Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 28, 2021 Page 1 of 20

INSIDE Executive of the Week: Dreamville

• How Does Co-Founder Ibrahim ‘Ib’ Hamad Humbleriot Founder Anthony Demby Stay BY DAN RYS Mindful? When J. Cole released his sixth studio album, The Off- tinue breaking new ground and how management has • Identity, Awareness Season, out on Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope, it evolved in the decade since he and Cole made their & Representation: An AAPI Heritage Month launched a tidal wave that swept over the charts. The breakthrough in 2011. Conversation With release landed Cole his sixth straight No. 1 on the J. Cole’s The Off-Season became his sixth No. 1 Young the Giant’s Billboard 200, all 12 songs in the top 40 of the Hot album on the Billboard 200. What key decisions Sameer Gadhia 100, a record-tying four in the top 10, and leading to did you make to help make that happen? • Garth Brooks his first-ever time topping the Hot 100 Songwriters I don’t think it’s any one decision that I would sit Remembers chart, the Streaming Songs chart and the Hot Rap here and take credit for personally, because every de- Dewayne Blackwell, Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. cision is made together with Cole. The way Cole and ‘Friends in Low In short, it was a monumental album release in I have grown to work together, we talk about every Places’ Songwriter: a career that has seen several of them. And it earns decision before we press go. It’s very collaborative and Exclusive Dreamville co-founder and Cole’s longtime man- I think he pushes me to always push myself and come • Here Are All the ager Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad the title of Billboard’s back with better ideas, the same way I try to push him 2021 iHeartRadio Executive of the Week. in certain areas. Whenever an idea comes in that we Music Awards Hamad has worked alongside Cole for their entire all like, we push it and see how far we can take it. Winners careers, launching Dreamville and building it from a All 12 of the songs on the album hit the top 40 • The Weeknd, Dua label home for Cole into a full, functioning company of the Hot 100, while four of them debuted in Lipa & Other Record- with several other budding stars signed to its roster. the top 10, tying a record, including “my.life,” the Setters at 2021 And along the way he’s helped build Cole into one of iHeartRadio Music highest-charting song of his career. What did you Awards the hip-hop world’s premier artists, building on Cole’s do differently this time to make sure this album’s talent to expand into different lanes and help build his individual songs had such a big impact? brand into one that extends beyond genre. (continued) Here, Hamad discusses what went into the rollout The Billboard Bulletin will not publish on May and release of such a big album, Cole’s ability to con- 31st. We will resume publishing on June 1st.

TOTAL IMMERSION ESSENTIAL ANALYSIS of the latest business topics and trends formulated to give industry players the competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market.

EXCLUSIVE QUARTERLY REPORTS that deliver in-depth, holistic reporting; case studies; and custom data designed to serve the industry.

A DEEP DIVE LIBRARY stocked with intelligence on fan data, SUBSCRIBE TO BILLBOARD PRO FOR song catalog sales, TV synchs, Africa’s burgeoning music ACCESS TO NEW REPORTS business and the gaming industry’s embrace of artists. AND THE ARCHIVE 2021 COUNTRY POWER PLAYERS

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

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

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 Page 3 of 20

IN BRIEF

I think what we did differently this time is What goes into a great rollout campaign that are looking to be able to work with a make the rollout and the moment leading up these days, and how did you approach company like Dreamville, but also more to the release feel so big and interesting, so this one in particular? importantly just to learn and get better at that it made not only Cole fans but just pop For me, what goes into a great rollout what they do. culture in general pay attention. Once you is being able to give the fans insight and After a decade in the music busi- do that, the music does the rest of the work perspective on where the artist is at this ness, how has being a manager changed and I think this is Cole’s best work, which is point of his life and why this music is com- or evolved through the years? What what led to such a big reaction. ing. It can’t be just, “Here’s music because is required now that wasn’t when you Cole also tops a slew of other charts here’s music.” Cole has such a connection started? for the first time, including the Hot 100 with his fans that they grow with him and So much has changed it literally feels like Songwriters chart, the Streaming Songs for them to see where he is and just hear it’s a new industry every couple of years. chart and both the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs his perspective goes a long way for the In the decade-plus we’ve been doing this, and Hot Rap Songs charts. Ten years af- music. The documentary was that, so was we’ve watched the game go from physi- ter his debut album, what does it mean to the Slam cover story and even going as far cal CDs and a little bit of iTunes, to iTunes continue to be breaking new ground? back as the Players Tribune piece in July. with a little bit of CDs, to iTunes and a little It’s obviously great to make history. It Everything offers perspective that makes streaming with CDs dying, to a point we speaks to the reach of the music, especially the fans that grew with him want to hear are now where it’s basically just streaming, since Cole does it with a 12-song album and what’s next and that’s important to us and especially in our genre. That alone, plus the not, like, 20 songs. At the same time, I know has always been a part of Cole’s growth. amount of music that’s constantly coming how quickly the game changes and I’m It’s also a lot of real-time adjustments that out every week, changes everything about sure that record will get broken by the next happen too now with our rollouts because how you release and promote music. We’re big release. It speaks more to where our the game moves so fast. blessed that we’ve been able to adjust every genre is and how big of an impact hip-hop Dreamville and Apple also recent- step of the way. You can’t do what worked has right now. The goal, though, is never ly partnered with the Marcus Graham the last album release ‘cause things are so the numbers. It’s more about how far we Project to sponsor 12 individuals in its different. I think the reason we’re still here can push ourselves creatively. If Cole does marketing and media bootcamp. Why is and doing it at a higher level than ever is what he does at the highest level and we as that important to you guys? because we’re students of the game and Dreamville can do what we do at the highest This is important to us because we all understand what we need to do to merge level to push it out, then the numbers will started as these kids looking for opportuni- who we are and how we connect with our reflect exactly how much the music is able ties and not knowing how or where to get fans with what’s happening in today’s game. to impact people. them. The Dreamville team ran point on That’s important for growth. You guys set up the album with the Ap- this and was led by Candace Rodney on plying Pressure documentary, a new Puma that partnership and I think it’s going to collaboration and a social media push. be a great opportunity for young creatives

AUTHORITATIVE INTELLIGENCE. DELIVERED DIGITALLY. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DELIVERY

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2021 BLACK EYED PEAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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

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

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1920

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

Albums; Brett YoungJohn Legend, ‘Catc The Blackh Eyed’-es Peas and Fifth Nata- some Airplay point, it just cracks me open every How Does sha Bedingfield. single time and I’m thankful for that release. Leader; Travis DenningFirst I had to separate Makes mental health HistoryAnd I think I’m able to use that when I start Humbleriot from mental illness. I feel like people often to feel stuck or unresourceful. So if I’m on make them the same and they’re different, my computer all day, looking at screens all SamFounder Hunt’s second studio Anthony full-length, and first in overyou five know, years, and Southside I think everyonesales (up 21%)has mental in the tracking day, week. I have On Country to stop Airplay,and step it hopsaway 18-15 and (11.9 just mil - (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville), debutshealth at No. challenges. 1 on Billboard So’s oncelion I audience got clear impressions, on goup 16%).do some deep breathing. Or if I’m trying Top Country Albums chart dated April 18. In its first that,week (ending I started April looking 9), it at different parts of to work through something, reading helps earnedDemby 46,000 equivalent Stay 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. my life that were uncomfortableand total Country for me. Airplay No.with 1 as that. “Catch” And (Big also Machine I’ve incorporated Label Group) ascendsspend- Mindful?Southside marks Hunt’s second No. 1 on the Whether that be the loud voice in my ing2-1, time increasing in nature 13% intoto 36.6 my million practice impressions. as well, chart and fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP head telling me I’m not enough, or just the so ifYoung’s I’m just first working of six chartall day, entries, I’ll stop “Sleep and Withgo- Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He BY LYNDSEY HAVENS way I’m navigating my day-to-day life. So walk to the park in Brooklyn, circle back and vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, my mental health is a direct reflection of jumpfollowed back with into the my multiweek work. No. 1s “In Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionn in recognition album sales. of Mental Health Aware- how I’m seeing myself and experiencing You”I had (three, a moment January last 2018), year, “Mercy” I was (two,doing August Montevalloness Month, has spentBillboard 267 weeks has on partneredthe list, tying myself in that moment. Well-being for me my2018) 50th and Zoom “Here yoga Tonight” class (two, and AprilI just 2019). wasn’t Luke Bryanwith ’sIan Crash Davis My Party and asBrandon the sixth-longest- Hol- is the core of everything that I do. It’s my feeling“Catch” me on completes the screen. his longest I missed journey being to No. in 1, runningman titles of in The the chart’sMindful 56-year Creative history. on a way of putting gas in my tank, or putting the thehaving studio, taken I missed 46 weeks being to reach with the people apex. andIt out it- IseriesOn the of conversationsall-genre Billboard with 200, music Southside artists arand- oxygen mask on myself first so I can breathe wasn’tpaces thefeeling 30-week good. climb And of I “Here remember Tonight.” I was rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterexecutives the No. about 3-peaking the self-careMontevallo practices. they air into the rest of my ideas and my life. So ina some new high. pose and I was like, “Eh, it’s okay useHunt to keep first themselvesreleased the onEP X2Ctrack,, which both debuted during whether that be through my meditation to not be okay. It’s okay,” out loud to myself andthe pandemicpeaked at andNo. 5beyond. on Top Country Albums in Augustpractice, 2014. my Following breath work,COMBS working ‘DOES’ out, IT read AGAIN- Luketo give Combs myself’ “Does permission to Me” (River to feel House/Columbia whatever MontevalloToday’s ,installment Between the isPines: with Acoustic Anthony Mixtape starteding thingsat its No. that 7 high inspire in andNashville), uplift me featuring — all Eric ChurchI was ,experiencing ascends 11-8 on at Country that moment, Airplay, upand 10% to NovemberDemby, founder 2015. of Humbleriot, a company those things contribute 24.7to just million my overall in audience. TheI think song isby Combs’ doing thateighth it straightcreates career-openinga safe and Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:launched “Leave in 2011 the that Night fuses On,” music “Take and Your cultural Time,” “Housediet. Party” To create and “Makespace forpromoted myself, I No. start 1 singles. my brave environment. Youprogramming Miss Me.” “Break with social Up in aimpact. Small Town” Previous peaked at No.day 2. before 9:00 A.M.. That’s Churchmy time. adds his 15th CountryYou Airplay shouldn’t top 10. be shamed for having a clientsHunt include co-penned Sonos, all 12 Google, songs onThe Southside Infatua-, includingI’ve “Body been Like meditating a Back for almost about 13 challenge, we all experience things, so just Road,”tion and which the Obamawas released Foundation. in 2017. TheCurrently, smash hit ruledyears Country at this Airplay point, for it’s becomeTHAT TOOK the founda QUITE- ‘A FEW’reframing MONTHS thatTravis and Denning providing shatters resources the record to for threeDemby weeks is working and the asairplay-, music streaming- supervisor and on sales-based tion Hot of howCountry I live Songs my life.the And most I normallyweeks it has do taken speak to penetrate with different the Country communities Airplay top 10 of as people “After 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 - FloridaComedy Georgia Central’s LineSouth’s “Meant Side to, aBe” comedic (50 weeks atop thearound latter listtwo in a 2017-18). day. It slowslion my in radioreality reach. down [is important]. There’s no catch-all for look“Downtown’s at life on Chicago’s Dead,” which South is Side.also on Prior the new to set, reachedso I can Nos. see what’s14 and 15 what andThe know song surpasseshow to two trackseveryone, that tookso doing 50 weeks the eachwork to to enter know the that top 10: onHumbleriot, Hot Country Demby Songs gainedand Country experience Airplay, work respectively,- navigate in June certain 2018. “Kin things.- EastonAlso, I’ve Corbin gotten’s “A Girl Likecertain You,” folkswhich need reached certain No. 10 things in January to deal 2018 with be- folks”ing at ledlabels Country including Airplay Mercury, on Feb. Arista29, becoming and Hunt’srecently seventh into No. breath 1. It hit work,fore which peaking has at No.been 6 that February,trauma, and to feelAaron safe Watson and brave’s “Outta to discuss Style,” which No.Aftermath, 3 on Hot Countryas well as Songs. management company transformative for me. I’llachieved be honest its No. with 10 high in Decemberthings, to 2017.be able to do the research and 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 DAS Communications, where clients included you, every time I do breath work I cry at work to find various methods of support and eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY Page 6 of 20

