Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JUNE 3, 2021 Page 1 of 34

INSIDE Upside/Downside: As Spotify’s

• As Chinese ARPU Drops, Subscriber ‘Lifetime Regulators Hover, Tencent Music’s Value’ Has Grown Rivals Chip Away At Its Dominance BY GLENN PEOPLES

• Inside Track: Apple Music Is Clearing At Spotify, “Our continued focus is on reaching more expansion in countries with lower prices, telecom DJ Sets; Twitch listeners, as ultimately this will translate into long- bundling, student deals and family plans. When Spo- Distances From term value for our investors,” said CEO Daniel Ek on tify makes less per user, of course, so do creators. Dance Music an October 2020 earnings call. What some creators see as bad news, however, • Jam Bands Lead The company’s strategy has always been that might be good for Spotify — and, perhaps eventually, a Concerts Revival, growth comes before everything else — to the oc- those creators as well. Spotify says the leading factor Aided By casional frustration of creators, who are sometimes in ARPU erosion is its family plan, which allows up Livestream Boom more interested in today’s royalty payouts than to six members of a household to use one account for • Spotify Co-Head of tomorrow’s valuation. On the same call, CFO Paul $14.99 in the United States. (Amounts differ by coun- Music Marian Dicus Vogel said, “For us, it has historically been about re- try.) That makes average revenue decline because that Leaving for Netflix ally thinking about growing users and subscribers first payment is split among more users. before worrying about the monetization part.” Spotify and other services see family plans and oth- • Nicki Farag Promoted to General Some rights holders don’t like that. They’re less er discounts as a way to solve an even bigger problem: Manager of Def Jam focused on how many subscribers a music service has churn, or the percentage of subscribers who leave a than on how much money it takes in from each. That service within a given period. What looks like smooth, number is the average revenue per user, or ARPU, and steady subscriber growth is really an unruly process MARKET WATCH it’s closely watched because of its direct relationship in which some customers leave for varying periods of PAGE 31 to royalties, which many creators wish were higher. time while more sign up or rejoin. (Spotify does not SONGWRITERS In 2020, Spotify’s global ARPU was $5.25 a month, reveal its current churn rate, but Citi analyst Jason & PRODUCERS of which it paid out about $3.90 a month to rights Bazinet estimates it was about 4% in 2020, down CHARTS holders. That number is down 39.4% since 2015, when from 7.7% in 2015, according to one of the company’s PAGES 32 - 34 it was $8.66 due to a number of factors, including (continued)

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Billboard’s eighth annual Country Power Players CONTACTS issue will profile the people who have driven Joe Maimone another solid year for the country music industry, 201.301.5933 | [email protected] generating billions in sales, streaming and Lee Ann Photoglo publishing. This special feature will highlight the top 615.376.7931 | [email protected] executives, artists and changemakers who kept the music playing during an incredibly challenging Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] year, as well as coverage of the changing face of country music. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Advertise in Billboard’s Country Power Players Ryan O’Donnell issue to congratulate this year’s honorees while +447843437176 | [email protected] reaching key decision-makers who are driving the music business.

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 Page 3 of 34

IN BRIEF

financial filings.) And deals like the family ent factors at play; it has fallen globally, but Kingdom. So far, says Spotify, these changes plan give subscribers an incentive to stay. it’s lower in established markets and higher haven’t materially affected the company’s The question that could set creators at in new markets. In spite of their shortcom- churn rate. Which is good news for both odds with Spotify is whether the negative ings, however, these metrics are standard sides — at least for now. impact on ARPU is worth it. “The short amongst subscription businesses — from A version of this article originally appeared answer is it’s a really good trade-off,” says Salesforce to wireless phones — and are in the June 5, 2021 issue of Billboard. Bazinet, because less churn can increase useful in gauging a product’s performance subscribers’ “lifetime value,” the expected over time. future revenue from a subscription, because That’s where the conflict arises. Higher As Chinese they’ll stay with the service longer. So even ARPU means higher royalties, while Spo- though Spotify’s ARPU declined nearly 40% tify’s priority involves more subscribers Regulators Hover, between 2015 and 2020, the lifetime value staying with the service longer. And while of new subscribers to the service more than Ek talks about that goal, he has never said Tencent Music’s doubled from $16.78 to $36.85, accord- much to creators about lifetime value. In- ing to Billboard calculations based on how stead, Spotify tends to focus on more famil- Rivals Chip Away Spotify values users, and total annual royalty iar metrics and talking points. This could be payments — for both recorded music and a missed opportunity because lifetime value At Its Dominance compositions — grew from less than $2 bil- of subscribers does shed light on royalty lion to roughly $5 billion. payouts. The longer subscribers stay on Spo- BY ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO, To complicate matters, these metrics are tify, the more royalties they generate. “Our HSIUWEN LIU, KYLE MULLIN blunt measurements that leave Spotify’s model drives more fan engagement and performance open for interpretation. ARPU, generates revenue from more places,” said EIJING — Chinese competi- while consistently declining over time, Spotify in a statement to Billboard. “That tion regulators are considering a captures a melting pot of different prices means larger total checks from Spotify to crackdown on Tencent Music En- from established markets with the highest rights holders.” tertainment to bring the stream- prices to newer markets like Russia and Larger royalty checks may be coming for Bing giant down to size, but the company may India with lower prices. That means lifetime other reasons, too. Spotify’s ARPU could already be losing its edge in the country’s value, which is derived in part from ARPU, rise modestly in 2021, thanks to its intended rapidly developing music market. will vary from market to market, too. What’s introduction of a high-quality, lossless Since its formation in 2016, TME has built more, the term lifetime value actually refers audio plan that will likely come at a higher its strength by relying on exclusive distribu- to the expected value of a single subscrip- subscription price, as well as price increases tion deals with record labels and artists like tion, not a specific customer who could in 42 markets, including a $1 increase in Mandopop star Jay Chou to muscle out leave and return multiple times. The churn the U.S. family plan and a similar rise in competition for the streaming services it rate reflects dozens of markets with differ- price for three discount plans in the United owns. Lately, though, those arrangements

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2021 BLACK EYED PEAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Over the past 25 years, the Los Angeles trio—will.i.am, The album single from December 2020, “GIRL LIKE ME” apl.de.ap, and Taboo—earned six GRAMMY® Awards and [feat. Shakira] achieved success on Latin and Top 40 achieved sales of 35 million albums and 120 million singles radio, and was the subject of a viral TikTok challenge in across seminal releases such as Elephunk, The E.N.D., and late 2020. The success of TRANSLATION continues to more demonstrate Black Eyed Peas’ ability to reinvent themselves along with the ceaseless changing of the times. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for Please join Billboard as we celebrate the 25 years of downloaded tracks,” (Nielsen) and landed on Billboard’s Black Eyed Pea success as one of the most compelling “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade.” In 2011, they dazzled the acts in the music scene world with a landmark performance at the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show. CONTACTS

Joe Maimone Their eighth studio album, TRANSLATION, achieved 201.301.5933 | [email protected] staggering international success after its release in 2020, and features major collaborations with artists such as J Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Shakira, Nicky Jam, and Tyga. The album resulted in a series of chart-topping singles, Cynthia Mellow including the massively successful “RITMO (Bad Boys For 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Life)” [feat. J Balvin] and “MAMACITA” [feat. Ozuna and Marcia Olival J.Rey Soul], both of which achieved #1 status on three 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Billboard Charts each, numerous award nominations, and Ryan O’Donnell gold, platinum, and diamond certifications globally. +447843437176 | [email protected]

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1934

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country haveA beenlbu unravelingms; even Brett without the YoungNetEase paid‘Catc TME nearlyh’-es $3 million Fifth to AirplayReuters has reported that regulators may direct interference of regulators. In the past sublicense in 2018, according to court filings fine TME 10 billion yuan ($1.54 billion) and two years, UniversalLeader; Music Group Travis (UMG), inDenning China. Makes Historyforce it to divest Kuguo and Kuwo, which Sony Music and Warner Music Group Still, “I really don’t think we are dominat- would knock down TME’s market share by (WMG) have decided to diversify their dis- ing the market,” counters Andy Ng, TME about 68%, based on data from QuestMobile. Samtribution Hunt and’s second leverage studio intensifying full-length, competiand first -in overgroup five vp. years, “We Southside were just sales doing (up whatever 21%) in the we tracking Already, week. On though, Country WMG’s Airplay, exclusiveit hops 18-15 arrange (11.9 mil-- (MCAtion for Nashville/Universal better deals offered Music Groupby companies Nashville), debutscould at No. to 1 makeon Billboard the pie’s biggerlion audience so everybody impressions, mentup 16%). with TME expired in March and the Toplike Country NetEase Albums Cloud chart Music. dated April 18. In its first couldweek (ending get a niceApril piece9), it of it.” companies announced they would form a earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingIf regulators to Nielsen act, Music/MRC TME could Data. essentially Ng says the perceptionand that total the Country company Airplay No.joint 1 as label. “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends beSouthside penalized marks for dominating Hunt’s second the No. industry, 1 on the has overcharged competitors to sublicense 2-1,China’s increasing competition 13% to 36.6 authority million impressions. opened chartdespite and the fourth key toprole 10. it Itplayed follows in freshman shifting LP content is unfair. He claims that NetEase an anti-trustYoung’s first investigation of six chart againstentries, “SleepTME’s With- MontevalloChina’s music, which business arrived awayat the fromsummit piracy in No - is paying major labels more this year for major-labelout You,” reached exclusives No. 2 in in August December of 2019. 2016. He vemberand into 2014 licensed and reigned streaming. for nine Over weeks. the To past date, nonexclusive distribution deals than TME Whilefollowed that with probe the multiweekwound down No. 1sthe “In following Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionfive years, in album China’s sales. recorded-music business charged it to sublicense the labels’ content FebruaryYou” (three, without January penalties 2018), “Mercy” against (two, Tencent, August hasMontevallo grown at has an spent unparalleled 267 weeks onpace: the list,up 278%tying in 2020. (A NetEase representative declined Universal2018) and rearranged“Here Tonight” its (two,deal withApril 2019).TME, Lukefrom Bryan $209.4’s Crash million My inParty 2016 as theto $791.9sixth-longest- million to discuss terms but said that through the signing“Catch” its first-ever completes hisdistribution longest journey deal to withNo. 1, runningin 2020, titles according in the chart’s to IFPI, 56-year with history. streaming new direct arrangements, “the uncertainties NetEasehaving taken Cloud 46 Music weeks lastto reach August. the apex. Sony It out- On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” accounting for 90.5% of last year’s revenue. of facing huge price increases proposed by Music followed suit in May with its own rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterAs the of No.December, 3-peaking among Montevallo China’s. top five third parties is now greatly reduced.”) NetEasea new high. deal, while all three also renegoti- streamingHunt first apps, released TME’s the EPthreeX2C , platforms which debuted — The Chinese competition authority has a ated nonexclusive deals with TME. andQQ, peakedKuguo atand No. Kuwo 5 on Top— controlled Country Albums 77% of in Augusthistory 2014. of targetingFollowing companies COMBS that ‘DOES’ it per IT -AGAIN LukeThat Combs should’ “Does be to good Me” news(River forHouse/Columbia the Chinese MontevalloChina’s monthly, Between active the Pines: users, Acoustic according Mixtape to startedceives at its are No. growing 7 high intoo dominant.Nashville), Last featuring year, Eric Churchmusic, ecosystem,ascends 11-8 onsays Country Andy Airplay,Mok, a upsenior 10% to NovemberQuestMobile, 2015. a Chinese research company. it issued a record $2.8 billion24.7 million fine against in audience. Ali- Theresearch song is Combs’fellow at eighth the Center straight for career-opening China and Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:And since “Leave TME the went Night public On,” “Take on the Your New Time,” “Housebaba Party” Group and Holding, “Make beforepromoted taking No. action 1 singles. in Globalization, a Beijing think tank, who YouYork Miss Stock Me.” Exchange “Break Up in in 2018, a Small its Town” market peaked cap at No.April 2. against over a dozen otherChurch companies, adds his 15th Countryforesees Airplay more top negotiating, 10. deal-making and hasHunt grown co-penned from $21 all billion 12 songs to on $26 Southside billion., includingincluding “Body LikeTME a parentBack Tencent Holdings. — ultimately — opportunity. “[The labels’] Road,”The whichcompany was releasedhas also incapitalized 2017. The smash on hit ruledThe Country crackdown Airplay began for afterTHAT Alibaba TOOK foundQUITE- ‘A FEW’catalogs MONTHS will Travis be everywhere, Denning shatters more the like record the for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After listeners who do not use its services, subli- er Jack Ma said in a speech last October West,” says Mok. chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridacensing Georgia its exclusive Line’s “Meantdistribution to Be” deals(50 weeks to its atop thethat latter the list Communist in 2017-18). government’slion in radio “outdated reach. NetEase Cloud Music — which applied competitors“Downtown’s for Dead,” two to which three is times also on what the new it set, reachedsupervision” Nos. 14 of and financial 15 Themarkets song hamstrings surpasses two tracksMay 26 that to took go public 50 weeks on each the toStock enter Exchange the top 10: onpays, Hot NetEase Country SongsCEO Williamand Country Ding Airplay, claimed respectively, innovation. in June 2018. But “Kinit broadly- Easton stems Corbin from China’s’s “A Girl Likeof You,”Hong which Kong reached and intends No. 10 to in raiseJanuary $1 2018billion be- folks”publicly led lastCountry year, Airplay while cuttingon Feb. 29, major becoming labels Hunt’s desire seventh to slow No. 1.the It hitrapid growthfore peaking of its at tech No. 6 that February,— could and benefit Aaron Watsonmost from’s “Outta regulatory Style,” actionwhich No.out 3of on the Hot market Country with Songs. direct artist deals giants, which control reamsachieved of personal its No. 10 data high in Decemberagainst TME. 2017. The app, part of video-game Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker like the one with Chou — for whose songs and hold cultural sway, analysts say. giant NetEase Inc., is a popular music eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY Page 6 of 34

IN BRIEF

curator for Generation Z consumers in Kuguo and Kuwo — and renamed it Tencent larger, more affluent cities like Beijing and Music Entertainment, solidifying its posi- Inside Track: Shanghai than TME, which is stronger in tion as China’s leading music streamer. That lower-tier cities, label executives say. year Tencent also purchased Beijing music Apple Music Is Analysts think that forced divestitures distributor R2G, which had been aggregat- by TME could also usher a third major ing Chinese publishing rights since the early Clearing DJ Sets; competitor into China’s streaming market. 2000s, when it won a string of lawsuits That would likely be either Alibaba, which against Internet companies that provided Twitch Distances shut down its Xiami music app in February music for mobile ring-back tones. amid intense competition from Tencent, or In its zeal to sign exclusive deals, some From Dance TikTok owner ByteDance. competitors say, TME routinely overpaid Piracy-Ridden Market Spurred A for its deals with the majors, which involve Music Scramble For Copyrights minimum guarantees. (Ng says the prices Only a decade ago, more than 99% of were in line with projections of streaming BY BILLBOARD STAFF music downloads in China were pirated, ac- users.) With the large up-front advances, EDITED BY DAN RYS cording to IFPI. But in 2011 China punished royalty reporting was almost an after- leading search engine Baidu for providing thought, frustrating artists and managers — pple Music Clears the Way for illegal mp3 downloads, and in 2012, see- something that will improve as the market DJ Mixes ing PSY’s “Gangnam Style” go viral, China moves away from exclusive deals, says Alex For years, dance music DJs sought the same success for its own domes- Taggart, head of international for label ser- have enjoyed near-complete au- tic repertoire. Then in 2015 the government vices firm Outdustry, which last year formed tonomyA to play whatever music they want in launched the “Sword Net” initiative that an independentpublishing company spe- nightclubs, even when that means dropping ordered streaming platforms to take down cializing in China. in samples of well-known songs or mixing unlicensed music. Within days, streamers “We learned the best way to get better re- live mashups of two recorded works. But DJ removed more than 2.2 million songs. porting out of everybody is to play them off mixes — which are notoriously complicated Tencent was ready to take advantage of against each other,” Taggart says. (Ng says to deconstruct — have encountered more the new music landscape. In late 2011 Ng, TME issues monthly reports and is working scrutiny on digital services, where recorded a Hong Kong native, joined Tencent’s QQ on a system for real-time reporting that will playbacks can’t so easily be cleared for legal Music from Nokia, where he had experi- more closely match global standards.) use. ence handling copyrights. He urged Tencent The TME exec says NetEase’s planned Apple Music has been solving that issue founder Pony Ma to focus on cleaning up initial public offering illustrates how rapidly by using Shazam-style technology and an the company’s music rights issues and the music landscape is changing. “I’m sure internal clearing team to determine what secure exclusive licensing deals, after Ten- there will be more competitors coming in the tracks DJs are using in their mixes — and cent’s challenging experience with pirated future,” Ng says. “Everybody is still talking then directly paying rights holders for those video games. about how the China music industry is doing usages, Billboard has learned. Entrepreneurs also sensed opportunity. In great. Everybody is still trying to jump in.” The new process, which Apple says it 2012, Xie Guomin, a lawyer who specialized A version of this article originally appeared created in cooperation with major and in music copyrights, formed Ocean Music in the June 5, 2021 issue of Billboard. independent labels, was set to pay out at with a group of investors and set out to build least $2 million to DJs and suppliers in the a powerhouse digital distributor. At a time 12 months ending on March 31, according to when licenses were cheap, Guomin hoarded one person familiar with the matter as well copyrights and waited to make a fortune. By as confidential Apple documents reviewed the end of 2013, Ocean Music had reached by Billboard. agreements with nearly 100 record com- Apple, which acquired audio-recognition panies and exclusive contracts with more mobile app Shazam in 2018, can now take than 40 music and copyright agencies — and small slices of an hour-long DJ mix and ana- had close to 20 million pieces of music in lyze them for music samples, explains one its library. The company also did the first person who was briefed on the new clearing exclusive deal with a major in China — for process. Apple Music is allowing mixes to go EMI’s catalog. live after the streamer has identified at least By 2016, Tencent had acquired China 70% of the combined tracks, the person says. Music Corporation (the former Ocean The technology could have implications Music) — which by that time had bought for platforms like Twitch, where on-demand Page 7 of 34

