Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JULY 29, 2021 Page 1 of 25

INSIDE The Good and Bad of Spotify’s Q2

• Olivia Rodrigo’s 2021 Earnings: Analysis Radio Reign Continues: ‘She’s BY GLENN PEOPLES Hitting Our Listeners Right in the Heart’ Passing judgement on Spotify’s second-quarter 2021 guidance would be hard to pin down because of earnings depends on one’s point of view. A creator “substantial uncertainty.” Investors didn’t like to hear • Lollapalooza to Require Vaccination or rights holder might look to increasing revenues that, either: Spotify’s share price fell 9% that day. It Card or Negative (up 23% year over year) and growing royalties (cost goes to show you can’t please everybody. Test for Entry of sales was 1.67 billion euros) as indicators that the The essence of Q2 2021 earnings can be boiled company continues to underpin a growing music down to these six topics. • Range Media Launches Record industry — setting aside opinions on the amounts MAUs Label With Capitol & of royalties paid to non-superstar artists. Investors The standout metric in Spotify’s Q2 earnings was Virgin can look to Spotify as a corollary for today’s music monthly average users, which grew 9 million from 356 business before putting money into public (WMG, Vi- to 365 million — with 7 million of those coming from • Nas’ 2014 ‘Illmatic’ Concert in South vendi, Hipgnosis) or private (Primary Wave, Concord) new subscribers. Though paid subs were on the high Africa Spawns music companies. end of guidance, ad-supported listeners were below Charitable NFT Investors, having run up Spotify’s share price to expectations — and the same thing happened in the Collection $387 back on Feb. 22, were obviously disappointed first quarter. This can be interpreted in a couple ways. • Post Malone with monthly active user growth of just 2 million free On one hand, free listeners are worth a fraction of Announces the (ad-supported) listeners this time around. To put subscribers and so a high ratio of subscribers to MAUs Return of Posty Fest that small number in context, in the last two years is desirable. On the other hand, fewer free listeners to- quarterly growth had surpassed 10 million on four day could mean Spotify has fewer listeners to convert MARKET WATCH occasions, and hadn’t dipped below 5 million. After to paying subscribers in the future. MAU growth was PAGE 22 Spotify lowered its guidance for end-of-year MAU, also weak in Q1, suggesting investors tend to have the SONGWRITERS its share price dropped as much as 10% and closed at second interpretation. MAU shortfalls in India, Brazil & PRODUCERS $223.32, down 5.7%. and parts of Southeast Asia and slower adoption CHARTS Not that the quarter’s MAU tally was a surprise. rates in some newly launched markets. “All of these PAGES 23 - 25 Spotify pointedly stated in its Q4 2020 earnings that (continued)

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On August 28th, Billboard will publish its annual 40 CONTACTS : Under 40 Issue, celebrating the next generation of leaders in the music industry. This issue will profile Joe Maimone | 201.301.5933 40 power players who are making their mark in music, [email protected] touring and live entertainment. Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 These progressive young leaders’ innovation and [email protected] creativity will continue to create excitement in the music business. Cynthia Mellow | 615.352,0265 Advertise in this issue to reach the music industry’s [email protected] most influential and affluent - from the young disrupters to the seasoned veterans - who paved Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 the way. [email protected] ON SALE : 8/28 | +447843437176 Issue Close: 8/18 Ryan O’Donnell Materials Due: 8/19 [email protected] Page 3 of 25

IN BRIEF

regions were hard hit by COVID,” said CEO U.S. family plan, for example, and a simi- posite directions — and can produce positive Daniel Ek, and Spotify “lost about a quarter lar amount for three discount plans in the results. As Billboard wrote in June, falling of growth between Q1 and Q2.” United Kingdom. The company is comfort- churn improves a subscriber’s lifetime value Engagement! able raising prices in 42 markets because even if ARPU falls. It’s notable that both Ek said Spotify’s strategy “is really engagement has remained high and signals a moved in the same direction in Q2. ARPU focused on increasing engagement.” More “very loyal customer base,” said Ek, and ex- has fallen 11.7% from 4.86 euros in Q2 2019 engagement equals more subscribers that plains “why subscriber growth has been so to 4.12 euros in Q1. But in Q2, ARPU rose to stay with the service longer (resulting in strong as well.” That suggests Spotify could 4.29 euros, the highest mark since 4.41 euros lower churn). Unfortunately, Spotify doesn’t hesitate to raise prices again if engagement in Q2 2020. This happened because Spotify release metrics for engagement such as lis- slips. So, again, engagement is crucial. claims to have successfully raised prices in tening hours per user or time spent listening Margins 40 markets in Q1 without hurting churn or per session. But Ek provides some evidence Even though Spotify focuses on en- engagement. Also, new, sticky product fea- that engagement is increasing. Ek said Spo- gagement and listener growth, it doesn’t tures and family plans helped reduce churn tify released “more than 20 significant new overlook key financial metrics such as gross by 23 basis points (0.23 percentage points features over the last few months,” from col- margin. Q2’s improvement in gross margin y/y and “down modestly” from Q1). laborative listening to Greenroom, Spotify’s was mostly a mirage but still noteworthy. The Long Game answer to Clubhouse. Spotify also wants to Gross margin shows how much revenue is Rather than focus on Spotify’s growth create engagement between listeners and left over after paying royalties and other cost in any one- or two-quarter span, consider creators by launching tools that increase of sales. Spotify had on its books accrued whether where it’s headed in the next two the number of creators from 8 million to publishing royalties but in Q2 determined to or three years. Year-over-year growth in 50 million and build bonds between them. reverse some of the accruals, thus reducing 2021 is misleading because Spotify ex- Ek added that engagement with podcasts royalties and increasing revenue in the quar- ceeded expectations during the first year (which number 2.9 million, up from 2.6 ter. With the help of that one-time event, of the pandemic, Ek said. “We’re still on million in Q1) was up 95% y/y and up 30% gross margin improved from 25.5% in Q1 to track to outpacing the average growth from on a per-user basis. One has to wonder how 28.4% in Q2. Removing the one-time release the past two years in this year. We’re just long Spotify can keep up this engagement of accrued royalties, gross margin would comparing it to an exceptional 2020.” That arms race with a dizzying pace of new fea- have been 26.5% — lower but still ahead of said, Spotify’s goal of becoming the leading ture launches, investments in podcasts and the 23.6 to 25.6% guidance. (Gross margin audio platform — music and podcasts — is acquisitions. was also 26.5% in Q4 2020 and had averaged increasingly pressured by major players Raising Prices 25.6% over the previous 8 quarters.) Spotify such as Apple Music, Amazon, iHeartRadio Spotify’s price hikes in 42 markets were said Q2 margins were also boosted by pod- and SiriusXM. Ek’s goal of reaching 2 billion a hot topic in the Q1 earnings call and Ek cast revenue and the two-sided marketplace. users won’t be easy. addressed the topic again on Wednes- ARPU and Churn day. The increases were modest at $1 in the ARPU and churn usually move in op-

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2 0 2 1 PHOTO FINISH RECORDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo Finish Records is an independent record label CONTACTS boasting a diverse roster including Alternative Rock, Indie Pop, Electro Pop, and Hip Hop that has amassed billions of Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] streams and over 40 million tracks sold. Lee Ann Photoglo The New York City-based label was created and founded 615.376.7931 | [email protected] by Matt Galle and 2021 will celebrate its fifteenth year of success. As the label grew and developed, Matt brought in Cynthia Mellow his business partner Mike Marquis to co-run the label with 615.352,0265 | [email protected] him. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Photo Finish has forged a well-deserved reputation for developing and breaking an eclectic roster of artists Ryan O’Donnell including 3OH!3, SHAED, The Maine, Marian Hill, Mister- +447843437176 | [email protected] Wives, ROZES, The Mowgli's, and new signings Ross Copperman, CAL, Elliot Lee, Lakeview, guardin, and joan.

Photo Finish Records is distributed through Virgin Music Artist & Label Services. The team along with Matt and Mike includes Drew Kaklamanos, Gerardo Cueva, Michael Collin, Taylor Flynn, and Shane Friedman.

ISSUE DATE 8/28 | AD CLOSE 8/18 | MATERIALS DUE 8/19 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1925