IN BRIEF

make it available and accessible to people, longing to white men. After seeing how that’s what I’m passionate about. Identity, diverse the crowds at his shows have been With people of color, it’s one thing to hire over the years, he strongly believes that a black person in the company as part of Awareness & “there’s more to this than just being white your initiative, but things do need to be put boy music.” in place to support that person as they go Representation: In his latest project, Gadhia reshapes the through the company, and that also comes traditional depiction of alt/indie artists in from putting people of color in decision- An AAPI his new radio show Point of Origin. In a making seats to advise how those things series of playlists and interviews, the singer move forward. So creating diversity around Heritage Month spotlights various artists of color and delves leadership and opportunity, and also prais- into their backgrounds — ultimately show- ing someone for their value and their voice. Conversation casing how “there are so many more angles And putting the conversation around mental that can be drawn from this genre. A recent health in the forefront and not making it With Young the episode features Filipino-British indie something to be ashamed of or have guilt darling Beabadoobee, as Gadhia guides around for putting it on the table and put- Giant’s Sameer listeners through the music that inspired ting it in the room. It’s always in the room, her along with stories about her hometown. whether it’s addressed or not, but making it Gadhia Below, the lead singer shares with Bill- part of the conversation. board his own origin story – from living the I’m not going to lie, I was definitely part BY MIA NAZARENO Asian-American dream of getting into Stan- of “team no sleep” when I first started my ford to ultimately following his own dream company — for most of my career, especially n honor of Asian American and Pacific of becoming a rockstar — while also revisit- in the music business, it’s a rise and grind Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Bill- ing where he grew up, and reflecting on how culture. I think the change for me is when board is highlighting Asian-American the city’s diversity served as a stark contrast I was managing artists and I wasn’t taking voices within the music industry to whiteness of the alt rock sphere. care of myself and I was giving every ounce Ithrough a series of conversations on identity, Who were your musical influences of energy I had to other people, and my life representation, and raising awareness. In our growing up? suffered in regards to that and I had to step third installment, Sameer Gadhia — front- A lot of Michael Jackson. Freddie Mer- away. So I think now I just create boundar- man of longtime alt-rock fixtures Young the cury was huge for me — especially when I ies. I do my best not to feel guilty about step- Giant — shares his experience of navigating found out he was Indian. The Beatles were ping away. the alternative rock genre as an Indian-Amer- a huge deal. I grew up with a mishmash of We tend to think that if we stop working ican in a traditionally white male dominated popular songs as well as Bollywood songs. the world will fall apart, and guess what? space. Later, I got into The Strokes. Because I was It won’t. So just having that awareness and Irvine, Calif. is often hailed as the saf- an immigrant’s son, I didn’t have a full lay of knowing that if I leave this for half-an-hour est city in America. Locally known as the music historical land, so I worked back- to an hour, this project can still get done. “The Bubble,” the Orange County suburb is wards. I started with the popular stuff, and I’m not an EMT driver so this probably is known for its pristinely planned communi- then explored the artists who influenced not life or death for another person, so I ties and high population of Asian-American those artists. can step away and get back on Slack in an immigrants. In many ways, the city is the In high school, did you consider music hour and just recalibrate and center myself opposite of rock star glamour, but it’s against as a viable career option? because it makes me more valuable when this backdrop that Young The Giant wrote I honestly didn’t. In this cultural lens, I I tap back into it. The thing is, if we live in their 2011 hit single “Cough Syrup” — a didn’t think it was a possibility. I knew I had this always-on mentality, eventually we’re track about wanting to escape suburbia. talent with music and played local shows, going to go off and then there’s no work get- But 11 years after the hit song hit the but I didn’t see anyone else who looked like ting done. My self-care practice is designed airwaves, lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s me on stage. When I started seeing artists I to increase my capacity so I can hold more, feelings about his band’s hometown have was passionate about, I began to see music but even though I can hold more, I don’t fill shifted. “[Irvine] was almost like a place of as a real career. In high school, I managed up more. refuge, where immigrants came for free and to get tickets to see Coldplay at the Verizon As told to Lyndsey Havens and Ian Davis. [were able to get] really good public educa- Wireless Amphitheatre in 2006. Playing tion,” he says now. shows of that size and amplitude seemed As one of the very few Indian-Amer- crazy to me. That’s when I realized that ican singers in this space, Gadhia hopes people do this for a living. Besides that, I to challenge the narrative of the genre be- hadn’t seen that representation, so I didn’t Page 7 of 20

IN BRIEF

think it was in the cards. When you mention how people per- We want a place in society and a place to How do you think growing up in Irvine ceived you as white due to your proxim- belong. informed your music? ity to whiteness — how does the normal- What was your parents’ reaction when Especially in the music world, a lot ization of whiteness affect you? I would you told them that you were quitting of people think Orange County is really have so much anxiety with that. school to become a rockstar? white and really rich. I’ve only started to It’s something that I’ve gotten used to in It was the most insane and bravest deci- appreciate how amazing the diversity is in a weird way. There aren’t many Indian kids sion I’ve ever made in my life. My parents Irvine... In high school, we weren’t segre- in this space. I slowly started getting used were like, “Really? What makes you think gated by skin color, but instead, we were to being The Only One. That anxiety felt you can be one of the first Indian guys to segregated by what we liked and what our normal. This white proximity — especially do this? It doesn’t make sense.” They still interests were. It was a really open place on tour — was becoming a big part of my ask about it — sometimes just to piss me off. and a breeding ground for so much cross existence. It’s still something I’m trying to They know the answer to the question, but pollination and cultural influence. People unpack because it’s a lot. my dad is like, “You probably lost your spot don’t realize that at first. When they think of The model minority myth feels like at Stanford by now.” And I’m like, “No, it’s Irvine, they think of it as this planned, safe, such a real thing for second generation still there.” [Laughs.] boring city. In a lot of ways, it is, but there’s Asian kids. How do you think that af- They’re really starting to understand the still something really exciting about that fected as a musician? value and the work that I do. They always level of diversity. Most definitely it affected me. It’s so -en have been very proud and supportive. But When I went to Stanford, I thought it trenched within the South Asian and larger the really, really huge burden that Asian would be more liberal, but it was more seg- Asian community. The way to be accepted kids feel from their parents needs to be regated by color. It was a lot more conser- and the way to fit in is to be successful addressed. That’s gonna happen over the vative in some ways, and I had never seen and non-threatening. By definition, to be a course of our generation. We’re gonna be that before in my whole life. For the first rockstar is to be anti-establishment, to be an the generation that changes that, so our time, I met people who wouldn’t like me just anti-role model, to not be quiet. children don’t have to feel like this is all they because of how I looked. That experience I still have elements of the model minor- can do otherwise they’re failures. I felt that. really informed so much for me. As a band, ity, but some of that is tied to this hope of That was real for me. our cultural makeup and different back- the American Dream. I always think about And then, I was like, “You know what? I’m grounds really informed our music. That how the American Dream lives on in the a grownup and I need to make an adult deci- cross pollination of sound and culture bled hearts and minds of America’s immigrants. sion. This is my life. This is not your life.” into our music. While there is this cultural and racial aspect Things were rough for a second, but I liter- What was your experience like when to the model minority myth, there’s also this ally hadn’t done anything in my life to ever you transitioned from the diversity of element of wanting to succeed at all costs disappoint them. That was the first time. Irvine to the homogeneity of the alt rock to make it. We, as immigrants, don’t have a Ironically, having this disagreement and space? safety net. There have definitely been mo- huge fundamental shift in our relationship It was crazy. It’s something I’m still cop- ments in my career when I did wanna be the made our relationship better. They actu- ing with and trying to figure out. White best and excel in everything that I do. I don’t ally started to respect me as an adult and proximity is a huge thing for Asian people. know if that’s the model minority myth, or as a man — and not just their son who did The transition slowly led to me realizing this concept of the American Dream that whatever the hell they wanted me to do. I’m that as a lead singer playing amphithe- doesn’t exist anymore. happy I made that decision. aters and in a genre perceived to be white, We can have representation and accep- Telling your parents you want to people started considering me as white — tance in all sorts of art forms. We can be leave Stanford sounds like a very rock- which is a weird feeling. Our fan base has many more things. All we need are those ex- star thing — especially for an Asian kid. never been homogenously white, which amples of success. In Point of Origin, I talk That’s not something that other white, is really exciting overall. about Freddie Mercury: No one — including alt rock front men experience. More than anything, I’ve realized that a lot of Indian people — knew he was Indi- Yeah, it would’ve been much harder if it the construct of alternative music be- an. That was a conscious decision. He knew was just me and if I wanted to break out and ing white is just a construct. The people that he wouldn’t be as famous if people saw do a solo career. In some ways, I leaned on who actually love it and listen it come from him as that. That held us back for three white families a little bit. Being in a band is a everywhere. I see that everyday. I see that generations. If people had known who Fred- group effort, and all the white families were every time we play a show. That’s what I’m die Mercury was and where he came from, I like, ‘Sure go ahead. We’ll be proud of you trying to share with Point of Origin — there think you’d see a lot more Indian musicians no matter what.’ are so many more angles that can be drawn out there right now because they could see You don’t hear that a lot in Asian fami- from this genre. that example of success. That’s all we want. lies. Page 8 of 20