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playbacks of DJ sets are not covered by me- nization Merlin — and is using its internal didn’t really have a huge music presence chanical licenses and are often hard to dis- label- and artist-services company Platoon prior to the pandemic. I think dance music sect for possible copyright violations. And to enable the backend metadata collection was a huge force in driving it.” by helping to get rights holders paid prop- and organization, says the person briefed on Another source from the dance music erly, it could give DJs from indie labels more the program. scene agrees: “They were riding on this vi- exposure for their creative compilations and Last year, Apple created separate pools of sion of easy content.” live, often-improvised performances. $1 million each to pay suppliers and DJ fees, Twitch’s music-related programming did As Billboard previously reported, a according to the documents describing the indeed soar during the pandemic, with the number of music recognition technologies, program. On a quarterly basis, Apple calcu- platform’s music vertical logging 17 mil- including Pioneer’s KUVO, can already lates the number of royalty-bearing streams lion hours watched in April 2020. These make the monitoring and reporting of DJ of greater than 30 seconds for each of the numbers accounted for a 385% jump year sets easier and more accurate. One of them, tracks across all of the DJ’s mixes on Apple over year, according to a recent report by the Amsterdam-based DJ Monitor, func- Music. Using that total, Apple determines software developer StreamElements and tions like Shazam, identifying tracks within the market share of the DJ and pays a pro- analytics company Arsenal. The situation its library of nearly 80 million songs submit- rata share of the DJ Pool. proved mutually beneficial for both Twitch ted to DJ Monitor by PROs — and creating To pay for the master recordings in the DJ and the dance-related entities who were set lists with 93% accuracy, the company mixes, Apple Music looks at each royalty- delivering their fan bases to the platform claims. bearing play within a DJ mix and reports and also growing these bases via Twitch’s Such technology can help avoid collected and pays the label or distributor as if they native audience. fees ending up in the wrong hands. In 2016, had delivered the track, the company says in “For a while, for every stream we were the nonprofit Association for Electronic the documents. —Alexei Barrionuevo on the front page of Twitch with 10,000 to Music (AFEM) projected that dance music Twitch’s Dance Music Issue 15,000 people watching,” says one artist producers missed out on an estimated As the coronavirus pandemic set in and whose dance label entered a partnership $120 million in royalties from live perfor- in-person events shut down, Twitch became with Twitch at the beginning of the pan- mances. a magnet for music livestreams, particularly demic. “It was a crazy experience. There’d DJ mixes already utilizing Apple’s new those by artists from the dance music com- be our core community and then this influx clearing process include 41 sets from last munity who were eager to stream sets that of gamers.” year’s Tomorrowland: Around The World they’d previously been playing in clubs. As the pandemic wanes, however, Twitch virtual live stream and 16 sets from Tomor- Sensing an opportunity, the Amazon- is now relegating the dance genre to its back rowland’s New Year’s Eve digital festival owned platform quickly began offering -fi pages. In late March, representatives from — all of which are available on Apple Music. nancial deals to various dance labels, brands Twitch made calls to several dance-related The streaming service has also used the and artists to make their content exclusive affiliates, letting them know that the way process on mixes from Boiler Room and to the platform, rather than them also they’d be featuring dance music on the site artist-supplied mixes and live sets from broadcasting it across other channels like was changing. the likes of Marshmello and Paul Kalk- Facebook and YouTube. One such content “They were like, ‘Yeah, we’re not going brenner. (Conspicuously absent from the creator was offered $30,000 for six months to support dance music anymore because Tomorrowland 2020 mixes were sets from of content, the person tells Billboard, esti- we’re negotiating with the majors and don’t headliners David Guetta and Tiësto.) mating that various artists were being paid want to be seen to be supporting DJ culture In an interview with Billboard last several hundred dollars per livestream hour. and dance music culture while we’re having year, Tomorrowland co-founder Michiel While such deals were not necessarily these negotiations,’” says the source. “It sort Beers acknowledged the arrangement with uniform across partnerships, a source with of felt like they got what they needed from Apple Music to license many of the sets knowledge of the situation notes that the it and then were like, ‘Cool, we’ll sort of from the virtual festival in July of 2020. funding they did receive “basically cov- not support you anymore and use that as a Beers said the streamer also requested that ered our production costs for six months. negotiation tactic.’” the festival upload “some legendary Tomor- It wasn’t like we made any money from it, Dance music livestreams — which are rowland sets” from previous years. (Apple which is a good deal for Twitch. Basically, typically made up of hundreds of songs Music currently features Tomorrowland they got us to make content for them for by various artists, with some DJs stream- sets from 2016 from Guetta, Galantis, Steve free.” ing for as many as 10 hours at a time — are Angello and the Chainsmokers, among “I would argue they did very well out particularly tricky to license, given the others.) of it,” says the first source. “A lot of those sheer amount of music and the varied uses Apple has established blanket deals with collectives brought their fan base to the of it within a given set. And Twitch’s lack Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal platform, which I’m sure aggressively grew of music licenses with the major labels Music, as well as indie label rights orga- Twitch’s music presence, because they and publishers — it does have agreements Page 8 of 34

IN BRIEF

with performances rights organizations, viewership for its streams has decreased gross nearly $500,000 in online ticket sales including ASCAP and BMI — has brought it since early April, but notes this drop is also at $15 per night or $50 for all five shows. squarely into the music biz’s crosshairs dur- likely a function of dance fans starting their Jam bands have quietly become the ing the pandemic. return to live shows. surprise earners of the pandemic thanks to In the last several months, the RIAA and Twitch’s long term vision for the dance devoted fans and compelling livestreams, NMPA lodged tens of thousands of com- native content they were initially funding and are now poised to dominate touring plaints and forced takedowns of infringing was likely for it to become self-sustainable as live concerts return. Unlike most pop streams, essentially forcing the platform — with streamers earning enough money and contemporary touring shows, jam and to the bargaining table to head off a revolt from the platform to pay for production improvisation-heavy bands are constantly among its streamers. costs themselves. But creators of this changing their sets and musical arrange- Dance brands are finding workarounds to programming argue that it’s now harder ments so that no two shows are the same, DMCA takedowns for Twitch streamers. La- to create such sustainability, when Twitch attracting fans willing to pay to see the same bels like Anjunabeats and Insomniac Music is no longer offering the placement that band play multiple sets of different material. Group offer DMCA-safe playlists composed would allow them to bring in big viewership Ticket sales for these kinds of acts have of hundreds of label songs that have been numbers. been exceptionally strong, says Don Stras- cleared and made available for use by Now, under pressure from the music burg, vp/senior talent buyer for AEG Live the Twitch community, which fall under business on one side and its own users on Rocky Mountains, though he’s hesitant to Twitch’s Soundtrack banner, though those the other, Twitch is feeling the squeeze. The use the “jam” label, considering the genre’s label partners do not get paid for streams. company did not return a request for com- diversity of styles from bluegrass to funk. Dance label Monstercat offers a subscription ment. —Katie Bain Such acts that value “spontaneity and im- service that gives users access to thousands provisation,” says Strasburg, “were already of cleared tracks from the Monstercat cata- the largest for us in terms of number of log for $7.49/month. Jam Bands Lead shows and, based on sales so far, have grown But such systems remain limited, and significantly.” now, until Twitch comes to a licensing deal a Concerts Live recordings have long been an integral with the major labels and publishers, the part of the jam scene since the 1960s, when genre that helped it become a big name in Revival, Aided By fans started trading Grateful Dead con- music circles will no longer be featured on cert bootlegs. In 2015, -Nugs.TV — which the site’s main page or marquee carousel Livestream Boom had launched 18 years earlier as an autho- — placement that typically ensures a major rized platform for sharing live Grateful traffic bump to any livestream featured BY DAVE BROOKS Dead and Phish recordings — switched to there. livestreams, and by 2019 was working with Such carousel placement, says the source, hen the jam band Goose over 1,000 acts a year. That early adoption is “where you’d get placed by Twitch if they kicked off its five-night has been critical to developing an audience wanted to support you. That’s how you get Bingo virtual tour last for streaming that could be activated when 20,000 people [tuning in at once]. You’re not June, the Connecticut the pandemic began, says Peter Shapiro, getting that organically, unless maybe you’re quartetW wanted to mix things up beyond owner of the Brooklyn Bowl venues in a major gamer.” improvising through changing setlists every Brooklyn, Nashville and Las Vegas; the Capi- In a November blog post, Twitch itself show. So it introduced a bingo machine that tol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y.; and Lockn’ announced, “We are actively speaking with spit out balls with musical and aerobic chal- Festival in Arrington, Va., which all host the major record labels about potential ap- lenges for the band — maybe covering Bob livestreams. “Jam bands typically don’t sell proaches to additional licenses that would Dylan’s “Shelter From the Storm” or Kenny a lot of records or stream particularly well be appropriate for the Twitch service. That Loggin’s “I’m Alright,” or else running a on Spotify,” he says, “but fans put a premium said, the current constructs for licenses that lap around the barn where they filmed the on live performances because it’s how they the record labels have with other services series. most enjoy engaging with the music.” (which typically take a cut of revenue from “They’re always looking for ways to make As big-name acts like Dead & Co. and creators for payment to record labels) make each show feel different,” says Ben Baruch, Phish are leading the first wave of tour- less sense for Twitch.” Goose co-manager and owner of Denver- ing this summer, bands that broke out as Within a week of Twitch’s calls to dance based management company 11E1even livestream successes during the pandemic streamers, dance live streams had been Group, which has focused on livestreaming are leveling up, too. Take Billy Strings, for relegated largely to the harder-to-locate for its clients since 2019. Such spontaneity — example, who was playing clubs and the- “dance” and “electronic” tabs on its music the series finale was streamed from a work- aters before the pandemic: In February, the page. The dance label streamer says that ing goat and llama pasture — help Goose bluegrass phenom sold 20,000 pay-per-view Page 9 of 34

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$15 tickets for four shows streamed on Fans. content marketing, a role she will return to hanna and Justin Bieber, among a host of live, with another 200,000 viewers tun- at Netflix. Before joining Spotify, Dicus was others. ing in for the free series opener and finale a director of marketing at J.Crew, and spent “Nicki is a seasoned, consummate profes- broadcast on Twitch. He’s now starting an nine years in marketing and operation roles sional and true leader,” Harleston said in amphitheater tour in June. at Condé Nast. a statement. “She has the ability to under- Goose is also seeing real-life results from Spotify has seen considerable growth stand and inspire confidence in artists, the its livestreaming strategy, kicking off a fall during Dicus’ term co-leading music, passion and tenacity to champion their tour at Bonnaroo in September before head- increasing its user base from 248 million artistry, and the tireless energy to rally her ing to New York’s 3,000-capacity Terminal monthly active users in October 2019 to over staff to compete and achieve greatness. I’m 5 for back-to-back nights. Earlier this week, 356 million monthly active users as of April excited to welcome her into this important the band announced it was a headlining the 2021. It has also grown its paid subscrib- new role, with every expectation that both second weekend of LOCKN’ Farm, one of its ers — which still brings in most of Spotify’s she and the company will soar.” biggest bookings yet. revenue — from 113 million in 2019 to 158 Farag, who was named to the top promo- “Our last New York show in 2019 was the million this year. tions post in March 2018, became the first Music Hall of Williamsburg, which holds Dicus and Erlich had a major role in woman to hold that title at Def Jam. She’s about 600 people,” says Baruch. “The band Spotify’s Stream On event back in Febru- also the co-chair of the label’s social justice is coming out of the pandemic much bigger ary, where the company announced its reform initiative, Def Jam Forward, and has than they were going into it.” upcoming Hi-Fi service and an expansion appeared on Billboard’s Women in Music list into 85 new countries. While podcasting of the most powerful female executives in has been an increasing focus at Spotify as it the music business for the past several years. Spotify Co-Head pivots to an “audio” company, music is still “Def Jam is a label with a distinct culture the breadwinner and will continue to be a and DNA that has defined music for over of Music Marian major focus for Spotify and its investors for 35 years,” Farag said in a statement. “In my the foreseeable future. nearly two decades at Def Jam, I’ve never Dicus Leaving for seen so much momentum and energy from our staff or with our artists. With Jeff’s lead- Netflix Nicki Farag ership, we have all the pieces in place to take Def Jam to even greater level of success.” BY MICAH SINGLETON Promoted to

potify’s vp and co-head of mu- General Manager Endeavor Swings sic Marian Dicus is leaving the company for a vp of marketing of Def Jam to Slim Profit in role at Netflix, Spotify and Netflix Sconfirm to Billboard. BY DAN RYS First Earnings Dicus and Jeremy Erlich have led Spotify’s music initiatives since September icki Farag has been promoted to Report Since IPO 2019, after being appointed to the roles in executive vp and general man- the wake of the departure of Nick Holmsten, ager at Def Jam, the company BY ALEX WEPRIN Spotify’s former global head of music. Spo- announced today. The longtime tify says Erlich will lead the music division Nradio promo vet — who has spent the past 18 n its first quarterly earnings report solo going forward. Dicus will join Netflix in years at the venerable hip-hop institution, since going public in April, Endeav- July and will report to CMO Bozoma Saint most recently as executive vp of promo- or posted net income of $2.4 million, John. tion — replaces Rich Isaacson in the role, a significant improvement from the “Marian is an exceptional marketer, with who announced his exit last week. Isame quarter a year ago, when the company a diverse background of experiences from As GM, Farag will be taking over the posted a net loss of more than $51 million. which she brings a unique and intuitive ap- day to day operations of the label under The pandemic continues to batter many proach to strategic and creative marketing,” interim chairman/CEO Jeff Harleston, of its businesses, although a strong perfor- Saint John says in a statement to Billboard. who is also the general counsel for parent mance from the UFC helped mitigate the Before her current role, Dicus was Spo- company Universal Music Group. She’ll damage and drive revenue. tify’s global head of artist & label services also be responsible for developing and Overall revenue in the quarter was $1.07 for two years, and has been at Spotify since executing strategies for the label’s galaxy billion, down from $1.19 billion a year 2013, previously leading consumer and of talent, which includes Kanye West, Ri- earlier. Page 10 of 34