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country

Albums; Brett Youngscaling Pop ‘Catc Airplay as anh album’-es cut, Fifth not as good,” Airplay muses Ben Davis, Alpha Media pop Olivia Rodrigo’s a properly promoted single like her other format captain and operations manager of Leader; Travis threeDenning charted entries.) Makes HistoryPop Airplay reporter WDJX Louisville, Ky. Radio Reign Pop radio programmers are both marvel- Erik Fox, pd of Alpha Media’s KLLY ing at and helping to contribute to Rodrigo’s Bakersfield, Calif., which also contributes to SamContinues: Hunt’s second studio full-length, ‘She’s and first in oversuccess, five years, with Southside “Good 4 U”sales and (up “Deja 21%) Vu”in the trackingthe week. Pop On Airplay Country chart, Airplay, cites it hops both 18-15 the (11.9sound mil - (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville), debutsranking at No. 1as on the Billboard two most’s lion played audience songs impressions, on andup 16%). lyrics as drivers (no pun intended) of Top Country Albums chart dated April 18. In its first multipleweek (ending stations April 9), in it the latest tracking week. Rodrigo’s second No. 1 at the format. “’Good earnedHitting 46,000 equivalent Our album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cording to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. “Olivia is unstoppableand at thistotal point,” Country says Airplay No.4 U’ 1 as has “Catch” such (Big a great Machine summer Label vibe Group) that’s ascends ListenersSouthside marks Hunt’s Right second No. 1 onin the Erik Bradley, music director at Audacy- fresh.2-1, increasing It also connects 13% to 36.6 with million anyone impressions. that’s chart and fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP owned KNOU Los Angeles and assistant dealtYoung’s with a first hard of breakup.” six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallothe Heart’, which arrived at the summit in No - program director/md at WBBM-FM out“She You,” also reached really rocksNo. 2 in it Decemberon her track 2016. ‘Bru He- vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, Chicago, both of which report to the Pop tal,’followed which with is excellent,” the multiweek adds No. Jeremy 1s “In Case Rice, You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionBY GARY in album TRUST sales. Airplay chart. “Both ‘Deja Vu’ and ‘Good 4 CoxYou” Media (three, Group January pop 2018), format “Mercy” leader (two, and August Montevallo has spent 267 weeks on the list, tying U’ are massive, with more to follow.” WBLI2018) andNassau, “Here N.Y., Tonight” pd. The (two, fellow April 2019).Sour song Luke Bryano’s paraphraseCrash My Party Olivia as the Rodrigo’s sixth-longest- R Dub!, pd at Pop Airplay panelist XHTZ reached“Catch” No. completes 29 on the his Alternative longest journey Airplay to No. 1, running titles“Good in the 4 chart’s U,” pop 56-year radio history. found a new San Diego, points to Rodrigo’s lyrics, and charthaving in takenJune. 46 “There weeks are, to reach like, the seven apex. or It eight out- On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” girl and it only took … less than six those of her main writing partner (and Billy hits on this album,” Rice says. rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after the No.months. 3-peaking Montevallo. Joel fan), Dan Nigro, as key to her appeal. aIf new “Drivers high. License,” “Deja Vu” and “Good THuntThe songfirst releasedrules Billboard the EPX2C ’s Pop, which Air debuted- “I think Olivia’s storytelling ability was re- 4 U” weren’t evidence enough that (to, andplay peaked chart (datedat No. 5July on Top 31) Countryfor a second Albums week, in Augustally what2014. wasFollowing missing [onCOMBS pop radio] ‘DOES’ as IT of AGAIN Lukeagain, Combs borrow’ “Does from to Me” the (RiverPop Airplay House/Columbia chart’s Montevallopacing the, singer-songwriterBetween the Pines: Acoustic and actress’ Mixtape startedlate. at She’s its No. hitting 7 high our in targetNashville), listeners featuring right Eric Churchcurrent, ascends top title), 11-8 Rodrigo’son Country career Airplay, is up really 10% to Novemberhaul of three 2015. titles currently on the survey. in the heart with lyrics like24.7 (inmillion “Deja in audience.Vu”), Thetakin’ song off, is Combs’ “Traitor” eighth is furtherstraight career-openingcementing her Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:Prior single “Leave (by the about Night two On,” months) “Take Your “Deja Time,” “House‘So when Party” you and gonna “Make tellpromoted her that weNo. did 1 singles. star status. YouVu” Miss continues Me.” “Break its steady Up in ascent,a Small Town”pushing peaked 5-4, at No.that 2. too? / She thinks it’s special,Church addsbut it’s his all15th CountryRice Airplay calls topthe 10. ballad “a beautifully made andHunt “Traitor” co-penned debuts all 12 at songs No. 40. on HerSouthside break,- includingreused “Body …’ “Like a Back record.” Road,”through which smash was “Drivers released inLicense” 2017. The reigned smash hit ruled “ICountry mean, Airplay wow. Listen for THATto just TOOK about QUITE any ‘A FEW’ “It’sMONTHS still Travis early onDenning ‘Traitor,’ shatters but theevery record- for threefor five weeks weeks and thein airplay-,March and streaming- April, following and sales-based other Hot song Country on our Songs playlist the today most weeksand the it has lyr -takenthing to penetrate I see on the the Country song saysAirplay the top audience 10 as “After is chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridaits debut Georgia in January. Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks atop theics latter do not list havein 2017-18). the gravitylion of in Olivia’s.” radio reach. seeking it out and listening to it again and “Downtown’sAll four songs Dead,” are from which Rodrigo’s is also on debut the new set, reachedSonically, Nos. 14Rodrigo and 15 is alsoThe adding song surpasseselements two tracksagain,” that Davis took shares. 50 weeks The each song to enter was theRodrigo’s top 10: onGeffen/Interscope Hot Country Songs andalbum CountrySour, whichAirplay, has respectively, to pop in June radio 2018. that “Kin make- herEaston songs Corbin stand’s out,“A Girl Likesecond-most You,” which streamedreached No. in 10 the in latestJanuary tracking 2018 be - folks”topped led the Country Billboard Airplay 200 on for Feb. four 29, weeks becoming and Hunt’s including seventh theNo. drum1. It hit and foreguitar peaking crunch at No. in 6 that February,week, with and Aaron 13 million Watson U.S.’s clicks,“Outta Style,”just ahead which No.earned 3 on Hot1.7 million Country equivalent Songs. album units, “Good 4 U.” “It has that achievedearly 2000s, its No. Avril 10 high in Decemberof “Deja Vu” 2017. (12.6 million) and trailing only Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker according to MRC Data. (“Traitor” is so far Lavigne, pop-punk vibe that sounds so “Good 4 U” (24.4 million). eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

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IN BRIEF

“So, why not play a song the audience cases of COVID-19, CNBC reported. That wants to hear?” Davis says. “Yes, there’s a festival had similar safeguards to Lolla- Range Media lot of Olivia on the radio right now, but if palooza’s. we’re a reflection of pop culture and what Despite the recent spike in cases caused Launches Record the audience wants to hear, then that’s what by the highly contagious delta variant, Dr. we should be doing. The data and metrics Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Label With we see on her are unlike what I’ve seen in a Chicago Department of Public Health, long time. Pop has been waiting for an artist said this week that she feels comfortable Capitol & Virgin like Olivia Rodrigo.” with Lollapalooza going ahead as planned because of the precautions organizers are BY TATIANA CIRISANO taking, saying they have gone “above and Lollapalooza beyond.” In addition to the entry require- ange Media Partners, a fast-grow- ments, organizers have looked at air ing management firm launched to Require ventilation for any indoor spaces, made sure last September, now has its own backstage workers are vaccinated, will make record label: Range Music. Vaccination Card masks available and will test ticket-takers. RThe label announced Thursday (July “I would not feel comfortable moving 29) is a partnership with Capitol Music or Negative Test ahead with Lollapalooza without COVID Group (CMG) and its Virgin Music & Art- protocols in place,” Arwady said. “I don’t ist Label Services Company, which will for Entry think I would feel comfortable if this were together handle worldwide physical and an indoor event, either. And I frankly don’t digital distribution for all Range Music BY ASSOCIATED PRESS think I would feel comfortable if we were releases. Range Media represents the likes sitting in Louisiana right now, where cases of Mariah Carey, Jack Harlow, Midland, he hordes of people expected to are looking like they’re looking.” Justin Tranter and PARTYNEXTDOOR, descend on Chicago’s Grant Park Although the number of new daily cases and according to a press release, Range for the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago has climbed, from 104 a week ago Media artists who are “concluding existing this week will be required to to 176 as of Wednesday, the city hasn’t had recording contracts” will have the ability to Tshow proof that they’ve been vaccinated for the kind of surge many other parts of the sign to Range Music. “Range Media Partners COVID-19 or tested negative for the disease country have experienced in recent weeks, is a home for creators and managers alike,” within the last three days. and its daily average number of deaths and Range Media co-founder and managing The four-day festival starts Thursday and hospitalizations have dropped slightly. partner Matt Graham said ini a statement. is expected to be back at full capacity, with “We’re taking COVID seriously,” Arwady “As a collective of experienced managers roughly 100,000 daily attendees. After miss- said. who came from across the industry’s best ing last summer because of the threat of the At the same time, “When you’re having companies, we benefit from a diversity of coronavirus, it will easily be Chicago’s larg- this many folks who are coming through ideas, tastes and relationships that help to est gathering since the pandemic started, almost certainly there will be some cases. create a tremendous multiplier effect for and one of the country’s. But I’m confident that the combination of our management clients and any artists that This year’s festival will look very differ- what we know about limiting risk in outdoor we partner with at our new Range Music ent than in the past. To gain entry, attendees settings, pairing that with vaccination and label. We endeavor to provide a safe harbor will have to present their vaccination cards or testing and ideally mostly vaccination, for artists and managers to grow and take or a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 which is what we expect, as well as all the advantage of our ample resources across the test that is no more than 72 hours old. That other mitigation factors. entire entertainment landscape.” means that anyone with a four-day pass who Lollapalooza officials did not immediately Given that Range Media also represents isn’t vaccinated will have to get tested twice. respond to a request for further informa- film directors like Michael Bay and M. Night Furthermore, anyone who isn’t vaccinated tion on its screening process, but on the Shyamalan, the company says it will now be will have to wear a mask. festival’s website, they say that there will be able to provide new synch and soundtrack Public health officials and others have people manning every entryway to search all opportunities to Range Music artists. raised concerns that such a large gathering, bags that attendees are carrying as well as The nearly year-old Range Media was even outdoors, risks turning into a super- make sure nobody is allowed entry carrying launched by a group of top agents amid spreader event. Officials in the Netherlands anything other than small purses, totes and a pandemic-related agency exodus last were shocked after a much smaller music drawstring bags. fall. Range Media’s music division is helmed festival attended by 20,000 people over two by managing partners Graham, Tyler days early this month led to nearly 1,000 Henry, Jack Minihan, Melissa Ruder- O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

2021 NEW & R ENOVATED VENUES

On September 18th Billboard will provide CONTACT readers with an exclusive backstage Cynthia Mellow | 615.352.0265 pass into the newest and latest renovated [email protected] venues around the world. This special Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 feature will assess the architecture, [email protected] production capabilities, sound, capacity Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 level, fan amenities, and more that entice [email protected] talent to these highly anticipated venues. Ryan O’Donnell | +447843437176 Take this opportunity to advertise your venue [email protected] and reach key touring industry decision- makers as they plan tour schedules and map Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 out must-play venues. [email protected]

O N S A L E 9 / 1 8 | I SSU E C L O S E 9 / 7 | M A T E R I A L S D U E 9 / 8

Editorial content subject to change Page 9 of 25

IN BRIEF

man, Chris Thomas and Evan Winiker, as gifted never-before-seen video of the full The idea for the 2014 concert came from a well as partners Michele Harrison, Greg concert, which also celebrated the 20th chance meeting the year prior between Nas Johnson and Rachel Douglas. All of them anniversary of the end of apartheid in and Gutstadt, who had the idea to create will run the label as a collaborative ef- South Africa. orchestral tracks based on Illmatic. Once fort, according to a spokesperson for the While the eight animated NFTs were Gutstadt finished composing the tracks, company. Every Range Media manager is a compiled using footage from the concert, the Nas performed them live at the April 19 financial stakeholder in the company, mean- audio featured in each is not from the live show while backed by Gutstadt’s chamber ing that all managers will be shareholders in show but instead consists of re-recorded or- ensemble, The Hipster Orchestra, as well as Range Music. chestral interpretations created by Gutstadt, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. “We are excited to be partnering with who is also the founder and former CEO of “Playing in South Africa a few years ago the great executive talent at Range Media the music licensing company Jingle Punks. was one of the most vibrant and important Partners on our new venture, Range Music, All nine NFTs, which were created by shows – the energy was electric and having that will be devoted to artist development artist Bloo Woods, will be available begin- Jared’s Hipster Orchestra (*now known and utilize the best of Virgin and Capitol ning this Saturday (July 31) at 5 p.m. ET on as Audio Chateau) combined with Johan- to achieve our goals,” CMG chairman/ the NFT marketplace Ethernity.io, which nesburg Philharmonic Orchestra was next CEO Jeff Vaughn and president/COO Mi- curated the sale. Price points on the eight level,” said Nas in a statement. “I have been chelle Jubelirer said in a joint statement. animated posters, all of which are one min- really interested in NFT’s and cryptocurren- “Through our new partnership with ute in length, range from $111 to $888, while cy for a while now, so being able to memo- Range,” added Virgin president Jacqueline the ninth NFT is an auction piece with a rialize that show through NFT’s, while also Saturn, “we can take advantage of Virgin’s starting price of $6,969. continuing to support Africa with the sale of ability to execute artist-friendly recording Fifty percent of Nas’ proceeds from the each of these concert clips, is real cool.” agreements and expedite the signing pro- NFT sale as well as 2.5% of Ethernity’s pro- “Performing in Johannesburg with Nas cess, enabling us to focus on breaking artists ceeds will go to Nile Rodgers’ We Are Fam- on the 20th Anniversary Illmatic was one of and enhancing the careers of established ily Foundation, which “focuses on initiatives the most significantly creative and cultural talent, together.” that unite the world by famously empower- moments of my career,” added Gutstadt. ing youth around the world who are chang- “Being able to commemorate this as a col- ing the game with their ideas, innovations lectible music moment is exactly what the Nas’ 2014 ‘Illmatic’ and social good solutions.” Like Nas, Rodg- NFT market is built for. The 30,000+ people ers’ art also has a South Africa connection; in attendance got to physically experience Concert in South the singer-songwriter and guitarist has long this and now our NFT will allow Nas fans claimed that the song from which his foun- and fans of music history to partake in the Africa Spawns dation takes its name, Sister Sledge’s “We experience at a digital level. Nas and Nile Are Family” — which he co-wrote with Ber- Rodgers already have a close connection, Charitable NFT nard Edwards — was a favorite of late South and Nas chosing to include the We Are Fam- African president and anti-apartheid revolu- ily Foundation as the charitable component, Collection tionary Nelson Mandela. Rodgers addition- was truly organic and the money will be ally composed the music for the 1988 Eddie going to a great place.” BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Murphy film Coming to America, which was Added Ethernity founder and CEO Nick the first movie premiere to screen for an Rose, “Illmatic is one of the most iconic as is the latest superstar artist to integrated audience in South Africa. hip-hop records of our time and Ethernity ride the NFT wave. “I’m thrilled that the NAS NFT will be Chain is proud to partner with Audio Up, We The rapper and Jared Guts- raising money for We Are Family Founda- Are Family Foundation, and Nas to offer his tadt’s Audio Up Media are selling tion,” said Rodgers in a statement. “I have first authenticated NFT. We really believe in Na limited number of eight animated digital always been an admirer of Nas as an artist the long-term utility of NFTs. Whether the posters that celebrate Nas’ Apr. 19, 2014 Ill- and as a pioneer and constant innovator of digital assets are used as collector’s items, or matic 20th anniversary concert in Johannes- hip hop. Nas and I have a strong connection to build a fan club, or even for future virtual burg, South Africa as non-fungible tokens to causes linking music and social justice. world and game integrations, there are so (NFTs), Billboard has learned. A single copy It was incredible seeing how Nas and Jared many opportunities for creative exploration. of a ninth NFT, which is described as an brought the 20th Illmatic full circle with The shared experience of Nas and Nile Rodg- artistic representation of Nas and the Il- these powerful images and music. I truly ers expressing their craft in a post Apartheid lmatic album in an afro-futuristic style, is believe that NFTs are just starting to realize South Africa is interwoven into the collec- also going up for sale. their potential not only across the music tion, shining a light on the progress we have Those who purchase the NFTs will be space, but as a vehicle for change.” made and the work we still need to do.” Page 10 of 25