IN BRIEF

Yes, so I kinda used that in my favor to care about, like Pitchfork and stuff like that. Mark Ford, executive director of the Nash- normalize the absolute batsh—t craziness The way we enforce things in media and ville Songwriters Hall of Fame, confirmed of the decision. So in fairness, I did have a what’s being played is a whole other topic. to Billboard. The Hall inducted Blackwell, 84, little bit of support there. That’s a great way Just like anything else, it’s about getting in 2017 for penning “Friends,” as well as pop to put it — that’s the most rockstar thing I’ve other people in there. Getting good research hit “Mr. Blue,” which The Fleetwoods took to ever done, because I’m not that crazy of a to really understand that there’s more than No. 1 in 1959, and country staples “Honkytonk person. this genre being white boy music. That will Man” by Marty Robbins and David Friz- How did Point of Origin come togeth- have a huge benefit, and bring the genre zell’s “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate er? back to relevance. When we started doing Our Home.” Acts ranging from Roy Orbison There has been this interest in exploring this, Kings of Leon was not only the biggest to Bobby Vinton, The Everly Brothers and the idea of me being a radio DJ for Alt Na- band in the world, but they were also the Conway Twitty cut Blackwell’s songs. tion. It started to take shape when we came biggest artist in the world. I think the genre “Friends in Low Places” was the first single up with the idea of bringing things back isn’t as relevant anymore because people from Brooks’ 1990 album, No Fences, which to the beginning of each artist — Point of think that only white men do this. has been certified by the RIAA for sales of 18 Origin. That felt more universal than always I’m a light-skinned brown guy who has million units in the U.S. But “Friends” wasn’t having to tokenize an artist. I didn’t want white people in my band, so I’ve been more the first Blackwell song Brooks released. That this to be a clear diversity play. I wanted this welcomed in. I acknowledge that privilege. would be the sly “Nobody Gets Off In This to be about normalizing these narratives and It’s about slowly doing the work of changing Town,” an album track co-written with Larry not just leaning into the fact that they’re art- people’s minds, and showing America that Bastian on Brooks’ 1989 self-titled debut. ists of color. Instead, I wanted to highlight there are these great artists who aren’t all Brooks also covered “Mr. Blue” on No Fences. these amazing artists that have unique sto- just white men. Brooks shares with Billboard how ries. These narratives are universal narra- Is there any new music on the horizon “Friends” changed his life, and remembers tives that people should understand. for Young The Giant? Blackwell’s unique writing style. I’m trying to share their stories and not Yeah, we’re currently working on stuff. Dewayne Blackwell changed my life just always dilute the quality of their work I just had a son, and our bassist Payam because the first time I heard “I’m Gonna by just calling them artists of color – even [Doostzadeh] has a little daughter now, too. to Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home,” I though I have to – to normalize it. There’s We’re dealing with this transition and get- thought, “Holy cow, what a funny, fantastic a paradox there. I’m trying my best to walk ting ourselves out of this pandemic, but we song.” I’m telling you, that’s every guy my that tightrope and do it in an authentic way. have been writing. We’re taking our time, dad grew up with or that we grew up around Do you know if Point of Origin has but we’ll get you something soon. in Oklahoma. influenced the music programming at Alt The first time I ever heard “Mr. Blue” by Nation? the Fleetwoods, I thought, “Holy Cow.” So It’s actually starting to make a difference Garth Brooks this guy has touched our lives in so many with their playlisting. Some of the artists ways that we don’t even know. I’ve featured on the show have crossed over Remembers What we lost when we lost Dewayne into their actual rotation. Seoul-based Ko- Blackwell was someone who truly was a rean artist Su Lee — who I featured before Dewayne craftsman, not a settler. He would not settle. Beabadoobee — has this song titled “I’ll Just If everything lined up, it would take you five Dance,” which became No. 8 on their charts Blackwell, ‘Friends minutes to write a song; if things didn’t, it last week. It’s exciting to see how the show could take you five years to write a song. has been making a difference already and in Low Places’ He was not one of those guys that would let how it’s been trickling into the rest of their anything pass. He did it for the sake of the radio and playlisting. Songwriter: song and for the sake of entertainment. He How do you think the alt rock genre understood that. can be more welcoming of non-white Exclusive “Friends in Low Places,” I [sang] the musicians? demo for that. They were pitching it to It’s already changing. I’m an old guard BY GARTH BROOKS [George] Strait and all I know was I did [member] now at this point, which is funny demos sometimes five, nine, a day, and this because I’ve been around this genre for a de- ongwriter Dewayne Blackwell, who, was the one I couldn’t get out of my head for cade. I’ve seen sweeping change in general. with Earl Bud Lee, wrote “Friends months. It just kept circling back in. I never A lot of the change starts with the irrever- in Low Places,” the rowdy standard [could] believe that me as an artist would ence of youth and young people not caring that catapulted Garth Brooks to take that song on. And now I can’t imagine about the old outlets that people used to Sstardom 30 years ago, died Sunday (May 23), being the artist that I’ve got to be without Page 9 of 20

IN BRIEF

that song. Billie Eilish “Death By Rock And Roll” - The Pretty While I [was] forming my writing habits WINNER: Dua Lipa Reckless as a young writer, [manager] Bob Doyle Megan Thee Stallion “Patience” - Chris Cornell teamed me with Larry Bastian and Dewayne Taylor Swift WINNER: “Shame Shame” - Foo Fighters Blackwell. Both are pure rhymists, and they Male Artist of the Year: “Shot In The Dark” - AC/DC won’t allow a non-pure rhyme in. So the Harry Styles “Under The Graveyard” - Ozzy Osbourne crazy thing to think about is the next time Justin Bieber Rock Artist of the Year: you’’re hammered and you’re doing karaoke Post Malone AC/DC and you’re singing what could possibly be Roddy Ricch Five Finger Death Punch the most sung party song on the planet, WINNER: The Weeknd Ozzy Osbourne know that “Friends in Low Places” has pure Best Duo/Group of the Year: Shinedown rhyme 100% through it. Isn’t it amazing? BTS WINNER: The Pretty Reckless The song that’s probably the most slurred is WINNER: Dan + Shay Country Song of the Year: a pure rhyme. That’s crazy. [laughs] Jonas Brothers “Even Though I’m Leaving” - Luke Combs I didn’t write “Nobody Gets Off in This Maroon 5 “I Hope” - Gabby Barrett Town” with them, but I was there when twenty one pilots “Nobody But You” - Blake Shelton with they were writing it. Dewayne Blackwell Best Collaboration: Gwen Stefani grew up in a town like “Nobody Gets Off in “Go Crazy” - Chris Brown & Young Thug “One Margarita” - Luke Bryan this Town” and what he did was brought “Holy” - Justin Bieber featuring Chance the WINNER: “The Bones” - Maren Morris real-life America forward in music. Like Rapper Country Artist of the Year: some people did it in film, he did it in lyrics “I Hope” - Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie Blake Shelton and music. Dewayne was just a real life Puth WINNER: Luke Bryan portrayer of the arts, but he did it with lyrics “Mood” - 24kGoldn featuring iann dior Luke Combs instead of with paint. WINNER: “Savage” (Remix) - Megan Maren Morris — As told to Melinda Newman Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé Thomas Rhett Best New Pop Artist: Best New Country Artist: 24kGoldn Ashley McBryde Here Are All the blackbear WINNER: Gabby Barrett WINNER: Doja Cat HARDY 2021 iHeartRadio JP Saxe Ingrid Andress Pop Smoke Jameson Rodgers Music Awards Alternative Rock Song of the Year: Dance Song of the Year: “Bang!” - AJR “Head & Heart” - Joel Corry x MNEK Winners “Bloody Valentine” - Machine Gun Kelly “ily (i love you baby)” - Surf Mesa featuring “everything i wanted” - Billie Eilish Emilee BY KATIE ATKINSON WINNER: “Level of Concern” - twenty “Lasting Lover” – Sigala & James Arthur one pilots “Rain On Me” - Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande t Thursday night’s (May 27) “Monsters” - All Time Low featuring black- WINNER: “Roses” (Imanbek Remix) - iHeartRadio Music Awards, The bear SAINt JHN Weeknd came in as the top Alternative Rock Artist of the Year: Dance Artist of the Year: nominee and left with three AJR Anabel Englund prizes,A including song of the year for “Blind- All Time Low Diplo ing Lights” and male artist of the year. Billie Eilish WINNER: Marshmello See who else won big below: Cage the Elephant Surf Mesa Song of the Year: WINNER: twenty one pilots Tiësto WINNER: “Blinding Lights” - The Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Art- Hip-Hop Song of the Year: Weeknd ist: “High Fashion” - Roddy Ricch featuring “Circles” - Post Malone Ashe Mustard “Don’t Start Now” - Dua Lipa Dayglow “Life Is Good” - Future featuring Drake “Rockstar” - DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch WINNER: Powfu “Rockstar” - DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch “Watermelon Sugar” - Harry Styles Royal & The Serpent “Savage” (Remix) - Megan Thee Stallion Female Artist of the Year: Wallows featuring Beyoncé Ariana Grande Rock Song of the Year: WINNER: “The Box” - Roddy Ricch Page 10 of 20