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“While our first quarter results were still company has made 20 acquisitions over the we aren’t benefiting from,” Emanuel said negatively impacted by COVID-19, we are past five years, “in any respective area, be it on the call. The company noted that it is well positioned to benefit from the pent-up content, live events or experiences.” expanding its sports betting business, pro- demand for content, while maintaining our And as the world begins to move on from viding programming and talent to streaming long-term focus on secular trends and high- the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is services, and exploring new technologies growth areas that have been both validated betting that the rest of its businesses, most like NFTs in its UFC and Frieze businesses. and amplified by the pandemic,” said En- critically its live events and representation This article was originally published deavor CEO Ari Emanuel in a statement. businesses, can get back to normal. by The Hollywood Reporter. On the company’s quarterly earnings Still, those business segments continue call, Emanuel touted the growth potential to deal with the pandemic fallout. The as the pandemic wanes and added that the company’s events, experiences, and rights LGBTQ+ industry consolidation, including Warner- segment saw its revenue fall by 19 percent to Media-Discovery and Amazon-MGM, is a $539.6 million, while representation revenue Songwriters Are net positive for the company. fell 15 percent to $248.9 million. “The ever-consolidating media landscape That being said, the company’s On Loca- Leveling Up on around us is testament to the enduring value tion experiences business scored a big deal of premium IP,” Emanuel said, adding that announced Wednesday, when the Interna- TikTok — And the deals are “proof points that content is in tional Olympic Committee named it “the high demand and in short supply.” exclusive service provider” for the 2024, Putting Queer Endeavor launched its IPO at the end of 2026 and 2028 Olympic games. On Location April, raising over half a billion dollars on will manage transportation, accommoda- Stories Front and top of nearly $1.7 billion in private place- tions, hospitality, tickets and experiences for ments. A critical part of that raise was to buy attendees and stakeholders, including the Center out the other shareholders in UFC, bringing friends and family of athletes. the mixed martial arts company in-house. On Location offers similar hospital- BY STEPHEN DAW In fact, its revised IPO pitch leaned into ity packages for the Super Bowl and PGA its owned sports properties (which also Championship. ordan Shulman has been hustling in include Professional Bull Riders) and other On the representation side of the busi- the music industry since 2017. The intellectual property. ness, Endeavor and Shapiro were asked singer-songwriter, who makes spare, Endeavor’s owned sports properties saw about movie studios changing the window- intimate pop music as JORDY, used revenue rise by more than 22 percent year- ing strategies for films. Jto cold-call producers and network his way over-year to $283.5 million, driven by UFC. “We are flexible with the studios, we are into as many songwriting sessions as pos- “We believe that the pandemic actually having these conversations up front, and sible. But when he started posting his music helped accelerate UFC’s move into the they are paying for that flexibility,” Shapiro on TikTok in March 2020, he stumbled into mainstream,” Endeavor president Mark said. Emanuel added that “we are negotiat- one of his most important career moves Shapiro said on the company’s quarterly ing so that we get the proper economics as yet. Today, he has accrued over 150,000 earnings call, adding that the MMA brand is we go forward…that is how we will operate followers, watched his streaming numbers the “anchor tenant” of ESPN+. as we find the proper floor.” skyrocket and signed a deal with 300 Enter- As of market close Wednesday, Endeavor Emanuel also said, “we continue to look tainment — the label home to Megan Thee stock was trading at $29.39 per share, up for strategic M&A and organic growth,” Stallion — thanks to heartfelt, hook-laden from $24 per share at its IPO. The com- specifically focusing on businesses that “bolt tunes like “Long Distance.” pany said it raised $1 billion in the IPO and on to our existing portfolio,” while adding “I posted ‘Long Distance’ and everything private placements, after accounting for the that “we are constantly looking for our next changed,” says JORDY, 26. “When I’m read- UFC buyout and fees. acquisition that is not a bolt on to our exist- ing through comments, there’s more than In an interview with The Hollywood ing portfolio” but that can benefit from the just a couple of people being like, ‘Oh my Reporter the day of its IPO, Shapiro said company’s global scale. God, the way you’re using [male] pronouns that the company is planning “thoughtful” Endeavor also offered forward-looking in such a casual setting — I’m hearing myself acquisitions that could “tuck in” to its exist- guidance, saying that it expects 2021 rev- in mainstream pop.’ That’s everything I ing lines of business. enue to be between $4.76 and $4.83 billion, want to do. I want our community to feel “We are going to continue to be thoughtful and that it expects to reduct its debt by $600 extra special when they’re listening to my but also aggressive when we see acquisi- million in Q3 2021. music.” tion opportunities that enable our growth “There isn’t a trend positively impacting Over the last few years, TikTok has be- to accelerate,” Shapiro said, noting that the the sports and entertainment landscape that come a haven for queer artists like Lil Nas X, Page 11 of 34

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Ashnikko, Kaash Paige, mxmtoon and many people react.’ And if people really like it, like over actions in getting a new private equity others to showcase their creativity in ways with ‘Long Distance’ and ‘I Just Want to Be fund off the ground. On Thursday night, two they haven’t always had the freedom or plat- Loved,’ then it’s like, ‘Great, we’ll put it out.’” events occurred: Peter Comisar, who spent form to do. Often, songs blow up on the app At times, Ponthier has sensed a stigma two decades at Goldman Sachs and then be- when users insert snippets of the track into around artists who have grown their fol- came vice chairman of investment banking all kinds of videos. But artists like JORDY lowings with help from TikTok. “I think at Guggenheim Securities, filed suit in Los and Allison Ponthier, a colorful country- we should get rid of that,” she says. “I have Angeles. Nearly simultaneously, Braun filed pop artist, have built their followings as seen some of the most creative and heart- a petition demanding arbitration. savvy content-creators in their own right, wrenching songwriters I’ve ever heard on According to the complaint against Braun using the features and trends of TikTok to the app. It’s helped build people’s careers so and top Hollywood business manager David take viewers inside their music — and put quickly, and that shouldn’t be ignored.” Bolno, the two decided in 2016 to expand queer stories front and center. The democratic nature of TikTok their empire, settled on a private equity Ponthier, 25, started posting in 2019, shar- has been revolutionary for JORDY. In the firm as their vehicle and began recruiting ing breezy covers of popular songs while past, multiple songwriters and producers Comisar. Through his petition, Braun says displaying her talents with sculpture and have suggested he change the pronouns he poured in excess of $5 million into the stop-motion animation (also featured in of his songs to make them, in their words, launch of SCOPE Capital Management plus her official music videos). Eventually, labels “more universal.” The grassroots success of a $3 million salary for Comisar. took notice, and in late 2020, she signed “Long Distance,” he says, proves that candor Comisar says he only agreed to come on with Interscope Records. “I started posting and specificity are what resonate widely: board with a three-year budget and Braun’s on TikTok as a joke,” says Ponthier. “No one “People don’t care if I said ‘guy,’ they’re just personal investment and alleges he got followed me. It was not to get famous, it was intrigued because I’m being honest in the written agreements memorializing commit- not to promote music, it was just because I fact that I met a dude on the internet last ments. Braun is also said to have presented wanted to have fun.” week.” the potential of raising $500 million to But she was very good at it, attracting For Ponthier, a series in which she updat- $750 million from famed billionaires in the hundreds of thousands of followers. Not ed traditionally “straight” songs with queer- entertainment community, including David every video was musical — she’d also post themed lyrics was eye-opening. “There is a Geffen, Jimmy Iovine and Haim Saban. comedic clips or take part in viral memes very hungry fan base for [queer] love songs,” Braun demanded he “burn the bridges” with of the day — but it all laid the groundwork she says. “And I’ve felt that before, because former employers, adds the complaint. for her debut single, “Cowboy,” released in there’s only a handful of songs that I feel like But in April 2018, according to Comisar, March. The plaintive track about strug- I can really relate to when it comes to love. Braun repudiated financial commitments gling with identity became a conversation People don’t realize how huge the commu- and stopped funding everything including starter as fans used it to soundtrack posts nity is — and how much we want songs that Comisar’s salary. about their coming out experiences. “Seeing represent our experiences.” “Bolno, completely unrepentant, ex- people be vulnerable and tell their stories This story originally appeared in Bill- plained to Comisar that Braun never to a song I wrote when I was going through board’s 2021 Pride Issue, dated June 5, 2021. really believed he would have to perform the exact same thing — it really makes and, brazenly, told him that ‘people in the me emotional,” Ponthier says, tearing up entertainment industry do not honor their over Zoom. “I’m so touched at the bravery Scooter Braun contractual agreements,’” states the com- of other people, especially the bravery of plaint. “Bolno made clear that he and Braun younger people.” Involved In Legal believed that Braun was free to renege on Connecting with viewers takes many his commitments with impunity and with- forms: Ponthier enjoys “harmony” chal- Dispute Over out consequences and would wreak havoc lenges, in which singers encourage other upon Comisar if he chose to pursue Braun musicians to use TikTok’s “duet” feature Scuttled Private on his commitments.” to add new layers to an original recording. Braun presents a different side of the JORDY will occasionally put a musical twist Equity Fund story in his own arbitration demand. Ac- on existing trend, like his series reimagin- cording to him, it’s Comisar who breached ing early-2000s pop hits with contempo- BY ERIQ GARDNER a commitment to raise $250 million for the rary sounds. He also posts clips of himself upstart venture. “Comisar was unable to get singing unreleased tracks to build antici- cooter Braun, the music industry a single investor to invest with SCOPE Capi- pation for new releases. “It’s literally free megastar who launched Justin tal Management,” states the petition. market research,” he says with a laugh. “It’s Bieber’s career, is now afflicted Moreover, according to Braun, Comisar like, ‘Let’s put this on TikTok and see how S with a significant legal dispute diverted resources to a consultancy and is Page 12 of 34

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only now coming forward with “extortion- was rejected by each of his promised close “With Warped Tour going away [in 2019], ate” demands because of the impending relationship investors. The truth was that there were a lot of opportunities not to be so $1.05 billion sale of Braun’s holding compa- Braun’s relations valued him as someone branded one way,” he says. “And with the re- ny, Ithaca, which includes a talent manage- to socialize with, but to whom they would sources Concord had [after coming onboard ment company, a publishing company, and a never entrust their millions.” in 2015] to do some things for the better.” record label. Asserting a causes of action of fraud, He pushed to expand the label from its “Unfortunately, the public disclosure of breach of fiduciary duty and breaches of “scrappy DIY” founding and early-to-mid Braun’s recent high profile business success contract while demanding $200 million in 2000s breakout success to a wider palette of has prompted Comisar, an unscrupulous damages, Comisar’s complaint adds, “When sounds — and a bid to break through to the former business associate to resurface it came to fundraising, Braun turned out to rock and pop charts. Having logged time in because he sees an opportunity to extract a be a sheep in wolf’s clothing, ultimately ad- the A&R departments at Atlantic/Roadrun- further unearned and undeserved payday,” mitting to Comisar that despite his bravado, ner Records and Pure Noise before joining states the petition for arbitration. asking people to invest made him ‘uncom- Fearless in 2018, as legendary founder Bob Three years after Braun and Comisar had fortable’ and he therefore refused to fully Becker stepped back into the emeritus a falling out, the controversy is now hitting engage in the fundraising efforts. In other chairman position, Serrao was well-suited a court. words, as Comisar ultimately found out for the part. Braun insists that the notion he had some when Braun pulled out entirely, Braun had Serrao, 38, is also of the mindset to let master plan to oust Comisar is “absurd” never intended to be fully engaged as he had people vote with their wallets — something while Comisar implies the script for his promised Comisar he would.” he learned early on his career as the owner dismissal came early. In particular, Comisar Comisar is represented by Joel Kozberg. of the beloved 400-capacity Anaheim, Cali- alleges that three years ago, he was threat- Braun is represented by a Russ August fornia all-ages club Chain Reaction, where ened with a smear campaign that included & Kabat team led by Stanton “Larry” Stein he cut his teeth in the early 2000s. “I could falsely being fired from Goldman Sachs, plus James Sanders and Kasey Curtis at see when a show went on sale and it moved dereliction of duties by devoting time to Reed Smith. twenty percent of capacity and the band advisory services and racism as a predicate This article, originally published by The was unsigned that I should call friends from for his removal. Hollywood Reporter, has been updated labels and tell them to come down,” says “Braun warned that this storyline could to include more information about Braun’s Serrao, who counts OneRepublic, Fall Out well destroy Comisar’s career,” continues lawsuit against Comisar. Boy, Panic! at the Disco and The Offspring the complaint. “The racism claim was all as early regulars at the club he still calls entirely fabricated and without basis. The home. untoward intimidation strategy of Braun Label Look: How Now, amidst the current pop-punk resur- and Bolno hatched in September 2018 failed. gence, led by such disparate second wavers Comisar has remained a value-added Board Fearless Records like Olivia Rodrigo, girl in red, Machine Gun member and steward of investors’ capital in Kelly and The Kid Laroi, Serrao is doubling this portfolio company during the two-and- Diversified down on his mission to “let the people one-half years that have passed since the decide what the label is for themselves,” he attempted smear.” Its Roster and says. “I like to have a really diverse roster... Since 2018, Comisar says he continued so it’s never about one genre or another. forward and established a merchant bank Conquered The What I want to prove and show as a label is named STORY3 Capital Partners + Advisors. we’re a great partner.” Meanwhile, alleges Comisar, Braun hasn’t Rock Charts That proof is in the wide array of new successfully done fund raising. acts Serrao has signed and whose debuts “Not one of Braun’s contacts agreed to BY GIL KAUFMAN are due out over the course of 2021 and invest any amount, much less the hundreds early 2022, as well as the mainstream rock of millions Braun had promised. Braun had hen Andy Serrao joined and pop success of such label stalwarts as to explain to Comisar, tail between his legs, long-running Southern The Pretty Reckless, I Prevail and up-and- how he had asked David Geffen, his sup- California label Fearless Re- comers I Don’t Know How They Found Me posed godfather, to invest in SCOPE, only cords as president in 2018, and Starset. to be told by Geffen that he did not view heW noticed a shift happening in the industry — The Culver City, California-formed label Braun as someone with whom Geffen would and that there were resources the label hadn’t was launched in 1994 by Becker and has invest. Braun got the same brush-off from properly tapped into. So he set out to re-imag- had plenty of chart success with its popu- Jimmy Iovine, Haim Saban, and the Rueben, ine Fearless as a youth culture brand, and not lar Punk Goes.... series of covers compilation Soros and Mittal families — indeed, Braun just a pop-punk/hard rock/metal label. albums — which have sold nearly three mil- Page 13 of 34

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lion copies and pulled in a quarter of a bil- core bands including Plain White Ts, with venue tour before any of their singles have lion streams to date, according to Fearless. their 2006 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Hey even been played at American radio. Formerly distributed by RED, the label’s There Delilah,” as well as The Aquabats In addition to Chase Atlantic, which has distribution shifted to the Universal Music (“Super Rad”) and Sugarcult (“Pretty Girl nearly 300,000 TikTok followers — its songs Group following the 2015 purchase by (The Way).”) are the basis of hundreds of TikTok videos Concord Music Group, whose GM, Jill Never static, Fearless has continually — Serrao and Weindorf anticipate promising Weindorf, says Fearless’ tireless work build- pushed the boundaries of genre, also releas- futures for Florida-bred progressive metal ing a profitable brand set them up for the ing landmark albums and singles from post- band Capstan and pop punker American greater, large-scale success envisioned by hardcore bands At the Drive-In, Bigwig, Teeth, the latter of whom they believe could Serrao. “We have a world-class team and we Glasseater and Anatomy of a Ghost. It also enjoy a potential Machine Gun Kelly-style needed to partner with labels with the same branched out into electro-rock with the 2011 breakthrough. As for Starset, which already vision to create that same commitment and success of Breathe Carolina’s top 40 Hot 100 has a strong fanbase, Weindorf says once services most independent labels have, but single “Blackout” and Mayday Parade’s 2007 “you add in radio and touring, that’s a recipe which need to scale to compete in an other- RIAA gold-certified emo classic A Lesson in for amazing.” She thinks they’re just one wise very competitive landscape,” continues Romantics. The successes kept coming with hit away from breaking out on the level of Weindorf. Platinum-selling bands such as metalcore a Coldplay or Muse., saying, “They have an That meant giving Fearless full access act Pierce the Veil and Grammy-nominated opportunity to be as big as each of those to Concord’s nine-person promotion team, hard rockers I Prevail, Underoath and Au- bands.” in-house art department and all the other gust Burns Red. Plus, Weindorf notes, there’s a pos- resources needed to deliver on Serrao’s plan. Serrao, who admits to spending “more sible third chart-topper in a row from the Plus, as Weindorf points out, it’s been equal- than I should” on a dedicated in-house Pretty Reckless on tap for summer 2021, all ly beneficial for Concord to have Serrao video and animation team and digital mar- evidence that Serrao’s vision for a bigger involved, citing his “good relationships in keting staff, says: “At the end of 2019 and be- Fearless tent seems like it’s already paying the touring business. [He] can call promot- ginning of 2020, we had eight or nine of the off. While the label boss was mum on specif- ers and get the bands on the right tours.” top ten records in the rock format, where ics, he promises the coming year will be From the start, Serrao knew Weindorf, a before were were not even a player.” massive as most of his roster returns from fellow former A&R long-timer, intimately The global pandemic took a bite out of the lockdown with what he humbly promises understood the Fearless audience as it is, but bottom line for a lot of labels and bands, but are their best records to date. also knew how to grow and stretch beyond that didn’t stop Fearless from having some “It’s jaw-dropping,” he says, adding that the two million hardcore fans who already success, including The Pretty Reckless set- he still likes to lean into his A&R roots and follow its YouTube channel. “They were ting a record for the most No. 1s on Bill- has been keeping an eye on writing sessions known for pop-punk, which is definitely board’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart by and what producers are up to during the having a moment right now, but if they were a woman or a woman-led band, when “And pandemic. “It’s just mind-blowingly great still doing what they did four years ago — So It Went” became their sixth chart-topper music from bands that were used to touring serving niche audiences — I don’t know that since 2014. eight months out of the year.” they would be that excited,” she says. And in keeping with Serrao’s optimistic After riding the Warped-adjacent wave of outlook on fans’ insatiable thirst for new success with hardcore and metal bands such music as the world begins to open up, The Recording as Alesana, A Skylit Drive, Blessthefall and he points to a few of Fearless’ rising acts Motionless in White in the early and mid- as proof that a new dawn is rising. Hard Academy Made 2000s, Serrao began re-shuffling the deck, rockers Starset have racked up more than a earning the label’s first back-to-back No. 1s billion views on their videos to date, and one History Electing by a band at mainstream rock radio in 2021 of the label’s most promising acts, Australian with the Taylor Momsen-led The Pretty trap-pop act Chase Atlantic, have already Tammy Hurt as Reckless’ “Death By Rock and Roll” and garnered more than 12 million streams, ac- “And So It Went.” cording to Fearless. Chair That high-mark followed the label’s Their successes are all the more re- first-ever No. 1 at mainstream rock radio markable because, like many of the new, BY PAUL GREIN with I Prevail’s “Hurricane” in 2020, as well multi-genre acts now on the Fearless roster, as its first No. 1 on alternative radio with I they’ve built their fanbases with little to no t each year’s Grammy Awards, Don’t Know How They Found Me’s 2020 U.S. touring available. Weindorf says there the Recording Academy dis- alt-pop hit “Leave Me Alone.” The label has is so much heat on Chase Atlantic now that tributes a program book to earlier scored breakthrough chart hits by the trio is already booked to do a 3,000-cap A attendees. It’s mostly devoted to Page 14 of 34