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rights data platform Blokur. Post Malone Indian Rapper The achievement was a sort of redemp- tion for the rapper who in July 2019 drew Announces the Badshah Signs controversy when he claimed that the music video for his song “Paagal” had broken the Return of Posty Global Deal With record for the most YouTube views in 24 hours. After fans of BTS, whose “Boy With Fest Universal Music Luv” held the record at the time, alleged that most of those plays were fake, Badshah BY DARLENE ADEROJU Group posted an Instagram story stating that he employed the standard industry practice of osty Fest is back. BY AMIT GURBAXANI using “paid promotions” to juice his view On Wednesday (July 28), Post count. Malone announced that he will UMBAI — Indian hip-hop YouTube did not verify Badshah’s claim. host and headline the third an- star Badshah has moved Following Billboard’s story outlining how Pnual Posty Fest on Halloween weekend, Oct. majors. “Paagal” had not appeared on their official 30 and 31. In an effort to help prevent the After six years with Sony charts, the video streaming giant issued a spread of COVID-19, this year’s festivities MMusic, the Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi rap- clarification that “paid advertising views” will take place outside of AT&T Stadium in per and singer has inked a global agreement were no longer included in the calculation Arlington, Texas. with Universal Music Group (UMG), the la- of their charts and 24-hour debut records. Special pre-sale tickets will be available bel announced today. Under the multi-year Badshah’s new deal, which will be for purchase online via SeatGeek beginning deal, Badshah, 36, will partner exclusively spearheaded by Universal Music India, is Thursday at 10 a.m. local time. On Ins- with UMG across all elements of his career, his most-concerted effort yet to cross over tagram Wednesday, Post Malone wrote, including future recordings, music publish- internationally. Subsequent releases will be “Presale tomorrow 10am CT, you can use ing rights for non-film compositions, brand issued on the major’s partner labels such as code PF21 for access.” General tickets will licensing and partnerships, according to a Capitol Records in the U.S. and EMI in the be available for purchase beginning Friday, press release. U.K. and will include collaborations “with also at 10 a.m. local time. Badshah, whose real name is Aditya some of the world’s most influential and Malone added in his caption, “The festival Prateek Singh Sisodia, is India’s most popular artists,” UMG says. will be 2 days this year and completely out- well-known hip-hop artist, with a slate of “I want to make music for everybody and doors:) love you guys we’re so happy to be Bollywood and non-film chart toppers in bring the vibrance of India to the world with back @postyfest.” his catalog. According to UMG, his tracks my music and I am happy to partner with News of this year’s Posty Fest comes and videos have generated over 15 billion the UMI team that shares the same agenda nearly three weeks after Post Malone re- streams, and he has 15 songs with more than of global representation,” Badshah says in leased his new song “Motley Crew,” with its 200 million views on YouTube. the press release. speedy, race-car-themed music video. The Some of his biggest hits include the break- The UMG agreement covers his non- song has so far peaked at No. 13 on the Bill- through release “DJ Waley Babu” (Sony Mu- film output, an Indian industry term that’s board Hot 100. sic, 2015), Hindi film cuts “Kala Chashma” synonymous with commercially oriented Since the first Posty Fest in 2018, fellow from Baar Baar Dekho (Zee Music Company, pop music. In recent years, UMG has been artists including Travis Scott, Pharrell Wil- 2016) and “Garmi” from Street Dancer focused on boosting the growth of non-film liams, Meek Mill and Tyler the Creator have 3D (T-Series, 2020), and “Genda Phool” music in India, by “launching labels and appeared at the event. Lineup details will be (Sony Music, 2020), which was the most- signing artists that reinforce the importance announced closer to the event. viewed music video on YouTube in India of original artist culture, and reach audi- last year. ences beyond traditional Bollywood music,” His most recent smash “Paani Paani,” says Adam Granite, UMG’s executive VP of released on Saregama — for which one market development. popular Indian Instagram account claimed “Welcoming Badshah to UMG is the the label paid him Rs3 crore ($400,000) — natural next step in our ambitious plan to spent three weeks atop YouTube’s Global help introduce Indian music to the world, Top Music Videos chart in June and July. which like reggaeton and K-pop in recent (Saregema declined to comment on the fee.) years, has the opportunity to inspire new He was the top songwriter in the world on generations of music fans everywhere,” the YouTube for all of 2020, according to music exec says. Page 11 of 25

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provide fans an immaculate experience from On issues like HIV/AIDS, his rhetoric Saweetie, the lineup to the production to the food. We keeps people afraid, ashamed, and pro- can’t wait to see everyone there,” said 88ris- longs this decades long epidemic. A recent Japanese ing founder Sean Miyashiro in May. study found 1.2M U.S. citizens have HIV, This year, a $1 donation per ticket will en- and 13% of people are living with HIV and Breakfast & More sure that young people in Los Angeles have don’t know it. People living with AIDS have access to creative exploration through In- a significantly higher risk of suicide. Top 88Rising’s ner-City Arts, an arts education provider for DaBaby is wrong in assuming that HIV/ children in Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Purchas- Aids is a queer disease, too. Another 2021 Head in the ers will have the option to donate additional study notes that 23% of diagnoses were funds at checkout. heterosexual last year. Clouds Festival Passes for Head in the Clouds start at The apology he issued only highlights $249. Check out the full lineup below. how much further we need to go in edu- Lineup cating our friends and family. He stated “they don’t got AIDS, my gay fans” because BY TAYLOR MIMS PRYSM they’re not “nasty” or “junkies” and that it was a “call to action.” This is a call to action ead in the Clouds festival is Management to discriminate and divide. I counter with returning with a stacked lineup. a call to action to check out amfAR, The The Southern California fes- Founder Shares Elton John Aids Foundation, The Trevor tival will feature live perfor- Project, or For the Gworls. Hmances from Japanese Breakfast, Saweet- Open Letter I’d also like to counter T.I.’s claim that ie, CL, DPR Live and Beabadoobee. “homosexuals have more rights than hetero- Created by music and media company to DaBaby on sexual people” - this spreads more lies. The 88Rising in partnership with Golden- facts are that in 69 countries it is illegal to voice, the festival will expand to two HIV/AIDS and be gay. Conversion therapy is still legal in days at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasa- 30 states. We are still fighting for equality dena on Nov. 6-7. Head in the Clouds Music Homophobia while courts around the country try to fight & Arts Festival will also feature 88rising against us. flagship artists Joji, NIKI and Rich Brian. BY CORY ANDERSEN This is a disease that has already wiped Additional artists include keshi, Audrey out an entire generation of artists, friends, Nuna, REI AMI and Elephante, as well as ory Andersen is the founder of parents, sons and daughters, brothers and punk rock newcomers The Linda Lindas, PRYSM Management. sisters. We’ve lost, art, we’ve lost music, who went viral with their single “Racist, My name is Cory Andersen. I’m we’ve lost cinema, and we’ve lost our loved Sexist Boy.” Head in the Clouds will also be a music manager to some incredi- ones. announcing a few surprise acts leading up to Cble LGBTQ+ talent, but before my career, I’m Yet, there’s such hope in our community. the festival. a proud member of the queer community. Science has made such tremendous strides For the third year, 88rising welcomes This Sunday, Interscope rapper DaBaby that we can teach U=U (undetectable = un- back the iconic 626 Night Market as food stood in front of 20,000 people and issued transmittable) - where the correct medica- curator for the festival. a direct attack to the LGBTQ+ community. tion makes the amount of virus in someone’s This marks the very first time the Head It was echoed across the internet to mil- body so low it’s undetectable, and people in the Clouds festival, which originally lions more. are able to live unaffected, healthy lives. debuted in 2018, will be held over a span of The words DaBaby used were ignorant, New medicine (PreP) is 99.9% effective in two days, growing from 10,000 attendees in violent, and uneducated. preventing the spread of the disease. 2018 to 22,500 in 2019. Both years took place Since the ‘80s, a negative stigma has In the past few days, I’ve witnessed re- at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, with clouded our friends with HIV/AIDS, stem- cord labels, brands, and talent agencies who star-studded lineups from the Pan-Asian ming from a lack of education across the amplify their queer employees during June community. nation. Words like his only further the remain silent on his comments. “We’re excited to bring back the world’s divisiveness, and lead to increased violence We exist outside of June and are not only greatest Asian music festival to Los Angeles against our community and the HIV+ com- queer during Pride Month. We exist as men, at a new location just outside the historic munity. His words highlight how much women, trans men and trans women, and Rose Bowl. Both the 88rising and Gold- farther we must go to educate our friends gender non-binary humans. We are here. envoice teams have been hard at work to and family. And we are a million-man march. These at- Page 12 of 25