IN BRIEF

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: “Palabra De Hombre” - El Fantasma #BLINK - BLACKPINK DaBaby WINNER: “Se Me Olvidó” - Christian WINNER: #BTSARMY - BTS Lil Baby Nodal #Harries - Harry Styles Megan Thee Stallion “Sólo Tú” - Calibre 50 #Limelights - Why Don’t We Pop Smoke “Te Volvería A Elegir” - Calibre 50 #Louies - Louis Tomlinson WINNER: Roddy Ricch “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” - Lenin Ramírez #MendesArmy - Shawn Mendes Best New Hip-Hop Artist: featuring Grupo Firme #NCTzens - NCT 127 Jack Harlow Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: #Selenators - Selena Gomez Moneybagg Yo Banda Los Sebastianes #Swifties - Taylor Swift Pop Smoke Calibre 50 Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Rod Wave WINNER: Christian Nodal Category WINNER: Roddy Ricch Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa de Monterrey “Blinding Lights” - The Weeknd R&B Song of the Year: Gerardo Ortíz “Don’t Start Now” - Dua Lipa “B.S.” - Jhené Aiko featuring H.E.R. Producer of the Year: WINNER: “Dynamite” - BTS WINNER: “Go Crazy” - Chris Brown & Andrew Watt “Hawái” - Maluma Young Thug Dr Luke “How You Like That” - BLACKPINK “Heat” Chris Brown featuring Gunna Frank Dukes “Life Is Good” - Future featuring Drake “Playing Games” - Summer Walker Louis Bell “Rain On Me” - Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande “Slide” - H.E.R. featuring YG WINNER: Max Martin “WAP” - Cardi B featuring Megan Thee R&B Artist of the Year: Songwriter of the Year: Stallion Chris Brown Ali Tamposi “Watermelon Sugar” - Harry Styles WINNER: H.E.R. Amy Allen “Yummy” - Justin Bieber Jhené Aiko WINNER: Ashley Gorley Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Snoh Aalegra Dan Nigro Category Summer Walker Finneas Dixie D’Amelio Best New R&B Artist: Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category Jaden Hossler Chloe x Halle WINNER: “Adore You” - Harry Styles LILHUDDY Lonr. “Before You Go” - Lewis Capaldi Nessa Barrett Mahalia “Blinding Lights” - The Weeknd WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo Skip Marley “cardigan” - Taylor Swift Tate McRae WINNER: Snoh Aalegra “Don’t Start Now” - Dua Lipa Favorite Music Video Choreography: Latin Pop/Reggaeton Song of the Year: “everything i wanted” - Billie Eilish *Socially Voted Category “Caramelo” - Ozuna “I Hope” - Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie WINNER: BTS – Son Sung Deuk “Dákiti” - Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez Puth “34+35” (Ariana Grande) - Scott & Brian “Hawái” (Remix) - Maluma & The Weeknd “If The World Was Ending” - JP Saxe fea- Nicholson “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” - Black Eyed turing Julia Michaels “Do It” (Chloe x Halle) - Kendra Bracy & Peas & J Balvin “Intentions” - Justin Bieber featuring Quavo Ashanti Ledon WINNER: “Tusa” - KAROL G & Nicki “Life Is Good” - Future featuring Drake “Honey Boo” (CNCO & Natti Natasha) - Minaj Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Cat- Kyle Hanagami Latin Pop/Reggaeton Artist of the egory “Physical” (Dua Lipa) - Charm La’Donna Year: “Adore You” (Harry Styles) - Lizzo cover “Rain On Me” (Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande) Bad Bunny “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” (Frankie - Richy Jackson WINNER: J Balvin Valli) - Shawn Mendes cover “Say So” (Doja Cat) - Cortland Brown KAROL G “Fix You” (Coldplay) - Sam Smith cover “WAP” (Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stal- Maluma “Heart Of Glass” (Blondie) - Miley Cyrus lion) - JaQuel Knight Ozuna cover “Bop” (DaBaby) - Coach Cherry & Best New Latin Artist: WINNER: “Juice” (Lizzo) - Harry Styles DaniLeigh Chesca cover TikTok Bop of the Year (New Catego- Jay Wheeler Best Fan Army: *Socially Voted Cat- ry): *Socially Voted Category Natanael Cano egory WINNER: “Blinding Lights” - The Neto Bernal #Agnation - Agnez Mo Weeknd WINNER: Rauw Alejandro #Arianators - Ariana Grande “Lottery (Renegade)” - K CAMP Regional Mexican Song of the Year: #Beliebers - Justin Bieber “Savage” - Megan Thee Stallion Page 11 of 20

IN BRIEF

“Savage Love” (Laxed-Siren Beat) - Jawsh Dua Lipa took female artist of the year and Lil Nas X. Though the connection 685, Jason Derulo for the first time. She beat Megan Thee Stal- wasn’t explicitly made, John paved the way “Say So” - Doja Cat lion and three past winners in the category for the success of other British pop and “WAP” - Cardi B featuring Megan Thee – Taylor Swift (2015-16 and 2018), Ariana rock musicians, such as Martin, and for the Stallion Grande (2019) and Billie Eilish (2020). emergence of other openly gay artists, such Pop Album of the Year Dan + Shay were surprise winners for as Lil Nas X. In accepting the award, John WINNER: Taylor Swift - Folklore duo/group of the year, beating out the spoke warmly of Lil Nas X. “He is a wonder- Alternative Rock Album of the Year red-hot BTS and three past winners in ful artist and has balls of steel.” WINNER: Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets to the category – Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5 My Downfall and Twenty One Pilots. Dan + Shay are the Rock Album of the Year first country group to win in this all-genre Executive WINNER: AC/DC - Power Up category in the eight-year history of the Country Album of the Year iHeartRadio Music Awards. Turntable: Disney WINNER: Luke Combs - What You See BTS won in two socially-voted categories Ain’t Always What You Get – best fan army for the fourth year in a row Names Music Biz Dance Album of the Year and best music video for “Dynamite.” WINNER: Diplo - Diplo Presents Thomas Luke Combs won country artist of the Affairs EVP, UMG Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil year for the third year in a row. Marshmel- Hip-Hop Album of the Year lo won dance artist of the year for the third Catalog Division WINNER: Lil Baby - My Turn year in a row. H.E.R. won R&B artist of the R&B Album of the Year year for the second year in a row. twenty Hires VP of A&R WINNER: Jhene Aiko - Chilombo one pilots won alternative rock artist of the Regional Mexican Album of the Year year for the third time in six years. BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN WINNER: Christian Nodal - AYAYAY! Roddy Ricch won both hip-hop artist of Latin Pop/Reggaeton Album of the the year and new hip-hop artist of the year. eter DiCecco has been promoted Year He’s the only new artist to win as the top to executive vp, music business WINNER: Bad Bunny - YHLQMDLG artist of the year in genre category. Ricch affairs at Disney General Enter- also won hip-hop song of the year for “The tainment (DGE). Box.” PIn the role, DiCecco will lead the DGE The Weeknd, The Pretty Reckless won rock artist of music affairs team across several entities at the year. J Balvin won Latin pop/reggaeton Disney, including ABC-owned TV stations, Dua Lipa & Other artist of the year. Both were first-time win- Disney+, Disney parks and Disney consumer ners in those categories. products. Under his direction, the team will Record-Setters at “Savage” (Remix) by Megan Thee Stal- handle all deal-making, strategy and busi- lion featuring Beyoncé won best collabora- ness and legal affairs related to the produc- 2021 iHeartRadio tion. It’s the second all-female collab to take tion, acquisition and distribution of music that award, following “Bang Bang” by Jessie for programming produced by DGE brands Music Awards J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj, which won and studios including Hulu Originals, ABC six years ago. Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Branded BY PAUL GREIN Taylor Swift’s Folklore won pop album of Television, FX Networks, Freeform, Na- the year. At the Grammys on March 14, Folk- tional Geographic, ABC Signature and 20th he 2021 iHeartRadio Music lore lost the award for best pop vocal album Television. Awards were presented on Thurs- to Lipa’s Future Nostalgia, but later turned DiCecco will also continue running the day (May 27) at the Dolby Theater around and won the top award, album of the ABC music publishing catalog globally and in Hollywood. Here are some of year. oversee music business affairs for Disney’s Tthe artists who made history at the show. Olivia Rodrigo won the social star award. TV productions based in Latin America, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” took It is likely to be the first of many awards that Asia and other regions. He reports to DGE song of the year and also the socially-voted the talented 18 year old wins in the next year executive vp, strategy and business opera- award for TikTok bop of the year. The or so. tions Trish Husson. Weeknd also took male artist of the year for Elton John, who would have dominated “Peter is a well-respected industry execu- the first time. He’s the third Canadian artist the iHeartRadio Music Awards if they had tive who has been integral to the ever-evolv- to win in the latter category, following Jus- existed in his mid-‘70s heyday, received the ing business of music in television,” said tin Bieber (2016-17) and Drake (2019). icon award from Coldplay’s Chris Martin Husson in a statement. “His creative deal- Page 12 of 20

