sign in sign up
<<
Home , 6lack, Age Against the Machine, And I, Bad Gyal, Bang That, Belly (soundtrack)

BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; BrettENTERTAINMENT Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayFEBRUARY 25, 2021 Page 1 of 37 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Collectible Sales ’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On , it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/ Nashville), debutsSkyrocket at No. 1 on Billboard’s lion audience After impressions, Breakup: up 16%). Top Country• Takes onchart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earned$1.3B 46,000 in equivalentDebt units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cording• Taylor to Nielsen Swift Music/MRC Files Data. ‘I Could’veand total Made Country Airplay No.$100,000’ 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends SouthsideHer Own marks Lawsuit Hunt’s in second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chartEscalating and fourth Theme top 10. It follows freshman LP BY STEVE KNOPPER Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- MontevalloPark, which Battle arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You In the 24 hours following Daft Punk’s breakup Thomas, who figured out how to build the helmets Montevallo• Mumford has andearned Sons’ 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionBen in Lovettalbum sales. Talks Monday, Dylan Thomas’ Etsy storefront sold six years agoYou” and, (three, through January his 2018), company, “Mercy” KirmyProps, (two, August MontevalloNew Amphitheater: has spent 267 weeks$22,000 on the list, worth tying of custom helmets made to look like prepares for2018) about and 20 “Here orders Tonight” every (two, Halloween April 2019). for his Luke ‘There’sBryan’s Crash Just Not My Party as thethe sixth-longest- group’s iconic robot heads — and could have sold gold-chrome helmets“Catch” completes with flashing his longest LED journey tothat No. 1, runningEnough titles in Great the chart’s 56-yearmore, history. if he’d had the time to build the merchandise. sell for $2,000having a piece. taken “This 46 weeks took to me reach off the guard. apex. ItYou out - Venues’ On the all- ,“I could’veSouthside made ar- $100,000,” says the 37-year-old from would thinkpaces when the a 30-weekband breaks climb up, of “Here people Tonight.” are pissed rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On , “Catch” pushes 7-5 for • Creative Artist HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking MontevalloSylva,. North Carolina, whose day job is working for a about it.” a new high. Agency Names Hunt first released the EPX2C management, which debuted company overseeing paint and pressure- Daft Punk’s futuristic helmets and reclusive mys- Joe Hadley and and peaked at No. 5 on Top Countrywashing Albums crews. in “It August blows 2014. my mind. Following My friendCOMBS goes, ‘DOES’ tiqueIT AGAIN have Luke been Combs the centerpiece’ “Does to Me” of (River an elaborate House/Columbia mer- Mark Cheatham as Montevallo, Between the Pines: Acoustic started at its No. 7 high in Nashville), featuring , ascends 11-8 on Country Airplay, up 10% to Co-Heads of Global ‘Dude, quit your job and capitalize on this.’ But there’s chandising and marketing campaign for decades — November 2015. 24.7 million in audience. The song is Combs’ eighth straight career-opening Hip-Hop/R&B no guarantee.” and Monday’s breakup heightened consumer interest. 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 Following the French duo’s , On Discogs, copies of are Airplay:• Rina “Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “House Party” announcementand “Make promoted No. 1 singles. YouProtest Miss Me.” Prompts “Break BRIT Up in a Smallwhich Town” came peaked after at 28 No. years 2. as one of electronicChurch dance adds hisalways 15th Countrypopular Airplay — usually top 10. No. 3 or No. 4 in sales among HuntAwards co-penned & Mercury all 12 songsmusic’s on Southside most, influential including “Body acts, Likefans a Backwent on extreme the music marketplace’s 8 million users, according to Road,”Prize which to wasChange released in 2017.buying The binges,smash hit flooding ruled Country Etsy stores Airplay and for drivingTHAT up TOOK QUITEspokesperson ‘A FEW’ MONTHSAub Driver Travis —Denning but Tuesday shatters band’s the record cata for- three weeksTheir and Rules the airplay-, streaming-eBay prices and wheresales-based a sealed Hot Countrytwo-LP Songs copy of the mostband’s weeks logit has sales taken spiked to penetrate about the3,650%, Country from Airplay around top 1040 as copies “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 - FloridaMARKET Georgia WATCH Line’s “Meant to2013 Be” album (50 weeksRandom atop the Access latter list Memories in 2017-18). was uplion to in $355 radio reach.a day to 1,500. And customers’ “wants” for Daft Punk “Downtown’sPAGE 34 Dead,” which isby also Wednesday on the new afternoon, set, reached a Nos.limited-edition 14 and 15 action-The song surpassesmusic two also tracks increased that took over 50 500% weeks duringeach to enterthat span, the top 10: on HotSONGWRITERS Country Songs and Countryfigure Airplay, set respectively,was going for in $406June 2018.and sellers “Kin- wereEaston asking Corbin ’sfrom “A Girl less Like than You,” 1,000 which to morereached than No. 6,000. 10 in January 2018 be- folks”& ledPRODUCERS Country Airplay on Feb.astronomical 29, becoming prices Hunt’s for seventh rare memorabilia, No. 1. It hit likefore a peaking “Get at No.“This 6 that February,is the type and of Aaron thing Watson we see ’swith “Outta artists’ Style,” which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. achieved its No. 10 high in December 2017. CHARTS Lucky” condom for $10,000. deaths all the time. We saw it with ,” Driver LatestPAGES single 35 “Hard - 37 to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker “Yesterday, I got seven orders in one day,” says (continued) 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 3 of 37

IN BRIEF

says. “We’re still riding pretty high as far as But buyer beware. “The condoms are five purposes” — a term loose enough to cover people’s interest. I don’t it’s going to or six years old,” he adds. “So you’re defi- capital expenditures, marketing or strategic go away.” nitely taking a chance.” acquisitions. Such a large amount suggests Daft Punk tribute stores everywhere have Spotify doesn’t intend to use the money for had to contend with sudden demand. Ar- everyday costs of running the company. In- tem Medvedev, a 24-year-old electrical-en- Spotify Takes on stead, $1.3 billion is enough to make numer- gineering student in Athens, Georgia, earns ous acquisitions to build out its podcasting $2,000 a month through sales of helmets, $1.3B in Debt business, for example, and have a cushion gloves and do-it-yourself kits — until Mon- for any uncertainty its leadership foresees in day, when sales spiked nearly sevenfold. BY GLENN PEOPLES 2021 and beyond. “Everyone just decided, ‘Today’s the day,’” Spotify will reserve the right to redeem he says. potify USA intends to offer $1.3 the notes in a variety of scenarios. Until Ben Gottfried, a 25-year-old in Fort Col- billion in exchangeable notes due March 20, 2024, Spotify has the option to lins, Colo., invested last fall in vinyl copies of in 2026, the company announced redeem the notes with cash, shares or a ’s 2010 soundtrack for : Legacy, Wednesday. In addition, Spotify combination of the two if the company’s and sales went up 50-70% this week, with SUSA expects to grant the initial buyers of share price “exceeds 130% of the exchange prices increasing from $100-150 to $200- the notes an option to purchase an addi- price for a period of time.” Spotify USA can 250. “It’s a bit of a FOMO thing: ‘I should tional $200 million. also redeem the notes “at any time in con- really get this Daft Punk,’” says Gottfried, While some music companies have taken nection with certain changes in tax law.” whose full time job is running an online on debt during the pandemic — including store called Book of Resell on Discord, Live Nation and and others. “It creates this nice Entertainment — or sold notes to replace uptick.” existing debt, Spotify has operated and ac- As for the $10,000 condom, it has yet to quired companies with cash on hand. Dur- sell on eBay — although its owner, Philip ing 2020, Spotify had $259 million in cash Gomes, a A&R man- from operations and posted a net increase ager from 2011 to 2015, remains hopeful. of $172 million in cash and cash equiva- “I’m going to stick with it,” says Gomes, 34, lents. Its balance sheet had cash and cash who now lives in Nevada and works in the equivalents of $1.15 billion of cash and cash tech industry. “I don’t think it’s outside the equivalents and no long-term debt. price range of a Jake Paul or Logan Paul — Exactly how Spotify intends to use the TikTok celebrities who have absurd the money is unclear. The press release amounts of money to spend and will literally broadly states the company intends to just buy it because it’s a $10,000 condom.” use the proceeds for “general corporate

DECISIVE INTELLIGENCE. DELIVERED DIGITALLY. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DELIVERY

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS

Page 5 of 37

IN BRIEF

Taylor Nation LLC in federal court in Utah, fans who slog through muddy parking lots, Files accusing them of infringing the park’s name uncomfortably hot bandstands and crowded by using it as the title of her Evermore album plots of concrete and dead grass to see their Her Own Lawsuit and accompanying merchandise. Evermore favorite bands make their biannual visit. Park, which bills itself as providing an After playing hundreds of amphitheaters in Escalating immersive experience where performers in North America, Ben Lovett with the portray fantasy characters in an interactive band Mumford & Sons is reimagining out- Theme Park Battle world, argued in court papers that it has door concert venues with a new 8,000-ca- been the registered owner of the Evermore pacity amphitheater being built in Hunts- BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM trademark since 2015. ville, Ala. The $40 million project, which Swift’s attorneys countered that the park’s city leaders hope will be part of a larger aylor Swift’s intellectual property lawsuit was merely “a meritless trademark cultural effort to shape a new identity for management company is taking claim” and an attempt to force a settlement the city, will be managed by Venue Group, action after an immersive fantasy based on Swift’s December 2020 release of which Lovett formed in 2018 with Mike theme park in Pleasant Grove, the evermore album. Luba, who runs the AEG-managed For- TUtah, filed a lawsuit against the artist ear- The park is also reportedly playing, est Hills Stadium in Queens, lier this month. without licenses, the works of Katy Per- and , former manager of the While Evermore Park is suing Swift over ry, Abba, , , Britney St. Augustine (Florida) Amphitheatre, who the use of the “Evermore” trademark — the Spears, , , Journey, Nir- will serve as the GM of the project. title of Swift’s ninth studio album released vana, Semisonic, Third Eye Blind, Tom “Huntsville is an incredible opportunity Dec. 11 — a new lawsuit filed by TAS [Taylor Petty, Queen, and Whitney to build a flagship project from the ground Alison Swift] Rights Management is focused , among others, according to court up,” Murphy tells Billboard. “Instead of on a different matter. The company claims papers filed by Swift’s legal team. plotting the different pieces along a large Evermore Park willfully used Swift’s songs Swift is asking the court to order that field, we’re building some compact and without the proper licenses for some time the park pay damages and be permanently vertical that’s borrows from acoustic design before it filed its lawsuit. enjoined from playing her works. Her team concepts have been around for thousands of Swift’s attorneys claim that more than a is also demanding a jury trial. years.” year before the park filed its lawsuit, TAS Many amphitheaters built in the early had been tipped off that the ’s songs part of the 20th century — like the Hearst were being performed and played there Mumford and Greek Theatre in Berkeley which opened in without the requisite licenses. As early as 1903 or LA’s Greek Theatre which opened 2019, BMI, the performing rights organiza- Sons’ Ben Lovett in 1930, relied on design and amplifica- tion which protects and collects revenue for tion principles dating back to Ancient the works, began informing the park that Talks New Rome, with audiences packed in tightly they were infringing on Swift’s copyrights and elevated above a central stage. But the by playing the songs and provided a contract Amphitheater: popularity and power of the Grateful Dead for legal usage. Subsequently, BMI sent mul- in the 1970s and the success of two amphi- tiple letters to the park with a draft music ‘There’s Just Not theater projects in Northern California (the license agreement for the songs, asking for Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View the agreement to be signed and returned to Enough Great and the Concord Pavilion) by rock pioneer BMI’s Nashville location. and promoter Bill Graham led to a building Swift’s legal team said park officials Venues’ boom across the country. Through much of ignored the messages from BMI and con- the 1980s and early , Promotion com- tinued to use the works without proper BY DAVE BROOKS panies like Cellar Door Entertainment and licenses in performances by the park’s Pace Concerts raced to build inexpensive musician character actors for visitors. In merican music fans have a outdoor amphitheaters on unused property. addition, after the park learned of this im- complex relationship with the Large fields gave fans more space to dance pending lawsuit, its CEO and founder Ken dozens of amphitheaters that and socialize, while the growing distance Bretschneider called BMI seeking to pur- criss-cross the . A between the band and the audience was chase a retroactive license to cover all public handfulA are a pedestal for their strik- shortened by louder speakers and new performances, according to court papers. ing design and acoustics — think Denver’s sound systems. Swift’s legal filing comes three weeks Red Rocks or the Gorge in Washington state More than 40 years later, tastes have after the park sued the singer, TAS and — while the majority are merely tolerated by changed. The of modern concert clubs CONGRATULATIONS _ .MICHELLE . 'RICHBURG BILLBOARD • • 2021 • • TOP BUSINESS • • MANAGER • •

For over 30 years, Michelle Richburg has developed a specialized niche in the financial services industry as a "Banker to the Stars". Her stellar reputation allows for a client list that includes high profile professional athletes, entertainers, and business leaders .

• • • • • • • • Page 7 of 37

IN BRIEF

and sports arenas have elevated consumer quite understand why so few amphitheaters in this industry. There’s just not enough expectations with many fans craving more are designed without any enclosure. Outside great venues and hopefully we will bring the connectivity with artists and more imagina- of the Gorge in Washington and Red Rocks whole game up a notch wherever we end up tive creature comforts. Billboard recently in Denver, the list of great amphitheaters is creating them. caught up with Lovett to learn more about actually quite short. his ambitious project in Huntsville and how Perhaps most were considered a means he hopes to create a new path forward for to an end when they were be built? Creative Artist venue design. Yes and if I put my promoter hat on, I What’s your impression of the current can see someone saying “put the parking Agency Names American amphitheater world? over here, have the artists perform here It really lacks imagination. There are a lot and make this area where the fans will go Joe Hadley and of carbon copy venues with the same pieces to the restroom and where they’ll get fed — a big lawn, folding seats and a concrete and watered.” It was quite a utilitarian ap- Mark Cheatham pad for the band — that tells you nothing proach. But it’s the creativity and the design about where you are playing. You feel like that layers on top of a functional venue that as Co-Heads of you could be anywhere. As a musician and a makes it so special and aspirational. As an music fan, it’s clear there’s a desire for bet- artist, you want to play a venue where the Global Hip-Hop/ ter amphitheaters in North America, it’s just thought and consideration of the design largely not happening. match the thought and consideration that’s R&B Why do this project Huntsville? gone into the songs you’ve spent your life The city had hired a group called Sound writing. BY DAVE BROOKS Diplomacy to conduct a music audit and You plan to open the amphitheater the mayor and city leaders got behind the year round, even when shows are not tak- reative Artists Agency (CAA) findings which showed that developing ing place. How do you see it fitting within today announced that Joe Had- new cultural centers and music venues in the social fabric of Huntsville? ley and Mark Cheatham have Huntsville would improve the quality of life. There is this concept that we’ve re- been elevated to co-heads of the Sound Diplomacy had done a similar audit ally bought into called Third Space that Cagency’s global hip-hop/R&B touring group. in and looked at the impact that examines the role spaces play in our lives as Cheatham and Hadley serves as re- my (350-capacity) club Omeara had on the human beings. The first space is your home, sponsible agents for some of CAA’s most quality of life for Londoners. Sound - the second space is where you work or at- commercially successful and culturally macy put my name forward for the Hunts- tend school and the third space is where you relevant artists in music and have helped ville project and I flew to Alabama to meet can go and interact socially and exchange build out the agency’s broader roster of Huntsville mayor Roy Battle to talk about ideas. It can be your local town hall, or mar- high-profile figures in hip-hop and R&B. what it would take to build a great venue. By ket or church. If you’re in the UK, the pub CAA’s hip-hop/R&B team employs 14 agents the beginning of 2018 we were locked in to dominates that third space principle. Venues with specialists in touring, partner- the project. can be that third space if they can truly take ships and cross-over opportunities for The Huntsville venue looks like a small on that dimension. That’s why we are so an expansive roster that includes Beyon- stadium with its circular shape and rear focused on creating a great food experience. cé, , , A$AP Rocky,Lil perimeter wall. Why was it important to You’ve got to tick off all the boxes and treat Baby, Miguel, H.E.R., Logic, Lil you to enclose the amphitheater? the overall operations with as much inten- X, Q-TIP, , , Playboi We feel that it was our task to harness sity as the rigging of the PA system. For this Carti, Wu-Tang Clan, and many more. the energy, both of the sound and of the to become that third space for Huntsville, “Mark and Joe are extraordinary leaders feeling in the room. Even if that energy is it’s got to be first rate and buttoned up. – gifted, inspiring agents who care deeply an intimate one and a quiet one, we want it What’s after Huntsville? about their colleagues and invest in help- to get closer. There are some great venues As long as there’s an opportunity to ing those around them succeed,” said CAA in other parts of the world like the Ro- elevate when it comes to venues, co-head of contemporary music Darryl man amphitheatre in Piazza Bra in Verona we’re going to keep on going. And we have Eaton. “Their intense drive combined with () or Waldbühne in Berlin that do that. projects in motion right now that we will be their profound understanding of where the I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what announcing in due course. I’m very proud to business is heading will help ensure CAA makes these venues special as an artist and write and perform and I love my band, but I remains the leading home for world-class a fan and realized it’s that feeling of being also want to contribute beyond that to other hip-hop and R&B artists.” outdoors but not having to compromise on artists and create a world where it’s just a Cheatham, who represents Cardi B., A that sense of enclosure. To be honest, I don’t bit better than it was when I first got going Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, , Saweet-

