Executive of the Week: Columbia Records Senior VP

Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JULY 9, 2021 Page 1 of 18

INSIDE Executive of the Week: • Inside Track: How the Music Business Columbia Records Senior VP Is Preparing to Return to the Office Marketing Jay Schumer • Health Professionals on the Mental Toll of BY DAN RYS Returning to Shows Mid-Pandemic yler, The Creator’s sixth album, CALL ME extensively, and how marketing has changed over the • Shamrock Capital, IF YOU GET LOST, was a smash hit upon course of his career. “Fans have a lot of things they After Buying Taylor its release: 169,000 equivalent album units, could be doing at any given moment,” he says, “so you Swift’s Catalog, the single week highest of his career; a better be giving them a really good reason to give you Raises $200M to Tsecond straight No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and sixth their attention.” Loan to Creators straight top five; and a promotional campaign that in- Tyler, The Creator’s CALL ME IF YOU GET • For the First Time, cluded a performance at the BET Awards and several LOST debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this People of Color well-received music videos. week with 169,000 equivalent album units, the Dominate Recording It also was another release from the artist that came highest mark of his career. What key decisions did Academy Board of bundled with an innovative marketing plan, helped you make to help make that happen? Trustees: Exclusive by a rollout featuring a phone number that fans could The success of this album comes first and foremost • Taylor Swift, call to receive personalized messages from Tyler, from having an artist like Tyler who is one-of-a-kind Jack Antonoff & which followed the VOTE IGOR campaign that Tyler and has continued to grow with every release. It is a St. Vincent Get waged for his prior album, the Grammy Award-win- privilege for our team to get to collaborate with Tyler Co-Writer Credits on Olivia Rodrigo’s ning IGOR. Its success, following the similar chart- and his team to build out the worlds he imagines ‘Deja Vu’ topping success of Polo G and his first Billboard 200 around each album and bring them to life online and No. 1 Hall of Fame three weeks ago, earns Columbia offline. A lot of factors played a role, including how • Concord Taps Records senior vp marketing Jay Schumer the title of and when we started the campaign, how we engaged Justin Prakash as New CFO, Billboard’s Executive of the Week. fans, how we got partners involved and invested Music Publishing Here, Schumer talks about Tyler’s creativity as an early, how the content was timed, and of course, how & Theatricals artist and pitch man, the impact of physical releases incredibly great the album is. and box sets, which both Tyler and Polo G utilized (continued)

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What was the marketing plan for the Merch and other physical products are What are the key principles to a suc- release, and how did it differ from his undoubtedly important, because they’re cessful marketing plan at this point in the previous projects? tangible extensions of the campaign that music business? I don’t think the words “Tyler, The gives it more depth and are things that fans Get fans invested in the artist, release great Creator” and “marketing plan” belong in want and identify with. For someone like music and find every possible way to expose the same sentence. Tyler is on another Tyler, merch is also an important part of the it to new audiences. It applies to every artist. level and deserving of a team that does not visual world that surrounds the music. That Look at one of my favorite new artists of think traditionally. He not only creates all said, it should be pointed out that this was ours, Cochise. He’s singular and exceptional of the music, but all of the visual assets that by far Tyler’s highest streaming album, and and started with a relatively small but very ultimately define each album. For us, the he would have had the No. 1 album with or engaged base. We’ve worked together to fun part is thinking of all of the ways that without physical configurations — and vinyl super-serve the base, ensuring each release we can take the concepts and the creative was not available. has been bigger than the last, until one day and further build out the world. On IGOR, This week, Polo G’s album Hall of everything comes together, a great song ex- we took the VOTE IGOR concept and the Fame spent its third week in the top five plodes, and a new talent is recognized. aesthetic of the character and brought them on the chart, after becoming his first No. How has the marketing world evolved to life in multiple ways. 1 album three weeks ago. At a time when over the course of your career? It was no different with CALL ME IF so many releases make a big splash and Too much to possibly summarize, but YOU GET LOST where a phone number then fade, how have you kept the momen- fans have a lot of things they could be doing was tied to the campaign which fans could tum for that album so strong? at any given moment, so you better be giv- call and get constantly changing messages How you start is usually a good gauge as ing them a really good reason to give you that Tyler fully owned. As it went along, the to how things are going to hold up, so we their attention. messages helped tell the story of the album make sure all the pieces are in place for the that fans were about to hear — a classic rap biggest possible launch. Polo is an incredibly album that celebrates the experiences that gifted artist and storyteller, and the power Tyler has been able to have because of his of his words allows fans to connect with him success, and encourages fans to get lost and as an artist in a truly deep way. And while never stop exploring. he’s much bigger, and his creative has been The release included a limited num- elevated, he’s still Polo G and has not lost ber of cassettes and CDs with exclusive any of his relatability. Our team works very bonus cuts, as well as with box sets with closely with Polo and his team, and through other merch, all sold on his web store. a combination of content, press, features, How important is D2C and physical radio exposure and much more, he has packages like this in rolling out an album continued to be everywhere with another these days? album that fans keep coming back to.