IN BRIEF

making and vision have helped shape and and toured as the drummer for Virgin Re- Awards, the Latin American Music Awards expand the storytelling landscape through cords artists U.S. Crush and The Exies. and Premios Tu Mundo. music, bringing greater dimensionality to “Dennis’ involvement with numerous art- Entertainment attorney Jodie Shihadeh, DGE’s award-winning content.” ists and managers, as well as being a former named one of Billboard’s Top Music Law- DiCecco was previously senior vp and recording artist himself, are key to his col- yers in 2020, has launched Shihadeh Law general manager, music, overseeing music laborative, long term relationships with art- P.C., a boutique transactional entertainment affairs for the Disney/ABC TV group and ists spanning UMG’s labels,” said Gowen in a law firm with offices in New York and Los setting music policy and creating ancillary statement. “Additionally, his background in Angeles. business opportunities for the music as- branding and content strategy will help us The firm’s roster includes creators, enter- sets from franchises including High School build core activations beyond the traditional tainment companies and industry executives Musical, Dancing with the Stars and Jimmy releases.” including producer-songwriter J White Kimmel Live! Lori Giamela and Kevin Valentini have Did It, producer-songwriter Roy Lenzo, Before that, DiCecco was vp, music and both been promoted to senior vp, promotion songwriter Paul Phamous, artist-producer- business affairs at ABC Entertainment at RCA Records. songwriter El Guincho, artist EDEN and Group, where he set music policies for Giamela and Valentini both previously singer-songwriter Audrey Mika. ABC and brokered all music deals for the held the role of vp, rhythm promotion at Prior to launching her own firm, Shiha- network’s entertainment, daytime, sports, the label, where they will continue running deh was a partner at The Davis Firm, where late-night and news divisions. the rhythm team — Giamela from the West she negotiated deals for top artists, produc- DiCecco started as senior counsel in the Coast and Valentini from New York. ers, songwriters, management and produc- intellectual property section of the corpo- During their five-year leadership tenure, tion companies, executives and more. rate legal department at Disney, where he Giamela and Valentini have racked up hits Shihadeh additionally advises the Cre- provided counsel to business units including for artists including Miguel, G-Eazy, Kha- ateSafe Record Deal Simulator on behalf Disney Cruise Lines, Walt Disney Records, lid and Doja Cat. Most recently, their of Grimes’ longtime manager Daouda Touchstone Television and Disney Char- efforts helped lead Chris Brown to a record Leonard. acter Voices International. He negotiated on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart for Guitar maker Fender’s music education music deals for the grand opening of Dis- “Go Crazy,” which has remained in the top foundation Fender Play has announced the ney’s California Adventure theme park and 10 of the tally for 40 weeks and counting. inaugural members of its board of direc- launched the Radio Disney Jams and Grey’s Mitú, the national, millennial Latino- tors, which includes Fender CEO Andy Anatomy soundtrack franchises. focused entertainment and OTT plat- Mooney and CFO Jim Broenen. They are: Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), form that’s now part of Latido Music, has Musician, percussionist, bassist, turntable the global catalog division of Universal hired Luciana Villalba as executive director master, songwriter and producer Iz Avila, Music Group, has hired Dennis Wolfe as vp, of Latido Music by mitú, the company’s new a champion of music education via his A&R, effective immediately. music entertainment arm content channel leadership with the Grammy in the Schools In the newly-created role, Wolfe will and social media presence. Program, Turnaround Arts and the 1500 develop strategic initiatives across UMG’s In the role, Villalba will be responsible for Sound Academy. catalog. He will also spearhead multi-media directing directing all music content, secur- Winston Cox, the implementation direc- projects “that drive value for UMG art- ing and filming interviews with top artists tor for Turnaround Arts at the John F. Ken- ists, fans and stakeholders,” according to a and franchising video content into series nedy Center for the Performing Arts. release. Wolfe will be based in Los Angeles across social channels including TikTok Charmaine Jefferson, a former profes- and report to Jane Gowen, UMe’s executive and Instagram. She will lead an interna- sional concert dancer who operates Kelan vp, marketing and A&R. tional team across Miami, Los Angeles and Resources; is a volunteer commissioner Wolfe brings over two decades of experi- Colombia. for the City of Los Angeles Department of ence to UMe. As a consultant, he previously Villalba has handled on-air promotions Cultural Affairs; and serves as a trustee of led UMG’s HD remastering initiative in for Latin America at Discovery Channel, the California Institute of the Arts. She is partnership with YouTube, during which where she also worked as a digital producer also an advisory committee member for the over 1,000 music videos from the ‘80s, leading digital and social for branded con- LA County Art Commission Cultural Equity ‘90s and ‘00s were remastered in HD and tent. She also served as a digital and social & Inclusion Initiative and an advisory board high-quality audio for the first time. He was producer at NBCUniversal/Telemundo, member of the LA Chamber Orchestra and previously head of catalog A&R for Capitol where she grew all social accounts for the president of The Museum Group. Records, where he worked with major art- company and created original franchises Terry Lewis, a five-time Grammy- ists including The Beach Boys, for whom on social media platforms. In that role, she winning songwriter and producer who, he co-produced The Smile Sessions. additionally led social and digital coverage alongside Jimmy Jam, has penned hits Wolfe is also a former artist who recorded for projects including the Latin Billboard for Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Ce- Page 13 of 20

IN BRIEF

line Dion and Sting. Splice, the music creation platform that sic podcast as partnership specialist. Turner David Robinson, an NBA Hall of Fame helps creators make and collaborate on is the former co-owner of MusicStartsHere. inductee, two-time Olympic gold medalist, music remotely, has appointed Kehinde org. — Tom Roland and co-founder of Admiral Capital Group. Hassan — producer and co-founder of the Robinson has previously raised tens of mil- hip-hop/electronic duo Christian Rich — to lions of dollars for The Carver Academy and the newly-created role of director of global Questlove, Run IDEA Public Schools. music culture. CAA co-head of contemporary music In his new role, the Chicago-born, the Jewels, Rage in Los Angeles Rick Roskin, whose client Nigeria-raised Hassan will help strengthen roster has included Eric Clapton, Santa- Splice’s relationships with the commercial Against the na, Kelly Clarkson and Cheap Trick. music ecosystem across the globe while cul- With the appointment of the new leader- tivating new partnership opportunities with Machine & More ship board, Fender Play Foundation will music companies, producers and brands. He look to further its mission of expanding mu- will report to Splice chief music officer Ma- Urge Artists to sic education, with a goal of serving 10,000 ria Egan and vp of A&R Jen Mozenter. students by the end of 2021 and 1 million As a producer, Hassan (who comprises Boycott Israel in students by 2030. one-half of Christian Rich alongside his twin ONErpm has expanded its Nashville mar- brother Taiwo) has worked with Childish Open Letter keting division with the hire and promotion Gambino, Drake, Earl Sweatshirt and J. of five new executives. They are: Cole, among others. The duo has released BY BILLBOARD STAFF Stephanie Onder, project manager for several EPs and one full-length project, as outlaw & country. She joins the company well as a joint single with Jaden Smith. pproximately 600 musicians from CMG/The Orchard, where she served They also also have tracks in the works with signed an open letter Thursday as marketing manager. Onder is responsible artists including Snoh Aalegra, Channel (May 27) that called on other for artists Adam Calhoun, Struggle Jen- Tres and Davido. artists to join them in boycot- nings, Moonshine Bandits, Cash Campbell Splice, which boasts more than 4 million tingA Israel and standing in solidarity with and Trey Lewis. users, closed a $55 million Series D fund- Palestine. Stephanie Murphy, country project ing round led by Goldman Sachs Growth in Rage Against the Machine, The Roots’ manager. She joins from CAA, where she February. The company says it handed out Questlove and Black Thought, Run served as a marketing manager. Murphy is $15 million in royalty payouts to creators the Jewels, Julian Casablancas of The responsible for Brett Kissel, Love and Theft last year. Strokes, Noname, DJ Snake and Vic Men- and Pam Tillis. Nina Lee will kick off a new role as direc- sa are among the biggest names to sign the Julia McLeod, associate director of artist tor of communications at The Oriel staring Musicians for Palestine letter. “In solidarity marketing/head product manager of alt & in June, working out of the company’s New and empathy, as musicians, we cannot be rock, who was promoted from her former York office. silent. Today is essential that we stand with position as project manager. McLeod is Lee started her career at Press Here Pub- Palestine,” the letter began. “We are calling responsible for Sports, Bryce Fox, Small licity before moving to Shore Fire Media, on our peers to publicly assert their solidar- Pools, Solence and the Cult Records label. where she was hired as a junior account ity with the Palestinian people. Complicity McCleod will continue overseeing all of executive in 2015. with Israeli war crimes is found in silence, ONErpm’s product managers in the U.S. The Oriel was launched by Carleen and today silence is not an option.” Casey Childers, senior and lead proj- Donovan, Jen Appel and Chloe Walsh last The letter continues: “We call for you ect manager of pop and dance, who was year. to join us with your name in refusing to promoted from project manager. Childer is Universal Music Group Nashville director perform at Israel’s complicit cultural institu- responsible for Paul Oakenfeld, Elohim, of media marketing Ailie Birchfield re- tions, and by standing firm in your support Sebastian Paul and Ookay. signed to join New York-based Havas of the Palestinian people and their human Diana Garcia, director of marketing for Formula as a director. Her clients will right to sovereignty and freedom.” Verge Records, who joins the company from include Dr Pepper, Snapple and Keurig … See who signed the Musicians for Pales- AMG. Garcia, who is the founder of House Nashville-based Jonas Group Entertain- tine letter below, and read it here. of Darlings, will oversee marketing strate- ment tapped Phil Guerrilla as CEO. He gies for Trace Adkins, Chuck Wicks, Scott spent 28 years with Disney, where he was Stevens and Jay Allen and provide support most recently Radio Disney vp music strat- to the rest of ONErpm’s country music egy/GM … Music City entrepreneur Doak roster. Turner joined The Business Side of Mu- Page 14 of 20