Page 9 of 37

IN BRIEF

ie, Brandy, Kem and Anthony , emigrated with her family to Britain when among many others, said, “As the global she was 5. She has indefinite leave to remain power and influence of hip-hop and R&B (ILR) status in the U.K., which gives her music grows to ever-higher levels, so too Protest Prompts permanent residency and the right to live does the passion and privilege to work be- and work in the country. But she’s not a Brit- side the incredible artists behind the music. & ish citizen. Our team is the very best in the business, does not allow dual citizenship. To and I’m thrilled to work alongside Joe to become a British citizen, Sawayama would help map its future.” have to renounce her Japanese citizenship, The agency’s “unique and deeply col- to Change Their something she is reluctant to do because her laborative culture within the touring depart- entire family lives there. ment, and across the agency, makes anything Rules In an emotional and forthright inter- possible for clients,” said Hadley, who rep- view last year with Vice, Sawayama said that resents clients including A$AP Rocky, Be- BY PAUL GREIN she sees herself as British: “All I remember yoncé, Anuel AA, Jorja Smith, and Miguel, is living here…I went to summer school in among others. “In that environment, with so ollowing a global protest by fans Japan, and that’s literally it. much access and so many resources, you get of singer Rina Sawayama, the “I’m signed to a U.K. label [Dirty Hit]. energized every day – by your teammates, BRIT Awards and the Mercury I’ve lived here uninterrupted for the last 25 by incredible partners like Mark, and by the Prize have revised their eligibil- years. I’m only tax-registered in this coun- endless opportunities for client success.” Fity criteria to allow U.K. residents to enter try. The whole album was recorded in the The -based Cheatham, who those competitions even if they’re not Brit- U.K. — as well as in L.A. It was mixed in the joined CAA in 2008, began his career in the ish citizens. U.K. My lyrics are in English, except for one mailroom at Associated Booking Corpora- “I’m over the moon to share the news that verse in one song. tion and has held positions at ICM, Norby following a number of conversations the BPI “I fundamentally don’t agree with this Walters and the William Morris Agency. He has decided to change the rules of eligibility definition of Britishness. I think I’m really graduated from Southern Illinois University. for all nominees for the BRIT Awards and British…If I was snubbed, I would be like Hadley, also based in Los Angeles, joined Mercury Prize,” Sawayama wrote via Ins- ‘Well, OK, fine … Let’s just make a better re- CAA in 2016 and has played a leadership tagram on Wednesday (Feb. 24). “Starting cord and move on.’ But the fact that I wasn’t role in the agency’s ongoing diversity, equity this year, artists (like me) will be eligible for even eligible is like … I don’t even know and inclusion initiatives, including helping nominations even without British citizen- what that emotion was. It was othering.” to organize a virtual CAA Amplify Town ship. The rules have been broadened to Many agreed with Sawayama’s heartfelt Hall focused on dismantling systemic rac- include those who have been a resident of appeal, which prompted the BPI to change ism, which was attended by more than 9,000 the U.K. for five years. its rules. people. He also developed the CAA Quaran- “I thank you all from the bottom of my This means Sawayama is now eligible for tine Speakers Series that invites agency em- heart for sharing the #SAWAYAMAISBRIT- the rising star award at the BRITs, which ployees to learn from top voices in the music ISH campaign worldwide and igniting this will take place May 11 instead of its usual industry, from labels and management firms, important conversation about Britishness.” date in February. The show will be broad- to attorneys and journalists. Hadley has Sawayama’s case was compelling. Her cast live on ITV. also served as an advisor for Global Citi- first full-length album, Sawayama, received zen, the organization dedicated to ending critical . It has a robust 89 ratin- extreme poverty. He has traveled with the gat .com, the review aggregation organization to Nigeria and Ghana to help site. produce the organization’s Global Goal Live But Sawayama’s album was ruled ineli- campaign to rally governments, corpora- gible because BPI, which administers the tions and philanthropists to commit funding Mercury Prize (as well as the BRIT Awards, to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Develop- the U.K. equivalent to the Grammy Awards) ment Goals. Hadley began his career at The doesn’t consider Sawayama to be Brit- Windish Agency after attending California ish. Solo artists must have British or Irish Lutheran University. nationality to be eligible. (Remarkably, part of the entry process involves sending official documentation of your citizenship — such as a passport scan — to the organizers.) Sawayama, 30, was born in Japan, but 20 21 5TH ANNIVERSARY Raleigh Music Group was founded in 2016 by industry veteran As Raleigh’s reputation has grown, the company has partners Peter Raleigh and Steven Storch. The company is steadily built a contemporary roster of , artists headquartered in the heart of Times Square, NYC with offices in and producers and now publishes songs performed by or Los Angeles. In its first five years has experienced remarkable global featuring superstar artists including: , Chris growth and expansion. Brown, , , , , A$AP Ferg, Cardi B, A Boogie, , , , The boutique music publishing company attributes its success to its and film and tv Randy Edelman “client first” approach to music publishing – delivering a high touch, and Rick Marotta. high service experience to a select roster of music publishing clients it represents. The company has benefitted from the support of Please join Billboard in congratulating Raleigh Music Susan Aberbach, an owner of the catalog and an early group’s 5th Anniversary. stage investor. CONTACTS Raleigh’s client services are provided by A&R staff in NY and LA, a synch licensing team with strong relationships in the film/tv, Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advertising and gaming industries, and a first-class copyright and royalty administration department. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] The company’s best in class global sub-publishing partner network includes Budde, Café Concerto, Peer Music, Native Tongue, Supreme Cynthia Mellow Songs, Schubert, Cloud 9, GL Music, Clippers, Som Livre, Nichion, 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Geoff Paynter Music, Fujipacific, IDM, Pelikan and others. Marcia Olival Raleigh represents numerous iconic catalogs and songs including 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “A Little Less Conversation”, and “All Shook Up”, ’s “Summertime”, “Let’s Call the Gene Smith Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take that Away from Me”, The 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, Gregmark Music’s “Stormy Monday”, Anthony Newley’s “What Kind of Fool am I” and numerous Debra Fink other classics. The company also represents the classic catalogs of 213.448.5157 | [email protected] , America, Anthony Newley, Willy (Mink) Deville, Lords of Ryan O’Donnell the Underground, Trax Records, and many others. +447843437176 | [email protected]

ISSUE DATE 3/13 | AD CLOSE 3/3 | MATERIALS DUE 3/4 Page 11 of 37

IN BRIEF

U.S., but internationally.” want to go after, we do have that ability Both of Brown’s full length albums, with Sony.” He adds the company will be 2016’s self-titled effort and 2018’s Ex- diverse. “Kane’s diverse and this gives more Signs With Sony periment reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top opportunity for diversity,” he says. “That’s a Country Albums chart and Brown has taken no brainer.” Music Publishing five songs to the top of the Country Airplay With both a label and a publishing com- chart. pany now under his watch, Brown says, Nashville, Gaston says he and Brown clicked as en- “I want to provide opportunities. As an trepreneurs. Before Gaston took over SMP entertainer, I love being able to take people Launches Co- Nashville in January 2020, he co-founded I believe in out on the road with me, or be THiS Music, a Nashville-based publishing able help them find a moment that makes Venture: Exclusive company that SMP Nashville acquired as a difference in their career. I also want to part of Gaston’s deal. work with great people. We are a family.” BY MELINDA NEWMAN “We can all build a company ,” Gaston says of venture for Verse 2, ane Brown has signed a world- citing his “understanding of what it takes For Tones and wide publishing deal with Sony to build a company from scratch… It’s a real Music Publishing Nashville, collaboration. They are discovering new I, Pop Stardom which will also house the talent and bringing it to the table. We’re Kcountry superstar’s new publishing com- helping to administer and fund those deals Was Never Part pany, Verse 2 Music. and will work on the creative side for those Brown moves from Universal Music writers.” of the Plan Publishing Group Nashville, where Kent Earls, who will work out of SMP Nash- Earls, the company’s former exec vp/gm, ville’s Music Row office, says Verse 2 is clos- BY ALEX FRANK signed him in 2015 when Brown was a fledg- ing in on its initial signings. Though Brown’s ing writer still living in Chattanooga. Earls new publishing pact and the co-venture here are few songs that have made will run Verse 2. weren’t necessarily a package deal, Earls viral impact recently like Tones “I have recently gotten to know [SMP says “at the end of the day, both for him as a And I’s “,” an exu- Nashville CEO] Rusty Gaston through his and for our co-venture, the best berant bass-heavy dance track that signing of Restless Road and he and his place was Sony.” Thit (No. 1) in 30 countries over the last two team are just incredible publishers—very For the five-time American years. In , the singer-songwriter’s positive and leaned in,” says Brown, “After winner and Earls, the comes 20 home country, it’s become the longest run- [SMP CEO/chairman] Jon Platt took the months after Earls left UMPG Nashville. ning chart topper of all time. After racking time to come to Nashville to meet, I just felt “I worked with Kent on the publishing up 1.5 billion YouTube views and 7.5 billion this was the right place for me.” side at the beginning of my career and I defi- streams, you’d never guess that the global Restless Road is the first act signed to nitely trust him on the creative/songwriting phenomenon all started in parking lots, strip Brown’s 1021 Entertainment, a joint venture side,” says Brown, who became the first art- malls, and street corners on the east coast of with Nashville he recently ist to lead all five of Billboard’s main country , in the small coastal town of . launched. Brown records for SMN’s RCA charts simultaneously in 2017. “Kent has set That’s where Tones — born Toni Wat- imprint. me up with my core group of co-writers that son — began busking in 2017, perfecting ren- Brown’s deal with SMP Nashville is a I still write with today. Many of them hadn’t ditions of songs by artists like multi-year, go-forward deal. Gaston de- had a No. 1 when we first wrote and we were before beginning to write and perform her clined to reveal further details, including able to share that success together.” own – including “Dance Monkey — at those whether the pact was a co-publishing or Earls and Brown stayed in touch after free outdoors shows. “I lived in my van. I administrative deal. Earls left UMPG Nashville and last summer would wake up, go for a drive, swim in the “Kane isn’t just the future of country connected on the idea of launching Verse 2. ocean, busk in the daytime, go down to the music, he’s the future of music,” Gaston tells “I’d looked at some other things and talked beach, play a set as the sun was going down, Billboard, citing Brown’s cross-genre suc- to some other people, but nothing excited take the speakers to the shops that were cess collaborating with such artists asSwae me like this did,” Earls says. “Kane has an closed, start playing for about five hours,” Lee, Khalid, and Camila Ca- incredible eye for talent.” she says. “I felt this sense of freedom. I can bello. “His songs have such a heart, but they The co-venture will focus on develop- go wherever I want, whenever I want. I can reveal themselves to appeal to such a broad ing songwriters and artists of all genres, just play music.” audience, not just country and not just in the but Earls says, “If there is [a catalog] we Tones grew up south of , with 2021 TOP MUSIC LAWYERS

Behind every artist, songwriter and music produc- CONTACTS er is a trusted group of advisers who provide Joe Maimone guidance, advice and negotiate deals. Billboard’s 201.301.5933 | [email protected] 6th annual Top Music Lawyers list will recognize the biggest names and most prominent legal Lee Ann Photoglo minds in the world of music and 615.376.7931 | [email protected] entertainment law. They are the deal makers behind Cynthia Mellow the major contracts and lawsuits in the music 615.352,0265 | [email protected] industry. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] This feature will also include a round-up of top law schools attended by the notable alumni on the Gene Smith Top Music Lawyer list. 973.452.3528 | [email protected]

Please join Billboard in congratulating this year’s Ryan O’Donnell music power lawyers. Advertise and position your +447843437176 | [email protected] law firm to the decision makers in the industry who are always in need for the best legal counsel.

ISSUE DATE 4/3 | AD CLOSE 3/24 | MATERIALS DUE 3/25 Page 13 of 37

IN BRIEF

an insatiable love of music. Before moving to meeting the expectations of a more and to Byron, she was paying the bills putting in more fervent fanbase, hoping to make it Publishing Briefs: hours at clothing stores but itching to live more relatable by disguising the personal the creative life. “It was killing me work- of the track by switching the word WCM Goes ing in retail. All these songs would come “dance” with the word “sing.” “I wanted to on the store speakers, and I would get so write a song about the anger and aggres- Steady With emotional. I would know that I’m not doing sion on the street towards me as a busker, everything I could possibly do for myself. whether from other buskers or the patrons. LVRN, Primary [I’d think to myself ] ‘why am I wasting my People in the street would grab me by the time selling people jeans?’” From there, she arms. I would sing again and again, [with] Wave Acquires packed up and moved to Byron, which has no care of me or how long I was going for, lax laws about street performing and has at- the six encores I already did for people that (Most) of Wilson tracted enough of a busking culture that she night, the people that knocked all my equip- was able to subsist on tips alone. “It’s like ment off its stand, broke my keyboard, stole Phillips’ Catalog some crazy festival that never ends. There’s my money. I was frustrated, so I just wrote constantly people playing in the street. Fire this song about it.” BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN twirlers — and that’s not an exaggeration.” The song caught fire largely based on its Even in the wild mix of people, Tones own strikingly addictive and distinctive arner Chappell has struck stood out from the jump with her lofty pop qualities — the staccato keys, dramatic bass a publishing partnership records and piercing howl of a voice, both drop, and Tones’ roaring voice — leading to with -based record far cries from busking’s traditional acoustic it becoming the most Shazamed song of all label Love Renaissance style. “There are so many guys with long time as of fall 2020. To follow up the ubiqui- (LVRN)W, home to artists including Sum- and . Definitely no chubby, tous smash, she’s using her new platform mer Walker, , Shelley (former- blonde girls with , loop pedals, and unlikely journey to motivate others to ly D.R.A.M.) and Westside Boogie. and harmonizers.” take the chances that led her to this unprec- Led by LVRN founders Tunde Balo- After a couple years on the scene, Tones edented success to begin with. She’s finish- gun and Justice Baiden, the partnership released her first single “Johnny Run Away,” ing up an album, and in November released also includes the label’s recent signees BRS a glittering and melancholy track that tells the single “Fly Away,” an inspirational ode Kash, Cruel Santino (formerly Santi), GMK the real-life story of a friend’s difficult with a swelling chorus about chasing your and Genio Bambino. Warner Chappell has experience. It was an instant goals no matter the cost. “It’d be so easy additionally extended its deal with Walker. national success. “I uploaded the song at 11 to write a song that’s like, I’m a badass, a LVRN was founded in 2012 by Balogun, and went for a walk with my friend Frankie 10 out of 10, and look at my car,” she says. Baiden, Carlon Ramong, Junia Abaidoo and to the lighthouse. By the time I got back to “But when I was young, when I wanted to Sean Famoso McNichol. The label signed a my phone at [a] quarter to 12, it was just start writing music, it was because of songs distribution deal with Interscope in 2017. blowing up. It got added onto every radio that people wrote to help other people. “LVRN is made up of inspiring young vi- station in Australia,” she says. But her Kids need that. I’m still trying to write the sionaries who helped to put instant fame wasn’t without its challenges album that I wanted to listen to when I was on the global stage,” said Warner Chappell and the newfound notoriety began to make young.” Which is to say, it’s less about trying Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot and things a bit testy in the busking world. Fel- to repeat the lightning-in-a-bottle success co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall in low performers would question why Tones of “Dance Monkey” than it is to spark the a joint statement. “They’ve successfully was still busking at all, not realizing that next unlikely superstar to come up after her. built one of the most forward-looking and wowing audiences with her DIY sidewalk “The next big, big, big hit,” Tones believes, progressive music imprints out there and productions was all she ever really wanted. “will be from another underground artist are exactly the type of entrepreneurs we’re “I [wanted] to go to Byron and play music that no one’s ever heard of.” looking to be in business with. Both of us, on the street. That was honestly my goal. along with Ryan Press, Wallace and our That was my dream. So when I became that whole team are excited to work with them person that I wanted to be and quit my job to help even more artists, songwriters and and moved up there, that was when I had producers reach their full potential.” reached success. Everything else that came In their own statement, LVRN co-founder after was something I’d never planned for.” and president Balogun and co-founder and Moreover, as Tones’ profile grew so too head of A&R Baiden said, “Our main focus did the size and unruliness of her shows. since the label’s founding has been the She wrote “Dance Monkey” as a response development of artists. We are now com- 2 0 2 1 15TH ANNIVERSARY

