Lil Baby's 'My Turn' Album Returns to No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart After

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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JUNE 15, 2020 Page 1 of 39

INSIDE Lil Baby’s ‘My Turn’ Album

• Revealed: Returns to No. 1 on Billboard 200 Billboard’s 2020 Indie Power Players Chart After Three Months • Twitch Users Are BY KEITH CAULFIELD Getting Takedown Notices En Masse for the First Time: Lil Baby’s My Turn returns to No. 1 on the Billboard notched its third and final week atop the list, when it Here’s Why 200 albums chart after three months, as the set rises rose from No. 3 to No. 1 with 62,000 units. from No. 3 with 65,000 equivalent album units earned My Turn climbs back to No. 1 thanks in part to its • Virgin EMI Boss (up 5 percent) in the U.S. in the week ending June 11, steady performance since its debut, and because of a Ted Cockle Exits the Universal according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It’s the second lack of big new albums being released on June 5. How UK Label week at No. 1 for the album, following its debut atop the sparse was the June 5 release schedule? No albums chart dated March 14. The album then spent the next debut inside the top 40 of the new chart. • Maria Egan 13 straight weeks lodged in the top six positions of the My Turn’s 13-week wait to return to No. 1 marks Joins Splice as Chief Music Officer chart, between the charts dated March 21 and June 13. the longest gap between weeks at No. 1 for an album Following Pulse Exit The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular since Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric soundtrack took a 17-week hiatus from the top slot • Grammys First- consumption as measured in equivalent album units. between its first three weeks at No. 1 (Oct. 20, Oct. 27 Look: The Most- Likely Big Four Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums and Nov. 3, 2018) and its fourth and final week at No. Contenders (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The 1 (March 9, 2019). The album scored its fourth week new June 20-dated chart (where My Turn comes at No. 1 in the wake of the film’s showcase on the 2019 • 2020 BET Awards: back to No. 1) will be posted in full on Billboard’s Academy Awards, where the soundtrack’s Oscar- Drake, Megan Thee Stallion & website on June 16. winning song “Shallow” was performed by Gaga and Roddy Ricch Lead With My Turn collecting 65,000 units for the week Cooper. Nominees, CBS at No. 1, it tallies the smallest sum for a No. 1 album Back on the new Billboard 200, Lady Gaga’s Chro- Airing Show For in over a year. The last time the No. 1 posted a smaller matica slips from No. 1 to No. 2 in its second week, First Time frame was on the June 8, 2019-dated list, when Billie with 64,000 equivalent album units (down 77 percent Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (continued)

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from its opener of 274,000). defined as independent by their ownership Two more former No. 1s follow at Nos. Revealed: through entities other than the three major 3 and 4, as Gunna’s Wunna rises 4-3 with music groups. Distributors, regardless of a little more than 39,000 equivalent album Billboard’s 2020 their corporate ownership, qualify as inde- units (down 20 percent) and Future’s High pendent through the repertoire they market. Off Life climbs 5-4 with 39,000 units (down Indie Power Many in the indie music industry will 11 percent). convene online June 15-18 for the American Drake’s Dark Lane Demo Tapes shifts 6-5 Players Association of Independent Music’s first with nearly 39,000 units (down 6 percent). virtual Indie Music Week and the Libera DaBaby’s former chart-topper Blame It BY BILLBOARD STAFF Awards, which will conclude A2IM’s confer- on Baby rises 9-6 with 38,500 equivalent ence. Ahead of Indie Music Week, Billboard album units (down 1 percent), Polo G’s The uring the past year, independent recognizes the successes of those thriving Goat is steady at No. 7 with 37,000 (down music executives have faced on their own maverick terms. 10 percent) and Post Malone’s former No. chaos in physical sales chan- Patrick Amory, 54 1 Hollywood’s Bleeding rebounds 12-8 with nels, questions about how data Co-owner/president, Matador Records 36,000 units (up 1 percent). Dflows from social media platforms, disap- Gerard Cosloy, 55 Two previous leaders close out the new pearing brick-and-mortar stores and other Co-founder/co-owner, Matador Records top 10, as Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake as- challenges. Then the coronavirus pandemic Chris Lombardi, 53 cends 13-9 with just over 35,000 equivalent struck, followed by the worst social unrest Co-Founder/co-owner, Matador Records album units (down less than 1 percent) and the United States has seen in a generation. In the past year, Matador renewed deals The Weeknd’s After Hours is up 11-10 with In response, the indie music community with three of its signature acts — Pavement, 35,000 units (down 3 percent). has shown the strength of its autonomy. Spoon and Interpol — and expanded its re- Music associations and companies profiled lationships with each to include worldwide here stepped up to help amid the economic rights for their catalogs. “This was our pri- hit of the pandemic. On June 2, multiple mary mission for the year,” says Lombardi, labels and distributors participated in Black- “and we accomplished it.” out Tuesday to support the fight for racial How He Works Now: “We’re finding new justice. ways to [market] albums from King Krule, Indie labels and artists account for nearly Car Seat Headrest, Perfume Genius and one-third of the global music market, and, Muzz without promo trips, TV appearances, according to research by MIDiA, they’ve etcetera. We’re discussing ways to care for achieved a faster rate of streaming growth our bands that have lost income streams on Spotify in 2019 than the majors. during this crisis.” - Lombardi For Indie Power Players, labels are Noah Assad, 30

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CEO, Rimas Entertainment creatively and operationally,” he says. “Our and Anuel AA’s label its name. “Topping Assad’s marquee artist Bad Bunny made results are our boss.” Among the major the charts is something I dreamed of as a history when his YHLQMDLG, released on results over the past year: Lady Antebellum child, and it’s what excites Emmanuel and Rimas, scored the highest debut for an all- scoring its first No. 1 in five-plus years on me above all else,” says Carrión. In May, Spanish-language album on the Billboard Country Airplay with the trio’s debut release Anuel AA’s Emmanuel, featuring collabora- 200, entering the chart at No. 2, just behind for the label, “What If I Never Get Over tions with Travis Barker, Lil Wayne, Enrique Lil Baby’s My Turn. “Had we released it on You”; Thomas Rhett earning his 15th No. 1 Iglesias and Tego Calderón, debuted at No. 8 Friday instead of [Saturday] Feb. 29, it would on that chart; and Tim McGraw reuniting on The Billboard 200. have been No. 1,” says Assad. (Bad Bunny with Big Machine Records. Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Be- insisted on the leap day release.) Rimas now How They’re Working Now: After the come good friends with lawyers and learn has over 100 artists, producers and song- pandemic started, the Big Machine Vodka the law every day. In this business, you have writers, including Arcangel, Lyanno and distillery division converted its operations to be half artist and half businessman.” Tito El Bambino. to make hand sanitizer, which the company Margi Cheske How He Works Now: “You just have to donated to first responders. President, Fantasy Records/Concord figure out ways to keep releasing music. Ken Bunt John Strohm Now I’m home all the time. I get to play President, Disney Music Group President, Rounder Records/Concord with my daughter every day. That’s the bad David Abdo Andy Serrao and the good.” Senior vp global business operations and President/chief talent officer, Fearless Bang Si-Hyuk, 47 distribution, Disney Music Group Records/Concord CEO/executive producer, Big Hit Enter- Karen Lieberman Sig Sigworth tainment VP sales and digital, Disney Music Group Chief catalog executive, Concord; president, Multiplatinum albums, a global stadium Chip McLean Craft Recordings/Concord tour, an army of fans — BTS has achieved it Senior vp/head of business affairs and de- Tanya Tucker’s double win at the 2020 all with Bang’s independent Big Hit Enter- velopment/gm, Disney Concerts Worldwide/ Grammys for her Fantasy album, While I’m tainment. The K-pop supergroup’s Map of Disney Music Group Livin’, as well as wins by another half- the Soul: 7 debuted atop the Billboard 200 The record company that shows how non- dozen Concord artists highlight the critical in March, two months after BTS performed major ownership, rather than size, defines and commercial success of the company’s — in Korean — at the 62nd annual Grammy independence (it’s a division of the Walt recorded-music division. The results reflect Awards, an evening Bang called “truly Disney Company), Disney Music Group Concord’s “significant acquisitions and astonishing.” Big Hit reports $507.9 million kept the music playing during the pandemic integrations across our recorded-music, in revenue in 2019, a 95% increase over its through such global branded playlists as publishing and theatrical companies,” says (as yet unaudited) 2018 numbers, and Bang Disney Hits, Disney Piano and Best of Star Sigworth, plus its ability to develop new tal- is now expanding beyond music. Big Hit’s Wars. Among its artists, Sofia Carson did an ent and support legacy artists. For Sigworth global fan-community platform, WeVerse, Instagram takeover with pop radio stations, and his colleagues, independence equals in- services video content, merchandise and and ZZ Ward performed remotely on Good tegrity. “If we do what is right for the artist direct social media messaging with BTS Morning America. Over the past year, the and we do what is right for the fan, success members to over 5 million subscribers. music group also launched the For Scores will come. It may take more time, but we’re Independence Defined:“We achieved podcast, while its Walt Disney Records im- building careers and solidifying legacies.” such growth without relying on preexisting print continued to dominate Billboard’s Kid Looking Forward to When: “I can bring systems. Solely focusing on content and fans Albums chart, with the Frozen II soundtrack my team together in one room and let them and our vision — this is the ‘independence’ topping the tally for 24 weeks. all know how much I appreciate their focus, and driving force of Big Hit.” How He Works Now: “We have seen a support and effort over what has been the Scott Borchetta, 57 substantial increase in the consumption of most challenging time of our personal and Founder/president/CEO, Big Machine Disney music during this challenging time, business lives.” - Sigworth Label Group and it’s a great reminder of the power of Alisa Coleman Andrew Kautz, 50 music and its ability to help people during COO, ABKCO Music & Records COO, Big Machine Label Group difficult times.” - Bunt ABKCO is home to the catalogs of acts The big news in the past year for Big Frabian Eli Carrión, 28 including The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, Machine Label Group was its acquisition President, Real Hasta La Muerte Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke and the early by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings for over Carrión guided Latin trap superstar Anuel work of The Rolling Stones — and last year $300 million, but for Borchetta, retain- AA (aka Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago) to No. launched a 50th-anniversary box set of ing the company’s autonomy was key. “We 1 on Top Latin Albums with his 2018 debut, the Stones’ landmark album Let It Bleed. report to a board but remain independent Real Hasta la Muerte, which gave Carrión In 2019, the company also released the PROMOTION

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This special Gaming issue will Behind every artist, songwriter and highlight how artists, labels and music producer is a trusted group of promoters are harnessing major advisers who provide guidance, advice gaming platforms to market their and negotiate deals. Billboard’s 6th music to a larger - and more engaged annual Top Music Lawyers list will - audience. The editorial package recognize the biggest names and most will also spotlight other pioneering prominent legal mindsin the world of companies,executives and innovation music and entertainment law. They at the intersection of music are the deal makers behind the major and gaming. contracts and lawsuits in the music industry.

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soundtrack to the second season of HBO’s Founder/CEO, Del Records Billboard Hot 100 last November. Zayn also Big Little Lies. Coleman says the ABKCO Del Records, which has fused regional cut a remix of the song, which picked up a team deserves “accolades [for] the ease Mexican and urban sounds with acts like synch in an Apple iPhone commercial. “You with which the team was able to pivot and T3r Elemento, is also at the cutting edge of never see those coming,” says Galle. “But focus in the face of the pandemic. Being a revenue-generating technology. The label streaming blew up, radio followed, and it small independent company, we are nimble now controls its own YouTube content man- was just a windfall. It caught fire.” enough to take advantage of systems and agement system, “where we upload our own How He Works Now: “Feeding our art- technology” to move business offsite. content and collect all our royalties,” says ists ideas to engage their audience is key, not Independence Defined:“The opportu- Del Villar. With over 8 million subscribers, only for their business but also to help their nity to create unique business models and that’s substantial income that goes directly fans personally.” - Galle lead by example.” to the label’s coffers. “The bulk of our busi- Kris Gillespie Tomas Cookman ness is in streaming,” he says. “I own my GM, Domino Recording Company CEO, Industria Works/Nacional Records entire catalog, everything we do is in-house Last year, due to the physical supply While concert cancellations have af- — we’re in great shape.” In March, he says, chain breakdown at Direct Shot Distribu- fected Cookman’s Latin alternative music “my revenues were up 30%.” tion, Gillespie started having Redeye handle company during the pandemic, he reports Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Use all Domino’s physical U.S. product. (The issue that streaming revenue has doubled in the the digital platforms. They’re free.” affected multiple labels and brick-and- past 12 months (his company doesn’t report Seth England, 34 mortar retailers.) He credits “the agility and figures) and that he started a “mood-music Co-founder/CEO, Big Loud dedication of our staff” for the London- business” that syncs mood music from mul- Patch Culbertson, 34 based label emerging “more resilient and tiple creators. “You adapt,” says Cookman, VP A&R, Big Loud self-reliant” from the experience. During whose new signings include Los Amigos Hits from Morgan Wallen (“Chasing the pandemic, he says, “those qualities have Invisibles founder Cheo and regional Mexi- You”), Chris Lane (“I Don’t Know About come into even greater focus now in a way can singer-songwriter Gera Demara. The You”), Jake Owen (“Homemade”) and we couldn’t have imagined a year ago.” Latin Alternative Music Conference, which HARDY (“Rednecker”) helped Big Loud How He Works Now: “Checking in with Cookman founded, was moved online for achieve 2.2 billion global streams in 2019, our artists and co-workers on their own June 9-13. according to the company, which includes wellness in this trying time, working to keep Looking Forward to When: “I will have a label, publishing, management and an everyone feeling connected and informed, a full staff meeting with everyone in the investment division under its Nashville roof. and maintaining a sense of purpose.” company present, [then] celebrate by going Of Big Loud’s success last year, England Daniel Glass, 63 to dinner with my family to one of our favor- says, “Don’t be surprised, because we can do Founder/president, Glassnote ite neighborhood restaurants.” it again.” Culbertson has led the label’s data- Chris Scully, 53 Mike Curb, 75 driven A&R strategy for artists like Canada’s GM/CFO, Glassnote Founder/chairman, Curb Records MacKenzie Porter, whom Big Loud aims to “Grammys, Oscars, stadiums,” says Glass, Curb Records’ Lee Brice was among break stateside. summing up his artists’ achievements in the the first Nashville artists to respond to the How He Works Now: “Instinctively, past year. Aurora performed the Frozen II pandemic with his single “Hey World” in I want to be the person that’s going out hit “Into the Unknown” with Idina Men- early April. “Everything I need’s right here immediately. But I think I’ve learned that zel at the Academy Awards; The Teskey at home,” he sang. “Hey, world/Leave me the smarter move is to not be that person.” Brothers’ Run Home Slow earned a Grammy alone.” In Curb’s six decades as a music - England nomination for best engineered album, non- executive, he has nurtured numerous artists Matt Galle classical; and Mumford & Sons opened the like current roster stars Brice, Mo Pitney CEO/partner, Photo Finish Records; music North American leg of their Delta tour with and Sidewalk Prophets. A longtime philan- executive leadership group, Paradigm Talent stadium dates in Los Angeles and Vancouver thropist, Curb has advocated on behalf of Agency (before the pandemic halted the tour). Glass the homeless, the LGBTQ community and Mike Marquis considers live performance key to the devel- those affected by this year’s tornadoes in COO/partner, Photo Finish Records; agent, opment of younger artists like Jade Bird and Nashville as well as the pandemic. music, Paradigm Talent Agency Taylor Janzen. “It’s very hard to get their Indies Stepping Up: “We’ve put together Photo Finish scored the “biggest alterna- personality, their DNA, without it,” he says. 25 different partners that deal with getting tive crossover hit of 2019” with SHAED’s So during lockdown, “we’re doing extra-spe- food to people during emergency circum- “Trampoline,” says Galle. The track topped cial visuals.” One example: With Chvrches’ stances — a program that will exceed $10 the Alternative chart for two weeks before “Forever” breaking thanks to a synch in million for food purchasing.” leaping to No. 4 on the Mainstream Top 40 Netflix’sElite , the trio made a “separate but Angel Del Villar, 39 airplay list and then peaking at No. 13 on the together” video in the members’ respective Page 8 of 39

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home studios. “That hit is galvanizing us,” Brett Gurewitz female K-pop group TWICE, announced in says Glass. “That’s the morale-changer.” Owner, Epitaph Records February, which follows the troupe’s arena- How He Works Now: “You have to be Matt McGreevey filling U.S. tour in 2019. there for your people. I’m on the phone, on GM, Epitaph Records/Anti- Gordon Kerr, 52 Zoom, on Webex seven days a week. It’s like Founded four decades ago by Bad Reli- President/CEO, Black River Entertainment Hollywood Squares when you look at Zoom. gion guitarist Gurewitz, Epitaph is home to Under Kerr’s leadership, Black River in It takes a lot of energy.” - Glass punk veterans like Offspring as well as cur- March moved forward with the release Michael Goldstone rent acts like Joyce Manor, Greer and The of Kelsea, the third album from the label’s Founder/co-owner, Mom + Pop Music Ghost Inside. Epitaph’s staff hasn’t “skipped superstar singer Kelsea Ballerini, just as the Thaddeus Rudd, 47 a beat” during the pandemic, says Mc- pandemic shut down touring and in-person Co-owner, Mom + Pop Music Greevey. But forces besides the coronavirus promotion. The move paid off, as the album “We’re fortunate and proud to be working are shaping the business of Epitaph, sister reached No. 2 on the Top Country Albums with such dynamic and diverse artistry,” label ANTI- and other indies, he says. “The chart — affirming Kerr’s decision to sign says Goldstone. Mom + Pop’s roster boasts continuation of streaming’s growth and the Ballerini some seven years ago. The second Ashe, whose “Moral of the Story” was decline of other formats has changed mar- single from Kelsea is “The Other Girl,” a co-written and co-produced by FINNEAS; keting. We always worked around albums, country/pop duet with Halsey, which the Caamp, whose “Peach Fuzz” hit No. 1 on the and now we are back to a singles-driven two artists debuted on CMT Crossroads in Triple A chart; Alina Baraz, who collabo- business, the way things were in the 1950s.” March. rated with Khalid on her debut album, It Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Any- Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Al- Was Divine; and Sleater-Kinney, whose most time I see an artist worried about how their ways try to be optimistic because the alter- recent release, The Center Won’t Hold, was music will be received, [I say] they should native just isn’t going to be helpful.” produced by St. Vincent. The label’s talent continue to create — and not let any success Allen Kovac, 65 pipeline is also full. The past 12 months have or failure trip you up.” - McGreevey CEO, Better Noise Music brought the signings of Porter Robinson, Simon Halliday While Kovac’s Eleven Seven Label Group Beach Bunny, orion sun and, most recently, President, 4AD Records was rebranded as Better Noise Music in 16-year-old Evann McIntosh of Kansas, who Nabil Ayers, 48 2019, the company still follows his guiding already has 12 million streams in the United Label manager, 4AD Records principle of long-term career growth — not States. During a four-week streak in the spring short-term profits — working with veteran How He Works Now: “It’s imperative of 2019, 4AD released Aldous Harding’s acts like Five Finger Death Punch and Papa more than ever to be a resource, connection Designer, Big Thief’s U.F.O.F., Holly Hern- Roach, and such new signings as AWOLNa- and asset to your artists. We need to overde- don’s PROTO and The National’s I Am Easy tion and Atlas Genius. The company’s liver wherever we can.” - Goldstone to Find. Each gained airplay and acclaim, in- Nashville office is developing country-edged Elliot Grainge, 26 cluding Big Thief’s Grammy Award nomina- rocker Cory Marks. “I don’t hire people Founder/CEO, 10K Projects tion for best alternative music album. Each from the music business anymore,” says Last August, Grainge’s bold hip-hop title also affirmed 4AD’s ability to challenge Kovac of his search for fresh perspectives. label invested in the Generation Z-oriented music-marketing pigeonholes. “Who needs “It has really changed my company dramati- digital marketing firm Homemade Projects, genres?” says Ayers, who has been working cally.” a move that has already paid off: The two on new releases from Becky & The Birds How He Works Now: “If you’re an artist companies worked with TikTok influenc- and Dry Cleaning. manager, you’ve got no tours, and 80% of ers to break Surfaces’ single “Sunday Best,” How He Works Now: “Continuing to your income comes from that; the rest from helping propel it to No. 24 on the Hot 100. release great music by important artists de- publishing and royalties. That’s a tough “We’re brainstorming nontraditional ways spite less than optimum conditions.” - Ayers one. When I started the record company, of keeping our artists visible,” says Grainge Jimmy Jeong the management company helped float of marketing amid the pandemic. Other CEO, JYP Entertainment the record company, and now the record recent strides include a joint-venture label While JYP has artists based in Korea, company’s going to help the management with creative collective Internet Money and China and Japan, the company’s distribution company. I’m very lucky.” flagship signee Trippie Redd’s first-ever No. partnership with The Orchard has given it a Kevin Liles, 52 1 debut on the Billboard 200 last December global reach. Since early 2019, The Orchard Co-founder/CEO, 300 Entertainment for his album A Love Letter to You 4. has handled worldwide distribution for Roger Gold, 50 Independence Defined: “Giving artists JYP’s roster of boy bands and girl groups Co-founder, 300 Entertainment complete creative freedom to develop over including Got7, Day6, TWICE, Stray Kids Rayna Bass, 33 time and then working tirelessly with my and Itzy. Meanwhile, Jeong struck a strate- Senior vp marketing, 300 Entertainment team to make the artists’ ideas come to life.” gic alliance with Republic Records for the Selim Bouab Page 9 of 39