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nominees and special merit honorees, but it named the academy’s president/CEO last including sports specialist WBZ in Boston also includes a full page of head shots of past month. They preferred to let the moves and rock station WMMR in Philadelphia. chairs of the academy’s board of trustees. speak for themselves. “George read the tea leaves well,” says Don The list goes all the way back to James B. “I’m in awe of the amazingly talented Curtis, a longtime friend who is CEO and Conkling, who was acting national chair- group that’s been elected to lead this new chairman of 25-station North Carolina radio man from the academy’s founding in 1957 era of the Academy and really excited at chain Curtis Media group. “He looked ahead to 1961. The joke among Grammy insiders the possibilities as I start this journey with at all the trends and was not afraid at all to is that it’s a sea of white men until you get Tammy, Rico, Om’Mas, and Christine,” said take big steps forward, and was always look- to Leslie Ann Jones, who served as chair- Mason in a statement. “I know this group ing to get bigger and grow.” woman from 1999–2001. is going to do great work as we continue Beasley, an Army veteran who earned That isn’t quite true. The roster of past to transform the Academy and support the Appalachian State University degrees in chairs includes Nesuhi Ertegun (1964- music community.” education through the G.I. bill, was “in- 65), a Turkish-American who was born in spired by a commitment to provide a voice Istanbul when it was part of the Ottoman for the voiceless in his local community,” Empire, and George Avakian (1966-67), George Beasley, according to a company release, which an Armenian-American who was born in cited his “humility, kindness, integrity, work present-day Russia. Radio Pioneer ethic and love of family and friends.” Kraig But if it isn’t literally true, it sure feels T. Kitchen, chairman of the Radio Hall of true, as you can see onpage 131 of this year’s Who Built a Fame, which inducted Beasley in 2016, said program book. he led an “outstanding radio broadcast com- But things are changing in the Record- Broadcasting pany” and “the radio industry has benefited ing Academy, just as they are in America. from his leadership and contributions for 70 The announcement on Wednesday (June Powerhouse, years.” 2) that Tammy Hurt has been elected to For a broadcast pioneer, Beasley wasn’t succeed Harvey Mason Jr. as chair marks Dies at 89 flashy, occasionally giving spare and the first time in academy history that back- straightforward industry interviews. In to-back chairs have been people other than BY STEVE KNOPPER 2008, when Clear Channel Radio, now white men. iHeart, was taking over the business, he Jones, the first woman to serve as chair, eorge Beasley, a former high predicted his stations wouldn’t lose ground was followed in that post by three white school principal who grew up in because they focused on different things. men: Garth Fundis (2001-2003), Daniel the Virginia tobacco fields before “Certainly, if you’re competing directly Carlin (2003-2005) and Terry Licko- buying a Benson, N.C., radio sta- with them in a format, those stations are na (2005-2007). Gtion in 1961 and expanding it into one of the going to be favored,” he told Billboard. His Jimmy Jam, the first Black man to serve five biggest radio groups in the country, has son, Bruce, now president, and one of four as chair (2007-2009) was followed by a died at 89. Beasley children to join the company, added: white man, George J. Flanigen IV, who “I was part of a small group of radio pio- “There’s 12,000 radio stations out there. served a double term (2009-2013). neers who were bringing smaller U.S. towns Obviously, they’re going to have some con- Christine Albert, the second woman to previously unavailable technology,” he said trol over what goes on, but they only have serve as chair (2013-2015), was followed by in 2008 of those early days, shortly before one-twelfth of what’s out there.” a white man, John Poppo, who also served he sold his first station, WPYB-AM, to buy a In 2017, Curtis bought six of the group’s a double term (2015-2019). Poppo was fol- larger one in nearby Goldsboro. “We broad- North Carolina stations for $11.6 million, lowed by Mason and now Hurt. ened our geographic reach.” helping Beasley to reduce its debt. “George The changes go beyond just the chair role. For his first 500-watt station, Beasley was a man of his word,” Curtis says. “He As Billboard reported, for the first time in leased the land for a radio tower at $19 per and I did a couple of deals where I sold him academy history, no white men were elected month, and bought $17,000 of equipment for a station, and another deal where I bought to any of the four key board positions. Two a $1,700 down-payment. In 2016, the public, one, and it took about five minutes to con- Black men, Rico Love and Om’Mas Keith, family-run Beasley Broadcast Group bought clude the transaction. He’s sort of a throw- were elected vice chair and secretary/trea- Greater Media for $125 million, giving the back. Our basic values were the same.” surer, respectively. Albert continues as chair Naples, Fla.-based chain 62 stations overall. Beasley stepped down as CEO in 2016, emeritus. Although the chain competes against although he continued as executive chair- The academy didn’t call attention to dominant rivals such as iHeartMedia and man of the board of directors. His daughter, these history-making moves in its press Entercom, it has 20 million weekly listeners Caroline, who joined the company in 1983, is announcement. Nor did Mason, who was and several top stations in major markets, now CEO. Page 15 of 34

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Meet the RCA my job well, I just kind of sit back and watch Apple Music Kicks because at that point, everything has just Exec Bringing fallen into place. Off Black Music How did the past year affect your Doja Cat’s Music ability to commission music videos for Month With ‘All different artists? Videos to Life Through the wonderful use of all of Music Is Black this remote technology, the cameras can BY HERAN MAMO actually plug into a Zoom feed. I was able Music’ Campaign to commission a few shoots from my living his story is part of Billboard’s 2021 room, just looking on my laptop. I could see BY NEENA ROUHANI Pride List, which spotlights LG- everything the director could see. It was BTQ professionals who are shaping incredible how well it worked. pple Music is kicking off Black the music industry. Doja Cat’s videos for “Say So” and Music Month with their latest TSam Houston “Streets” both nod to the TikTok dance campaign, “All Music Is Black Director of visual content production, RCA challenges and memes that helped them Music.” Records blow up. Why was that important? A“I don’t think it’s commonplace for people A decade ago, Sam Houston was let go It’s something that definitely came from to understand that all popular music comes from Music World Entertainment, the Doja’s side. When “Say So” came around, from the origins and experiences of black Texas-based music management com- Doja thought it would be really cool to people,” says Ebro Darden, Apple Music’s pany started by Beyoncé’s father, Matthew celebrate Haley [Sharpe, the TikTok user global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B. Knowles. At the time, he thought his career who] actually created the dance. Then with “We just need to make sure this is never in the music industry was over. So he moved “Streets,” we were all getting ready for forgotten.” to Los Angeles and got a job working at an [Doja’s upcoming album] Planet Her, but Originating in the late 1970s, Black Music Apple store, where he had a different en- “Streets” was just too big to deny. So we all Month was established as a celebration of counter with destiny: He sold an iPad to Ca- looked at each other and was like, “Let’s do Black vocalists, composers, songwriters mille Yorrick, his current boss and execu- it. Let’s take this Silhouette Challenge and and instrumentalists in the United States tive vp creative content at RCA Records. “It make the hottest one that we could ever whose contributions have shaped American came up that she was in the music industry,” imagine.” It’s been so fun taking these little culture. Apple Music hopes to expand this Houston recalls. “I was like, ‘I used to work moments and making them into these huge recognition to the influence of Black music at Beyoncé’s dad’s company.’ And she was visuals — and seeing not only how happy it’s on a global scale. like, ‘I actually used to do all of Beyoncé’s made Doja, but also how happy it makes the “Black Music Month may be an Ameri- videos.’ I kept in touch with her until there fans. can-created celebration, but the wellspring was an opportunity to join the team.” How do you think being queer informs of rhythms and robust musical traditions Today, Houston helps bring artists’ vi- your work? that originated across the African continent sions to life in his role commissioning music The biggest thing for me is just being able remain the through line which ties together videos for RCA artists across the roster, in- to be accepted in a room and be where I all Black music and much of the world’s cluding longtime collaborator Doja Cat. The wouldn’t have been 30 years ago or 20 years popular music,” Apple Music said in a state- singer-rapper’s PUSH best new artist award ago — being able to have an opinion and ment. at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards was voice what I think and have people listen As a part of this exploration of the African the “icing on the cake” for someone who to me and have that come from my lens. I diaspora’s influence on popular music, grew up watching the awards show in awe. was bullied as a kid, and a young gay boy in Apple Music released a series of over 30 “I got to really get in there at the early stages Texas was never an easy life to go through. playlists, showcasing the influence of Black with her, and we both grew together,” says I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they’re music in regions around the world, includ- Houston, 33. “It’s been so fun to be on the not good enough or that they’re less than. ing Scandinavia, Kazakhstan and Ja- bus and watch it go.” Everyone’s humanity should be taken into pan. In addition to playlists, this year’s How do you describe what you do? account when it comes to being represented theme will showcase DJ mixes, a short film You’re the person just overseeing every in pop culture. featuring artists such as Megan Thee Stal- single aspect of the video — hearing what This story originally appeared in Bill- lion, Nas and Giveon, in addition to radio the artist is looking for, trying to really feel board’s 2021 Pride Issue, dated June 5, 2021. programming and Apple TV content. out their vision and then matching that with Darden says many regional sounds and the right team. Then it comes to the actual genres — including country, rock ‘n’ roll and shoot day, and I show up. And if I’ve done house music — have been disassociated from Page 16 of 34

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the Black community, despite the music’s successes for Moneybagg Yo, who recently Artists and Greatest of All Time Main- Afro-centric roots. He hopes that the “All earned his first-ever Billboard 200 No. 1 stream Rock Songs. Music Is Black Music” campaign will help album with A Gangsta’s Pain, which sat atop The winners atop each tally? Shine- re-establish a sense of pride and ownership the chart for two weeks last month. 42 Dugg down rules the artists ranking, while Days of popular genres that are no longer thought also scored a win with his mixtape Free of the New’s “Touch, Peel and Stand” tops of as Black genres. Dem Boyz, which debuted at No. 8 on the the songs survey. “I’m old enough to have had family mem- Billboard 200 this week. Below is a look at the top-performing art- bers that expressed how painful it was to “With 25 years under his belt as a success- ists and songs over the first 40 years of Bill- know that the music you loved would never ful artist, label head, manager and entrepre- board’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, be played on mainstream radio stations, neur, Yo Gotti has built an impressive legacy which began in the March 21, 1981, issue. At the artists would never have their faces on in hip hop and remains one of the most the time, Mike Harrison wrote in a column the cover of albums [because] our music exciting voices in music,” said IGA chair- introducing the ranking that rock “has long was called race music,” Darden tells Bill- man John Janick in a statement. “We look become album-based,” with such classic board. “Black music is Black people’s natural forward to working closely with Gotti’s team albums as The Beatles’ iconic 1967 LP Sgt. resource.” to continue to build upon CMG’s incredible Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band famously Darden went on to point out that there run in our business.” having not spun off an official single. would not be artists such as Elvis Pres- “I have a tremendous amount of respect As rock radio solidified its standing as a ley, Justin Bieber or The Beatles without for John Janick, Steve Berman, Nicole format, however, “Something else is needed: Black contributions to popular music, and Wyskoarko and the entire Interscope team tracks research,” Harrison mused. “In terms challenged the ideas of pop music as a white and their track record of success,” added of actual rock radio airplay, the track has genre. “When talking about pop music, you Gotti. “We share the same vision about win- indeed become the primary unit of measure- can’t look past Whitney Houston, Mariah ning – we want to break barriers, disrupt the ment.” Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross [and] industry and develop the next generation of Shinedown Shines as Top Artist Michael Jackson,” Darden says. “They in- superstars. I’m thrilled to partner with them The band may not have even formed fluenced literally the world, how music gets as I continue focusing on CMG’s expansion.” until two decades into the lifespan of the made and how stage performance happens.” Founded in 2012, CMG has also worked Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, but Shine- Throughout the month, Apple Music will to develop the careers of Blac Youngsta and down reigning as the list’s all-time top artist continuously release hundreds of playlists, BlocBoy JB. should be none too surprising for anyone in addition to mixes from artists and DJs “Gotti’s decades long ability to consis- who’s followed the ranking in the ensuing including Honey Dijon, Amorphous, DB tently identify the next important wave of 20 years. Mongo, DJ Clue, DāM FunK and Snoop talent is very rare in our business,” said IGA The Florida-formed, Brent Smith-fronted Dogg. co-head of A&R Nicole Wyskoarko. “We’re quartet, No. 1 on Billboard’s Greatest of All excited about all of the new artists he and Time Mainstream Rock Artists chart, an- his team are currently developing and can’t nounced its presence with its debut single, Yo Gotti’s CMG wait to get started.” “Fly From the Inside,” which peaked at No. 5 on Mainstream Rock Airplay in September Label Teams with 2003. Follow-up “45” reached No. 3 in May Shinedown & Days 2004, a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Interscope Geffen Man” hit No. 5 in September 2004 and of the New Rule “Burning Bright” rose to No. 2 in Febru- A&M on Artist ary 2005. “Save Me” then began a 12-week Greatest of All domination in November 2005, bringing Development Shinedown to its most frequent peak on Time Mainstream Mainstream Rock Airplay: No. 1. BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Seriously. In a career that’s spanned 27 Rock Charts charting singles on Mainstream Rock Air- nterscope Geffen A&M (IGA) and rap- play to date, Shinedown has never not sent per Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD one of its songs to the top five, let alone the (CMG) have partnered to further de- top 10. Its perfect top-five batting average velop and support CMG’s roster of art- illboard announces the latest ad- (27-for-27, all released on Atlantic Records) Iists including Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg and ditions to our menu of historical includes a chart-record 16 No. 1s, meaning EST Gee, it was announced today. retrospective charts: Greatest nearly two-thirds of the group’s entries have The collaboration has already produced B of All Time Mainstream Rock reigned, including its last six in a row dating Page 17 of 34