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

Albums; Brett Youngmost are aiming‘Catc for a soft,h’-es limited-capacity Fifth missed Airplay the creativity that comes from a col- Inside Track: reopening after the July 4 holiday, with a laborative space.” Leader; Travis moreDenning complete return scheduledMakes for after History Here’s where several companies across How the Labor Day, which is Sept. 6. Many are also the biz stand so far in terms of their back-to- adopting some form of a hybrid work week office plans: SamMusic Hunt’s second Business studio full-length, and first in overin whichfive years, employees Southside will sales have (up the 21%) option in the to tracking week.Universal On Country Music Airplay, Group: it hops Last 18-15 week, (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville), debutswork at No. from 1 on homeBillboard during’s lion part audience of the week. impressions, UMG’sup 16%). executive vp/chief people and inclu- Top Country Albums chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it “It’s not going to be like returning to 2019,” sion officer Eric Hutcherson sent an email earnedIs Preparing 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cording to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. say BMG COO Ben Katovskyand total. “This Country is Airplay No.to 1staff as “Catch” indicating (Big Machine that the Label company, Group) ascendswhich toSouthside Return marks Hunt’s to second No. 1 on the really an opportunity for us to re-think the is2-1, expected increasing to go 13% public to 36.6 in million the fall, impressions. is plan- chart and fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP way we’re working and bring the best of the ningYoung’s to reopen first UMG’s of six chart U.S. entries,offices “Sleep in mid- With- Montevallothe Office, which arrived at the summit in No - old world into the new world.” September,out You,” reached although No. no 2 in date December was given. 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, Katovsky explains that BMG tested its followedHutcherson’s with the memo multiweek outlined No. 1s the “In easing Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionBY BILLBOARD in album sales. STAFF return-to-work plan at its offices in Sydney, ofYou” the (three,company’s January restrictions 2018), “Mercy” on in-person (two, August EDITEDMontevallo BY has FRANK spent 267 DIGIACOMO weeks on the list, tying Australia, where COVID infection rates meetings2018) and and “Here artist-related Tonight” (two, travel April and 2019). busi- Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as the sixth-longest- were low until recently. After surveying its ness“Catch” for the completes time being. his longestAttending journey local to No. 1, running titles in theith chart’s COVID 56-year infection history. rates global staff, Katovsky says that moving for- eventshaving that taken do 46 not weeks require to reach travel the is apex. now It out- On the all-genre lowBillboard (so far) 200, and Southside vaccina ar- - ward, the majority of BMG’s employees will allowedpaces the on 30-week a voluntary climb basis, of “Here as areTonight.” limited rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peakingtion Montevallo rates high. in the major be permitted to work from home two days staffa new meetingshigh. outside the office for senior Hunt first releasedmusic-business the EPX2C , which hubs debuted of per week. “We’re eager and excited to get and business-critical staff, while some se- andNewW peaked York, Losat No. Angeles 5 on Top and Country Nashville, Albums com in- Augustback 2014. into theFollowing office, butCOMBS we’re ‘DOES’also pragmatic IT AGAIN Lukenior Combs leaders’ “Does and “select to Me” (River team House/Columbiamembers” will Montevallopanies in various, Between sectors the Pines: of the Acoustic industry Mixtape are startedabout at itsthat, No. and 7 high accept in thatNashville), we’ll have featuring to Eric Churchbe allowed, ascends to voluntarily11-8 on Country return Airplay, to the up 10%office. to Novembertaking steps 2015. to bring their U.S. workforces make changes along the24.7 way,” million he says. in audience. TheArtist-related song is Combs’ and eighth business-critical straight career-opening travel Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:back into “Leave the office the Night safely On,” “Take while Your monitoring Time,” “HouseMeanwhile, Party” and “Makea source sayspromoted Sony No. Music 1 singles. has can now be approved by label heads and Younews Miss about Me.” the “Break Delta Up variant in a Small of Town”the virus. peaked at No.told 2. its employees that, movingChurch forward, adds his 15ththe CountryUMPG, Airplay though top 10. other travel and overnight ThisHunt highly co-penned transmissible all 12 songs version on Southside of the , includingcompany “Body plansLike a toBack support more flexibility stays remain restricted. Road,”coronavirus, which waswhich released is about in 2017. 50% The more smash infec hit- ruledregarding Country workingAirplay for from THAT home, TOOK and TripleQUITE ‘A FEW’ AccordingMONTHS Travis to the Denning memo, shatters Universal’s the record “next for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After tious than the Alpha variant, according 8 Management founder George Couri says phase” of reopening in mid-September will 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 - Floridato The GeorgiaWashington Line ’sPost “Meant, has to some Be” (50 compa weeks- atop thethe latter company’s list in 2017-18). employees,lion who in radio are reach.based include allowing limited numbers of senior nies“Downtown’s taking a wait-and-see Dead,” which position is also on when the new set, reachedin Nashville Nos. 14and and Austin, 15 TexasThe song will surpasseshave the two tracksand artist-facing that took 50 weeksstaff toeach return to enter to the topoffice 10: onit comes Hot Country to deciding Songs and whether Country to Airplay,require respectively, option in June to work 2018. “Kinat home- Eastonfor part Corbin of the’s week. “A Girl Likeon You,” a voluntary which reached basis; maskNo. 10 requirements in January 2018 for be - folks”employees led Country to be vaccinated Airplay on Feb. before 29, becoming coming Hunt’s “Asseventh it turns No. 1.out, It hit everyone fore peakinglikes one at No.an- 6 that February,in-person and meetings; Aaron Watson and ’shealth “Outta screenings Style,” which No.into 3 theon Hot office. Country Songs. other and keeps choosingachieved to work its together No. 10 high in Decemberupon entry 2017. into the office. It also says that Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker Of the companies Billboard surveyed, in the office,” says Couri. “I think we all throughout its phased reopening, UMG will 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 2021 R&B/HIP HOP POWER ISSUE R&B/Hip-Hop dominates every other genre claiming a quarter of all music consumption.

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maintain a hybrid schedule that will allow which has to be pretty difficult to come back What we know about crowd behavior, staffers to be in the office two to three times from. We’re all coming back a little rattled.” there’s a loss of responsibility of the indi- per week, while the company is following UTA: The agency opened its Beverly Hills vidual and a universality of behavior in the local guidelines regarding vaccinations. office on June 1 and is planning to have all crowd. If you decide to put a mask on, and Sony Music Group: Optional, limited ca- employees return on July 19. everybody around you isn’t wearing a mask, pacity opening after July 4 break; full return CAA, WME and Wasserman Music it can create a lot of anxiety. It’s like being after Labor Day, according to sources there. (formerly Paradigm): Had not yet in- an outsider somehow. Staffers will have flexibility regarding work- formed staffers of their return plans. Dan— People who consider themselves to be out- ing from home, and the company is follow- Rys, Dave Brooks and Melinda Newman going are faring a bit better in terms of feel- ing local guidelines regarding vaccinations. ing safe. Part of this is subjectively how you Warner Music Group: Optional, limited see yourself. People who consider themselves capacity opening after July 4 break for fully Health more introverted are just “slowly, slowly, see vaccinated staff; full return after Labor Day, what it feels like for you.” Create a world for according to sources there. Professionals yourself that feels the most comfortable. BMG: Its U.S. offices have been at 25% Ross Silverman, health policy and capacity since June, and Katovsky says the on the Mental Toll management professor, Indiana Univer- objective is to increase that cap in the fall sity: That communal experience of being with a full return at the beginning of 2022. of Returning at a performance of live music is almost un- Most employees can choose to work from matched. It’s something I have desperately home two days a week, while employees to Shows missed over the last year and a half. I’ve got working in Los Angeles will be returning to my flights scheduled to get down to New a brand-new office that was completed dur- Mid-Pandemic Orleans Jazz Fest this fall. ing the pandemic. After a year and a half of not being in Big Machine Label Group: The Nash- BY STEVE KNOPPER large crowds, it’s totally understandable ville-based label is still working through that it may be a bit overwhelming to be in a the details but expects employees will be ramming into a festival crowd large group of people — even in an outdoor working a few days a week in the office with 20,000 of your closest setting where we know that the chances of starting late summer or early fall, according friends has rarely seemed so transmission are much, much lower. to a source. terrifying. Yes, most of us are While the vaccine is widely available, it is Live Nation: The live-industry giant does Cvaccinated, but crowd psychology remains not equitably available to all adults. It may not plan to open its offices until after Labor complicated: Do we wear masks at shows? not be available in their neighborhoods, Day and is developing a hybrid program that Try to keep a healthy distance from other they may not be able to get time off and it’s will allow employees to work part of the people? Worry about those in the audience not available as easily to children. So we’re week from home. It is encouraging employ- who might have unvaccinated kids at home, going to need to continue to protect through ees to get vaccinated but has not made it or simply chose not to get the vaccine? things like masking and social-distancing. mandatory at this point. As concerts start up again, from Garth I don’t think you have anything much AEG: The touring business’ other major Brooks to Foo Fighters, Billboard spoke to worry about as far as becoming a vector is asking its employees to return to the office with therapists and crowd-behavior experts through which they may get infected. One on July 19. Like Live Nation, vaccination is on Whether to Go and How Not to Freak Out. position you can place yourself in would be encouraged but not mandatory. On June 25, Claudia Glaser-Mussen, New York as an ally for those who still cannot be vac- AEG’s general counsel Shawn Trell sent an psychotherapist, performer in children’s cinated. Somebody who’s vaccinated could email to staff indicating that mask wearing band Brady Rymer and the Little Band show it’s OK to be in public in a mask, as a would be optional, but a source says that an That Could: There’s absolutely fear, [espe- sign that we’re not there yet, as far as our hour later, the L.A. County Health Depart- cially] at an indoor venue, really shoved up population totally being protected against ment, which has jurisdiction over AEG’s against each other. There’s a lot of post- the virus. main office, recommended employees wear traumatic experience that people are having, Nicholas Evans, bioethicist, associate masks inside if an employee is not vaccinat- internally, around the risks. professor, University of Massachusetts ed. For now, AEG will only allow vaccinated What I’m hearing from a lot of my clients Lowell: People travel for festivals. They employees to work at its offices. “There is a is, “Yes, I’m going to go hear live music, don’t go to the festival around the corner. little jealousy over here that Live Nation is because we miss it so much, but I’m going They cross state lines. They may go to other being more flexible about coming into the to wear a mask.” It depends on the venue — countries. These are the kinds of events that office,” says another AEG source. “But they open-air thing, no mask; indoors, yes, choos- can drive new outbreaks and new clusters got hit harder than we did with the layoffs, ing to wear a mask. of cases because you have people mixing WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