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Head of A&R, 300 Entertainment years after BMG’s acquisition of BBR Music time to strategize creatively.” Liles led the 300 Entertainment team Group, Loba oversees the company’s new, Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Set in driving the success of Megan Thee 36,000-square-foot Nashville office. Loeffler, aside your friends who are managers. They Stallion, Young Thug, Gunna and others. a songwriter himself (“Pokémon”), man- are the best weapon to destroy a new artist Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” (featuring ages BMG’s East Coast presence in New because they create doubts, they don’t know. Beyoncé) hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in May. York, including S-Curve Records. Scherer, a New artists have to have a good structure, Young Thug’s guest star-ladden So Much former drummer, has driven the company’s believe in their art and develop it with Fun arrived atop the Billboard 200 last rock-focused artist-development surge in someone who really manages.” August, and Gunna’s latest, Wunna, debuted Los Angeles. “You must maintain a startup Josh Méndez, 31 at No. 1 on the chart in June. “But I’m most mentality and that ‘indie feeling,’ ” says President/COO, Rich Music proud of how we’re responding right now Scherer. “You have to extend to everyone in Rich Music surged during the past 12 in this crisis,” says Liles. “Crisis doesn’t the company an invitation to innovate. And months with the success of Latin urban art- create character — it reveals it. Our team is you have to mean it. No red tape.” ists like Sech, Dalex and Justin Quiles. The showing resilience and passion in serving How He Works Now: Live-at-home label’s YouTube channel, a major source of our partners, audience and each other, and shows “may not change once things begin revenue, has nearly 900,000 subscribers — we’re all stepping up to support our artists.” to normalize. This intimate and immediate Sech’s channel alone has drawn 5.7 million. Independence Defined: “Freedom. The connection between fan and artist is here to “We’ve doubled streams and signed key freedom to do what I want, when I want and stay.” - Loeffler business deals,” says Méndez, citing Sech’s with whom I want.” - Gold David Macias, 55 touring deal with Cárdenas Marketing Net- Sergio Lizárraga, 45 President, Thirty Tigers work and a distribution pact with Ingrooves. CEO, Lizos Music Nancy Quinn, 49 “We’re a one-stop shop.” Lizos Music is the home of Banda Sina- Executive vp/GM, Thirty Tigers How He Works Now: “My role has loense MS de Sergio Lizárraga (aka Banda For two decades under Macias, Thirty changed because of COVID-19 and also MS), which ended 2019 as Billboard’s top Tigers has nurtured rising and veteran indie because my dad is now serving a sentence. regional Mexican albums act of the year and artists alike, releasing music from John [Rich Méndez began serving in a federal at No. 10 on the Top Latin Artists recap. For Prine, Lupe Fiasco, Jason Isbell & The 400 prison in January on a wire fraud conviction founder Lizárraga, the experience of Banda Unit, Dr. Dog, Colter Wall and CeCe Winans, related to timeshare sales.] I’ve always dealt MS selling out two shows at Los Angeles’ among others. Quinn is responsible for all with the artists, but now I’m dealing with a Staples Center and playing New York’s of the company’s agreements and business lot of the business, quarterbacking every- Madison Square Garden were highlights of developments with new artists as well as thing from home.” the past year, and in May, the group’s col- negotiating the best terms with its distribu- Martin Mills, 70 laboration with Snoop Dogg, “Que Maldi- tion partners. Macias, who has invested in Founder/chairman, Beggars Group ción” (“What a Curse”), debuted at No. 4 on such independent films asFruitvale Station, Matt Harmon, 48 Hot Latin Songs. Working with new acts like last year released Once Upon a River through President, Beggars Group Los 2 de la S also opens new territory for his company’s film division. Rusty Clarke Lizos Music, says Lizárraga. Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “If at VP Sales, Beggars Group Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Look all possible, keep ownership of the content Miwa Okumura at the data. If it shows you doing something you create.” - Macias Senior vp West Coast operations and right, don’t stop.” Franklin Martinez, 38 licensing, Beggars Group Jon Loba President/CEO, Carbon Fiber Music Risa Matsuki, 48 Executive vp, BBR Music Group/BMG While guiding the career of his manage- VP promotions, Beggars Group John Loeffler ment client Farruko, Martinez has also been Beggars Group — which consists of 4AD, Executive vp repertoire and marketing, steadily growing the Carbon Fiber Music Matador, XL, Rough Trade Records and New York, BMG label (where Farruko is his partner). “We Young Turks — reshuffled its deck in the Thomas Scherer just signed a distribution deal with In- past year. The company restructured divi- Executive vp repertoire and marketing, Los grooves, and in the past eight months, I’ve sions, created the role of head of streaming, Angeles, BMG signed five new artists,” including Lary Over increased emphasis on content teams and Jason Aldean, John Fogerty, Akon, Jason and Ankhal, says Martinez. Carbon Fiber supply chain support, and bolstered staff Mraz, Run the Jewels, Rufus Wainwright, now has a staff of nearly 50, including in- to deal with metadata and digital service Huey Lewis, Avril Lavigne, Diane Warren, house designers and booking agents. While providers. It also switched from its longtime George Harrison’s Dark Horse Records the pandemic has meant leaving “literally physical distributor, Alternative Distribu- — these are just a few of the names from millions on the table” from lost Farruko tour tion Alliance, to Redeye following wide- BMG’s impressive recording roster. Three earnings, says Martinez, “we’ve had more spread supply issues with ADA’s fulfillment Page 10 of 39

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partner, Direct Shot. Says Harmon: “We’ve the strong fiscal results, Olinick credits prevention charities. This project has been really transformed the Beggars team, both in AWAL’s artists and a business model that going on these past two years. Along with the U.S. and globally, to deal with the digital “allows them to reach their full potential our other Sub City initiatives, [we’ve raised] marketplace.” while getting a fair deal.” Cerrito points to more than $3 million.” How He Works Now: “I’m proud that upcoming releases from Gus Dapperton, Scott Robinson, 57 I’ve built a company that technologically Alaina Castillo, Blake Rose, Boy in Space, Co-founder/CEO, Dualtone Music Group and resource-wise can survive this [pan- Quadeca, Yeek and deadmau5. “Having Robinson says fostering a “community demic] without cutting any staff and paying proven ourselves against the majors,” says of camaraderie” among his acts is one of everyone full wages, and be pretty confident Hitchman, “we are now seeing some of the his proudest accomplishments at Dual- of coming out on the other side in pretty most exciting new talent come to us.” tone, a division of Entertainment One. The good shape.” - Mills Independence Defined:“Never accept- Lumineers, for example, tapped three up- Doug Morris, 81 ing the status quo and always pushing for and-coming labelmates — Shakey Graves, Founder/owner, 12Tone Music Group better, bigger, faster.” - Olinick Gregory Alan Isakov and Mt. Joy — to open Steve Bartels Maykel Piron, 45 their arena shows through March. (The 12Tone Music Group Co-Owner/CEO, Armada Music pandemic cut the tour short.) “We’re very Bartels calls 12Tone “a nimble, modern” Under Piron, Armada Music thrives as selective, and when we sign an artist we new company able to “anticipate music one of the world’s leading dance music end up working records much longer, with trends, pivot and support our artists with labels, with headquarters in Amsterdam a record cycle sometimes lasting two years,” bespoke and specific campaigns.” That and offices in New York and London. The says Robinson, noting that Mt. Joy has meant working with Warner Records to company has a catalog of over 15,000 titles earned “130,000-plus consumed units” of its break Lauren Daigle at pop radio and drive and scored myriad hits in 2019. Its artist debut self-titled album released in 2018. her song “You Say” to the top of Billboard’s roster includes Andrew Rayel, whose recent Indies Stepping Up: “When the Dualtone Adult Contemporary chart. It also meant track “Stars Collide” appears on Armin van office in Nashville took a direct hit from the helping rappers like Rich Brian and Joji turn Buuren’s annual compilation album, A State tornadoes [in early March], my staff didn’t YouTube virality into lasting music careers of Trance, which arrived in April. Piron, van miss a beat. We were able to get back online — and working closely with Aftermath and Buuren and David Lewis co-founded Arma- together virtually and continue our daily Full Stop Management to secure Anderson da Music — combining the first two letters operations. Our Dualtone family raised .Paak’s two victories at the 2020 Grammys. of their first names for the label’s moniker. resources for local charities affected by the How He Works Now: “I am able to Looking Forward to When: “I may just Nashville tornadoes and the coronavirus.” engage the staff with mobile conferencing, throw a big office party in our own club for Jake Round, 37 WhatsApp, video comms, etcetera, so we the entire team as a thank-you. The way founder/president, Pure Noise Records all feel united. The goals remain the same: they’re handling this situation is amazing, The hardcore punk band Knocked Loose More than ever, artists and the music we and I’m super proud to be standing along- released its second album, A Different Shade bring to the world can help lift spirits.” - side them through it all.” of Blue, on Pure Noise last August and sur- Bartels Louis Posen, 49 passed expectations “by leaps and bounds,” Lonny Olinick, 38 Founder/president, Hopeless Records says Round. After the label successfully CEO, AWAL The punk label that launched from placed the title in big-box retailer Target, Paul Hitchman Posen’s garage in 1993 continued to break Knocked Loose debuted atop Billboard’s President, AWAL new ground in the past year, “setting up Emerging Artists chart while the album Ron Cerrito big campaigns for Sum 41 and Waterparks, reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200. President, AWAL North America and developing new artists Stand Atlantic, Independence Defined:“I’ve never been Revenue for AWAL, the independent Point North and Fame on Fire,” says Posen. more grateful to be small in my life and also distribution and label services division of He praises his worldwide team for adapt- to have complete control of my own destiny. Kobalt Music Group, grew 86% to $106.2 ing marketing campaigns to online-only I’m making the decisions, and I don’t have million in its fiscal year ending June 30, during the pandemic. “I tend to lean into to run anything up the flagpole. I am the 2019, according to Kobalt’s financial results tough times,” says Posen. “That’s part of my flagpole.” announced in March. Behind the numbers personality.” Vicente Saavedra, 37 are the successes of artists like Lauv (5 bil- Indies Stepping Up: “The signature Founder, Dimelo Vi lion global streams, according to AWAL), initiative of our nonprofit organization Sub At Dimelo Vi, Saavedra celebrated as Rex Orange County and Lil Peep (1 billion City is called Songs That Saved My Life, Ozuna (whose music was co-released with streams each), Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds where artists cover a song that got them VP Records before he signed with Sony and and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and through a tough time, and proceeds from The Orchard) came in at No. 2 on Billboard’s rising stars FINNEAS and Kim Petras. For that project go to mental health and suicide 2019 year-end Top Latin Artists recap, best- Page 11 of 39

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ed only by Bad Bunny. Earlier in the year, at driven, self-motivated, self-sufficient and roster that includes such artists as veterans the Billboard Latin Music Awards, Ozuna willing to take a risk.” Cam’ron and T-Pain to breakthrough acts made history by taking home 11 honors, the Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Be including Flipp Dinero and Luh Kel, Shipes most by any artist in a single year. Saavedra, patient and follow your dream. Many people emphasizes he isn’t solely responsible for who formerly managed Ozuna, says that “as will say no. But one man’s trash is another his label’s success. “Without a dope team,” an indie label, competing with major labels man’s treasure. I lived that firsthand with El he says, “I could never have built Cinematic is one of my greatest accomplishments.” Fantasma.” from where it was a few years ago to where How He Works Now: “Aside from being Huib Schippers it is today.” a manager and producer, I am also now a Director/curator, Smithsonian Folkways Indies Stepping Up: “I have been giving psychologist. It has been a moment in which Recordings out $50,000 singles deals to artists with one I also have to deal with artists’ anxiety and It would be easy for Schippers to point catch: They have to donate $50 to submit their preoccupations.” to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings’ two their music for consideration. After sifting Jon Salter, 48 2020 Grammy wins earlier this year as a through hundreds of songs, I pick a winner. GM, ATO Records marker of success. Pete Seeger: The Smithso- We are donating all the [submission] money “Brand-new band, debut album, boom!” is nian Folkways Collection won best histori- to charities that are helping kids, the elderly how Salter describes the breakout of Black cal album, and Mariachi los Camperos’ De and those creating [personal protective Pumas, whose self-titled 2019 release led Ayer Para Siempre was named best regional equipment] for the essential medical people. to a best new artist nomination at the 2020 Mexican music album [including tejano].) It’s a priority for us.” Grammys. That was one of a remarkable But Schippers defines success differently, Paul Sizelove, 50 seven nods for ATO Records, with Brittany with a broader vision of the cultural role of President, Gaither Music Group Howard, Emily King and Altin Gün also the Washington, D.C.-based label that goes Under Sizelove, Gaither in 2019 final- being recognized, while Rodrigo Y Gabriela beyond industry accolades. To that end, ized a partnership with Primary Wave won the best contemporary instrumental Schippers is also proud of Songs of Our Na- Music Publishing, which gives the gospel album award for Mettavolution. The label’s tive Daughters, a critically acclaimed Folk- and Christian music company access to new in-house film/TV department, which ways release featuring Rhiannon Giddens Primary Wave’s marketing, branding and placed Black Pumas’ “The Power to Be Me” that “beautifully and fearlessly chronicles digital teams, plus additional departments in a Bank of America campaign, “equips us the history and position of African-Amer- for help with licensing and synchs. Sizelove to control our own destiny,” says Salter. ican women at the crossroads of misogyny also expanded Gaither’s agreement with How He Works Now: “We’re staying the and racism.” Universal Music Group’s Capitol Christian course with all our spring releases — Chica- Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Make Music Group for worldwide digital and no Batman, Margaret Glaspy, a King Gizzard amazing music that you believe in. Then physical distribution, and has overseen the [& The Lizard Wizard] live album. You can’t go to people you trust and ask for brutally expansion of Gaither’s team, with new roles go to [Austin’s] Waterloo Records to buy honest feedback. Swallow your pride and focused on streaming and social media mar- an album,” says Salter of his local retailer. listen. Make it better. Then find a label that keting. One measure of the impact of those “But you can mail-order it or order curbside gets you.” moves? Gaither reached 348 million streams pickup, and we’re going to make [releases] Melanie Sheehan in 2019, a 30% increase over the previous available.” U.S. label manager, Rough Trade Records year, according to the company. Luis Sánchez, 42 In the past year at Rough Trade, Shee- Independence Defined:“There is some- CEO, Afinarte Music han has helped the London band black thing about independence that gives you a Sánchez says revenue for his Mexican midi launch its debut album, Schlagenheim; sense of urgency and ownership. You have music label has increased by 40% com- promoted new releases from Lankum and to be on your game always, as it takes hard pared with the previous year. (Afinarte Pinegrove; gained the first U.S. TV slot for work to blaze a trail. But the reward is ful- does not report specific revenue figures.) SOAK on Late Night With Seth Meyers; and filling, and the lines of character developed That growth comes thanks to the success of “now, after a lifetime of fandom,” she says, from it run deep.” artists like Kanales, Los Dos Carnales and she’s working on Jarvis Cocker’s first new Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton Jr. El Fantasma, who nabbed his eighth top album in a decade, titled JARV IS... Founder, Paper Route EMPIRE 10 entry on the Regional Mexican Airplay How She Works Now: “So. Many. Video. Jeremel “Daddy O” Moore, 34 chart with “Palabra de Hombre” (“A Man’s Conferences!” Co-founder, Paper Route EMPIRE Word”) in March. “We had 10 artists signed Jonny Shipes, 40 To his fans, he is rapper Young Dolph, last year. Now we have 19, and I’m very CEO, Cinematic Music Group whose collaboration with labelmate Key proud of our expansion toward Mexico,” From Joey Bada$$ to Nipsey Hussle, Glock on Dum & Dummer sent the album says Sánchez of his roster, which is focused Cinematic CEO Shipes has a keen ear for to No. 8 on the Billboard 200. But as an on young and developing acts. “We are self- discovering rap stars. Even with a diverse entrepreneur, Thornton is the founder, with Page 12 of 39

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Moore, of Paper Route EMPIRE, home Bryan “Birdman” Williams, 51 ber, he unveiled an initiative that WIN and also to artists Kenny Muney, Big Moochie Co-founder/Co-CEO, Cash Money Records IFPI have been working on for some five Grape and Jay Fizzle. “I’ve been preaching Ronald “Slim” Williams, 55 years, the Repertoire Data Exchange (RDx), the benefits of being independent since day Co-founder/Co-CEO, Cash Money Records a “single point of entry for data relating to one,” says Thornton. “The best thing about Consistency. That’s the accomplishment management of performance rights inter- the position I’m in is, I can drop music how of the past year that the Williams brothers nationally,” as he puts it. The RDx, which is I want to drop and when I want to drop. are most proud of, as Slim relates: “From still in its early stages, will roll out widely There is no one else telling me how to run the quality of [our artists’] music to some in the months ahead. “Most indie labels my business.” becoming entrepreneurs themselves; some- are based in one territory, or two if they’re Looking Forward to When: “As life and thing we’ve preached since back in the day.” pretty big,” he says. “But they’ve got to man- business return to normal, the first thing I And that philosophy continued to drive age these rights in 50 or 60 countries, and plan to do is go see my grandma. She’s 94 their success in 2019. Between Drake’s Scor- that means that a lot of money gets left on years old.” - Thornton pion and Blueface’s “Thotiana” (No. 8 on the the table or paid to the wrong people. The Fiona Whelan Prine, 58 Hot 100), Cash Money helped its partner whole industry, majors and indies together, President, Oh Boy Records Republic Records close out 2019 as the has come together to plug that one gap.” Jody Whelan, 39 year’s top label. The onset of the pandemic Independence Defined:“Generally, Managing partner, Oh Boy Records didn’t slow Drake’s pace, as his Dark Lane a company [is independent] where over The death of John Prine on April 7 at age Demo Tapes (released through OVO Sound/ 50% is owned by the founders, or people 73 due to complications from the coro- Republic) debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard who have taken over that share — but not navirus shattered his fans and the music 200 on May 1. the major labels. But there’s a much wider industry. But apart from the extraordinary Independence Defined:“Being in question when it comes to data ownership legacy of his songwriting, Prine also was an control of your destiny. We have a great situ- and digital asset control, like who owns your indie music business pioneer, co-founding ation and are able to do what we want to do, metadata, can you get it back off a distribu- Oh Boy Records with his late manager Al and nobody questions or gets in the way of tor, what happens to your track counts — are Bunetta in 1981. It is now run by his widow, that. We’ve been with [Republic/Universal we really independent if we don’t have any Fiona Whelan Prine, and son Jody Whelan. Music Group] a lot of years. They trust our control over that?” Oh Boy in 2016 struck a deal with Thirty judgment in music and what we do.” - Slim Jeremy Sirota, 43 Tigers to exclusively handle its physical and Richard James Burgess CEO, Merlin digital distribution worldwide. “It was a big President/CEO, American Association of Joining Merlin as its new CEO in Janu- deal for me when Oh Boy decided to work Independent Music ary, Sirota came on board at the worldwide with us,” says Thirty Tigers co-founder/ A2IM, which has 800 members, worked digital rights agency just as the coronavirus president David Macias. “Like many others, throughout the fall of 2019 to ensure pandemic shut down the global economy. I revere John as an artist, but John was California’s AB5 “gig economy” legislation “When I wrote my first 90-day plan, this equally heroic to me for the business deci- would protect indie musicians. Burgess, wasn’t on my list,” he says. But it allowed sion he and Al Bunetta made in running along with heads of the RIAA and the Music him to see how well the Merlin team he had their own label.” In the days after Prine’s Artists Coalition, explained to legislators inherited is handling the crisis, while also death, his songs and albums returned to the that the law would, among other effects, operating during a management transition. charts amid the emerging pandemic. “We force music groups to become employers if “Folks here are driven by the mission to help wanted to give Fiona and Jody all the space they collaborated with freelance musicians. our members and partners, and want to do that they needed,” says Macias. “They lost a Burgess says the law’s sponsor, Assembly- even more than what we are doing already,” husband and a father. It was difficult given woman Lorena Gonzalez, had “good inten- says Sirota. “In some ways it has helped me that pressing plants were closed and indie tions” to protect gig workers, but music reps to get close to our partners, members and retailers were closed for the most part, but had to hammer out an amendment before our team in a way that might not have hap- we did everything that we possibly could.” the law passed in April. “It was unbelievably pened so quickly.” Macias says the entire Oh Boy staff is “the challenging,” he says. Most Urgent Indie Issues: “[The control embodiment of John in label form. His vibe Advice for a Young Artist: “Never give of ] data coming from Facebook and TikTok, permeates the company, which is a re- up. Persistence is everything. You have to more access to capital for the indie sector ally, really good thing.” He adds: “If I had a buy the time to get lucky.” and the growth of user-generated content nickel for every time I name-checked John Charlie Phillips, 46 and social platforms into the music space. and Oh Boy as an example of how artists can COO, Worldwide Independent Network All of this really flattens and democratizes and should own their own work, I could buy Phillips was named in February 2019 to the [music marketplace], which allows a full meal at Arnold’s Country Kitchen — run Worldwide Independent Network, re- indies to thrive, and that allows more room and that includes banana pudding.” porting to chairman Justin West. Last Octo- for diversity. The more healthy, diversified Page 13 of 39