On April 24, Billboard will salute Primary Wave Music on its 15th CONTACTS anniversary. Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] Founded in 2006, Primary Wave Music is home to some of the most iconic songwriters and artists across the history of recorded Lee Ann Photoglo music including , , & the Four 615.376.7931 | [email protected] Seasons, , , , Cynthia Mellow Olivia Newton-John, and many more. 615.352,0265 | [email protected]

With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville and Marcia Olival London, Primary Wave Music has embraced an entrepreneurial 786.586.4901 | [email protected] spirit, offering and executing proactive one-of-a-kind ideas, Gene Smith unique services and marketing campaigns for our artists. Primary 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Wave has earned a stellar reputation for being forward thinking and re-introducing classic artists and their music into the modern Debra Fink marketplace as well as nurturing young talent to become legends 213.448.5157 | [email protected] themselves. This success is based upon their team of seasoned Ryan O’Donnell and creative executives collaboratively working together closely +447843437176 | [email protected] with our artists as partners. As a company, Primary Wave strives for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but moments of culture.

ISSUE DATE 4/24 | AD CLOSE 4/14 | MATERIALS DUE 4/15 Page 15 of 37

IN BRIEF

mitting the same focus and approach with encers to curate streaming playlists of co-creating the livestreaming music battle publishing to develop the best songwriters, up-and-coming artists, was formed by series Verzuz alongside , has producers, and artists. It’s pivotal to con- writer-creator Jeremy Wineberg, Andrew moved to ASCAP. tinue building with a talented team around Graham and Connor Franta. Under the Beatz, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, you, which is what we found with Warner, deal, Big Family/Hipgnosis will collaborate is known for his work on songs includ- and why this partnership is so important with Heard Well’s influencers and curators ing DMX’s “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” T.I.’s to actualize the next step which includes with the intent to sign emerging songwriters “Bring Em Out,” Lil Wayne’s “Uproar” the ability for the label’s publishing arm to and artists. and Mýa’s “The Best of Me,” among others. administer writers they publish on their According to a release, Heard Well boasts He is the founder of Full Surface Records own and to fully partner with WCM. Wal- a combined follower reach of over 350 mil- and a recent graduate of Harvard Business lace Joseph, Ryan Press, and Shani Gonzales lion across more than 70 youth creators. School’s owner/president management have been close of ours for years, so “Heard Well has built a vast network program. Beatz got his start working at his we are thrilled to be in business with them of influencers whose musical tastes uncle’s , Ruff Ryders, while still in this new venture.” enable them to discover rising talent well in high school. Primary Wave has acquired the copy- before it reaches industry ears,” said Big “’s talent as a songwriter- rights and income interests in the music Family co-president and executive vp of producer is second to none,” said ASCAP publishing catalog of and A&R Casey Robison. “This deal enables us executive vp and chief creative officer John a writer’s share in the catalog of her Wil- to tap into them as an A&R source and iden- Titta in a statement. “The music he has cre- son Phillips cohort Carnie Wilson. The tify up-and-coming songwriters and artists ated over the last two decades reached the publisher has additionally acquired both very early in their careers. We can’t wait to heights of the hip-hop, R&B and rap charts women’s master royalties. get started.” and continues to endure. From his classic The acquisition includes all three of Added Wineberg, “This partnership with late-90s records with Ruff Ryders to Verzuz, ’ Hot 100 No. 1 hits — “You’re the brilliant team at Big Family/Hipgnosis Swizz Beatz’s talent has made him one of in Love,” “Release Me” and “Hold On” — as Songs Group enables Heard Well to offer a the greatest producers and music creatives well as Phillips and Wilson’s names and new, dynamic publishing capability to our around today. We are so happy to welcome likenesses. Both women will be given access artist partners, while helping us further him to the ASCAP family.” to Primary Wave’s marketing and publish- fulfill our goal to elevate emerging talent Five-time Latin Grammy-winning singer- ing infrastructure, including digital strategy, around the world.” songwriter Jorge Drexler has signed a licensing, synch opportunities and film & Concord has renewed its global admin worldwide publishing deal with Warner TV production. deal with British artist, songwriter, com- Chappell Music for his full catalog “We could not be more thrilled to poser, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and and future releases. welcome both Chynna and Carnie to our producer Jacob Collier. The agreement The publisher also renewed its global family!” said Primary Wave partner and includes Collier’s entire catalog and go- publishing deal with Catalana president, digital strategy Robert Dippold. forward releases. artist Bad Gyal, covering her full catalog “Together as members of Wilson Phillips The extension comes at a high point for (minus her first EP released in 2016) and they took the world by storm Collier, who is up for three Grammys this future works. with their eponymous debut album filled year: Album of the Year (Djesse Vol 3), Best Originally hailing from and now with their signature harmony-rich sounds. R&B Performance (“All I Need”) and Best based in Spain, Drexler has released 13 stu- In addition to writing unforgettable music, Arrangement, Instruments & Vocals (“He dio albums under his own name and written Carnie and Chynna also have an uncanny Won’t Hold You”). Collier previously won for artists including Rosario and . ability to reimagine and re-interpret songs four Grammys. He won the Best Original Song Oscar in putting their own stamp all their own. We Most recently, Collier co-wrote and per- 2005 for the track “Al Otro Lado Del Rio,” truly look forward to getting creative with formed on SZA’s hit single “” and which he wrote for the 2005 film The Mo- their catalog and hidden gem songs!” co-wrote two tracks off ’s Gram- torcycle Diaries. Heard Well, described as “the first music my-nominated album Everyday Life: “Cry, Drexler, who signed to Sony Music U.S. media company powered by social taste- Cry, Cry” and “Church.” He also co-wrote Latin in 2019, will release his fourteenth makers and their communities,” has signed “Restore the Feeling” off ’s studio album later this year. a worldwide publishing deal with Big Fam- album Case Study 01. Bad Gyal signed an exclusive recording , the joint venture established last year Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4 – the final entry in a deal with UMLE and Interscope’s dance and by songwriters Julian Bunetta and John four-album series – is slated for release later global cultures division, Aftercluv, in 2019. Ryan, Family Affair Productions and Hip- this year. Her best-known tracks include “Alocao” gnosis Songs Group. Grammy-winning songwriter-produc- with Omar Montez, “Jacaranda” with Dub- Heard Well, which works with influ- er Swizz Beatz, most recently known for bel Dutch and “Pai,” a cover of ’s Page 16 of 37

IN BRIEF

“Work” sung in a blend of Catalan, Spanish mission of the nonprofit, which seeks to and English. “protect, educate and stand up for the rights Songs by Janelle Artist management company YMU of children affected by conflict.” War Child Music and producer-songwriter Mark UK will work with both Concord and Play- Monae, John Ralph have formed the joint-venture music lister to mark important dates throughout publishing company Reaktor Music, which the year, including World Refugee Day, Uni- Legend & More will seek out, mentor and develop songwrit- versal Children’s Day and Giving Tuesday. ing and producing talent. “The main focus of our work here in Nominated For Under the deal, YMU Music will work sync is making sure that the right people closely with Ralph to offer expertise and re- hear our music,” said Sara Lord, senior vp Guild of Music sources to support and fund signings to the international sync and project development new company, with Sony Music Publishing at Concord. “A real driving force for us has Supervisors providing global admin services. been to create new and innovative ways to Ralph, a longstanding management cli- showcase and platform our wonderful songs Awards ent of Phil Morais and Iain Watt at YMU to our commercial clients and partners.” Music, will use his West London studio Added Playlister’s Pete Bowker, “MUSIC BY PAUL GREIN complex, Club Ralph, as a base for songwrit- SEEN is such an exciting project for me, ers to write, record and collaborate. bringing together and celebrating music hree songs that the Oscars have Reaktor Music’s first is producer- and illustration in a slightly different way shortlisted for best original song songwriter Dennis White, who has written to normal. In the world of sync more often — “Turntables” from All In: The and produced for artists on labels includ- than not the choice of music is in response Fight for Democracy, “Make It ing Ministry Of Sound, Kompakt and Late to the ‘visual’ element, supporting the mes- TWork” from Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Night Tales and done for Atlantic, sage intended - Music Seen flips that on its Journey and “Hear My Voice” from The Trial Domino and Decca. head! The illustrators are all being given the of the Chicago 7 — were given a boost by the “Reaktor Music is all about finding excep- tracks and playlist ‘themes’ for the relevant Guild of Music Supervisors, which nomi- tional producers and songwriters and help- week and largely have carte blanche to nated them for best song written and/or ing them realise their ambitions,” said Ralph respond visually in their own styles. We’re recorded for a film at the 11th annual Guild in a statement. “It’s a fantastic opportunity using a broad church of artists from some of Music Supervisors Awards. for me to work closely with them, to share great new up & coming talents to some bet- Janelle Monáe co-wrote and performs my experience and if needed to be a mentor ter established faces, working across a wide “Turntables.” John Legend wrote “Make where I can.” range of illustrative styles, mediums and It Work,” which is performed in the film Concord Music Publishing has an- techniques. The work so far has been really by Forest Whitaker and Anika Noni nounced a new music and art partnership great - I can’t wait to see more as the project Rose. Celeste co-wrote and performs “Hear with music curation service Playlister. develops throughout the year.” My Voice.” Dubbed Music Seen, the initiative will Concord tapped the London-based design The other two nominees for the Guild of entail curation specialists showcasing studio, Studio BND, to develop the Music Music Supervisors award – “Love Myself” Concord songs in playlists featured on the Seen brand and identity. from The High Note and “Carried Me with Playlister website, as well as on Spotify and You” from Onward — were not shortlisted an accompanying Instagram account, mu- for Oscars, so these nominations won’t help sicseen.fm, which will unveil an associated in that regard. playlist visual weekly by both established The nominations, recognizing the craft of and emerging illustrators. music supervision in film, television, games, Launched on Jan. 1, the project has advertising and trailers, were announced already spotlighted tracks from George on Thursday (Feb. 25). The awards will be Harrison, , Pink presented virtually on April 11. Floyd, and . The Guild of Music Supervisor Awards Music Seen presents one track per day, with differ from the Oscars in several respects. each week’s selections tied together with a Here, songwriters, artists and music su- theme pegged to song anniversaries, writer pervisors are recognized in the best song events, lyrical motifs, cultural moments and category, rather than just songwriters, as at more. the Oscars. And the award honors songs that Concord has additionally teamed up with are written for and/or recorded for film. At the charity War Child UK to showcase the the Oscars, songs have to be written for the Page 17 of 37

IN BRIEF

film. Writer: , Sarah Aarons Title: “Build It Up” The nominees in the best song written Performed By: Songwriter: Ingrid Michaelson and/or recorded for television category Music Supervisor: Linda Cohen Artist: Ingrid Michaelson are “Build It Up” from Little Fires Every- “Make It Work” from Jingle Jangle Program: Little Fires Everywhere where (performed by Ingrid Michaelson), Writer: John Stephens Episode: #108 “Find a Way” “Memorized” from This Is Us (performed Performed By: Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Music Supervisor: Mary Ramos by Blake Stadnik), “One Less Angel” Rose Title: “Memorized” from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (performed Music Supervisor: Julia Michels Songwriters: Taylor Goldsmith, Siddhartha by Darius de Haas), “The Way It Used to “Carried Me With You” from Onward Khosla Be” from Watchmen (performed by Trent Writer: , Phil Hanseroth, Tim Artist: Blake Stadnik Reznor and ), and “The Whole Hanseroth Program: This Is Us of the Moon” from The Affair (performed Performed By: Brandi Carlile Episode: #401 “Strangers” by ). Music Supervisor: Tom MacDougall Music Supervisors: Manish Raval, Tom The guild also announced that Maureen “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of Chi- Wolfe Crowe, the founding president of the Guild cago 7 Title: “One Less Angel” of Music Supervisors, will receive the orga- Writer: Celeste Waite, Daniel Pemberton Songwriters: Thomas Mizer, Curtis Moore nization’s legacy award. Crowe’s many cred- Performed By: Celeste Artist: Darius de Haas its include The Bodyguard, Newsies, Wayne’s Music Supervisor: Peter Afterman, Alison Program: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel World, True Romance, Chicago and The Litton Episode: #301 “Strike Up the Band” Young Victoria. Best music supervision for film bud- Music Supervisor: Robin Urdang As previously announced, Quincy geted over $25 million Title: “The Way It Used to Be” Jones will be this year’s icon award hon- Jonathan Leahy - Bill & Ted Face The Music Songwriters: , Atticus Ross oree. Jones has won 28 Grammy Awards Becky Bentham – Eurovision Artists: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross — more than any other living person — a Julia Michels - Jingle Jangle Program: Watchmen 1977 Emmy for Roots and a 2016 Tony for a Tom MacDougall - Soul Episode: #106 “This Extraordinary Being” revival of The Color Purple. He has received Angela Leus (uncredited) - World Music Supervisor: Liza Richardson seven Oscar nominations, but has yet to Tour Title: “” win in competition (though he did receive Best music supervision for film bud- Songwriter: Michael Scott an honorary Jean Hersholt Humanitarian geted under $25 million Artist: Fiona Apple Award in 1994). Season Kent - Happiest Season Program: The Affair The nominations list includes an unusual Linda Cohen - The High Note Episode: #511 note by the nomination of Jon Ernst, music Dan Wilcox - I’m Your Woman Music Supervisor: Michael Hill supervisor for Cheer, in the category best Kevin Edelman - I Still Believe Best music supervision - television music supervision in a docuseries: “Note: Dawn Sutter Madell - Ma Rainey’s Black drama Everyone on the committee is aware of cur- Bottom Ashley Neumeister – American Soul – Sea- rent legal allegations going on against some Best music supervision for film bud- son 2 of the cast members of the show. However, geted under $10 million Thomas Golubić – Better Call Saul – Season we decided to push this docuseries through, Tracy McKnight - The Half Of It 5 because the Doc Committees’ job was to Liz Gallacher - Military Wives Amanda Krieg Thomas, Alexis Martin analyze the music supervision done in this Robin Urdang - Palm Springs Woodall, Ryan Murphy – Hollywood – Sea- docuseries.” Susan Jacobs - Promising Young Woman son 1 Here’s a complete list of nominees: Best music supervision for film bud- Sarah Bromberg, Stephanie Diaz-Matos – P- FILM geted under $5 million Valley – Season 1 Best song written and/or recorded for a Jessica Moore - Babyteeth Liza Richardson – Watchmen – Season 1 film Greg Danylyshyn - Burden Best music supervision - television “Turntables” from All In: The Fight for Dondrea Erauw, Michael Perlmutter - The comedy or musical Democracy Cuban Andrea von Foerster – Daybreak – Season 1 Writer: George “George 2.0” A. Peters II, Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño - I’m No Lon- Manish Raval, Alison Rosenfeld, Tom Wolfe Janelle “Django Jane” Monáe, Nathaniel ger Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) – High Fidelity – Season 1 Irvin III Adèle Ho, Graham Kurzner - Yellow Rose Kier Lehman – Insecure – Season 4 Performed By: Janelle Monáe TELEVISION Robin Urdang – The Marvelous Mrs. Music Supervisor: Andrew Gross Best song written and/or recorded for Maisel – Season 3 “Love Myself” from The High Note television Matt Biffa – Sex Education – Season 2 Page 18 of 37