IN BRIEF

one believed in me, me and my crew. With J. Cole, Kid Cudi Jim Jones Returns this next iteration on ByrdGang, I’m very excited to be giving other artists the same & Future Top to eOne With chance that someone gave me.” Alan Grunblatt, president of urban music 2021 Rolling Loud ByrdGang Deal at eOne, said in a statement, “eOne helped launch Jim’s solo career and I’m thrilled California Lineup BY DARLENE ADEROJU to be working with Jim again. He has a re- markable gift for A&R, and I look forward to BY TAYLOR MIMS im Jones is returning to his musical showcasing new talent together.” roots. olling Loud is returning to On Thursday (May 27), it was an- California with headliners J. nounced that Entertainment One, Måneskin Cole, Kid Cudi and Future. For Jor eOne, has entered a new deal with the first time, the festival will run Jones’ ByrdGang Records, which he formed Talk Winning Rfor three days instead of two with a stacked in 2006. The new partnership comes full lineup of hip-hop artists. circle for Jones, who launched his solo ca- Eurovision and Wiz Khalifa, Playboi Carti, Moneybagg Yo reer under Koch Entertainment, which was and Lil Durk will also appear at the festival, acquired by eOne in 2005 and later became Those ‘Offensive taking place Dec. 10-12 at the NOS Events eOne Music. Center in San Bernardino, Calif. The lineup Jones’ first three albums, On My Way to and Baffling’ also includes young superstars like Polo G, Church (2004), Harlem: Diary of a Sum- Rod Wave, Lil Tjay, Jack Harlow and Ski mer (2005) and Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (2006) Allegations Mask the Slump God. were released under Koch. His fourth studio Additional artists for the 2021 event album, Pray IV Rain (2009) was released BY SILVIA DANIELLI include Pooh Shiesty, Coi Leray, 42 Dugg, under eOne. All four albums appeared on Morray, $NOT, and Latto. California will be the Billboard 200. His most recent albums hey won the Eurovision Song represented on the stage as well by Ty Dolla were released by Vamp Life/EMPIRE. Contest for Italy 31 years after $ign, Tyga, Drakeo The Ruler, Blxst, Kalan. As part of the global deal, Byrdgang it last happened. And they did FrFr and Bino Rideaux. — now an eOne imprint, alongside Dual- it with rock, a genre not usually The Southern California festival will also tone and others — will release new music Tassociated with the event. On May 22, the feature a special duo performance by Young projects over the next few years, with many night of the grand finale, Måneskin lit a fire Thug and Chris Brown, who will perform featuring Jones himself, along with newly with their single, “Zitti e Buoni.” songs from their Slime & B album. emerging artists. The four-piece band from Rome reached Rolling Loud California 2021 is Rolling ByrdGang’s roster of musicians includes: No. 9 on Spotify’s Global Top 50 (the first Loud’s first SoCal event since Rolling Loud Dyce Peso, Yellowtapee, Shoota93, Keen top 10 entry ever for an Italian song) and No. Los Angeles 2019, the most recent in-person Streetz, Fat Flee and Glit Jeezus with 1 in a number of countries, from Belgium to Rolling Loud event. production by Jamel Mel Matrix Jones. Estonia, from Bulgaria to Finland. But there The announcement comes just two eOne plans to help advance the careers of is one country where they did not even months before Rolling Loud Miami will ByrdGang artists. make it into the top 50: France. return to Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. The The first studio album by Jones and At the end of Eurovision an unreasonable Miami festival will see headlining perfor- ByrdGang in collaboration with eOne is set controversy burst. It started with a video mances from Travis Scott, Post Malone and to debut this fall. A lead single, which will that showed Damiano David, frontman of A$AP Rocky for its sixth edition. feature Jones and fellow rapper Dyce Peso, the band, lowering his head toward a table Presale tickets for Rolling Loud California is set to drop in the coming weeks. in the green room, with some people in- 2021 are available June 1 at noon PT. Check eOne’s parent company, Hasbro, an- sinuating that he’d been snorting cocaine. It out the full lineup below. nounced in April it was selling its entire mu- started on the website of the French maga- sic operation to financial firm Blackstone for zine Paris Match and the allegations were $385 million. The deal is expected to close then reiterated by a huge part of the French in the second or third quarter of 2021. media, asking for the disqualification of the Speaking on the new deal, Jones said in a band. That scenario would have handed vic- statement, “I’ve had some amazing experi- tory to the French contestant, Barbara Pravi, ences throughout my career because some- who ranked second. Page 15 of 20

IN BRIEF

“It has been pretty offensive and baffling, won the Sanremo Festival, which is the most a true attack on a personal level,” says David. important song contest in Italy. After their May’s Country “They ruined a very beautiful moment Italian tour sold out, they have an important such as Eurovision, which had a great value festival scheduled for the summer of 2022: Rookie of the especially in this period of crisis due to the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Nurem- pandemic. But our conscience was clear berg, Germany. But they dream even bigger: Month: Lily Rose and we stayed calm.” “Watching the video Primavera Sound, Glastonbury, Coachella. more attentively, everyone could understand “Undoubtedly, the best concerts in history BY MELINDA NEWMAN that,” adds bass player Victoria De Angelis. happened at festivals,” says David. The controversy put a smile on the face Will they make it in America, too? “Are ily Rose’s first single “Villain” of those who know the band, their manners, you kidding? That would be our dream! We signaled she had something differ- how much they love rock music of the ‘60s are more than ready. We love playing live ent to say than many other country and the ‘70s thanks to their parents’ influ- and would go everywhere in the States!” upstarts. In the smoky midtempo ence, but also how far they are from the sex, they say in unison once again, with Raggi Lballad, Lily Rose offers to be the bad guy in drugs, rock n’ roll cliché. “We usually laugh (guitarist) and Torchio (drummer) getting a recently ended relationship so her ex can at nonsensical comments, but you don’t particularly excited. shine, even though the story reveals a differ- feel like joking when they try to depict you In the meantime, in Europe, translated ent truth. worldwide as an addict. This is why I im- covers of “Zitti e Buoni” are being created by “Villain,” which exploded on TikTok last mediately proposed to get myself tested: we local artists, such as Blind Channel’s version December and ended up landing Lily Rose wanted to stop all the allegations as quickly in Finnish. Who could help them remake a manager and label deal with Big Loud as possible.” their song for the American audience and and Republic, peaked at No 6 on Billboard’s But then a new fuss followed. A few thus spread the word? “Our dear friend Iggy Emerging Artists chart, as well as reach- days after the end of the Eurovision Song Pop, for example,” says De Angelis, joking ing No. 2 on the Country Digital Song Sales Contest, a Belarusian journalist described around. “Or maybe Miley Cyrus or Ozzy chart and No. 36 on Hot Country Songs. them as “perverted homosexuals, AIDS- Osbourne! Jokes aside, the mere fact that we Follow-up “Overnight Sensation” was smelling trash.” “These are homophobic received messages of support from bands ripped from Lily Rose’s own life story of insults with a foul language that nobody like Royal Blood and Franz Ferdinand is playing clubs in her native Georgia and her should ever take the liberty to use in 2021,” priceless for us.” emotional journey to remaining commit- they all reply in unison. They have always Måneskin’s goal is to be truly differ- ted to her passion, while her latest release, fought for the freedom of self-expression: ent – which they already are in Europe’s “Remind Me of You,” laments how her new men with nail polish and eyeliner or women music scene. But in the end, they take a lot romance holds no thrall over her because showing nipples on Instagram (another of inspiration from 1970s music, from Led she doesn’t remind her enough of her previ- controversy that hit them a few months ago Zeppelin to Gentle Giant, from Fleetwood ous love. after a post on social media featuring an ar- Mac to David Bowie. Could they ever do “I’ve been lucky to get a lot of really flat- tistic photograph shot by Oliviero Toscani). something never done before? De Angelis tering feedback that people resonate with Måneskin (David, De Angelis, Ethan Tor- says, “We think it’s really difficult to invent my songs because of their emotional depth,” chio, Thomas Raggi) are young – they are something new today, but we have such Lily Rose says, adding that she does have all between 19 and 22 years old – but they diverse musical influences that our music more upbeat tracks on the way. already have clear perspectives. They speak reflects all of them. We love rock arrange- Lily Rose, who is our May Rookie of the their mind when they have to and have ments but also like to match them with Da- Month, talked to Billboard about signing worked their way up for a long time. They miano’s melodic, pop-oriented lines, or with with both Big Loud and Republic, be- participated in X Factor Italy back in 2017. hip-hop elements. Pink Floyd never did that, ing openly gay in a conservative format, They did not win, even though many people you get what I mean? We do think this is our loving Bruce Springsteen, and her dad’s think they did: they actually ranked second peculiarity.” famous college friends. but left their mark for their knowledge of Translated by Federico Durante from Bill- How did “Remind Me of You” come to music, their stage presence, and their re- board Italy. your attention and what was your first markable style and personality. thought when you saw Sam Hunt was a In Italy, like elsewhere in the world, co-writer? rock music has not dominated streaming The day after I signed with Big Loud, our platforms lately. Still, they reached excel- publishing division of the company sent lent positions on the charts with their two over an entire list of songs for me to poten- albums, Il Ballo della Vita (2018) and Teatro tially cut. I saw that Sam Hunt had written d’Ira Vol. 1 (2021). Also, earlier this year they it, and I’m such a fan of his, but, honestly, Page 16 of 20