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and democratized the space, the better for Ethan Diamond, 48 and Lagos, Nigeria. independents.” Co-Founder/CEO, Bandcamp Nando Luaces, 53 Jorge Brea, 36 Joshua Kim, 34 CEO, Altafonte CEO, Symphonic Distribution COO, Bandcamp Since launching his Madrid-based digital “Today’s major record labels operate dif- On March 20, in the early days of the distribution company, Altafonte, in 2011, ferently,” says Brea. “They rely on throwing pandemic shutdown, Bandcamp waived its working with artists like Argentine singer- money at projects with the goal of being share of profits from sales made through songwriter Noel Schajris and Mexican more successful than the other major record the platform (10% to 15% of gross revenue), cumbia singer-songwriter Amandititita, label. In the process, they forget about the returning that money to artists’ pockets. Luaces says he has “established our global art behind what we do.” Symphonic Distri- Fans responded by buying $4.3 million of digital marketing team [to] offer a compre- bution, based in Tampa, Fla., has grown over merchandise and albums — both physical hensive service with top-notch creativity.” the past year “without large budgets like and digital — that day. On May 1, Bandcamp Reporting revenue growth of 55% in the past the ones you typically see in this industry,” waived its fees for a second time and will do year (Altafonte does not specify revenue says Brea. His company has new partner- so again on June 19 to benefit the NAACP numbers), Luaces says he has also sharp- ships in China, expanded its video distribu- Legal Defense Fund. Even when not forgo- ened his company’s focus. “We work with tion through Vida Primo in Colombia and ing its fees, Bandcamp has long proved to fewer artists but with larger profiles, [who opened a new synch licensing division with be a reliable partner for indie acts. “By early are] at the top of their game in terms of Bodega Sync in Brooklyn. this summer,” says Diamond, “fans will have quality and artistic interest.” How He Works Now: “With less travel, paid artists half a billion dollars on the site.” Pandemic Lessons: “In this crisis, we can we’ve had more time to hunker down and Indies Stepping Up: “We’re seeing art- see the real leaders; most of the time they’re be productive. It’s made me push myself to ists and labels donating some or all of their ordinary people. We also see powerful think of new creative ways to help out as earnings, or participating in compilations, to people who are completely useless.” many artists and record labels as possible, benefit relief organizations ranging from lo- Jason Peterson, 38 especially with the decline of touring rev- cal food banks to the World Health Organi- Chairman/CEO, GoDigital Media Group enue during the pandemic.” zation.” - Diamond When GoDigital’s AdShare division Paris Cabezas, 48 Ghazi started managing Daddy Yankee’s YouTube Managing director/CEO, InnerCat Music Founder/CEO, EMPIRE rights in 2010, “we began to realize the Group Nima Etminan, 32 power of Latin music and Hispanic artists,” Ana Gonzalez, 42 COO, EMPIRE says Peterson. The company continued its Managing director, InnerCat Music Group Under Ghazi (who solely uses his first push into the Latin music business over the Garrett Schaefer, 58 name professionally), EMPIRE has been past year, with its divisions partnering with GM, InnerCat Music Group ruling the charts through its role in the corrido-focused label Rancho Humilde on a The Miami-based InnerCat has reported success of artists including XXXTentacion, distribution deal and buying Latinx digital 300% growth between 2016 and 2019 (the Young Dolph & Key Glock, Money Man, media company Mitú. company does not specify revenue figures) Robin Thicke and Tyga. While EMPIRE Independence Defined:“I like to keep it by providing digital services to indie artists recently opened a 10,000-square-foot studio simple: not controlled by Warner, Universal on an international scale. CEO Cabezas, in downtown San Francisco, “we’ve [also] Music Group or Sony. You can be distributed a classically trained pianist and Grammy- acquired a couple of companies,” says Ghazi. by them but not be controlled by them.” nominated producer (with a master’s in While declining to identify the acquisitions, Jacqueline Saturn applied mathematics from the Massachu- he says they will further expand EMPIRE’s President, Caroline/Harvest Records setts Institute of Technology), credits his footprint. The Iran-born Etminan — who Matt Sawin “dream” team” of company collaborators. was raised in Germany and learned English GM, Caroline “Without them, InnerCat would not have from hip-hop music and pop culture — be- Cindy James evolved as it did,” he says. The company’s gan his EMPIRE career as an intern. He rose Head of commercial marketing, Caroline latest move: “a smart digital tool, Play to a level where he signed Kendrick Lamar Adam Starr & Follow, capable of enhancing music to his first EMPIRE deal in 2011. In the past VP/head of marketing, Caroline marketing campaigns exponentially,” says year, “a big step forward that we took was Caroline, the indie label services division Cabezas. expanding into international territories,” of Capitol Music Group, extended its reach Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Slow he says. “We’d been active in Latin and under Saturn into all corners of the globe, down, take time to understand your audi- South America for a few years already. But including a partnership with Korean power- ence, try to amplify your connection with we set up shop in Europe, Asia and Africa” house SM Entertainment, which resulted in fans — especially now that we are all at — specifically with a presence in London; a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 from Su- home.” Amsterdam; Jakarta, Indonesia; Shanghai; perM and a top five debut on that chart from Page 14 of 39

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NCT 127. Saturn also heralds “our growing in cash, Taylor cites his division’s integra- artists advance royalties in exchange for presence in both Latin and Afropop spaces, tion of the music production company distribution rights, launched Amuse Pro in with label partnerships including Sie7tr3, Audio Network as its 2019 high-water mark. March. For $5 per month, the service al- Duars Entertainment and Mavin Records.” The $215 million investment “brought us lows artists to sort out royalty splits among Looking Forward to When: “[I can] hug valuable scale and enabled us to take our multiple contributors to a track and release my Caroline family. Even though we’re us- publishing administration in-house,” he their music more quickly to Instagram, ing all of this wonderful technology to stay says. “Now our synch and publishing teams TikTok and other platforms. “We knew if in touch on a minute-by-minute basis, I miss are working closer together to feed our we could solve the pain points in a techno- their physical presence terribly.” - Saturn content producers.” The music library of logical way” for indie artists, says Farias, “it Camille Soto Malavé, 38 London-based Audio Network is used for would remove a lot of headache and hassle CEO, GLAD Empire “50-plus unscripted shows,” says Taylor, and help in their careers.” Soto Malavé’s GLAD Empire offers digital adding that eOne’s union with Hasbro has How He Works Now: “Providing digital label and distribution services to artists like also resulted in over 15 projects. “We are tools that allow artists to create, collaborate Latin trap star Anuel AA and Myke Tow- their go-to music department,” he says. The and release music from home has proved ers (who scored his first No. 1 on Top Latin music division’s growth was reflected in its more important than ever.” Albums with Easy Baby Money). Before the bottom line: eOne generated revenue of $121 Wayne Hampton pandemic, the company had opened state- million in 2019 — $37.7 million of it by Audio Co-founder/chief business officer, Create of-the-art recording facilities in Orlando, Network —up from $69 million the previous Music Group Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now, Soto year. Jonathan Strauss, 34 Malavé says, “my music producers are How He Works Now: “Artists are still de- CEO, Create Music Group not working because we had to close the livering. We have a real pipeline of content Alexandre Williams, 32 studios.” on the music side — I’m really excited about Co-founder/COO, Create Music Group Advice for a Young Artist: “Don’t that. It really is still very busy. I haven’t Create Music Group, which focuses choose a manager just because they’re your sensed a letup at all.” on unsigned artists that self-release their friend.” Glenn Dicker, 54 music, reports that it surpassed $100 million Ben Swanson, 42 Co-founder, Redeye Worldwide in revenue in 2019. Moreover, it says that it COO, Secretly Group Aaron Freeman, 40 has 500 clients alone that generate $3,000 Chris Swanson, 45 CEO, Redeye Worldwide per month in revenue. “We’re laser-focused Co-CEO/president of A&R, Secretly Group Tor Hansen, 55 on creating a middle class for the music Phil Waldorf, 45 Co-founder, Redeye Worldwide industry,” says Strauss, “and we believe that Co-founder/Chief marketing officer, -Se Redeye finished 2019 with the December over the next five years, as we expand glob- cretly Group acquisition of Swedish distributor Border- ally, we will have over 10,000 artists that are Jon Coombs, 34 Music. “The ability to establish a physical able to support themselves entirely through VP A&R, Secretly Group presence in Europe was very exciting and fit streaming royalties — something that has (COMPANY DECLINED TO PARTICI- well with our long-term goals,” says Free- never been possible in the industry tradi- PATE) man. Coming into this year, Redeye estab- tionally dominated by a select few.” Secretly Group is one of the largest inde- lished new distribution relationships with Advice for a Young Indie Artist: “Make pendent label companies in the world, with Beggars Group, Domino and Saddle Creek. quick decisions, release music, engage with labels whose rosters include such critically “We have long admired these labels in terms fans and be authentic.” - Strauss acclaimed acts as Bon Iver, Angel Olsen, of their releases and the way they run their Drew Hill, 42 Sharon Van Etten, Whitney, Jamila Woods, businesses and champion their artists,” says Managing Director, Proper Music Group Phoebe Bridgers, Moses Sumney and new- Freeman. Proper, the largest indie distributor in comer Porridge Radio, bringing the com- How They Work Now: “Within a week the United Kingdom with nearly 11% of the pany both artistic and commercial success. [of the pandemic lockdown], we had not country’s physical recorded-music market, Secretly executives state they have decided only reshaped critical parts of our busi- was on track in 2020 to boost year-on-year to decline comment “for any lists that do not ness but had spoken with over 100 of our sales some 50%, says Hill. But the pandemic reflect diversity and that are not fully trans- distributed labels, artists and independent reversed that trend. Still, 2019 was a strong parent about their selection process.” retail customers — the true heart of what we year for the company, which continues to Chris Taylor do — to tailor our planning based on their grow through acquisitions of smaller play- Global President of Music, Entertainment feedback and needs.” ers. Hill cites Proper’s purchase in October One Diego Farias, 39 2019 of Topic Records, with some 2,500 In a year where toy-making giant Hasbro Co-founder/CEO, Amuse publishing copyrights and 12,000 master acquired Entertainment One for $4 billion Amuse, the data-driven label that gives recordings. As the pandemic spread, Hill set Page 15 of 39

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in motion a plan for about half of Proper’s has been amazing to see various indepen- ternally, while still making it more personal staff to work remotely, with only the com- dent organizations, artists, managers and than an audio call. The Orchard team and pany’s 60 pickers and packers remaining at labels sharing resources and opportunities industry at large seem to be super engaged.” the warehouse. With safe practices in place, to help everyone get through this.” - Navin they move about 100,000 units per week. Tracy Maddux Ben Patterson, 42 When Businesses Reopen: “I don’t think CEO, AVL Digital Group Founder/CEO, DashGo I’m ever going to moan again about having Maddux oversaw AVL’s sale in 2019 to In March 2019, Downtown acquired to go to three gigs in one night.” Downtown Music Holdings. Early this year, AVL Digital Group, the parent company of Philip Kaplan, 44 AVL acquired the Dutch distributor FUGA, distributor DashGo. (AVL had previously Founder/CEO, DistroKid bringing “some exceptional music industry acquired the online indie distributor CD Under Kaplan, DistroKid has had a busy executives and technologists” into its fold, Baby in 2018.) The Downtown deal “really 18 months, first with Spotify acquiring he says. With the combination of FUGA’s supercharged our ability to support” global a minority passive stake in the company European presence and AVL’s U.S.-focused growth, says Patterson. Shared assets now and then becoming one of the first indie distribution flagship, CD Baby, the com- stretch from Brazil to Taiwan to comple- distributors specializing in DIY artists to pany’s independent artists released 30,000 ment DashGo’s 15-person staff in its Los cut a deal with TikTok. While the com- titles in April — “an unprecedented pace,” Angeles headquarters. Under Patterson, pany says it distributes the music of over 2 says Maddux. the company has grown to the point where million artists with 10 million-plus songs, How He Works Now: “I used to travel DashGo’s indie artists and labels average Kaplan says he is most proud of DistroKid’s internationally all the time. I haven’t been over 1 billion combined monthly streams, “culture of innovation, speed and fun,” with out of the country since February. Working with its application programming interface zero turnover of team members. He notes to communicate and lead a global music powering two dozen platforms worldwide. that DistroKid is on its way to revenue of organization from Portland, Ore., is a new He’s especially proud that DashGo-distrib- $200 million and that the company’s close challenge. But since we’re all using the same uted regional Mexican group Los Tucanes relationships with digital service providers technologies globally — Zoom, Slack — it re- de Tijuana made the main stage at Coachella means that when they “have a new idea that ally feels that we haven’t missed a beat.” in 2019. can help artists, DistroKid is one of the first Brad Navin, 49 Looking Forward to When: He can calls they make.” CEO, The Orchard “load the kids in the car and wander aim- Indies Stepping Up: “Several of us at Colleen Theis, 51 lessly around a big-box store.” DistroKid have done volunteer engineering COO, The Orchard Milana Rabkin Lewis work in the community. In March, we gave Mary Ashley Johnson, 46 CEO, STEM every employee $1,000 extra to help with Senior vp North America, label manage- Kristin Graziani any unforeseen issues — which many then ment and sales, The Orchard VP artist and label relations, STEM donated to COVID-19-related causes.” Alan Becker, 66 Building on STEM’s success in offer- Roy LaManna, 40 Senior vp product development, The Or- ing distribution and payment technology CEO, Vydia chard to independent artists, the company last “We have our own version of what the In the past year, says Theis, The Orchard year launched STEM Direct, a member- future of music looks like,” says LaManna of grew its global team by six new offices in ship service that gives artists one-to-one Vydia, an end-to-end platform that manages Amsterdam; Beijing; Manila, the Philip- access to specialists in their specific genre. digital distribution, data flow, rights man- pines; Tokyo; Nairobi, Kenya; and Johan- Each STEM Direct specialist “not only sup- agement and payments to artists. A high- nesburg. It also “had chart-topping releases ports the nuts and bolts of distribution and profile test for Vydia came with its role in from around the world and lifted our clients’ marketing and financial insights, but also the release of Jesus Is Born, the first album overall business by continuously launching ensures success around playlist and promo- from Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. products and driving strategy.” Navin says tion strategy,” says Graziani. The company’s The company received less than 24 hours’ that on the homefront, such varied releases latest launch, Scale by STEM, is a flat-fee notice, on Christmas Eve, of West’s desire to as the latest Billboard 200-topping albums financing product for artist advances. It “af- deliver the project on Christmas Day. Vydia from The Raconteurs and BTS “demonstrate fords the flexibility to access capital when received the tracks at 5 a.m. the morning of diversity of genres, audiences and even for- needed and gives artists the latitude to Dec. 25, and the album and artwork reached mats — but validates the fact that all music assemble the right team around them,” says major streaming services within the hour. matters.” Graziani. Says LaManna: “I’m proud that we are blaz- How They Work Now: “Time manage- How She Works Now: “I am fortunate to ing our own trail.” ment has been the most dramatic change. have a team that was able to have a smooth Indies Stepping Up: “The worst of times Because of video chats, we have crisp and transition to remote working. That being often brings out the best in people, and it effective meetings both internally and ex- said, nothing can replace a meal with an art- Page 16 of 39

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ist or handshake with a manager.” - Graziana branded face masks for the global team. album of the year) earned by Bon Iver’s i,i, Bob Roback, 53 Seton himself has been raising two infants released by Jagjaguwar. Secretly executives CEO, Ingrooves Music Group while his husband has worked as a New state they have decided to decline comment Amy Dietz York hospital doctor and self-isolated sepa- “for any lists that do not reflect diversity and GM/executive vp, Ingrooves Music Group rately from the family. Among ADA’s recent that are not fully transparent about their Following the acquisition of Ingrooves by notable wins was partnering with Incubus selection process.” Universal Music Group in February 2019, and Ciara, and distributing the original Michael Weissman the distributor — which offers indie labels soundtrack to Joker, whose composer, Hil- President, SoundCloud artificial intelligence-based data insights dur Guðnadóttir, won an Academy Award in In February, Weissman helped close the and marketing tools — has opened offices February for best original score. deal through which SiriusXM took a $75 in São Paulo, Madrid, Tokyo and Seoul, and Independence Defined:“A culture of million minority stake in SoundCloud. “I increased its presence in Australia and the trust. Empowering our team to experi- wasn’t expecting the timing to be perfect, Nordic territories. The global expansion ment, create, question, innovate, debate and but it essentially was,” he says. The timing includes key deals with labels like Brazilian [share] ideas, while having the runway to was also perfect in April when SoundCloud heavyweight GR6, the United Kingdom’s fail without judgment.” - Franck CEO Kerry Trainor announced a plan worth Dirty Hit (home to The 1975) and Carbon Dean Tabaac $15 million to support creators during the Fiber Music. Head of AMPED Distribution shutdown and bolster their careers long Independence Defined:“Content own- Proving the vitality of physical music term. During the same month, Weissman ers and creators acting as entrepreneurs in a market with fewer places to sell it is a helped lead the launch of Repost by Sound- who rent infrastructure and services.” - challenge that keeps Tabaac motivated. “I’m Cloud, giving all SoundCloud creators— 25 Roback most proud of the combined tenacity of our million-plus, according to the company — Ed Seaman, 54 labels and us to keep physical releases rel- access to professional marketing and mon- COO, MVD Entertainment Group evant, knowing that other distributors, and etization services and distribution features. In an industry increasingly focused on the labels they represent, are deemphasizing Weissman says he was proud “to see the streaming, MVD stands out among a handful those configurations,” he says. Tabaac cites teams come together using Slack, email and of distributors in the United States still fo- the ability of AMPED’s distribution centers various video tools to release a product into cusing on shipping physical music and video to “continually get product into retailers, of- the market [during the pandemic] and also releases to brick-and-mortar stores — with fline and online, faster than anyone else.” have the customer reception to be unbeliev- 2019 marking the strongest revenue year in Urgent Indie Issue: To meet the demand able.” the company’s 32-year history. MVD’s rev- for vinyl, says Tabaac, “where we used to Best Advice for a Young Indie Artist: enue is split almost equally between DVDs have a 40-foot row that was highly auto- “Learn the business side of music, how deals and Blu-ray versus music sales, with digital mated for processing CD orders, we had to work, especially on rights. It’s a complex comprising about 22% of MVD’s music build three mezzanines so our people could industry.” revenue. (The remainder comes from CDs do manual LP picks more efficiently.” Emmanuel Zunz, 47 and vinyl.) “As streaming continues to grow Darius Van Arman, 48 Founder/CEO, OneRPM in both music and video, many consumers Co-CEO, Secretly Distribution Nashville-based OneRPM, an indie digital recognize that they don’t own anything,” Christopher Welz, 39 distribution company, continued to expand says Seaman. “So labels that make collect- Managing director, Secretly Distribution its international presence (with staff now ible products thrive in this environment. (COMPANY DECLINED TO PARTICI- in 20 locations worldwide) while creat- While there are less shelves to merchandise PATE) ing a new content management system to products, the demand is growing.” With its own physical distribution pipe- improve the quality of service it provides Eliah Seton, 38 line stateside and around the world, Secretly to clients, says Zunz. “It’s a way for us to President of independent music and creator Distribution is thriving, scoring a record manage marketing globally, allowing us to services, Warner Music Group year with U.S. revenue in excess of $50 mil- create campaigns and [oversee] them across John Franck lion. The company has taken on new label all our 20 offices. It enables us to be held Executive vp commercial and marketing, partners while continuing to work with accountable” with the ability to measure Alternative Distribution Alliance Worldwide affiliated labels Secretly Canadian, Jagjagu- performance. Looking ahead, he adds, the Warner Music Group’s independent dis- war and others. The distributor recently new system “will allow us to scale our busi- tributor, ADA Worldwide — where Franck completed a systems integration to strength- ness without sacrificing quality of service was named executive vp commerical and en its repertoire management and digital to our clients.”Urgent indie issue “[With marketing last July — is demonstrating its supply chain capabilities. Early in 2020, the] consolidation of indie distribution, the “strong culture” through the pandemic, says the company celebrated the four Grammy amount of money going for artist advances Seton. One executive’s spouse has made Award nominations (including record and is absolutely insane.” Page 17 of 39

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Contributors: Trevor Anderson, Katie who believe their content has been flagged Bain, Steve Baltin, Alexei Barrionuevo, Jeff Twitch Users Are by mistake or misidentification have the op- Benjamin, Harley Brown, Ed Christman, tion to contest this by submitting a counter- Tatiana Cirisano, Leila Cobo, Danica Daniel, Getting Takedown notification.) Steven Edelstone, Griselda Flores, Bianca Clearing music for livestreaming plat- Gracie, Hilary Hughes, Steve Knopper, Carl Notices En Masse forms is a thorny process, and there are Lamarre, Joe Levy, Geoff Mayfield, Gail still disagreements about exactly what Mitchell, Melinda Newman, Paula Parisi, for the First Time: licenses are required. Every livestream Glenn Peoples, Bryan Reesman, Annie Reuter, requires a license to use a recording (usually Jessica Roiz, Craig Rosen, Dan Rys, Taylor Here’s Why from a label), as well as a public perfor- Weatherby, Deborah Wilker, Nick Williams mance license from a collecting society like Methodology: The record companies BY TATIANA CIRISANO ASCAP or BMI. Any video that’s available featured on Billboard’s Indie Power Play- on-demand also requires a synch license and ers list are defined as independent because ver the last week, users on gam- a mechanical license — the latter of which they are not owned by one of the three major ing-focused livestream platform may also be required for a live performance. music groups: Sony, Warner and Universal. Twitch received a sudden flurry A DJ set that involves remixes or samples Distributors are defined as independent, re- of takedown notices for clips of also requires licenses to sample or interpo- gardless of ownership, based on the repertoire Oold videos using unlicensed background mu- late songs. they market, largely from labels not under sic. The more than 2,500 notices — which Technically, anyone who created video for the majors’ umbrellas. Billboard editors and the RIAA filed on behalf of rights holders Twitch always needed these licenses — but reporters weighed a variety of factors in for recordings including Ariana Grande’s “7 it was never a big issue before now. determining the 2020 Indie Power Players Rings” and DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean” — “This is the first time we have received list including, but not limited to, nominations caused a storm on social media, with users mass DMCA claims against clips,” the by peers, colleagues and superiors at selected complaining on Twitter they felt blindsided Twitch Support team said in a string of music companies, as well as recommenda- by the requests, some for clips dating as far tweets on June 7. “We understand this has tions by indie trade group A2IM. In addition back as 2017. been stressful for affected creators and are to nominations, editors weigh the success of Contrary to some users’ claims, Twitch’s working on solutions, including examining each executive’s label or distributor as mea- Music Guidelines — which explicitly pro- how we can give you more control over your sured by chart, sales and streaming perfor- hibit users from incorporating music into clips.” mance. Career trajectory and industry impact their streams without the proper license — Why now? As artists turn to livestream were also considered. Unless otherwise noted, have not suddenly changed. What’s really performances as an alternative to touring Billboard Boxscore and Nielsen Music/MRC going on at the Amazon-owned platform has in the coronavirus era, Twitch is becoming Data are the sources for tour grosses and to do with the coronavirus pandemic, the increasingly relevant to the music industry, sales/streaming data, respectively. Nielsen music industry’s history of cracking down with artists like Diplo and ZEDD launching is also the source for radio audience metrics. on infringing online platforms as they grow new channels and festivals like Willie Nel- Unless otherwise noted, album streaming fig- to a certain scale and a discussion brewing son’s signature Luck Reunion going virtual ures cited represent collective U.S. on-demand in Congress about amending copyright law. with livestreams on the platform. Back in audio totals for an album’s tracks, and song/ Like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and March, artists like John Legend and Char- artist streaming figures represent U.S. on- other platforms that host user-uploaded lie Puth performed as part of Twitch’s demand audio and video totals. content before it, Twitch has been operat- 12-hour coronavirus relief fundraiser, This article originally appeared in the June ing under the the 1998 Digital Millennium Stream Aid 2020. Hours watched on Twitch 13, 2020 issue of Billboard. Copyright Act’s (DMCA) “safe harbor” grew by more than 50% during the first provision, which shields content-hosting four weeks of social distancing, compared platforms from liability for copyright viola- with the four weeks prior, according to a tions by users, so long as they promptly company spokesperson. (Twitch declined to respond to takedown requests from rights comment further for this piece.) holders. The way the process works, Twitch At the start of the pandemic, the mu- itself doesn’t issue takedowns — rather, sic industry largely turned a blind eye to rights holders (mostly record labels and music licensing issues on livestreams, since publishers) notify the platform of infringe- livestreaming was not yet a big business, and ment, after which Twitch is legally obligated labels and publishers were lenient towards to remove the allegedly infringing content artists who were clearly still adjusting to and notify the user who posted it. (Users making a living during a crisis. One expla- Page 18 of 39

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nation for the sudden attention to Twitch of royalties owed to them has come into advocating on behalf of them as creators, is that three months in, that attitude has greater focus,” he says. “A technologically- and there really has to be a bridge built to changed. savvy company like Amazon could solve say, musicians are also creators,” she says. “Our job is to protect artists on all digital this problem for artists and Twitch users “These people spent a lot of time and effort platforms, and when we see a platform start quickly: by licensing music and providing to make the music that you’re using. We’re to emerge as an important player, our job is Twitch creators tools to avoid unlicensed all in a creative community together. So how to establish their rights as quickly as pos- uses of music.” can we create a system that benefits all?” sible,” RIAA chairman/CEO Mitch Glazier Currently, Twitch does not have licens- Twitch says it is working on solutions, tells Billboard. “During COVID-19, more and ing deals of any kind with Universal Music starting with expanding the use of content more artists have had to turn to livestream- Group, Sony Music or Warner Music Group, identification service Audible Magic to ing and innovate. They want to and need or any of their publishing entities. Billboard automatically identify and delete existing to reach their fans. And this could be a understands Twitch is in talks with global clips which may contain copyrighted music wonderful platform. But it makes it hard for performance rights organizations — which without penalty, and adding the ability for artists to be able to do that, for the benefit of collect and distribute public performance users to sift through and delete clips more the whole ecosystem, if the company is not royalties — regarding non-interactive audio- easily. While Twitch has long used Audible going to compensate them for their work.” visual licenses, and already has deals with Magic to police on-demand videos on the National Music Publishers’ Association ASCAP, SESAC and BMI. Additionally, a platform, this is the first time it has applied (NMPA) president and CEO David Israel- source tells Billboard that Twitch has licens- the technology to short clips highlighting ite said by email that publishers also have ing deals in place with close to 200 publish- old livestream videos that are saved on the an eye on the platform. “We are concerned ers for the rights to include their music its streamer’s page. about unlicensed songs being used on karaoke-style app Twitch Sings, though the And of course, Twitch isn’t the only Twitch,” he said, “and are exploring all op- deals do not apply to Twitch itself. platform which has seen a rise in takedown tions to protect the songwriters and music The music industry has long rallied requests as artists stuck at home turn to publishers who we represent.” against the DMCA, arguing that by putting livestream performances. Instagram felt the Users are spending more time than ever the onus on rights holders to police piracy, need to release new guidelines for includ- on music-centered Twitch videos. But the law makes it difficult to license a work ing music in videos and livestreams, and those figures still pale in comparison to the for its market value. And this time, the even added a notification system to alert platform’s gaming-centric videos. Accord- sudden burst in takedown notices arrives users whose streams are in danger of being ing to a recent report by Twitch livestream against the backdrop of a current debate taken down due to copyright violations. software developer StreamElements and in Congress over whether or not the DMCA But for now, if Twitch wants to build out analytics company Arsenal, the “music and should be updated, where The Eagles’ Don a music strategy, the only real solution is performing arts” category on Twitch saw 17 Henley recently testified that “the DMCA licensing. Until the company can secure million hours watched in April — a massive is a relic of a MySpace era in a TikTok strong licensing deals, for its users frus- 385% jump year-over-year, but only 1% of world.” The RIAA is at the center of that trated over takedown notices, this is only total viewing hours on Twitch that month. debate. All of this is happening at a time the beginning. Still, given that jump, it’s unsurprising the when the new European Union Copyright “COVID-19 has shined a light on music industry is pouncing on Twitch now Directive gives platforms more responsibil- livestreaming, and if everybody comes to to establish a way to collect its due. Simi- ity to monitor infringement, although it has the table and they’re accountable and they lar stories played out with platforms like yet to take effect. create a great consumer experience, it can YouTube, which signed multi-year licensing “There’s going to be additional folks com- be great for everybody,” Glazier adds. “Our deals with the three major music groups in ing forward to give testimony, there’s going job is to make sure that [rights holders] have 2017, and more recently, TikTok, from which to be a lot of back and forth with lawmakers, those opportunities to get compensated. the music industry has demanded better and this is an ongoing discussion,” com- We’re going to ferociously do that.” licensing deals as the platform has become ments music writer, DJ and producer Dani wildly popular over the past several years. Deahl. “It makes sense for entities like the Ted Kalo, executive director of artist ad- RIAA, which represents the majors, to start vocacy organization Artist Rights Alliance, building their case with largely untouched hopes the surge in Twitch takedown re- platforms like Twitch.” quests serves as a “wake-up call” for Twitch Deahl adds that the lack of copyright in this respect. savvy in the rapidly-growing livestreaming “With touring shut down, artists need all community only added to this week’s head- available income streams more than ever, line-grabbing social media storm. “I see a lot and big tech companies depriving artists of Twitch creators saying that Twitch is not Page 19 of 39

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In her new role, Egan will connect Splice Virgin EMI Boss with the commercial music industry by Grammys First- identifying new talent and developing Ted Cockle Exits initiatives and products to support the Look: The Most- songwriting, record label and publishing the Universal communities. Founded in 2013, Splice offers Likely Big Four a community of more than four million mu- UK Label sicians a platform to find sounds, rent gear Contenders and collaborate on projects. BY TATIANA CIRISANO “At Pulse I used Splice as an A&R tool, BY PAUL GREIN signing new writers that built their brands irgin EMI president Ted Cockle on the platform,” says Egan, who ex- hen the nominations for has departed the label, which he ited Pulse after seven years in June. “I’ve the 63rd annual Grammy helped build into one of Univer- watched Splice become a key player in this Awards — slated for Jan. sal Music UK’s largest over the space and believe they’re positioned to be 31, 2021 — are announced pastV seven years, with successes like Scot- a leader in the future of collaboration. It laterW this year, Post Malone, The Weeknd, tish superstar Lewis Capaldi. couldn’t be a better time to leverage their Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Roddy Ricch and The news, which Music Business World- innovative tech and thriving community to Maren Morris all have a good chance of wide first reported andBillboard can give creators all around the world opportu- appearing in both of the highest-profile cat- confirm, caps Cockle’s 15-year run with nities they wouldn’t otherwise have.” egories: album and record of the year. Universal Music Group. He joined Island Added Splice co-founder and CEO Steve Now, with less than three months left in Records UK in 2005, and within three years, Martocci: “Maria deeply understands the the eligibility period (which began Sept. 1, rose from head of marketing to co-president creative process and how Splice fits into 2019, and will end Aug. 31), Billboard takes alongside Darcus Beese. He has run Virgin creation and collaboration at the top tiers of a look at the potential Big Four nominees, EMI since the label’s launch in 2013 as an music. She also understands firsthand how listed in descending order of their likeli- amalgamation of Universal Music subsidiary Splice can be a pathway for talented bed- hood. Mercury Records and Virgin Records. room creators to reach the traditional music No country albums were nominated in this Virgin EMI’s roster of British artists industry. Maria joins at a time when the category last year, but that’s likely to change includes Capaldi, Bastille and Emeli Sandé, existing team’s contributions have helped this time around. In fact, it’s possible that while it also serves as the UK label home put Splice on the music industry map and all more than one country release will receive for superstars like Justin Bieber, Migos, over the radio in a major way. I couldn’t be nods for the first time in Grammy history. Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift. News more proud to have Maria leading Splice’s Post Malone, Hollywood’s Bleeding regarding Cockle’s successor is expected connections with the wider music commu- The genre-blurring star’s previous soon. nity.” album, beerbongs & bentleys, was an album Egan will also oversee a new structure for of the year nominee in 2018. This LP, Post Splice’s music and industry relations depart- Malone’s third, topped the Billboard 200 Maria Egan ment. Jen Mozenter has been promoted to for five nonconsecutive weeks, longer than vp of A&R, after bringing A-list creators like any other album in this eligibility year so far. Joins Splice as Boi-1da (Drake, Rihanna) and WondaGurl The Weeknd, After Hours (Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert) over to the plat- The R&B artist’s 2015 album, Beauty Be- Chief Music form for original sample packs as part of its hind the Madness, was nominated for album Splice Sounds library. of the year — but two years later, his follow- Officer Following “Any creator should be able to come to up, Starboy, was passed over. Now, The Splice and see themselves represented in Weeknd has another shot with his fourth LP, Pulse Exit our community,” Mozenter says. “I’m hon- After Hours, which spent its first four weeks ored to share the stories of artists who help at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. BY TATIANA CIRISANO drive and shape culture. And that’s the work Fiona Apple, Fetch the Bolt Cutters I’ll continue to do alongside my team.” Apple’s fifth album reached No. 4 on the ormer Pulse Music Group presi- Billboard 200 (just one spot below her 2012 dent and head of creative Maria album, The Idler Wheel...). Apple, who re- Egan has joined music creation leased her first album in 1996, was nominat- platform Splice, where she will ed for best new artist at the 1998 ceremony, Fserve as its first-ever chief music officer. but hasn’t been recognized in any of the Page 20 of 39

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other general-field categories since. expected this summer, is the country trio’s the Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks, the Harry Styles, Fine Line first album in 14 years. Additional hip-hop longest reign atop the chart so far this year. Styles has yet to receive a Grammy nomi- contenders include Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé, nation as a solo artist or as a member of One Atake, DaBaby’s Kirk, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” Direction. But Fine Line, his second solo Suga and Mac Miller’s posthumous Circles, This collaboration also hit No. 1 on the release, not only spent its first two weeks at while Miranda Lambert’s Wildcard and Hot 100. If nominated, it would be the No. 1 on the Billboard 200 but also prompt- Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit’s Reunions are third all-female collab to receive a record ed Stevie Nicks to tweet: “Way to go H~ it is other potential country contenders. of the year nomination following Brandy & your Rumours.” (That Fleetwood Mac clas- Though two of the 2019 nominees — Bon Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” (1998) and the sic won album of the year in 1978.) Iver’s “Hey, Ma” and H.E.R.’s “Hard Place” — Iggy Azalea-Charli XCX team-up “Fancy” Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia didn’t crack the Hot 100, the other six were all (2014). This would be Beyoncé’s sixth nomi- The British singer won two Grammys, top three hits. Of this year’s likely nominees, nation in this category, surpassing Barbra including best new artist, at the 2019 cer- four have reached No. 1 so far. Streisand as the female artist with the most emony. This album, her second, reached No. The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” career nods. 4 on the Billboard 200 — Lipa’s best show- This would be The Weeknd’s second re- Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” ing to date — and was praised for its smooth cord of the year nod after he was nominated This disco-inspired pop single reached rollout despite arriving in the middle of the in 2015 for “Can’t Feel My Face.” “Lights” No. 2 on the Hot 100, becoming Lipa’s coronavirus pandemic. logged four nonconsecutive weeks atop the highest-charting hit on the chart to date. Luke Combs, What You See Is What You Billboard Hot 100. Drake, who has been nominated twice Get Post Malone, “Circles” in this category, has two strong candidates Combs’ second full-length album topped Post Malone was nominated two years ago with his track “Toosie Slide” and a feature the Billboard 200 for one week and the Top for “rockstar” (featuring 21 Savage) and this on Future’s “Life Is Good”; Lady Gaga, who Country Albums chart for 20 nonconsecu- past year for “Sunflower” with Swae Lee. is also a two-time nominee in this category, tive weeks and counting. Combs has previ- If nominated again, he would become the could be back in the running with “Stupid ously received two Grammy nominations, fourth artist in Grammy history — follow- Love” or her new Ariana Grande collabora- including best new artist, which he lost to ing Frank Sinatra, Roberta Flack and Steve tion, “Rain on Me”; Travis Scott’s “Highest Lipa. Winwood — to make it into this category in the Room,” which entered the Hot 100 at Roddy Ricch, Please Excuse Me for Being three years running. No. 1, is also a top contender; as is Doja Cat’s Antisocial Billie Eilish, “everything i wanted” “Say So,” which reached No. 1 on the Hot Roddy Ricch’s debut album — which This was Eilish’s second top 10 hit on 100 thanks to a remix featuring Nicki Minaj. boasted featured artists such as Gunna, the Hot 100 (it peaked at No. 8) and would There’s often overlap between nominees Meek Mill and Ty Dolla $ign — topped be her second record of the year nod in a for record of the year (which awards artists, the Billboard 200 for four nonconsecutive row after winning in January for “bad guy.” producers, recording engineers, mastering weeks, confirming his status as a rap star in Now, Eilish could become the first artist to engineers and remixers) and song of the year the making. be nominated in this category the year after (which awards songwriters) — and now, there The Highwomen, The Highwomen winning since U2 nearly two decades ago. could be plenty. All members of this supergroup — Brandi Maren Morris, “The Bones” Post Malone, “Circles” Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and This would be Morris’ second record of Post Malone co-wrote this Hot 100 hit Amanda Shires — have won Grammys on the year nod, but the first on her own. (She with longtime collaborators Adam Fee- their own. If nominated as The Highwomen, was nominated in 2018 for “The Middle,” ney (who works under the moniker Frank they would be the second all-female col- her dance-pop hit with Zedd and Grey.) Dukes), Billy Walsh and Louis Bell, all of laboration to earn an AOTY nod; 33 years With “The Bones,” which has logged 14 whom are credited on Post Malone’s debut ago, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and weeks at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, Mor- album, Stoney. Emmylou Harris’ Trio became the first. The ris could join Taylor Swift on the short list Billie Eilish, “everything i wanted” Highwomen reached No. 1 on Top Country of artists who have received ROTY nomina- Eilish co-wrote this dreamlike ballad with Albums and No. 10 on the Billboard 200. tions for both pop and country records. her brother and collaborator, FINNEAS; Lady Gaga and Dixie Chicks are both Harry Styles, “Adore You” at the 2020 ceremony, the pair won in this three-time nominees in this category, and This was Styles’ second top 10 solo hit category for “bad guy.” Should “everything either or both acts could easily receive nods on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6, I wanted” win, they would become the first with their latest albums. Gaga’s Chromatica following his solo debut single, “Sign of the songwriters to score back-to-back awards in is her first proper album in four years, since Times.” this category. A Star Is Born heightened and broadened Roddy Ricch, “The Box” Maren Morris, “The Bones” her stardom, while Dixie Chicks’ Gaslighter, This hip-hop smash remained at No. 1 on Morris co-wrote this country slow jam Page 21 of 39