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tacks on our community happen year-round. Do It for You,” which topped the Hot 100 tack and was pronounced dead at Clínica Rather than cancel culture, I pray we can for seven weeks and went on to become not Unión Medica del Norte in Santiago, accord- continue to have these open conversations, only Billboard’s No. 1 song of the summer of ing to El Tiempo. educate ourselves, and be united against the 1991, but the top title of the entire year. Just three hours before his death was an- divisiveness DaBaby is spreading. Other Hot 100 toppers included 1985’s nounced, Ventura shared a video of himself Sent with love, “Heaven,” 1994’s “All for Love” (featuring dancing with one of his fans and wrote: “I Cory Andersen Rod Stewart and Sting) and 1995’s “Have miss the human warmth of my audience. You Ever Really Loved a Woman?”, the lat- Let’s continue to protect ourselves to return ter off his stylish 18 Till I Die album. Over to normality soon.” Bryan Adams the course of his A&M years he posted Born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, several other FM radio staples like “Run to Ventura kicked off his career in the early Signs Global Deal You,” “One Night Love Affair” and “Can’t ‘60s and was coined as “El Caballo Mayor.” Stop This Thing We Started.” Some of his biggest titles include tropical With BMG It was during this period that Adams got hits such as “Patacon Pisao,” “¿Pitaste?” involved in humanitarian work and became and “Merenguero Hasta la Tambora,” all of BY MARC SCHNEIDER a regular at high profile benefit concerts, which have become staples in Latin house- including Farm Aid and, of course, Live Aid. holds. ryan Adams has a new label After A&M merged with Geffen and In- Ventura’s timeless music has entered home, his first since signing with terscope to form Interscope Geffen A&M various Billboard charts, including Hot Latin A&M Records for one whole dol- Records in 1999, Adams began record- Songs, Top Latin Albums, Tropical Airplay lar in 1978. The Canadian rocker, ing for Polydor Records, also part of the and Tropical Albums. From 1994 to 1998, Bwho soundtracked a good portion of eighties Universal Music Group family. His releases Ventura also served as vice mayor of Santo kids’ lives with hits like “Cuts Like a Knife” with Polydor have included 2004’s Room Domingo and as mayor from 1998 to 2002. and “Summer of ‘69,” among many others, Service and 2015’s Jeff Lynne-produced Get On social media, artists such as Olga Ta- has inked a deal with BMG to release his Up, which includes the standout track “You ñon and Manny Cruz, among others, reacted next album. Belong to Me.” to his death. The new record doesn’t have a title or As for the new deal, Adams said he’s “My admiration for you always,” Tañon release date yet, but Adams said in a recent “delighted to join the BMG team,” which in- wrote on Instagram. “You always treated me Instagram chitchat that a “rocker” of a sin- cludes fellow 1980s stalwarts Duran Duran with so much affection and respect! I made gle is coming in October. He also teased pos- and Kylie Minogue, as well as ballad special- my dream of recording with you a reality! sible live dates by year’s end, but “so much ist Diane Warren. Bruce Allen, Adams’ You are a great defender of merengue music depends on what happens with COVID.” longtime manager, said he’s looking forward for the whole world!” “As soon as we met with Bryan and his to the “next chapter of Bryan’s career” on team to listen to the album, we instantly BMG. connected with the songs,” noted Thomas How Parmalee Scherer, BMG president repertoire & mar- keting in LA and NYC. “This record is the Johnny Ventura, Found Itself Back perfect showcase of his exceptional artistry, performing all the music while also produc- Dominican on Top After Eight ing. We are very proud to welcome him to BMG, his first new label home in 40 years, Merengue Icon, Long Years and provide our best-in-class global service to a global superstar of his stature.” Dies at 81 BY MARQ BURNETT Adams has clocked 14 studio albums since 1980, the most recent being 2019’s Shine BY JESSICA ROIZ att Thomas doesn’t care if you a Light. The first nine were part of his call Parmalee’s resurgent suc- extremely fruitful A&M years and included egendary merengue singer Johnny cess a comeback. four straight that cracked the Billboard 200 Ventura (real name: Juan de “You never want to think top ten: Cuts Like a Knife (1983, No. 8), Reck- Dios Ventura Soriano) died on Mabout it like that, because we’ve been work- less (1984, No. 1), Into the Fire (1987, No. 7) Wednesday (July 28), Billboard has ing and working — but I guess it is,” says and Waking Up the Neighbors (1991, No. 6). Llearned. He was 81 years old. Thomas, the group’s frontman. “People His biggest hit came courtesy of the early The famed singer-songwriter, arranger believed in us, but they were just waiting nineties power ballad “(Everything I Do) I and bandleader died of a sudden heart at- for us to get that next song. Everybody loves Page 13 of 25

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a comeback. It’s the staying there that you But “Just the Way” has seemingly changed rial when it came time to record For You. So, want, though, right?” the group’s fortunes. That break, says Jon the veteran group asked Loba if they could Staying on top is exactly what Thomas Loba, president of BMG Nashville (which cut more songs than the label-approved and his bandmates — his brother Scott owns BBR), has paved the way for the new budget called for — as long as they stayed Thomas, cousin Barry Knox and childhood set. Previously hesitant partners are “really within the same financial boundary, a fis- friend Josh McSwain — plan to do with the giving us shots and opportunities” much cally responsible decision Loba couldn’t release of their new Stoney Creek/BBR Mu- earlier than they have before, Loba says. help but respect. sic album, For You, out Friday (July 30). And the song isn’t stopping there. “Just “Initially, quite honestly, I was skeptical Led by the smash single “Just The Way,” The Way” is also soaring up Billboard’s thinking, ‘You don’t have that many great which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Air- Adult Pop Airplay chart, climbing to No. 20 songs’ without hearing the material — be- play chart in March, For You marks the first on the chart dated July 31. The decision to cause everyone thinks they have a lot and it album for the North Carolina natives in four push the song at adult pop came after some gets whittled down,” Loba says. “But I have years since 27861, which peaked at No. 22 on country programmers stressed that the such trust in them and [producer] David Top Country Albums. The genre-blurring record was a crossover hit, Loba says. Plus, Fanning that I stayed out of that process… collaboration with Blanco Brown, writ- the band had the desire to push the record and was pleasantly surprised with just how ten by Matt Thomas, Nolan Sipe and Kevin in different genres as well. “I always thought many great songs they had. When the staff Bard, is Parmalee’s first No. 1 in eight years from listen one that this song was bigger started listening to it and had the same reac- — since their song “Carolina” topped the than one genre,” Loba says. “Especially with tion, I realized it wasn’t just me.” Country Airplay chart in 2013. the acceptance of country records right now, In all, Parmalee cut double the number of “I’m ready to go — I’m ready to elevate it,” it absolutely felt like at least a Hot AC and tracks that the budget called for, ending up Thomas says. “I want to see more of these country record.” with 20-plus fully produced masters. “A lot singles on this album do well. I’m ready to Stoney Creek is working with Warner of our new stuff came from looking at our take it to the next level that we felt like we Records’ Los Angeles promotion team on other songs that connected with people and were about to reach back in 2016-17.” the pop push, which will also include a run thinking about ways we can speak directly During that eight-year gap between No. at top 40 with a remix of “Just the Way” to the person listening,” Thomas says, “and 1s, Parmalee never stopped working, but featuring Sire/Warner Records rapper- whether or not these songs would make you Thomas could feel a shift as some around singer Bryce Vine. “When Bryce Vine did want to come to the show.” the group wrote them off. Still, in his mind, a feature on it, I think it absolutely has a While other acts may have had to worry the right song was always the next song. chance to be top ten at top 40,” Loba says. about keeping their label home during a hit That’s what makes the success of “Just The “The streams are obviously there, and all the drought, Loba says Parmalee’s future was Way” so special for Thomas. research we’re getting in from top 40 sta- never in doubt. “The fact that they always “You can see the climate around you tions are saying it’s a big song there.” make compelling music, the fact that they and the opportunities you weren’t getting Back at country radio, Stoney Creek are such great partners, and the fact that that maybe you had before,” Thomas says. is waiting to pick a new single until For they just work their asses off all the time and “That’s just the music business. Either You drops. “We haven’t completely decided do whatever we or our partners ask is why you’re the bear or you get eaten by the bear, on that, because we want to see what the I’m so confident in them,” Loba says. “I can’t right? So, it’s great to see that this song has metrics on each song look like when we imagine a day where we would say, ‘You connected with so many people.” release the album,” Loba says. “But ‘Take My don’t have a place to release your music.’ Thomas acknowledges that the mental Name’ does seem to be raising its hand with “Even when there were struggles getting and emotional grind of getting excited about TikTok and various other platforms, so it music played or completed, they never song after song that don’t connect can “beat feels like we’re heading in that direction.” pointed fingers,” Loba continues. “They you down... If you get caught up in trying to Thomas agrees. “Right now, it’s looking always were a team and a family. When you write for radio all the time, it can be a dou- good for ‘Take My Name,’” he says. “It’s one have a partnership like that, you know no ble-edged sword,” he says. “But it’s frustrat- of those things you put on TikTok to build matter what obstacle is in front of you, you ing when you put a song out and it doesn’t the energy and see what happens. Now that can work through it.” do as well as the song before it did. You the excitement around live shows is back, Now, with the success of “Just The spend a whole year working it, promoting that’s our main focus: building these singles Way,” Parmalee finds itself in the enviable it, doing shows and getting hype. We’ve had and just playing as many shows as possible.” position of being able to tap into multiple songs where we were told it was going to The WME-booked band is on tour, playing audiences, and the For You tune “Greatest be our career song and that it would change a variety of fairs, festivals and other shows, Hits” addresses their cross-genre appeal everything. You shoot a video, and everyone through October. and roots. Presented as a love song, the start is excited. Then it barely creeps into the top Given the time that had elapsed of the hook can also be viewed as Parmalee 40. So, you just have to be prepared for that.” since 27861, Parmalee had a surfeit of mate- directly addressing any of the early confu- Page 14 of 25