IN BRIEF

Best music supervision - reality televi- Andy Hamm - Apple “A Journey Into The 6LACK on pausing his career. “I know how sion Valley Of Fire - Shot on iPhone” to work under pressure, so I thought it was Robin Kaye, Ashley Viergever – American Mike Ladman - New York Times “Life a moment of like, ‘Bruh. Just push through.’ Idol – Season 4 Needs Truth” God was like, ‘Nah, bro. You not pushing Cathy Duncan – America’s Most Musical Mike Ladman - “Never Lost” through this time. You need to sit your ass Family – Season 1 Andrew Kahn, Morgan Thoryk - Zillow down. You need to talk to a therapist. You Matthew Hearon-Smith – Legendary – Sea- “The Real Value of Home” need to have the conversations that you’re son 1 Best music supervision in advertising scared to have. You need to get the people Meryl Ginsberg – The – Sea- (original music) around you on the same page because you son 3 Rebecca Grierson - JaxJox “The All-In-One can’t keep moving through life expecting Best music supervision - television Interactive Studio” people to know [how you feel] because movie Andrew Kahn, Morgan Thoryk - Xfinity that’s how it’s been so far. You gotta switch Mandi Collier, Frankie Pine – Patsy & Mobile “” the s—t up.’” Loretta Jessie Kalikow - Apple - “The Magic Of That fortuitous pause not only rein- Liz Gallacher – The Sleepover Mini feat. ” vigorated 6LACK as he entered 2021, but Marius de Vries – Stargirl Jonathan Wellbelove - Apple iPhone 12 Pro - caused a massive upswing in his creativity. Warren Fischer, Laura Webb, Lindsay Wolf- “Make Movies Like The Movies” In the last few months, the LVRN polymath ington – To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You Mike Ladman - Hennessy “Maurice And has racked up a bevy of features, includ- DOCUMENTARIES The Black Bear School” ing on Melli’s “You Ain’t Worth It,” Lil Best music supervision for a documen- VIDEO GAMES Durk’s “ Down,” and most notably, Lil tary Best music supervision in a video game Tjay’s “.” After being Liz Gallacher - Belushi Karyn Rachtman - “BEYOND BLUE” released on Feb. 12, the latter is already a Aminé Ramer - Crip Camp Eric Craig - “Cyberpunk 2077” smash, debuting at No. 3 this week on the Ian Neil - Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Cybele Pettus - “FIFA 21” Hot 100 — a career-best for both rappers. Shane MacGowan Eric Kalver - “’s Pro Skater 1+2” 6LACK spoke to Billboard on notching Chris Robertson - Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll Mary Ramos - “Wasteland 3” his first top five Hot 100 record, how the President collaboration with Tjay came about, taking Ed Gerrard - Mr. Soul! a break from music, his hopes for perform- Best music supervision in a docuseries 6lack Had To See ing again and what to expect from his third Jon Ernst - Cheer (Note: Everyone on the album, which will follow 2018’s East Atlanta committee is aware of current legal alle- Who He Was Love Letter. gations going on against some of the cast You’ve been connecting on the features members of the show. However, we decided Outside of Music front as of late, cranking out verses for to push this docuseries through, because Melli, Lil Durk and most recently, . the Doc Committees’ job was to analyze the Before Scoring His Did your creativity see a spike during the music supervision done in this docuseries.) pandemic? Willa Yudell - Helter Skelter: An American Biggest Hit Oh, nah. It took big dips. It started off that Myth kind of way for me. I was living a kind of life Rudy Chung - The Last Dance BY CARL LAMARRE to where I was working so much and I was Dan Wilcox - Street Food: Latin America on the road that I didn’t get to tend to a lot TRAILERS f you listen to 6LACK’s verse on Gua- of other things outside of music. So, when Best music supervision in a pdad 4000’s 2019 track “Prada Pro- I had to sit still, I had to face a lot of stuff. I Mike Lynn - Judas And The Black Messiah cess,” you’ll hear a man speaking on had to actually do work that wasn’t music- Brian Murphy - Jungleland fate, timing and unexpected interfer- related, because I was sitting in the studio Gregory Sweeney - Land Ience: “For every time I thought I was ready, nonstop trying to figure out what I need to Chase Casanova - Never Rarely Sometimes I had to find out that / God was on the side- do musically to progress. I would sit there Always line, yelling ‘Time out.’” Little did 6LACK for days, weeks and months. Mike Lynn - Pieces of A Woman know that, the following year, his life would Sometimes, I would get something out ADVERTISING change during a pandemic, putting a halt to of it, and sometimes, I wouldn’t. When I Best music supervision in advertising his creative process so that he could focus started to focus on my life, I’d ask, “Who am (synch) on himself in 2020. I? What am I trying to get towards? Who David Lapinsky - Procter & Gamble “The “I’ve always just made s—t happen for am I trying to be? How do I get inspired in Choice” myself, for my family, [and] for music,” says another way?” Because I can’t just always Page 19 of 37

IN BRIEF

directly pull from music. I need to be getting I still enjoy it and know how to get in and about it like, “Eh. Is he gonna kill it? Is he my life in order so I can be able to create do my thing. Whatever I learn from it, I just gonna...” music freely, happily and easily. I took big bring it to my music. If I have a transition You had other people who were like, dips, for sure, but I feel completely more or moment that I want to sound crossover, “What’s up with y’all? Y’all don’t think this tapped in than I’ve ever been. alternative, R&B or rap, I’m getting my man is going to come through?” I was just When you hit those dips, what did you practice. watching it all like, “Y’all gonna owe me an concentrate on to break you out of those Talk about the comfortability you felt apology in two days because when this s—t ruts? when you jumped on Lil Tjay’s “Calling My drop, you gonna f—k with it.” So I felt like I I would travel places where I can get in Phone.” was gearing up for something the way that the car and just go. I didn’t have to go to the My A&R Tim sent it to me and honestly, people were talking about it. airport and feel crazy about where I was sometimes when I hear certain things, it’s By the time it dropped, the conversa- going and if I was safe. It would be moments like I don’t know what I’m gonna say, but I tion piece was so big that the people who of when I would spend time with family, already know that it’s written. Whatever I said something either changed their minds friends, my girlfriend and actually having do, whenever I plug up, sit down and start immediately or they tried to stand on their conversations that I needed to have versus recording, it’s going to feel natural. It’s going word and everybody was like, “Bro. Shut up. thinking that my source of life and creativity to feel confident. I’m not going to have to do That s—t is hard.” (laughs) It ain’t gotta be is totally music. multiple takes. It’s just going to come out. your favorite, but look at the numbers bro. Yeah, that’s what I do, that’s what I love The production and the song that were People f—k with it. (laughs) and that’s what I’m good at, but I think I already there just made me feel like this is The blueprint Tjay used to build hype was in the mode of thinking that’s just who in the realm of what people would consider around his record, is that a method you I am and anything that I do or figure out what I do. This is my bag. I can easily get plan on utilizing for yourself and your new has to come from the realm of music or my in here, find a pocket and make it feel good, music? responsibilities as a musician. I’m just a feel confident. Yeah, we’ve always done things on our person in general. I’m here to experience I did the verse and I was still leaving that ends — more like storyline-based — and life in as many ways that I can and I was just weird little space I was talking about just I think it’s been a privilege to dive into limiting myself subconsciously. I didn’t do it in regards to creating in general. So I didn’t another world where things are a little bit on purpose, but like I said, you’d be in work- listen to it for maybe a couple of days, and more quicker in your face, viral, and impul- mode and you think you’re doing what you then my A&R hit me about it again. I said, “I sive. His fans are really active. So I think it’s supposed to do. “Okay, I’m accomplishing might take another pass at it, but let me just cool to pick up more people like that, people goals and I feel like I’m in the right place.” listen to it again. I haven’t listened to it.” I that might not necessarily be in my age But if you leave anything else behind, then heard it in the car and I was like, “Oh nah. bracket to have related to or grown with me, it’s going to catch up with you later. We good. (laughs) Let’s send it off.” It passed but can hear a cadence or flow and say, “Let Do you feel doing those features allowed the car-test, so it was straight. me go check him out,” or “I guess I’ll listen you to get in your bag more creatively versus to 6LACK now.” focusing on your individual tracks? It passed the TikTok test too, because If anything, I feel like collaborations in It’s always been the perfect exercise for when the snippet first came out, fans started general are always a plus. We’re here to me. Even before I knew who I was and going crazy for the full version. create for ourselves, for other people, work I was making my own little in Yeah, I think that’s what pushed the with other people, and combine forces. If it school, I was taking other people’s beats record over , honestly. I’m a big ain’t that, then it’s selfish and it is maybe a and I was figuring out how to put my voice student of the Internet, and I know that as little bit insecure. If you f—-k with some- on somebody else’s [track] that I like. That much as I know how to exist without it, I thing, f—k with it. It ain’t even about if you was always to figure out how to be also been on it for so long that I’ve been able like something, you gotta make music with versatile. I couldn’t be versatile or think I to learn so much from it. people, but it’s the same as like whatever is can do anything if I didn’t actually say, “Oh, There was just a lot of conversation going on the internet right now with this I like that song. It’s a different genre. Let me around the song and I was picking up on it. I tweet that I put up. It’s like, all I’m put my spin on it. Let me try to catch a vibe, was like, “This don’t really feel the same like doing is saying that I love something and but find a pocket for myself.” a lot of other moments.” He was previewing that other people would love it. I think, if anything, it exercises me, and it on his own. His fans were super invested. People don’t really know. When makes me know my abilities more when I Before I was even involved, they were tell- something like that, they start to compare or go back to myself, because maybe I hopped ing him who they wanted on it. They had an they think it takes away from somebody else. on a Gomez track [2020’s “Crowded idea who they wanted on it. He introduced I’m not mentioning nobody else’s names. Room”] and it got a little bit of pop-cross- the idea. It wasn’t who they thought. So you I’m speaking on what I’m speaking on. over appeal to it, but I’m still comfortable. kind of had people going back and forth This is good and why would you not want Page 20 of 37

IN BRIEF

to get that suggestion? That’s how we find er. I think my competitive nature isn’t even all of our . When I heard Frank an aggressive one. I love the art of thinking , David [Ocean], I said, “Have you heard that Frank? competitively. My version of competitive Because you need to hear it. Have you heard is f—king with somebody’s album and being Guetta, & of ? Because you need to go like, “I wanna make something in my world hear it.” That’s how we pass music that we that has that kind of impact, because I know Represent really, really love. how it makes me feel.” When I get inspired by what other people 4 Different How would you assess 6LACK now ver- are doing, other people’s movements, or sus East Atlanta Love Letter 6LACK from other regions starting to pop, it makes me Countries in ‘Big’ 2018? want to get my own s—t popping. I’m just I’m way more honest. I think my career anticipating the day where we get to do Global Chart has been progressively me trying to get shows again, ‘cause I already know it’s going towards honesty and get towards clarity. I to be a completely different thing. Fans ain’t Debut took people through a certain time period. gon’ respond the same way and I’m not gon’ I group those two albums [2016’s Free perform the same way. We’re finally outside BY ERIC FRANKENBERG 6LACK and 2018’s East Atlanta Love Letter] bro. We gotta really run this sh-t into the together — even though they’re different ground. We gotta have fun, spread love, rtists from four countries team and I think there’s progression in between. [and] link up. We gotta be safe. It’s a long up for a debut on the Billboard I put them as one in my eyes because I was list of things that be running through my Global Excl. U.S. chart (dated trying to get to where I am right now as far head everyday, so I’m waiting the same way Feb. 27), where “Big” arrives as, “I have exhausted doing everything on everybody else waiting — patiently. When atA No. 154. The song brings together Rita my own. I created everything by myself in it’s over, it’s a wrap. Ora, and Imanbek, as well a room and I got this. and as Gunna in a featured role. nobody can really help me with it.” I’ve done Are we getting an album this year? “Big” was released Feb. 12 and debuts that. I’ve got that out of my system, and now Yeah, of course. I’m coming up on my with 7.6 million streams and 1,500 down- I’m at the part of my career where I’m like I three-year mark. I know everything else was loads sold outside the U.S. in its debut frame just want to make the best music I can make. two years apart, so this will be my first time (ending Feb. 18), according to MRC Data. The only way I’m going to do that is by col- kind of making it to the three-year stretch. The song scored 84% of its streams and 71% laborating with people. The only way I’m Obviously, the way that I’m talking about it, of its sales from territories beyond the U.S., going to do that is by doing stuff I haven’t it’s really important to me. So I haven’t put well above the week’s averages of 71% and done before. a specific date on it because I know how im- 48%, respectively. Only 10 other all-English- I really care about this. I really wanna portant is for me. The introduction and the language songs on this week’s Global Excl. . It’s not just about making my kind sophomore were one thing, and were both U.S. chart sport a higher non-U.S. sales of vibe for my core fans. No, we’re here to like an introduction to me. I think that this percentage. break this s—t open. So how we gon’ do it? is the part where you just separate yourself The international reception for “Big” That’s the big difference between me then and you say, “I know what y’all know me for is not particularly surprising when you and me now. Now I’m at the part where I’m and that’s still here,” but I’m a n—-a that’s consider the artists who came together to ready to make myself feel how I feel when I growing. You’re about to get whatever that it make it. Ora hails from the U.K., Guetta listen to a WizKid album. I want that same comes with. from , Imanbek from feeling. I want to give people that same feel- I’m not asking for what you think about it, and Gunna from the U.S. That makes it only ing like, “Have you heard this s—t? Because like if you want the old me. People will liter- the second song so far in the chart’s history you need to.” ally be like, “We f—k with the old 6LACK,” (which dates to September 2020) by artists but if you do the same thing three times in a from four distinct territories, following Your DJ said in a recent interview you row, the same people will be like, “You still “Relación” by Sech (Panama), (Co- have a Kobe Bryant-type competitive streak wearing the same s—t? You still doing the lombia), and Farruko (both when it comes to performing and being on same thing?” That’s been throughout our from Puerto Rico) and Rosalía (Spain). the road. How have you been able to main- whole entire culture, so I can’t really know While this is Ora’s first entry on the tain that intensity during the pandemic — so that stuff like that exists and allow it to stop Global Excl. U.S. chart, her collaborators when that time comes to perform, you’re me from being a leader. I just gotta be ready add to their histories on the survey. It’s the ready to go? to jump out and be like, “This is me. If you fourth appearance for Guetta, following Honestly, just by being a fan of the music ain’t coming with me, somebody gon’ come two with (“Let’s Love” and “Floating again and remembering that I’m a consum- with me.” Through Space”) and his 2009 hit “Memo- Page 21 of 37