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with Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz, both and Brittany Hazzard [Starrah]). ing Songs chart. of whom she worked with on her 2016 Though breakout stars including Roddy Rex Orange County major-label debut album, Hero. Ricch, DaBaby, The Highwomen and The Following the singer-songwriter’s two Harry Styles, “Adore You” Scotts are all ineligible for various reasons, self-released albums and a feature on Tyler, Styles co-wrote this smash with Amy many contenders remain. The Creator’s 2017 album, Flower Boy, Allen, Tyler Johnson and Thomas Hull (aka Megan Thee Stallion the English musician’s third album, Pony, Kid Harpoon). The latter two also co-wrote The Houston rapper achieved a measure became his major-label debut on RCA and and co-produced a handful of tracks on of prominence in 2019 with her Fever mix- climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Styles’ self-titled solo debut album. tape and rose to Hot 100-topping stardom Conan Gray The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” in 2020. Under the old rules, she would After developing a devoted following on The Weeknd co-wrote this hit with Ah- have been ineligible (she had released over YouTube in his early teens, Gray released mad Balshe (aka Belly), Jason Quenneville 30 tracks prior to the start of the current his debut album, Kid Krow, this March. It (DaHeala), Max Martin and Oscar Holter. eligibility year), but now it will be up to the reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and Martin, who also co-wrote Lady Gaga’s screening committee to determine if her earned praise from Taylor Swift (a 2007 best “Stupid Love,” is a four-time nominee in this 2019 inroads should preclude a shot here new artist nominee) on Instagram. category. this year. SuperM has a chance of becoming the Selena Gomez, “Lose You To Love Me” Summer Walker first K-pop group to be nominated in this Gomez co-wrote this ballad with Julia The R&B singer’s debut album, Over It, category with its self-titled EP, which Michaels and Justin Tranter, along with reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. And, Mattias Larsson and Robin Fredriksson boasted collaborations with Drake (a 2010 there are several strong hip-hop candidates (Mattman & Robin). Michaels and Tranter best new artist nominee), Bryson Tiller and in addition to Doja Cat, including Polo G, were nominated in this category three years Usher — all of which landed on the Hot 100. Saweetie, NLE Choppa and Lil Mosey — the ago for co-writing Michaels’ hit “Issues.” Last November, Walker won best new artist latter two of whom are still in their teens. Alicia Keys, “Underdog” at the Soul Train Music Awards. Several rookie hitmakers are also in the Keys — who won in this category in 2001 Doja Cat running, including hip-hop artist Arizona for “Fallin’” — co-wrote “Underdog” with The 24-year-old singer-rapper’s second Zervas, whose “Roxanne” reached No. 4 on Johnny McDaid, Ed Sheeran, Amy Wadge, album, Hot Pink, reached No. 9 on the the Billboard Hot 100; Surfaces, the Texas Jonny Coffer and Foy Vance. Billboard 200, while its breakout single, “Say electro-pop duo that has a current hit with Dixie Chicks, “Gaslighter” So,” which later featured Nicki Minaj (a 2011 “Sunday Best”; SHAED, the Washington, The trio, who co-wrote this track with best new artist nominee) on a remix, hit No. D.C.-based pop trio whose 2018 single Jack Antonoff, won in this category at the 1 on the Hot 100. “Trampoline” was a sleeper hit this year; 2007 ceremony for co-writing “Not Ready Tones and I Trevor Daniel, the Los Angeles-based To Make Nice.” The Australian singer’s breakout hit, the singer-songwriter behind “Falling”; and Bob Dylan may be in the conversation for quirky alt-pop “Dance Monkey,” reached No. Benee, a 20-year-old New Zealand singer “Murder Most Foul,” his nearly 17-minute 4 on the Hot 100 (and No. 1 in many regions who delivered the unintentional quarantine song about President John F. Kennedy’s around the world), while her debut EP, The anthem “Supalonely” (featuring Gus Dap- assassination, which would be Dylan’s first Kids Are Coming, climbed to No. 30 on the perton). nomination in this category. Ozan Yildirim Billboard 200. This article originally appeared in the June (aka OZ) has two strong candidates with Ingrid Andress 13, 2020 issue of Billboard. Travis Scott’s “Highest in the Room” (OZ Following the release of Andress’ debut and Scott co-wrote the song with Nik Fra- album, Lady Like, which reached No. 9 on scona and Mike Dean) and Future featuring Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, the Drake’s “Life Is Good” (co-written with the country singer-songwriter’s debut single, artists, plus Darius Hill and Mathias Liyew). “More Hearts Than Mine,” reached No. 3 Meanwhile, Beyoncé and Terius Nash (aka on Country Airplay and No. 30 on the Hot The-Dream), who won in this category 11 100. years ago for co-writing “Single Ladies (Put Gabby Barrett a Ring On It),” could make it back to the Two years ago, this up-and-coming coun- finals with “Savage Remix” (co-written with try singer finished third onAmerican Idol. Megan Pete [aka Megan Thee Stallion], An- This April, her breakout single, “I Hope,” thony White [J. White], Bobby Session Jr., which previews her debut album, Goldmine Derrick Milano, Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe (June 19), became the first debut track by a [Pardison Fontaine], Shawn Carter [JAY-Z] woman to top Billboard’s Country Stream- Page 22 of 39

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This year’s Humanitarian and Lifetime MINAJ & TY DOLLA $IGN - HOT GIRL 2020 BET Awards: Achievement honorees will be announced SUMMER soon as will the show’s host and talent WALE FT. JEREMIH - ON CHILL Drake, Megan participants. BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, DABABY Thee Stallion & BET announced on May 20 that it would DRAKE move forward with airing the BET Awards FUTURE Roddy Ricch Lead on June 28. The company’s release stated in LIL BABY part, “Using an array of innovative tech- RODDY RICCH Nominees, CBS niques and artist-generated content, the TRAVIS SCOTT show will continue, allowing the audience to BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST Airing Show For join in a celebration of black love, joy, pride CARDI B and power with an all-star lineup.” DOJA CAT First Time The BET Experience — the annual three- LIZZO day lifestyle event leading up to the awards MEGAN THEE STALLION BY GAIL MITCHELL show — will return in 2021. NICKI MINAJ Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vp of SAWEETIE rake, with six nominations, specials, music programming & music strat- VIDEO OF THE YEAR and newcomers Megan Thee egy, and Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUID- Stallion and Roddy Ricch, tied Entertainment, are executive producers for ANCE with five nominations each, are the 2020 BET Awards. For the latest news DABABY - BOP Damong the top nominees for the 2020 BET and updates, visit BET.com/Awards. DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & Awards. Here is the complete list of nominees for JOHN LEGEND - HIGHER Also, in celebration of the award ceremo- this year’s BET Awards: DOJA CAT - SAY SO ny’s 20th anniversary and BET’s 40th anni- BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI versary, the BET Awards will simulcast live BEYONCÉ MINAJ & TY DOLLA $IGN - HOT GIRL (8 p.m. ET) across ViacomCBS networks, H.E.R. SUMMER including BET and BET HER, and make its JHENE AIKO RODDY RICCH - THE BOX national broadcast premiere on CBS on June KEHLANI VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 28 (8 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/PT). LIZZO BENNY BOOM Drake’s six nominations include best SUMMER WALKER COLE BENNETT Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year and BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST DAVE MEYERS two nods for both Best Collaboration and ANDERSON .PAAK DIRECTOR X Viewer’s Choice, for his features with Chris CHRIS BROWN EIF RIVERA Brown (“No Guidance”) and Future (“Life JACQUEES TEYANA “SPIKE TEE” TAYLOR Is Good”). KHALID BEST NEW ARTIST In addition to Viewer’s Choice, Me- THE WEEKND DANILEIGH gan Thee Stallion’s five nods include Best USHER LIL NAS X Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration, BEST GROUP POP SMOKE Album of the Year and Video of the Year. CHLOE X HALLE RODDY RICCH Ricch is also a contender in the Best Male CITY GIRLS SUMMER WALKER Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year, Video of EARTHGANG YBN CORDAE the Year and Viewer’s Choice categories as GRISELDA ALBUM OF THE YEAR well as Best New Artist. JACKBOYS CUZ I LOVE YOU - LIZZO The latter category finds Ricch vying MIGOS FEVER - MEGAN THEE STALLION against DaniLeigh, Lil Nas X, Pop Smoke, BEST COLLABORATION HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM - Summer Walker and YBN Cordae. CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUID- BEYONCÉ Rounding out the top nominees slate with ANCE I USED TO KNOW HER - H.E.R. four nods each are Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & KIRK - DABABY Chris Brown, Lizzo and DaBaby. JOHN LEGEND - HIGHER PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR BEING ANTI- All told, the BET Awards recognizes FUTURE FT. DRAKE - LIFE IS GOOD SOCIAL - RODDY RICCH achievements in music, television, film and H.E.R. FT. YG - SLIDE DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/ sports across 21 categories. MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI INSPIRATIONAL AWARD Page 23 of 39

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FRED HAMMOND - ALRIGHT WIZKID & SAINT JHN - BROWN SKIN will show on Bourbon Street in the age of JOHN P. KEE FT. ZACARDI CORTEZ - I GIRL COVID-19. MADE IT OUT CIARA FT. LUPITA NYONG’O, ESTER Pam Fortner, owner of six French Quarter KANYE WEST - FOLLOW GOD DEAN, CITY GIRLS & LA LA - MELANIN venues, is opening only two of them, both on KIRK FRANKLIN - JUST FOR ME LAYTON GREENE - I CHOOSE Bourbon, where the customary blocks-long PJ MORTON FT. LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON LIZZO FT. MISSY ELLIOTT - TEMPO frat party atmosphere ended in an abrupt & MARY MARY - ALL IN HIS PLAN RAPSODY FT. PJ MORTON - AFENI shutdown in mid-March. THE CLARK SISTERS - VICTORY VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD Now, she’s not sure what to expect. She BEST ACTRESS CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUID- sat at a sidewalk table at Royal and St. Ann ANGELA BASSETT ANCE on Thursday, eating a Caesar salad and de- CYNTHIA ERIVO DABABY - BOP riving hope from the occasional out-of-state ISSA RAE FUTURE FT. DRAKE - LIFE IS GOOD license plate she saw amid sparse traffic. REGINA KING MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI “I think Saturday will be busy,” she said in TRACEE ELLIS ROSS MINAJ - HOT GIRL SUMMER an interview. ZENDAYA RODDY RICCH - THE BOX Cherie Boos, manager of Lafitte’s Black- BEST ACTOR THE WEEKND - HEARTLESS smith Shop, in an authentically rustic, BILLY PORTER BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT creaky floored 18th-century Creole cottage, EDDIE MURPHY BURNA BOY (NIGERIA) said she’s hoping locals will help keep the FOREST WHITAKER INNOSS’B (DRC) bar financially afloat as Bourbon Street re- JAMIE FOXX SHO MADJOZI (SOUTH AFRICA) vives. But she adds, “We’re hoping that, you MICHAEL B. JORDAN DAVE (U.K.) know, we can start generating some tourists OMARI HARDWICK STORMZY (U.K.) in the city, too, now that the bars are going YOUNGSTARS AWARD NINHO (FRANCE) to be open.” ALEX HIBBERT S.PRI NOIR (FRANCE) Bourbon Street, which had the ambiance ASANTE BLACKK VIEWER’S CHOICE: BEST NEW IN- of an empty movie set in April, has experi- JAHI DI’ALLO WINSTON TERNATIONAL ACT enced a slow re-awakening in recent weeks. MARSAI MARTIN REMA (NIGERIA) Dine-in restaurants have been allowed to MILES BROWN SHA SHA (ZIMBABWE) reopen at 25% capacity, as have bars with STORM REID CELESTE (U.K.) food permits. Still, traffic has been slow and BEST MOVIE YOUNG T & BUGSEY (U.K.) plywood covered numerous tavern windows BAD BOYS FOR LIFE HATIK (FRANCE) until Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the DOLEMITE IS MY NAME STACY (FRANCE) latest easing of restrictions in a city that, in HARRIET the spring, had become an international hot HOMECOMING: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ spot for COVID-19. JUST MERCY Bars Reopening Even as they announced the reopenings QUEEN & SLIM on Tuesday, city officials admitted they were SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR in New Orleans, concerned about a possible recurrence. AJEÉ WILSON “Oh, I’m worried. I am worried,” Cantrell CLARESSA SHIELDS But Live Music said at a news conference. She said city code COCO GAUFF enforcement officials will watch to make NAOMI OSAKA Remains sure social distancing, masking require- SERENA WILLIAMS ments and building capacity limits are SIMONE BILES Prohibited enforced. SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Customers will have to be mindful, too, GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the city’s health KAWHI LEONARD director. “If you’re there, with your house- LEBRON JAMES ar owners in New Orleans pre- hold group and you’re having drinks at a ODELL BECKHAM JR. pared for a soft opening, and an table at a bar, we really need you not to go PATRICK MAHOMES II uncertain one, as they began let- off and mingle with the other tables,” she STEPHEN CURRY ting customers in Saturday (June said Tuesday. BET HER AWARD B13) for the first time in months. Capacity is Toward that end, there will be no musi- ALICIA KEYS - UNDERDOG limited to 25%, live music remains prohib- cians on stage at Fortner’s Tropical Isle bars BEYONCÉ FT. BLUE IVY CARTER, ited, and nobody knows how many tourists on Bourbon Street. That prevents people Page 24 of 39

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from congregating near the stage and elimi- first time, that there probably is tangible, nates the possibility that a singer belting out Event Designer demonstrative progress. The thing I always a song could also be unknowingly spreading try to temper that with is “OK, that doesn’t the virus. That fear that has kept the city Bobby Garza mean you take your foot off the gas.” That’s from allowing live music performances, what happens a lot of times in social politi- including choirs in churches. in Austin, in a cal movements: “We got it!” That’s never Some New Orleans bar owners are critical the case. We’re at that inflection point now, of the restrictions. “Why are they picking on Pandemic: ‘You’re where it’s like, “No, we should be having the musicians?” said Fortner. more and deeper conversations, rather than And some bars, like the Maple Leaf, a Hopeful Every Day less.” venerable late night haunt in the Carrollton Where do you see this discussion hap- neighborhood, decided not to open. That the Needle pening in the concert business? ’While our City leaders have decided to The last couple of weeks have definitely allow bars to reopen ... we will not be al- Moves a Different been a reflection about what’s happening lowed to have Live Music and what is the in the world, and that needs to have some Leaf without our musicians?” read a post on Direction’ space to breathe. People need to talk and the Maple Leaf’s Facebook page. learn and figure that out, and the next part One of the quarter’s best known tour- BY STEVE KNOPPER is the tangible things you can do within your ist spots, Pat O’Brien’s, also didn’t plan an industry. I don’t know that anybody’s gotten immediate reopening. Manager Shelley hen the concert business there yet — and I don’t think that they have Waguespack has numerous concerns as she shut down in mid-March, to just yet. If we’re going to make changes decides when and how to reopen. Bobby Garza abruptly that are going to last then we have to spend She’s hoping the state Legislature will shifted from putting on some real, honest time working through address one concern — liability. She said liveW events to tearing them down — his all that stuff. It’s super-hard work. I hope she worries about getting sued if someone company, Austin-based Forefront Networks, what happens is not that somebody puts on who visits the bar later comes down with had to cancel the California food-and-music a show with people of color, then that’s the COVID-19. festival Yountville Live later that month, and end of it. I hope what happens is: “Can you She’s also unhappy about the limits on massive productions like December’s Trail look around and say the people you work live music. of Lights in Austin are in question, too. In with and for are as diverse as they can be, “We wanted to put a piano player on the early April, his life changed even more dra- the people that you book are as diverse as patio,” Waguespack said. “We thought that matically: Forefront furloughed 30 percent they can be?” It needs to be part of everyday would have been lovely.” of its staff, including him. conversation. As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover Shifting to the pandemic, do you see the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts any light at the end of the tunnel? Every on the music industry, we will be speaking few hours I search the word “vaccine.” with Garza, a 43-year-old Forefront creative I know, right? I had to stop doing that. team leader who used to be general manager I’ve been following this New York Times of festival producer Transmission Events, tracker that suggests a vaccine could ap- each week to chronicle his experience pear by the end of the year or early next throughout the crisis. (Read last week’s in- year, pending a lot of things. Do you feel stallment here and see the full series here.) hopeful? We spent last week’s interview on emo- If it’s tangible, the people that are smart- tional topics: Black Lives Matter, George est from a business standpoint should be Floyd, the protests and the brutality of having conversations now about what hap- the police response. It seems like we’re pens next year. The Music Cities Together actually starting to see real progress. Do organization is talking to cities about how you agree? to open safely, and compiling data from not Yes. Ta-Nehisi Coates had an interview just this country but from other countries, with Ezra Klein — those are two of my about what those recommendations are. favorite voices — and Ta-Nehisi Coates was This idea that things will “go back to nor- saying, “I didn’t think I was going to say mal” — it’s folly. There are things that we’re this, but I do see progress and I’m hope- going to have to do from now into the future ful.” That for me was a validation, for the that promoters, venues, artists and guests Page 25 of 39

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are going to have to be comfortable with. of a Black Lives Matter incident that, for That’s the tough work that needs to happen Blues Singer them, is just a moment in time. If it mat- now — it probably feels like, “I’m not getting tered, it would have mattered to them be- paid for it so why should I do it?” or “I’ve Lady A Speaks fore. It shouldn’t have taken George Floyd to got bigger fish to fry because I’m trying to die for them to realize that their name had a figure out how to feed my kids or pay my Out Against Lady slave reference to it.” rent” or all of those important things. I’m Representatives for the country group cooking lunch for my kids while you and I Antebellum’s Lady A told Rolling Stone they were un- are talking. aware of White’s use of the name and had Coachella recently canceled until next Recent Name plans to contact her. The trio’s reps said they year — what are your emotions about had no further comment when contacted that? Change: ‘It’s by Billboard. White, meanwhile, had not re- I mean, all of them suck. Not just nation- sponded to Billboard’s request for comment ally but internationally. I was talking to Not Right’ as of press time. some of my friends about Primavera Sound In a lengthy note to fans on social media — that’s my bucket list festival and I’ve nev- BY MITCHELL PETERS last week, Lady Antebellum — who first er been and I love Barcelona. You’re hopeful broke through in the late 2000s with hits every day that the needle moves a different Seattle blues singer who has like “Love Don’t Live Here,” “I Run To You” direction. Dude, nobody wants to cancel any performed under the name Lady and “Need You Now” — explained the rea- of this stuff and I think you try to push it A for the past 20 years is speak- soning behind the name change. all the way up to the edge. It’s not because ing out against Lady Antebellum “We are deeply sorry for the hurt this you’re being careless, it’s because you want overA the country trio’s recent name change has caused,” the group’s Hillary Scott, to do it. Like I’ve told you before, putting on in response to the Black Lives Matter move- Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood wrote shows and doing live music stuff is the stuff ment. on Instagram. “We’ve watched and listened that feeds my soul. Why would you want to Anita White, a 61-year-old black woman more than ever these last few weeks, and entertain a notion that you’re going to can- who plays under Lady A, says she was our hearts have been stirred with convic- cel that? What could be more terrible than blindsided last week after learning that tion, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, that right now? Everybody needs joy in their Lady Antebellum had officially shortened inequality and biases black women and men life now, more than ever. its name without reaching out to her first. have always faced and continue to face every What’s for lunch? On Thursday (June 11), in the wake out na- day. Now, blind spots we didn’t even know I made pasta and there’s like this mush- tionwide protests surrounding the death of existed have been revealed.” room cream sauce situation with chicken. George Floyd, the Grammy-winning country I learned this from my grandmother: I like act announced that it would be dropping the to express my care with food. Now that I’ve word Antebellum from its title, a reference Tomorrowland’s been home and I have a little more time, I’m to the pre-Civil War era in the American doing my best to not give them sandwiches. South. Online Festival Anything new on the ukulele or “I feel that it’s not right that they can martial-arts front? come and decide that they want to use this Will Feature We did our School of Rock intro class. My name and take it from me, because now oldest son did a bass lesson and my young- it feels like another knee on my neck, as a Predictably est did a keyboard lesson. One step closer to Reverend Al Sharpton said,” White told CBS family band, right? affiliate WUSA in Washington, D.C. “Take Massive Group I think you’re the weak link. your knee off our neck.” I am 100% the weak link! I know that and White, whose day job is working with of Artists: See you don’t have to remind me. Seattle Public Utilities, has released multiple albums under Lady A over the past two the Lineup decades. She’s currently gearing up for the July 18 release of her new album, Lady A: BY KATIE BAIN Live in New Orleans. “This is my life. Lady A is my brand, I’ve arlier in June, Tomorrowland used it for over 20 years, and I’m proud of announced Tomorrowland what I’ve done,” White told Rolling Stone Around the World, a sprawling last week. “They’re using the name because E online festival set to happen June Page 26 of 39

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25-27. (These three days would have been ANNA Vintage Culture the second weekend of the annual Belgian Armin van Buuren Wildstylez mega-festival.) Bassjackers Yellow Claw Monday (June 15), the festival announced B Jones Yves Deruyter the lineup for the sprawling online event, Carnage Yves V and the group of participating artists is Cat Dealers everything you’d expect from the world’s Cellini largest dance music festival. Charlotte de Witte Why Orville The three-day livestream will feature Claptone more than 60 artists, including Amelie Lens, Coone Peck Is the Armin van Buuren, Carnage, Charlotte de Da Tweekaz Witte, Dixon, Gryffin, Martin Garrix, San David Guetta Unconventional Holo, Tiësto, Tale of Us and many other mu- D-Block & S-te-fan sicians spanning techno, trance, trap, EDM, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike Best New Artist house, hardstyle and more. See the complete Dixon lineup below. Don Diablo Pick the Grammys “Tomorrowland Around the World is a EDX great opportunity for me to connect with Eptic Need my fans during these lockdown times,” van Fedde Legrand Buuren said in a statement, “and I hope that Gryffin BY JOE LYNCH this will help everyone to hold on for a bit Jack Back longer until we can party together on actual Joris Voorn n January, Orville Peck was seated at festival grounds again! Very delighted to be Joyhauser his first Grammy Awards after walking part of this ground-breaking event.” Klingande the red carpet with his friend Diplo. Tomorrowland Around the World will Kölsch Peck recalls sitting “five rows from the feature eight stages and include the reveal Laidback Luke Ifront having the time of my life when I hear of the 2020 mainstage, a marquee attrac- DJ Licious someone calling my name during the com- tion of the festival. Additional activities will Lost Frequencies mercial break. I turn around, and Shania include games, workshops and educational Marlo Twain is running down the aisle.” talks on topics including lifestyle, food, Martin Garrix By mid-March, the queer troubadour fashion and the Tomorrowland Foundation, Modestep was recording a duet with Twain at her Las which focuses on charities working to help Mr Pig Vegas ranch just before the pandemic forced disadvantaged children. Fans can participate NERVO a lockdown. The session yielded the rollick- via a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet, with Netsky ing track “Legends Never Die” from Peck’s no VR equipment necessary. NGHTMRE upcoming EP, Show Pony, out this July on The festival is also one of the first NWYR Columbia. “I’ve been the biggest Shania fan livestreams to charge an admission price, Oliver Heldens my whole life, and she was literally the last with one-day passes going for $13 and a Patrice Baumel person I got to hang out with before [self- two-day passes costing $22. (The two-day Paul Kalkbrenner isolating],” he says over Zoom, calling from price includes a week of video-on-demand Ran – D his sunny Los Angeles apartment. Even in content from the event.) Tomorrowland Regard the comfort of his own home, he’s wearing Around the World will broadcast from 9 Reinier Zonneveld his ever-present Lone Ranger disguise that a.m – 7 p.m EST, with “time-zone-friendly” Robin Schulz shields his identity; today, it’s in the form of options for people tuning in from North and San Holo black tassels dangling down from his mask. South American and Asia. Solardo (Peck keeps his real name, age and most Tomorrowland Around the World Stephan Bodzin other personal details private.) Lineup: Steve Aoki Earning co-signs from Diplo and Twain Adam Beyer Sub Zero Project speaks to the wide-ranging appeal of Peck, Adriatique Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano whose sonorous voice has garnered compar- Afrojack Tale of Us isons to Johnny Cash’s baritone and whose Alan Walker Tiësto lyrics evoke the widescreen Westerns of Amelie Lens Timmy Trumpet old Hollywood. Peck’s self-produced debut Andrew Rayel Vini Vici album, Pony, arrived in March 2019 on Sub Page 27 of 39

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Pop, but by that December, he signed a new cowboy dancing around a bonfire in the confirmed toBillboard by his son, the author recording contract with Columbia. Since, he snow-covered mountains. It’s a sublime Zain Abdullah. He was 95. has performed the album’s breakout track, mixture of the heartfelt and the ridiculous Lewis was born in Indianapolis and raised “Dead of Night,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!; that could only arrive through a distinctly in an orphanage, eventually moving to a was booked for first-time slots at Coachella queer lens. (As novelist Christopher Ish- foster home in Detroit at age 12. When he and Stagecoach (both of which are post- erwood wrote about camp in 1954: “You was 14, he ran away from home and began poned); and is slated to open for labelmate can’t camp about something you don’t take to perform as a singer, eventually moving Harry Styles’ Harryween shows in 2021 seriously. You’re not making fun of it, you’re to New York. After spending some time (postponed from Oct. 2020). making fun out of it.”) Peck is so committed on Mercury Records, he was convinced by Now, following a buzzy career launch and that he even caked his wall with old-timey singer-songwriter Ritchie Adams to record while gearing up for the release of his ma- “Wanted” and “Reward” posters ahead of a a song he’d co-written as a one-off for the jor-label debut, which should arrive before virtual Oculus gig. smaller Beltone label. the Grammys’ eligibility period ends, Peck “Without sounding cliché and preten- That song was 1960’s “Tossin’ & Turnin’,” could be a dark horse contender for best tious, I genuinely try to make music that is a kinetic R&B rave-up as restless as the in- new artist at the 2021 ceremony. His team important to me,” he says. “As long as the somnia Lewis described in its lyrics, which submitted him in two Americana categories sincerity is there, it gives you the freedom exploded commercially in 1961. The song hit last year to no avail, but with backing from to play it any way you want. It allows you to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 10th Columbia this time — which at the 2020 take it to a world of camp or theatricality.” of that year, staying there for seven weeks — ceremony had Lil Nas X and Rosalía up for It has paid off so far, as his 35 million total an unusually long reign in the chart’s early best new artist — there could be a similar U.S. streams (according to Nielsen Music/ history — and ultimately topping Billboard’s push for Peck. “Having some recognition on MRC Data) prove, but will it translate to a year-end Hot 100 for 1961. In 2018, it landed a level like that?” he says. “Anybody would Grammy nod? A country act hasn’t won best at No. 36 on Billboard’s all-time Hot 100, be lying to say they would not be thrilled.” new artist since Zac Brown Band in 2010, fourth-highest of any song from the ‘60s. Peck always knew he wanted to perform, but Peck’s appreciation for and commitment Lewis’ time in the mainstream was feeling “drawn to the theatricality of coun- to the genre’s traditional roots might get relatively brief. After scoring one more try stars” from the 1970s. “Gram Parsons him there — or at least help round out those top 10 hit (“One Track Mind,” No. 9) that used to wear the most incredible Nudie suits in the running. Either way, it’s nothing Peck October, he only hit the Hot 100 twice more, — Liberace could never,” he says. “Porter is too hung up about. As he says, creating his and never again made the top 40. “Tossin’ Wagoner came off fairly conservative [but persona “was the first step toward being the & Turnin’” endured in the cultural memory, wore] crazy bedazzled outfits ... while sing- artist I always wanted to be.” though, in large part due to its prominent ing about holding back tears and heartbreak. This article originally appeared in the June use in two hit comedies of the ‘70s, both set The combination of all those things to me is 13, 2020 issue of Billboard. in the early ‘60s: American Graffiti (1973) a gay person’s dream. It’s drama. It’s bold.” and Animal House (1978). The song has And though he says he has been “making also been covered by acts ranging from girl music practically my whole life,” it wasn’t Bobby Lewis, groups The Marvelettes and The Su- until the late-2010s birth of his Peck persona premes to rockers Peter Criss and Joan in Toronto that he went all-in on country. “I ‘60s Singer and Jett. had it ingrained that I had to work toward The singer spent the last four decades of something that was employable or accept- ‘Tossin’ & Turnin’’ his life in New Jersey, with his final years able,” he says. “It’s the opposite of what you spent at the Forest Hill Healthcare Center need to do as an artist.”Peck started creating Hitmaker, Dies in Newark. He continued to play live well his own brand of queer camp for the Wild into his 80s — though vision problems made West. at 95 performing challenging, and he described Show Pony continues the narrative, but himself as “virtually blind” to NJ.com in with added “dark flair” best heard on his BY ANDREW UNTERBERGER 2011. “It’s like Stevie (Wonder) said: We all gender-bending reinvention of “Fancy,” the have that inner vision,” he explained. “That 1969 feminist anthem by Bobbie Gentry. obby Lewis, singer of “Tossin’ & helps a lot.” The EP’s visuals are similarly theatrical: In Turnin’,” died on April 28 after Lewis is survived by three children — the clip for lead single “Summertime,” he contracting pneumonia. The Fonda Simmons, Marva Brooks and Zain trades his leather jacket for a flower-laden news — initially reported but Abdullah, born Zayne Lewis — as well as shirt after getting pinned down by vines Bnot widely circulated in late April — was by 11 grandchildren and eight great-grand- with a mind of their own; meanwhile, “No announced by his granddaughter Sabreen children. Abdullah tells Billboard that he is Glory in the West” depicts Peck as a solitary LaRae Simmons on Facebook, and has been writing a father-son memoir, for which he’s Page 28 of 39

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interviewed his father extensively, and that And the Academy emphasized, “The intent in extending the eligibility period and our there will be both a memorial and tribute going forward is to ultimately return to Awards date, is to provide the flexibility concert to Lewis, which he began planning awarding excellence for films released in the filmmakers need to finish and release their even before his father’s death. Artists inter- January-December calendar year.” films without being penalized for some- ested in playing the tribute concert can sign A number of other major changes were thing beyond anyone’s control. This coming up for it here. also announced. Oscars and the opening of our new museum The Oscar submission deadline for gen- will mark an historic moment, gather- eral entry categories — among them best ing movie fans around the world to unite Oscars Pushed picture, original score and original song — is through cinema.” now Jan. 15, 2021. The submission deadline Karey Burke, ABC Entertainment’s Back to April 25, for specialty categories — best animated president, added, “We find ourselves in feature, documentary feature, international uncharted territory this year and will Eligibility Window feature, animated short, documentary short continue to work with our partners at the and live-action short — is now Dec. 1, 2020. Academy to ensure next year’s show is a safe Extended Oscar shortlist voting will now run from and celebratory event that also captures the Feb. 1 through Feb. 5; nomination voting will excitement of the opening of the Academy BY SCOTT FEINBERG now run from March 5 through March 10 Museum of Motion Pictures.” (nominations will be announced on March And Academy Museum director Bill s a result of the global pandemic, 15); and final voting will now run from April Kramer chimed in, “I speak for all of us the 93rd Academy Awards 15 through April 20. at the Museum when I say that we have ceremony has been pushed back Meanwhile, the Academy’s annual Gover- been eagerly awaiting the moment when from Feb. 28 to April 25, the nors Awards, a gala dinner, usually held in we can share the Academy Museum with AcademyA of Motion Picture Arts and Sci- the second week of November, at which the movie lovers everywhere. With the unprec- ences and its Oscars broadcasting partner organization, for the past 11 years, has pre- edented and devastating pandemic happen- ABC announced on Monday. In turn, the sented honorary Oscars and, in some years, ing around the world and our commitment Oscars eligibility period for feature films the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award first and foremost to the health and safety — which began on Jan. 1, 2020, and was set and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian of our visitors and staff, we have made the to expire at the end of Dec. 31, 2020 — has Award, will not take place this fall. “Addi- difficult decision to wait a few more months been extended to Feb. 28, 2021. The Hol- tional information about the ceremony and to open our doors. Thankfully, with CO- lywood Reporter exclusively reported on selection of honorees will be provided at a VID-19 safety protocols in place, exhibitions Sunday that this was set to happen. later time,” the Academy said, suggesting continue to be installed. We look forward to While highly unusual, these moves are that honorees may still be chosen and feted April 2021 when Los Angeles and the world not unprecedented. The Oscars has been ahead of or even at the Oscars ceremony. will be able to join together as the Academy delayed three times before — due to LA And the Academy’s Scientific and celebrates the Oscars and the opening of its flooding in 1938; following the assassination Technical Awards presentation, which was long-dreamed-of Museum.” of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968; and scheduled for a June 20, 2020 ceremony in Here is a full breakdown of the revised key after the attempted assassination of Pres. Beverly Hills, has been postponed to a later dates related to the 93rd Academy Awards Ronald Reagan in 1981. And, as I noted date still to be determined. and the Academy Museum of Motion Pic- back in March, the Oscars eligibility win- Additionally, the Academy also an- tures... dow was extended beyond the traditional nounced two key dates pertaining to its Preliminary voting begins 12-month period once before, ahead of the long-gestating Academy Museum of Motion Monday, February 1, 2021 6th Oscars. (That ceremony, in March 1934, Pictures, which was previously expected Preliminary voting ends was preceded by a 17-month eligibility win- to open on Dec. 14, 2020. It will now be Friday, February 5, 2021 dow spanning Aug. 1, 1932 through Dec. 31, unveiled to a select audience at a gala event Oscar Shortlists Announcement 1933, so that thereafter the eligibility period a few days ahead of the Oscars, on April 17, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 could be the actual calendar year preceding and will open to the public a few days after Nominations voting begins each ceremony, Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.) the Oscars, on April 30. Friday, March 5, 2021 In a statement, the Academy indicated “For over a century, movies have played Nominations voting ends that the Oscars will still be held “at the an important role in comforting, inspiring Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland and entertaining us during the darkest of Oscar Nominations Announcement Center in Hollywood” and “will air live on times,” Academy president David Rubin Monday, March 15, 2021 ABC,” an apparent rejection of the possibil- and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. Oscar Nominees Luncheon ity of a pre-taped and/or virtual gathering. “They certainly have this year. Our hope, Thursday April 15, 2021 Page 29 of 39

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Finals voting begins “Those who attended put themselves & Barnes, Birds of Tokyo, Missy Higgins, The Thursday April 15, 2021 their loved ones at risk,” tweeted Brit- Jungle Giants and Paul Kelly will pres- Museum Gala ish Parliament Member Angela Rayner. ent 1,000 gigs for Great Southern Nights, Saturday, April 17, 2021 “Completely irresponsible. A lot of effort curated by ARIA and an industry advisory Finals voting ends went into online events this weekend across committee and playing out in venues across Tuesday, April 20, 2021 GM to stop this sort of stupidity. Those who regional New South Wales and the state Oscars attended should be ashamed of themselves. capital, Sydney. Sunday, April 25, 2021 My local area now has to deal with the Other big names booked include Thelma Museum Public Opening aftermath.” Plum, The Presets, Amy Shark, Tash Sulta- Friday, April 30, 2021 Indeed, volunteers were at both sites na, The Teskey Brothers and The Veronicas. This article was originally published by early on Sunday, June 14 to pick up the There is one slight catch. The shows don’t The Hollywood Reporter. aftermath of the events, with the grounds kick off until November. Action-starved littered with bottles, plastic bags, empty Australians won’t mind the wait, and the nitrous canisters and other trash. Attendees program gives concert fans something to Two Illegal are also being criticized for gathering en look forward to, notes Minister for Jobs, masse while social distancing guidelines are Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Weekend Raves still being mandated throughout the UK. Stuart Ayres. “These raves were illegal and I condemn “With the NSW Government’s 24-hour in Manchester them taking place,” Chris Sykes, the As- economy strategy set to reinvigorate sistant Chief Constable of Greater Manches- Sydney’s nightlife,” he points out, Great Leave One Dead & ter is quoted in a statement. “they were Southern Nights will be a “big step forward clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation for our state’s live music and hospitality Others Injured and guidelines, and have had tragic conse- community that has been hit hard in recent quences.” times.” BY KATIE BAIN These are the hardest times many Austra- lians can remember. pair of illegal weekend raves Tones And I, The health emergency is just the lat- around Manchester, UK drew est calamity in what’s been a bitter year in roughly 6,000 people and re- Jimmy Barnes, these parts, as many Australians struggled sulted in three stabbings, a rape with an unprecedented bushfire season and andA one death. Amy Shark & a prolonged drought in the months before Footage that surfaced on social media COVID-19 became a trending topic. showed attendees dancing around a sign More Set for The live music industry has lost more saying “Quarantine Rave” at an illegal event than $340 million in income due to this on Saturday, June 13 in Failsworth, located COVIDSafe triptych of disasters, according to the I on the outskirts of Manchester. This event Lost My Gig platform, set up by Australian drew roughly 4,000 people and saw the Concerts Program Music Industry Network and the Australian death of a 20-year-old man from a suspected Festival Association to tally the impact on drug overdose. In Australia the creative community. The second event in the suburb of Car- Venues and artists are invited to submit rington drew roughly 2,000 people. The BY LARS BRANDLE an expression of interest to be involved in greater Manchester Police Force is inves- Great Southern Nights at www.greatsouth- tigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman, RISBANE — Live music is return- ernnights.com.au. along with three stabbings, with one of the ing to Sydney, with a little help A string of industry organizations on stabbing victims left with life threaten- from government. Monday applauded the initiative, including ing injuries. According to a police report, As Australians kicked back for APRA AMCOS, Live Performance Australia, “police officers managed to safely enter the Banother weekend in lockdown, a statement Sounds Australia and the Live Entertain- crowds, locate the man and administer life- dropped Saturday (June 13) from the New ment Industry Forum. saving first aid before paramedics arrived.” South Wales government detailing “Great The NSW program follows the announce- Police at this event also reported that at- Southern Nights,” a live music campaign ment last week of Anti-Social, a series of tendees threw trash at them and vandalized featuring some of the biggest and brightest live gigs starting this July at the Zoo in a police car when they attempted to engage homegrown artists. Brisbane, Queensland. with participants. A lineup starring Tones and I, Jimmy On show night, the Zoo will operate Page 30 of 39

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with a reduced 100 capacity and, like Great Ne-Yo, Big Freedia, Lucy Hale, Amara “A few months ago we began seeing how Southern Nights, the Anti-Social shows will La Negra, Saweetie, Sklyar Astin, Max, the restrictions were affecting young people feature all-local bills and observe physical Leslie Grace, Dove Cameron, Sofia Car- in particular, by moving them off college distancing. son, Rich Brian and Michael K. Williams campuses and disrupting graduations and The music stopped across Australia in are among those slated to appear remotely. proms,” she says. “Our effort is really about March, when the federal government en- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Cory building that momentum back up.” forced strict social distancing measures and Booker (D-NJ) and former Secretary of With some 4 million young people turn- closed the country’s borders. Housing and Urban Development Julian ing 18 this year and innumerable issues at Billboard understands a raft of southern Castro will make appearances. stake, the goal of Democracy Summer is to winter-warmer shows will be trialed around “I’m excited to be a part of this kickoff bring 200,000 new voters to the polls in the country in July, to coincide with relax- to Democracy Summer 2020 with so many November when Democratic presidential ations on health and safety restrictions. amazing talents, activists and speakers,” says candidate Joe Biden challenges Donald Australia’s live industry got a boost last Perry. “The young people of America are Trump, as well as myriad primary and local Friday (June 12) when prime minister Scott speaking loud and clear on the streets and elections throughout the summer and fall. Morrison announced socially-distanced online, and come November, it will be more Those interested in the event are encour- crowds of 10,000 could soon attend concerts important than ever to fight for justice and aged to register at the Democracy Summer and sporting matches, and the 100-capac- equality, and against systemic racism, with web site to get the latest details and lineup ity rule on indoor gatherings could soon be our ballots.” updates, although preregistration isn’t scrapped, depending on coronavirus infec- “The young people are engaged. Their required to tune in. Viewers can go to Rock tion rates in the weeks ahead. voices are loud and getting louder. The the Vote’s website to register to vote. Outdoor festivals will be allowed under world is watching. And we need to vote,” The murder of George Floyd by a Minne- these new plans, but promoters would need agrees Chuck D, an early and consistent sup- apolis police officer and the swell of support to offer seating to guests. porter of Rock the Vote, which was founded around the Black Lives Matter movement in 1990 by Virgin Records America co- also has catalyzed Thursday’s event. As chairman Jeff Ayeroff primarily to increase protesters around the country have taken to Katy Perry and voter turnout among young adults. the streets, Rock the Vote registered 107,000 The Public Enemy front man was hon- new voters through its platforms and gained Black Eyed Peas ored by the organization at its 10th anniver- more than 25,000 new Instagram followers sary awards ceremony in 2003. during the week of June 1, DeWitt says— Set to Headline “We are seeing the urgency for change in numbers that dwarf those of a typical week. America happening in real time. This is the “With what we’ve seen over the last Rock the Vote’s moment for us to use the most important couple weeks, the effort around Democracy tool on the planet to fight for that change... Summer has become even more important. Democracy our right to vote,” says Ne-Yo. “Our democ- It’s not just the virus, it’s bigger than the racy needs our voices. Voting is the moment economy standing still. The world feels like Summer Concert: to be the voice for injustice and for equality. it’s on the brink of chaos and yet this mo- But most importantly, to be the voice for ment around Black Lives Matter is bigger Exclusive humanity. We cannot let each other down in than that,” DeWitt says. “Frankly speaking, a the local elections or on Nov. 3.” big part of that is people are exercising their BY CATHY APPLEFELD OLSON Produced by BWG Live and in partner- rights in a democracy. Young people are ship with Voto Latino Foundation, When looking for things they can do and actions n an election year like no other, Rock We All Vote and March For Our Lives, they can take in order to create change. the Vote is kick-starting its Democ- the concert marks not only the first live- We want to make sure we’re continuing to racy Summer campaign Thursday streamed event for the Rock the Vote, but sustain that fire and passion into Novem- (June 18) with a two-hour virtual also its first large-scale summer activation. ber, and make sure young people know the Iconcert co-headlined by Katy Perry and In previous years the organization amped power of their votes and create the change Black Eyed Peas. up in the fall before a Presidential election they want to see.” Co-hosted by actors Logan Browning and typically staged a live event. Both pivots The live stream will include opportuni- and Rosario Dawson with Chuck D and are a direct result of Covid-19. ties for viewers to donate to black-led and Eve, the event will stream live beginning at “One of the realities is coronavirus -focused organizations including the Com- 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on democracysummer. derailed the momentum that is required munity Justice Action Fund and National org, and Democracy Summer’s Facebook in a major election cycle,” Rock the Vote Action Network. and YouTube pages. president Carolyn DeWitt tells Billboard. “Now, more than ever, voting is key for Page 31 of 39

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long-term change,” Black Eyed Peas said in “A 3-stage alternative music festival with continue to adapt so we can better champi- a statement. “The youth vote is going to de- camping, the 2020 Bellwether Music Festi- on the independent artists and labels whose cide the future of America. It’s not just our val was originally scheduled for Thursday, diverse voices need to be heard.” duty but our honor to spread the word in an Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8 at Renaissance The presentation on June 18 of the Libera election year.” Park in Waynesville, Ohio,” the statement Awards, which will recognize the best indie “The diversity of America is what makes continued. “All ticket buyers will automati- releases and feature live online performanc- it great, and it is also what makes it our cally receive a refund on the credit card es, will be the high point of Indie Week. country,” says La Negra. “I am Dominican used to make the purchase within the next Following is a list of the 2020 nominees, as proudly, yet I am a black woman always. I 30 days. Bellwether Music Festival is target- provided by A2IM. matter. You matter. And together, we will ing Aug. 12-14, 2021 for the rescheduled Album of the Year always matter!” dates, additional details to follow.” Sponsored by The Orchard Media and promotional partners include Nathaniel Rateliff, The Devil Makes FKA Twigs, Magdalene (Young Turks) Facebook, YouTube, Tixr Play, Epic Records, Three, The Growlers, Shovels & Rope and Angel Olsen, All Mirrors (Jagjaguwar) iHeartMedia, FaZe Clan, Influential, the The Lone Bellow were all set to perform at Brittany Howard, Jaime (ATO Records) Krim Group and Participant, which will air the rustic alt music fest, which was to take Orville Peck, Pony (Sub Pop Records) an exclusive clip from its new documentary, place on the grounds of the Renassance Park Big Thief, U.F.O.F. (4AD) John Lewis: Good Trouble, about the civil in Waynesville, Ohio. Best Live Act rights activist and longtime the Georgia American Idol alum Scarypoolparty, Flying Lotus (Warp Records) congressman. Langhorne Slim, Hayes Carll, Waxahatchee, Courtney Barnett (Mom + Pop Music) “The need for young people to get out Cloud Nothing and many more were also on Mavis Staples (ANTI-) and vote has never been more important,” the lineup. Fontaines D.C. (Partisan Records) says Participant CEO David Linde. “We are IDLES (Partisan Records) proud to be working with Rock the Vote in Best Alternative Rock Album making that need a reality and by using the A2IM’s Libera The National, I Am Easy To Find (4AD) inspiring, powerful message of Rep. John Fontaines D.C., Dogrel (Partisan Records) Lewis to make good trouble.” Awards Go Virtual Big Thief, U.F.O.F. (4AD) Rock the Vote is planning additional Sharon Van Etten, Remind Me Tomorrow Democracy Summer activations throughout BY THOM DUFFY (Jagjaguwar) the summer including on the Fourth of July Angel Olsen, All Mirrors (Jagjaguwar) and on Aug. 6, the anniversary of the 1965 ndie artists, and the companies that Best Americana Album Voting Rights Act. bring their music to the world, have a The Lumineers, III (Dualtone Music reputation as fast, nimble and respon- Group) sive to change. So it’s no surprise that Keb’ Mo’, Oklahoma (Concord Records/ 2020 Bellwether Ithe American Association of Independent Concord) Music (A2IM), the trade group for the indie Calexico and Iron & Wine, Years To Burn Festival sector, acted quickly in March to reinvent (Sub Pop Records) its annual Indie Week conference scheduled Cass McCombs, Tip of the Sphere (ANTI-) Canceled Due for June 15-18 as an online event, with over Steve Gunn, The Unseen In Between 50 panels, talks and workshops. (Matador Records) to Coronavirus “Because of the challenges being faced by Best Blues Album the whole world, it was even more impor- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram,Kingfish Pandemic tant to bring the family of independents to- (Alligator Records) gether again this year,” says Richard James Various Artists, Ann Arbor Blues Festival BY GIL KAUFMAN Burgess, president/CEO of A2IM, which is 1969 Vol. 1 & 2 (Third Man Records) marking its 15th anniversary of promoting North Mississippi Allstars, Up and Rolling he third annual Bellwether Music education, advocacy and community for the (New West Records) Festival has been cancelled. indie-music industry. Delbert McClinton and Self-Made Men, “Bellwether Music Festival an- Burgess notes that the digital delivery of Tall, Dark, and Handsome (Thirty Tigers) nounces today the cancellation of data, “the very technology that disrupted Mavis Staples, We Get By (ANTI-) Tits third-annual 3-day event, citing current our industry two decades ago, is now Best Classical Album government mandates and circumstances enabling us to maintain some momentum Paul Cardall, Peaceful Piano (Stone Angel surrounding COVID-19,” organizers said in a through this pandemic. A2IM was formed Music/CD Baby) statement on Monday (June 15). to deal with a global crisis of change, and we Florence Price, John Jeter/Fort Smith Page 32 of 39

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Symphony — Symphonies 1 & 4 (Naxos Records) Records) American Classics) Best Jazz Album Alex Cameron, Miami Memory (Secretly Beth Gibbons, Henryk Górecki: Symphony Sponsored by Qobuz Canadian) No. 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs) Terri Lyne Carrington and Social Science, Best Punk/Emo Album (Domino) Waiting Game (Motéma Music) Amyl and The Sniffers,Amyl and the Sniff- Rachel Fuller, Animal Requiem (Wistler Hiromi, Spectrum (Telarc/Concord) ers (ATO Records) Records/Bob Frank Entertainment) Nerija, Blume (Domino) The Menzingers, Hello Exile (Epitaph Benny Gebert, Triptych (Arts & Crafts) Nat “King” Cole, Hittin’ the Ramp: The Records) Best Country Album Early Years: 1936-1943 (Resonance Records) Empath, Active Listening: Night on Earth Hayes Carll, What It Is (Dualtone Music Eric Dolphy, Musical Prophet: The (Fat Possum Records/Get Better Records) Group) Expanded 1963 New York Studio Sessions American Football, American Football Robert Ellis, Texas Piano Man (New West (Resonance Records) (LP3) (Polyvinyl Record Co.) Records) Bill Evans, Evans in England (Resonance Bad Religion, Age of Unreason (Epitaph Orville Peck, Pony (Sub Pop Records) Records) Records) Kelsey Waldon, White Noise/White Lines Best Latin Album Best R&B Album (Thirty Tigers) Juan Wauters, La Onda de Juan Pablo Sudan Archives, Athena (Stones Throw Jim Lauderdale, From Another World (Yep (Captured Tracks) Records) Roc Records) Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mettavolution (ATO FKA twigs, Magdalene (Young Turks) Best Dance/Electronic Album Records) Blood Orange, Angel’s Pulse (Domino) Holly Herndon, PROTO (4AD) Y La Bamba, Mujeres (Tender Loving Jamila Woods, Legacy! Legacy! (Jagjagu- Thom Yorke, Anima (XL Recordings) Empire Records) war) Tycho, Weather (Mom + Pop Music) Preservation Hall Jazz Band, A Tuba to Durand Jones & the Indications, Ameri- Hot Chip, A Bath Full of Ecstasy (Domino) Cuba (Sub Pop Records) can Love Call (Dead Oceans) Flying Lotus, Flamagra (Warp Records) Sech, Sueños (Rich Music) Best Re-Issue Best Folk/Bluegrass Album Best Mainstream Rock Album Various Artists, Kankyō Ongaku: Japanese Bedouine, Bird Songs of a Killjoy (Space- Melissa Etheridge, The Medicine Show Ambient, Environmental & New Age Music bomb Records) (Concord Records/Concord) 1980-1990 (Light in the Attic Records) Patty Griffin,Patty Griffin (Thirty Tigers) The Raconteurs, Help Us Stranger (Third Ray Charles, Modern Sounds in Country Julia Jacklin, Crushing (Polyvinyl Record Man Records) and Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2 (Concord Co.) Desert Sessions, Volumes 11 & 12 (Matador Records/Concord) Jake Xerxes Fussell, Out of Sight (Paradise Records) Superchunk, Acoustic Foolish (Merge of Bachelors) Reignwolf, Hear Me Out (Reignwolf/Ditto Records) Jessica Pratt, Quiet Signs (Mexican Sum- Music) Stereolab, 2019 reissue campaign (Warp mer) Cigarettes After Sex, Cry (Partisan Re- Records) Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album cords) Fela Kuti & Roy Ayers, Music of Many Sponsored by Songtrust Best Metal Album Colours (Knitting Factory Records) Chance the Rapper, The Big Day (Chance Boris, LOVE & EVOL (Third Man Re- Best Sync Usage the Rapper/Ditto Music) cords) IDLES, Peaky Blinders (Partisan Records) Danny Brown, uknowhatimsayin¿ (Warp Cattle Decapitation, Death Atlas (Metal Bon Iver, “Naeem” — Nike “Beginnings: Records) Blade) LeBron” (Jagjaguwar) Clipping., There Existed an Addiction to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Infest Kamasi Washington, Apple (Young Turks) Blood (Sub Pop Records) the Rats’ Nest (ATO Records) Perfume Genius, The Goldfinch trailer Denzel Curry, ZUU (Loma Vista Record- Babymetal, Metal Galaxy (Cooking Vinyl) (Matador Records) ings) Periphery, Periphery IV: Hail Stan (3DOT Cigarettes After Sex, “Opera House” — Megan Thee Stallion, Fever (300 Enter- Recordings) Killing Eve (Partisan Records) tainment/1501) Best Outlier Album Best World Album Best Indie Rock Album Cate Le Bon, Reward (Mexican Summer) Afro B, Afrowave 3 (AfroWave Digital/ Crumb, Jinx (Crumb Records) King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Fish- EMPIRE) (Sandy) Alex G, House of Sugar (Domino) ing for Fishies (ATO Records) Mdou Moctar, Blue Stage Sessions (Third Jay Som, Anak Ko (Polyvinyl Record Co.) Various Artists, Thank You, Mister Rogers: Man Records) Weyes Blood, Titanic Rising (Sub Pop Music & Memories (BFD/Bob Frank Enter- Altin Gün, Gece (ATO Records) Records) tainment) Tinariwen, Amadjar (ANTI-) Charly Bliss, Young Enough (Barsuk Kim Gordon, No Home Record (Matador Sinkane, Dépaysé (City Slang) Page 33 of 39

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Breakthrough Artist/Release Oblivion Community Center (Dead Oceans) Edward James Sponsored by Ingrooves Video of the Year Sudan Archives, Athena (Stones Throw Aldous Harding, “The Barrel” (4AD) Olmos to Produce Records) Flying Lotus, “More” (Warp Records) Black Pumas (ATO Records) FKA twigs, “Cellophane” (Young Turks) Tito Puente TV, Fontaines D.C. (Partisan Records) Orville Peck, “Dead of Night” (Sub Pop Orville Peck (Sub Pop Records) Records) Film & Music Julia Jacklin (Polyvinyl Record Co.) Fontaines D.C., “Big” (Partisan Records) Creative Packaging This article originally appeared in the June Projects: ‘We’re Various Artists, VMP Anthology: The Story 13, 2020 issue of Billboard. of Ghostly International (Ghostly Interna- Bringing His tional) Flying Lotus, Flamagra (Warp Records) Hank Williams Magic to Life’ Various Artists, WXAXRXP box set (Warp Records) Jr.’s Daughter Dies BY JESSICA ROIZ Various Artists, Sub Pop Singles Club (Sub Pop Records) in Tennessee Car hen Tito Puente Jr. IDLES, A Beautiful Thing: IDLES Live at received the news that Ed- Le Bataclan (Partisan Records) Accident ward James Olmos wanted Independent Champion to produce a set of projects Sponsored by Merlin BY MITCHELL PETERS honoringW his late father, Tito Puente, it was Bandcamp a no brainer for the Puente family to give SoundExchange he daughter of country music star the green light. Spotify Hank Williams Jr. was killed in a “This is a fantastic opportunity,” Puente Redeye single-vehicle automobile accident Jr. tells Billboard. “My father is truly missed The Orchard over the weekend in Tennessee. and remembered, and Mr. Olmos is going to Label of the Year (Large) TKatherine Williams-Dunning, 27, died bring light to someone who impacted Latin Sponsored by ADA Saturday night (June 13) after losing control American culture in general.” Warp Records of her 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and rolling Celebrating the life and legacy of the Jagjaguwar over on a highway in Henry County, the iconic Puerto Rican musician, songwriter, Domino Recording Co. Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed to producer, and timbalero, known for mambo Polyvinyl Record Co. Billboard. hits such as “Oye Como Va” and “Ran Kan Partisan Records Her husband, Tyler Dunning, was injured Kan,” Olmos, along with producer/writer Label of the Year (Medium) in the crash and airlifted to a nearby hos- Damon Whitaker, music artist/producer 4AD pital. His condition was not immediately David Guzman, and his own son, director/ Saddle Creek known at press time. producer Michael D. Olmos, has partnered ATO Records Billboard has reached out to Williams Jr.’s with the Puente family for a set of projects Sacred Bones representatives for comment. that include a TV docuseries, a movie and an Drag City Sam Williams, Katherine’s brother, shared album, to name a few. Label of the Year (Small) news of the car accident in a Facebook “Every person that has heard his music Innovative Leisure post. “My sister and brother in law have has been touched by it,” Olmos, best known Father/Daughter Records been In a terrible accident. Please pray for for his remarkable trajectory as an actor, Oh Boy Records them so hard!” he wrote. director, and producer, says. “It’s time we Hardly Art Country music star Travis Tritt also took solidify it with an understanding of his life Wichita Recordings to social media to share his condolences for so that in turn, 100 years from now, people Marketing Genius the tragic loss. will know of him.” Thom Yorke, Anima (XL Recordings) “This news is just heartbreaking. My During a virtual interview with Billboard, black midi, Schlagenheim (Rough Trade family and I knew Katie ever since she was a Olmos and Puente talked more in-depth Records) kid. I cannot even imagine what Hank, Mary about the upcoming projects honoring the Megan Thee Stallion, Hot Girl Summer Jane and the rest of the Williams family are artist’s 20th-year anniversary since his pass- (300 Entertainment) going through right now. Please say a prayer ing and who Tito Puente was as a father, a FKA twigs, Magdalene (Young Turks) for all of them and share your love any way friend and an artist. Better Oblivion Community Center, Better you can,” Tritt tweeted. Tell us a bit more about the various Page 34 of 39

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tribute projects that are in the works in Edward: The key is not only what it did passing, we were compelled to team up with celebration of Tito Puente’s legacy. We to the Latino community but what it did to someone that knew his story, was personal know that fans can expect a docuseries the understanding of the Latino community friends with him, and can really tell it in a and an album. throughout the world. One of the greatest productive and clear and honest way. My Edward James Olmos: Of course, the forms of communication is the arts. Music, dad had ups and downs in his career and he most important aspect is going to be the film, books, painting, dance, all give you an would always be innovative and come back documentary, even though there’s going to inside look at the cultural dynamic of the with a new sound, whether it was Latin jazz be a mini-series because his life was very person. Very few of us got to his level… he or his Afro-Cuban roots or he would go back flamboyant. He was a very extroverted, was advanced in his field. The essence of his to his Puerto Rican heritage. He would stick wonderful human being. His life is going to work was monumental. The kind of person his timbal-playing into other genres just be longer than what you can share in a docu- that he was, he was really authentically am- to keep up with the new generation. One mentary. There are also plans of releasing a bitious. His music transcended cultures and thing’s for sure, if you listen to a Tito Puente musical album, his whole retrospective done went into the unification of humanity. We’re album, even today, it sounds so advanced for by contemporary artists of today. That’s re- trying to bring his magic to life. his time. Again, I’m happy that we got this ally the key to the whole thing, to embrace Knowing him on a personal level, how opportunity and I’m so happy to be working that he’s the Latin jazz king. His career ran would you describe Tito Puente, the with Mr. Olmos and his sons, they’re great from 1946 until the 2000’s when he passed friend? producers. A new generation is going to away. He made music like “Oye Como Va” Edward: We did a lot of things together discover fantastic music. which was an institutional classic and has throughout time. I had such a kick with him. If Tito Puente were alive today, how do been done by different artists and personi- With these projects, I want people to get the you think he would have reacted to this fied by Carlos Santana. It will be an inspi- full range of who he was. He was no angel docuseries and film? rational piece of work. It’s been an ongoing but he was a really authentic, really pas- Edward: We talked about this when he process. The timing is everything. sionate, and vibrant human being who gave was alive! Why is it important to tell his life and more than he received. Every person that Tito: I think he would say, “don’t ask me success story now, 20 years after his pass- has heard his music has been touched by it. any question, man!” He’ll say something sar- ing? It’s time we solidify it with an understand- castic. And I think he’ll get a kick out of it, Tito Puente Jr.: I’m so excited that we’re ing of his life so that in turn, 100 years from especially knowing that Edward is doing it. teaming up with Mr. Olmos and that he’s a now, people will know more of him. Is there a set release date for these fan of my late father, practically his whole Tito, what was the family’s initial projects? life and he loves mambo music. I’m glad that reaction upon receiving the news? Did Edward: There’s no rush but yet we’re all we got someone on board that knows my you have to think about it or was it an im- in a rush. 2020 marks his 20th anniversary, father’s music, he was a very good friend of mediate “yes”? that’s why we’re doing this but it’ll be here my father too, and we’re celebrating his life Tito: It was a no brainer for me! We’ve when it needs to be here. and his legacy on the 20th-year anniversary seen everything Mr. Olmos has produced of his passing. Everything that we’re going and it’s absolutely phenomenal. My mother to put together is going to be something to has always been a fan. They’ve known each Beyonce Demands be seen. The fans deserve to hear the story other for many years. I know Edward was of Tito Puente from his humble begin- a good friend of my father, he was there at Justice for nings in el barrio in New York to become his passing on May 31st. Both families were the ambassador of Latin music worldwide. going back and forth. We’ve been trying to Breonna Taylor in This might take a few episodes but I know get together for some time now to get some Mr. Olmos is going to have the family’s best sort of story or documentary and bring this Letter to Kentucky interest in mind and he has a vision that we story to life. I’m glad we all got together. all, inclusively, would like to see on screen We’re going to give Edward the best quality Attorney General or through a streaming service. Tito Pu- of footage and insight on how Tito Puente ente’s legacy should be told with the family was at home, the husband, the father. BY ASHLEY IASIMONE in mind. There are over 186 albums in my What do you think these projects will father’s career, so we have plenty of music to signify for the new generation of artists eyoncé has penned a public let- choose from. This is a fantastic opportunity. and music lovers? ter to Daniel Cameron, Attorney My father is truly missed and remembered Tito: My dad has some very big fans, General of Kentucky, urging him and Mr. Olmos is going to bring light to young and old. Everyone loves Tito Puente’s to take action and bring justice someone who impacted Latin American music. He was such a huge influence on the Bto Breonna Taylor three months after her culture in general. new generation and in the 20-year since his murder. Page 35 of 39

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“Three months have passed — and the 40 Years of ‘The performer on stage. LMPD’s investigations have created more “He traveled with me for the first year or questions than answers,” she wrote Sunday Breaks’: Kurtis so, doing shows, live performances,” Blow (June 14). “Three months have passed — and told Billboard earlier in June. “I remember zero arrests have been made, and no officers Blow Remembers having many conversations with him, either have been fired.” on a plane or riding in a car somewhere or “Three months have passed — and Bre- the ‘Dream World’ waiting backstage. He taught me how to onna Taylor’s family still waits for justice. become a man.” Ms. Taylor’s family has not been able to take Surrounding Rap’s With your boombox turned all the way up, time to process and grieve. Instead, they dive into our nostalgic interview with Kurtis have been working tirelessly to rally the First Gold Hit Blow, where he reminisces on 40 years of support of friends, their community, and the “The Breaks,” his friendship with Robert country,” Beyoncé said. BY MICHAEL SAPONARA Ford Jr., why Michael Jordan stopped talk- Taylor was killed on March 13 when ing to him on the quest to his first NBA title, police officers used a battering ram and a quick flashback to the simpler and more. “no-knock” warrant” to enter her apart- times of 1980 takes you to a place Billboard: “The Breaks” is turning ment, where she was asleep and unarmed. where 50 cents gets you a dozen 40-years-old this weekend. What do you They opened fire, striking Taylorat least eggs, $2.25 could purchase a remember most from that time in your eight times. movieA ticket, and hip-hop was still in its life? “Your office has both the power and the commercial infancy. And then Kurtis Blow Kurtis Blow: I remember it being like a responsibility to bring justice to Breonna arrived. dream world. It was a series of miracles and Taylor, and demonstrate the value of a Black A wide-eyed 21-year-old hailing from blessings from God. I was in the right place woman’s life,” Beyoncé wrote to Cameron. Harlem, Blow helped thrust rap into the at the right time and available for all of the She then outlined three critical actions mainstream for the masses with his second promotion and press for the documentation to take: “Bring criminal charges against single “The Breaks,” which celebrates its of this birth of the culture. The record was Jonathan Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and 40th anniversary on Sunday (June 14). The the first certified-gold record in hip-hop. Brett Hankison. Commit to transparency seven-minute “progressive disco-funk” Do you still have the plaque? in the investigation and prosecution of anthem — which is the sub-genre Kurtis Yes, I do. It was the second certified these officers’ criminal conduct. Investigate Blow coined when crafting his signature 12-inch in the history of music. It was one the LMPD’s response to Breonna Taylor’s sound — would go on to notch the Mer- of the first songs to have a hook that was a murder, as well the pervasive practices that cury Records artist a series of music firsts, repetitive chorus and once you heard it, you result in the repeated deaths of unarmed as Blow entered the “dream world” that were hearing it throughout the day. Black citizens.” allowed him to live out his fantasy as rap’s “The Breaks” was one of the first rap “Don’t let this case fall into the pattern of first solo superstar. songs to make the Hot 100. Were the no action after a terrible tragedy,” said Be- “The Breaks” made history as the first charts something you were focused on? yoncé. “With every death of a Black person rap song to ever be gold-certified by the It was something incredible. I was at the hands of the police, there are two real RIAA — yes, he’s still got the plaque — and 21-years-old and the record actually peaked tragedies: the death itself, and the inaction the second 12-inch single overall to go gold. at No. 4 on the Billboard R&B [Songs] chart. and delays that follow it. This is your chance Kurtis’ funky rhymes freed hip-hop from I thought I hit the big time and had a hit to end that pattern. Take swift and decisive the shackles to infiltrate radio dials across record. The chart positions were proof. I’m action in charging the officers. The next the country. The domino effect continued 21, and I just made it into manhood and here months cannot look like the last three.” for Blow to impact the charts, which led to I have the No. 1 record in the country. It was Beyoncé recently honored Taylor on “The Breaks” peaking at No. 87 on the Hot an awesome time for me. June 5, which would have been her 27th 100 and No. 4 on Billboard’s R&B Songs With Robert Ford Jr. passing away in birthday, by posting a link to a petition chart. May, can you speak to your friendship demanding justice. One person in the studio that helped with Rocky and him writing a portion Read her full letter to Daniel Cameron on write and produce the salient “The Breaks” of “The Breaks,” as well as being like a her website. was the late Robert “Rocky” Ford Jr., who father figure to you? passed away at age 70 in May. The hip-hop Here’s a great story about that. Rocky and pioneer played an integral role in Blow’s I were at odds in the studio over this song. rise to stardom, as Kurtis looked at him as a I had developed a love for the piano, which father figure, who helped him shed his shy is my favorite instrument. Denzel [Miller] tendencies and turn into a more evocative comes in the studio — he’s one of the guys Page 36 of 39

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that helped me build my sound — we [rap] artist on the radio nationally between They decided to make a record with this already cut the song and we’re at the part 1980 to 1983. “Christmas Rappin’” record. I’m sitting at creating the solo. With Andre Harrell also passing away J.B.’s house and they ask me what kind of Rocky loves Denzel Miller doing a solo in May, I was wondering if you had any sound I’m looking for with this record. I with a synthesizer, which is an electronic stories to share about your time working said, “James Brown.” I was thinking that instrument and the sound was called a with Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde? — and the No. 1 group was Chic. I said, “I clavinet. Of course, he did the piano solo I had a great time working with Andre would like a style of music that’s a cross first. I wanted the piano, but Rocky wanted Harrell and his partner Alonzo. They came between James Brown and Chic.” I actually the clavinet. So we were going back-and- along at the time I was really a hot producer. gave it its own box with “progressive disco forth and we decided to use both of them. So I put together this song for them that signi- funk.” you’ll hear the clavinet under the piano and fied success in creating hit songs. They put I want to get your opinion on the protests Denzel Miller played the same kind of solo out “AM/PM” and it was just a beat and that against police brutality going on right now and it matched perfectly. went to No. 1 in New York City. I remember following the murder of George Floyd. How about Rocky urging you to be- hearing that on the radio and thinking that My condolences go out to the family of come a better performer? we had arrived. I had a team of writers and George Floyd and all of the families who The problem I had was still being shy. we’d go into the studio and knock out these have lost someone to police brutality and Dealing with people after the show was al- songs like an army. racism. This oppression goes back 400 years ways a problem. Of course, he gave me good How does it feel when artists sample that we’re now standing up and saying, pointers as far as eye contact and focusing your work — like “Basketball” on the Like “Take a look!” Thank God for the cell phone on one person in the crowd, then move Mike soundtrack? because it’s finally being exposed after all across to the next one with eye contact in Whenever that happens, it’s a straight these years. There are so many things about the audience and smile and be happy. If honor. My appreciation goes out to all the systemic racism that are now being exposed. you’re smiling, you’re projecting happiness artists that covered my songs. The best form There’s a lot of pain coming to the fore- and that’s gonna make people feel good of flattery is doing a cover to their songs. front. There’s a lot of mental health issues inside when they leave. He explained the job Next went triple-platinum with that “Too Black people have been faced with for 400 of an entertainer is to entertain. You don’t Close” song. years. There’s racism in religion, institu- want them to feel bad or be angry, you want There was a band called Queen, who did a tions, and it’s something that’s infiltrated them to be happy and that’s when they’ll song called “Another One Bites the Dust,” society for 400 years. I think the encourag- come back to get more. and that uses the “Christmas Rappin’” ing thing about this is to see all the multicul- The performance aspect of it — we dis- bassline. They just did Bohemian Rhapsody, tural protestors out there fighting for equal cussed crowd response, which was so very and they talked about creating that beat rights. I see white people out there saying, important. In the first shows of hip-hop, and they asked them where’d they got the “Black lives matter.” I think there’s hope for making the people in the audience part of bassline from, and the dude was silent in the this country and we’re ready for change. the concert was very important. People movie. I’m not mad, I have a lot of songs that What did you think of ESPN’s The Last love that, and want to go to the next club. did get credit. It lets you know that it’s a real Dance docu-series? That was a big feather in the cap of hip-hop. classic. Yes, I relived all of that stuff. I was hang- It gained so much popularity because of Are there any artists now that remind you ing out with Charles Oakley, that was my the crowd response, and Rocky was a big of yourself? buddy. He actually called me when he got stickler for it. He was telling me to analyze I see a lot of myself in Nas. I say that traded to the Knicks and I gave him all the my audience, because you’ll get caught out because his lyrical content is really consci- telephone numbers to all the DJs in New there without a response. entious. At one point, I was like that myself. York. I wrote a song for Michael Jordan “The Breaks” really helped push hip- I see a lot of myself in Drake. His melodies called “Jordan.” It was a crazy good song, hop into the mainstream. and that’s one thing I can say that I was do- but we never put it out. I was hanging out Yes, it definitely did — because it was a ing back in 1980. I like his stuff. He’s taking with Jordan when the Bulls finally got to a pop song. It was a huge radio record, and it to the next level and I wish we could’ve Finals against the Lakers when I was living opened the door to radio for [hip-hop]. I done something together. in Los Angeles. The press got a hold of me think it was the seventh or eighth rap record What did you think of the backlash disco before they got to the Finals during the play- ever made. So you had this possibility of was receiving around 1980 and were you offs, and I was asked about the Bulls chances careers happening. We opened the door happy to see hip-hop break away from those about getting to the Finals. for radio to say, “Okay, this is normal and roots? I was like, “I don’t know what’s going to not a flash in the pan — and we can support It takes me back to a story I have about happen if they get to play L.A.” I was a big this thing.” I became a big radio artist for this. When Russell introduced me to two Lakers fan. So Michael got wind of that, and a couple of years after that. I was the only producers in J.B. Moore and Robert Ford. I haven’t talked to him since. That was a lo- Page 37 of 39

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cal interview in L.A., but it hit the AP. Oak- Barbra Streisand Tekashi 6ix9ine ley called me and said, “Michael’s pissed at you, don’t come to the game.” I went to the Gifts George and Nicki Minaj game and [Jordan] did not acknowledge me. I was hollering at him like, “Mike, Mike.” He Floyd’s Daughter Aim for U.K.’s just walked away. I did end up seeing him 10 years later after he retired at a function with Gianna With Highest New Russell Simmons and he grabbed us both and gave us big hugs. Disney Stock Debut With ‘Trollz’ What’s the update on the Universal Hip- Hop Museum coming to the Bronx in 2023? BY HERAN MAMO BY LARS BRANDLE That’s been a dream for the last eight years. This Universal Hip-Hop Museum, arbra Streisand gifted George ekashi 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj we open the doors in 2023, but we start Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter Gi- are bound for the highest new construction in July. The location is 65 East anna with Disney stock and two entry on the U.K. singles chart 149th St. across from the Bronx Terminal of her television specials over the with “Trollz”. Market. It’s a dream brick-and-mortar loca- Bweekend, Billboard can confirm. TAfter a busy weekend of sales and stream- tion that everyone can come and learn the Gianna, whose father’s murder in Min- ing activity, “Trollz” starts at No. 5 on the history, legacies, stories, and see the memo- neapolis in May sparked protests against Official Chart: First Look. rabilia of this incredible culture all in one police brutality all across the world, shared It’s on track to secure Minaj her highest- place. It’s also going to support the present- a message of gratitude to the EGOT super- charting single in the U.K. since Little Mix’s day hip-hop as well. star on her Instagram Saturday (June 13). 2018 hit “Woman Like Me,” on which as- Do you care about getting into the Rock & She showed off a folder from Disney as well sisted. “Woman Like Me” peaked at No. 2. Roll Hall of Fame one day? as Streisand’s early TV specials My Name is Tekashi 6ix9ine has only impacted the It’s so painful at times, because I see art- Barbra from 1965 and Color Me Barbra from U.K. top 10 on one occasion, with his “come- ists like Run D.M.C. and Grandmaster Flash 1966. back” track “Gooba,” which hit No. 6 last [getting in]. Of course, it’s a little frustra- “Thank You @barbrastreisand for my month. tion, pain, jealousy, and envy. Bottom line, package, I am now a Disney Stockholder A portion of the proceeds from the single, the Bible says you store your treasures up in thanks to you,” Floyd’s daughter wrote. It’s including merch items, will benefitThe Bail heaven, so I’m not concerned with that. I’ve unclear how many shares the multihyphen- Project, Minaj explains, which provides experienced so much love and joy being in ate purchased for Gianna. free bail assistance to low-income individu- hip-hop while traveling the world. I’ve met Streisand told Billboard: “I sent Gianna als who can’t afford to pay bail while await- all my heroes and told them I love them. I videos where I played a little girl in my first ing their trial. met Michael Jackson, Prince, The Tempta- television special singing kid songs and my Leading the U.K. sales blast is DaBaby’s tions, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. second special a sequence with lots of baby reigning champ “Rockstar” featuring Roddy That’s big for me, just getting out there and animals.” Ricch, which is aiming for a fifth non-con- showing love. I know I’ve done many great Streisand isn’t the only Grammy award- secutive week at the summit of the Official things, and I’m secure in that. winning artist investing in Gianna’s future. Singles Chart. Billboard confirmed earlier in June that Just behind is Lady Gaga and Ariana Kanye West organized a 529 education Grande’s former leader “Rain On Me,” plan that fully covers the 6-year-old girl’s which is unchanged in second place. college tuition. Gianna also received a full The Official U.K. Singles Chart is pub- scholarship from Texas Southern University lished Friday evening local time. in honor of her father’s “powerful legacy” and Houston roots, according to the university’s official press release. See her latest gift from Streisand below. Page 38 of 39

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Lady Gaga’s Samsung Rolling One To Watch: ‘Chromatica’ Out BTS-Themed Remi Wolf on How Enters Week Two Phones & Earbuds Island Supports

Atop Australia’s BY GIL KAUFMAN Her ‘Drastic,

Chart he ARMY is about to have their Crazy’ Ideas own signature communication de- BY LARS BRANDLE vice. Samsung has announced that BY GAB GINSBERG it is a special edition dedicated ady Gaga’s Chromatica (Interscope/ Tto BTS. The Galaxy S20 Plus BTS Edition y the time Remi Wolf started high Universal) hangs on for has an iridescent purple exterior and the school in the Bay Area, she had a second week at No. 1 in Australia, BTS logo on the back and the band’s heart joined a music center that held as DaBaby’s “Rockstar” (Interscope/ icon on the camera array; it is available with recitals every week. “I was con- LUniversal) completes a month at the top. matching Galaxy Buds Plus earbuds. Bstantly learning new songs and classics, Like Chromatica, which also snares the U.K. According to Samsung, the phone also Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, the Beach chart lead for a second week (by a narrow comes with photo cards of the band in the Boys,” she recalls. “Getting to learn a bunch margin), is Gaga’s fourth No. 1 Down Under. box as a keepsake for fans. “Galaxy S20+ and of songs and perform a lot was definitely The highest new debut this week belongs Galaxy Buds+ BTS Edition are the result of a foundational.” to Melbourne alternative rock act Rolling collaboration between BTS, whose mem- At the same time, she had to split her time Blackouts Coastal Fever, whose sopho- bers spread messages of love and harmony training as a competitive skier; she attended more album Sideways To New Italy arrives through music, and Samsung, which is school two days a week, which she comple- (Ivy League/Universal) at No. 5 on the ARIA creating a better future with meaningful in- mented with an independent study program Albums Chart and is the best-selling vinyl novation,” said Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice through junior year. “That’s when I decided album of the week. It’s the followup to their President and Head of Global Marketing to stop doing that myself, because it was debut Hope Downs, which peaked at No. 24 Team of Mobile Communications Business, crazy,” she says. in June 2018. Samsung Electronics in a statement. “We As skiing fell to the sidelines, she spent Sideways To New Italy impacts the Official hope it will be a source of joy and entertain- the next decade trying to figure out who U.K. Albums Chart this week, at No. 45. ment for fans and consumers around the she wanted to be as an artist. She started Also bowing in the Australian top 5 is The world.” writing songs in college — she attended Ghost Inside’s self-titled fifth album, at No. The BTS edition also has band-inspired USC’s Thornton School of Music — and by 5, a new career high. Android themes and a preinstalled copy the time she graduated, she says she “started The Ghost Inside (Epitaph/RKT) is the of BTS’ preferred social media platform, finding my sound production-wise.” American metalcore act’s second title to Weverse. She started uploading her music online, impact the chart after Dear Youth, their Fans can pre-order the BTS phone begin- occupying the space of pop-funk, and now, most recent set which peaked at No. 16 in ning on Monday (June 15) exclusively from after signing a recording contract with November 2014. Weverse (only in South Korea and the U.S.); Island Records at the top of the year, the U.S. hip-hop duo Run The Jewels bag a the phone and earbuds will also be avail- 24-year-old is ready to “unleash” her first career-best No. 25 bow for RTJ4 (BMGWar- able to pre-order online from Samsung. major-label EP, I’m Allergic To Dogs!, which ner), their collab-heavy first album release com beginning on June 19. The devices will will arrive June 24. since Run The Jewels 3, which peaked at No. officially go on sale on July 9, marking the Between the ages of 7-17, Wolf com- 36 in January 2017. seventh anniversary of the ARMY. muted from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, DaBaby’s almost weekly (and even lived there for a “Rockstar” featuring Roddy Ricch enters a few years) to hone her ski racing skills. All fourth week at No. 1. The international hit is the while, she was juggling multiple music also the leader on both sides of the Atlantic. projects — from singing in a female “bar- And finally, after performing “Supalonely” bershop quartet-style” trio, to writing and (Universal) with Gus Dapperton on The performing songs around her hometown Tonight Show last week, New Zealand-born in a band with friends. But her sport only singer Benee sees her latest release climb grew more demanding, and eventually 11-6, a new peak. something had to give; at 18, Wolf decided Page 39 of 39

IN BRIEF

to prioritize music. Soon after making that decision, and while still a high school senior, Wolf auditioned for American Idol (she sang Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”) and her performance ended up airing on the 2014 season. She quickly put the show behind her and moved to Los Angeles for college, where she studied music theory and history, and became much more interested in writing her own songs. She says of one of her earliest compositions, “Crawl,” written her junior year: “That was the first song where I really felt like I told the truth.” By the fall of 2019, after college gradu- ation, Wolf was eager to take her project to the next level by scoring a recording contract. That summer, she had organized a mini concert tour in New York City, and Island Records A&R representative Hill Coulson happened to catch one of her sets. By September of that year, she started negotiating with the label and by this January, she signed the contract. Wolf says she knew that Coulson “would have my back and be on my side,” and she was impressed with Island president Darcus Beese’s track record of signing acts like Amy Winehouse and Florence + the Machine. Her first Island release, “Woo!” arrived in April accompanied by a far-out video. “I always knew I wanted my visuals to be really drastic, pretty crazy,” says Wolf, referring to her zany concepts for songs like “Woo!” and “Disco Man.” “I felt like the only way I could do that was to be backed by a company that had the funds to make that happen.” Wolf had planned to spend her spring supporting Republic Records breakout BENEE on a tour that has since been postponed due to the pandemic, but has developed a strong quarantine game plan in the meantime: “I’ve taken the route of, ‘Make these videos, release content, post on social media, reply to people’s PMs and pray that people connect with my music,” she says of her her upcoming EP that follows 2019’s You’re A Dog! Wolf also recognizes that all artists are all in the same boat — and that she’s not alone in this incredibly uncertain time. “We’re all mutually trying to find ways to get our music heard and connect with fans in really creative ways,” she says. “It’s a whole other ball game.”