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sion about their sound. “Got your country Will Smith film I Am Legend airs on TV or from your hometown / Hip-hop from your is streamed, thanks to a prominent use of a My First Show college crowd / And rock and roll from your scene from Shrek in the film. daddy’s old 45s / Got your Motown from According to Royalty Exchange, earnings Back: Christina you mama’s soul.” from these Shrek franchise royalties have As Loba recalls, when the label first grown 33% year-over-year, a byproduct of Aguilera Joins LA signed Parmalee, rock and pop partners the films airing more frequently on cable thought they were country, while country networks in 2020: The royalties’ three-year Philharmonic at partners assumed they were a rock or pop average annual earnings are $191,140, but in band. “Greatest Hits,” which Loba believes the past 12 months they earned $235,003. Hollywood Bowl could also be a single, is a microcosm of who This marks North Star Media’s first Parmalee is, making it one of Loba’s favorite foray into the acquisition of rights for film BY RANIA ANIFTOS songs on the album. franchises, something which the Detroit- “‘Greatest Hits’ really represents those based company hopes to continue moving or the first time in 15 months, live competing influences; those competing forward. music is returning nationwide after sounds that they have melded together,” “We are absolutely thrilled about the global coronavirus pandemic Loba says. “They really are those things; this Shrek catalog acquisition,” says Jordan ravaged the industry. Billboard’s they are rock, they are pop, they are country. Dorfman, president and CEO of North Star F“My First Show Back” is a series dedicated to They’ve been shaped by many forms of mu- Media. “With theme park attractions, toy sharing stories from throughout the touring sic. That’s what I love about ‘Greatest Hits’ lines, and a Broadway show, [Shrek] is a ecosystem about what’s happening now, what — because it truly represents them.” story and character that have become cul- has been forever altered and what will never turally significant, with reach that stretches change. far beyond just movie and TV screens.” In this installment, pop superstar Chris- ‘Shrek’ Score Although the songs were composed under tina Aguilera talks about her two-night a work-for-hire agreement with Dream- performance alongside the Los Angeles Royalty Rights Sell works, which maintains ownership of the Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, copyrights for Shrek’s original music, this where she felt the unifying power of music for $2.2 Million deal allows North Star Media to receive a as she reimagined some of her biggest hits share of the compositions’ royalties — each and favorite songs with orchestral arrange- BY KRISTIN ROBINSON of which were written or co-written by ments. (Her comments have been edited and composer Harry Gregson-Williams. While condensed for clarity.) usic licensing and publishing it would seem Gregson-Williams was the Performing with an orchestra, and the company North Star Media seller on the auction, North Star Media Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel was has acquired a portion of declined to say it was him and Gregson- such an honor, and to me, it was a perfor- the Shrek franchise’s original Williams’s team did not respond to requests mance of a lifetime. It was the performance Mcomposition royalty rights for $2.2 million, for comment. I waited my whole life to do for so many the company tells Billboard. With the franchise set for a fifth install- creative purposes, including the fact that I The rights to royalties from 643 ment, Shrek 5: Rebooted, in 2022 — rights to am such a die-hard lover of score music and original compositions included in the compositions for which were not included composers and classical music. four Shrek films Shrek( , Shrek 2, Shrek the in the deal — North Star Media is “extremely At the show, I mentioned that my mom Third, and Shrek Forever After) were bought excited” for the future, says Dorfman. was a violinist, so that type of music was al- on July 20th at an auction hosted by Roy- “It’s not every day that we come across ways in the house. I have such a deep appre- alty Exchange, in which North Star Media such a unique opportunity as this,” he con- ciation for classical music and that world, so beat out 45 other bidders. tinued. “Shrek is one of the most original, to be given an opportunity to reimagine my The $2.2 million deal is a passive invest- creative, and beloved animated characters in work, and be able to take snippets of pieces ment and contains no creative control recent entertainment history.” of music that I love and intertwine it with or ownership over the works, but North my catalogue and make an entire show of it, Star Media will collect royalties when it elevated my appreciation for live perfor- the Shrek franchise is aired on TV, when mance in a way that I will always want to the film or soundtrack is streamed online, illustrate in my shows. Everything from the when the music plays on Shrek theme park choreography to the visuals, I really wanted rides, and more. The catalog also earns a it to be a completely different reimagination public performance royalty when the 2007 of everything as a whole. Page 15 of 25

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I didn’t want to approach the music in background of pain and no matter if she was over 2020. We all had a moment to reassess, a way that you were particularly used to singing happy or singing sad, she just gave it. regroup, figure out what felt good and what seeing at pop shows and concerts your I’d always covered her songs throughout the was serving us in life, what really didn’t and whole life. It was a world that I grew up in years on my tours, but I’ve always done it as where we wanted to move to in our futures. as a “pop star.” It was a very specific world the piano/vocal version with just the piano, For me, that really happened. I’ve never of, “This is the format. This is what you’re drums and guitar. But this opportunity and been one to rush music. I take my time supposed to see.” This one, I was completely the fact that we were all coming together for and I really reflect on the person that I’ve able to just embody, I felt, my individual the first time in so long, everyone was just grown to be in this stage of my life. I’m on a purpose and that was really to honor the vo- grateful — grateful to be with each other, constant growth path, both personally and cals, the live instrumentation, the musicians grateful to be in that setting. When I was spiritually. This one will have a completely and the composed pieces of music. It felt singing it for the first time in rehearsals with different energy to it. I’ve never made music like the most artistic thing I’ve ever done. the orchestra, the opening words, “At last, from such a joyful and honest place. Joy Being surrounded by the raw talent — this my love has come along/ My lonely days are isn’t always a place where I’ve made music was an environment where you can’t fake over/ And life is like a song.” What an amaz- from, so this is really a beautiful time for me anything. You can’t hide behind anything. ing opening line! I felt it. I’ve never done a to release material that I truly love in this In moments, you could hear a pin drop and show where it felt more right in the moment happy place I’m in. One of true appreciation as vulnerable as that makes you feel, I was and more fitting. I could definitely feel the and gratitude coming back onto the music able to understand my power as a performer love and appreciation that we were all there scene. and what that means while allowing the together. It just fit. As told to Rania Aniftos. audience to truly listen and not scream over Who knows what music and society is what you’re doing like in a typical pop con- going to look like with the delta variant cert format. I felt the energy from not only spreading? Who really has a true answer? Marilyn Manson the performers, but also the audience who I’m not a doctor. I can only go with what I felt truly appreciated the core music and the guidelines are. We were in the clear for Files to Dismiss were listening to it as music lovers. There’s the show at the time, and moving forward, one thing to hear music and there’s another it’s just a matter of being super communica- Esme Bianco’s thing to listen to music. I felt surrounded tive with each other, really aware and really by so much love and energy and supportive open with how everyone feels. The safety Lawsuit, people who love music in its most raw, tru- involved is first. est format. In the future, I would love to have more Claims Her Over the past year, we were all waiting for moments like the Hollywood Bowl show, the moment where we could join together. where I get to be onstage and the artistry Allegations Are It’s such an amazing thing. Even without is so real and raw and flowing. There’s no the experience of what we went through hiding or faking anything, and I got to feel a ‘Coordinated in lockdown, as an audience member I’ve one with my body and voice. It felt like always been enraptured by how powerful coming home and the kind of performance I Attack’ music is and the way that everyone comes was born to do. Being onstage is everything together no matter our views or differences. to me. I prefer that environment way more BY LARS BRANDLE We all synchronize ourselves into a beat or than being in a studio where you feel boxed melody and are captivated by this whole and caved in. smé Bianco’s harrowing accusa- other world that we’re experiencing on a Over the past year, I have been working tions of sexual assault and abuse at different level, and we’re uniting out of the on Spanish material, the follow up of my the hands of Marilyn Manson are pure love and passion that everybody has for debut Mi Reflejo 20 years ago, where I was “untrue, meritless” and part of a music and the artist. It makes you appreci- able to dive into my culture and heritage. E“coordinated attack by multiple plaintiffs,” ate music and how, no matter what, we all Getting back into that, but now as a grown the goth-rocker claims in a new court filing come together as one to support something woman, I have a deeper sense of what I seeking to dismiss her lawsuit. so moving and something we can all feel. want to talk about and what I want to say. Earlier this year, Bianco, a star from the I never would imagine opening a show I’ve been really appreciating my roots and hit HBO series Game of Thrones, stepped with Etta James’ “At Last,” since it’s a cover. I’m definitely looking forward to bringing forward to join others who’ve accused the But it’s sung by my all time favorite singer, that to the live stage. In Latin music, they musician of abusive behavior. In the lawsuit because she sang with such gut. The raw just have so much fun. filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Bianco quality of her voice — you just felt that Simultaneously, the English album is claimed that Manson violated human traf- she had a story, she had a past, she had a being built, but I’ve changed as a person ficking law by bringing her to California Page 16 of 25

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from England under the false pretenses of executive producer Jenna Andrews as roles in music videos and movies that never Publishing Briefs: her management. Her direct team includes materialized. founder and CEO Lucas Keller, as well as According to Bianco’s suit, Manson — Warner Chappell general manager Nic Warner and manager whose real name is Brian Warner — de- Chad Wes. prived her of food and sleep, plied her with Expands to The new deal arrives as the songwriter alcohol and drugs, locked her in a bedroom, and producer reaches new heights as whipped her, gave her electric shocks, and Vietnam; Jenna a global hitmaker. With credits on cur- made threats to rape her during the night. rent Billboard number one hit “Butter” by Manson denies all of it and says the ac- Andrews Signs K-Pop group BTS as well as their latest song cusations are part of a conspiracy. In a new “Permission to Dance,” Andrews currently motion obtained by Billboard, the veteran With Milk & sits in the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot 100 artist claims the accusers are “cynically Songwriters chart this week. Along with and dishonestly seeking to monetize and Honey her work with the Korean pop powerhouse, exploit the #MeToo movement,” and that she also has credits on “Supalonely” by the Bianco and others “spent months plot- BY KRISTIN ROBINSON Benee, “Heartbreak Anthem” by Little Mix, ting, workshopping, and fine-tuning” their David Guetta, and Gus Dapperton and has statements into “twisted tales that bear no arner Chappell Music, the collaborated with Drake, Jennifer Lopez, resemblance to reality.” publishing arm of Warner Lennon Stella, Blu DeTiger, Tori Kelly, Jes- The paperwork, filed Wednesday (July Music Group, announced sie J, Noah “40” Shebib, Diplo, Max Martin 28) to the United States District Court for today (July 29) that it will and more. the Central District of California (Western openW its first office in Vietnam and will ap- According to Keller, Andrews’s past year Division), brands Bianco and others as “co- point marketing executive Vince Kobler as has been a “tour de force.” “We look forward conspirators” who are “desperately trying to its general manager. This extends the major to matching her ambition… we have big conflate the imagery and artistry of War- music company’s presence in the fast-grow- plans going into 2022,” he says. Andrew ner’s ‘shock rock’ stage persona, ‘Marilyn ing nation which started when Warner Mu- adds that she admires the Milk & Honey Manson,’ with fabricated accounts of abuse.” sic, the recording arm of WMG, established team for their “energy, hustle and dedication His attorney has separately said Bianco’s an office in the country last year. to their clients.” “It really felt like having claims are “provably false.” Both offices for Warner Music and War- them manage me was the perfect fit going In the court filing, Manson’s attorney ner Chappell Music will be based in Ho Chi into this next chapter of my career,” she argues in the filing that the statute of limita- Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam and says. tions has passed, writing, “It is apparent hope to capitalize on the country’s growing Reservoir announced on July 22nd that from the face the Amended Complaint economy and its untapped local talent. “This it has invested as a minority partner in the (‘Complaint’) that they are time-barred is a historic moment for the local music Chinese music rights and marketing compa- by more than seven years.” He continues: industry which is just getting started here,” ny Outdustry. Along with this investment, “Plaintiff’s first and second causes of action, Kobler explains. “Our expertise and reach Reservoir has also formed a joint venture which arise from conduct that is alleged will help propel Vietnamese artists, compos- with Outdustry to sign local artists and to have occurred a decade ago or longer, ers and songwriters to new heights.” songwriters and to acquire music catalogs should be dismissed.” Kobler will report directly to Jennifer from Chinese talent. The singer is facing lawsuits from four Chong, head of ASEAN, Warner Chappell The new partnership with Outdustry is women who claim that he sexually, physi- Music who adds, “a revolution is taking part of Reservoir’s initiative to expand their cally and emotionally assaulted them; War- place in Vietnam’s music scene. Local songs footprint abroad, particularly in China, ner has repeatedly denied the allegations. are starting to capture the attention of audi- India and other emerging markets of which In a Feb. 1 Instagram post, he wrote, “My ences globally… we hope this office will be Outdustry is already a major player. With intimate relationships have always been en- a big step forward in helping Vietnam make direct deals under their belt with all major tirely consensual with like-minded partners. its mark on the global music industry.” Chinese music services, Outdustry has Regardless of how - and why - others are The establishment of the Vietnam office become a leader in monetizing developing now choosing to misrepresent the past, that follows the example of other recent expan- music markets and administering rights. is the truth.” He called the allegations “hor- sions for Warner Chappell Music in Asia, Prior to this new deal between the two rible distortions of reality.” including the creation of its Shanghai office parties, Outdustry Songs acted as the exclu- last year. sive sub-publisher for Reservoir’s roster and Milk & Honey will now represent catalog, starting in June 2020. Since then hitmaking songwriter, vocal producer and Reservoir has seen triple-digit percentage Page 17 of 25