IN BRIEF

ries,” featuring . friend. We send all our love and thoughts to “Big” is the second go-round for Gunna, Sean Kennedy, SK’s friends and family.” who hit No. 6 in October with “Lemonade,” with Internet Money and featuring Don Bassist With I Toliver and . Imanbek, whose of ’s “Roses” propelled its domi- Killed the Prom nance on multiple charts, is the only Kazakh Covers Hootie and artist to have hit the Global Excl. U.S. chart Queen and Deez so far. the Blowfish For Nuts, Dies at 35 Pokémon’s 25th Man Believed to BY LARS BRANDLE Anniversary Be ’s ean Kennedy, bass player with Australian outfits BY LARS BRANDLE Assistant Shot, and Deez Nuts, died on Feb. 23, according ost Malone is back and he’s here Dogs Stolen in Sto various reports. He was 35. No cause of to play. death has been announced. Ahead of the Pokémon Day Hollywood Theft Kennedy performed on Prom Queen’s 25th anniversary celebration debut LP from 2003, When Goodbye Means Pand virtual concert, the hip-hop superstar BY RYAN PARKER Forever..., and its followup from 2006, Music returns with a cover no one saw coming. for the Recently Deceased, which peaked at Posty dropped a version of Hootie and the man was shot and two French No. 27 on on the ARIA Albums Chart and Blowfish’s 1995 single “Only Wanna Be with bulldogs were stolen in the pro- saw the five-piece amass a global following. You,” only this time it’s the “Pokémon 25 cess Wednesday night (Feb. 24) A live album from 2008, Sleepless Nights Version”. in Hollywood, according to Los and City Lights, was nominated for Best With the notable exception of his out- AngelesA police. Independent Hard Rock/Punk Album at the standing live-streamed Nirvana tribute last The dogs are believed to belong to Lady AIR Awards. April, and a showstopping performance at Gaga and the victim, one of her assistants. When I Killed the Prom Queen disband- the , the “Rockstar” Police would not identify the owner of ed, some of the pieces reformed as Deez singer has kept quiet by his standards over the dogs, but TMZ reports it is Grammy- Nuts, which released six studio albums, the past year. Indeed, “Only Wanna Be with winning artist and that the victim is her dog including the Top 20 set Word Is Bond from You” is his first release in 2021 so far, and his walker. 2015. Kennedy also appeared on 2017’s Binge first single as a lead artist since 2019. The incident occurred just before 10:00 & Purgatory, and 2019’s You Got Me F***ed Malone will make some noise this week- p.m. as the victim was walking the dogs Up. end. He’s slated to headline the Pokémon when a gunman shot the victim once, took Former bandmate I Killed the Prom Day virtual concert, which presses play the dogs and fled the scene, LAPD offi- Queen paid tribute to the this Saturday (Feb. 27) at 7:00 p.m. ET cer Madison said. The victim’s condi- late bass player. and can streamed for free on the official tion is unknown. “For years we stood side by side on stage Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels, TMZ reports that Gaga has offered a or in band photos,” he wrote on social me- and on the official Pokémon’s 25th anniver- $500,000 reward, no questions asked, for dia. “We slept on floors, in vans, planes and sary website. her dogs’ safe return. some how managed to tour the world. Time Posty’s most recent studio album, Hol- A rep for Gaga could not be immediately went way to [sic] fast.” lywood’s Bleeding, dropped in 2019 and went reached for comment. “We experienced highs and lows on the to No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic and This article originally appeared on The road and after all we went through, you will around the globe, while its singles “Circles” Hollywood Reporter. always be my friend. As the years passed and “Sunflower” topped the Billboard Hot us by I’m glad we’ve always been there for 100. each other.” He added, “When I called you Stream “Only Wanna Be with You - Poké- last week I didn’t think it would be the last. I mon 25 Version” below. wish I could say goodbye.” Fellow Australian metalcore standouts wrote, “Rest easy dear Page 22 of 37

IN BRIEF

premiere on Apple TV+ and in select the- projects as Barry Miles’ biography “Paul Drops aters on Friday. Fans can also catch the offi- McCartney: Many Years From Now,” and cial live premiere event for free Thursday the 1990s documentary and book “The Sustainable ‘The at 9 p.m. ET on Apple TV and Beatles Anthology.” ’ apps, or on Eilish’s YouTube channel. Keith Richards has been equally open about World’s a Little Apple Music’s will host the himself, but his 2010 memoir “Life” still sold special, including a stripped-down perfor- millions of copies. Blurry’ Merch mance from Eilish and a chat with her, plus No Beatle has written a standard, full- an interview with director R.J. Cutler and fledged account of his life. Lennon pub- BY HERAN MAMO video from the film. lished two works of stories, poems and drawings and was considered the most illie Eilish is keeping the Earth gifted with words, but he was murdered in green with a sustainable red-and- Paul McCartney 1980, at age 40. ’s “Another Day black merch collection in sup- In the Life” is centered on photographs and port of her The World’s a Little Memoir Due Out quotes, because, the drummer has said, a BBlurry documentary. traditional memoir would require multiple The “My Future” singer took to Insta- in November volumes. , who died of gram on Wednesday (Feb. 24) to announce cancer in 2001, issued the scrapbook/retro- her The World’s a Little Blurry clothing line, BY spective “I, Me, Mine” in 1980. which was made from organic fabrics in the According to McCartney’s publishers, U.S. -based celebrity stylist Bloody aul McCartney is finally ready to his songs will be arranged alphabetically, Osiris shot the series of editorial images write his memoirs, and will use and will include McCartney’s comments entirely on iPhone. Eilish is seen modeling music — and a Pulitzer Prize-win- on when and where they were written and the blood-red Princess Blurry sweatshirt ning poet — to help guide him. what inspired them. The U.S. edition of the and Leave Me Alone Ringer tee as well as a P“The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present” will book will be broken into two volumes, con- white tee dedicated to her mother Maggie be released Nov. 2, according to a joint an- tained within a single box. Baird while whipping out a wrecking ball nouncement Wednesday from the British “Presented with this is a treasure trove of that would make proud. publisher Allen Lane and from Liveright in material from McCartney’s personal archive “Everything in this line (besides the the United States. — drafts, letters, photographs — never seen socks) are made from organic fabrics! all McCartney, 78, will trace his life through before, which make this also a unique visual grown without pesticides which is better 154 songs, from his teens and early partner- record of one of the greatest songwriters for the environment. everything is made in ship with fellow Beatle to his of all time,” according to Wednesday’s an- the USA (mostly in california) which sup- solo work over the past half century. Irish nouncement. ports our homegrown economy and saves poet Paul Muldoon is editing and will con- McCartney has often received more ac- on international shipping, meaning it’s more tribute an introduction. claim for his melodies than for his lyrics, sustainable,” she explained in the cap- “More often than I can count, I’ve been but he has written some of the most quoted tion. “We’ve worked hard to create custom asked if I would write an autobiography, but songs in recent history, including “Let It Be,” shapes, paying extra attention to all the de- the time has never been right,” McCartney “Hey Jude” and “Eleanor Rigby.” Muldoon tails. you might notice the prices are a little said in a statement. said in a statement that their conversations higher, but that’s because this is a big step “The one thing I’ve always managed to do, in recent years “confirm a notion at which in making my clothing more sustainable. my whether at home or on the road, is to write we had but guessed — that Paul McCartney hope is that by investing in more high qual- new songs. I know that some people, when is a major literary figure who draws upon, ity items they will last for a much longer they get to a certain age, like to go to a diary and extends, the long tradition of poetry in time, and we can all buy and consume less. to recall day-to-day events from the past, English.” this is so important to me and i hope you but I have no such notebooks. What I do Muldoon is known for such poetry collec- love it as much as i do.” have are my songs, hundreds of them, which tions as “Moy Sand and Gravel” and “Horse The 12-piece collection, which already I’ve learned serve much the same purpose. Latitudes,” and also has a background in has sold-out items, is available on Eilish’s of- And these songs span my entire life.” music. He has given spoken-word perfor- ficial webstore. Prices range from $20 to Financial terms for “The Lyrics,” which mances backed by the musical collective $180. has a list price of $100, were not disclosed. Rogue Oliphant; published a book of rock The World’s a Little Blurry, which charts Publishers have long sought a McCartney lyrics, “The Word on the Street”; and collab- the rise of the talented teen-turned-global memoir, even though he has spoken often orated on the title track of Warren Zevon’s superstar over a span of three years, will about the past and has participated in such “My Ride’s Here.” He even mentioned Mc- Page 23 of 37

IN BRIEF

Cartney in a poem, “Sideman”: panied act since 2012 when Gloria Estefan called Daddy’s Home features copy that “I’ll be McCartney to your Lennon/ Lenin achieved the feat with “Hotel Nacional” (No. reads, “St. Vincent is back with a record of to your Marx/ Jerry to your Ben &/ Lewis to 1 debut). all-new songs. Warm Wurlitzers and wit, your Clark” Here’s a rundown of ’s five top 10 glistening guitars and grit, with sleaze and Hot Latin Songs since Jan. 2020: style for days. Taking you from uptown to Title, Artist downtown with the artist who makes you Karol G, Anuel “Tusa,” Karol G & expect the unexpected. So sit back, light up, “,” Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and by all means have that bourbon waiting AA & J Balvin’s Ozuna & J Balvin because... DADDY’S Home.” The ad, which “Ay, Dios Mio!,” Karol G features the logo for the singer’s Loma Vista ‘Location’ Arrives “Bichota,” Karol G Records label, says the record will be out on “Location,” Karol G, Anuel AA, & J Balvin May 14. at No. 6 on Hot Elsewhere, “Location” opens at No. 6 A spokesperson for St. Vincent had not re- on Latin Streaming Songs and at No. 4 turned a request for comment on the album Latin Songs Chart on Latin Digital Song Sales with 1,000 title or release date at press time, though the downloads sold. singer/guitarist tweeted a cryptic message BY PAMELA BUSTIOS Back on Hot Latin Songs, as “Location” on Wednesday night appeared to wink at the arrives in the list’s top 10, J Balvin ties news, writing, “Nothing to see here.” Back arol G, Anuel AA and J Bal- Shakira for the fifth-most top 10s (both with in December, St. Vincent confirmed that vin’s “Location” debuts at No. 30), while Anuel AA secures his 21st. her seventh studio album was coming this 6 on the Hot Latin Songs chart year, tweeting, “The rumors are true. New dated Feb. 27. record ‘locked and loaded’ for 2021. Can’t K“Location” launches in the top 10 mainly St. Vincent Pops wait for you to hear it.” supported by streaming activity. The tune Check out St. Vincent’s tweet and fan im- logged 4.2 million U.S. streams after its first Up in Mysterious ages of the posters below. full tracking week ending Feb. 18, according to MRC Data. It concurrently bows at No. 30 Poster Campaign on Latin Airplay with 4 million in audience Billboard Dance impressions earned in the week ending Feb. For New Album 21. Emerging Artists The song, an upbeat -pop tune BY GIL KAUFMAN with western and hip-hop nuances, was pro- February 2021: duced by her longtime collaborator Ovy on t. Vincent is headed back into our . It follows the Colombian’s two ears. The singer pops up in a new The 4 Acts previous Hot Latin Songs-produced top five viral poster campaign promoting titles: “Ay, Dios Mío” (No. 5 peak, September what appears to be her upcoming Heating Up Our 2020) and “Bichota” (No. 3 high, December Sfollow-up to 2017’s MASSEDUCTION, in 2020). which she poses in a retro-70s burgundy Speakers This With the No. 6 start, Karol G captures suit while rocking a blonde bob. her 11th top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, which The teaser for the album reportedly Month blends airplay, digital sales and stream- called Daddy’s Home features copy that ing data. She continues as the female act reads, “St. Vincent is back with a record of BY BILLBOARD STAFF with the most top 10s in the past five years all-new songs. Warm Wurlitzers and wit, (February 2016-February 2020), ahead of glistening guitars and grit, with sleaze and ew year, same lockdown. It’s Shakira’s seven. style for days. Taking you from uptown to been almost 12 months since the Notably, since January 2020, out of the 75 downtown with the artist who makes you world — and with it, the music songs that have placed in Hot Latin Songs’ expect the unexpected. So sit back, light up, and live events industry — was top 10, only 19 were billed to a female act and by all means have that bourbon waiting Nput on pause, and while the outlook is look- (including featured turns and collabora- because... DADDY’S Home.” The ad, which ing hopeful with the vaccine rollout, the tions), and of those, five were billed to Karol features the logo for the singer’s Loma Vista early cancellations of Coachella this spring G. “Bichota,” her latest solely credited to Records label, says the record will be out on and Movement Detroit this summer point her, became the first title by a woman to de- May 14. to another long, non-existent festival season but in the list’s top 10 without an unaccom- The teaser for the album reportedly here in the U.S. Page 24 of 37

IN BRIEF

When you’re URL however, every day primed to take over the globe. — KAT BEIN Her vocals on Bronson’s 2020 track, “Heart (and night) can be festival season. While Steve Darko Attack,” were a sonorous dream, and while some artists are using this downtime to “Who would’ve guessed this weird her latest track, “Don’t Waste My Time” regroup, others are starting 2021 strong music would take me somewhere?” mused (released February 12) is a glitchy, techy with new releases. Below are four emerging Steve Darko near the end of his set at the heater, it stays mercifully away from busi- dance acts filling out our imaginary lineups virtual release party (Feb. 7) for his debut ness territory. No matter what she with their banging club music, dreamy album, Midnight Swim, on Dirtybird Re- does next, lau.ra is an artist worth watching. dance-pop and more. We imagine they’ll be cords. More than just an artistic milestone, — ZEL MCCARTHY filling out IRL stages soon enough. the LP also represents a full-circle moment Brijean Shygirl in Darko’s young career. In a recent Reddit If the lightness and relaxation you feel Ain’t nothing shy about this British ba- AMA the Bostonian, who also works as during a much-needed vacation could be dass. At 27 years old, the artist born Blane a software developer, shared that he sent converted into music, it would sound like Muise already quit a lucrative day job to demos to Dirtybird for three years before Brijean. The duo of Brijean Murphy (a pursue music, dropped tracks with some successfully signing a record, his Fried or vocalist and percussionist who’s worked of the most innovative artists in music, and Fertilized EP, to the label in 2018. Impressed with and Poolside) and producer carved a niche for herself in the club world by Darko’s skills, label head Claude Von- Doug Stuart create music residing at the dripping sex-confident lyrics over dark, Stroke took him out on tour later that year dreamiest intersection of dance, indie and club-sweat beats. as a supporting act, and it’s only been up pop, with feel-good grooves feel made for Not super new to the party, Shygirl re- from there. laying out at the beach or boutique hotel leased her first track Want“ More” along- Thus far, Darko has amassed a release ré- pool, cold drink in hand and all worries side her friend and frequent producer Sega sumé full of cool-kid labels including Perfect about work or school floating away on the Bodega in 2016. (His industrial pop bounced Driver, Psycho !, Box of Cats, Hotboi breeze. in metallic shadow as Shygirl encouraged Records, Sink or Swim and Insomniac’s In/ After releasing a mini-album, Walkie her partners to “play rough” and “f*ck Rotation. With each track, he has honed his Talkie, in 2019, Brijean are releasing their fast.”) She hasn’t slowed or let people off sound into something that’s at times dark first proper full-length, Feelings, on Ghostly easy ever since, with her music included and often rumbling with bass, yet always International this Friday, Feb. 26. Already in the soundtrack to Rihanna’s 2017 Fenty whimsically and captivatingly off-kilter, like released singles such as “Daydreaming,” X Puma runway show and then coming in an episode of The Twilight Zone distilled “Hey Boy” and “Moody” keep the spotlight hot and haunting on 2018’s five-track Cruel into a tech house soundtrack. Midnight on Murphy’s soft yet vast vocals, which pos- Practice EP. That project is a nightmare Swim is a further evolution, with 14 tracks sess an ocean-like serenity, against a funky, techno explosion from start to finish, while that would absolutely rock an afterhours, tropical backdrop of congas and sun-kissed Shygirl’s devious, monotone melts humid from the heft of “Smooth Like Butter” and melodies. The singles’ disco and ‘90s house come-ons between squirming synths and brain-unraveling “Descending” to aquatic influences feel simultaneously of-the- rubbery textures. odyssey “Dominical,” the CVS collab “How moment and retro, and just so damn vibey Her 2020 was massive, kicking off with Many Times’’ and the synth oddities (“Eu- — the kind of music you’d feel compelled an X-rated ode to carnal pleasure on Zebra clidean Dreams”) in between. to Shazam if you heard it while shopping Katz’ bouncy “Lick It N Split” in March, Dive in, feel the groove — and if you inside a bougie department store. If you’re followed by a mean, shady whisper on the like what you hear, check out his weekly scrolling Insta and getting too deep in your horror show of a beat that is ’s “Watch.” live-stream Darko’s Dungeon each Tuesday feelings at all the #tbt jet-setting posts, sim- In November, she dropped her sopho- on Dirtybird’s Twitch channel. — KRYS- ply put Brijean on the speakers and let the more EP, Alias, featuring “Slime,” a futur- TAL RODRIGUEZ pseudo-vacay bliss commence. — K.R. istic doom club bop co-produced by Kai Lau.ra Whiston and the late great . Earlier In a time when DJ/producers are encour- this month, we got a nice remix package aged to work on being a brand that moves for Alias single “Tasty” featuring a brooding merchandise more than they work on techno take and extended mix from Boys making music, being an artist with multiple Noize as well as a wicked fun rinse from aliases and releases in a range of genres LSDXOXO. might be a liability. But while the merch We honestly haven’t heard club music squad for Laura Bettinson — the English art- this perfectly on point in a minute, and we ist formerly known as Femme and currently haven’t missed sticky dance floors so much recording as lau.ra — might not know what since quarantine began. Here’s to more to print on the t-shirts, the artist herself Shygirl in 2021, a rising star we’re sure is knows how to make magic in the studio. Page 25 of 37