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to 2017. for the Indiana acoustic guitar-forward Shinedown’s The quartet’s exceptional streak pushed it band. into sole possession of the record for the The then-teens climbed to No. 1 that Oc- Brett Smith on most No. 1s in the chart’s history last August, tober and dominated through January 1998, when “Atlas Falls” led for a week, break- a 16-week reign that was then the longest the Power of ing the band out of a tie with Three Days in the chart’s history and is now fifth-best. Grace, which itself had dethroned previous Even after its reign, “Touch, Peel and Stand” Mainstream Rock record-holder Van Halen after securing its stayed on the chart for six weeks short of a 14th leader in September 2018. year, joining its also-formidable follow-ups Radio & 20 Years Those dizzying No. 1 counts not only “Shelf in the Room” and “The Down Town” place Shinedown at No. 1 on the Greatest as they scaled the ranking. of Chart-Topping of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists chart, The band released three albums between but they also send the Canada-based Three 1997 and 2001, with the original lineup Hits Days Grace to No. 3 all-time (a mark accom- appearing only on its debut and everyone plished despite the band shifting to a new but frontman Travis Meeks going on to BY BOBBY OLIVIER singer for five of those rulers; after original form Tantric. frontman Adam Gontier left in 2013, the The rest of the Greatest of All Time Main- very day, Brent Smith reads the group has barely missed a step after adding stream Rock Songs top five features bands tattoo stamped atop his left hand. Matt Walst on vocals). still active — or somewhat inactive but not “Your pain is a gift,” the ink Three Days Grace, with its 22 total chart broken up. Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate reads, reminding the veteran rock entries in 2003-2021, gets edged out for Love Song” ranks at No. 2, having spent 15 Efrontman that for all the mistakes he’s made No. 2 on the all-time artists list by a band weeks at No. 1 in 1994, the record before — failed relationships, struggles with addic- with fewer No. 1s but greater longevity. The Days of the New came along. tion and substance abuse — he still has the Sully Erna-led Godsmack, which initially U2’s “Mysterious Ways,” a 12-week No. ability to channel his anguish into messages roared in with the No. 7-peaking “What- 1 in 1991-1992, places at No. 3, followed of strength for millions of fans. ever” in 1998, has remained a stalwart at the by Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” “We write songs because it’s cheaper than format and is currently amid a streak of four (2001) at No. 4 and Creed’s “Higher” (1999- therapy,” says Smith, who as lead singer straight No. 1s since 2018, with 11 leaders 2000) at No. 5. of the immensely popular hard-rock band among 32 total chart appearances. Browse Billboard’s exclusive Greatest Shinedown has pumped out a list of searing Van Halen represents for the chart’s of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists and singles over the past 20 years, merging the early stars in the top five, ranking at No. 4 Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock sounds of grunge, metal, southern rock and on Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Songs charts, which run 50 and 100 posi- pop. “I’ve never been afraid to say how I Artists, fueled by 13 No. 1s in 1982-1998. Dis- tions deep, respectively, the latest additions feel,” he adds. “Even if I’m talking about turbed, with 10 No. 1s including a record to our full menu of historical retrospective dark subject matter, I’m always trying to run of seven straight in the latter half of the charts. empower the listener — to say that it may be 2010s, places at No. 5. Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Main- difficult, you may have to struggle, but you Unsurprisingly, each act above also claims stream Rock Artists and Mainstream Rock can hold on to hope and understand that life at least one spot on the 100-position Great- Songs rankings are based on weekly perfor- is never going to be perfect. It’s not meant to est of All Time Mainstream Rock Songs mance on the radio airplay-based Main- be perfect.” chart. Three Days Grace boasts the best stream Rock Airplay chart (from rankings Since 2003, the Jacksonville-based placement with “Break” and “Chalk Out- dated March 21, 1981, through March 20, foursome — Smith, drummer Barry Kerch, line,” 11-week and 13-week rulers in 2009-10 2021). Songs are ranked based on an inverse guitarist Zach Myers and bassist Eric Bass and 2012, at Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Van point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning (the latter two having joined the band in Halen’s best, “Top of the World,” is next, the the greatest value and weeks at lower spots 2008) — has enraptured rock listeners with four-week 1991 No. 1 ranking at No. 13. Then earning the least. Due to changes in chart an unparalleled run of rock radio hits: all 27 there’s Shinedown (“Second Chance,” No. methodology over the years, eras are weighted of the group’s singles have reached the Top 5 17), Godsmack’s “Bulletproof” (No. 38) and differently to account for chart turnover rates on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, with Disturbed’s “Inside the Fire” (No. 50). during various periods. Artists are ranked a record-breaking 16 No. 1s. Enduring tracks Days of the New ‘Stand’s Highest based on a formula blending performance, as like the poignant “45,” incendiary “Save Me” No. 1 on the Greatest of All Time Main- previously outlined, of all their Mainstream and transcendent “Second Chance” — which stream Rock Songs recap? In 1997, Days of Rock Airplay chart entries. climbed all the way to No. 7 on the Billboard the New ruled rock radio with “Touch, Peel Hot 100 in 2008 — remain modern rock and Stand,” a behemoth of an introduction staples. This week, the band topsBillboard’s Page 18 of 34

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Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock began, the rock listener base has fractured traction? Artists listing, finishing ahead of peers from many times over due to streaming. Do you With “Fly from the Inside” being the first the last 20 years like Three Days Grace and think a band can still build a career off the single, I remember being on the interstate Disturbed, as well as classic rock staples like following rock radio and the Mainstream in Jacksonville, crossing over into Jack’s Van Halen and Tom Petty and the Heart- Rock chart leads to? Beach. It was right at 5:00 — so, 5 O’Clock breakers. 100%. Absolutely. You can’t kill rock n’ Drive. I was coming across the bridge and Now, as Shinedown prepares its seventh roll, and there’s a reason for that. You also, 107.3 Planet Radio opened the show with studio album and plots a new tour for if you have this ideology, these terms of like, “Fly From the Inside.” I had to pull the fall 2021, we caught up with Smith, as he “rock is dead,” that’s wrong. Rock n’ roll is car over just because I was freaking out. It unpacks the importance of rock radio to his not a genre of music. Rock n’ roll is a way wasn’t the first time that I heard myself on band’s success and what power the format of life. And rock n’ roll is a community. It’s the radio — going back to locals night and still has, while also breaking down some of a spirit. If you go back to the Rock and Roll stuff like that — but this was different. This Shinedown’s most iconic tunes. Hall of Fame when N.W.A was inducted. was like, you work your whole life to record Your band has notched 16 No. 1 singles! And when Ice Cube got up to the podium, your first record, and there it was, the first Are you even able to process how Shine- the very first thing he said was that rock n’ single and I was hearing it on a national down has commanded this chart more than roll is a spirit. Rock n’ roll is bigger than all radio station and it was just mind-blowing. any artist or band in the last 40 years? of us. And then “Fly” was interesting because I honestly take it extremely seriously, as If you’re a younger band and you have an we kind of went directly on the road. We Zach and Eric and Barry do, as well. The active rock radio station or a mainstream started in summer festivals, and then we thing about terrestrial radio, for this band rock station in your community, nine times were transitioning into the question mark specifically, is that we knew early on — out of 10, even in 2021, they still do locals of “45” — because the music video, MTV right around 2002, 2003 — how important nights, and they’ll do local band nights. It’s wouldn’t play it, because of the language terrestrial radio was going to be for us. A usually on a Saturday or Sunday. And they’ll in the song. I remember there were other lot of that has to do with Bill McGathy, our carve out a time to play local music in that things on MTV that were kind of suspect, manager of the last 20 years, and also the area from local bands. And because that still you know what I mean? It’s like, “Why are fact that we have been on Atlantic Records has a lot of power to get people, the charts you giving us flack about this?” for the last 20 years, and continue the and those radio stations — yes, they can still But at the time, nobody knew who we relationship, because Atlantic Records to break a band. were. They were starting to know who we Shinedown is family. Do you still listen to your own local rock were, [with us] finally getting that song out As soon as we hit the road with that stations? there and it really starting to generate a first album, we just never looked back. We I do, but here’s the thing about me. I am a buzz. And then, lo and behold, we had this said yes to everything we could possibly bonafide gypsy. My mother has always said kind of — I don’t want to call it an accident, say [“yes” to] for rock radio — especially I had a gypsy heart from the time I turned but it wasn’t planned by any stretch of the mainstream radio, which some people call 18 and I was an adult, I was gone. I used imagination. All of a sudden, [our cover of active rock, and alternative radio as well. We to have a home base in California, half my Lynyrd Skynyrd’s] “Simple Man” happened. tried our best to always be honest, and to heart still belongs to California, but I haven’t That’s the beauty of the universe, man. give radio everything that they needed, and owned a home since 2016. That’s when I I always say the universe is real. And for everything that they wanted. sold my house. I’m usually on the road 280 whatever reason, that took us to a different In turn, they helped us out so much in days out of the year to begin with. plateau as well. the first beginning stages of this band. Now, But I spend a lot of time in Florida, be- Two years later, in 2005, “Save Me” be- I look at it 20 years later, and our relation- cause my son lives in Florida. And so WJRR, comes your first Mainstream Rock No. 1 and ship with rock radio is still very, very strong. they’re in Orlando — and 98ROCK in Tampa it stays there for 12 weeks. It’s also your first Now, granted, you have to understand that and what have you, but JRR in Orlando — I entry on the Hot 100. What do you remem- the music is what does the talking. The still listen to them when I’m in Florida, and ber about the recording process? songs are what matter, and the records are they do locals nights and they’re always giv- “Save Me” was one of the very last songs what matter. ing a lot of attention to the local scene. They written for the album Us and Them. We But a huge reason why we have our audi- usually do it on Sunday nights, but yeah, I had most of the record ready. It’s funny too, ence is terrestrial radio, and the mainstream still listen. because I said a moment ago — you get your rock chart. They have just been such a huge Let’s flashback to some individual tracks, whole life to do your first record, and if your supporter of ours over the last two decades beginning with “Fly From the Inside” and first record is really successful, you’ll get now. The amount of gratitude I have, I don’t “45” — the first two singles that launched about six months to do your second record. even think I can put it into words. everything. What was it like at that time, [Laughs.] That’s exactly what happened. In the almost 20 years since Shinedown after grinding for years, to finally be gaining The chorus of that song and the first verse Page 19 of 34

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are the same part that I wrote when I was 16 life-changing for us. about that so much.” At the end of the day, years old, actually. Your latest single and latest No. 1, 2020’s this band that we’re in, it only exists because Our producer Tony Battaglia heard me “Atlas Falls,” has more of a pop bend, as of the audience and because of the fan base, kind of just messing around with it one day. have your last two albums: 2015’s Threat and from a global standpoint. And whether He was like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, what is to Survival and 2018’s Attention Attention. they’ve been there from day one and know that?” I was like, “That’s nothing.” He was How have you managed to maintain the everything about us, or they’re just finding like, “It’s not nothing. Play that again.” I Shinedown sound while still evolving? out who we are, we take that seriously. We showed it to him and he literally stopped “Atlas Falls” was born out of a crisis, only have one boss. It just happens to be everything, kind of called everybody back in which was the pandemic. We wrote that everybody in the audience. the next morning. That night, me and Tony song during the studio sessions for our sat there and kind of hashed it out. fourth album, [2012’s] Amaryllis, and it You guys just announced a huge tour for Another three years go by and the mon- didn’t make the album. We just did not have the fall. What does it mean to finally hit ster ballad “Second Chance” becomes your room for it. When the pandemic occurred, the stage again and what comes next for first Hot 100 Top 10 and one of the widest- we reached out to an organization called Shinedown? reaching rock songs of the last two decades. Direct Release. We created a t-shirt, which First of all, we’re humbled by it. Last year, How did it happen? was inspired by “Atlas Falls” because “Atlas myself and Zach (Myers), with our side To this day, that song is still a very unique Falls” was this symbol of not only human- project Smith & Myers, we actually played anomaly in music — especially if you go ity, but this symbol of, I believe, that human 23 shows. Ten of them were drive-in shows, back and you look at the history of that beings, we are at our best when we need and then 10 of them were in a bus, the back song, when it was released and how long it one another and we needed each other very half of the year. stayed where it was, and how it kept cross- much over the last 15 months. As we were moving into 2021, we were ing genres and formats. It started obviously Going back to the evolution of everything, already gearing up to release the machine at rock radio; it went to No. 1, it stayed at we always firmly stayed with the ideology of again, which is obviously Shinedown. We’re No. 1. Then, it crossed over into alternative one producer for each record. We’ve worked working in Charleston, South Carolina, on radio, got to No. 1, stayed at No. 1. Then, it in so many different studios, worked with a Shinedown [album] No. 7 with our bass crossed into Hot Adult Contemporary, it lot of different engineers, male and female player/producer, Mister Eric Bass, in a spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on Hot AC, and then producers, different types of songwriters brand new studio that we built part of last it crossed to Top 40. I will never, for the life and things of that nature. And we have a fan year and part of this year. That’s up and of me, forget that moment in time. base that allows us to be ourselves. They’ve running. I mean, that was a year from when it given us a platform to allow us to evolve. We The dynamic of being able to go out and began and where it had gotten to, cross- just try to not make the same record over play these shows and to finally getting a ing all these formats. Probably the most and over again, not write the same song over handle on the virus, it’s extremely emo- amazing thing was one of the most famous and over again, but it does truly come down tional for a lot of people. The goal was to get DJs in modern history, Casey Kasem, when to the songs, which have to be great. back to touring as soon as possible, and as he signed off the air after 37 years of being safely as possible, because people need that in radio, the No. 1 song in the country was While Shinedown has been very com- release. They need to be able to be together “Second Chance.” That was the last song mercially successful and reached a global again. You’ve had so much brutality with he played. That’s insane, and also very, very fanbase, does it bother you that many hard negative news. Music is a saving grace for humbling. rock bands like yours generally don’t receive a lot of people. I know it is for me. I think Because the thing about that record in much critical recognition? it’s what’s going to give people back their particular — not only “Second Chance” as It’s always nice to be recognized by your confidence. a record, but that album, Sound of Mad- peers or by the people that are in your ness — it was a transition in the band that industry. But inside of that, we don’t do this had to happen. That’s when we brought in for recognition per se, and we don’t do it for Eric Bass and Zach Myers. Had it not been awards. We do it because we have some- for those two individuals, Shinedown would thing to say. Just because people choose to have not continued. We were in such a situ- not put us in certain mainstream publicity ation at that point in time where there were pieces, or if we’re not linked with certain a lot of people that thought that the band artists during award seasons and things like was over. And then when that album came that, it doesn’t necessarily bother us. out, we toured that record for 36 months. I see bands that we’re close with and they We played over 444 shows in that span, and kind of have a chip on their shoulder about went all over the world. That record, it was it. And I’m like, “Hey man, I wouldn’t worry Page 20 of 34

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Publishing Briefs: together we’re setting new benchmarks for signed a co-publishing deal with Pulse audio-visual rights administration.” Music Group covering his entire catalog BMG Renews BMG’s film and TV client list also in- and future works. cludes ITV, Fremantle Media, Amblin Part- Among other credits, Delacruz co-pro- Netflix Deal; ‘I ners, Participant Media, AMC Networks, duced the BMI Latin award-winning “No TBS, Global Asylum and Rede Globo’s Som Me Conoce (Remix)” by Jhay Cortez, Bad Hope’ Writer Re- Livre. Bunny and J Balvin and produced songs Sony Music Publishing has renewed on the Bad Bunny albums Las Que No Iban Ups With Sony its global deal with Grammy-nominated A Salir and El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo. songwriter Jon Nite, with whom the com- His most recent producing credits include BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN pany has worked with since 2009. The deal two songs on Anuel AA and Ozuna’s joint includes Nite’s full catalog and future works. album Los Dioses. MG has signed a new long-term Nite’s credits include Lady” by Brett Legendary trombonist Phil Ranelin has exclusive agreement with Netf- Young, “Break Up in the End” by Cole signed his first-ever publishing deal lix to manage and administrate Swindell, “Strip it Down” by Luke with Third Side Music. The global admin the streaming service’s music Bryan, “Living” by Dierks Bentley, “We agreement includes Ranelin’s full catalog Bpublishing rights outside the U.S. The deal Were Us” by Keith Urban and Miranda and future works. was reached following a competitive bid- Lambert,“Beachin” by Jake Owen and Ranelin started out as a session player for ding war. more. He recently scored a massive suc- Motown artists including Stevie Won- Since first signing its deal with BMG cess with Gabby Barrett’s smash single der out of Detroit in the late ‘60s before in 2017, Netflix says it has increased its “I Hope,” which he co-wrote with Barrett forming The Tribe, an avant-garde jazz subscriber numbers to over 204 million in and Zach Kale and which earned him the collective with Wendell Harrison, as well over 190 million countries — a two-thirds No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Songwrit- as Tribe Records, a label that “used experi- increase. ers chart. mental jazz as a vehicle to raise African- The new agreement includes score, tran- Round Hill Music has acquired the American political consciousness,” accord- sition cues, themes and feature songs for publishing catalog of rock band Lit, includ- ing to a press release. His releases with The all content owned by Netflix for its Netflix ing their hits “My Own Worst Enemy” and Tribe included 1971’s Message From The Originals, including TV series, feature films “Miserable.” In addition, Round Hill Re- Tribe and 1976’s Vibe From The Tribe. He and documentary features. cords will release the group’s seventh studio moved to Los Angeles in the mid 1980s and According to a release, BMG’s pitch album in 2022. began working with artists including Fred- centered on its ability to “ensure efficient Lit’s discography includes the platinum- die Hubbard, Roy Ayers, Billy Higgins and registration, fast-track international royalty selling album A Place in the Sun, released in Horace Tapscott. payments, identify new approaches to in- 1999, and other successful singles including Tribe Records’ discography was re-issued come tracking, and deliver access to BMG’s “Zip-Lock” and “Lipstick and Bruises.” this year in collaboration with Now-Again technology platform with APIs for data & “We’re excited to acquire their catalog and Vinyl Me Please in a collection en- insights sharing.” The publisher boasts a and steward that gem going forward, but titled The Story of Tribe Records. cloud-based rights management platform also we are excited to work with them on “Phil Ranelin is hands down one of the and royalty technology that uses AI algo- their new record,” said Josh Gruss, CEO, greatest musicians alive,” says Third Side rithms to optimize matching, among other Round Hill Music in a statement. “Do- Music’s Alex Kelman in a statement. “He things. ing such a comprehensive deal including, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excel- “When the most technologically savvy en- catalog, frontline publishing and record deal lence in creativity, originality and spiritu- tertainment company in the world chooses shows how multi-faceted we are at Round ally and it’s a real honor to be the first ever your platform to manage its precious music Hill.” publisher he’s chosen to work with.” rights, that’s an endorsement,” said BMG The group’s most successful single, the Warner Chappell Production Music CEO Hartwig Masuch in a statement. “We Alternative Airplay No. 1 “My Own Worst (WCPM) has opened two new recording are delighted to extend our successful col- Enemy,” was certified double platinum facilities: SkyLight Studios in Los Angeles laboration with Netflix.” by the RIAA and spawned covers by Post and Sandtrack Sound in Nashville. Added BMG CIO and executive vp global Malone, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Mi- The team at WCPM partnered with Da- royalties Sebastian Hentzschel, “We’re chelle Branch, Charlie Puth and more. vid Kotch of Criterion Acoustics to redesign incredibly excited to extend our partner- Lit is comprised of brothers Ajay and SkyLight Studios, a former mastering lab ship with Netflix as the company continues Jeremy Popoff, Kevin Baldes and Taylor located in Hollywood. The building is to expand its subscriber base and original Carroll. equipped with digital and analog recording content all over the world. I believe that Latin music producer Delacruz has capabilities including Pro Tools systems, a Page 21 of 34