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increases in collections from that territory. right,” Shukat adds, “Steve’s great catalog chored in old-school publishing fundamen- This announcement proceeds news that has proven that hit songs will continue to be tals, that is the antithesis of the acquisition Reservoir has entered an agreement with heard for generations to come.” focused companies in the current environ- a SPAC, the first step toward becoming a Steve Kipner was advised in the Primary ment,” according to a statement released by publicly traded company. Wave catalog sale by Leaf Entertainment CCS Rights Management. On July 21, Sony Music Publishing an- Capital. “We wanted to create a separate ‘home’ nounced the renewal of its long-time pub- Rap producer Lil Rich has signed a new that emphasizes all [CCS’s] world class tal- lishing deal with Grammy-winning country publishing deal with Ultra International ent,” explains Jordan Howard, creative/a&r songwriter Chris DeStefano. The songwrit- Music Publishing. The worldwide deal director for CCS. “And now, proudly, Day- er has been in the Sony Music Publishing includes the acquisition of Lil Rich’s back tripper is that home.” family since 2008, when he signed his first catalog as well as his new creations moving Nashville-based independent com- deal to EMI Music Publishing (which has forward. pany, Wide Open Music Publishing, has since been acquired by SMP). Though he is considered a newcomer, Lil announced the signing of two new songwrit- Celebrated as one of country’s big- Rich is already dominating the rap scene, ers: Joe Haydel and Martin McDaniel. gest modern hitmakers, Chris DeStefano working with a laundry list of talents. With Haydel, a songwriter and artist, is a has worked with Jason Aldean, Miranda the signature tag “I’m really rich,” Lil Rich is Nashville newcomer. A rock-tinged coun- Lambert, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan, Car- the mastermind behind YG’s “Out On Bail,” try artist, he released his debut self-titled rie Underwood, and more, writing many “Perfect” by Cousin Stizz, featuring City EP in 2019 and landed his first outside cut country radio number one tracks. Accord- Girls, and “Moonwalkers” by rapper-turned- with Chase Bryant’s “Even Now” in April ing to Sony Music Publishing Nashville evp, rocker Machine Gun Kelly. But recently, Lil 2021. McDaniel, however, has been in the creative Josh Van Valenburg, “Simply put, Rich has become best known for his work Nashville circuit since 2008 when he made Chris DeStefano is special.” The songwriter as executive producer for rap phenom BIA, the move from Alabama to the Music City to also shared positive sentiments about his including her breakout hit “Whole Lotta pursue music full time. Since then, McDan- publishing partner, saying “I’m grateful for Money,” whose new remix with Nicki Minaj iel has appeared as the opening act for Alan their fervent support and love for songs.” cemented BIA as rap’s latest hitmaker. Jackson and released his own records. Yesterday (July 28), Primary Wave an- Toronto-based independent rights admin- The two signees join Wide Open Music nounced the purchase of the back publish- istrative company, CCS Rights Manage- Publishing’s growing, but small roster that ing catalog of songwriter and producer, ment, has announced the launch of its new also includes Chris Bandi, George Birge, Steve Kipner. Best known for his work front-facing publishing company Daytrip- Maddie Larkin, John Marlin, and Tim on Olivia Newton John’s cheeky workout per Music Publishing. Along with Daytrip- Owens. anthem “Physical” and “Twist of Fate,” per, the company has signed its first new act, Kipner has had a rare career as a musical Hill Kourkoutis, to a global co-publishing hitmaker that spanned decades. His catalog deal. Best known for her work as a song- iHeartMedia also includes co-writing credits on “Break- writer and producer for children’s program- even” by The Script, “Genie in a Bottle” by ming, Kourkoutis co-wrote and produced Strikes Multiyear Christina Aguilera, “The Hardest Thing” the theme and end title for Universal Kids’ by 98 Degrees, and “Crying in the Club” by animated series Remy and Boo and the Deal With NBA for Camila Cabello. theme song for Disney’s Dino Ranch. With Kipner’s catalog joins the likes of Prince, a penchant for writing for sync placements, 20 Podcasts Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks, Aerosmith and Kourkoutis’ music has also been used in ad many more whose work belongs to the campaigns for Virgin Mobile and Cadillac. BY J. CLARA CHAN independent publishing company, Primary Kourkoutis joins other CCS Rights Wave. According to Kipner, this was a big Management clients who will also be signed HeartMedia has reached a multiyear selling point for him when selling his pub- to the newly minted Daytripper Music Pub- podcast deal with the NBA that will lishing catalog. “Their catalog of writers and lishing, including Tribe Friday, Featurette, result in more than 20 podcasts over songs speaks for itself,” he says. POESY, Nuela Charles and more. the next four years, the audio giant The deal arrives shortly after the Kipner- CCS will assist its Daytripper Music Pub- Isaid on Wednesday. penned 80s hit “Physical” was given a new lishing team with administration around the The podcast deal comes three months life in the melody of this year’s chart topper world, synchronization, and other licensing after iHeartMedia announced it was creat- “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat, featuring services, although CCS sees Daytripper as a ing a podcast network for the NFL as part SZA, something which caught the interest distinct, stand-alone brand. Apart from its of a multiyear, exclusive partnership. The of president and co-founder Justin Shukat. connection to CCS, Daytripper was designed NBA’s podcasts, which will be co-produced Dubbing “Physical” an “evergreen copy- to be a “progressive, next-gen company an- by iHeartRadio and the NBA, will include Page 18 of 25

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a mix of content from the NBA’s archives, household name around the world — last Attendees ages 21 and up can reserve player commentary, league news and insider aired in Britain in 2018. The show, in cabins and suites online at the official Days analyses. which contestants are mentored by judges of Summer Cruise Festival website or The first show is expected to premiere that over the years have included Sharon by calling the hotline at (1-800) 664-6750. this fall, iHeartMedia said. It’s not immedi- Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Sherz- The four night/three-day sailing adventure ately clear which athletes will participate in inger as they aim to win the public vote, was will be complete with performances form the podcasts. produced by Fremantle’s Thames banner Lil Baby and other artists, to be announced “We are excited to expand the league’s and Cowell’s own production company Syco in the coming weeks. Guests will also have audio offerings to fans by teaming up with Entertainment. access to excursions on two of Norwegian’s iHeartMedia to deliver NBA content and “There are no current plans for the next private islands. storytelling to the iHeartPodcast Net- series of The X Factor at this stage,” ITV Aboard the Norwegian Sky cruise ship, work,” David Denenberg, the NBA’s svp said in a statement to ITV News. which was refurbished in 2019, are several national and local network partnerships, Created by Cowell and produced by exciting amenities, including 10 dining said. “We look forward to reaching more Fremantle’s Thames banner and Cowell’s selections, a spa, casino and a wide variety fans with content about our teams, players production company Syco, The X Factor has of bars and lounges. Throughout the days- and history through this partnership. aired over 15 seasons and 445 episodes. long adventure, pool parties, games and “The NBA is one of the toughest leagues Originally devised as a replacement impromptu DJ sets are set to take place. in the world. These are relentless athletes, for Pop Idol, which ran from 2001-2003, it Cardi B and Post Malone headlined the first with a grueling schedule, at the absolute became arguably the biggest reality fran- Days of Summer Cruise Festival in 2019. height of their game,” Kevin LeGrett, presi- chise on the planet, adapted as a format dent of iHeartMedia Sports, added. “Their around the world and spawning a U.S. ver- stories are the stuff of legend and deserve sion that aired for several seasons on Fox John Mayer mass-reach audiences and top-tier brand from 2011. It was revealed in February 2020 partners. iHeart alone can deliver that.” that Cowell would be resting the U.K. ver- Has Top ‘Rock’ This article was originally published sion of the program for that year. by The Hollywood Reporter. Cowell’s next TV venture is Walk The Album, Clairo Line, a musical quiz show for ITV and its streaming platform ITV Hub. Rules Alternative Simon Cowell’s This article originally appeared in THR. com. Albums ‘The X Factor’ Canceled In U.K. Lil Baby to BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD ohn Mayer scores his record-breaking After 17 Years Headline DJ eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart, while Clairo claims her BY ALEX RITMAN Khaled-Hosted first leader on Alternative Albums, Jboth on the tallies dated July 31. he X Factor, Simon Cowell’s rat- Days of Summer Mayer’s Sob Rock opens at No. 1 on Top ings juggernaut that first aired in Rock Albums with 84,000 equivalent album the U.K. in 2004 and has given rise Cruise Fest units earned (61,000 in album sales) in its to some of the biggest pop acts first week, ending July 22, according to Tof the 2000s, has been canceled by British BY DARLENE ADEROJU MRC Data. network ITV. With eight rulers, Mayer passes Bruce The broadcaster has confirmed that there il Baby and DJ Khaled are setting Springsteen for the most in the history of are “no current plans” for another season sail next year. On Thursday (July Top Rock Albums, which began in 2006. He of the show in the U.K. following rumors in 29), it was announced that Lil Baby first reigned with Continuum in 2006 and the British media that Cowell himself was will headline hip-hop’s second had last led with The Search for Every- axing his most famous reality creation after Lever Days of Summer Cruise Festival 2022 thing in 2017. 17 years. Edition, hosted by DJ Khaled. Most No. 1s, Top Rock Albums The X Factor — which helped lead to the The Norwegian Sky ship will depart from 8, John Mayer formation of boy band One Direction and Miami and sail through the Bahamas’ Nassau 7, Bruce Springsteen (solo and with the E girl group Little Mix, and made Cowell a and Great Stirrup Cay from July 1 to 4, 2022. Street Band) Page 19 of 25