IN BRIEF

productions, a Hollywood Bowl concert and Mammoth WVH’s ‘Rent’ Musical a live staging on Fox in 2019, all fueled by songs such as “Take Me or Leave Me,” “Out Eddie Celebrates 25th Tonight” and the crowd-pleasing “Seasons of Love.” Tribute ‘Distance’ Anniversary “Rent” has since been referenced in everything from “” to Rules Mainstream BY ASSOCIATED PRESS “The Simpsons” to “I Am Legend.” In the film “Team America: World Police,” puppets Rock Airplay wenty-five years ago, stage actors act out a show called “Lease.” Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin- Larson never lived to see his triumph: He BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Vega had been cast in a new, edgy died at age 35 of an aortic aneurysm after its musical downtown and wondered final dress rehearsal in January 1996. istance,” Wolfgang Van Tif anyone would remember it. The 15 original actors stay in touch and Halen’s tribute to his late “Can you imagine us in 25 years talking share a text thread. “We really kind of im- father Eddie Van Halen about this show and singing these songs?” mediately fell into a rapport and trust with with his band Mammoth Pascal wondered to his co-star. “We laughed each other, especially after the tragedy,” said “DWVH, rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Main- about it, as if like, ‘Oh, my God, that’s crazy. Heredia. “There’s nothing that bonds people stream Rock Airplay chart dated Feb. 27. That’ll never happen.’” more than tragedy.” Mammoth WVH reigns with its first Well, it’s happening. The musical had an unpretentious start. charting title. It’s the first act to make such The musical was Rent and it’s celebrat- New York Theater Workshop had just a first impression since Dirty Honey, with ing its silver anniversary this year with moved into its space in the East Village in “When I’m Gone” in October 2019. an online gala and a lot of gratitude from the summer of 1992 and was undergoing Mammoth WVH is also the first act with generations of fans. construction. Larson rode by on his bike and any initial No. 1 on Airplay Jonathan Larson’s tale of free-spirited poked his head in. since Corey Taylor, who scored his first artists and street people in New York’s gritty “He was curious because he’d written this solo leader, “Black Eyes Blue,” last October drug- and AIDS-plagued East Village of the musical for the East Village and was looking after rulers with Stone Sour. early 1990s was inspired by Puccini’s “La for a home for it that was in the East Vil- Van Halen, with Eddie as a member, Boheme” and found a ready-made audience lage,” said Nicola. racked up 13 Mainstream Rock Airplay No. in young people. A few days later, Larson dropped off a 1s, the third-most in the chart’s nearly 40- “It gives people hope who feel that ‘I’m script and a of him singing year history. different’ and ‘I don’t fit.’ This says ‘It all the songs. The timing was perfect. “We “Distance” dominated the multi-met- doesn’t matter,’” says James Nicola, artistic were looking for something to do about our ric Hot Hard Rock Songs tally dated Nov. director of New York Theater Workshop, neighborhood in the literal sense and in 28, 2020; it jumps 10-6 on the latest ranking. which nurtured “Rent.” ”It says, ‘You can go walks this musical,” said Nicola. It also places at No. 11 on the all-rock- out and make your own community.’” It was quickly clear that Larson was format, audience-based Rock Airplay chart New York Theater Workshop will cel- steeped in , pop and ev- with 3 million impressions, according to ebrate “Rent” with a gala on March 2 that erything in between, what Pascal calls an MRC Data. will be available to stream through March “incredibly unique, eclectic influence soup.” Mammoth WVH’s self-titled debut album 6. Original cast members will be joined by Larson’s musical went to the top of the is due June 11. Another song, “You’re to theater stars such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, company’s list. Blame,” has been released from the proj- Neil Patrick Harris, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, “People can write music. People can write ect so far; it concurrently bows at Nos. 8 Ali Stroker, Eva Noblezada and Christopher words. Not so many people can write words and 23, respectively, on the Hard Rock Jackson. Tickets begin at $25. and music together,” says Nicola. “And then Digital Song Sales and Rock Digital Song Rent won for best musical, even fewer can understand putting words Sales charts with 1,000 downloads sold. score and book and a Pulitzer Prize. It lasted and music into a dramatic context.” on Broadway for 12 years and more than The show attracted Rubin-Vega, who 5,000 performances, launching the careers usually wasn’t interested in musical theater. of Pascal, Rubin-Vega, Taye Diggs, Jesse “This was talking to me,” she recalled. “I L. Martin, , Wilson Jermaine knew these people. These are the kind of Heredia and Anthony Rapp. people that I hung out with.” It was, she adds, There was a 2005 film version, several a musical that she herself wanted to see. tours, an off-Broadway revival, international She would earn a Tony nomination for her Page 26 of 37

IN BRIEF

Mimi, an HIV-positive heroin addict and songs “No Body, No Crime” featuring Haim, stripper. She recalls looking out and seeing Scores and “Betty.” Those two tracks are from her audiences singing along — weeks before a 2020 LPs Evermore and Folklore, respective- cast album was even available. They were Record-Breaking ly. The new version of “Love Story” is from repeat customers. her forthcoming re-recording of her 2008 “It was a supernova,” she said. 42nd Week at album Fearless, to be titled Fearless (Taylor’s Just being in “Rent” was lifechanging Version). (Re-recordings of older songs or for Heredia, a then-24-year-old who never No. 1 on Country albums are treated separately from their thought he’d be in a musical, much less one originals, with independent chart histories that made the leap to Broadway. Producers Chart for each version.) “I never saw my face in the faces of people The weekly Country Songwriters and that were on Broadway,” says Heredia, who BY XANDER ZELLNER Country Producers charts are based on total played the doomed Angel. points accrued by a songwriter and produc- It was Heredia, a self-described hyperac- oey Moi takes the lead for the most er, respectively, for each attributed song that tive club kid, who one day during a break in weeks spent at No. 1 on Billboard’s appears on the Hot Country Songs chart. As rehearsal leaped onto a table in heels — to Country Producers chart (dated Feb. with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writ- the astonishment of director Michael Greif. 27), as he records his 42nd week at the ers or producers split points for each song That move was put in the show. Jsummit. He passes Dann Huff for the most equally (and the dividing of points will lead “The trick of that whole number wasn’t time on top since the chart began in June to occasional ties on rankings). the jumping on the table. It was the jumping 2019. The full Country Songwriters and Coun- off of the table,” Heredia says, laughing. “My The veteran producer, songwriter and try Producers charts, in addition to the full back and my knees are paying for it now.” engineer leads the list on the strength of 13 genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. Heredia won a Tony for his work, but he production credits on the latest Hot Country com. says he cherishes more the dozens of people Songs chart. Twelve are via Morgan Wal- who have approached him to say Angel len’s Dangerous: The Double Album, which helped them come out to their parents, ac- logs a sixth week at No. 1 on the Billboard ’ cept their son or just inspired them. 200. “The impact that it’s had on the genera- Leading the way among Moi’s haul on Hot ‘Falling’ Video, tions to me has affected me even more than Country Songs, Wallen’s “Wasted on You” the Tony,” he says. “It’s one of the best thing ranks at No. 11, after it launched at No. 1. ‘Mulan’ and ‘Da that’s ever happened to my life.” Moi co-produced the track with Jacob Dur- “Rent” also helped put New York Theatre rett; Of Moi’s 13 production credits on the 5 Bloods’ Among Workshop on the map, where it has con- chart, he co-produced two others, both by tinued to nurture shows like “Hadestown,” Wallen: “Warning,” with Charlie Handsome Art Directors “Once” and “Slave Play.” (No. 29), and “Your Bartender,” with Matt “You really can look at the history of New Dragstrem (No. 50). Guild Nominations York Theater Workshop divided neatly Dating to the survey’s origin, there have between before ‘Rent’ and after ‘Rent,’” said been six producers who have topped the BY CAROLYN GIARDINA Nicola. “It’s that significant. It transformed chart: Moi (42 weeks), Huff (41), Scott the organization.” Moffatt (three), Jay Joyce (two) and Zach he Art Directors Guild announced One “Rent” fan is Miranda, the vision- Crowell and Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers (one the nominations for the 25th ADG ary behind “Hamilton,” noted Rubin-Vega. each). Awards for production design, “In no uncertain terms, he is a legacy of On Country Songwriters, Taylor which will be presented during a Jonathan’s, just like Jonathan was a legacy Swift returns to No. 1 for a second week on Tvirtual ceremony on April 10. of Sondheim,” she said. top, thanks to her new re-recording of “Love The nominees for a period film are Mank, Adds Pascal: “It’s a gift that continues to Story (Taylor’s Version).” The track soars in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Mulan, News of give.” at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, marking her the World and The Trial of the Chicago 7. The eighth leader and first since “We Are Never fantasy film category nominees are Birds Ever Getting Back Together” in 2012-2013. of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipa- (Her original “Love Story” spent two weeks tion of One Harley Quinn, Pinocchio, Tenet, at No. 1 in November 2008.) The Midnight Sky and Wonder Woman Swift first ruled the Country Writers 1984. Elsewhere, the contemporary film chart dated Dec. 26, then fueled by her nominees are Da 5 Bloods, I’m Thinking of Page 27 of 37

IN BRIEF

Ending Things, Palm Springs and Promising A Shawn the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Production Designer: Anne Seibel Young Woman. Production Designer: Matt Perry Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet: “Pilot” Over the past five years, the winner of Onward, Production Designer: Noah Klocek Production Designer: Mark Worthington the ADG’s period film prize went on to Soul, Production Designer: Steve Pilcher Space Force: “THE LAUNCH” win the Oscar for production design , The Croods: A New Age, Production De- Production Designer: Susie Mancini in 2018 for The Shape of Water and in 2020 signer: Nate Wragg What We Do in the Shadows: “Resurrec- for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The , Production Designers: Ross tion,” “Collaboration,” “Witches” production design Oscar went to the winner Stewart, Tomm Moore, Maria Pareja Production Designer: Kate Bunch of the fantasy category twice during that NOMINEES FOR TELEVISION ARE: MULTI-CAMERA SERIES time, in 2016 for Mad Max: Fury Road and ONE-HOUR PERIOD OR FANTASY Ashley Garcia: in Love: “Unintended 2019 for Black Panther. And in 2017, La La SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES Consequences” Land picked up the ADG Award for a con- Lovecraft Country: “I Am” Production Designer: Josee F. Lemonnier temporary film on the way to winning the Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov : “Randy’s a Wran- Oscar for production design. Perry Mason: “Chapter Three” gler,” “ is for Lovers, Not Mothers” As previously announced, Ryan Murphy Production Designer: John Perry Goldsmith “Straight Outta Lagos” will receive the Cinematic Imagery Award The Crown: “War” Production Designer: John Shaffner during the ADG Awards presentation. Production Designer: Family Reunion: “Remember When Jade A complete list of nominees is below. : “Chapter 13: The ” Was Down with the Swirl?” “Remember NOMINEES FOR FEATURE FILM: Production Designers: Andrew L. Jones, When Shaka Got Beat Up?” PERIOD FEATURE FILM Doug Chiang Production Designer: Aiyana Trotter Mank, Production Designer: Donald Gra- Westworld: “” The Neighborhood: “Welcome to the New ham Burt Production Designer: Howard Cummings Pastor,” “Welcome to the Hockey Game” Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Production De- ONE-HOUR CONTEMPORARY Production Designer: Wendell Johnson signer: Mark Ricker SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES Will & Grace: “Accidentally on Porpoise,” Mulan, Production Designer: Killing : “Are You from Pinner?” “We Love Lucy,” “It’s Time” News of the World, Production Designer: Production Designer: Laurence Dorman Production Designer: Glenda Rovello Ozark: “Wartime” SHORT FORMAT: WEB SERIES, MU- The Trial of the Chicago 7, Production De- Production Designer: David Bomba SIC VIDEO OR COMMERCIAL signer: Shane Valentino The Flight Attendant: “After Dark” Originals: “Superstar – Change is a FANTASY FEATURE FILM Production Designer: Sara K. White Team Sport” Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Eman- The Twilight Zone: “Among the Untrod- Production Designer: Ruth De Jong cipation of One Harley Quinn, Production den” Apple: “Vertical Cinema” Designer: K.K. Barrett Production Designer: Michael Wylie Production Designer: Shane Valentino Pinocchio, Production Designer: Dimitri Utopia: “Just a Fanboy” : “My Oh My” Capuani Production Designer: Steve Arnold Production Designer: François Audouy Tenet, Production Designer: Nathan Crow- TELEVISION MOVIE OR LIMITED Harry Styles: “Falling” ley SERIES Production Designer: François Audouy The Midnight Sky, Production Designer: Fargo, Production Designer: Warren Alan Taylor Swift: “Cardigan” Jim Bissell Young Production Designer: Ethan Tobman Wonder Woman 1984, Production Designer: Hollywood, Production Designer: Matthew VARIETY, REALITY OR COMPETI- Aline Bonetto Flood Ferguson TION SERIES CONTEMPORARY FEATURE FILM Little Fires Everywhere, Production De- Earth to Ned: “Ned: The Musical” Da 5 Bloods, Production Designer: Wynn signer: Jessica Kender Production Designer: Darcy Prevost Thomas The Alienist: Angel of Darkness, Production : “Host: John Mu- I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Production Designer: Ruth Ammon laney + Music: David Byrne,” Host: Designer: Molly Hughes The Queen’s Gambit, Production Designer: + Music: H.E.R.,” “Host: Dave Chappelle + Palm Springs, Production Designer: Jason Uli Hanisch Music: ” Kisvarday HALF HOUR SINGLE-CAMERA SE- Production Designers: Keith Raywood, Promising Young Woman, Production De- RIES Eugene Lee, Akira Yoshimura, N. Joseph De signer: Michael T. Perry Dead to Me: “You Don’t Have to Go,” “It Had Tullio The Prom, Production Designer: Jamie to Be You” The Masked Singer: “The Season Pre- Walker McCall Production Designer: L.J. Houdyshell miere – The Masks Return” ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Emily in Paris: “Emily in Paris” Production Designer: James Connelly Page 28 of 37