IN BRIEF

the song itself was just so good, that was just choice in that same scenario. gotten from someone in town is that if you a bonus. I love the song. It is so representa- How did you celebrate when it topped have a backup plan, you’ll already have one tive of what I want to say as an artist, and the iTunes chart? foot out the door. I was going to go nose to all the writers on the song are people I look The night that it went No. 1, I was at Raki- the grindstone and do whatever I had to do up to. yah’s house with my girlfriend and Rakiyah’s to make it happen. It’s pretty special to have You co-wrote your two previous re- boyfriend, Seth. We all stayed up and drank those memories captured in that song. leases, “Villain” and “Overnight Sensa- champagne until 6 in the morning and really You first saw Bruce Springsteen when tion.” Does it matter to you if you write soaked it all in. We were tired the next day, you were 8. What influence did he have the song? but knew it was a moment we’d never forget. on you as a songwriter and performer? I really look up to other artists who “Villain,” “Overnight Sensation” and, In my opinion, Bruce Springsteen is the always just cut the best song whether they now, “Remind Me of You” are weighty best songwriter of all time. I think he is in- were a writer on it or it’s an outside song. I’d songs, with deep emotional heft. Is that credible the way he’s able to tell stories and be lying if I said I wasn’t super thankful that part of what you bring to the country also put on this insane show. He tells stories we cut songs that I do write, but I’m always format? in the song and leading up to the song about just going to try to go after the best song at I’ve been lucky to get a lot of really flat- how it was written and things he’s gone the end of the day. tering feedback that people resonate with through. He’ll go out there for 2.5 hours You chose to keep the pronouns in “Re- my songs because of their emotional depth. with no set break, doesn’t leave the stage, mind Me of You” intact, making it from a I love the songs I’ve been able to put out and I’m just trying to match that energy for female-to-female romantic perspective. so far, and I’m glad that they are connect- my live show. He’s been a big inspiration for Is country radio, which can lean more ing with people on that level. We just cut a that. conservative than its listeners, ready to bunch of new songs, so our setlist is filled You grew up in Atlanta, which is a play a song from that perspective? with a lot of fun high-energy country songs great music town. Were there local or The coolest part about “Remind Me of too. I love the variety and I’m excited for the other Georgia artists that you gravitated You” is all the pronouns of she/she her/her. world to hear some of the more lighthearted toward growing up and how did that For me, I’m not going to change pronouns stuff. influence your sound? in every single song, but I’m going to sing You’ve been writing with a lot of differ- I also have always been so enamored by whatever serves the song. If one day my ent people since you got signed. How has the rap scene. Everything that Atlanta had label thinks this song is what should be your approach to songwriting changed with the rap and R&B game from 2005 to sent to country radio, then I hope that it’s as you’ve gotten into writing rooms with 2010 heavily influenced me and I think it undeniable and people will want to listen new songwriters? heavily shows in songs like “Villain” and regardless. It’s been wild getting to write with so “Remind Me of You.” I’ve been a big R.E.M. You posted music on TikTok, which is many heavy-hitters on Music Row. I’ve just fan from [living in] Athens. I know that is how your manager, Rakiyah Marshall, learned so much. I’m trying to be a sponge a stereotypical answer when you think of found you. What advice would you give this year. It’s all so new to me and I’m doing music from Athens, Georgia. My dad was to someone discovered off of TikTok? my best to try to just walk away from every also in school with them while they were That’s kind of the wildest part of this write learning something new. I think I’m there so I’ve just grown up on R.E.M. and story… that TikTok is what launched “Vil- a better songwriter just being around these loved their songwriting and how different lain” and my career, even though I actually people. they were sonically. downloaded the app so late in the game. If I You wrote “Overnight Sensation” What was the first country song that could give any advice to anybody on TikTok several months before you got signed to you loved? in general, just be authentic. Don’t try to Big Loud and Republic. One of the lines is The first song that I ever heard that I was do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable “I’m an overnight sensation…13 years in like, “Holy cow what is this?” and made me to you. Even if it’s through a screen, people the making.” What kept you from giving fall in love with country music was “I Go connect with authenticity. up and how close did you come? Back” by Kenny Chesney. That was the first Why do you think “Villain” struck such One of the coolest stories I have so far is time that I heard someone with that country a chord on TikTok? that “Overnight Sensation” was written in of a voice that grabbed my attention. I was I think because it’s telling a story that is 2019, so it became really cool foreshadowing in seventh grade, so I was only 13 years old, relatable, but maybe hasn’t been told in the for everything that’s happened. “Overnight and haven’t looked back since. format a lot… The story of falling on the sensation, 13 years in the making”... there You’ve talked about how important sword and always taking the high road. You were definitely thoughts of “how much lon- representation is and how proud you are think the relationship ends amicably, but it ger is this going to take, what more do I have to be an openly gay artist. You, Brooke doesn’t. You’re left with a choice and I think to do?” I can honestly say I’ve never thought Eden and TJ Osborne are all out. What a lot of people have had to make that same about giving up. The best advice I’ve ever has your experience been as an openly Page 17 of 20

IN BRIEF

gay artist in country music? and Little Mermaid, among them — who ite Michael Bublé, and “Here” singer Alessia I think the beautiful part about Nashville are transformed after reading The Feminine Cara. Comedian Will Arnett and Kim Conve- is that we are in the South, but we are an Mystique, a landmark feminist text. nience’s Andrew Phung are also scheduled industry town that can be very open and Once Upon a One More Time begins per- to make appearances. accepting. I haven’t had any issues in town formances at Sidney Harman Hall on Nov. Earlier, it was announced that Justin personally, and I am so proud and excited to 29. It represents a significant pivot for The Bieber will perform on the Junos stage for be one of the people knocking down doors Shakespeare Theatre Company, known for first time in 11 years — signaling a return to so folks after me can come in and feel ac- its more stately offerings. his Canadian roots following the recent suc- cepted too. The temptation to use already proven, cess of his hit album Justice. Additionally, The country music community is look- popular songs to fuel a musical is an old one The Tragically Hip will take the stage for a ing at ways to be more diverse and inclu- and on Broadway has lately led to shows performance with indie singer Feist. sive. What is your suggestion to make it with music from The Temptations, The Go Due to the pandemic, the Junos will not more so? Go’s, Tina Turner and Alanis Morissette. be held in a single venue. Instead, catego- I think that when it comes to diversity in Spears has been under the spotlight lately ries will be presented and televised from a country music, it has to start with the song. after the recent FX and Hulu documen- variety of music venues throughout Canada. The song is going to be the thing that brings tary The New York Times Presents: Framing According to reps for the show, those venues anyone in whether you’re Black, white, gay, Britney looked at the circumstances that led will remain a surprise until the show airs on straight, Asian, whatever it is. The song is to the establishment of her conservatorship June 6. going to be what sparks people’s interest in 2008 and has spurred sympathy for the To tune in from Canada, CBC TV, CBC and gets on their radar. As long as you have singer. Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and CBC songs that people cannot turn off, it’s going Listen will air the Juno Awards this Sunday to help when it comes to different looking, (June 6) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET. Globally, the sounding, and loving people in this industry. Here Are All the ceremony will be streamed on CBCMusic. Who is your dream duet partner? ca/junos and livestreamed on CBC Mu- This question always fluctuates, but right Performers & sic’s TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twit- now my dream duet partner would be Demi ter pages. Lovato. Presenters for the See the final lineup below. Performances: 2021 Juno Awards Ali Gatie with Tate McRae Britney Spears Haviah Mighty BY MIA NAZARENO Jann Arden Musical Sets Jessie Reyez or the 50th Juno Awards broad- JP Saxe feat. Julia Michaels Premiere Date in casting on June 6, performers and Jully Black presenters were announced Thurs- Justin Bieber Washington, D.C. day (May 27). Kardinal Offishall FThe show will feature performances Maestro Fresh Wes BY ASSOCIATED PRESS from Canada’s hitmakers, including Ali Michie Mee Gatie with Tate McRae, singer-songwrit- NAV lans are afoot to put some old hit er Jessie Reyez, and “If the World Was The Tragically Hip with Feist songs by Britney Spears into a Ending” duo JP Saxe and Julia Michaels. William Prince feat. Serena Ryder stage musical about woke prin- As the newest inductee into the Canadian Presenters: cesses, and the hope is that the Music Hall of Fame, Jann Arden is also set Alessia Cara Presult isn’t “Toxic.” to perform. Andrew Phung The Shakespeare Theatre Company in To mark the 30th anniversary of the Anne Murray Washington, D.C., announced Thursday that show’s rap recording of the year category, The Basement Gang it will stage Once Upon a One More Time, hip-hop stars Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Buffy Sainte-Marie featuring Spears’ tunes, including “Oops! Maestro Fresh Wes, Nav and Haviah Mighty Ed Robertson I Did It Again,” “Lucky,” “Stronger” and will give a special performance to pay hom- Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush “Toxic.” age to Canada’s homegrown rap scene. Gordon Lightfoot The musical will have an original story Besides the performances, presenters Jim Cuddy written by Jon Hartmere about classic fairy during the ceremony will include country Kaytranada tale princesses — Cinderella, Snow White crossover star Shania Twain, holiday favor- Liberty Silver Page 18 of 20

IN BRIEF

Max Kerman Meanwhile, Top Triller Global also has a “Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way” Michael Bublé No. 1 debut: Sidhu Moose Wala’s “Bitch I’m (2018). Paul Brandt Back.” The ruler is the Indian artist’s first in With 800 downloads sold, “People” also Sarah McLachlan his premiere chart entry, and its top video starts at No. 7 on Dance/Electronic Digital Shania Twain on Triller for the week is also from the artist Song Sales, where it’s Garrix’s 18th top 10 Steven Guilbeault himself, a May 16 upload with 2.6 million and Bono and The Edge’s first. Susan Aglukark views thus far. No. 34, 34 YEARS (& YEARS) LATER Will Arnett Despite being released May 15, giving it a … Elton John and Years & Years’ cover of partial tracking period for sales and streams, Pet Shop Boys’ classic “It’s a Sin” arrives at “Bitch I’m Back” accrued 11.7 million global No. 34 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. The Dixie Nabs Third streams May 14-20. original reached No. 3 on Dance Club Songs and No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. Top Triller U.S. No. The update arrives with 348,000 domes- Martin Garrix, tic streams, marking John’s second appear- 1, Sidhu Moose ance on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, after Bono & The Edge “Sine From Above,” with Lady Gaga (No. Wala Claims 14, June 2020). It’s the 14th showing for Debut on Hot Years & Years, and its second chart-related Global Ruler connection to Pet Shop Boys: “Dreamland,” Dance/Electronic the Years & Years-featuring lead single from BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD PSB’s 2020 album Hotspot, hit No. 21 that Songs Chart January. ixie ties Megan Thee Stal- John and Years & Years (aka Olly Alex- lion for the most No. 1s on Bill- With ‘We Are the ander) performed “Sin” on the 2021 Brit board’s Top Triller U.S. tally, Awards May 11. as “Fuckboy” starts atop the People’ CHART ‘HERO’S: Turning to the Dance/ Dranking dated May 29. Mix Show Airplay tally, Afrojack and David The Top Triller U.S. and Top Triller BY GORDON MURRAY Guetta hit the top 10 with “Hero” (11-8). Global charts highlight the biggest songs It’s Guetta’s record-extending 29th top 10, on Triller based on a formula blending the utch DJ/producer Martin dating to the chart’s August 2003 beginning, amount of views of videos containing a Garrix, with vocal and guitar and the 11th for Afrojack. respective songs, the level of engagement assistance from featured Irish “Hero” is being heard on core-dance air- with those videos and the raw total of videos rock legends Bono and The play leaders KMVQ-HD2 San Francisco and uploaded featuring each song, according to DEdge of U2, debuts at No. 12 on Billboard’s iHeartRadio’s Pride Radio and Evolution Triller. Data for the charts is represented on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart (dated Network. (The Dance/Mix Show Airplay a Friday-Thursday tracking week, with the May 29) with “We Are the People.” The chart measures radio airplay on a select latest period running May 14-20. track, released May 14 as the official song group of full-time dance stations, along with “Fuckboy” is Dixie’s third ruler (and first of the upcoming UEFA European Foot- plays during mix shows on nearly 80 top since dropping last name D’Amelio from her ball Championship, earned 1.2 million U.S. 40-formatted reporters.) artist name), following previous leads for streams in the week ending May 20, accord- ‘TIME’ CHECK: Additionally on Dance/ “Be Happy” (September-October 2020) and ing to MRC data. Mix Show Airplay, Robin Schulz and Felix “Naughty List,” with Liam Payne (Novem- “People” is Garrix’s 39th charted title, Jaehn surge to the top 10 with “One More ber 2020). the sixth-most of all acts since the survey’s Time,” featuring Alida (15-9). It’s Schulz’s With her third No. 1 debut, Dixie becomes inception in January 2013; David Guetta fourth top 10 and the second each for Jaehn the first act with three such bows; no other leads with 55. and Alida. The track is clocking lead- act has more than one. The team-up is the initial Hot Dance/ ing core-dance airplay on Music Choice’s Unsurprisingly, Dixie herself claims the Electronic Songs appearance for any U2 Dance/EDM channel, KMVQ-HD2 and top upload on Triller for the week utilizing members, although it’s not the first time that SiriusXM’s BPM. “Fuckboy”; her May 14 video boasts 690,000 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band has hit to-date views, according to Triller. a Billboard dance chart: From 1981 to 2018, “Fuckboy” earned 3.1 million U.S. streams U2 achieved 13 entries on Dance Club Songs, on platforms like YouTube, Spotify and including the No. 1s “Lemon” (1993), “Disco- more, according to MRC Data. theque” (1997), “Beautiful Day” (2001) and Page 19 of 20