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with each other in combinations that they nated as of the spring. It’s not because I se- wouldn’t normally. They’re not just breaking cretly think it’s still dangerous — I’m telling Shamrock Capital, their bubbles a little bit. They’re creating your readers that it’s safe to go. I’m not the whole new bubbles — and then breaking kind of guy who goes to 50 shows a year. But After Buying those when they return. Which is a recipe, I would go. Best Coast is scheduled to come potentially, for large outbreaks of disease. around in February, so I definitely have my Taylor Swift’s I’ve been thinking about whether I’m eye on that. going to do any vacation away from my local George Loewenstein, economic and Catalog, Raises area in the last couple of days. I live in New psychology professor, Carnegie Mel- England. In Massachusetts, the vaccination lon University: The element of risk isn’t $200M to Loan rate is 60%. Same in Maine. In Vermont, it’s entirely eliminated, so maybe people will be 65%. If I’m going to Mississippi or Alabama a little bit choosier. You always have to pay, to Creators or Arkansas or Louisiana, all of which have and now there’s this extra element of cost, roughly one-third, that’s a very different which is the small amount of risk you’re tak- BY GLENN PEOPLES story. Then you add the vaccination rates of ing. This element will possibly also enhance the festivalgoers. Even the people who are the pleasure of the people who do decide to hamrock Capital, the private equity part of the service industries: Are they vac- attend. Your brain is going to tell you, “If I’m firm best known for buying music cinated? That’s really where you should start taking a risk, it must be worth it.” assets and entire companies, is when you’re planning to travel for a festival. I’m more of a theater person. I have been about to become a lender, too, If 20,000 or 30,000 people are going to to the movie theater, but I haven’t yet been Safter closing on a fund near $200 million to descend on a town that’s only got a one- to live theater, which I’ve really missed. It loan money to intellectual property owners third vaccination rate and the other two- didn’t scare me at all going to the movie across music, film, TV, games and sports, the thirds happen to be the poor, young, Black theater. I found it depressing — all the seats company announced this week. or brown workers who perform service that were taped off, so the theater couldn’t The inaugural Shamrock Capital Debt work for the festivals, then we’re actually accommodate the number of people re- Opportunities Fund raised $196 million putting them at risk. quired to really make it economically viable. from both existing and new limited partners If you’re a festival company, my first Yesterday, I was at a shopping mall, and and will be managed by Shamrock partners suggestion would be: Make sure everyone’s there was a huge, permanently-closed-down and other investment professionals in Los vaccinated and give people access to the movie complex, which made me sad. Angeles that include pension funds, founda- vaccine. Employ the nurses and the pharma- When you go to a concert, you’re per- tions and financial institutions, according to cists to actually give people vaccines onsite. forming a public service. You’re keeping the the press release. Yeah, it costs money, but let me tell you, music industry alive, for yourself and for Shamrock made news in 2020 for buy- a festival being known as the festival that other people. ing Taylor Swift’s Big Machine cata- caused COVID to come back in that state is log from Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings, going to be a lot worse. which controversially acquired the master Andrew Noymer, associate public recordings through its purchase of Big health professor, University of California Machine in 2019. The company, which Irvine: Herd immunity doesn’t mean every- has about $3.8 billion of total assets under body is vaccinated. It means most people are management, typically buys and invests in vaccinated, and the other people are riding music assets such as Stargate’s publishing on the backs of those who are vaccinated. catalog, trade publication AdWeek and fan- If you’re vaccinated, you can go out to the tasy sports platform FanDuel. But Shamrock concerts. Wear a mask and be a nice person views its Debt Opportunities Fund “as a if the venue tells you to. If the venue doesn’t natural extension” of its acquisition business tell you, then don’t, if you don’t want to. that will “provide optionality and flexibility The nuance is in the fall and winter. I do to content owners,” said Patrick Russo, a expect COVID to come back. I don’t expect Shamrock partner, in a statement. it to come back as severely as before. Venues Although not all $196 million will be might say, “Well, you have to mask now.” It’s loaned to music IP owners, the amount is not just going to be a one-way street back to large enough to make Shamrock a major where we once were. There are going to be player in the business of funding indepen- some bumps in the road. dent artists and songwriters who want to re- I have not been to a show. I am fully vacci- tain their IP. The Debt Opportunities Fund Page 10 of 18

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joins a varied group of companies, such as Atlanta chapter), national chair; Rico Love turnees as being in their first terms because digital distributor STEM and alternative (Florida), vice chair; Om’Mas Keith (Los they’re in the first terms of their current lender Lyric Capital, that give creators capi- Angeles), secretary/treasurer; and Christine tenure on the board.) tal rather than purchase their IP outright or Albert (Texas), chair emeritus. All of these Second term – elected 2021 acquire rights for limited terms. officers are in their first terms, except for Three trustees were elected to their The lending business is an alternative to Albert, who is in her third term. second terms: Julia Michels (Los Angeles), the multi-billion-dollar market for buying One-third of the 45 trustees are Grammy Samantha Cox (New York) and Riggs Mo- publishing and master recording rights. winners. They are, listed in descending rales (New York) Artists and songwriters — often late in their order by number of Grammys won: John First term (midterm – elected 2020) careers — have been selling their rights at Legend(12); Dave Cobb (six); Leslie Ann Fifteen trustees are midterm, having been historically high multiples to Hipgnosis, Jones (five); Yolanda Adams, Jimmy Doug- first been elected to their current terms Primary Wave, Round Hill and Concord, lass, Lisa Kaplan and Angelique Kidjo (four last year. These include four trustees who among others, who have tapped into inves- each); Terri Lyne Carrington and PJ Mor- were elected as part of the Academy’s first tors’ recent interest in music. Lending is ton (three each); Natalia Ramirez (two); and national at-large election: Chelsey Green more suited to younger, less-established art- Cheche Alara, Claudia Brant, David “Swagg (Washington D.C.), Carolyn Malachi (Wash- ists and companies that might go overlooked R’ Celious” Harris, Om’Mas Keith and ington D.C.), Natalia Ramirez (Florida), and by purchasers. But with large distributors Julia Michels (one each). PJ Morton (Memphis). that provide label services — Universal Here’s a closer look at the board of trust- Nine trustees who were elected by the Music Group’s Virgin Music Label & Artist ees, broken down whether the trustees were boards of governors of their respective Services and Sony’s AWAL, for example newly elected this year, re-elected this year chapters are midterm. They are: Thom — well-funded independent artists have or are midterm in their first or second terms. “TK” Kidd (Atlanta), Lisa Kaplan (Chicago), alternatives to signing away their rights. First term – elected 2021 Von Vargas Smith (Washington D.C.), Doug Eighteen trustees were elected to their Emery (Florida), Jimmy Douglass (Florida), first terms, including four who were elected John Legend (Los Angeles), Gebre Waddell For the First as part of a national at-large election. This (Memphis), Andrew Joslyn (Pacific North- strategy was first adopted last year to bring west) and Carol Riddick (Philadelphia). Time, People of greater balance to the board once the results Two mid-term trustees previously served of the rest of the trustees elections are on the board but had to take a required Color Dominate known. (The board of governors of each hiatus. They are Michael Romanowski (San of the Academy’s 12 chapters elects that Francisco) and Yolanda Adams (Texas). Recording chapter’s trustees. These at-large trustees – a Second term (midterm – elected 2020) concept championed by the Academy’s diver- Terri Lyne Carrington (New York) is mid- Academy Board of sity and inclusion task force – are elected by way through her second term. Recording Academy members nationwide.) Four other trustees are midway through Trustees: Exclusive Elected in the national at-large election their second terms after having taken a were Maria Elisa Ayerbe (Florida), Dave required hiatus: Claudia Brant (Los Ange- BY PAUL GREIN Cobb (Nashville), Angelique Kidjo (New les), George Flanigen (Nashville), Fletcher York) and Anna Frick (San Francisco). Foster (Nashville) and Leslie Ann Jones or the first time, people of color Eleven trustees were elected to their first (San Francisco). make up the majority of the terms by their respective board of gover- Trustees may serve two two-year terms, Recording Academy’s board of nors – Kennard Garrett (Atlanta), J Ivy after which they have to take a year off be- trustees, accounting for 53% of (Chicago), Ferddy Calderon (Washington fore being able to run for additional terms. Fthe newly constituted board, while Cauca- D.C.), Cheche Alara (Los Angeles), Evan sians account for the remaining 47%. Males Bogart (Los Angeles), Tracy Gershon (Nash- account for 56% of the new board, while ville), Jennifer Hanson (Nashville), Dave females account for 44%. Gross (Pacific Northwest), David “Swagg The Recording Academy provided that R’Celious” Harris (New York), Marcus breakdown by ethnicity and gender in shar- Baylor (Philadelphia), and Bernard “Bun B” ing with Billboard the results of its board Freeman (Texas). elections on Friday (July 9). Back on the board after taking a required A total of 45 people sit on the new board, hiatus are Beth Cohen (Florida), Susan including the four previously announced Marshall (Memphis) and Larry Batiste (San officers: Tammy Hurt (from the Academy’s Francisco). (The Academy counts these re- Page 11 of 18