IN BRIEF

The Voice: “Live Finale Ep. 18,” “The Peter Sollett will be behind the camera to new episodes and remastered best of the Blind Auditions, Season Premiere Ep. 1,”The tell the story of “two kids want to start a vault which have been updated for today’s Battles Premiere Ep. 6” heavy metal band in a high school where audiences. MTV’s iconic Unplugged series Production Designers: Zeya Maurer, James exactly two kids care about heavy metal,” ac- will also join Paramount+. Connelly, Anton Goss cording to a description of the project, due For hip-hop fans, ! MTV Raps is return- Wheel of Fortune: “Consumer Cellular out later this year. ing, diving deep into the current state of the Secret Santa,” “Fabulous Food” The movie will star Jaeden Martell genre with hosted segments, live perfor- Production Designer: Renee Hoss-Johnson (Knives Out), Isis Hainsworth (Emma) and mances, cyphers and lifestyle content. VARIETY SPECIAL Adrian Greensmith in his feature debut. Paramount+ will also be introducing Meanwhile, in an interview with Siri- a new six-part, unscripted series from Production Designers: Hannah Beachler, usXM’s Howard Stern on Wednesday (Feb. director Dave Grohl. From Cradle to Stage, Carlos Laszlo, Susan Linss, Miranda Lorenz, 24) Morello recalled his awkward teen years inspired by his mom Virginia Hanlon Brandon Mendez, Rika Nakanishi, Ethan as a biracial, heavy metal-loving rocker with Grohl’s book From Cradle to Stage: Stories Tobman an affinity for Black Sabbath and spandex from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Democratic National Convention 2020 living in the lily white Chicago suburbs, Rock Stars, will feature a famous performer Production Designer: Bruce Rodgers where he formed his first band with future in every episode and their mom — as well Super Bowl Half Time Show Starring Jen- Tool guitarist Adam Jones, as well as his as the Grohls — as they explore the unique nifer Lopez & Shakira at Harvard at the same time former relationship between a rocker and a mother. Production Designer: Bruce Rodgers president . “We are thrilled to re-invent some of our The Oscars Morello also talked about his short-lived most storied and impactful music fran- Production Designer: Jason Sherwood career as a male stripper in the days before chises, including Behind the Music and Yo! Yearly Departed Rage formed and the hair-raising story of MTV Raps, for Paramount+,” said Bruce Production Designer: Suzuki Ingerslev how he and Guns N’ Roses guitarist al- Gilmer, ViacomCBS president of music, This article originally appeared on The most got blown up by ’s pyro music talent, programming and events in Hollywood Reporter. charges on stage when they were asked to a press statement. “In addition, we will join the metal icon on stage and wandered partner with some of the biggest names into the wrong spot backstage. across the music industry to bring exclusive Tom Morello and unique content to the platform, such as Dave Grohl’s Cradle to Stage based on his Named Executive ‘Behind mom’s critically-acclaimed book, and many more to come.” Music Producer the Music,’ ViacomCBS’ existing CBS All Access will be rebranded as Paramount+ on March 4, For Movie ‘Unplugged’ 2021, and will be available online at Para- mountPlus.com, via the Paramount+ app ‘Metal Lords’ & More Music for iOS and Android and across a number of platforms, including smart TVs, connected- BY GIL KAUFMAN Programs to TV devices, online, mobile, gaming consoles, and leading OTT providers. gui- Stream on tarist Tom Morello will be the executive music producer for the Paramount+ Cardi B’s ‘Up’ Hits upcoming Netflix movie Metal RLords. BY RANIA ANIFTOS No. 1 on Top Triller The coming-of-age comedy was written by Game of Thrones co-creator D.B Weiss iacomCBS is launching Para- U.S. Chart and produced by Weiss and Greg Shap- mount+ this spring, and the iro (Breaking News in Yuba County), with upcoming streaming service BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Weiss’ GoT co-showrunner announced on Wednesday (Feb. on board as an executive producer. Metal 24)V its inaugural music slate. week after debuting on the Lords will be the power duo’s first feature Among the available programming tally at No. 10, Cardi B’s “Up” from their blockbuster Netflix partnership. will be Behind the Music, the popular vaults to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist director documentary series which will return with A Triller U.S. chart dated Feb. 27, Page 29 of 37

IN BRIEF

while Shreya Ghoshal and Soumyadeep 2017 with the goal of creating spaces for LG- Ghoshal’s “Angana Morey” spends its first Dan Reynolds BTQ kids too feel safe to express themselves week atop the Top Triller Global tally. and get the help they need. Today, Encircle The Top Triller U.S. and Top Triller Teams Up With homes provide a wide variety of services, Global charts highlight the biggest songs including therapy, mental health services, on Triller based on a formula blending the Apple & More daily community programs, support groups amount of views of videos containing a and more. Currently, Encircle has three op- respective songs, the level of engagement to Fund 8 New erating homes in Utah, located in Provo, Salt with those videos and the raw total of videos Lake City and St. George, with their newest uploaded featuring each song, according to LGBTQ Youth home currently being built in Heber. Triller. Data for the charts is represented on “We are extremely grateful that these a Friday-Thursday tracking week, with the Centers Around global leaders see the vision of the profound latest period running Feb. 12-18. work we are doing for LGBTQ+ youth and “Up” rules in its second full week of track- the U.S. families throughout our communities,” ing on Triller, having been released Feb. 5. Larsen said in a statement. “Studies repeat- It’s Cardi B’s second No. 1 on the ranking BY STEPHEN DAW edly have shown that LGBTQ+ youth across and first as a lead artist, following the one- the country struggle with depression and week rule of ’ “Twerk” on which magine Dragons frontman Dan suicidality far more than their heterosexual she’s featured. Reynolds is joining forces with Apple, peers, and the pandemic has made that According to Triller, the week’s top video Utah owners Ryan and Ashley sense of isolation so many feel harder than in the U.S. for “Up” was created by Bryce Smith, and his wife Aja Volkman to ever before ... this incredible support makes Hall, whose Feb. 11 clip boasts 59,000 views Imake life a little bit easier for LGBTQ youth our nationwide expansion possible and will to date. in America. improve countless LGBTQ+ lives - remind- “Angana Morey,” meanwhile, rises to No. On Thursday (Feb. 25), Encircle — a Utah ing them that they are perfect, just as they 1 on Top Triller Global after debuting at No. non-profit offering community resources for are.” 2 on the Feb. 20-dated survey. Its top clip LGBTQ youth — announced a major expan- Check out Encircle’s official announce- came from Shreya Ghoshal herself, a Feb. 9 sion deal to bring their mission to more lo- ment video below: upload that has 2.1 million views so far. cations. Titled “$8 Million, 8 Houses,’’ the Shreya Ghoshal now has two Top Triller new capital campaign aims to raise enough Global No. 1s, following “Judaiyaan,” a money to build eight new Encircle homes in Seizes collaboration with Darshan Raval, last Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. November. To help kick off the campaign, Encircle His Moment as enlisted “leaders representing tech, sports, and entertainment” for their help. Dan ‘’ Reynolds and his wife Aja donated the singer’s childhood home in Las Vegas, NV Hits 1 Billion (valued at $1 million) to the new campaign. Ryan and Ashley Smith, similarly, will con- Streams on tribute $2 million, while Apple will donate $1 million and contribute “products that Spotify promote digital connection, creativity and education.” BY HERAN MAMO “Encircle is about bringing young LG- BTQ+ people and their families together, by minem is celebrating an opportu- including the community and strengthening nity that comes maybe not once in the bonds that connect us,” Reynolds and a lifetime, but not too often: His Volkman said in a statement. “Being a part 2002 smash single “Lose Yourself” of this organization means so much to both Ereached 1 billion listens on Spotify. of us — and we know the house Dan grew The rapper commemorated the milestone up in will be a loving and supportive home in his decades-spanning career on Wednes- to every young LGBTQ+ person who crosses day (Feb. 24) by posting a montage video of the threshold.” the song’s award-winning run since he re- Stephenie Larsen founded Encircle in leased it on Oct. 28, 2002, including: his first Page 30 of 37

IN BRIEF

No. 1 hit on the in 2002, Data, as it pushes 15-14 on Gospel Airplay. It by multiple women including Olivia Munn his first and only Oscar for best original song collected 134,000 U.S. streams in the track- and Natasha Henstridge. Ratner has denied in 2003, his 2003 MTV VMA for best video ing week, after it debuted atop the Gospel the claims. from a film, and his Grammy Awards for Digital Song Sales chart in October. Wednesday afternoon, Millennium and best rap song and best male rap solo perfor- Leonard lands her 12th Hot Gospel Songs Ratner’s RatPac Entertainment released a mance in 2004. top 10, extending her mark for the most joint statement that said on the heels of last “You can do anything you set your mind among women. Among all artists, she ties week’s announcement, “the project field- to, man...” Slim Shady wrote on for the second-best sum. Kirk ed multiple competitive bids and a group while quoting the song’s outro. Franklin leads with 16, dating to the chart’s of private equity investors have emerged Eminem wrote “Lose Yourself” for the 2005 launch. that are fully financing the movie to begin 2002 motion picture 8 Mile, in which he also The track is ’s first Hot Gospel Songs production shortly.” The statement also made his film debut. It was the lead single entry, following her run of secular hits in the noted that Millennium is no longer involved on the movie’s soundtrack, which debuted and ‘10s. She arrived on the Billboard in production nor would it be selling the at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 that year. Hot 100 with five consecutive career-open- film at EFM. “There will be no additional A fan-uploaded video of “Lose Yourself” ing top three hits in 2004-05, among eight comment,” it read. playing over scenes from 8 Mile has already total to-date: “Goodies,” featuring Petey It made no mention of who the private surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube since Pablo (her lone No. 1, for seven weeks); “1, 2 equity investors are that have emerged. it appeared on the platform on Aug. 6, 2015. Step,” featuring (No. 2); “Oh,” This article was originally published “Lose Yourself” joins ’ 2004 featuring (No. 2); “Lose Control,” by . debut single “Mr. Brightside” and Jason by Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fat Man Mraz’s “I’m Yours” from 2008 as the only Scoop (No. 3); and “Like You,” by songs from the 2000s to hit 1 billion streams featuring Ciara (No. 3). Yung Bleu Scores on Spotify. The oldest song to reach this On Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Ciara milestone on the platform is “Bohemian boasts three No. 1s, among 13 top 10s: First Top 10 on Rhapsody” by Queen from 1975. The only “Goodies,” “Like You” and, in 2007, her own other song before the ‘00s to surpass 1 bil- “Promise.” Hot R&B/Hip-Hop lion Spotify streams is “Wonderwall” by Oa- Ciara has posted four top 10 albums on sis, which is reportedly also the first song the all-genre Billboard 200, including her Songs Chart from the 1990s to accomplish this feat. one No. 1, 2006’s Ciara: The Evolution. In 2019, she released her most recent LP, Beau- BY TREVOR ANDERSON ty Marks, which opened at No. 9 on Top Ciara Scores First R&B Albums. ung Bleu achieves a rookie career milestone as his song Top 10 on Hot “You’re Mines Still” reaches the Brett Ratner’s top 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Gospel Songs Hip-HopY Songs chart (dated Feb. 27). The Milli Vanilli Biopic track, which features Drake, ascends from Chart With Tasha No. 11 to crack the upper tier in its 14th Dropped week on the list. Cobbs Leonard With , Yung Bleu, the 26-year- BY CHRIS GARDNER old singer-rapper from Mobile, Alabama, Collab collects his first top 10 on Hot R&B/Hip- ews broke last week that Brett Hop Songs with his initial chart entry. BY GARY TRUST AND JIM ASKER Ratner was in the process of lin- Drake, meanwhile, adds his record-extend- ing up a directing project with ing 80th visit to the region, further outpac- op and R&B/hip-hop star Ci- Millennium Media on a long- ing runner-up James Brown, who has 57. ara achieves her first top 10 Ngestating passion project centered on the “Mines” debuted at No. 20 on Hot R&B/ hit on Billboard’s Hot Gospel controversial lip-syncing duo Milli Vanilli. Hip-Hop Songs in October after Drake Songs chart, as Tasha Cobbs Plans called for it to be sold at the upcom- remixed the song but slipped down the PLeonard’s “In Spite of Me,” featuring Ciara, ing virtual European Film Market, which chart for the rest of 2020. A boost in radio rises 13-10 on the list dated Feb. 27. is set for March 1-5, and once a go, it would fortunes, however, arrived at the top of 2021 The song ascends with a 12% increase mark Ratner’s first major project after facing to lift the single. That airplay has been key in plays at the format, according to MRC sexual misconduct and harassment claims in the single’s rise — “Mines” climbs five Page 31 of 37

IN BRIEF

spots to a new No. 11 peak on the R&B/ how the pandemic has affected her this past ested in experimenting with various things Hip-Hop Airplay chart. There, it improves year and more in this latest interview. in a more challenging way. 17% in listener reach to 11.1 million audi- The COVID-19 pandemic changed how You released your first single, “GUM ence impressions in the week ending Feb. 21, we live in 2020. How did it affect your daily GUM GIRL,” off the new label on Jan. 29. according to MRC Data, its first weekly total life? Tell us a bit about it. above the eight-figure mark. I had important concerts lined up outside First off, it was easy to sing. Mr. Nakata’s Beyond its home format, the single also of Japan in 2020 and it was going to be a melodies and lyrics tend to be difficult and has strong reception on radio as it pivotal year for me. I was set to appear in even I have trouble singing them at karaoke holds at No. 13 on Rhythmic Airplay in its a music festival in and Coachella sometimes, but this one might be suited for 11th week on the chart. Despite no change in in the U.S. Not only me, but my team and karaoke. We actually recorded it twice and rank, “Mines” did register a 6% gain in plays sound crew were like, “Being able to work at changed the lyrics a bit the second time for the week. Coachella is like a dream come true,” and we around. We usually don’t re-record any- Airplay gains push the song 47-44 on the were so happy about it. thing, so it’s rare. But thinking back on it all-genre chart in its third But the pandemic hit the U.S. hard and now, the one we re-recorded leaves more of week thanks to a 13% bump to 17.7 million in the festival was cancelled, which was a an impression. audience reach. blow at first. I didn’t expect to not be able It was featured as the commercial song “Mines” appears on Yung Bleu’s R&B to perform so long. Last Halloween for Nintendo Switch’s Ninjala video game. EP, Love Scars: The 5 Stages of Emotions, season, I did a virtual concert called The Yes, we visited the company that cre- which debuted at No. 9 on the Top R&B Al- Family 10.31. I originally didn’t want to ated Ninjala and played it with the develop- bums chart. On the most recent chart (dated perform onstage unless it was live in front ers. When you beat an enemy in Ninjala, Feb. 27), it ranks at No. 16. of an audience, but realized that livestreams “IPPON” is the call you hear, so I think enabled people living outside of Japan to see that’s where the “IPPON IPPON” in the me in real time and we can connect online song comes from. Kyary Pamyu even though I can’t actually travel overseas I already have a song called “Ninjya Re at the moment. Bang Bang” that evokes ninja imagery, so I Pamyu Talks ‘GUM 2021 is your tenth year in music. How think Mr. Nakata wanted to change up the does that feel? mood. And because I’d already done a ninja- GUM GIRL’ Single I didn’t expect to last ten years when I themed before, I really didn’t first made my debut. I’m not the type to set want to throw shuriken knives for this one. & Launching Her goals, so I really owe everything to my fans So we went with a kind of near-future ninja and my team. girl. New Label You launched your own label, KRK LAB. The music video for “Gum Gum Girl” is What do you envision doing with it? basically a full-blown battle movie. The ac- BY The name is a shortened form of “K tion scenes must have been tough to shoot. Reversible K.” My real name starts with We collaborated with Mr. Kenji Tan- -pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is “K” too, so the “K” in Kyary and the “K” in igaki, who directed the action scenes in celebrating ten years since her debut my name are both me. That’s the meaning the Rurouni Kenshin movies, for the shoot- with the launch of a new record label behind KRK LAB. ing of the music video. Leading up to the called KRK LAB. Her first single under I’ve mainly focused on music these actual take, I trained on my own after he Jthe new imprint is “GUM GUM GIRL,” an past ten years, but recently ventured into coached us. The impact of the scenes were electro-pop number reminiscent of old- producing perfume and doing voice acting, expressed through the balance between the school , created by her among other things. It feels like a deep part photography and me and the person who longtime collaborator and Perfume produc- of my brain that I hadn’t been using has played my foe, and it felt like it wasn’t really er Yasutaka Nakata. been activated. So I founded the label to do me when I saw the completed clip. The dif- The accompanying music video features things I want to do from my eleventh year. ference between dancing was how you have some heavy-duty battle sequences by the So that experimental aspect, you branch- to sort of kneel and keep a low posture in pop princess, coordinated by Kenji Tan- ing out from music, is what the “lab” in the order to make it look credible. igaki, who oversaw the action scenes in label’s name means? Why did you decide on this action theme the Rurouni Kenshin live-action movies. Right. Until now I was careful not to for the video? On behalf of Billboard Japan, music become a “jack of all trades.” Music is abso- I like a movie called Kingsman: The journalist Fukuryu caught up with Kyary, lutely my axis, so I cherished it and didn’t Secret Service, and when I spoke to Mr. Jun who shared her thoughts on the launch of collaborate much with other genres. But Tamukai, who shot my video, for the first her new label, her latest single and video, with the launch of my new label, I’m inter- time in a while, it turned out that he likes it, Page 32 of 37

IN BRIEF

too. So he was the one who suggested that it eight top 10s. such upload to do so among artists that might be fun to shoot me doing a hard-core “No. 1 means your message in the music is month, and also led all musician-uploaded fist fight for the “Gum Gum Girl” music vid- being spread widely and that’s the joy,” Jen- streams in comments (71,000) and shares eo. I’m being clobbered in this video, which kins tells Billboard. “In such a complex time (21,000), according to Shareablee. is new. In my previous visuals, I would have in history, I am excited to write an uplifting edges out a Jan. 10 video been the all-out powerful heroine, but this song to remind people of God’s ability and from Ricardo Montaner, who ruled time my foe was really tough. faithfulness.” the December 2020 tally. The 17-minute Mr. Nakata’s lyrics are distinctive, like The group last led Gospel Airplay with video finds Montaner and his collabora- always. “Grace,” featuring Le’Andria, for four weeks tors on the song “Amen,” featuring family There’s a line that goes, “Hora ki wo beginning in December 2017. Its first entry, members Mau y Ricky, Evaluna Mon- neruneruneruneru hodoni,” and an- “Awesome,” became its first No. 1, for 16 taner and Camilo, discussing the tune, other rhyming line that goes, “Hora ki wo frames starting in June 2012. “# War” then which has peaked thus far at No. 17 on Bill- neruneruneruneru hold on me.” I hope that led for five weeks beginning in August 2015. board’s Airplay chart. people who don’t speak Japanese can enjoy Also on Gospel Airplay, Rich Tolbert Jr., See the full top 10 below. such details, too. earns his second consecutive career-open- 10. Pepe What do you envision doing in the next ing top 10 as “Never Be Defeated” climbs 12- 9. Lupillo Rivera ten years? 9. His first entry, “Miracle Worker,” reached 8. Ted Nugent Whenever artists try something new, No. 6 in October 2019. 7. Mauricio Manieri there will be people who criticize them. 6. DJ Tira For example, “Harajuku girl” was my image 5. Camilo when I first made my debut, but what I’m Sponge Cola No longer available; originally uploaded wearing today is probably a lot more mature Jan. 10 with the caption, “AMÉN https: than that. People will write stuff like, “Are Leads Top hammusic.co/amen_video_oficial “ you toning down?” or “Are you changing 4. Ana Barbara styles?” online just for that. Facebook Live 3. Camilo But there are ways of expression that I’m 2. Ricardo Montaner interested in at a given moment. I used to let Video Chart for 1. Sponge Cola those critical voices get to me and couldn’t try new things, but from now on, I’m going the First Time to venture into new areas and experiment , through KRK LAB. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Jeremy Camp & ponge Cola crowns Billboard’s Top Charles Jenkins Facebook Live Videos chart for the Phil Wickham Add first time via a Jan. 22 livestream & Fellowship to the band’s account, ruling the Christian Chart SJanuary 2021-dated ranking. Chicago Top The chart, the latest of which recaps Top 10s January 2021 activity, is a monthly look at Gospel Airplay the widest reaching and most-reacted-to BY JIM ASKER videos posted by on Facebook Chart With ‘Make Live, as tracked by media analytics company ach Williams notches his sixth Shareablee. Rankings are determined by a top 10 on Billboard’s multi-metric It Alright’ formula that blends reactions, comments, Hot Christian Songs chart, which shares and first-seven-days views. blends airplay, sales and streaming BY JIM ASKER For a while now, the -based Zdata, as “Less Like Me” rises 11-8 on the Feb. Sponge Cola has been performing on 27-dated ranking. harles Jenkins & Fellowship livestreams on its Facebook, with previous Concurrently, the single becomes Wil- Chicago’s “He’ll Make It Alright” livestreamed concerts reaching past Top liams’ eighth top 10 on , rises 2-1 on Billboard’s Gospel Facebook Live Videos charts such as the where it climbs 12-9, up 17% to 6.5 million Airplay chart (dated Feb. 27). October 2020-dated edition. audience impressions, according to MRC CThe song, which Jenkins wrote solo, The latest concert nabbed the group 1.1 Data. The song also corralled 985,000 U.S. becomes the fourth No. 1 for the act, among million views in its first seven days, the only streams and sold 1,000 downloads in the Page 33 of 37

IN BRIEF

tracking week. Williams’ first hit, “,” led Christian Airplay for 15 weeks ‘America’s Got and Hot Christian Songs for nine in 2016-17. Sophomore single, “Old Church Choir,” led Talent’ Announces the former for 20 weeks and the latter for one in 2017-18. He added his third No. 1 on Season 16 Christian Airplay, his duet with “,” for five weeks starting Premiere & Last- last September. HOT ‘HANDS’ Jeremy Camp rolls up Chance Auditions his 24th top 10 on Hot Christian Songs, as “Out of My Hands” hops 12-10. On Christian BY HERAN MAMO Airplay, the track holds at its No. 4 high, with 8.2 million audience impressions. It he gang’s back together for an- also drew 506,000 U.S. streams in the track- other season of NBC’s America’s ing week. Got Talent. Simon Cowell, Heidi Camp shuffles into fourth place among all Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia artists for the most top 10s since Hot Chris- TVergara will return as judges for season 16 tian Songs launched in June 2003 (passing this summer. TobyMac, with 23). and Terry Crews will also return as the host share the lead with 28, fol- of the reality competition series. But they’re lowed by MercyMe (27). holding one last-chance audition next WINNING ‘BATTLE’ Phil Wickham Saturday, March 6, on AGTauditions.com. banks his sixth Christian Airplay top 10 as Participants can either submit video audi- “Battle Belongs” pushes 11-8 (6.6 million, tions or attend a livestream video audition up 9%). His haul includes one No. 1 so far: with an AGT producer. “This Is Amazing Grace” ruled for 10 weeks Crews posted a celebratory picture of the starting in March 2014. He’d most recently crew via Twitter on Wednesday (Feb. 24), reached the top 10 with his last single, announcing, “WE’RE BACK!” while sharing “Great Things,” which hit No. 7 in July 2020. a clip of him and the judges panel encourag- RIPP’S FIRST NO. 1 On Christian AC ing folks to audition before it’s too late. Airplay, Andrew Ripp’s debut track “Jeri- “It’s online, safe, and socially distant,” the cho” ascends 3-1. On Christian Airplay, it 52-year-old actor noted in the video. pushes 3-2 (9.7 million, up 4%). Cowell took some time off from season The song is the first rookie single to hit 15 last year after breaking his back from an No. 1 on Christian AC Airplay since Cain’s electric bicycle accident. ’s “Rise Up (Lazarus),” which began a six- inaugural winner filled in week stay in the penthouse in December. for her old judge while he recovered from It’s the first such song by a solo male since surgery. Klum, who was also absent from ’s “Reckless Love” reigned for taping a few AGT episodes earlier last sum- 11 weeks starting in April 2018. mer because she was feeling sick, updated fans with his “incredible” progress shortly after. America’s Got Talent ranked as the No. 1 series on the four major U.S. broadcast networks — NBC, Fox, ABC, CBS- — in total viewers, and the show was the most- watched entertainment program nearly ev- ery week it aired. AGT was also ranked the No. 3 most-social broadcast series in 2020. Page 34 of 37

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 19,782,003,000 17,101,982,000 2,680,021,000 1,759,000 464,000 3,764,000 14,556,000 Week* Last 20,733,294,000 17,966,388,000 2,766,907,000 1,846,000 517,000 3,863,000 15,285,000 Week

Change -4.6% -4.8% -3.1% -4.7% -10.2% -2.6% -4.8%

This Week 19,856,107,000 16,369,928,000 3,486,179,000 2,359,000 646,000 4,909,000 14,690,000 Last Year

Change -0.4% 4.5% -23.1% -25.4% -28.1% -23.3% -0.9%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending February 18, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE STREAMS Total On-Demand 141,129,955,000 138,046,546,000 2.2% TOTAL STREAMING BY AGE Streams 100b Audio On-Demand 122,295,664,000 111,684,940,000 9.5% Streams 90b

Digital Track Sales 26,304,000 33,899,000 -22.4% 80b Album Sales 13,343,000 13,280,000 0.5% 70b Albums 104,865,000 97,248,000 7.8% Consumption Units 91,049,308,000 60b 86,734,273,000

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

CD Sales 4,693,000 5,852,000 -19.8% 30b

Vinyl Sales 5,201,000 3,037,000 71.2% 51,312,272,000 50,080,647,000 20b Digital Sales 3,397,000 4,336,000 -21.7% Catalog Current 10b Other Sales 51,000 54,000 -6.0% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 2,630,000 3,390,000 -22.4%

Audio On-Demand 88,892,000 80,579,000 10.3% Equivalent -2.4%  5.0% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA)  sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 35 of 37 DATA FOR WEEK OF 02.27.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 1 WK DAN NIGRO  2 DAN NIGRO  2 JOEY MOI  3  3 FINNEAS  4 FINNEAS  4 ROSS COPPERMAN  5 BRS KASH  5 YC  6 OSCAR HOLTER  6 MR. FRANKS  7 DAHEALA  7 TBHITS  8  8 IAMTASH  9 THE WEEKND  TIE 9  10 MAX MARTIN  TIE 9 OSCAR HOLTER  11 LIL DURK  TIE 9 THE WEEKND  12  12 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  13  13 OMER FEDI  14 OMER FEDI  14 DANN HUFF  15 SPOTEMGOTTEM  15 PXCOYO  16 DABABY  16 SCOTT MOFFATT  17 BILLIE EILISH  17 BLAKE HARNAGE  18 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  18 NATE RHOADS  19 LIL BABY  19 AARON DESSNER  20 GRY  20 LIL JU  21 BLAKE SLATKIN  21 BLAQ TUXEDO  22 JON NITE  22  23  23 BLAKE SLATKIN  24 TBHITS  24 GRY  25 MR. FRANKS  25 CHI CHI 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 42 WKS JOEY MOI  2 JOSH OSBORNE  2 ROSS COPPERMAN  3  3 DANN HUFF  4 ASHLEY GORLEY  4 SCOTT MOFFATT  5 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  5 JAY JOYCE  6 JON NITE  6 ZACH KALE  7 LUKE COMBS  7 DAVID FANNING  TIE 8 GABBY BARRETT  8 ZACH CROWELL  TIE 8 ZACH KALE  TIE 9 CHRISTOPHER ROWE  10 JESSE FRASURE  TIE 9 TAYLOR SWIFT 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS BRS KASH  1 1 WK YC  2 SPOTEMGOTTEM  2 IAMTASH  3 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  3 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  4 LIL BABY  4 PXCOYO  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 5 LIL DURK  5 NATE RHOADS  6  6 LIL JU  7 POOH SHIESTY  7 BLAQ TUXEDO  8 MEGAN THEE STALLION  8 CHI CHI  TIE 9 6LACK  TIE 9 BORDEAUX  TIE 9 BORDEAUX  TIE 9 GRY  TIE 9 GRY  TIE 9 NON NATIVE  TIE 9 LIL TJAY  TIE 9 NON NATIVE 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 FEB. TIE 1 17 WKS BELLY  1 4 WKS NATE RHOADS  #1 TIE 1 35 WKS DAHEALA  2 BLAQ TUXEDO  27 #1 TIE 1 28 WKS MAX MARTIN  TIE 3 MAX MARTIN  2021 #1 TIE 1 28 WKS OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 3 OSCAR HOLTER  #1 TIE 1 44 WKS THE WEEKND  TIE 3 THE WEEKND  6 DRAKE  6 LOSHENDRIX  TIE 7 NATE RHOADS  7  TIE 7 YUNG BLEU  8 NASCENT  9 LOSHENDRIX  9 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 10 GIVEON  10 DZL  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 SEVN THOMAS  The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated Month XX, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 36 of 37 DATA FOR WEEK OF 02.27.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS BRS KASH  1 1 WK YC  2 SPOTEMGOTTEM  2 IAMTASH  3 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  3 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  4 LIL BABY  4 PXCOYO  5 LIL DURK  5 LIL JU  6 POOH SHIESTY  6 CHI CHI  7 MEGAN THEE STALLION  7 OMER FEDI  8 OMER FEDI  TIE 8 BORDEAUX  9 POP SMOKE  TIE 8 GRY  TIE 10 6LACK  TIE 8 NON NATIVE  TIE 10 BORDEAUX  TIE 10 GRY  TIE 10 LIL TJAY  TIE 10 NON NATIVE 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 39 WKS F A L L E N  1 3 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 39 WKS SAINT JHN  2 SURF MESA  TIE 3 BOB CREWE  3 F A L L E N  TIE 3  TIE 4 HIGHTOWER  TIE 3 SURF MESA  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 6 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 6 BLOODPOP  TIE 6 ON THE BEAT  TIE 6  TIE 6 DAVEON JACKSON  8 FRANK FARIAN  TIE 6  TIE 9 JARLY  TIE 6 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 9 SIGALA.  TIE 6 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 6 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 55 WKS  1 68 WKS TAINY  2 EDGAR BARRERA  2 OVY ON THE DRUMS  3 TAINY  3  4 MYKE TOWERS  4 MAG  5 MORA  5 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  6 CAMILO  6 SKY ROMPIENDO  7 OVY ON THE DRUMS  7 EDGAR BARRERA  8 JHAY CORTEZ  8 CAMILO  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 MAG  9 CALEB CALLOWAY  TIE 10 HAZE  TIE 10 ILY WONDER  TIE 10 NYDIA YERA  TIE 10 KEITYN 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 20 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 19 WKS AARON DESSNER  2 AARON DESSNER  2 FINNEAS  FEB. TIE 3 BILLIE EILISH  3 TRAVIS BARKER  27 TIE 3 FINNEAS  4 OMER FEDI  2021 5 OMER FEDI  5 RYAN METZGER  6 BLAKE SLATKIN  6 BLAKE SLATKIN  7 DAVE BAYLEY  7 KBEAZY  TIE 8 24KGOLDN  8 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 8 IANN DIOR  9 MARSHMELLO  TIE 8 KBEAZY  10 HVLX  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 37 of 37 DATA FOR WEEK OF 02.27.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 17 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 8 WKS FINNEAS  TIE 2 BILLIE EILISH  2 AARON DESSNER  TIE 2 FINNEAS  3 TRAVIS BARKER  4 OMER FEDI  4 OMER FEDI  5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 BLAKE SLATKIN  6 DAVE BAYLEY  6 RYAN METZGER  7 AARON DESSNER  7 KBEAZY  TIE 8 24KGOLDN  8 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 8 IANN DIOR  9 MARSHMELLO  TIE 8 KBEAZY  10 HVLX 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 5 WKS WOLFGANG VAN HALEN  1 6 WKS GREG KURSTIN  TIE 2 BEN PHILLIPS  2 BRENDAN O’BRIEN  TIE 2 TAYLOR MOMSEN  3 TYLER SMYTH  TIE 4 ANGUS YOUNG  TIE 4  TIE 4 MALCOLM YOUNG  TIE 4 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 6  6 FOO FIGHTERS  TIE 6 JASON HOOK  7 MICHAEL BASKETTE  TIE 6 KEVIN CHURKO  8 JOE BARRESI  TIE 6  9 DASHDONDOG BAYARMAGNAI  TIE 10 JORDAN FISH  TIE 10 JORDAN FISH  TIE 10 OLIVER SYKES  TIE 10 OLIVER SYKES 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 15 WKS ETHAN HULSE  1 22 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  2 MATTHEW WEST  2 PAUL MABURY  3 ANDREW RIPP  3 JEFF SOJKA  4 AJ PRUIS  4 AJ PRUIS  5 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  5 ETHAN HULSE  6 JASON INGRAM  6 NICK SCHWARTZ  7 PAUL MABURY  7 JASON INGRAM  8 JEFF SOJKA  8 MARK MILLER  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 BRANDON LAKE  9 AARON ROBERTSON  TIE 10 BRIAN JOHNSON  10 MICAH KUIPER  TIE 10 PHIL WICKHAM 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS CHARLES JENKINS  1 2 WKS KYLE LEE  2 BYRON LEWIS CAGE  2 AARON LINDSEY  FEB. 3 JONATHAN TRAYLOR  TIE 3 BERNIE HERMS  27 4 TRAVIS GREENE  TIE 3 CHUCK BUTLER  2021 5 RICH TOLBERT JR.  5 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  6 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  6 ALEX HILL  7 RUDY CURRENCE  TIE 7 JOHNTA AUSTIN  8 STEVE COOPER  TIE 7 TROY TAYLOR  9 JOKIA WILLIAMS  TIE 7 TRYBISHOP  TIE 10 DONNIE MCCLURKIN  10 RICH TOLBERT JR.  TIE 10 JOHNTA AUSTIN 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 TROY TAYLOR  TIE 10 TRYBISHOP