IN BRIEF

brings her new album, My Savior, to life According to ARIA, the last artist to have Amanda Miguel’s with “My Savior: Live From The Ryman,” four or more singles in the Top Ten was Tay- a virtual live concert performance from lor Swift, who racked up five on the survey Birthday the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, in August 2020. TN. Special guests include CeCe Winans, With her dominant week, Rodrigo be- Celebration For Bear Rinehart (Wilder Woods) of NEED- comes the first female artist to have their TOBREATHE, Mac McAnally, and Buddy debut single and album debut at No. 1 on the Diego Verdaguer Greene Music. Donations during the event ARIA Chart, according to a statement from will benefit global efforts of Save the Chil- Universal Music Australia. Leads Top dren US, which works in over 100 countries BTS enjoy a soft landing on the ARIA to make sure children all over the world Chart with “Butter” (Big Hit Entertain- Facebook Live grow up healthy, educated and safe.” ment/Orchard), their multiple record- 9. Sponge Cola setting second English-language single. It’s Videos Chart 8. Jean-Louis Aubert new at No. 6. 7. Voz da Verdade TikTok phenom Bella Poarch can now BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD 6. DJ Tira boast a Top 40 hit in Australia, as her debut Since removed; originally uploaded April single “Build a Bitch” starts at No. 36. The manda Miguel leads Billboard’s 20 with the caption, “DJ Tira was live.” Asian-American influencer signed to War- Top Facebook Live Videos chart, 5. Grupo5 ner Records earlier this month. powered by Shareablee, for 4. Mauricio Manieri With Sour bowing at No. 1 on the ARIA April 2021 thanks to an upload 3. Ricardo Arjona Albums Chart, Rodrigo becomes the first celebratingA husband Diego Verdaguer’s Since removed; originally uploaded April artist to achieve the double since Canadian birthday. 10 with the caption, “Hecho a la Antigua pop singer Justin Bieber managed it in April The chart, the latest of which recaps April transmitiendo en hechoalaantigua.com” 2021 with Justice and “Peaches.” She’s the 2021 activity, is a monthly look at the widest 2. Hamada Helal first female solo artist to do it since compa- reaching and most-reacted-to videos posted 1. Amanda Miguel triot Taylor Swift, with evermore and “Wil- by musicians on Facebook Live, as tracked low” in December 2020. by media analytics company Shareablee. Sour sells the equivalent of 9,300 units in Rankings are determined by a formula that Olivia Rodrigo its first week, making it the largest con- blends reactions, comments, shares and first sumption week of 2021 for an album, besting seven days views. Completes Swift’s Fearless (Taylor’s version). Miguel’s April 17 upload finds the singer, Following her performance at the 2021 her husband and friends celebrating Verda- Chart Double In Billboard Music Awards, on a night when guer’s birthday a little over a week earlier. she collected the Icon Award, P!nk enjoys (He turned 70 April 26.) Australia a tenth Top 10 album in Australia with All I The livestream was one of Miguel’s first Know So Far: Setlist (RCA/Sony). since releasing photos of her newer shorter BY LARS BRANDLE The companion album to her streaming haircut after sporting long locks for much concert stream All I Know So Far is new at of her career, a look some fans referenced in livia Rodrigo bags a chart double No. 2. the video’s comments. in Australia, where Sour (Inter- Another act flying after their appear- Miguel’s upload was No. 1 in three of the scope/Universal) debuts at No. ance at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards four chart metrics for the month, racking up 1 on the national albums chart is Twenty One Pilots, who lift off for a 3.2 million views in its first seven days, plus Oand “Good 4 U” lifts 2-1 on the singles chart. third Top 10 on the ARIA Chart with Scaled 286,000 reactions and 100,000 comments, “Good 4 U” becomes the 18-year-old And Icy (Atlantic/Warner). It’s new at No. according to Shareablee. The video was only California artist’s second leader in the land 3. Scaled And Icy is the U.S. alternative topped by another in overall shares; that Down Under, following “Drivers License”. rock pair’s follow-up to 2018’s chart-top- distinction went to Ricardo Arjona, whose The ARIA charts are awash with Ro- ping Trench. April 10 video performing from Antigua was drigo’s music. All three of her official single Homegrown rock heroes Powderfin- shared 14,000 times to Miguel’s 12,000. releases impact the Top 5 on the ARIA ger hung up their instruments a decade See the full top 10 below. Singles Chart as “Déjà Vu” lifts 13-3 and ago, but they’ve landed three separate titles 10. Carrie Underwood “Drivers License” vaults 19-5, and seven in the Top Ten in less than a year. The Since removed; originally uploaded April more Sour tracks debut in the Top 50, in- recording of Powerfinger’s 2020 livestream 4 with the caption, “Carrie Underwood cluding “Traitor” at No. 7. reunion special One Night Lonely (Uni- Page 20 of 20

IN BRIEF

versal) opens at No. 4 on the ARIA chart. BTS’ new summer anthem “Butter” de- The album, a fundraiser for music industry buts at No. 2 on the Japan Hot 100, leading charity Support Act, impacts the chart downloads, streaming, Twitter and video. following its release on vinyl, limited to just The South Korean septet performed the 2,305 copies. new all-English track for the first time at The Brisbane five-piece returned to the the Billboard Music Awards on May 23, chart last year with the Unreleased (1998 - where they won in all four categories they 2010) collection, and a 20th anniversary were finalists in: top selling song (“Dyna- reissue of their Odyssey Number 5 (Univer- mite”), top social artist, top song sales artist, sal), both hitting No. 2. and top duo/group. Finally, J. Cole’s The Off-Season (In- Notably, the track racked up 14,021,650 terscope/Universal) dips 3-5 on the latest streams after only three days during this frame, as ‘90s shoegaze legends My Bloody chart week, which is about 6 million more Valentine make their first ever ARIA Al- than the song at No. 2 for the metric, Yuuri’s bums Chart Top Ten appearance with their “Dryflower” (8,282,357 streams). The “But- 1991 album Loveless (Domino/EMI). It leaps ter” video also garnered 7,314,289 views, into the chart at No. 6 following a reissue about 5 million more than the track at No. campaign and its rollout on digital music 2, Ado’s “Odo” (2,547,624 views). Japan’s services for the first time. A.R.M.Y. have certainly come through again for the global superstars. Japanese pop-rock band BUMP OF King & Prince’s CHICKEN’s new single “Nanairo” bows at No. 3, collecting points in a balanced way: ‘Magic Touch’ No. 2 for downloads and radio, No. 24 for video, No. 25 for Twitter, and No. 48 for Rules Japan Hot streaming. The track is the theme of the new NHK morning drama series that will run for 100, BTS’ ‘Butter’ six months, and this high-profile tie-in has definitely boosted the performance of the Debuts at No. 2 single on the charts — the veteran band’s previous single “Flare” debuted at No. 23 on BY BILLBOARD JAPAN the Japan Hot 100 after coming in at No. 2 for downloads, No. 16 for radio, No. 34 for ing & Prince’s “Magic Touch” video, No. 77 for Twitter, and outside the top blasts in at No. 1 on this 100 for streaming. week’s Billboard Japan Hot The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines 100, dated May 17 to 23, selling physical and digital sales, audio streams, K470,605 CDs in its first week. radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube The rising Johnny’s boy band ruled this and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-ups week’s tally by coming in at No. 1 for physi- and karaoke data. cal sales and look-ups, which counts the For the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, number of times a CD is ripped to a com- dated May 17 to 23, see here. puter. The group’s seventh single also came in at No. 2 for Twitter mentions, No. 20 for radio airplay, and No. 30 for video views, leading by a huge margin among this week’s top 3 debuts. The five-member group’s previous single, “I Promise,” sold 578,092 copies in its first week, about 110,000 more than the current one, but the difference can be attributed to the COVID-19 state of emergency shut- downs of brick-and-mortar record stores.