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6, Dave Matthews (solo and with Dave Mat- thews Band) Weezer’s ‘All My New Around the 6, Tom Petty (solo and with the Heartbreak- ers) Favorite Songs’ World: Japan’s 5, The Black Keys 5, Bon Jovi Tops Rock & Belle & Colombia’s 5, Coldplay 5, Bob Dylan Alternative Airplay Camilo Lead 5, Foo Fighters 5, Linkin Park Chart International Sob Rock concurrently crowns Ameri- cana/Folk Albums, marking Mayer’s fifth BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Debuts No. 1. It boasts the most weekly units on the chart since Chris Stapleton’s Starting eezer’s “All My Favorite BY ERIC FRANKENBERG Over debuted atop the Nov. 28, 2020, survey Songs” becomes the band’s with 103,000. On the all-format Billboard third leader on Bill- n the Billboard Global 200 dat- 200, Sob Rock bows at No. 2, where its board’s Rock & Alterna- ed July 31, Pop Smoke leads the Mayer’s 10th top 10. Eight have hit the top tiveW Airplay chart, rising from No. 2 to No. 1 haul of new arrivals, as 14 songs two, with three reaching three No. 1, starting on the tally dated July 31. from his LP Faith debut, from with Heavier Things in 2003. The track reigns with 6.7 million audience O“Tell the Vision,” featuring Kanye West and Seven of the 10 songs on Sob Rock ap- impressions, up 5%, among multiple rock Pusha T, at No. 33, to “Top Shotta,” with The pear on the latest Hot Rock & Alternative radio formats, according to MRC Data. Neptunes and featuring Pusha T, Travi and Songs chart, led by “Shot in the Dark” at No. Weezer has strung together two con- Beam, at No. 180. 14. (The album’s other three songs charted secutive Rock & Alternative Airplay No. 1s While five of those titles by the late as preview tracks in 2018-19.) for the first time (dating to the list’s 2009 Brooklyn-born rapper also hit the Billboard Meanwhile, Clairo’s sophomore full- premiere), as “Songs” follows the two-week Global Excl. U.S. chart, the ranking reveals length Sling starts at No. 1 on Alterna- reign of “Hero” last August. The band’s first a wider swath of geographical diversity, tive Albums with 21,000 units. It follows ruler, its cover of Toto’s “Africa,” spent a with debuts from acts representing South the No. 4 debut and peak of Immunity in week on top in 2018. America, Europe and Asia. August 2019. Sling bows at No. 2 on Top “Songs” has led three of Billboard’s four As the entire world locks its eyes on Rock Albums, her best showing (after Im- rock radio charts. It crowned Adult Alter- Tokyo during the Olympic Games, Japanese munity peaked at No. 9) and arrives as her native Airplay, where it became Weezer’s singer Belle sports two Global Excl. U.S. de- premiere top 20 title on the Billboard 200, first No. 1, for three weeks in April, and buts, including the week’s highest entry. Her bowing at No. 17. adds its second week atop the Alternative collaboration with Millennium Parade (also One Sling track concurrently graces Hot Airplay chart, where it’s Weezer’s sixth from Japan), “U,” enters at No. 34, while her Rock & Alternative Songs: “Amoeba,” at leader among 19 top 10s dating to its first solo track “Gales of Song” starts at No. 176, No. 32. A previous release from the album, in 1994. (The track is also bubbling under with both performed in Japanese. “Blouse,” reached the same position in June. Mainstream Rock Airplay, where the band “U” serves as the theme song for the Clairo also notches her first week in the has tallied 10 entries.) upcoming anime film Ruyy to Subakasu no Billboard Artist 100’s top 40, re-entering at The track has additionally scored pop Hime, recalling other film-inspired chart ap- No. 40. crossover success, as it rises to No. 23 pearances for Japanese acts including Bump on Adult Pop Airplay. It’s Weezer’s third of Chicken and Lisa. “U” was the best- highest charting hit on the chart, after the selling song outside the U.S. in the week top 10s “Beverly Hills” (No. 8, 2005) and ending July 22, with 26,000 downloads sold, “Africa” (No. 3, 2018). according to MRC Data. “Gales of Song” was “Songs” is the lead single from OK Hu- the week’s fifth best-seller, with 16,300. man, Weezer’s 14th studio album and first of Four European exports hit the Global two released in 2021, ahead of Van Wee- Excl. U.S. chart. Songs by France’s Kungs zer. OK Human has earned 66,000 equiva- (“Never Going Home;” No. 175), Germany’s lent album units since its January release. Jonasu (“Black Magic;” No. 179) and the U.K.’s Jamie Miller (“Here’s Your Perfect;” No. 196) arrive, all sung in English despite the diversity of their locales. Page 20 of 25

IN BRIEF

But Raf Camora strays from the pack, solely utilized by the Billboard 200 al- Deja Vu: Alternates features nine alterna- with the German-language “Zukunft” bums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, tive versions of songs from the group’s first arriving at No. 171. Not only is it the only 2014, after which that chart switched to a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, non-English Global Excl. U.S. debut by a methodology that blends album sales with 1970’s Deja Vu. The tracks on the Alter- European act this week, Camora is the first track equivalent album units and streaming nates album were originally released in Austrian act to grace the chart (dating to the equivalent album units. For all chart news, May on CD and digital download as part of Global lists’ September 2020 launches). follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on the 50th-anniversary deluxe reissue of the Plus, four Spanish-language titles make both Twitter and Instagram. album, but were not previously available Global Excl. U.S. bows, encompassing acts Sob Rock is Mayer’s fifth No. 1 on Top to purchase as a stand-alone album. Deja from Puerto Rico (Farruko), Argentina Album Sales and 11th top 10 overall. Vu: Alternates is the highest-charting effort (Emilia and Duki), Colombia (Camilo) and He’s also led the tally with The Search for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (or Crosby, Mexico (Ingratax). Camilo’s arrival is the for Everything: Wave One (2017), Born Stills & Nash) on the 30-year-old Top Album one mixed-language debut of the week, via and Raised (2012), Battle Studies (2009) Sales tally. his team-up with Shawn Mendes on the and Heavier Things (2003). Beastie Boys’ Aglio e Olio was first Spanglish, and remixed (as a duet), “KESI” Of Sob Rock’s debut sales of 61,000, released in 1995 as a brief eight-song, at No. 85. It also opens at No. 105 on the physical album sales comprise 39,000 of that 12-minute-long album, but never charted on Global 200. figure (23,000 vinyl LPs, 15,000 CDs and any Billboard chart. For Record Store Day a little over 1,000 cassettes), while digital 2021’s second drop, it was reissued on clear album sales comprise 22,000. (The album’s vinyl with two previously released bonus John Mayer’s ‘Sob cassette was exclusively sold via Mayer’s tracks, bringing its runtime to 15 minutes. official webstore.) With its No. 6 debut, Aglio e Olio marks Rock’ Rules at No. Dee Gees, aka Foo Fighters, debut at No. Beastie Boys’ sixth top 10 and 15th total 2 with Hail Satin, selling 15,000 copies. chart entry on Top Album Sales. 1 on Billboard’s Of that sum, 12,000 came from its vinyl LP Rodrigo’s former No. 1 Sour falls 1-7 in release for Record Store Day’s second its ninth week on the list, with a little over Top Album Sales drop (July 17), while another 3,000 were 8,500 sold (down 16%). sold via digital download (released on July A trio of Record Store Day releases Chart 19). The first five tracks on the 10-song -al round out the new top 10 on Top Album bum are covers of Bee Gees-penned songs, Sales. Amy Winehouse’s Remixes de- BY KEITH CAULFIELD including four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits: buts at No. 8 with 8,000; The Rolling Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing,” “Night Stones’ Hot Rocks 1964-1971 re-enters at No. ohn Mayer’s Sob Rock rules Bill- Fever” and “Tragedy,” and Andy Gibb’s 9 with nearly 8,000 (up 1,482%) and Miles board’s Top Album Sales chart, as “Shadow Dancing.” The second five songs Davis’ Champions: Rare Miles From the the singer-songwriter’s latest studio on the Hail Satin project are live versions of Complete Jack Johnson Sessions debuts at set debuts atop the list (dated July tracks from Foo Fighters’ most recent studio No. 10 (7,500). J31). The set sold 61,000 copies in the U.S. in album, Medicine at Midnight. Winehouse’s Remixes is a two-LP (one the week ending July 22, according to MRC Sob Rock and Hail Satin also debut at Nos. blue, one yellow) pressing of 15 remixes of Data — the biggest debut sales week for an 1 and 2 on the Vinyl Albums chart, which tracks from Winehouse’s Frank and Back album in nearly two months, since Olivia ranks the top-selling vinyl LPs of the week. to Black albums. The remixes were first Rodrigo’s Sour started with 72,000 copies at Clairo’s latest album Sling starts at No. 3 released in 2020 as a unit as part of the five- No. 1 (June 5-dated chart). on Top Album Sales with nearly 15,000 cop- CD boxed set The Collection. Remixes also Mayer leads a busy top 10 on Top Album ies sold, the act’s highest-charting effort and launches at No. 2 on the Top Dance/Elec- Sales, which is infused with titles released first top 10. Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Layla tronic Albums chart, her first entry there. for Record Store Day 2021’s second drop (on Revisited (Live at Lockn’), featuring Trey For Record Store Day 2021’s second July 17). Anastasio, bows at No. 4 with 13,000 sold. drop, the Stones’ Hot Rocks 1964-1971 was Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks A pair of Record Store Day-exclusive issued as a double-LP on yellow vinyl with the top-selling albums of the week based releases are up next on Top Album Sales, as expanded original artwork. only on traditional album sales. The chart’s Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Deja Vu: Al- Davis’ Champions is a six-track sampling history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first ternates and Beastie Boys’ Aglio e Olio de- of tunes originally released in 2003 on the week Billboard began tabulating charts with but at Nos. 5 and 6, respectively, with 9,500 box set The Complete Jack Johnson Ses- electronically monitored piece count infor- and 9,000 sold. Both were issued on vinyl sions. Champions was pressed on yellow mation from SoundScan, now MRC Data. LP, exclusively, for Record Store Day 2021’s vinyl for Record Store Day 2021. Pure album sales were the measurement second drop. Champions also garners Davis his Page 21 of 25

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latest No. 1 on Billboard’s overall Jazz Albums and Traditional Jazz Al- Rick Astley’s bums charts. ‘Never Gonna Luis Figueroa Give You Up’ Scores First Reaches 1 Billion Tropical Airplay YouTube Views: No. 1 With ‘Hasta ‘That Is Mind- El Sol de Hoy’ Blowing’

BY XANDER ZELLNER BY GIL KAUFMAN

uis Figueroa is officially Billa - on’t worry, this one time you board chart-topping artist, as his are not getting Rickrolled. On single “Hasta El Sol de Hoy” rises Wednesday (July 28) Rick 2-1 on the latest Tropical airplay Astley celebrated a monumen- Lchart (dated July 31), marking his first No. 1 Dtal achievement for his massive 1987 single on any ranking. “Never Gonna Give You Up” — the pop bop The track reaches the summit with 3.9 that launched a million Rickrolls — when million radio airplay audience impressions the breezy, cheesy clip joined the YouTube (up 13%) in the U.S. in the week ending July Billion Views Club. 25, according to MRC Data. The song is his “1 BILLION views for Never Gonna Give first charting single at the format, and holds You Up on @YouTube ! Amazing, crazy, at its No. 8 peak on Latin Pop Airplay. wonderful!” tweeted Astley in a video in Prior to “Hasta El Sol de Hoy,” Figueroa which he celebrated the milestone while has previously sent three tracks onto Latin chilling on a beautiful lake. In an accom- Pop Airplay: “Por Perro” (Sebastian Yatra panying clip he said, “I’ve jus been told featuring Figueroa and Lary Over) in 2018; that ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ has been “La Especialista” in 2020; and then “Te streamed a billion times on YouTube. That Deseo” also in 2020. is mind-blowing. The world is a wonderful “Hasta El Sol de Hoy” also rises 32-26 on and beautiful place and I am very lucky.” overall Latin Airplay chart. According to YouTube, the video that has Notably, “Hasta El Sol de Hoy” is a rework become the source of one of the internet’s of the 1993 hit of the same name. The song most beloved prank memes reached daily was written by Oscar Domingo Derudi and views of over 2.3 million on April 1. As part performed by Edgar Joel and his orchestra of the celebration of reaching the billion with Anthony Colon, Figueroa’s uncle, on views milestone, Astley announced that he’s lead vocals. It reached No. 8 on the Hot releasing a limited-edition (2,500) num- Latin Songs chart in September 1993. bered and signed 7” blue vinyl single. Figueroa’s version appears on his al- Back in February, Astley got a kick out bum Canciones del Alma, which he released of a cover of one of his other iconic songs, in May. “Together Forever,” from The Voice coach- es Blake Shelton, Nick Jonas, Kelly Clark- son and John Legend. Check out Astley’s celebratory tweets and the original video (no rolling, we promise) below. Page 22 of 25