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Neve console, vintage microphones, tape SOPHIE’s Brother Un-Insides, as well as an unreleased follow- machines and outboard gear. It also includes up album that Long says just needs finishing a 500 square-foot tracking room that fea- on Plans for touches. tures a nine-foot concert grand piano. “The idea SOPHIE and I discussed many Skylight Studios will provide custom mu- Unreleased Music: times was to do one abstract experimental sic services along with recording and mixing album and then a pop record — this was go- support for the WCPM library. The seven- ‘Doing Right by ing to be the pop one — and to keep going on person staff includes house engineer Ryan that cycle for years,” he says. “I don’t want Freeland and WCPM vp of productGeorge SOPHIE’ Is Top to be like, ‘We’re going to put everything Strait | Billboardion Scott Reinwand, both out,’ because sometimes SOPHIE didn’t of whom report to WCPM head of produc- Priority want it to or it wasn’t finished. But it was tion Pat Weaver. quite clear with a lot of songs, just from the Sandtrack Sound is located on Nashville’s BY KATIE BAIN fact that we had been working on them and Music Row in a more than 8,200 square-foot mixing the album, that I know the direction building previously known as both Emerald hen SOPHIE died in a lot of things were supposed to be going.” Sound Studio and Benchmark Sound. Built January at the age of 34, it Long notes that releasing SOPHIE’s pro- in 1981 by acoustic designer Tom Hidley, was clear the avant-garde duction work for other artists will likely be the building has hosted the creation of al- transgender musician had trickier to coordinate, as it involves securing bums by Johnny Cash, George Strait, Ala- leftW an indelible mark on the industry. the approval of other parties. (He did not bama and more. With a visceral, futuristic sound, SOPHIE have an update on SOPHIE’s unreleased The Nashville operation includes three – who fell from a balcony in Athens while work with Lady Gaga, though he noted studios, the largest of which, Studio A, is trying to take a photo of the moon – thrill- that the pop star’s Chromatica collaborator capable of holding over 30 musicians. Studio ingly challenged the norms of pop and BloodPop called him to express condolences A recently received equipment upgrades, electronic music through solo work and after SOPHIE’s death.) including a custom hybrid Avid S6/Tonelux collaborations with Charli XCX, Madon- But he also sees a world in which SO- 1628 console and microphone preamplifiers na, Vince Staples, Kim Petras and others. PHIE’s friends and collaborators could po- by Rupert Neve Designs. Yet the producer’s musical legacy is far from tentially play a role in curating posthumous WCPM senior vp of production Aaron over. material. “It’s always good to have an extra Gant oversees the company’s operations “There is a lot of music in the vaults, ab- pair of ears,” he says. “There are a lot of in Nashville. He will work alongside house solutely,” says SOPHIE’S brother, Ben Long. people out there who SOPHIE really trusted engineer Mark Lonsway to ensure the “There are literally hundreds of tracks.” and who knew SOPHIE’s vision. I feel like Sandtrack studio’s smooth operation. The material ranges from rough sketches it’s not just on me.” Sony Music Publishing UK has signed to nearly complete songs that were in the Long says the family plans to release as Scottish alt-rock band Del Amitri to a mixing stage at the time of the producer’s much of the music as makes sense, but it’s global publishing deal that includes the death. Which of those songs will see too soon to detail specific plans — it has band’s full catalog and future works. the light of day is an ongoing discussion been only four months since SOPHIE’s Del Amitri is known for hits including between SOPHIE’s family — Long, his two death. “There are many, many discussions “Roll to Me,” “Always the Last to Know” sisters and their parents — and SOPHIE’s to be had,” says Long. “The most important and “Nothing Ever Happens.” They recently labels, Australia’s Future Classic and the thing for us is doing right by SOPHIE — put- announced their first full UK tour since United Kingdom’s Transgressive Records. ting stuff out that SOPHIE was happy with 2018 and released the new album Fatal (Both declined to comment.) Long notes and would want to be out.” Mistakes on May 28. that the decision regarding what to release A version of this story originally appeared Launched out of Glasgow, Scotland in the ultimately rests with the family. in Billboard’s 2021 Pride Issue, dated June mid 1980s, Del Amitri is comprised of vocal- Whatever does come out, says Long, will 5, 2021. ist/bassist Justin Currie, guitarist Iain Har- involve him. He says all of SOPHIE’s unre- vie, keys/percussionist Andy Alston, guitarist leased music is in his possession: “I don’t Kris Dollimone and drummer Ash Soan. know what anyone else could do, really, because they don’t have access to it.” He also was a key member of the producer’s inner circle, having served first as a tour manager and live engineer, then as mixing engineer on recorded projects. Long worked on SOPHIE’s 2018 album, Oil of Every Pearl’s Page 22 of 34

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Adam Lambert on industry,’” he recalls. “That was part of my Well, let’s talk about the lineup! You’ve mindset in putting together this bill, was got people like Kim Petras, Sam Sparro, Crafting a ‘Queer saying, ‘Let’s follow through with that.’” Parson James, Vincint, and so many oth- Billboard spoke with Lambert ahead of ers — how did you go about selecting the for Queer’ Lineup the show about curating a “queer for queer” artists that were going to participate in your lineup, returning to an in-person Pride show curated portion of the event? for OUTLOUD: after a year of lockdown, and what’s giving Well, one of the things I wanted to ensure him hope for the future. was that there was a variety of genres Raising Voices You’ll be performing at one of the first represented, and a variety of identities in-person Pride events in L.A. since 2019 represented. I want everyone that watches BY STEPHEN DAW — how are you feeling about finally getting this, either in-person or at home, to find back on stage for the event? some sort of representation for themselves very Pride season, millions of I haven’t done an official Pride perfor- within the set. We’re trying to be mindful of LGBTQ fans flock to festivals — mance in Los Angeles in so long, so this is intersectionality, so we have queer people in-person or virtually — to see a real treat. I’m always on tour with Queen of color joining us, we have members of the some of their favorite artists show during the summer, so this is really excit- trans community, and we have plenty of Esupport for the LGBTQ community. Adam ing. I was aware of Stonewall Day as an speakers peppered through the evening as Lambert is proud to be one of them, and amazing event over the past couple of years well to raise awareness for the issues that now he wants to make sure that more queer based out of New York. We chatted about Pride Live and Stonewall Day and the Feel artists get the recognition that they deserve. maybe me taking a bigger role and curating Something Foundation are promoting, I’m So, when Lambert was asked to curate a set for them. So we started work on that, just so excited, because I really do feel like the headlining show for the OUTLOUD: and then OUTLOUD, which is a separate we’ve covered our bases, and represented Raising Voices’ collaboration with Pride concert series for Pride, they joined forces the whole community. And yes, we also have Live’s Stonewall Day and Lambert’s Feel with Stonewall Day, so we’ve all pooled our all of these different types of music there, Something Foundation, the star gladly ac- resources. Now, we have this giant stadium too. As a music lover, we have country, we cepted the challenge. The show, taking place space that we’re going to perform at, and have pop, we have soul, we have rock, we at the end of the in-person and virtual Pride we’re just making it this big celebration. have dance; it just really runs the gamut, celebration this weekend (June 4-6), will It feels like we’ve been stuck inside for- and I think everyone will enjoy it. Plus, I’m see Lambert headlining, while also present- ever — what does it mean that one of your excited to sing with Kim Petras for the first ing a specially-selected group of LGBTQ art- first live performances in a while is a Pride time, so that’s gonna be super fun. ists, including Kim Petras, Vincint, Parson event? I think for me, the really interesting part James, Sam Sparro and many more, to help I’m thrilled, and I think that’s one of the of it is, typically, there’s like a giant pop star kick off Pride season. takeaways that this event will give people: that you put as the headliner, and that’s the Lambert tells Billboard he wanted to rep- it’s a chance to focus on the sense of com- way you do it — I’m really excited for our resent the LGBTQ community to the best munity. And the sense of community right event because it is definitely queer for queer. of his ability, which meant making sure that now is more important than ever — we’ve We’ve raised up artists who are out and his lineup was made up entirely of queer all been so isolated and detached from one proud and visible, and people that are living artists. “I just think it’s time, you know?” he another. So even though we’ve tried to be the life. I think everyone’s represented, I tells Billboard. “We love our allies, 100 per- socially distanced, of course, you’re going to think we have a really diverse bill. It’s an cent, and I love the artists that support our get to see people in a space! As performers, event that’s put on by queer people, for community. But I think it’s good to say, ‘Ok, we’re going to get to look out in the audi- queer people, starring queer people. it’s 2021, the mainstream music industry ence and interact with real, live people, not I feel like this Pride Month, after every- now has more queer artists than ever, so it’s a camera for a virtual show. And then for thing we’ve been through in the last year time for us to do it on our own.’” the people that can’t make it, we still have and a half, there does seem to be a much When it came time for Lambert to choose a virtual element — it’s going to be live- more present desire in the community to which artists he wanted to join him during streamed on Twitch, which I love. Anybody give back. As someone who has founded his section of the show, the star says that who wants to watch it, can watch it. their own charity organization, what tips he thought back to a roundtable he did And the lineup is so fun. My part of the would you have for people looking to give with a group of LGBTQ artists for his Feel night is Sunday night, I’m curating the back the LGBTQ community this Pride? Something Foundation back in 2020. “One last segment of the day, and it’s so exciting Well, I think the simple answer is you of the things I kept saying then was, ‘Well, because I’ve invited artists that I admire, have to find a hub of information, and then this is not the last of this — I want to be able many of whom are friends of mine or people use that to inform what groups you want to to build a sense of community in the music that I’ve met. support. I mean, it is truly easier than ever Page 23 of 34

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to lend support — even if it’s not financial You see a lot of people coming together for New York’s support, there is value in amplifying mes- causes that are important to them, and that sages or in certain voices. If there’s some- gives me hope. SummerStage body out there on social media, for example, Honestly, the younger generation also that’s illustrating a really important moment gives me a lot of hope. Seeing the way that Returns to In- in history, like Stonewall, then re-post it! generation is embracing things like gender Start a conversation with your friends. I and sexuality is just so exciting. Of course, Person Shows think right now, in the queer community, there’s lots of opposition to that, and there’s having a firm grasp on our own history is plenty of people who don’t understand it, With Machine really important, too. I think it reminds us but then look at all of the people that do. that there is so much more work to do, but More than ever, people are encouraging Gun Kelly & it also reminds us of how far we’ve gotten. each other to be free in their expression, But it also reminds us that things come back in their identity. All we can do to fight the Patti Smith around, and the pendulum keeps swing- opposition to it is to keep living. If you ing back and forth. So I think the more we really look at how many people between BY TAYLOR MIMS understand about where we come from, the ages of 15 and 24 identify as something I think that gives us the tools we need to other than straight, it’s crazy! We’re living ew York’s largest free outdoor push forward. And as far as the financial in a time where the shift is finally happen- arts festival is bringing live en- thing goes, you know, it’s obviously been ing, and I’m so enjoying being a part of it, tertainment back to the city. The a hard year for everybody, but every little watching it and learning from it. Especially Capital One City Parks Foun- bit does help. Even if it’s $5, the act of giving in a time where we have the horrors that Ndation SummerStage will welcome New back is really needed. we’ve been dealing with politically and with York-centric artists like Patti Smith and her Absolutely. Now this is obviously not the this pandemic, it’s hard not to get caught up band, as well as benefit concerts featur- last live show you’re going to be doing, as in all the fear-mongering and all the drama, ing Machine Gun Kelly, Dawes and more. Queen has officially set their European tour but I feel like that’s a choice. I think that you The 2021 season will kick off with a free for June 2022. It’s still a while away, but can make a choice to go, “Okay, I’m gonna concert featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center how does it feel knowing you’ll be back on take my energy and focus on the good stuff.” Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on June tour with the band next year? Because there is so much expression and 17 in Central Park. On Juneteenth, City Yeah, the funny thing is that now this has art and entertainment going on right now Parks Foundation will host an outdoor been pushed twice — we were supposed to — people are really being thoughtful about screening of film Summer of Soul presented be out on the road last summer, but then we the things they’re making. There’s a lot of by Target followed by live performances at pushed it to this year, and now we’ve pushed amazing ideas being shared, and that’s what the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Mar- it again to 2022. Now that we’re going to I’d choose. cus Garvey Park featuring Questlove and finally do it again, I just love these guys. OUTLOUD: Raising Voices takes place surprise guests. They feel like family, and we do truly get so from June 4-6, 2021 at the Los Angeles “We are so thrilled to bring SummerStage much joy out of being on stage together, and Memorial Coliseum. The show will also back for all New Yorkers to enjoy in-person, seeing the audience light up. For me person- be livestreamed on Twitch June 4 -6 from 7 outside, in parks again this summer. The ally, I just love seeing Brian [May] and Roger p.m. to 1 a.m. ET each day. artists performing this summer represent [Taylor] light up as well —this is their glory, a true sense of resiliency in their own art their legacy. As soon as they get on stage, and deep connection to New York City,” they just explode with light. It’s amazing. said executive artistic director of Summer- Well, after all that we’ve been through, Stage Erika Elliott in a release. “While we as we slowly begin to work our way back to continued to present artists of all genres for normal, I’d like to know — what’s giving you the past year with SummerStage Anywhere hope right now? digitally, we are eager to provide artists the It’s funny, I was talking about this the platform to perform to a live audience and other day — looking at the way people are to bring communities together to enjoy the able to band together in this thing is actually live, spirited experience that is truly unique really fascinating. We’re in a very divisive to our city and festival.” time, especially after all of the political tur- In partnership with iStar, Summer- moil we just went through, so it’s definitely Stage will also return to the Seaside Park a challenge. But in that division, you also Community Arts Center & the Coney Island end up seeing a lot of unity, funny enough. Amphitheater in Brooklyn this summer Page 24 of 34

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for six free concerts featuring Gloria forms will open on Mondays at noon ET. latest tracking week, “Traitor,” bows at No. 3 Gaynor, DJ Stormin Norman, La Indi and For a full schedule and more information, (30.6 million). more. head here. The only non-Rodrigo songs in the top SummerStage in Central Park will also 10 are BTS’ “Butter” (No. 4, 32.3 million) host several paid benefit performances and Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” featuring this season. Blue Note at SummerStage will Olivia Rodrigo SZA (No. 8, 23.7 million). present three shows, each with two seat- Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, concurrently ings — a matinee and an evening show Breaks Taylor debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, as pre- — starting June 20, including a show viously reported. from George Clinton with Parliament Swift Streaming Funkadelic. The Bowery Presents benefit shows will include Lake Street Dive on Songs Record ‘The Voice,’ Aug. 24, Machine Gun Kelly on Sept. 13, Dawes on Sept. 17, and folk-rock co-bill In- With 8 ‘American Idol’ & digo Girls with Ani DiFranco on Sept. 21, with more to be announced. Simultaneous More Nominated The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Sum- merStage’s annual salute to the eponymous Top 10s for Critics Choice late saxophonist, will return for its 29th year with a weekend of live jazz in Harlem’s his- BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Real TV Awards toric Marcus Garvey Park/Richard Rodgers Amphitheater from Aug. 28-29. livia Rodrigo breaks the record BY PAUL GREIN “The last year has been enormously for most songs in the top 10 at difficult for our city, but New York City’s one time by a woman on Bill- BC’s The Voice and ABC’s Ameri- parks have provided needed respite. Now, board’s Streaming Songs chart can Idol are among the nominees our parks will help us re-engage with one Oon the survey dated June 5. for best competition series: another, generating the unique energy that The June 5 tally’s top 10 features talent/variety at the Critics is sparked only by experiencing live perfor- eight Rodrigo songs, surpassing Taylor NChoice Real TV Awards. The other nomi- mance collectively,” said City Parks Founda- Swift’s record (six, Aug. 20, 2020) for the nees in the category are Legendary (HBO tion’s executive director Heather Lubov in most at one time by a woman since the chart Max), The Masked Singer (Fox) and World of a release. “This year’s SummerStage line-up began in 2013. The eight-song mark also Dance (NBC). reflects our city’s tenacity and spirit, its ties her for the third-most simultaneous The Critics Choice Real TV Awards, in vibrancy and creativity. We are thrilled to be top 10s in chart history alongside similar their third year, recognize excellence in back.” weeks for Juice WRLD (July 25, 2020), The nonfiction, unscripted and reality program- As a women-run festival with a mis- Weeknd (April 4, 2020), Lil Uzi Vert (May ming. The show, sponsored by the Critics sion of diversity and inclusion, since 2019, 21, 2020) and Post Malone (May 12, 2018). Choice Association (CCA) and nonfiction SummerStage has helped to transform the Only J. Cole and Drake have surpassed that producers’ organization NPACT, is a real- future of the music industry by participat- count, with nine each (May 29, 2021, for J. ity TV companion to the Critics Choice ing in the PRS Foundation’s internation- Cole and July 14, 2018, for Drake). Television Awards, now in their 11th year. al Keychange pledge, presenting an annual Leading the way: “Good 4 U,” which The Critics Choice brand also presents film lineup that features a 50/50 gender balance. spends its second week at No. 1 on Stream- awards, now in their 26th year. SummerStage is one of the few festivals that ing Songs after debuting there on the May RuPaul’s Drag Race leads with five nomi- has achieved this goal. 29 list. It increases in its second frame to nations. Four programs — Queer Eye, Stanley SummerStage will be operating at modi- 62.7 million U.S. streams in the May 21-27 Tucci: Searching for Italy, Taste the Nation fied production levels and performances tracking period, up 45%, according to MRC With Padma Lakshmi and Top Chef — each will initially be held at a reduced capac- Data. That’s the second-highest single-week received three nods. ity in all of our venues to abide by social stream count for any song in 2021, behind Winners will be announced (albeit in a distancing requirements. Free tickets are only the debut week of Rodrigo’s own “Driv- press release) on Monday, June 21. Winners required for entry to every free Summer- ers License” (76.1 million, Jan. 23) and the in two categories — female star of the year Stage show this season. Ticket pod requests biggest second-week number of the year. and male star of the year — will be chosen must be made in advance through our online Fellow pre-album-release single “Deja by fan voting, which is now open at critic- entry form. Forms will be available three Vu” follows at No. 2 (32.8 million streams), schoice.com. weeks prior to each show. Ticket request while the top-ranking song released in the “As the number of platforms continues Page 25 of 34

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to grow, the quality of unscripted television Dear … (Apple TV+) A Book About programming has skyrocketed, and we are Frontline (PBS) thrilled to be able to recognize so much POV (PBS) Daft Punk’s great work,” said Critics Choice Association The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show CEO Joey Berlin. on Earth (Showtime) ‘Discovery’ Is Alex Trebek, the late, much-loved host The Vow (HBO) of Jeopardy, will be honored posthumously Best limited documentary series: Coming This Fall: with the Impact Award, which recognizes 1971: The Year That Music Changed Every- an individual for the positive impact they thing (Apple TV+) See the Cover made or have made on the world of nonfic- Amend: The Fight for America (Netflix) tion content. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (HBO) BY KATIE BAIN Netflix leads among networks with 22 Love Fraud (Showtime) nominations. HBO/HBO Max follows with Murder on Middle Beach (HBO) he Daft Punk mythology is once 14 nods. Secrets of the Whales (Disney+ / National again expanding, with a new book The Critics Choice Real TV Awards Geographic) on the power and influence of were launched in 2019 when the CCA Best show host: their 2001 masterpiece, Discov- and NPACT joined forces. A nominat- RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1) Tery, due to drop this September. ing committee made up of CCA members Oprah Winfrey – The Oprah Conversa- Written by journalist Ben Cardew, Daft determines the nominees in all competitive tion (Apple TV+) Punk’s Discovery: The Future Unfurled will categories. Winners will be chosen by a vote Stanley Tucci – Stanley Tucci: Searching for unpack the album’s legacy via a series of of the CCA membership. NPACT leads the Italy (CNN) roughly 25 interviews, including those with selection of non-competitive, discretionary Padma Lakshmi – Taste the Nation with individuals who worked with the band as awards. Padma Lakshmi (Hulu) producers, a teacher and more, along with The Critics Choice Association bills itself John Oliver – Last Week Tonight with John journalists who interviewed them, and art- as the largest critics organization in the U.S. Oliver (HBO) ists who were inspired by them. and Canada, representing more than 400 Male star of the year: The book will also include previously television, radio and online critics. It was Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with unreleased interview material from a 2013 organized in 2019 with the merger of the Trevor Noah (Comedy Central) conversation with Daft Punk. Broadcast Film Critics Association and the RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1) “I’ve been obsessed with Daft Punk for Broadcast Television Journalists Associa- Stanley Tucci – Stanley Tucci: Searching for more than three decades,” Cardew says tion. NPACT is the trade association for Italy (CNN) in a statement. “One of the main reasons nonfiction production companies doing Guy Fieri – Diners, Drive-Ins and I wanted to write this book, though, was business in the U.S. Dives (Food Network) because they seem to be a bit misunderstood Bob Bain and Joey Berlin serve as execu- Phil Rosenthal – Somebody Feed Phil (Net- — it’s like the legend has overtaken them tive producers for the Critics Choice Real flix) and I wanted to get behind that.” TV Awards. Michelle Van Kempen is execu- Female star of the year: Daft Punk’s Discovery has not been autho- tive producer for NPACT. Nicole Byer – Nailed It! (Netflix) rized by the duo; Billboard has reached out Here’s a partial list of nominations for the Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC) to them for comment. third annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards: Michelle Visage – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1) The 20th anniversary of Discovery this Best competition series: Padma Lakshmi – Taste the Nation with past March was preceded by the Feb. 22 RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1) Padma Lakshmi (Hulu) news that the duo had retired after 28 years The Amazing Race (CBS) Samantha Bee – Full Frontal with Samantha together. Carden began work on the book in The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) Bee (TBS) the summer of 2020 and revised it exten- Top Chef (Bravo) Outstanding achievement in nonfiction sively upon the news of the retirement. Tough as Nails (CBS) programming by a network or streaming Available in paperback and as an e- Best competition series: talent/variety: platform: book, Daft Punk’s Discovery: The Future American Idol (ABC) Discovery+ Unfurled will be published by U.K. imprint Legendary (HBO Max) Disney+ Velocity Press, an independent publisher The Masked Singer (Fox) HBO Max that specializes in electronic music and club The Voice (NBC) Hulu culture books. Check out the cover: World of Dance (NBC) National Geographic Best ongoing documentary series: Netflix American Masters (PBS) Here is a link to the full list of nominees. Page 26 of 34

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Luke Bryan, included Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs charts including Rhythmic Airplay (No. 2 and four collabs: the aforementioned peak), Pop Airplay (No. 4) and Mainstream Thomas Rhett & 6 Guyton and Knight; Brothers Osborne and R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (No. 12). Dierks Bentley; Maren Morris and JP Saxe; Fallen (real name: Lee Stashenko) pro- Collabs Added to and Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon duced “Roses” solo and concurrently places Randall. at No. 2 on Dance/Electronic Producers af- 2021 CMT Music All four artists who are booked to perform ter spending 26 weeks at No. 1, the second- solo — Bryan, Rhett, Stapleton and Combs longest reign, after Marshmello (41). Awards Performer — are male superstars, which reflects that Looking at all 12 of Billboard’s songwriter country music is still a man’s world, despite charts, SAINt JHN and Fallen are just the Lineup recent efforts to put female artists on equal third and fourth talents to reach the 50- footing. week mark at No. 1. Kirk Franklin has ruled BY PAUL GREIN The CMT Music Awards bills itself as Gospel Songwriters for 75 weeks, while Bad country music’s only entirely fan-voted Bunny has reigned on Latin Songwriters for MT has announced the sec- awards show. Voting is open at vote.CMT. 62 weeks. ond round of performers set com through Tuesday, June 1, at 3 p.m ET. Elsewhere on the Dance/Electronic Pro- to take the stage for the 2021 At that time, the top six finalists will be ducers chart, HVME tallies his 16th week at CMT Music Awards on June 9. revealed for video of the year. Voting in that No. 1, thanks to his production on “Goose- CThe additions are Luke Bryan, Thomas top category will continue through show bumps,” with Travis Scott. The track logs a Rhett and no fewer than six collabora- day, June 9. 17th week atop Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. tions: Breland and Mickey Guyton; Chris The 2021 CMT Music Awards is executive The weekly Dance/Electronic Songwrit- Young and Kane Brown; Kelsea Bal- produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and ers and Dance/Electronic Producers charts lerini and Paul Klein (from LANY); Lau- Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin are based on total points accrued by a ren Alaina and Jon Pardi; Needto- and Amy Lin Johnson. Executives in charge songwriter and producer, respectively, for breathe and Carrie Underwood; and of production are Jackie Barba and Heather each attributed song that appears on the Hot the three-way collab of Lady A, Carly D. Graffagnino. Dance/Electronic Songs chart. As with Bill- Pearce and Gabby Barrett. board’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or Guyton, a three-time nominee this year, producers split points for each song equally will be performing as part of two collabs SAINt JHN & (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- on the show. She was already announced as casional ties on rankings). a singing partner with R&B legend Gladys Fallen Score 50th Check out this week’s full Dance/Elec- Knight. tronic Songwriters and Dance/Electronic “Famous Friends” by Young and Brown is Week at No. 1 on Producers charts, in addition to the other nominated this year for collaborative video full genre rankings, on Billboard.com. of the year. Brown is also hosting the show Dance/Electronic with Ballerini. UPDATE: On Wednesday (June 2), CMT Songwriters Chart 42 Dugg Posts announced six additional performers who will appear on The Ram Trucks Side Stage. BY XANDER ZELLNER First Top 10 on Those artists and the songs they will per- form are: Blanco Brown (“Nobody’s More AINt JHN and Fallen hit notable Top R&B/Hip-Hop Country”), Dylan Scott (“Nobody”), Hailey milestones on Billboard’s Dance/ Whitters (“Fillin’ My Cup”), Lainey Wilson Electronic Songwriters chart Albums Chart (“Things a Man Oughta Know”), Niko Moon (dated June 5), as the pair ties at (“Good Time”) and Tenille Arts (“Somebody SNo. 1 for a 50th total week. BY TREVOR ANDERSON Like That”). They reach the mark thanks to the The two-and-a-half-hour show is set to continued success of SAINt JHN’s “Roses apper 42 Dugg lands his first top air Wednesday, June 9, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. (Imanbek Remix),” which they co-wrote. 10 success on Billboard’s Top CT on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount The track places at No. 3 on the Hot Dance/ R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart Network and TV Land. Performances will Electronic Songs chart, after spending 23 as Free Dem Boyz debuts at No. be filmed “in and around Music City.” weeks at No. 1 beginning in April 2020. R4 on the list dated June 5. The 19-song The first round of performers announced The song also reached No. 4 on the Bill- mixtape starts with 32,000 equivalent album was also heavy on collabs. That first roster board Hot 100 and scaled a variety of radio units earned in the week ending May 27, ac- Page 27 of 34

IN BRIEF

cording to MRC Data. boost to 2.2 million in format airplay audi- the top at last in November 2020 in its 130th Streaming activity makes up nearly all ence in the week ending May 30. frame. the mixtape’s debut total, with 31,000 units Some other similarly discounted titles, deriving from streaming-equivalent album also with alternative leanings, re-enter (SEA) units, a sum amounting to 43.6 mil- Galantis, David Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales, includ- lion on-demand streams of the project’s ing Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” (No. 5; 1,400, tracks. (Each unit equals 3,750 ad-supported Guetta & Little up 439%), Lana Del Rey and Cedric Gervais’ or 1,250 paid/subscription official audio “Summertime Sadness” (No. 11; 900, up and video on-demand streams generated by Mix’s ‘Heartbreak 333%) and New Order’s “Blue Monday” (No. songs from an album.) The remaining 1,000 15; 700, up 129%). units come from traditional album sales, Anthem’ Hits Top SWEET SUCCESS: Shifting to the with one unit equal to one album sale, with Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, Justin a negligible amount also from track-equiva- 10 on Hot Dance/ Bieber bumps 12-10 with “Peaches,” featur- lent album (TEA) units, with one unit equal ing Daniel Caesar and Giveon. The first top to 10 individual tracks sold from an album. Electronic Songs 10 each for the latter two acts, “Peaches” is Boyz’s arrival easily rewrites 42 Dugg’s Bieber’s 18th top 10, the fourth-best total best showing on the chart. His only other Chart dating to the chart’s 2003 inception, after previous entry, last year’s Young & Turnt, David Guetta (29), Rihanna (24) and Calvin Vol. 2, reached a No. 33 peak in July. In BY GORDON MURRAY Harris (19). addition to Boyz’s top 10 status on Top The poppy “Peaches” is picking up mix R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, the new set also alantis, David Guetta and Little show plays, but also notable spins at core- opens in the top tier on both the Top Rap Mix leap from No. 36 to No. 7 dance outlets including iHeartRadio’s Pride Albums chart (also at No. 4) and all- on Billboard’s multi-metric Hot Radio and KMVQ-HD2 San Francisco. (The genre Billboard 200 (No. 8). Dance/Electronic Songs chart Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart measures The album’s entrance also adds a second G(dated June 5) with “Heartbreak Anthem” radio airplay on a select group of full-time top 10 project of 2021 for its label, CMG, following its first full week of tracking. dance stations, along with plays during founded by rapper Yo Gotti. CMG, which The collaboration is Guetta’s 16th top 10; mix shows on nearly 80 top 40-formatted stands for Collective Music Group, also only The Chainsmokers, Kygo (19 each) and reporters.) scored a No. 1 in May for two nonconsecu- Calvin Harris (18) have more since the chart tive weeks with Moneybagg Yo’s A Gangsta’s started in January 2013. It’s the fourth top Pain, which ranks at No. 2 on the current 10 for Galantis and the first for Little Mix. Rauw Alejandro’s chart. Released May 20, the track earned 2.6 Boyz contains a pair of hits on the Hot million U.S streams in the May 21-27 track- ‘Todo de Ti’ R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. First, the set’s ing week, according to MRC Data. It also “4 Da Gang,” a collaboration with Roddy debuts at No. 12 on the Dance/Electronic Arrives in Top Ricch, rallies 46-25 in its eighth week on Streaming Songs chart. the list to achieve a new peak position. The Additionally, with 1,600 downloads 10 on Hot Latin track, which picks up the week’s Digital sold, “Heartbreak Anthem” ascends 5-4 on Gainer and Streaming Gainer awards, Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales. Songs Chart outdoes its prior No. 28 best from its debut ‘GOOD’ NEWS: Speaking of Dance/Elec- week in April. tronic Digital Song Sales, Gorillaz re-enter BY PAMELA BUSTIOS Directly behind “4 Da Gang,” the mix- at No. 1 with “Feel Good Inc,” marking the tape’s “Maybach” track, featuring Future, act’s first leader on the list. The 2005 genre- auw Alejandro adds a fifth top debuts at No. 26. The arrival gives 42 Dugg blurring classic sold 3,300 downloads, up 10 to his roster on Billboard’s Hot his fifth hit on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, af- 730%, in the week ending May 27, sparked Latin Songs chart as “Todo De ter two collaborations with Lil Baby, “Grace” by its placement in the iTunes Store’s 69¢ Ti” bounds in at No. 9 on the list (No. 23) and “We Paid” (No. 8), a featured Alternative Hits sale. Rdated June 5. spot on Meek Mill’s “GTA” (No. 47), and “4 While its release predated the chart’s The debut of “Todo De Ti” is largely pow- Da Gang.” 2010 origin, “Feel” has amassed a whop- ered by streaming activity, as it starts with Elsewhere, “4 Da Gang” gives 42 Dugg his ping 138 total chart weeks and now earns 3.8 million U.S. streams earned in the week second appearance on the R&B/Hip-Hop the distinction of wrapping the longest rise ending May 27, according to MRC Data, Airplay chart with a No. 49 start. The single to No. 1. Previously, that mark was held by enough to open at No. 10 on Latin Stream- cracks the radio ranking thanks to a 33% Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars,” which hit ing Songs — his second top 10 there follow- Page 28 of 34

IN BRIEF

ing “Baila Conmigo,” with Selena Gomez Lil Baby & Kirk ond place with four leaders apiece. (No. 3 debut and peak, Feb. 13-dated list). Among Franklin’s eight leaders, “Wanna “Todo” was teased via Rauw’s Instagram Franklin Victorious Be Happy?” reigned for 45 weeks after bow- account on May 16 arousing his followers’ ing at the apex in September 2015 and “Love interest as he sat behind a drum set, step- Atop Hot Gospel Theory” dominated for 44 weeks after ping away from his usual reggaeton and launching on top in February 2019. Only one urban aesthetic, playing to the rhythm of the Songs Chart With song in the chart’s history has led longer: beat of a song that echoes the vibe of Bruno Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” Mars and was produced by Mr. Naisgai. ‘We Win’ for 46 weeks beginning in August 2007. In addition, “Todo” earned 4 million in Meanwhile, Lil Baby adds another genre audience impressions in the week ending BY JIM ASKER to his chart-topping résumé. The rap- May 30, yielding a No. 31 start on the all- per’s My Turn entered the Billboard 200 at Latin-genre Latin Airplay chart. The single il Baby and Kirk Franklin’s No. 1 in March 2020, marking his first concurrently sold 500 downloads, securing “We Win,” the first single from leader among four top five sets. He has also a No. 7 start on Latin Digital Song Sales. the Space Jam: A New Lega- notched 16 top 10s on Hot Rap Songs, 14 Beyond its Hot Latin Songs top 10 debut, cy soundtrack, due July 9, blasts on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and seven on “Todo,” which was released May 21, also Lin atop Billboard’s airplay-, sales- and the Billboard Hot 100. races up Latin Pop Airplay with a 21-7 hike streaming-based Hot Gospel Songs chart Notably, Lil Baby is the latest artist to after its first full tracking week. The song dated June 5. cross to gospel chart success after becoming bowed at No. 21 (chart dated May 29) with The collaboration, released on May 21, established at other formats. He joins the only three days of airplay. marks the first entry on a gospel chart for likes of Tori Kelly, Travis Scott and Kanye Back on Hot Latin Songs, Rauw also sees hip-hop star Lil Baby. Franklin adds his West, all of whom have also topped Hot progress with a second track: “2/Catorce,” record-extending eighth leader, and third Gospel Songs in recent years. his latest collaboration with Mr. Naisgai, time arriving in the penthouse. ‘STILL’ STRONG Brian Courtney Wilson pushes 46-26 in its second week. “I’m humbled. There are so many dope achieves his second Gospel Airplay leader as As explained above, “Todo” earns Rauw gospel artists in this genre, and I’m honored “Still” rises 2-1. In the week ending May 30, his fifth top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, all which to shed some light on the music that we the single increased by 8% in plays. have arrived in less than a year, dating back make,” Franklin tells Billboard. “What else Wilson, who wrote the song solo, achieves to his first: “Tattoo,” with Camilo, (No. 7 can I say but thank you. Thank you to the his first No. 1 since October 2018 when “A peak, Sept 2020). “Todo” is his first without Father for letting me borrow something for Great Work” began a three-week rule. He an accompanied act. Let’s look at the bunch: this record, to Lil Baby for jumping on the boasts five top 10s, starting with his fresh- Song, Artist, Peak Position track and to everybody that helped make man entry “All I Need,” which hit No. 6 in “Tattoo,” with Camilo, No. 7 peak (Sept this record possible.” February 2010. 2020) The animated/live-action Space Jam: A “La Nota,” with Manuel Turizo & Myke New Legacy opens in theaters and on HBO Towers, No. 5 (Jan. 23) Max July 16. The film features NBA super- “Reloj,” with Anuel AA, No. 10 (May 1) star LeBron James, as well as Don Cheadle, “Baila Conmigo,” with Selena Gómez, No. 3 among others. It’s the sequel to 1996’s Space (Feb. 13) Jam, starring fellow NBA all-time great Mi- “Todo De Ti,” No. 7 (June 6) chael Jordan. The soundtrack to the original film debuted on the Billboard 200 in No- vember 1996 and hit No. 2 in April 1997. “We Win” drew 2.9 million U.S. streams in the week ending May 27, according to MRC Data, and opens atop Gospel Streaming Songs, granting Franklin his fourth leader and Lil Baby his first. The song also sold 1,000 downloads in its first frame and enters Gospel Digital Song Sales at No. 2. Franklin furthers his lead for the most Hot Gospel Songs No. 1s since the chart launched in 2003. Five acts are tied for sec- Page 29 of 34

IN BRIEF

Lauren Daigle Lady Gaga The Born This Way The Tenth Anniver- sary CD, due out via Interscope on June 18, Extends Record as and Versace will feature all 14 songs off of the original version in new packaging and six additional ‘Hold On to Me’ Celebrate Pride, tracks, on which Gaga taps different artists who are “representing and advocating for Hits No. 1 on Hot ‘Born This Way’ the LGBTQIA+ community” to reimagine the songs of Born This Way. Christian Songs Anniversary With Check out the images from the collabora- Chart Colorful Capsule tion below.

BY JIM ASKER Collection Los Del Rio

auren Daigle rolls up her fifth BY GIL KAUFMAN Celebrate leader on Billboard’s airplay-, sales- and streaming- based Hot ady Gaga has teamed up with 25 Years of Christian Songs chart, as “Hold Versace for a colorful capsule col- Lon to Me” jumps from No. 5 to No. 1 on the lection celebrating Pride Month as ‘Macarena’ With June 5-dated list. well as the 10th anniversary of her The single, released Feb. 26 as Daigle’s Llandmark Born This Way album. A portion This Ultimate first new music in the Christian genre since of the sales from the collection will benefit’s 2018, hits the pinnacle after Daigle per- Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. Airbnb Experience formed it on the season finale of NBC’s The “Versace has always been a leader. Since Voice on May 25. It surged by 228% to 5,500 Gianni, Donatella, Allegra, and still now BY JESSICA ROIZ downloads sold in the week ending May 27, they have celebrated the beautiful colors of according to MRC Data, and rebounds for love we have within us to offer each other,” os del Rio has teamed up with a seventh week atop Christian Digital Song Gaga said in a post in which she’s rock- Airbnb to not only commemo- Sales. ing a t-shirt from the collaboration, which rate 25 years of their global hit The track also drew 1.8 million U.S. features the album title in cursive over a “Macarena,” but also give fans the streams in the tracking week. On Christian rainbow-colored Versace logo. Lultimate vacation experience, Billboard has Airplay, it pushes 9-8 for a new high, up 5% “We were all more different, and differ- learned. to 7.4 million in audience. ent is beautiful. Thank you Donatella for In celebration, the duo of Antonio Rome- The Louisiana-born Daigle wrote “Hold supporting LGBTQ+ mental health and the ro Monge and Rafael Ruíz Perdigones will On to Me” with Paul Duncan and Paul Born This Way tenth anniversary.” Her old host guests at the luxurious Andalusian villa Mabury. friend and Versace’s chief creative officer that they use as a rural getaway for musical With five Hot Christian Songs leaders, Donatella, posted images of both the black inspiration. Daigle boasts the most No. 1s among women and white versions of the shirt, writing, “I’m “We can’t believe 25 years have gone by since the chart began in 2003. Carrie Un- so excited to celebrate 10 years of Born This since ‘Macarena’ became one of the most derwood ranks next with three. Among all Way with Lady Gaga. This Pride month, listened to songs of summer,” they said in a artists, Daigle is tied for seventh place with we’re launching something special for statement. “Without a doubt, the best way to Matthew West. MercyMe leads with 13 No. all those Little Monsters who believe in celebrate this milestone with our fans is to 1s. inclusivity and diversity. See the link in my open the doors of our favorite rural refuge Daigle previously topped Hot Christian bio for the products I designed and how and list it on Airbnb.” Songs with “Trust in You,” for 18 weeks be- Versace are contributing to the Born This The two-night stay will not only include ginning in March 2016; “Back to God,” with Way Foundation.” access to Andalusian gardens, a swimming Reba McEntire (one week, March 2017); Versace also modeled a leather jacket cre- pool, a karaoke room, and even private cook- “You Say” (a record 129 weeks, beginning ated for the Born This Way Ball tour, noting ing and dancing lessons, but also the oppor- in July 2018; it ranks at No. 3 on the latest that a replica is being sold with every entry tunity to hang out with Los del Rio them- list); and “The Christmas Song” (one week, serving as a donation to the Foundation. In selves to dance the timeless “Macarena.” January 2019). addition to the $250 unisex cotton shirts, Inspired by a woman named Madalena, the collection also features a $350 black Romero crafted the melody that would be- beret with a rainbow Versace logo. come “Macarena” during a 1993 studio ses- Page 30 of 34

IN BRIEF

sion; the “Macarena” topped the Billboard Hot 100 on Aug. 3, 1996. Booking opens on June 28 for a two-night stay starting Aug. 3 via airbnb.com. A one- time virtual experience is also available for fans by clicking here. Page 31 of 34

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 22,271,386,000 19,405,421,000 2,865,964,000 1,982,000 519,000 4,160,000 16,586,000 Week* Last 22,267,190,000 19,429,408,000 2,837,782,000 1,919,000 497,000 3,835,000 16,485,000 Week

Change 0.0% -0.1% 1.0% 3.3% 4.5% 8.5% 0.6%

This Week 19,522,786,000 16,658,930,000 2,863,856,000 1,542,000 673,000 5,016,000 14,110,000 Last Year

Change 14.1% 16.5% 0.1% 28.6% -22.9% -17.1% 17.5%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending May 27, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE 72m Total On-Demand 446,827,717,000 402,708,774,000 11.0% Streams TRACK SALES BY AGE 66m Audio On-Demand 388,111,460,000 335,507,297,000 15.7% Streams 60m Digital Track Sales 81,408,000 104,756,000 -22.3%

70,600,000 54m Album Sales 40,700,000 37,146,000 9.6% 48m Albums 331,304,000 289,569,000 14.4% Consumption Units

56,866,000 42m

36m

ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 30m 2021 2020 Change 24m CD Sales 15,128,000 15,245,000 -0.8% 34,155,000 18m Vinyl Sales 14,884,000 7,488,000 98.8%

12m

Digital Sales 10,522,000 14,282,000 -26.3% 24,542,000 Catalog Current 6m Other Sales 166,000 131,000 27.3% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 8,141,000 10,476,000 -22.3%

Audio On-Demand 282,462,000 241,948,000 16.7% Equivalent -28.1% -19.5% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA)   sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 32 of 34 DATA FOR WEEK OF 06.05.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 10 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  1 12 WKS DAN NIGRO  2 DAN NIGRO  2 ALEXANDER 23  3 J. COLE  3 J. COLE  4 LIL BABY  4 JAY JOYCE  5 OMER FEDI  5 TYRON HAPI  TIE 6 ALEX BILOWITZ  6 OMER FEDI  TIE 6 JENNA ANDREWS  7 YC  TIE 6 ROB GRIMALDI  8 T-MINUS  TIE 6 RON PERRY  TIE 9 RM  TIE 6 SEBASTIAN GARCIA  TIE 9 ROB GRIMALDI  TIE 6 STEPHEN KIRK  TIE 9 RON PERRY  12 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 9 STEPHEN KIRK  TIE 13 MASKED WOLF  13 OLIVIA RODRIGO  TIE 13 TYRON HAPI  TIE 14 KOZ  15 POLO G  TIE 14 STUART PRICE  16 LIL DURK  16 ROGET CHAHAYED  17 DABABY  TIE 17 BRUNO MARS  18 YC  TIE 17 D’MILE  19 DUA LIPA  TIE 19 MAX MARTIN  TIE 20 BELLY  TIE 19 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 20 DAHEALA  TIE 19 THE WEEKND  TIE 20 MAX MARTIN  TIE 22 HARV  TIE 20 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 22 SHNDO  TIE 20 THE WEEKND  24 BLAKE SLATKIN  25 LIL WAYNE  25 DAMN E 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 11 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 8 WKS JAY JOYCE  2 COREY CROWDER  2 JOEY MOI  3 JESSE FRASURE  3 PAUL DIGIOVANNI  4 NICOLLE GALYON  4 ROSS COPPERMAN  TIE 5 DREW PARKER  5 ZACH CROWELL  TIE 5 LUKE COMBS  6 DAVID GARCIA  TIE 5 ROB WILLIFORD  7 JORDAN SCHMIDT  8 ZACH CROWELL  8 SCOTT HENDRICKS  9 JOSH OSBORNE  9 COREY CROWDER  10 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  10 DAN SMYERS 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS J. COLE  1 2 WKS J. COLE  2 LIL BABY  2 TYRON HAPI 

SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 3 MASKED WOLF  3 T-MINUS  TIE 3 TYRON HAPI  TIE 4 BRUNO MARS  5 LIL DURK  TIE 4 D’MILE  6 POLO G  TIE 6 HARV  7 LIL WAYNE  TIE 6 SHNDO  TIE 8 ANDERSON .PAAK  8 DAMN E  TIE 8 BRODY BROWN  9 WOODPECKER  TIE 8 BRUNO MARS  10 ANGELO FERRARO  TIE 8 D’MILE 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 JUN. 1 11 WKS GIVEON  TIE 1 8 WKS BRUNO MARS  #1 5 TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 1 8 WKS D’MILE  2021 TIE 2 BRODY BROWN  TIE 3 HARV  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 SHNDO  TIE 2 D’MILE  5 WOODPECKER  TIE 6 MOOSKI  6 NATE RHOADS  TIE 6 WOODPECKER  7 SEVN THOMAS  8 SEVN THOMAS  8 BLAQ TUXEDO  9 VARREN WADE  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 DZL  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES

The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated June 5, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 33 of 34 DATA FOR WEEK OF 06.05.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS J. COLE  1 2 WKS TYRON HAPI  2 LIL BABY  2 T-MINUS  TIE 3 MASKED WOLF  3 DAMN E  TIE 3 TYRON HAPI  4 ANGELO FERRARO  5 POLO G  5 J. COLE  6 LIL WAYNE  6 MR. HANKY  7 LIL DURK  TIE 7 EINER BANKZ  TIE 8 MONEYBAGG YO  TIE 7 SYNCO  TIE 8 REALRED  TIE 9 REALRED  TIE 8 YC  TIE 9 YC 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 50 WKS F A L L E N  1 16 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 50 WKS SAINT JHN  2 F A L L E N  TIE 3 ANTON RUNDBERG  3 DJ REGARD  TIE 3 JAMES BELL  TIE 4 HIGHTOWER  TIE 3 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 3 TIESTO  TIE 6 BLOODPOP  TIE 7 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 6 BURNS  TIE 7 CARDO ON THE BEAT  TIE 8 RITON  TIE 7 DAVEON JACKSON  TIE 8 THE INVISIBLE MEN  TIE 7 KENDRICK LAMAR  10 JOEL CORRY  TIE 7 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TRAVIS SCOTT 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 4 WKS TAINY  1 82 WKS TAINY  2 MORA  2 SKY ROMPIENDO  3 EDGAR BARRERA  3 SUBELO NEO  4 BAD BUNNY  4 MORA  TIE 5 JHAY CORTEZ  5 MR. NAISGAI  TIE 5 NYDIA LANER  6 ALBERT HYPE  7 HAZE  7 EDGAR BARRERA  8 ALBERT HYPE  8 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 9 CRIS CHIL  9 MANUEL LARA  TIE 9 KALI UCHIS  10 KEITYN  TIE 9 MANUEL LARA  TIE 9 SERVANDO MORICHE PRIMERA MUSSETT 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 20 WKS TYLER JOSEPH  1 1 WK TYLER JOSEPH  2 DAVE BAYLEY  2 DAN NIGRO  JUN. TIE 3 DAN NIGRO  3 FINNEAS  5 TIE 3 OLIVIA RODRIGO  4 TRAVIS BARKER  2021 5 FINNEAS  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  6 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 7 BLAKE SLATKIN  7 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 7 OMER FEDI  8 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 9 BILLY WALSH  9 AARON DESSNER  TIE 9 THE KID LAROI  10 MIKE ELIZONDO  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 34 of 34 DATA FOR WEEK OF 06.05.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK TYLER JOSEPH  1 1 WK DAN NIGRO  2 DAVE BAYLEY  2 FINNEAS  TIE 3 DAN NIGRO  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 3 OLIVIA RODRIGO  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  TIE 5 BILLIE EILISH  5 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 5 FINNEAS  6 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 7 BLAKE SLATKIN  7 TYLER JOSEPH  TIE 7 OMER FEDI  8 AARON DESSNER  TIE 9 BILLY WALSH  9 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 9 THE KID LAROI  10 RYAN METZGER 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 1 WK BRAD DELSON  1 1 WK DON GILMORE  #1 TIE 1 1 WK CHESTER BENNINGTON  2 LINKIN PARK  #1 TIE 1 1 WK JOE HAHN  3 GREG KURSTIN  #1 TIE 1 1 WK MIKE SHINODA  TIE 4 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  #1 TIE 1 1 WK ROB BOURDON  TIE 4 KEVIN CHURKO  6 SHAUN MORGAN  6 SHAUN MORGAN  7 DAVE FARRELL  7 DREW FULK  TIE 8 IVAN MOODY  8 WIZARD OF OZ  TIE 8 JASON HOOK  9 ROYAL BLOOD  TIE 8 KEVIN CHURKO  10 ZEUSS  TIE 8 ZOLTAN BATHORY 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS MICAH KUIPER  1 31 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  TIE 2 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  2 PAUL MABURY  TIE 2 PAUL MABURY  3 MICAH KUIPER  4 PHIL WICKHAM  4 JASON INGRAM  5 JEFF PARDO  5 JEFF PARDO  6 STEVEN FURTICK  6 TEDD T  7 TOBYMAC  7 WE THE KINGDOM  8 BRIAN JOHNSON  8 JEFF SOJKA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 9 BART MILLARD  TIE 9 JONATHAN JAY  TIE 9 JORDAN MOHILOWSKI  TIE 9 TONY BROWN 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS STEVEN FURTICK  1 4 WKS JONATHAN JAY  2 CHRIS BROWN  2 TONY BROWN  JUN. 3 DANTE BOWE  3 KYLE LEE  5 4 BRANDON LAKE  TIE 4 JUST BLAZE  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  TIE 4 KIRK FRANKLIN  TIE 6 CYNTHIA NUNN  6 JASON INGRAM  TIE 6 JUST BLAZE  TIE 7 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 6 LIL BABY  TIE 7 STEVEN FURTICK  9 NAOMI RAINE  9 BEN SCHOFIELD  10 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  10 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES