories (set to rise to 86 next year), the side the U.S., respectively, approximating The Weeknd opened the MTV Video Mu- Brits have just 10 categories. One has al- the week’s average of 75%. sic Awards on Aug. 30, 2020, giving a sen- ready been announced. Griff is the recipient These sturdy international totals contrast sational performance of “Blinding Lights” of this year’s rising star award. with what we have seen for hip-hop songs atop The Edge at Hudson Yards in New York The Brits last month announced that it on the global charts, as contemporary hits City. The video of that performance has re- will be the first major indoor music event to by Cardi B, Drake and many others have ceived more than 11 million YouTube views. welcome back a live audience – with 2,500 significantly over-indexed in the U.S. week His “Blinding Lights” video won the VMAs’ tickets gifted by the recorded music indus- after week. This week, eight of the 10 songs top award, video of the year. try to frontline heroes and their guests via a with the highest share of U.S. streams are The Weeknd did not perform on the lottery. The indoor ceremony and live show R&B/hip-hop. Grammy Awards on March 14. He had infa- will form part of the U.K. government’s The more balanced international lean for mously been snubbed in the nominations. scientific Events Research Programme, us- Coolio and Eminem may indicate that older, The Canadian singer-songwriter last per- ing enhanced testing approaches to examine Page 21 of 24

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how events can take place without the need sold more than 16 million albums and has “The Woody Guthrie Center is proud for social distancing. starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from to present Bruce with this well-deserved Broadway’s Les Miserables to the West recognition for his lifetime of speaking for End’s Grease! McIntyre has worked exten- the disenfranchised and inspiring genera- Debbie Gibson sively as an actor in film and television, and tions to find the power of their own voices,” has a long history in the theater, including she added. and Joey his Broadway debut in Wicked, and most Joan Baez, Chuck D, John Mellencamp, recently in Broadway’s Waitress. Since their Norman Lear, Kris Kristofferson and Mavis McIntyre Join reunion in 2008, NKOTB have released Staples are among the past recipients of the three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. award. Forces For Tickets start at $69.50 plus fees, and will Springsteen will be honored during a go on sale to the general public May 14 at virtual ceremony on May 13. Mini Las Vegas 10 a.m. PT. Artist fan club members will receive access to a pre-sale beginning May Residency 10 at 10 a.m. PT. Moneybagg Yo & YC Rule Hot BY TAYLOR MIMS Bruce Springsteen ebbie Gibson and Joey 100 Songwriters, McIntyre are teaming up for Wins 2021 Woody a special run of shows in Las Producers Charts Vegas. “Debbie Gibson & Joey Guthrie Prize DMcIntyre Live From Las Vegas” will take For First Time place Aug. 26-28 at The Sands Showroom BY ASSOCIATED PRESS inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a BY XANDER ZELLNER three-show limited engagement. ruce Springsteen has won the The two pop stars will spend the three 2021 Woody Guthrie Prize, oneybagg Yo tops Billboard’s nights going through their extensive cata- which is given to an artist seen as Hot 100 Songwriters chart logs from their solo work, and McIntyre’s carrying on the spirit of the folk (dated May 8) for the first tracks with New Kids On the Block. Bsinger whose music focused on the plight of time, thanks to nine songwrit- “I am so excited to perform on a live stage the poor and disenfranchised. Ming credits on the latest Billboard Hot 100, again. And to do it in Vegas with someone Guthrie, who grew up in Okemah, all on songs from his new LP A Gangsta’s who I admire and share so much history Oklahoma, was one of the most important Pain. The set by the rapper (real name: De- with is the perfect way to get back to doing figures in American folk music and penned mario DeWayne White Jr.) launches as his what we love!” McIntyre said in a release. hundreds of songs, including some that The first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 110,000 To celebrate the special run of shows, Boss has performed over the years. equivalent album units, according to MRC Gibson and McIntyre will be releasing a new “Woody wrote some of the greatest songs Data. studio version remake of “Lost in Your Eyes, about America’s struggle to live up its ideals Here’s a rundown of all nine of Money- The Duet” on June 4. The pair performed in convincing fashion,” Springsteen said bagg Yo’s entries on the latest Hot 100, with the track live on tour when they hit the road in a statement Tuesday (May 4). The New additional co-songwriters in parentheses. for 2019’s The Mixtape Tour and fans can Jersey rocker called Guthrie, who died in Rank, title, additional artist billing (co- expect to see the song live in action when 1967 at age 55, “one of my most important songwriters in addition to Moneybagg Yo): the two stars take to the stage this summer. influences.” No. 31, “Time Today” (YC, RealRed) “It was Joey’s idea to duet together on Springsteen and previous prize recipi- No. 35, “Shottas (Lala)” (YC, RealRed) The Mixtape Tour, which led us here to ent Pete Seeger performed Guthrie’s “This No. 52, “Go!,” feat. BIG30 (BIG30, RealRed, these live shows, which I couldn’t be more Land Is Your Land” at Barack Obama’s 2009 Jeff Lynn Jones Jr., Aaron Butler) thrilled about!” Gibson said in a release. presidential inauguration. No. 53, “Hard for the Next,” with Future “Joey and I share a love of igniting a crowd Deana McCloud, who heads the Woody (Ginuwine, Troy Oliver, Future, Torey with a blend of classic entertainment and Guthrie Center in Tulsa, said in a news Montana) modern-day sounds.” release that, “As an observer of the human No. 54, “If Pain Was a Person” (Carl Hamp- Both stars rose to fame as teenagers and condition and a reporter about the plight of ton, Ray Jackson, Homer Banks, Yung Dee) have navigated the music industry and common people, Bruce Springsteen is a true No. 59, “Wockesha” (Bunny DeBarge, Mark Broadway for several decades. Gibson has child of Woody Guthrie.” DeBarge, YC, RealRed, Javar Rockamore) Page 22 of 24

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No. 80, “Free Promo,” feat. Polo G & Lil board’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or as Nodal teased a piece of the song on his Durk (Polo G, Lil Durk, YC, Javar Rocka- producers split points for each song equally Twitch channel while playing video games more, Bobby “Keyz” Reese, Sheldon Fergu- (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- before the song dropped in full. A fan son, Skywalker OG) casional ties on rankings). later shared it on TikTok, and since then, No. 82, “Just Say Det” (YS Trakkz) The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot it has generated over 126,000 videos on No. 100, “Clear Da Air” (YC, RealRed, Rael 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full the platform. As a result of its streaming Kelly) genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. gain across services like YouTube, Spotify Plus, two of Moneybagg Yo’s collabora- com/biz. ad and Apple Music, sparked by its popularity tors, YC (aka Christopher Pearson) and on TikTok, “Botella” debuts at No. 40 on RealRed (Jorres Nelson), place at Nos. 4 and the overall Streaming Songs chart and a 7, respectively, on the Hot 100 Songwriters Gera MX & No. 2 on Latin Streaming Songs. (TikTok chart. itself does not contribute to Billboard’s chart YC concurrently hits No. 1 on the Hot 100 Christian Nodal rankings.) Producers chart, leading for the first time on “Botella” concurrently starts at No. 3 the strength of six production credits on the Chart First on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart which Hot 100, five via A Gangsta’s Pain. Here’s a blends streams, airplay and digital sales. It recap. Regional Mexican grants Gera MX his first appearance and Rank, artist billing, title (co-producers in first top 10 on the all-genre tally. Nodal picks addition to YC): Hit Ever on Hot up his third top 10 and highest charting song No. 22, Pooh Shiesty feat. Lil Durk, “Back in yet, besting his two previous top 10s: “Dime Blood” 100: ‘Just Two Como Quieres,” with Angela Aguilar (No. 8 No. 31, Moneybagg Yo, “Time Today” (Re- high, Dec. 15, 2020) and “Adiós Amor” (No. alRed) ‘Compas’ Having 4, 2017). No. 35, Moneybagg Yo, “Shottas (Lala)” “It was an organic collab, we didn’t really (RealRed) Fun’ expect to have this reception,” Gera MX No. 59, Moneybagg Yo, “Wockesha” (Re- tells Billboard. “We were friends before we alRed, Javar Rockamore) BY PAMELA BUSTIOS became musicians. We eat together in week- No. 80, Moneybagg Yo feat. Polo G & Lil ends, we cook carne asada. There are many Durk, “Free Promo” (Javar Rockamore, he partnership between Chris- good memories of us together. Nodal closed Bobby “Keyz” Reese, Sheldon Ferguson) tian Nodal and newcomer Gera my concert in Guadalajara’s Teatro Diana No. 100, Moneybagg Yo, “Clear Da Air” (Re- MX yields profits as “Botella with the song ‘Sigo Siendo El Rey’ and ma- alRed, Lil Polo) Tras Botella” debuts at No. 60 on riachi. We really never coordinated this. Our YC and RealRed are both newcomers Tthe Billboard Hot 100 chart (dated May 8). friendship just flew smoothly in a record- to Billboard’s charts. YC first appeared on It’s the first regional Mexican title to enter ing studio and the song came to be. We’ve the Hot 100 in January 2020 thanks to the list in its almost 63-year history. recorded other material, always playing his production work on Moneybagg Yo’s The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. stream- around as musician friends in the studio.” “Protect Da Brand” (No. 89 peak). He’s also ing (official audio and official video), radio “The idea of us recording together wasn’t produced songs for Lil Wayne, Kevo Muney airplay and sales data. Gera MX and Nodal’s planned, we weren’t thinking of releasing and BIG30. first collaboration arrives on the list owed anything,” Nodal tells Billboard. “It was just RealRed, who also ranks at No. 11 on Hot largely to streaming activity — it generated two ‘compas’ having fun.” 100 Producers, first hit the Hot 100 as a pro- 9.9 million U.S. streams in its first tracking “Botella” concurrently earns a No. 1 ducer this February thanks to Moneybagg week ending in April 29, according to MRC launch on Latin Digital Song Sales with Yo’s “Time Today.” He has additionally pro- Data. (“Botella” was released April 23 along- 2,000 downloads sold. duced songs for NLE Choppa, Kevo Muney side its music video.) First Regional Mexican Title To Debut and BlocBoy JB. “Since we heard the collaboration for Billboard Hot 100 Ever: As previously The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and the first time, we felt it would have a huge mentioned, “Botella” bows at No. 60 on the Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total effect on the audiences of both artists,” Vic- Billboard Hot 100 chart and earns Nodal points accrued by a songwriter and produc- tor González, president Virgin Music Latin and Gera MX their first entry there. It’s the er, respectively, for each attributed song that America & Iberian Peninsula, tells Billboard. first Regional Mexican song to arrive on appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based “The phenomenal response occurred very the all-genre list. Only three other Regional songwriter and producer charts follow the quickly, and our expectations were exceed- Mexican acts have visited the chart since its same methodology based on corresponding ed beginning on launch day.” inception in 1958 — all through pop songs: “Hot”-named genre charts. As with Bill- “Botella” also received an online boost Kumbia Kings and A.B. Quintanilla earned Page 23 of 24

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their first and only entry with their col- laborative tune “U Don’t Love Me” (2000). Royal Blood Republican Marco Antonio Solis followed through his featured role in Enrique Iglesias’ “El Perd- Storming to Lawmaker Blocks edor” (2014). “Botella’s” production team comprises U.K. No. 1 With Vote to Honor Gay Luis Barrera, Edgar Barrera and JayRick. “I arrived in the studio, set my guitar with ‘Typhoons’ Country Singer TJ JayRick and recorded the riffs and the idea for the chorus which I already had,” Nodal BY LARS BRANDLE Osborne Due to adds. “I gave Gera a hand with some melo- dies and he placed his lyrics over and then I oyal Blood is making a big splash ‘Some Concerns’ asked Luis and Edgar Barrera to assist with on the U.K.’s midweek albums the production. My initial guitar chords chart. BY LARS BRANDLE were left in the background, Edgar added The British rock duo’s third some country guitar riffs and Luis handled Ralbum Typhoons (Warner Records) flies to symbolic gesture to honor the mix.” No. 1, and is outselling the rest of the Top 5 T.J. Osborne from Brothers “We are excited to see that the outstand- combined, the OCC reports. Osborne turned sour when a ing performances of Gera MX and Christian If Typhoons holds its strength when the Tennessee Republican lawmaker Nodal are reaching new audiences around weekly chart is published Friday, it’ll give blockedA the resolution and ignited a Twitter the globe,” González adds. Royal Blood a hattrick of chart crowns, fol- storm. First Mexican Top 10 Visit on Billboard lowing their self-titled debut from 2014 and Osborne, who came out in February to Global Charts: “Botella” likewise debuts in 2017’s How Did We Get So Dark? become one of very few openly gay coun- the top 10 on both Billboard Global charts: Typhoons is the most purchased album try artists to be signed to a major label No. 4 on Global Excl. U.S. and No. 9 on Bill- (physical and downloads) over the bank (EMI Nashville), was to be honored by the board Global 200. It garnered 79.5 million holiday long weekend to lead an all-new top Tennessee state legislature. streams and 3,600 downloads sold world- 8. The wheels were fully in motion on Tues- wide. It becomes the first song by a Mexican Merseyside outfit The Coral are on track day, with 30 senators passing the bill. act to reach the top 50 of either global chart, for a sixth Top 10 album — and highest chart That was, until Jeremy Faison used his let alone the top 10 of both. position since 2003 — with their double al- power as the Chair of the House Republican About the recording session, Gera MX bum Coral Island (Run On). It’s new at No. 2. Caucus to block the resolution. Faison gave adds: “We recorded it at La Rich House, a Just behind is Celebrating The Music of only a curious explanation for his combative home studio in Guadalajara we put together Peter Green (BMG), an all-star tribute to stance: “We have some concerns,” he told with good equipment. Nodal came out with the late Fleetwood Mac founding member, the floor. the loop on guitar. I played around with while another live album, Pink Floyd’s Live By doing so, Faison ensured the resolution the notes and wrote my lyrics. We put it at Knebworth 1990 (Rhino), is at No. 4 on the won’t pass. That particular committee, notes together amid a few beers, food and good chart blast. the Tennessee Holler, is now closed for the chat.” British folk singer Birdy is flying to a year. second Top 5 album with Young Heart (At- Faison’s maneuver has been called out by lantic), new at No. 5, while French heavy LGBTQ activists as an action of bigotry and metal group Gojira (Fortitude at No. 6 via spite. Roadrunner), veteran Scottish alt-rock five- The country act chose a different tactic, piece Teenage Fanclub (Endless Arcade at by reaching out with an olive branch. No. 7 via Pema), and DIY Norwegian singer- “We’ve lived in this state for over half songwriter Girl in Red (If I Could Make It of our lives,” reads a social post. “Jeremy Fai- Go Quiet at No. 8 via Marie Ulven) are chas- son honored Ben Shapiro who doesn’t even ing Top 10 spots. live here. Jeremy, let’s have lunch one day. The most-streamed album so far this On us. Would really like to know more about week is DJ Khaled’s collaboration-stuffed you as a person.” 12th studio album Khaled Khaled (Black But- The political chess move hit a sour note ter/We The Best), opening at No. 10. with many, including fellow country star The Official U.K. Singles and Albums Kacey Musgraves. Charts are published late Friday, local time. “Massively disappointed in TN House Page 24 of 24

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Republicans for blocking my friend TJ edition autographed replicas of Jonas’ right manitarian organization Mercy Corps that Osborne for being honored because HE’S hand that symbolize support for anyone will go toward emergency supplies, food and GAY!?,” she tweeted. traveling for the first time since the CO- clean water. The Osbornes’ soft touch appeared to VID-19 pandemic hit. “It’s going to take time for travelers to work. “I would be honored to break bread “I’ve spent so much of my life on the road adjust to a post-pandemic life and the new with you,” Faison responded. The Bros — touring the world and playing in virtually norms that this may entail — we want to will keep their word. “We’ll message you every major city. Traveling has always been make sure we are there for them, every step directly,” they responded. a personal passion for me, but after more of the way. Providing a helping hand to trav- T.J. says he’s received widespread encour- than a year spent at home, I am eager to get elers is our mission, whether it’s a physical agement since making his announcement. back out there,” Jonas said in a press state- hand to hold for added comfort, or the act of “I’ve had an incredible amount of support,” ment. “I know that travel is better when I arming them with all the information they he recently told CBS Sunday Morning. “And have a great companion to explore with — need to confidently plan their next trip,” there’s been some people saying some off- Expedia gets that too. I’m excited to team added Nisreene Atassi, Expedia’s senior color things to me. But it was a lot, a lot less up with them to help people feel confident director and global head of communications. than I expected.” about traveling the world again, whenever “We’re on a multi-year journey to becoming Earlier, in an interview with Time, Os- they’re ready, by lending a helping hand: one a travel company that is obsessed with our borne revealed that he has been out to that supports travelers at every step of the travelers, understanding their wants and family and friends for a few years. “I’m very way. Because let’s face it — it matters who needs. Planning a trip shouldn’t be stressful comfortable being gay,” he explained. “I find you travel with.” and by promising our unwavering commit- myself being guarded for not wanting to talk In an interview with CBS This Morning, ment and support, travelers can focus on about something that I personally don’t have Jonas explained why his collaboration with getting the most out of their vacations once a problem with. That feels so strange.” Expedia comes at a time when he’s “ready again.” to get back on the road” and tour again with See Jonas’ Helping Hand below and enter his brothers, but others might feel scared to to win one here. Joe Jonas safely travel again. He also mused about his expanding family after he and wife Sophie Is Lending a Turner welcomed their daughter Willa last summer. Hand (Or 250) “I’m always on the go, I’m always moving and traveling and touring, and to be in one To Americans place for a solid amount of time and just have my feet on the ground and be with my Anxious to Travel family, my immediate family, is time I don’t think I’ll get back. So I’m so thankful and Again grateful,” Jonas said. He later delved into the mental health BY HERAN MAMO foundation he and Turner are developing that has been an “important topic” for them oe Jonas can be your right-hand man as a couple and as entertainers. In May 2019, and go-to travel companion for your the Game of Thrones actress cited Jonas for next trip if you’re feeling hesitant to aiding her mental health journey while she hop on a plane again. struggled with depression. Now, the couple JThe Jonas Brothers star partnered is trying to aid frontline workers whose with Expedia to boost American travelers’ mental health took a hefty toll during the confidence in flying again after the travel pandemic. “We’re thinking of ways, creative site’s new Travel Companions Report from ways that we can give back to them. Donate Tuesday (May 4) revealed that “80% of our time, donate — whether if it’s money American adults feel stressed at the thought — to really focusing on an amazing charity of booking international trips, and 60% state that’s going to give back to these individu- they need a helping hand when booking als,” he said. travel compared to pre-COVID.” So Jonas Expedia is also offering a helping hand to is offering that Helping Hand to 250 lucky communities affected by the ongoing pan- people who will be gifted with 3-D limited- demic by donating $100,000 to global hu-