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Taylor Swift, Concord Taps Serbia’s EXIT Jack Antonoff & Justin Prakash Makes History St. Vincent Get as New CFO, As Europe’s Co-Writer Credits Music Publishing First Major on Olivia Rodrigo’s & Theatricals Festival Since

‘Deja Vu’ BY KRISTIN ROBINSON Pandemic Began

BY GIL KAUFMAN oncord announced today (July BY KATIE BAIN 8) that Justin Prakash has been aylor Swift, Jack Antonoff and tapped as the company’s new CFO erbia’s EXIT Festival kicks off it’s St. Vincent have been given co- of Concord Music Publishing and four-day dance music event today writer credits on Olivia Ro- CConcord Theatricals. (July 8), improbably becoming the drigo’s song “Deja Vu” after the As Prakash assumes the new role, he will first major music festival to take T“Drivers License” singer spoke about how be responsible for leading a global team of Splace in Europe since the coronavirus pan- influential Tay’s “Cruel Summer” bridge accountants while working in close col- demic took hold early last year. was on the song. laboration with other members of the senior Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in A source with knowledge of the situation executive team to discuss the company’s 2021, the festival expects to host 40,000 at- confirmed to Billboard on Friday (July 9) signings and opportunities pertaining to the tendees per day at the Petrovaradin Fortress that the song from Rodrigo’s debut al- publishing and theatrical spaces. in Nova Sad, in the northern part of the coun- bum, Sour, has added the “Summer” trio to Prakash will both succeed and report try and about an hour from the capital city of the metadata on Spotify and TIDAL along- to Kent Hoskins, who was promoted to Belgrade. The event extends through Sunday. side the High School Musical: The Musical: CFO of Concord in March. In a statement, After a series of false starts for music The Series singer and the track’s producer, Hoskins described Prakash’s “dedication festivals throughout Europe — as organizers Daniel Nigro. and forensic understanding of our business” deal with constantly shifting government Rodrigo and Swift have engaged in a as “second to none.” The two have worked regulations and safety protocols — EXIT is mutual admiration society for much of the closely together for over 15 years. moving forward with an approved safety plan year, with Rodrigo telling Rolling Stone that Prakash added, “The Concord team that requires all attendees to be vaccinated, the bridge of “Cruel Summer” — which consists of some remarkable people. It is a to have antibodies or to test negative for CO- she covered for MTV’s Alone Together Jam pleasure to work alongside them. Thank you VID-19 via PCR or rapid antigen testing. Session last April, and Swift reshared on her to Kent Hoskins for his continued support.” Festival organizers says that attendees Instagram Story — inspired the bridge of Prakash began his career at the intersec- from 70 countries are expected to attend her Hot 100 top 10 hit “Deja Vu.” In Janu- tion of accounting and music in 2004 when EXIT 2021. According to Reuters, Serbia ary, self-proclaimed “biggest Swiftie in the he joined London-based classical music has had nine new COVID-19 infections per whole world” Rodrigo told Apple Music’s publisher Boosey & Hawkes. Within three 100,000 people reported in the last seven Zane Lowe that she “just about died” when years, Prakash was tapped as the company’s days. Travelers entering Serbia from the she saw that Swift co-signed “License” by UK Financial Controller and played a key U.S. must present a negative a negative PCR commenting, “I say that’s my baby and I’m role in the sale of Boosey & Hawkes to test not older than 48 hours. really proud.” Dutch publisher Imagem. From there, he The event’s lineup includes roughly 300 They also sis’d down at this year’s Brit worked with Imagem to restructure the DJs and producers including Paul Kalk- Awards in May, with Rodrigo doing the company post-acquisition and eventually brenner, David Guetta, DJ Snake, Tyga, totally normal thing and making a very silly played a key role in the sale of Imagem to Charlotte de Witte, Solomon, Amelie Lens, face in a backstage photo the 18 year-old Concord. Since the merger, he has served Maceo Plex, Robin Schulz, Asaf Avidan, shared on Instagram. The Sour song “I Step as Concord’s Group Financial Controller, Honey Dijon, Hot Since 82, Medusa, Paul Forward, 3 Steps Back” interpolates Swift’s Music Publishing and Theatricals. van Dyk, Artbat and more. Artists will 2017 track “New Year’s Day,” which earlier perform on more than 20 stages and areas resulted in Taylor and Antonoff getting their throughout the site. first writing credits on Rodrigo’s album. EXIT begins less than a month after the Page 12 of 18

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cancellation of Tomorrowland 2021, which intended to celebrate its 20-year anni- NFTs. During Live Nation’s quarterly earn- had been scheduled to take place over two versary in 2020, organizers canceled the ings call in May, CEO Michael Rapino ex- weekends — Aug. 27-29 and Sept. 3-5 — in event amidst rising COVID-19 infections in pressed interest in turning video clips of Boom, Belgium. This cancellation was a Serbia and throughout Europe and the rest memorable concert moments into NFTs surprise, and a significant blow, to Tomor- of the world. The cancellation happened — similar to the way NBA Top Shot captures rowland organizers, who had anticipated after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and sells basketball game clips — as well as hosting approximately 75,000 people per attempted to save the 2020 festival, citing minting concert tickets as NFTs, which he day at the festival. The event was cancelled its historic importance to the Balkans region called “souvenir magic.” Along the same after local government officials cited con- and impact on the country’s tourism. lines, Katy Perry is launching a line of cerns about rising cases of the COVID-19 EXIT is livestreaming sets through Sun- NFTs to commemorate her first-ever Las Delta variant and the limitations of enacting day from itsYouTube and Facebook pages. Vegas residency. health and safety protocols for such a mas- The all-night event happens from 7 p.m. to 8 Knowing SZA’s commitment to protect- sive crowd. a.m. CET. ing the environment, fans are likely to point Meanwhile, Ibiza has seen a glimmer of out the controversy around the carbon hope after being put on the U.K.’s “green footprint blockchain-based platforms list” of travel destinations, meaning that How to Score generate. According to the Fanaply website, UK citizens are able to travel to the island. the platform takes measures to reduce its Still, it’s not entirely business as usual on the Items From energy consumption, including relying on famed party island. Last week, the Span- the blockchain only for “critical elements” ish government announced that travelers SZA’s Debut of the NFT creation and sale process. arriving in the Balearic Islands — including Access the sale here, and see a preview of popular tourist spots Mallorca and Ibiza — NFT Collection the NFTs below. will have to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. BY TATIANA CIRISANO Ibiza’s major clubs have yet to say wheth- Dua Lipa Sued for er or when they will be allowed to reopen. fter earning her first solo Hot A new cluster of virus cases in Mallorca last 100 entry with mellow hit Posting Paparazzi month led health officials there to quaran- “Good Days,” SZA is about to tine some 2,000 people in Madrid following notch another first: Her debut Photo of Herself parties by Spanish students celebrating the NFTA collection. end of their school year. The Grammy-nominated artist is unveil- to Instagram The U.K., for its part, says it will re- ing a trove of NFTs on digital collectible open for outdoor festivals and full-capacity marketplace Fanaply to commemorate her BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN live shows starting on July 19, after pushing recent American Express UNSTAGED vir- back that timetable a month due to a spike tual performance on June 17, where Travis ua Lipa is facing legal action in virus infections tied to the Delta variant. Scott was a surprise guest. Each NFT resem- after allegedly sharing a paparaz- That will be in time for Creamfields to still bles a digital polaroid of the performance, zi-snapped photo of herself to take place, which is currently scheduled for offering fans a keepsake from the event. Instagram, Billboard has learned. Aug. 26-29. The first drop happens on Friday (July DIn an eight-page copyright infringement EXIT Festival 2021’s status as first major 9) at 5 p.m. ET and is available exclusively complaint filed by attorney Craig Sanders in music festival to happen in Europe since the to Amex card members who attended the U.S. District Court in California on Tuesday, pandemic began adds to the event’s already performance, while the second drop on the pop star is accused of sharing a photo rich history. EXIT was founded in 2000 as Monday, July 12 at 5 p.m. ET and is open to owned by Integral Images to her personal a student movement fighting for democracy the public — as long as buyers pay with an Instagram account in February 2019 “without and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans, Amex card. Cryptocurrency is not accepted permission or authorization.” The company which suffered through a series of bloody as a payment option for the collection, in an backs up its case against the singer by noting wars between 1991 and 2001, which led to attempt to make NFTs more “accessible,” ac- that Lipa uses her Instagram account as a the breakup of the Yugoslav state. After the cording to a press release. There are a total marketing tool to earn additional revenue. Yugoslavian general election in 2000, EXIT of 14 one-of-one NFTs available across the “The Account is monetized in that it moved in 2001 to the 240-year-old Petrova- two drops, at the fixed price of $100 apiece. contains content designed to accumulate radin Fortress, which is settled on the banks (Amex will not receive any of the proceeds.) followers who are directed to, via link and/ on the Danube River. Concert memorabilia is one of the most or advertisement, consume and purchase While EXIT Festival had initially talked-about use cases for music-related Defendant’s content, Defendant profits from Page 13 of 18

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these activities,” the complaint reads. the estate — with full access to all Morri- Integral Images is seeking $150,000 in New Jim Morrison son’s music, poetry and art — and Gunpow- damages or, alternatively, “an award of der & Sky CEO Van Toffler promises it will actual damages and disgorgement of all Documentary show a new side of the artist. of Defendant’s profits attributable to the “They just unearthed all these diaries infringements,” whichever is larger. It is ad- Coming From and notes and that’s what’s intriguing to ditionally asking for an order enjoining Dua me: having footage, writing and informa- Lipa from further acts of infringement, as Jam, Inc. and tion about Jim that’s never been exposed,” well as litigation costs and attorney’s fees. Toffler shares. “It takes a unique filmmaker A screen grab of Lipa’s alleged use of the Gunpowder & to really pull that out. If you do it right, it photo, which shows the star standing in line doesn’t really matter what preceded it — at an airport while wearing an oversize hat, Sky: Exclusive sort of like the eighth version of A Star Is is included as an exhibit with the complaint. Born, it’s new to a generation.” Integrated Images claims the photo was BY MELINDA NEWMAN The search is underway for a director taken just a few days before Lipa posted it to “who understands the import and the depth her account with the caption, “I’ll be living oors frontman Jim Morrison and the gravity” of Morrison, Jampol says. under big fluffy hats until further notice.” will be the subject of a new “You need a director who is empathetic to Representatives for Lipa and Integral Im- feature-length documentary the human and the artist and the art, [who] ages did not immediately return Billboard’s that will focus on the totality of understands the history and context. It’s a request for comment. Dhis artistry. very tall order, but it’s a very tall artist.” Lipa is just the latest music star to be sued “Jim Morrison has been known as the The challenge is finding someone who for posting paparazzi images of themselves to leather trousers-clad Dionysian rock star, the can bring a holistic approach to the film. a social media account. In 2019, both Ariana Greek god handsome, amazing singer, sha- “We will dimensionalize Jim as an artist and Grande and Justin Bieber settled lawsuits man and performer. But Jim was a polymath. whether it will be in a linear way or not, it’s brought by photographer Robert Barbera, Jim was a poet and a writer and a filmmaker too soon to tell,” Toffler says. with whom Grande reached a second settle- long before he ever thought about music,” The film also has to appeal to both the ment the following year over a separate says Jeff Jampol, CEO of Jampol Artist dedicated Doors fan and the younger genera- incident. Also in 2019, Jennifer Lopez was Management (JAM, Inc.), which oversees tions who are just now discovering Morrison. sued by Splashy News and Picture Agency for the legacies of such acts as The Doors, Janis “That magic of iconic artists is 100 per- posting a copyrighted photo of herself and Joplin, and John Lee Hooker. “All these de- cent relevant and resonant. It’s just up to us, then-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez to Instagram. cades everybody talked about Jim Morrison to the caretakers, to put it back in the pop The company later voluntarily dismissed that the rock star, which he certainly was. But we culture conversation in a way that’s credible, complaint with prejudice. really felt it was time to even the playing field authentic and meaningful to 11- to 30-year- and talk about these other aspects of Jim, olds,” Jampol says. “Because if we do it which were either not as known or celebrat- credibly and authentically, and we don’t ed or discussed.” whitewash it or edit it or spin it or tart it up, JAM, Inc. and the Morrison estate are the magic will transfer and Jim will do the developing the untitled documentary, which work for us.” will be produced by independent studio The Doors continue as a musical force Gunpowder & Sky, Jampol, and Jeff Pollack five decades after Morrison’s death, draw- of FourScore Entertainment. ing nearly 9.5 million monthly listeners to The news comes a week after the 50th Spotify and more than 590,000 subscribers anniversary of the mystical performer’s death to the band’s official YouTube channel. from a drug overdose in Paris, and shortly Jampol declined to give a specific budget after the release of The Collected Works of Jim for the film, other than calling it “significant Morrison: Poetry, Journals, Transcripts and for a documentary.” He hopes for a late 2022 Lyrics from HarperCollins Publishers, more to early 2023 release. than 30% of which had never been released. For Gunpowder & Sky, which takes its While there have been documentaries name from an Aimee Mann song, the proj- on Morrison and The Doors before, and, ect is just the latest high-profile doc it has of course, Oliver Stone’s 1991 biopic on the produced since launching in 2016, follow- band, the new film is the first documentary ing 2019’s Everybody’s Everything (Netflix), devoted solely to Morrison sanctioned by about late rapper Lil Peep, and 2020’s 69: Page 14 of 18

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The Saga of Danny Hernandez (Hulu), about rights to the entirety of Calloway’s share of troubled rapper 6ix9ine. his catalog. Terms were not disclosed. Executive The studio has also released three feature Known as one of the most innovative stars films, including the Nick Offerman-starring of the Harlem Renaissance, Calloway’s cata- Turntable: love letter to record stores, Hearts Beat log includes “Minnie the Moocher,” whose Loud, and Her Smell, for which Elisabeth earworm “hi de ho” chorus made it a fast Artist First Taps Moss was nominated for an Independent success and cemented Calloway as the first Spirit Award for best female lead. Black artist to sell a million records back in New VP, Jaxsta Gunpowder & Sky also produces You- the early 1930s. Tube’s short-form weekly music series Re- With a propensity for penning catchy Appoints CMO leased, as well as Words + Music, a music hooks perfect for the stage, Calloway was podcast on Audible that features well- renowned as a performer with a knack for BY HANNAH DAILEY known artists telling life tales based around engaging fans with his music in real time. their songs. Also in the works is a Latinx Using his “call and response” style, his talian distribution company and version of Alice in Wonderland. “There’s mastery of scat and his mix of melody and record label Artist First has ap- just so many great stories around music and rhythmic delivery, Calloway was a fixture at pointed Charlie Rapino to the role of not being married to a platform or a format the famed Cotton Club at its peak, as well as vp, international and communications. enables us to customize it to the audience,” on the Billboard charts. His rhythmic sen- IRapino has been a consultant to the com- Toffler says. sibilities also earned him credit as a crucial pany since 2016 and now assumes overall re- For Toffler, former CEO of Viacom Media forbearer of hip-hop. sponsibility for A&R and talent acquisition. Networks Music and Logo Group, it’s all Calloway later went on to become the first Based in London, Rapino will also oversee about truthful, compelling storytelling re- Black artist to have a nationally-broadcast international communications for Artist gardless of whether long or short-form, nar- radio show, to star in the Broadway musi- First in addition to his A&R responsibilities. rative or documentary, audio or video. And cal Porgy and Bess, and to write multiple He brings with him a reputation for dance it’s that honest approach that he and his books to define jive language and the music production, having been one half of partners will bring to Morrison’s rich story. richness of Black culture. Poet Lemn Sis- The Rapino Brothers. Alongside Marco “We’re in an age of very manicured doc say cites the singer and author as one who Sabiu, he worked with artists like Corona that we’re seeing all over the place, and I “was taking ownership of language for a and Take That. really don’t have any interest in that,” Toffler people who, just a few generations before, Founded by Claudio Ferrante in 2009, adds. “We’re really upfront with the artist. had their own languages taken away.” Artist First works with both Italian and It’s like, ‘We’re going to ask you about the In a statement about the new administra- international acts. The company also does bad stuff about your career.’ If things are too tive deal, Warner Chappell Music co-chair/ distribution for labels and has artists like combed over, it’s just not that intriguing.” CEO Guy Moot and co-chair/COO Cari- Gazzelle, Fulminacci, Alfa, Dardust and anne Marshall noted Calloway’s influence Zero Assoluto on its own roster. The hiring on modern music and his ability to cross of Rapino signifies Artist First has “bol- Warner Chappell “musical, racial and cultural boundaries” stered its global presence,” according to a with his work as reasons the company is press release. Strikes Deal “thrilled” to now represent his catalog glob- “His expertise and experience, particu- ally. “We’re looking forward to bringing his larly in the international marketplace, has With Estate of groundbreaking music to a whole new gen- been a major factor in our continued growth eration of fans,” Moot and Marshall added in and success and as we expand our global Jazz Pioneer a statement. footprint he will be taking a key strategic Warner Chappell’s Chuck Gamble, vp role in helping us navigate the way forward,” Cab Calloway of catalog promotions and creative services Ferrante said in a statement. and Scott McDowell, executive vp/head Rapino has also served as consultant to BY KRISTIN ROBINSON of legal & business affairs, U.S., represented Sony international under David Massey, the publisher in the deal. Calloway’s estate before leaving to become an advisor to arner Chappell Music has was represented by Joshua “Young Cab” composer Ennio Morricone. He went on announced a new adminis- Langsam, Carlos Alejandro and entertain- to be president of A&R at Decca Records tration agreement with the ment lawyer Bernard M. Resnick. and, in 2011, a judge on Italian TV talent estate of jazz vocalist and show Amici. “Artist First is a wonderful bandleader WCab Calloway. The deal grants success story and has been at the forefront the publishing giant global administration of innovation in the Italian music industry Page 15 of 18

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for many years,” Rapino said. “They are work together to facilitate incredible pos- CEO and co-founder Stephen Glicken in incredibly ambitious and eager to build a sibilities for our global music community.” a statement. “Combining those with his presence in the international marketplace so Los Angeles-based concert promot- longstanding relationships across the in- it is an absolute privilege to be taking on this er Goldenvoice announced that Marcus dustry will be a great addition to an already new role and to be part of this exciting new “Don Dada” Johnson will join the com- amazing team at Project Admission. We’re chapter in their story.” pany as talent buyer. He previously spent excited to have him.” Jaxsta Limited, a dedicated database nearly two decades as an independent pro- Palmer brings with him 28 years of of official music credits, announced the moter and marketer for events throughout experience in the ticketing industry, and appointment of Beth Appleton to the Southern California. has served as the chairman of the board of position of chief marketing officer, effective Reporting to president and CEO Paul directors for the International Ticketing July 12. Previously, Appleton served as the Tollett, Johnson will handle talent buying Association (INTIX). He held senior roles general manager and senior vp of market- for the company’s various festivals and clubs at Tickets.com for almost 15 years, hold- ing Australasia at Warner Music Australia, — including The Novo in downtown Los ing the positions of managing director and overseeing campaigns for artists such as Ed Angeles — in his new role. “Marcus brings executive vp international. Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Twenty a level of musical taste and knowledge that On joining Project Admission, Palmer One Pilots and Michael Bublé. fits perfectly with what we do here at Gold- said the company is building a platform Based in Sydney, Appleton will work to envoice,” Tollett said in a statement. “He’s designed to position the ticketing industry develop Jaxsta’s ongoing marketing strategy basically been part of the family, so I’m very and patrons well for life post-pandemic. as it returns to a paid service in late July. excited that we are making it official.” “Everyone in live entertainment is discuss- Partnered with major and independent Hailing from Oakland, Johnson’s career is ing how we as an industry recover from the record companies, publishers, distributors, rooted in booking, producing and marketing pandemic and what the keys to successful royalty agencies and industry associations, large-scale events in the Los Angeles area, reengagement with patrons will look like,” Jaxsta’s free subscription service Jaxsta. including artist-driven experiences at Hol- he said in a statement. “I am thrilled to join com provides B2B data solutions for the lywood nightclubs. He’s been a Goldenvoice such a dedicated team focused on improving music and related media industries mean- collaborator since 2009, ticketing many of the total customer experience.” while Jaxsta ProBeta helps music industry its shows and festivals and working with professionals connect. artists like Post Malone, YG, Saweetie and “Beth’s extensive experience and tenure Ari Lennox. R. Kelly Denied within the industry truly speaks for itself,” “Hip-hop and R&B play such an impor- said Jacqui Louez Schoorl, Jaxsta CEO tant part in moving the needle on popu- Bail But Granted and co-founder. “Her reach and impact is lar culture, and the same can be said for demonstrated through her work with global Goldenvoice,” Johnson said in a statement. Slight Trial Delay stars such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and “The team always has a finger on the pulse. Michael Bublé, and local Australian talent And after spending the last 12 years working BY ASSOCIATED PRESS including Thelma Plum, Morgan Evans closely with everyone here, this feels like a and Jack Gray. We are beyond thrilled to natural progression. I can’t wait to see what awyers for R. Kelly were granted welcome Beth to our Team as we enter this we all do together.” a little more time Thursday (July exciting growth phase of the company.” Nashville technology platform Project 8) to prepare his defense for his Appleton has more than 25 years of music Admission has hired Derek Palmer as its upcoming sex-trafficking trial in industry experience under her belt, having chief revenue officer. He was previously LNew York City. previously served as senior vp global mar- COO at Qcue, a software company utilized At a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn, keting at Warner Music Group in the U.K.; by sports and entertainment organizations U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly said jury director of digital at Universal U.K.; and to price and distribute tickets. selection would go forward on Aug. 9 as head of digital and business development at In his new role, Palmer will work to originally planned but agreed to delay open- V2 Music in the U.K. optimize revenue growth across all depart- ing statements until Aug. 18 rather than start “I am a firm believer in teamwork, and ev- ments, working with Project Admission’s the openings right after the panel is picked. ery song is the beautiful outcome of creative product, engineering, operations and sales The jailed Kelly switched legal teams less teamwork,” Appleton said in a statement. teams. He will help “lead their mission of than a month ago. His new attorneys had “Jaxsta uses official sources to credit all helping brands, fans and influencers buy asked a judge Monday to postpone the New those involved in the creation of music, a and sell authentic tickets through direct York trial for a longer period, saying they critical mission in our ever more complex and social channels,” according to a press couldn’t adequately prepare. musical landscape. I am so excited and release. “Derek adds a wealth of knowledge The lawyers said they had been un- proud to be joining Jaxsta as CMO as we and experience,” said Project Admission able to meet with him in person while he Page 16 of 18

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was quarantined for 14 days in a Brooklyn federal jail after being brought there from Wale Reveals He’s Lil Baby Released a Chicago lockup on June 22. Federal jails have been quarantining transferred and ‘Extremely Sick’ & After Being newly incarcerated inmates since early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Will Take a Hiatus Detained by Paris The legal team also asked Thursday that Kelly be released on bail so he could better BY DARLENE ADEROJU Police During assist in his defense — a request the judge quickly denied. She assured them that they ale revealed Wednesday Fashion Week could now see Kelly in person at the jail that he will be taking a hia- seven days a week if they wanted. tus due to an undisclosed BY ASSOCIATED “You’re going to have full access to Mr. medical issue. PRESS AND BILLBOARD STAFF Kelly,” she said. W“I am out of commission,” he wrote in Kelly, 54, was making his first in-person an Instagram story posted Wednesday. “I il Baby was detained in Paris on appearance in a New York court since his been extremely sick since Saturday.” Thursday (July 8) for allegedly transfer. He didn’t speak, except to ex- He went on to share that he has missed transporting drugs, according to change greetings with the judge. calls and texts from those checking on him, the city prosecutor’s office. -Of The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum- adding, “Thank you to everybody who called Lficials told NBC News the next day that that selling R&B singer is charged with leading wit genuine concern.” The “Lotus Flower the rapper had already been released after an enterprise of managers, bodyguards and Bomb” rapper continued, “I ain’t sure how being ordered to pay a fine. other employees who helped him recruit long I’ll be down, but this sh— ain’t slight.” NBA star James Harden was also stopped women and girls for sex. Federal pros- Wale is confident that he’ll recover: “Soon but not detained, the prosecutor’s office ecutors say the group selected victims at as I come back strong, I’ll be back strong.” said. Images shared on social networks concerts and other venues and arranged for The rapper also shared that his manage- showed the Brooklyn Nets star briefly them to travel to see Kelly. ment team will temporarily take over his frisked in the incident on one of the French The case is only part of the legal peril fac- social media. “Much love, see y’all soon,” he capital’s most elite avenues. ing the singer, born Robert Sylvester Kelly. concluded his post. The prosecutor’s office said one other He also has pleaded not guilty to sex-related The news comes one week after his last person was also detained, without releasing charges in Illinois and Minnesota. Instagram grid post, a video in which he was the identity. An investigation is under way. He denies ever abusing anyone. seen sporting various outfits. Harden and Lil Baby, whose real name is Kelly won multiple Grammys for “I Believe Previously, Wale posted a photo, captured Dominique Jones, have been in Paris to at- I Can Fly,” a 1996 song that became an inspi- in Beverly Hills, which he captioned, “#F2 . tend fashion week, according to local media. rational anthem played at school graduations, I’m heatin’ up again. That’s crazy.” After Lil Baby’s release, he tweeted, weddings, advertisements and elsewhere. Wale’s latest update comes nearly two “I’m good” with the hands-in-the-air emoji. Nearly a decade later, he began releasing years after the release of his sixth and He also shared photos on his Instagram what eventually became 22 musical chapters most recent studio album, Wow ... That’s Stories of himself shopping, captioning one of “Trapped in the Closet,” a drama that Crazy. The album peaked at No. 7 on the image, “Back at it.” spins a tale of sexual deceit and became a Billboard 200 in October 2019. That same cult classic. month, the lead single from the LP, titled But Kelly has been trailed for decades by “On Chill” and featuring Jeremih, earned complaints and allegations about his sexual the No. 1 spot on the Rap Airplay chart. behavior, including a 2002 child pornogra- This year, the rapper appeared on the Top phy case in Chicago. He was acquitted in Triller Global chart, for his feature on Nige- that case in 2008. rian artist Rotimi’s track “In My Bed.” The Scrutiny intensified again amid the song peaked at No. 15 on the list in May. #MeToo movement in recent years, with multiple women going public with ac- cusations against the singer. The pressure intensified with the release of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly in 2019. Criminal charges soon followed. Page 17 of 18

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idea that a movement for change can start will include the first-ever live performance Justin Bieber, with individuals helping one another and of “New Normal.” their community.” “I am so excited and honored to be per- Chance the The release announcing the event said forming at this historic event. It’s always that 1DayLA will invest “tens of thousands” been a dream of mine to go to space and It’s Rapper & Jaden of service hours in hundreds of L.A. County incredible that Virgin Galactic is working to blocks with the help of the more than make space accessible for people to explore Smith to Headline 10,000 individuals and 600+ organizations in the very near future,” Khalid said in a that have already committed to participate, statement announcing his stellar gig. ‘Freedom with 1DayLA volunteer team members “My new song ‘New Normal’ is all about eligible for a special event pass to the “Free- these new journeys we are taking after Experience’ at dom Experience” show. Among the group’s experiencing so much change during the stated goals are: pandemic. The future is now, everything SoFi Stadium • Initiative 1 – Transform local faith com- is changing and this new normal we are all munities into serve centers. living in is proof that we can find our way BY GIL KAUFMAN • Initiative 2 – Abolish $47 million in medi- through hard times. It’s so cool to know that cal debt across L.A. County. Sir Richard Branson and all of the mission ustin Bieber, Chance the Rap- • Initiative 3 – Give SoCal’s most vulnerable specialists will be listening to it on their per, Tori Kelly and Jaden Smith will children a safe place to call home. journey. I can’t wait to perform for all of headline the July 24 “Freedom Experi- • Initiative 4 – Reach, rehabilitate and re- them upon their return to earth!” ence” show at SoFi Stadium as part of store L.A.’s inmates. According to a statement released on J1DayLA’s COVID-19 service event. According • Initiative 5 – Lead thousands of homeless Friday (July 9), the “Unity 22” mission will be to a statement, the effort aims to mobilize into rehabilitation programs. the 22nd flight test for VSS Unity and Virgin’s 20,000 volunteers across Southern California • Initiative 6 – Ignite a movement of men fourth crewed spaceflight; it will also be the from July 18-24 to offer “hope and help by or- committed to their families. first to carry a full crew of two pilots and four ganizing city beautification projects, back-to- • Initiative 7 – Mobilize a historic team. mission specialists in the cabin, including school events, free medical clinics, homeless Check out Bieber’s post about the event company founder Sir Richard Branson. assistance, and aid distribution.” below. “The Pilots and Crew of Unity 22 are The whole thing will culminate in the UPDATE: Chance the Rapper was added opening the door for a new generation to “Freedom Experience” show at the new to the lineup on July 8. be inspired by Space. Khalid is a tremen- 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, dously talented, global artist and influencer California featuring Bieber, Kelly, Smith who brings a shared passion for space and and more acts. Volunteers willing to do a Khalid Performing for breaking barriers,” said Virgin Galactic minimum of three hours of service can sign CEO Michael Colglazier in a statement. up for the event here; a $29 registration fee ‘New Normal’ “We’re thrilled to have him perform during supports 1DayLA’s efforts and includes an Virgin Galactic’s livestream to commemo- official 1DayLA T-shirt. At Virgin Galactic rate this step forward in making human “1DayLA and The Freedom Experience space travel a new normal for the next live concert event showcase the power and Spaceflight generation and beyond.” beauty of a city coming together,” said Dom- Virgin Galactic will post a global inic Russo of 1DayLA in a statement. “In Launch livestream of the flight that will include the wake of a sustained season of crisis and Khalid’s performance; the stream will be isolation, people desperately need authentic BY GIL KAUFMAN available here and is expected to begin expressions of hope, help, and love. This will around 9 a.m. EST on the day of the flight. be an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate halid will perform his new sin- Khalid scored his first No. 1 on a Latin chart and dynamically impact communities across gle “New Normal” during Virgin this week thanks to his collab with J Balvin Los Angeles.” Galactic’s “Unity 22” Spaceflight on “Otra Noche Sin Ti.” According to the statement, Bieber was launch on Sunday (July 11). The inspired to join the 1DayLA movement Ktrack — which officially drops on July 21 “because of his strong and long-held belief on Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records that giving of ourselves in service to others —will soundtrack the rocket’s take-off and is one of the most important things we can after the Spaceflight returns to Earth the do. Bieber is committed to the powerful singer will play a short celebratory set that Page 18 of 18

IN BRIEF

Khalid Secures Ed Sheeran’s Jimmy Barnes First Latin Chart ‘Bad Habits’ Smashes No. 1 Thanks to Debuts at No. 1 Australian Chart J Balvin Collab on Top Triller Record With ‘Otra Noche Sin Ti’ U.S. Chart ‘Flesh And Blood’

BY PAMELA BUSTIOS BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD BY LARS BRANDLE

s J Balvin and Khalid’s “Otra d Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” makes a t’s a lucky No. 13 for Jimmy Noche Sin Ti” lands at No. splash on Billboard’s Top Triller Barnes, as the legendary rocker 1 on Billboard’s Latin Air- U.S. chart, debuting at No. 1 on the debuts atop the Australian albums play chart (dated July 10), the tally dated July 10. chart with Flesh And Blood (Blood- AmericanA singer-songwriter earns his first EThe Top Triller U.S. and Top Triller Ilines/Universal). No. 1 on any Latin chart. Global charts highlight the biggest songs “I don’t take any of this for granted,” he “Otra Noche” jumps 5-1 with 9.7 million in on Triller based on a formula blending the said as his historic chart feat was announced audience impressions, a 43% gain, earned in amount of views of videos containing a late Friday, local time. the week ending July 4, according to MRC respective songs, the level of engagement The former Cold Chisel frontman’s Data. For Khalid, it’s his first chart appear- with those videos and the raw total of videos record-setting LP is the followup to My ance since 2018 when Marshmello’s “Si- uploaded featuring each song, according to Criminal Record, which reached No. 1 on lence,” on which he is featured, debuted and Triller. Data for the charts is represented on the ARIA Albums Chart in June 2019 and peaked at No. 50. J Balvin, meanwhile, picks a Friday-Thursday tracking week, with the gave him the all-time mark for most leaders, up his 30th No. 1 dating back to his first, “6 latest period running June 25-July 1. outpacing Madonna and U2. AM,” featuring Farruko in 2014. “Bad Habits” gives Sheeran his first No. Also, the “Working Class Man” singer be- With the song’s ascent, Balvin gets closer 1 on Top Triller U.S. with his first charting comes the first Australian solo act to have a to beating Enrique Iglesias’ all-time record of title (the chart began in 2020). No. 1 album in every decade since the 1980s. 31 leaders since the chart’s inception in 1994. An upload from Sheeran himself is the top Barnes, a hero in these parts who was Let’s take a look at the Latin Airplay upload of the week on Triller featuring the inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame with winners: song; the June 24 clip has 1.3 million views Cold Chisel in 1993 and again as a solo artist 31, Enrique Iglesias to date, according to Triller. A video from in 2005, dedicated the album to his good 30, J Balvin Charli D’Amelio (732,000 views) follows. friend Michael Gudinski, who passed away 24, Daddy Yankee Concurrently, “Bad Habits” bows at No. March 2 at the age of 68. 24, Ozuna 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned 17.7 Indeed, Barnes debuted the title track at 20, Maluma million U.S. streams and 32,000 sales in the Gudinski’s state memorial in Melbourne 19, Wisin June 25-July 1 tracking week, according to earlier in the year. 19, Romeo Santos MRC Data. In other chart news, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Beyond its Latin Airplay coronation, “Otra Habits” (Atlantic/Warner) enters a second Noche” pushes up Hot Latin Songs with a week atop the ARIA Singles Chart, while 20-17 jump and takes the Greatest Gainer/ Italian rock outfit Maneskin have a new Airplay honors. It concurrently grants Kha- chart peak with their cover of “Beggin” lid his first Latin Rhythm Airplay No. 1 as (RCA/Sony), up 6-3. The 2021 Eurovision the song lifts 4-1. Song Contest champs’ other recent chart entry “I Wanna Be Your Slave” also hits a new high, up 21-15.