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 21,492,208,000 18,811,755,000 2,680,452,000 2,316,000 474,000 4,346,000 16,535,000 Week* Last 21,374,117,000 18,666,605,000 2,707,512,000 1,753,000 441,000 4,316,000 15,839,000 Week

Change 0.6% 0.8% -1.0% 32.1% 7.5% 0.7% 4.4%

This Week 20,082,849,000 17,468,051,000 2,614,798,000 1,563,000 661,000 4,487,000 14,626,000 Last Year

Change 7.0% 7.7% 2.5% 48.1% -28.3% -3.1% 13.1%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending July 22, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE Total On-Demand TRACK SALES BY AGE 100m 619,488,313,000 561,004,013,000 10.4% Streams Audio On-Demand 538,931,640,000 471,533,848,000 14.3% 90m Streams

Digital Track Sales 114,924,000 141,423,000 -18.7% 80m 95,906,000 Album Sales 57,133,000 50,560,000 13.0% 70m Albums 461,512,000 404,934,000 14.0% Consumption Units 60m 79,765,000

50m ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 40m 2021 2020 Change

CD Sales 20,900,000 20,279,000 3.1% 30m 45,517,000 Vinyl Sales 21,678,000 10,226,000 112.0% 20m

Digital Sales 14,303,000 19,887,000 -28.1% 35,158,000 Catalog Current 10m Other Sales 252,000 168,000 50.5% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 11,492,000 14,142,000 -18.7%

Audio On-Demand 392,886,000 340,232,000 15.5% Equivalent -22.8% -16.8% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA)   sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. DATA FOR WEEK OF 07.31.2021 Page 23 of 25 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 18 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  1 19 WKS DAN NIGRO  2 DAN NIGRO  2 DR. LUKE  3 DOJA CAT  3 OMER FEDI  TIE 4 ED SHEERAN  4 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  TIE 4 JOHNNY MCDAID  5 STEPHEN KIRK  6 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  6 KOZ  7 OMER FEDI  7 BLAKE SLATKIN  8 DAVE BAYLEY  8 JAY JOYCE  9 JENNA ANDREWS  TIE 9 ROGET CHAHAYED  10 THE WEEKND  TIE 9 YETI BEATS  11 DABABY  11 ALEXANDER 23  12 POP SMOKE  12 STUART PRICE  13 COREY CROWDER  13 TYRON HAPI  14 BLAKE SLATKIN  14 JORDAN SCHMIDT  15 FRED AGAIN..  15 MICHAEL CARTER  16 ASHLEY GORLEY  TIE 16 ROB GRIMALDI  17 DUA LIPA  TIE 16 RON PERRY  TIE 18 MASKED WOLF  18 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 18 TYRON HAPI  TIE 19 MAX MARTIN  TIE 20 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  TIE 19 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 20 DANIEL LEVIN  TIE 19 THE WEEKND  TIE 22 CLARENCE COFFEE JR.  22 DAN SMYERS  TIE 22 KOZ  23 LUCIO FABBRI  24 THE KID LAROI  24 MICHAEL KNOX  TIE 25 BELLY  TIE 25 HARV  TIE 25 DAHEALA  TIE 25 SHNDO  TIE 25 MAX MARTIN  TIE 25 OSCAR HOLTER  COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 14 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 16 WKS JAY JOYCE  2 COREY CROWDER  2 JORDAN SCHMIDT  3 HARDY  3 DAN SMYERS  4 HUNTER PHELPS  4 MICHAEL CARTER  5 LUKE COMBS  5 DANN HUFF  6 ZACH CROWELL  6 MICHAEL KNOX  7 JOSH JENKINS  7 SHANE MCANALLY  8 JONATHAN SINGLETON  8 COREY CROWDER  9 MARTIN JOHNSON  9 CHRIS YOUNG  TIE 10 DREW PARKER  10 SCOTT HENDRICKS  TIE 10 ROB WILLIFORD  R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS POP SMOKE  1 4 WKS D.A. GOT THAT DOPE 

SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 2 MASKED WOLF  2 RICO BEATS  TIE 2 TYRON HAPI  3 TYRON HAPI  4 DOJA CAT  4 DR. LUKE  TIE 5 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  TIE 5 HARV  TIE 5 DANIEL LEVIN  TIE 5 SHNDO  7 LIL BABY  TIE 7 BRUNO MARS  8 STEVEN VICTOR  TIE 7 D’MILE  9 GIVEON  9 AXL BEATS  10 RICO BEATS  TIE 10 EINER BANKZ  TIE 10 SYNCO  R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 JUL. 1 5 WKS DOJA CAT  1 4 WKS DR. LUKE  31 2 GIVEON  TIE 2 HARV  TIE 3 TIE 2 2021 ANDERSON .PAAK  SHNDO  TIE 3 BRODY BROWN  TIE 4 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 BRUNO MARS  TIE 4 D’MILE  TIE 3 D’MILE  6 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 7 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  7 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 7 THE WEEKND  8 NATE RHOADS  9 SEVN THOMAS  9 THE NEPTUNES  10 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 10 LEGENDURY BEATZ  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 P2J  The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated July 31, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 24 of 25 DATA FOR WEEK OF 07.31.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 4 WKS MASKED WOLF  1 4 WKS D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  #1 TIE 1 4 WKS TYRON HAPI  2 TYRON HAPI  TIE 3 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  3 AXL BEATS  TIE 3 DANIEL LEVIN  TIE 4 EINER BANKZ  5 LIL BABY  TIE 4 SYNCO  6 POP SMOKE  TIE 6 REALRED  7 DABABY  TIE 6 YC  TIE 8 MONEYBAGG YO  TIE 8 DJ KHALED  TIE 8 REALRED  TIE 8 TAY KEITH  TIE 8 YC  10 LOUIS BELL 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK ILLENIUM  1 6 WKS REGARD  TIE 2 F A L L E N  2 ILLENIUM  TIE 2 SAINT JHN  3 F A L L E N  4 KODA  4 HVME  TIE 5 FREDERIK EICHEN  5 SKRILLEX  TIE 5 ISAAC QUINN  6 CALVIN HARRIS  TIE 5 REGARD  7 TAINY  TIE 5 TATE MCRAE  8 HIGHTOWER  TIE 5 TOM MANN  9 TIESTO  TIE 5 TROYE SIVAN  TIE 10 RITON  TIE 10 THE INVISIBLE MEN 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 12 WKS TAINY  1 90 WKS TAINY  2 BAD BUNNY  2 MR. NAISGAI  3 EDGAR BARRERA  3 SKY ROMPIENDO  4 RAUW ALEJANDRO  4 EL ZORRO  5 MR. NAISGAI  5 EDGAR BARRERA  6 ERIC DUARS  6 ALBERT HYPE  7 MORA  7 MORA  8 KEITYN  8 MANUEL LARA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 J BALVIN  9 SUBELO NEO  10 COLLA  10 DIMELO FLOW 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS JOHN MAYER  1 4 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  2 DAVE BAYLEY  2 FINNEAS  JUL. TIE 3 BOB GAUDIO  3 LUCIO FABBRI  31 TIE 3 PEGGY FARINA  4 TRAVIS BARKER  2021 TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 7 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 7 DON WAS  TIE 7 FINNEAS  TIE 7 JOHN MAYER  9 TRAVIS BARKER  9 RYAN METZGER  TIE 10 ELLE KING  10 TYLER COLE  TIE 10 MARTIN JOHNSON  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 25 of 25 DATA FOR WEEK OF 07.31.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 16 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 4 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 2 BLAKE SLATKIN  2 FINNEAS  TIE 2 OMER FEDI  3 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 4 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 FINNEAS  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  6 TRAVIS BARKER  6 RYAN METZGER  7 TYLER JOSEPH  7 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 8 BILLY WALSH  8 ADAM FRIEDMAN  TIE 8 THE KID LAROI  9 DAN NIGRO  TIE 10 DAN NIGRO  10 TYLER COLE  TIE 10 OLIVIA RODRIGO 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 3 WKS DAMIANO DAVID  TIE 1 3 WKS FABRIZIO FERRAGUZZO  #1 #1 TIE 1 3 WKS ETHAN TORCHIO  TIE 1 3 WKS MANESKIN  #1 TIE 1 3 WKS THOMAS RAGGI  3 GREG KURSTIN  #1 TIE 1 3 WKS VICTORIA DE ANGELIS  4 THE WIZARDZ OF OZ  5 MICHAEL POULSEN  5 FOO FIGHTERS  TIE 6 ADRIAN SMITH  TIE 6 KEVIN “CAVEMAN” SHIRLEY  TIE 6 BRUCE DICKINSON  TIE 6 STEVE HARRIS  8 WOLFGANG VAN HALEN  8 MICHAEL BASKETTE  9 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 9 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 10 BRANDON BARNES  TIE 9 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 10 JOE PRINCIPE  TIE 10 TIM MCILRATH  TIE 10 ZACH BLAIR 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS JEFF PARDO  1 39 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  2 MATTHEW WEST  2 PAUL MABURY  TIE 3 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  3 JEFF PARDO  TIE 3 PAUL MABURY  4 MICAH KUIPER  5 MICAH KUIPER  5 CHRIS BROWN  6 CHRIS BROWN  6 JASON INGRAM  7 STEVEN FURTICK  7 WE THE KINGDOM  8 TOBYMAC  8 SEAN COOK  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 BRANDON LAKE  9 MARK MILLER  10 DANTE BOWE  10 KYLE LEE 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS DANTE BOWE  1 20 WKS KYLE LEE  2 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 2 JONATHAN JAY  JUL. 3 STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 2 TONY BROWN  31 4 VASHAWN MITCHELL  4 BEN SCHOFIELD  2021 5 BEN SCHOFIELD  TIE 5 JUST BLAZE  TIE 6 CYNTHIA NUNN  TIE 5 KIRK FRANKLIN  TIE 6 JUST BLAZE  TIE 7 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 6 LIL BABY  TIE 7 JASON INGRAM  9 JEKALYN CARR  TIE 7 STEVEN FURTICK  10 CHANDLER MOORE  10 ALLEN CARR  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES