Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 19, 2021 Page 1 of 32

INSIDE SESAC Buys Royalty

• Can Holly+ Solve Collection Agency Audiam the Problem of Deepfake Vocals? BY STEVE KNOPPER

• Tencent Music Audiam, an eight-year-old collection agency that Price is critical of the sale partly because SESAC Expects Setback From Regulations, helps rightsholders “license, police, audit, research, also owns Harry Fox, which works with publish- Says Subscriptions collect and distribute” unpaid royalties from You- ers and labels to distribute mechanical royalties to Are Safe Tube and other services, was sold Wednesday to the publishers. Price, who accuses Harry Fox of a “lack performance-rights organization SESAC. of payments to copyright holders,” viewed Audiam, • How Risky Are Concerts? We Asked “This is another brick in the wall of the strategy of which competed with it in some ways, as providing a an Infectious Disease finding businesses to deliver superior value to right- kind of unofficial check on its work. As long as there Expert sholders,” says John Josephson, CEO of SESAC, were two entities with a significant amount of data which also owns the Harry Fox Agency. “Our plan is to about mechanical rights, rightsholders could compare • California to Require Proof of continue broadening the scope of services we offer.” their ability to identify and collect on the uses of their Vaccination for Large The sale allows Audiam’s longtime owner, the Ca- work. Indoor Events nadian rights-management group SOCAN, to re- “With this acquisition, HFA neutralizes the sole tain a 15% stake in the company, according to a source entity that exposes its own actions,” he says. • Sonos vs. Google: The Smart Speaker close to the deal. Audiam, whose clients include Josephson says that Audiam is moving away from Patent War Is Metallica, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jason Mraz, the publishing side of the business, with an emphasis Heating Up represented more than 1.2 million copyrights and had on working with artists and labels to collect recorded- collected $120 million for songwriters and publish- music royalties. Harry Fox has only ever collected ers as of 2019. publishing rights. “I don’t see that as a conflict,” MARKET WATCH Last year, Audiam’s outspoken founder, Jeff Josephson says. PAGE 29 Price, left the SOCAN-owned company, tweeting In any case, he adds, Price originally hired Au- SONGWRITERS that he remained “committed to the mission Au- diam’s current management team, which works as “an & PRODUCERS diam was founded to pursue,” but added, “Ultimate- autonomous business unit” and will continue to do so CHARTS ly the interests of SOCAN were allowed to dominate under SESAC’s supervision. PAGES 30 - 32 that mission.” (continued)

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“I love the management team, I love the covered under copyright law and the under- don’s voice recordings, the Holly+ instru- mission of the company,” Josephson says riding technology is so novel, this places AI ment solves a few of the biggest challenges of Audiam. “There’s an opportunity for us to vocals in a state of legal limbo, leaving artists with AI voice renderings, most notably, the really drive growth in the business.” vulnerable to identity theft and with no ownership and monetization of one’s digital compensation for the use of their likeness. likeness. “We’re really trying to figure out Though there is evidence to suggest robust, foundational logic for how to deal Can Holly+ Solve “publicity” or “personality” rights may with this technology through Holly+,” says provide some pathway to legal recourse for Dryhurst. the Problem of the commercial use of a public figure’s voice Instead of sticking a price tag to Hern- (like Tom Waits v. Frito Lay, a 1992 lawsuit don’s vocal likeness, the team decided to Deepfake Vocals? in which the singer sued Frito Lay for the make the instrument available and free to unauthorized impersonation his voice for all and to monetize the project in a way that BY KRISTIN ROBINSON a commercial and won), these rights vary wouldn’t exclude any users in the process. from state-to-state and still have yet to ad- “We truly want people to play around with hat would it sound like dress a case specific to the new frontier of it,” Herndon explains. “Because I feel like if Billie Eilish explained AI-rendered vocals. for a lot of people, it’s kind of mysterious the GameStop short But for experimental electronic musician how this works. Of course, it still is some- squeeze? What if Bob Holly Herndon, who has been working at what mysterious, but people can at least get DylanW sang Britney Spears’ “...Baby One the intersection of music and artificial intel- a better sense of the technology.” More Time”? Using artificial intelligence ligence for years, including a doctoral stint The groundbreaking monetization process and machine learning, these bizarre queries at Stanford University, she sees this space as of Holly+ has already begun. For the past are becoming a dystopian reality as fans, a brave new world for musicians. Instead of week, users of Holly+ have been able to hobbyists and scammers mimic the voices of fighting to destroy the inevitable behemoth upload creations made with the tool to be their favorite stars. of AI, Herndon is showing others how to considered for the official Holly+ NFT (non For singers and rappers, these so-called control it and even use it to their advantage fungible token) collection. This will be the “deepfake” vocals also present a looming by releasing her new AI voice instrument, first of multiple Holly+ NFT collections, threat as the technology rapidly improves, Holly+. and the submission process closes tonight and the line becomes less discernible Created with start-up Never Before Heard (August 18). Like a digital gallery of AI-based between re-creation and reality. Currently, Sounds and longtime collaborator Mat musical works, Herndon and other team most musical deepfakes are created in jest Dryhurst, Holly+ is a cloud-based instru- members will sift through submissions and or homage by music fans, but however ment that allows users to upload up to five choose their favorites to showcase in the col- well-intentioned, deepfake vocals are almost minutes of audio and map a rendering of lection which will be sold on the NFT mar- always unauthorized uses of an artist’s Herndon’s voice over top. Programmed ketplace Zora. This allows Herndon and the voice. Because the human voice is not through the amalgamation of hours of Hern- team the power to choose which songs are

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ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country givenA officiallbu value,ms; something Brett that Dryhurst Young Although ‘Catc this modelh compensates’-es Fifth Hern- Airplay compares to the current practice of authoriz- don for the attribution of her voice and the Tencent ing remixes.Lea “A similarder; model already Travis exists creatorDenning using the instrument, Makes it still does Historynot there. The official remixes made, authorized remunerate Never Before Heard Sounds or Music Expects by the artist themselves, are more valuable Dryhust directly for their contributions to Sambecause Hunt they’s second are recognized. studio full-length, I think andthis first will in overthe fiveproject. years, Southside“We’re still salestrying (up to 21%) figure in the out tracking Setback week. On Country Airplay, From it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCAbecome Nashville/Universal the standard.” Music Group Nashville), debutswhat at No. the 1 onbusiness Billboard model’s lion is,” audience admits Chrisimpressions, up 16%). Top Country Albums chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it The NFT collection also offers a rare op- Deaner, co-founder of Never Before Heard earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITHRegulations, YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifthSays consecutive cordingportunity to Nielsen for users Music/MRC to be supported Data. by the Sounds. “A lot of this projectand total is proof Country of Airplaycon- No. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends artistSouthside who created marks Hunt’s the tool. second “It’s No. a market 1 on the- cept and gaging what the appetite is from Subscriptions2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. Are chartplace and provided fourth topby the10. Itartist follows themselves. freshman LPI users. With Holly+ we’ve found there truly Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallothink that ,could which alsoarrived be atan the interesting summit in future No - is a lot of interest.” Safeout You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He vembermodel for2014 fan and engagement,” reigned for nine says weeks. Herndon. To date, Instead, for now, the music tech up start followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionCovering in album the costs sales. of minting the officially will remain a “lean team,” of just Deaner and BYYou” GLENN (three, JanuaryPEOPLES 2018), “Mercy” (two, August selectedMontevallo NFTs has and spent providing 267 weeks aon platform the list, tying co-founder Yotam Mann, continually test- 2018) and “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). Lukefor users, Bryan Holly+’s’s Crash My method Party as of the monetization sixth-longest- ing new products and determining the path “Catch”encent completes Music his longestEntertainment journey to No. 1, runninglowers barrierstitles in the of chart’s entry 56-yearfor users history. and allows to monetization along the way. Mann and having takenexecutives 46 weeks insisted to reach new the apex. regula It -out- HerndonOn the all-genre control Billboardover the use200, of Southside her voice. ar- Deaner will also participate, along with Dry- paces the tions30-week won’t climb impede of “Here the Tonight.” growth of rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after“There’s the No. a couple 3-peaking ways Montevallo of dealing. with this. hust, as members of the DAO and will have a new high.its subscription business during its YouHunt could first have released crazy the punitive EPX2C , which digital debuted rights voting power in the creation of future tools Tsecond-quarter earnings call on Wednesday andmanagement, peaked at No.or you 5 on could Top Country have a complete Albums in- Augustand 2014.in the Following curation of theCOMBS NFT collection.‘DOES’ IT AGAIN Luke(Aug. Combs 18) —’ “Does but they to Me” will (River do some House/Columbia damage. Montevalloly free tool, Betweenfor all. We’re the Pines: trying Acoustic to find Mixtape the startedThe at its monetization No. 7 high in of AINashville), voice models featuring is Eric ChurchTencent, ascends Music 11-8 was on notified Country Airplay,by the upChinese 10% to Novemberhappy medium,” 2015. Herndon explains. still in its infancy, but Holly+24.7 million offers in novelaudience. Thegovernment song is Combs’ on July eighth 26 straight that it hascareer-opening 30 days to 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:Proceeds “Leave from the Nightthe sale On,” of “Takethe Holly+ Your Time,” NFT “Housesolutions Party” to and the “Make growing promoted and inevitable No. 1 singles. use eliminate its exclusive licensing agreements Youcollection Miss Me.” would “Break be Up distributed in a Small Town”50% to peaked the at No.of machine 2. learning in music.Church “This adds is his a 15th Countrywith Airplayrecord toplabels 10. — part of an effort to creator,Hunt co-penned 40% to the all investment 12 songs on ofSouthside future , includingconversation “Body Like starter, a Back and this is something target what it considers to be monopolistic Road,”tools (governed which was byreleased a decentralized in 2017. The autono smash -hit ruledwe Country are trying Airplay to figure for THATout in TOOKpublic,” QUITE says ‘A FEW’behaviors MONTHS thatTravis are Denning harmful shatters to economic the record for threemous weeks organization and the airplay-, or “DAO”), streaming- and 10% and to sales-based Herndon. Hot Country “I think Songs there the are most going weeks to be it has takengrowth. to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “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 - FloridaHerndon Georgia directly Line as’s a“Meant royalty to forBe” the (50 weeksuse atop thesome latter uncomfortable list in 2017-18). momentslion in radio that reach. come up, During the call, Tencent Music executives of “Downtown’sher likeness. Dead,”“This iswhich no get is also rich on quick the new set, reachedand we’ll Nos. just 14 have and 15 to figureThe it songout together.”surpasses two tracksconsistently that took downplayed 50 weeks each the to importance enter the top 10: onscheme,” Hot Country Herndon Songs says. and Country Airplay, respectively,Mann in June adds, 2018. “eventually, “Kin- Easton we think Corbin it’s going’s “A Girl Likeof You,”losing which exclusive reached music No. 10 on in its January platform. 2018 be- folks”“But led this Country model Airplay promises on Feb. to solve 29, becoming a bunch Hunt’s to revolutionizeseventh No. 1. It music.” hit fore The peaking auction at forNo. the6 that February,“While and the Aaron decision Watson will ’shave “Outta an Style,”impact which on No.of issues 3 on Hot in Countryterms of Songs. official attribution and first set of Holly+ NFTsachieved will take its placeNo. 10 this high in Decemberour music 2017. business, it is worth noting 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 revenue,” Dryhurst adds. September. all the music that has been available on the 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 O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

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IN BRIEF

platform will continue to be available on the exclusive licensing agreements with record you are to other people, the more air you platform to our users,” said chief strategy labels. The share price dropped 0.3% on breathe, and the more air you breathe, the officer Tony Yip. Wednesday and 12.3% on Tuesday after greater your chances of COVID-19 infection. Tencent Music’s executive chairman Cus- Tencent Music’s early release Monday of its Are concerts worth these kinds of risks? sion Pang said the company is in conversa- second-quarter financial statements. Billboard spoke with Dr. Amesh A. Adal- tions to license content from companies that Regulators’ demands will hurt the com- ja, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Univer- had exclusive content with other platforms. pany in various ways, however. Yip said the sity Center for Health Security and an au- “We will be fully committed to bringing the music services’ advertising revenue will be thority on infectious diseases and pandemic best quality of music and continue to expand lower than previously expected. And as a re- preparedness, to raise these questions. our music library for our users,” he said. sult of regulations about content safety and Adalja, 45, is a go-to pandemic expert, shar- With regulatory restrictions on licensed tipping behavior, the company “expect[s] ing his views on CBS This Morning, NPR music, Tencent Music can operate on the the second half [of 2021] to see further pres- and the BBC, among many others during the fine line between forbidden, exclusive sure” on margins,” he said. past year and a half. music and “differentiated” content that It turns out Adalja knows his way around doesn’t require a license from a large record concerts, too: A longtime skateboarder, label. Tencent Music takes self-produced How Risky Adalja grew up listening to Red Hot Chili music from independent artists and co- Peppers, Nirvana, Metallica and Rancid and produces music with its parent company, Are Concerts? saw the original Lollapalooza twice. tech giant Tencent — an arrangement that “We’ll have COVID cases 20 years from has already resulted in the co-production of We Asked an now,” he says. “Then we have to come up “two dozen” successful song with popular with a way to be able to go about our lives, artists and which Tencent Music signaled Infectious Disease making risk calculations just like we do with it intends to take better advantage of. Live other respiratory viruses or risks we face streaming also gives Tencent Music an Expert every time we get out of bed.” opportunity to give users unique — but not Most skateboarders I know are into live exclusive — experiences such as a live event BY STEVE KNOPPER music — true for you? Were you missing held by two of the company’s services, Ku- shows over the last year and a half? gou Live and WeSing. Cross-platform per- or a year and a half during the pan- When I was younger. Then medical formances produce “a significant increase in demic, concerts seemed more dan- school, residency, made it very difficult. I revenues” and attracts “more paying users,” gerous than just about any other used to go to Metallica concerts wherever said Yip. setting. Then came vaccines, and they were. I went to see Nirvana twice right Yip insisted the regulations would not Fshows trickled back, from Madison Square after high school. It is one part of pre- impede the company’s music subscription Garden to Red Rocks Amphitheatre — until pandemic life that everybody wants to see revenues, which grew 32.8% to $277 million the fast-spreading delta variant ripped resume. in the second quarter from the prior-year through a Netherlands festival, leading to The Lollapalooza numbers released last period, and that the company expected 1,000 infections, and the Foo Fighters post- week indicated the festival was not a super- to continue to add 4 million to 5 million poned a show after a member of the band’s spreader event, even though Chicago infec- subscribers per quarter. “From a regulatory organization tested positive. Then Chicago tious-disease experts and local columnists standpoint, we believe regulators are also public-health officials reported just 203 of said continuing the show was a bad idea. keen to promote the overall, healthy devel- Lollapalooza’s 385,000 attendees contracted Does this suggest large outdoor events can opment of the music industry and having a COVID-19 and shows — if they’re outdoors be safe? viable and long-term monetization model is — seem safe again. I think it does illustrate proof of concept an important part of that.” Or do they? that this can be done safely. The more vacci- Analysts have been warning investors Are concerts safe for vaccinated people, nated people are, the safer they are. If you’re about Tencent Music’s dire situation for or not? The data is tough for the average the only unvaccinated person at a mostly weeks. On Wednesday, Deutsche Bank person zooming through Ticketmaster. vaccinated concert, you’re probably in a downgraded TME from a buy to a hold com to interpret: “Breakthrough” COVID-19 really good position, because it’s less likely rating without changing its $9 price target. infections for vaccinated people are unlikely, you’ll be infected. Testing, specifically for That follows downgrades by J.P. Morgan but they are possible; serious illness is even unvaccinated people, can also be a way to let on Aug. 12 and Morgan Stanley on July 16. more unlikely, but it’s still possible; pass- unvaccinated people in — if they’re proven TME shares have fallen 45.7% — from $14.36 ing the virus to an unvaccinated child or an to have a negative test. to $7.80 — since July 26, when a Chinese elderly adult or other immunocompromised A story last week based on studies regulator ordered Tencent Music to end its person is also possible. As always, the closer from the Mayo Clinic and others as well Page 8 of 32

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as comments from a Harvard University It’s predictable. We’re not going to drive possible vaccinated. Many people who epidemiologist suggested breakthrough cases to zero. What’s more important is bring that up fail to realize they’re going to infections among vaccinated people are focusing on hospitalization and deaths — summer camp, they’re playing video games more prevalent than we had thought. not cases. in someone’s basement, they’re doing a lot (According to the story, researchers had Not too long from now, concerts will of other risk factors. The risk of contracting estimated vaccines’ “efficacy against move from outdoors to indoors. How infection from a vaccinated person is much symptomatic transmission” to be 90%, dangerous is that for audiences? lower than the risk they have from everyday but a more recent Mayo Clinic study in- There are increased risks of transmission life, hanging out with their friends who are dicated the delta variant might drop that when you move things from the outdoors to also unvaccinated. number to as low as 42%.) How does this the indoors because people can’t naturally Which Nirvana shows did you see? affect the way you think about COVID-19 socially distance, the ventilation will not be They were both in 1994. I live in Pitts- and safety? the same. There’s no sunlight, humidity — burgh. The first was in Dayton, OH, and my We know breakthrough infections are all those things are not necessarily going to friends and I piled in a car and drove there. rare. The fact that breakthrough infections be replicated in an indoor setting. People are I think it was at an old roller-skating rink. are occurring is not surprising. Vaccines going to have to learn to make risk calcu- Their first drummer, Chad Channing, was are not bug zappers. Vaccines are not force lations. For some people that risk might supposedly in the crowd and they wanted fields. The goal was not to prevent break- be they don’t go to indoor concerts. For him to drum so they put up the house through infections, the goal was to prevent other people, they do go to indoor concerts lights trying to find him and Dave Grohl hospitalizations and deaths. To that end, depending on their individual risk tolerance. stepped away from the drum kit, saying, they’re performing off the charts, to use The best way to make those venues safe is to “I want Chad Channing to play this.” He a Billboard metaphor. have as many people vaccinated as possible. never showed up but it was pretty cool to Concerts and festivals are slowly coming Last month, Foo Fighters postponed a see that. The second one was at University back, and many more are scheduled for this show because someone in their organiza- of Buffalo and it was very packed. I was fall and early 2022. How appropriate, from tion tested positive. How worrisome is this? close to the front and I remember getting a safety point of view, is this rate of reopen- Breakthrough infections are going to hap- smushed against the rail. Maybe I’m imagin- ing? pen. People have to realize there’s no way ing this, but I think I made eye contact with I think it is correct. I don’t have any issues to completely eliminate a COVID risk. Vac- Kurt Cobain, and he said, “Everybody needs with it. They have to be mindful of the risks cinated people really have nothing to fear to back up and we need to stop for a second they may be taking. Some concerts and some from COVID . If they happen to get one of before someone gets hurt.” bands are asking for audiences to be totally the rare breakthrough infections, it’s likely We need to reopen concerts right away so vaccinated — that’s a responsible way to to be mild, probably not much different than more people can experience the feeling of do it. Eventually it comes to a point where the common cold. I don’t know the exact being smushed in a mosh pit. there’s going to be some aspect of indi- stuff about the Foo Fighters issue, but many I remember once at a Helmet concert, vidual responsibility. We can’t keep holding bands are doing routine testing of people they had to throw rags out to the crowd the vaccinated back for the unvaccinated. without symptoms, so they’re probably to wipe the blood. I used to go to concerts When hospitals are stressed, like they are picking up clinically insignificant infections all the time. I did go to a concert post- in parts of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mis- from a medical standpoint. pandemic — the Indigo Girls were playing souri, you have to be more cautious. But if How much should people with unvacci- for free in the Pittsburgh area, but there was you’re in a place where hospitals are not nated kids under 12 be worried about going no mosh pit. getting crushed, I don’t have any issue with to a concert and bringing COVID home with these types of concerts. For fully vaccinated them? people, I don’t think there’s any major risk If you’re unvaccinated, the delta variant or concern — if they were to get a break- is likely to find you. By and large, children through case, it’s going to be mild. We can’t are spared from the severe consequences of be in the business of trying to stop people disease. They’re less likely to get long COV- from getting mild breakthrough infections. ID. That doesn’t mean it’s doesn’t happen. It If that’s the case, then there is no off-ramp means it’s very rare for it to happen. For that for this pandemic because this virus is never age group of 12 and under, other diseases going away. Our goal is to prevent serious like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus illness. pose at least as great a threat as COVID-19, When we see reports that say an event probably even greater as you get to younger happened and there were X infections — age groups. The best way to keep children that’s inevitable, right? under 12 safe is to have as many adults as Page 9 of 32

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ing to the California Department of Public Sonos first sued Google for patent California to Health memo. infringement in January 2020, accus- “California is currently experiencing the ing the tech giant of infringing on five of Require Proof fastest increase in COVID-19 cases during Sonos’ smart speaker technology patents the entire pandemic with 25.7 new cases for Google products including ones in the of Vaccination per 100,000 people per day, with case rates popular Google Home, Nest and Pixel lines. increasing eleven-fold within two months,” Sonos claimed that Google gained access for Large Indoor the memo reads. “Given the rapid spread to this technology during a 2013 partner- of the highly transmissible Delta variant, ship between the two companies. Sonos Events additional precautionary measures must be also claimed that Google attempted to shut taken in large, indoor events, which have Sonos out of the market by selling the alleg- BY TATIANA CIRISANO the potential to cause large, substantial, and edly infringing products for cheap. severe outbreaks.” Ultimately, Sonos is hoping to block mid rising concerns over the The rule change follows a new masking the sale of the allegedly infringing speak- delta variant, California will mandate that goes into effect in Los Angeles ers, which would deliver a huge blow to require proof of vaccination or tonight, requiring attendees at outdoor gath- Google’s hardware business. a negative COVID-19 test to at- erings of more than 10,000 people to wear Sonos just got one step closer to that tendA indoor gatherings of more than 1,000 a facial covering, regardless of vaccination goal. In the initial ruling on Friday, ITC people, state officials announced in a public status. A mask mandate has already been in chief administrative law judge Charles memo on Wednesday (Aug. 18). place for indoor spaces since July 17. Bullock found that Google had infringed The new restrictions go into effect Sept. Venues and promoters across the nation on all five patents named in Sonos’ original 20, affecting events like concerts and sports are tightening restrictions. Live Nation, complaint. Following the ITC ruling, Sonos games. California already has this require- the world’s biggest concert company, will stock (SONO) surged $9.6% to $41.79 in ment for indoor gatherings of more than require artists and fans at all of its fully Monday trading. 5,000 people, but attendees haven’t had to owned and operated venues and festivals to “We are pleased the ITC has confirmed show proof. Now, state officials are requiring show proof of vaccination or a negative test Google’s blatant infringement of Sonos’ attendees to bring proof of either vaccina- starting Oct. 4. Its biggest competitor, AEG, patented inventions,” Sonos chief legal tion or a negative test received within 72 will require proof of vaccination for entry to officer Eddie Lazarus said in a statement. hours of the event. The testing requirement all of its owned and operated clubs, theaters “This decision re-affirms the strength and includes people who can’t get the vaccine, and festivals starting Oct. 1, and will not ac- breadth of our portfolio, marking a promis- such as children under 12. cept a negative test as an alternative. ing milestone in our long-term pursuit to The same rules are recommended, but not defend our innovation against misappro- required, for outdoor gatherings of 10,000 priation by Big Tech monopolies.” people or more. Shopping malls, museums Sonos vs. Google: It’s an early victory for Sonos, but a final and other venues that are “open to public ruling from the full ITC isn’t expected until circulation as part of their regular opera- The Smart Dec. 13, after which the ban Sonos seeks tions” are exempt from the rule, unless they would take 60 days to go into effect. Sonos’ are hosting a qualifying event. Speaker Patent initial suit also set off fresh litigation which The new rules are slated to remain in has yet to be resolved: Google filed a coun- place through at least Nov. 1, and state War Is Heating Up tersuit against Sonos in June 2020, claiming officials say they will decide whether an that Sonos had infringed on Google patents; extension is needed by Oct. 15. BY TATIANA CIRISANO and Sonos filed a second lawsuit that Sep- Governor Gavin Newsom initially an- tember, claiming that Google had infringed nounced California’s triumphant reopening ast Friday, Google was found guilty on five additional patents across the entire in June, lifting nearly all coronavirus restric- of infringing on Sonos’ patented line of Nest and Chromecast products. tions on businesses and gatherings, but he smart speaker technology in a pre- “We do not use Sonos’ technology, and we has been quick to reverse course amid the liminary ruling from the Interna- compete on the quality of our products and rise of COVID-19 cases in the state. The Ltional Trade Commission (ITC), marking an the merits of our ideas,” Google spokesper- statewide rule change is intended to encour- early victory for Sonos in a case that stretch- son José Castañeda said in a statement. age more people to get vaccinated, while es back to early 2020 — but the battle’s not “We disagree with this preliminary ruling decreasing transmissions of the delta vari- over yet. And as the lawsuit moves forward, and will continue to make our case in the ant, which is currently the most common its outcome could shift the dynamics of the upcoming review process.” strain of COVID-19 in California, accord- buzzing smart speaker market. The smart speaker market is projected to Page 10 of 32

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reach 163 million units globally in 2021, ac- quarters, reporting $378.7 million in revenue Illinois.) cording to technology market analysis for the third quarter of 2021, a 52% uptick Racketeering was established as a crime firm Canalys, a year-over-year growth of year-over-year. in 1970 under the Racketeer Influenced and 21%, and is currently dominated by Amazon, The patent infringement wars for smart Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, designed followed by Google and Apple. While Sonos speakers aren’t limited to Sonos, either. to crack down on organized crime in the has long lacked a voice assistant to compete In October 2020, a jury ordered Amazon U.S. To convict a defendant of the charge, with the leading trio, it’s rumored to be test- to pony up $5 million to the audio tech the government must prove that said defen- ing its own offering after acquiring the voice firm Vocalife for infringing on the com- dant engaged in two or more instances of assistant platform Snips in 2019. pany’s intellectual property for its Echo racketeering activity — a list that includes, The lawsuits also come against the back- smart speakers line; and in March, Sonos pertinently for Kelly’s case, human traffick- drop of the Department of Justice’s antitrust itself was slapped with a patent infringe- ing and the sexual exploitation of children — case against Google, and Sonos has long ment lawsuit from Cedar Lane Technologies as well as “directly invested in, maintained positioned itself as the underdog facing Big Inc. over smart speaker tech. an interest in, or participated in a criminal Tech — note Lazarus’ mention of “Big Tech enterprise affecting interstate or foreign monopolies” in his statement. In fact, the commerce.” same month Sonos filed its initial complaint, It’s Not Just Kelly, claimed Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonos CEO Patrick Spence argued in a Maria Cruz Melendez in her opening state- testimony before Congress that technology Sex Crimes ments, led a criminal enterprise where he behemoths like Google practice so-called enlisted his close associates to cover up his “efficient infringement” by copying designs for R. Kelly: crimes while employing lawyers to distrib- from smaller companies and selling them for ute “hundreds of thousands of dollars in cheaper prices, betting that the profit will Trial Hinges on hush payments” to his alleged victims. Per outweigh any costs of resulting litigation. the indictment brought against the singer Since Sonos went public in 2018, the Proving Criminal in 2019, “The purposes of the Enterprise company has repeatedly pitched its valu- were to promote R. Kelly’s music and the R. able patent portfolio — which includes Enterprise Kelly brand, to recruit women and girls to more than 2,000 patents — as a key asset to engage in illegal sexual activity with Kelly investors. So it has employed an aggressive BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN and to produce pornography, including child litigation strategy to protect those pat- pornography.” ents. Over the years, Sonos has settled pat- hitey Bulger, John Gotti Nicole Blank Becker, Kelly’s defense at- ent infringement lawsuits regarding smart and... R. Kelly? As the torney shrugged off these assertions during speakers against Sound United (settled in disgraced R&B hitmaker’s her opening statement Wednesday (August May 2018) and the parent company of Blue- federal trial kicked off in 18), saying Kelly’s alleged actions were not sound (settled in July 2020). Sonos has also BrooklynW on Tuesday, front and center was part of a “continuous, ongoing enterprise” noted similar issues with Amazon devices, the charge of racketeering — unusual for of the sort used to convict Gotti and other but chose to focus its current litigation ef- someone person accused of sex crimes, and organized crime figures. As for the prosecu- forts on Google instead — at least, for now. more commonly reserved for mobsters and tion witnesses’ testimonies, she said there Sonos could eventually establish a other organized crime syndicates. were “so many untruths told that even the new and lucrative revenue stream from For the “I Believe I Can Fly Singer” born government won’t be able to untangle the licensing its patented technology to other Robert Sylvester Kelly, however, it could mess of lies.” companies. Sonos’ settlement with Blue- mean 10 years to life in prison if convicted The first witness to take the stand on sound included such a licensing deal. “We on all charges. The trial also includes 14 Wednesday, Jerhonda Johnson Pace, welcome and encourage competition, underlying acts — including kidnapping, provided testimony backing up the prosecu- and want to make sure that all companies sex trafficking and forced labor — and eight tion’s claim that Kelly was indeed the leader entering this space recognize the strength counts of violating the federal Mann Act, of an orchestrated criminal enterprise that of our IP and provide appropriate com- which outlaws sex trafficking across state preyed on young women and girls. During pensation,” Lazarus said at the time of the lines. In New York, Kelly is alleged to have her time on the stand, Pace claimed that one settlement. committed these crimes against six women of Kelly’s associates, Bubba, extended an in- Sonos’ potential ability to monetize its and girls, including the late singer Aaliyah, vite to a party where the singer had sex with patents, and its strong recent earnings, whom Kelly married when she was 15 and her despite learning that she was only 16, could also make it an acquisition target. The he was 27. (Kelly faces additional federal below the age of consent. Later that night, company has beat earnings expectations charges, including the sexual exploitation she alleged, another of Kelly’s employees and raised guidance for three consecutive of children, in a separate case brought in slipped her $50 in an envelope and told her Page 11 of 32

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someone would take her to the train. Amankonah Horton, a former Google derstand that mindset,” Horton says. “[Fave] Becker is just the first of several prosecu- product manager whose experience growing really came from knowing there’s a user tion witnesses scheduled to take the stand up as an Eminem superfan inspired her to need here, because I went through it.” at the trail, which continues Thursday create Fave, says that the company spent (August 19). While the trial promises to be months “gut-checking” the launch with ac- unpredictable, what’s clear is that to score tual members of the ARMY. In fact, she even Doja Cat Is a conviction on the racketeering charge, the hired an ARMY member to make sure every prosecution will need to convince jurors detail of their plan was up to snuff. Becoming the that Kelly is not only guilty of the acts of “We’re gut-checking with them, like, sexual violence he is accused of — but that ‘Do you think this will meet expectations? Quintessential his inner circle was key to enabling and Which one [of these things] is more impor- obscuring his crimes. tant to you to have first?’” Horton says. “We Gen Z Pop Star Additional reporting by Neena Rouhani. partner with them to understand what the inside jokes are, what they want out of the BY KYLE DENIS fandom, what they are interested in.” ARMY, Unite! Those conversations resulted in a packed hroughout 2021, Doja Cat has slate of kick-off week events on Fave, includ- been transforming more and more HYBE-Backed App ing virtual celebrations for the one-year of Planet Earth into inhabitants anniversary of BTS hit “Dynamite,” virtual of Planet Her. The foundation Fave Opens its karaoke nights and a celebration for BTS Thas been there for years, but with Planet member Jungkook’s birthday on Sept. 1. Her, Doja has firmly planted herself in the Doors to BTS Fans In Horton’s view, the music industry’s current class of pop music A-listers. On July knee-jerk reaction to strike down any- 4, the LP became Doja’s highest-charting BY TATIANA CIRISANO thing resembling copyright infringement project on the Billboard 200 albums chart has prevented artists from capitalizing on (No. 2), while marking the biggest opening- he BTS ARMY is already one of fan-made merch, which she says is “heavily week sales total of her career yet, and the the most powerful fandom groups undervalued.” She says the Fan Marketplace biggest opening day for a female rapper in on the internet. Now, members was a big reason why BTS entertainment Spotify history. If dominating the previous have a new place to virtually mo- company home HYBE participated in Fave’s year with the Billboard Hot 100-topping Tbilize, share content, earn rewards and sell $2.2 million seed funding round in May “Say So” wasn’t enough, the resounding each other fan-made merchandise through alongside Warner Music Group, Sony Music success of Planet Her and its singles have HYBE-backed fan engagement startup Fave. and others. unequivocally solidified Doja Cat as one of Based in Switzerland, Fave is a social “Through its investment in Fave, HYBE the defining pop stars of this era. platform designed to give superfans a place plans to seek new opportunities in the fan- Although the masses are finally catching to fan out while helping music artists lever- to-fan platform business while expanding up, Doja proved her star power from the age the passion of their biggest supporters. synergy in the fandom business,” current moment “Mooo!” went viral in August of On the app, which is organized by fandom, HYBE COO Kim Tae-Ho said at the time. 2018. The winkingly meme-driven novelty superfans can create profiles, post photos “We expect Fave, which has know-how and song expertly tapped into the specific brand and videos, compete in competitions to technical skills in the U.S. fandom platform of self-deprecation and intricate webs of on- unlock prizes and — perhaps most notably — market, to bring synergy to HYBE’s platform line inside jokes that make up Gen Z humor. sell homemade merchandise in the Etsy- business.” Like any smart pop star, Doja was able to eque Fan Marketplace. Fave takes 10% of Finally, Horton says that Fave will help capitalize on the viral success of “Mooo!” by revenue generated by the marketplace, as do artists navigate the sometimes “daunting” launching a deluxe version of Amala, her de- participating artists, giving them a passive, process of engaging with and cultivating a but studio album, in the following months. incremental revenue stream. superfan base by giving artists actionable That deluxe version housed two of her Each fandom has its own dedicated analytics. For example, artists will soon be biggest hits at the time, “Tia Tamera (feat. hub on the app, and Fave is onboarding able to use the app to instantly add the top Rico Nasty)” and a remix of “Juicy” featur- those fandoms one-by-one, having started fan-made merch item to their own official ing Tyga. The success of the latter song led with Taylor Swift’s Swifties in the spring. merch store, or to share it across their social to Doja’s first Hot 100 chart entry and Ama- Wednesday (Aug. 18), the ARMY becomes media accounts. The objective is always to la’s first appearance on the Billboard 200 the latest addition. make sure superfans feel seen. albums chart. The “Juicy” remix also ended The ARMY launch has been a long time “I was a superfan — I memorized every up functioning as the lead single for Hot in the making. Fave founder/CEO Jacquelle music video, every dance move — so I un- Pink, Doja’s sophomore studio album which Page 12 of 32

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spawned three Hot 100 entries: “Say So,” the debate.” also spawned excellent fan-favorite collabo- No. 16-peaking “Streets,” and the platinum- Due to the internet-driven success rations with less mainstream artists, such certified “Like That (feat. Gucci Mane).” of “Streets,” Doja and her team felt that as Amala’s “Tia Tamera” with Rico Nas- Doja’s star power is a unique one; she is “people wanted that big follow-up” — which ty, Hot Pink’s “Won’t Bite” with Smino and the pop star that best understands how to happened to be “Kiss Me More,” a song even Planet Her’s “Options” with JID. (“She blend and bend the rules of the old school Fleckenstein describes as a “big pop jug- really doesn’t collaborate with people unless and new school, handling the ever-evolving gernaut for the world.” The response from there’s a real intent, artistically, at her end, ecosystem of TikTok trends with the same audiences has proven his assessment right — and that’s the truth,” says Fleckenstein.) But dexterity that she handles traditional “Kiss Me More” has already been streamed with these new A-list collaborations, Doja blockbuster awards show performances and 378 million times in the U.S., according to has completed her transition from indie radio singles. The star power established MRC Data. The track debuted at No. 7 on wunderkind to marquee name, proving her from “Mooo!” and Doja’s history of produc- the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking a worthy co-star and peer to the Ariana ing multiple simultaneous hits from the at No. 3 and becoming the third Top 10 hit Grandes and Weeknds of the pop game. same album is what buoyed the stability for both Doja and SZA. Above all, the song When it comes to examining Doja’s rise of Planet Her. Since the album’s release, it was a duet between two of the brightest new and how she’s been able to sustain her suc- has remained in the Billboard 200’s top 5, additions to pop music’s royal court. cess, it’s impossible not to bring up TikTok. with at least 55,000 equivalnt album units In fact, big-name collaborations like these The social media app is intrinsically tied moved each week. have been key to cementing Doja’s spot as to the cultural capital that Doja holds. The natural starting point for Planet a capital-P pop star. Planet Her features a The now-iconic TikTok choreography Her was obviously the SZA-assisted “Kiss slew of A-list pop and R&B collaborators for “Say So,” which was created by Haley Me More,” the breezy disco-tinged lead like The Weeknd and Ariana Grande as well Sharpe and eventually featured in the of- single that served as the perfect catalyst for as appearances from big-name guest rappers ficial music video, may be the crown jewel the Planet Her era. Sonically and structur- such as Eve, Gunna, and Young Thug. Before of Doja-centric TikTok trends, but it’s truly ally, the song borrowed from the same Doja landed on Planet Her, however, she had just the tip of the iceberg. The Hot Pink era blueprint as Doja’s signature hit, “Say So” been using these big-ticket collaborations to boasted songs like “Like That” (1.8 mil- —. she sings for the intro and hook, raps the climb the ranks of pop stardom — the big- lion TikToks created with it as its sound), first verse, and then returns to singing for gest collaboration of Doja’s career had been “Rules” (64.2K), “Cyber Sex” (171.4K), and the rest of the song. “Kiss Me More” also with Nicki Minaj, whose remix of “Say So” “Streets” (1.7 million), all of which became offered up a less obvious interpolation of helped vault the song to No. 1, becoming the extremely popular sounds on TikTok and Olivia Newton-John’s 1981 Hot 100-top- first Hot 100 chart-topper for both artists. soundtracked everything from cooking per “Physical,” which was interpolated by But no artist has been as instrumental to videos to dance challenges. Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa on “Prisoner,” Doja’s pop inner-circle status as Grande. In In just five weeks, a large number of and referenced in Lipa’s own “Physical” just just under a year, the two stars have joined the Planet Her tracks have also found viral- a few months prior. The success of “Kiss Me forces three times: Positions’ “Motive,” a re- ity on the platform. In addition to the al- More” was almost guaranteed; SZA alo was mix of Grande’s “34+35,” and Planet Her’s “I bum’s singles, “Kiss Me More” (3.7 million) coming off of the biggest Hot 100 solo hit of Don’t Do Drugs.” With six Billboard 200 No. and “You Right” (17.4K), “Need To Know” her career so far (“Good Days”) while Doja 1 albums and six Hot 100 No. 1 singles to her (1.4 million), “Get Into It (Yuh)” (176.4K), was coming off the slow-burning success of name, Grande’s musical relationship with “Woman” (741.3K), and “Ain’t S—t” (655.7K) her previous album’s “Streets.” Doja helped further expose her to Top 40 have all firmly lodged themselves in the Doja’s innate ability to crank out different listeners. current rotation of popular TikTok sounds. types of hits helps her elongate her album The Weeknd is another top-tier pop star With Doja Cat, the focus and emphasis of an cycles, in an era where artists are moving who joined Doja on her journey to Planet “official radio single” means close to nothing between records faster than ever. “Streets,” Her. The pair, who’d previously collaborated — when she drops an album, be prepared the final single from Hot Pink, started taking on the remix to After Hours single “In Your for at least half of the tracklist to flood the off on TikTok, along with the Silhouette Eyes,” teamed up again for “You Right,” airwaves, your playlists, and your social Challenge, in late January — around the the second radio single from Planet Her — media explore pages. In fact, a month-and- same time that Doja and her team were which debuted at No. 11 on the Hot 100 and a-half post-release, Planet Her still has five deliberating what Planet Her’s lead single is still hanging around the top 20 six weeks songs charting on the Hot 100 — a feat cur- would be. “As you can probably tell from the later. The slick R&B-influenced duet slows rently only matched by Olivia Rodrigo and album right now, there was really no short- down the tempo of the Planet Her singles her Sour tracks. age of opportunity and options in terms of while keeping two of the world’s biggest pop Without all of Doja’s essence being the first single,” RCA Records COO John stars in constant rotation on Top 40 radio. bottled into one single at time, she been able Fleckenstein remarks. “So, there was a lot of Of course, Doja’s previous albums have to show off her musical versatility and guar- Page 13 of 32

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antee stability for her album beyond release music video. Even live performance videos ing goofy Twitter polls in the middle of week. Doja’s hold on TikTok is so strong like the dynamic “Ain’t S—t” VEVO perfor- the day, she uses social media like a regular that even her unreleased songs go viral on mance perfectly capture Doja’s performance person. “That right there is what makes the platform; “Freak,” which eventually saw energy. It’s an energy that balances frantic- a modern star,” said Fleckenstein. “[Fans] a wide release, has garnered over 828,300 ness with precision, a difficult one to strike. want to relate to the person who’s actually sound uses to date while “Boom” has Doja’s markedly animated performances singing and creating that music. It’s no lon- acquired over 380,000 uses across several are another facet of her social media domi- ger a presentational game of twenty years user-uploaded sounds. “The fan base tends nance. Just as listeners will use her songs ago, it’s more of an engaging discussion to embrace [the songs] and turn them into for every TikTok video concept under the game with pop stars in the world today.” the moments that they are,” Fleckenstein sun, they will also use her songs to imitate At once, Doja is ahead of the curve, yet notes. “She’s the spark or the catalyst for her performance quirks. This convergence strikingly familiar. A pop star born of the these movements… it’s not something that’s of the new school and old school is what Internet Age with the knowledge of an old- manufactured. Mathematically, you can’t do makes Doja such a fascinating and pertinent school blueprint that she bends to her will, the number of streams she’s doing across pop star for this generation and this time in Doja Cat is well on her way to becoming the the number of tracks she’s doing. If this isn’t pop music. She’s pop, rap, R&B, and alterna- quintessential pop star of this generation. totally inherent fanbase organic activity, it tive all at the same time. She cannot get doesn’t happen that way.” swallowed by internet controversy, because While Doja’s rule over TikTok has helped she herself is a child of the internet. Nine Inch Nails characterize her as a new-school pop star, Last year’s various controversies were she hasn’t completely rejected the les- never a real threat to Doja’s viability as a pop Cancels All 2021 sons and rules of previous generations. star, because she embraces the mess of the In fact, with her acclaimed awards show social media era in a way that her predeces- Performances performances, Doja has actively embraced sors could not. When the chat room con- parts of what constituted an old-school troversy exploded last year and the world Due to COVID-19 pop star. Due to the rise of streaming and a put a microscope on Doja’s relationship with focus on quick hit singles over genuine artist her racial identity and incel culture, Doja Concerns development, the level of performance skill was able to get out in front of the drama by amongst the new guard of pop stars often cracking jokes about herself and controlling BY TAYLOR MIMS pales in comparison to their predecessors. the narrative. Moreover, Doja’s professional Doja, however, has utilized her background relationship with writer-producer Lukasz ine Inch Nails will not return to in dance and her naturally animated “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, who his former col- the stage in 2021. Out of health personality to build herself into one of the laborator Kesha accused of sexual assault concerns related to the pan- most exciting and anticipated performers in and physical abuse in a 2014 lawsuit to demic, the group says they have recent years. be freed from his Kemosabe record label, Ncancelled all 2021 shows and will perform Every time Doja hits the stage, she has garnered its fair share of scrutiny. But again next year. delivers a new aesthetic and a new sound. Doja has liked tweets suggesting that her In a statement released on their website She performed “Say So” countless times continued collaborations with him likely are and social media accounts, Nine Inch Nails between 2020 and 2021, but every per- largely due to contractual obligation, stem- wrote, “It is with great regret that we are formance breathed new life into the song. ming from a deal she signed with Kemosabe cancelling all NIN appearances for the There was the beloved metal version at when she was a teenager, before the allega- remainder of the year.” the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awardds, tions. And for better or worse, Gottwald’s The statement continues, “When origi- the Broadway version at the 2020 Billboard involvement with her songs haven’t dulled nally planned, these shows were intended to Music Awards, the horror film-inspired their commercial appeal. be a cathartic and celebratory return to live performance at the 2021 iHeartRadio Doja Cat is a pop star who will spend music. However, with each passing day it’s Music Awards, and more. More recently, more time tweeting memes and trolling her becoming more apparent we’re not at that the campaign for “Kiss Me More” included fans than sending out links to her new music place yet.” multiple awards show performances, most and videos. What she’s tapped into isn’t The news means the band will no longer notably the intergalactic live television de- necessarily relatability, it’s realness; she isn’t headline Riot Fest or Louder Than Life but of the song at the2021 Billboard Music trying to create an image to relate to any festivals in September. With NIN pull- Awards. That performance, which featured particular demographic, she simply exists ing out, Riot Fest announced that Slip- background dancers with floating planets as as herself on the internet like everyone else, knot would be headlining Sept. 19, and also heads, transported us Earthlings to Planet and that’s enough. Whether she’s break- added Morrissey to the lineup; Louder Than Her just like the accompanying interstellar dancing to R&B on Instagram live or post- Life has not yet announced a replacement Page 14 of 32

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act. Nine Inch Nails were also scheduled 12) at age 77, has been called a champion to headline Rockville Fest in November, as for filmmakers, with Quentin Tarantino Neil Young Sitting well as a two-night run in their hometown going so far as to call her the “genuine hero of Cleveland at Jacobs Pavillion at Nautica of Reservoir Dogs,” his 1992 directorial Out 2021 Farm in September. debut, according to an interview with Dead- “We are sorry for any inconvenience or line. Lucas licensed the use of “Stuck in the Aid: ‘Can’t Shake disappointment and look forward to seeing Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel to you again when the time is right,” the state- Tarantino when the director admits he the Feeling It ment concluded. had “no money... but [he] needed that song.” The Nine Inch Nails website displays Graciously, Lucas granted the synchroni- Might Not Be Safe only one upcoming show on their schedule, zation license of the 1973 classic rock staple which is Hellfest set for June 24, 2022. for a fraction of the cost, believing Tarantino For Everyone’ The cancellations follow Nine Inch and his then-small budget picture could Nails’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall become one of the greats. BY GIL KAUFMAN of Fame in 2021. The band also surprise Sony Music Publishing chairman and released Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: CEO Jon Platt remembers Lucas as one arm Aid board member Neil Locusts in 2020. with a “fearless passion for music” that Young announced on Wednesday The last time Nine Inch Nails widely “helped to shape the future of publishing.” (August 18) that he will sit this toured was 2018’s Cold and Black and “She will be greatly missed,” he said. year’s event out due to his concern Infinite tour in support of their trilogy Born in The Bronx, New York on March Fover safety amid the current COVID spike. of EPs Not the Actual Events, Add Vio- 17, 1944, Lucas began her career in the music The annual event in support of American lence and Bad Witch. industry by working at a newspaper in the farmers slated to take place in Hartford, As cases of the coronavirus surge again in Village, interviewing local musicians. Soon Connecticut on Sept. 25 will go on this the United States due to the highly trans- after, she moved to Vancouver where she year without Young, who sits on the board missible Delta variant, numerous acts have had her son Joshu, who survives her along alongside Willie Nelson, John Mellen- been canceling upcoming shows and tours. with her sister, Joan, and brother-in-law, camp and Dave Matthews. Among them are Garth Brooks, Korn, Limp Michael. In a statement announcing his decision, Bizkit, Tony Bennett and more. Eventually, the future publishing execu- Young explained, “I find myself wondering See NIN’s announcement below: tive settled down in Los Angeles where whether Farm Aid will be safe for everyone she worked at companies like ATV, CBS with the Covid pandemic surging. I worry Records, SBK and EMI Music Publishing about that. I don’t want to let anybody Pat Lucas, EMI over the course of her career. down, but still can’t shake the feeling that When she was not working, Lucas was it might not be safe for everyone.” The an- Publishing Exec known for being a passionate writer. By the nouncement came as a number of artists time of her death, she had penned countless have canceled, postponed or rescheduled and Friend to poems, two manuscripts and a musical with dates as the nation is gripped by a fourth the late Allen Toussaint. COVID wave fueled by the highly transmis- Filmmakers, Dies sible Delta variant. “All you people who can’t go to a concert at 77 because you still don’t feel safe, I stand with you,” the 75 year-old rock icon added. “I BY KRISTIN ROBINSON don’t want you to see me playing and think it’s safe now. I don’t want to play until you ony Music Publishing has an- feel safe, and it is indeed, safe. My soul tells nounced the passing of former me it would be wrong to risk having anyone executive Pat Lucas after a long die because they wanted to hear music and fight with cancer. Best known for be with friends…no matter where you are, I Sher years at EMI Music Publishing (which am with you. Do what you must, but think was acquired by Sony Music Publishing), it through. We will be back. There is much Lucas oversaw the creation of the first-ever work to do together.” film & television department for a music The event would have been Young’s first publisher. public show since the Sept. 21, 2019 Farm The executive, who died on Monday (Aug. Aid at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wis- Page 15 of 32

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consin and in his statement he explained OnlyFans to Ban Maroon 5 Will Be that he was bowing out because he’s worried about the spread of the virus, especially to Pornographic First Major US children. “Since we know vaccinated people can catch and spread Covid, I worry about Videos Act to Perform the children who could become infected after Farm Aid, just by being with someone, BY J. CLARA CHAN in Canada After maybe a parent, who caught the virus at Farm Aid and didn’t know it,” said Young. n a striking change for a company Border Reopening “There are already too many children in best known for its sexually explicit hospitals. While I respect Willie, John and content, OnlyFans will begin banning BY KAREN BLISS Dave’s decisions to stick with it and play, I users from posting content contain- am not of the same mind. It is a tough call.” Iing “sexually explicit conduct” this October aroon 5 will keep a scheduled Around 1,800 kids were hospitalized with due to requests from banking partners and Sept. 2 date at Budweiser Stage COVID in the U.S. last week, which repre- payment providers, the company said on in Toronto after the land bor- sents a 500% increase in the rate of hospi- Thursday. der between Canada and the talization of children since July according Nude photos and videos will still be al- MU.S. reopened last week to fully vaccinated to the CDC; children under 12 are not yet lowed on the platform, provided they follow Americans and permanent residents, Bill- eligible to receive any of the vaccines. OnlyFans’ rules, but it’s not immediately board has learned. Back in July, Farm Aid — which was clear how the company will determine what After being closed to non-essential livestreamed last year during the first kind of sexually explicit content will fall un- travelers since March 18, 2020, the newly wave of the pandemic — announced that der the ban. Earlier this year, OnlyFans also re-opened border means U.S. acts can finally it would be back this year at the Xfin- quietly blocked users from posting public perform again in Canada. As of Sept. 7, ity Theatre in Hartford with a lineup sex content to its platform. Canada plans to allow in all other fully vac- that includes: Sturgill Simpson, Tyler “In order to ensure the long-term sustain- cinated foreign nationals. Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night ability of our platform, and to continue to “This step opens possibilities to get Can- Sweats, Bettye LaVette, Jamey John- host an inclusive community of creators and ada back on the touring map for sure,” Ar- son, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the fans, we must evolve our content guide- thur Fogel, chairman of global touring, Real, Allison Russell, Particle Kid and Ian lines,” OnlyFans said in a statement. Live Nation, tells Billboard in an emailed Mellencamp, along with Nelson, Mellen- The changes come as OnlyFans, which statement. “Some artists already have shows camp, Dave Matthews (for an acoustic set has 2 million creators and more than 130 planned with more conversations picking with Tim Reynolds) and Margo Price, who million users, has been seeking funding up.” was named to the Farm Aid board in April. from outside investors at a $1 billion valua- A spokesperson for Live Nation confirmed Since 1985, with the support of artists tion. The platform allows creators to charge to Billboard that Maroon 5 will be the first who contribute their performances, Farm their fans for photos and videos and has major U.S. act to perform in Canada since Aid has raised more than $60 million to become popular among sex workers. the pandemic began early last year. support programs that help family farm- Bloomberg was first to report the news. Vaccinated Americans and permanent ers thrive and expand the markets for their This article was originally published residents must submit proof of vaccination food. by The Hollywood Reporter. and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 “No matter where you are. I am with you,” hours of their arrival to Canada. The vac- Young told his fans. “Do what you must, but cinations must have been administered at think it through. We will be back. There is least 14 days before entry. much work to do together.” A steady stream of concerts in Canada featuring U.S.-based artists — most for dates in 2022 — have gone on sale this summer, including John Mayer, The Killers, Sebas- tian Maniscalco, Elton John and Sepul- tura. On the books from October through December of this year are shows in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver featuring Ricky Martin with Enrique Iglesias, Lem- onheads, Maluma, Genesis, Gary Nu- Page 16 of 32

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man and Ricky Gervais. those health and safety protocols go into can definitely add to his career growth,” “For now, it’s good news,” CAA’s Bruno effect mid-September for all staff and -at added Henry Cardenas, CMN founder and del Granado, who represents Martin and tendees. (The Maluma, Ricky Martin and CEO. Maluma, tells Billboard. “Obviously, it’s day Enrique Iglesias shows are both taking place Guaynaa — who most recently has collab- by day.” (Both artists live in the U.S.) at Scotiabank.) orated with Los Ángeles Azules (“Cumbia Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public The province of Quebec will institute a a La Gente”), Gloria Trevi (“Nos Volvimos health officer, said last week that Canada vaccine passport on Sept. 1 for people to Locos”) and Major Lazer (“Diplomático”) — had entered a fourth wave of coronavirus attend non-essential events. Politicians in is currently on tour with upcoming dates in cases, with numbers steadily rising since Ontario and other provinces are discussing California, Iowa and The Bahamas. See the mid-July. In the week leading to Aug. 13, similar options. dates below: there were 7,902 new virus cases reported “God only knows with the Delta variant Sept. 3 - The Belasco, Los Angeles in Canada, an increase of 58% over the what tomorrow is going to bring,” Granado Sept. 4 - El Puro Party, Mountain View, previous week, according to Canada’s Public says. “All the artists are obviously concerned CA Health Agency. about it. They all want to make sure the fans Sept. 25 - Bimini Beach Resort, The The majority of new cases are among the are staying healthy, and they don’t walk in Bahamas unvaccinated, with case rates the highest and walk out with a virus.,” Granado says. Oct. 30 - Vail Air Room, Des Moines, among those aged 20 to 39. Just over 24 “We’re treading in uncharted waters here Iowa million people, or 64% of Canada’s popula- every single day and we’re just hoping for tion, are fully vaccinated, according to Johns the best, really.” Hopkins University. Jason Isbell Drops The border reopening will likely benefit concert crews in North America. Artists Guaynaa Signs Out of Bristol living overseas typically hire the majority of their crew in North America to cut down Worldwide Rhythm & Roots on travel and production costs. Depend- ing on tour routing, an artist might fly into Booking Deal With Reunion Over Canada, while road crew (and gear) cross into Canada by land. CMN: Exclusive COVID Policy While Canadian citizens and residents can fly to the U.S. they are still not allowed BY GRISELDA FLORES BY GIL KAUFMAN by U.S. officials to cross the border by land. As of Aug. 13, Canada mandated that uaynaa has signed an exclu- ticking to his guns about play- travelers show proof of vaccination to travel sive worldwide booking deal ing COVID-safe shows, Jason by air, interprovincial train and cruise ships. with Cardenas Marketing Isbell announced on Wednesday (Canada previously allowed residents to Network (CMN), Billboard has (August 18) that his band, the 400 travel without such proof.) Glearned. The deal includes exclusive book- SUnit, have dropped out of a headlining slot Concerts with homegrown headliners ing rights worldwide, including the Puerto on the upcoming Bristol Rhythm & Roots have already started back up in Canada. Rican artist’s shows in the U.S. Reunion festival in the Tennessee-Virginia Rock band Arkells did a three-night stand “I am looking forward to joining the CMN border town of Bristol. this past weekend at Budweiser Stage in To- family and I am excited to work with them “We won’t be appearing at the Rhythm ronto, with Sam Roberts Band, Blue Rodeo to create my best shows to date,” Guaynaa and Roots Reunion this year. Y’all be safe!,” and Dean Brody scheduled to follow. said. “I hope my fans enjoy what we have Isbell tweeted along with a link to a story Depending on the province, face masks planned.” detailing the event’s decision to eschew the are required to be worn indoors and at The “Monterrey” singer joins CMN’s basic COVID-19 protocols that a growing outdoor events, when people are not able to booking roster which includes Marc number of tours and festivals have added as maintain a six-foot distance, except when Anthony, Nicky Jam, Sech, Ana Gabriel, the highly contagious delta variant contin- eating or drinking. Manuel Turizo and Beckk G, among others. ues to spread across the nation. As of now, most venues are not requiring Currently, CMN produces tours in the U.S. “The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) proof of vaccination or negative Covid tests for artists such as Maluma, Bad Bunny, Marc has had numerous conversations with our to attend a concert, but that is changing. Anthony and Banda MS. local, regional and state leaders to assess op- Tuesday, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertain- “We’re excited for this new relationship tions available to us concerning the require- ment, which owns Scotiabank Arena (home and looking forward to a successful journey. ment by one of our artists for our patrons to of the Raptors and the Maple Leafs), said We believe in Guaynaa’s potential, and CMN either provide proof of COVID-19 vaccina- Page 17 of 32

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tion or a negative test within 72 hours of Academy of to both entertain and innovate for our audi- attending the festival,” read a statement ence.” from the event in reference to Isbell’s recent Country Music The ACMs are produced by Dick Clark announcement that proof of vaccination or Productions, which is owned by MRC. “We a negative COVID-19 test would be required Awards Move to congratulate our partners at the Academy at all performances by his band. and Amazon for blazing a path for the future “After exploring all options, we have Amazon Prime of live awards shows,” said MRC co-CEO concluded that we cannot impose a vac- Modi Wiczyk. “Our team is excited to be cine mandate or negative test policy at this Video for 2022 part of the creative and entrepreneurial time without a state mandate,” the organiz- innovations that streaming technology will ers said. The Sept. 10-12 event in the town BY MELINDA NEWMAN unleash.” known as the Birthplace of Country Music The CMA Awards aired on ABC from 1972 will still feature Dr. Dog, Tanya Tucker, he 57th Academy of Country Mu- to 1978, on NBC from 1979 to 1997 and on Blackberry Smoke, Yola, the SteelDriv- sic Awards are moving to Amazon CBS from 1998 to 2021. The ACM contract ers, Amythyst Kiah, Jim Lauderdale, Jesse Prime Video for 2022, marking the with CBS ran out after the 2021 show and Dayton and other acts; Blackberry Smoke first time a major music awards the two parties were unable to come to a recently had to cancel a string of shows after Tshow has been streamed exclusively. new agreement. CBS parent Viacom CBS guitarist Paul Jackson tested positive. “We are thrilled that the Academy of has moved the CMT Awards to the spring In a statement to Rolling Stone, a festival Country Music Awards are first to take slot on CBS formerly occupied by the ACM spokesperson said, ““As it stands, Bristol this giant step toward the future of awards Awards. This year’s ACM Awards drew Rhythm & Roots is prohibited from enacting shows with Amazon Prime Video,” said just under 6.3 million viewers, according to a vaccination/negative test policy per Ten- Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Nielsen. nessee law. As a public event that utilizes Country Music. “This partnership, which The ACMs previously announced that the multiple downtown businesses and vendors reinforces our position as an innovative, 2022 show would take place April 24 in Las rather than a private venue/site, the stipula- progressive awards show, will deliver the Vegas. However, sources now say, given the tions surrounding our event protocols are broadest possible audience and, simultane- new development, a date and location will unique.” ously, deliver massive value to our artists be confirmed in coming weeks. The show, According to WJHL, organizers said they whose music lives inside this ecosystem, traditionally held in Las Vegas, took place will encourage patrons to get vaccinated enabling fans to discover and stream music in various venues in Nashville in 2020 and and request that the unvaccinated get a test as they watch.” 2021, during the pandemic. before attending, while providing masks at The awards show most recently aired MRC is a co-owner of Billboard and The the festival gates as well as hand sanitizing on CBS, and next year marks the first time Hollywood Reporter through a joint venture and hand washing stations throughout. since 1972 it has not been broadcast on with Penske Media titled P-MRC. Last week, Isbell canceled a show in one of the legacy networks. The move to Assistance on this story provided by Paul Houston at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Amazon makes sense as country music is Grein. Pavilion after the singer said that the venue one of the top requested genres on Amazon owner “flat-out refused” to comply with his Music via Alexa, and the streaming service’s COVIDsafe policies. Virginia has had nearly influential Country Heat playlist provides 730,000 cases of COVID-19 and 11,632 valuable exposure for many country artists. deaths, with more than 15,000 new cases in According to Amazon, the share of country the past week. streams on Amazon Music is two times the Check out Isbell’s tweets below. industry average in the U.S. Vernon Sanders, co-head of television, Amazon Studios, added, “We’re excited to continue to expand our content offerings for Prime Video customers by being the exclusive home for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2022 and honoring the best in country music. Reaching this mile- stone with our partners at the Academy of Country Music and MRC as the first major awards show to be livestreamed speaks to our dedication and commitment to continue Page 18 of 32

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The Deals: globally and improve the accessibility of to produce and direct a feature film with kids’ music for infants, toddlers and their untold stories based on his and relationship Phoebe Bridgers parents. They’ll also explore learning oppor- to the comedian. tunities via optimization of voice-activated The main Dolemite Comedy Catalog in- Signs Third Artist; technology and in-home devices, playlist- cludes over 40 of “The Godfather of Rap’s” ing and more, with UMG working closely most famous recordings, according to the ‘Blippi’ Label with Moonbug to maximize the impact of press release, along with never-before- its catalog through sync and licensing for heard, unreleased masters with outtakes Teams Up With its IP through Universal Music Publishing from his comedy shows, instrumental tracks (UMPG) worldwide. Additionally, UMG will and more. The albums include: Eat Out UMG leverage its publishing and distribution re- More Often, The Dirty Dozen House Party, sources and global network of partners and Greatest Hits, This Ain’t No White Christ- BY HANNAH DAILEY DSPs to bring Moonbug’s library of audio mas, Dolemite for President, Return of entertainment to families all over the world. Dolemite-”Superstar”, 50 Years of Cussing, harlie Hickey has signed “We are delighted to partner with Moon- The Beatnik Scene, The Rudy Ray Moore Al- to Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest bug Entertainment, reinforcing UMG’s posi- bum: I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing, Factory record label with plans tion as the leading distributor and publisher Live in Concert, The Player—The Hustler, to release a physical version of of kids music globally,” said Sir Lucian Sweet Peeter Jeeter, The Turning Point, Chis EP Count The Stairs. “Being able to sign Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Close Encounter of the Sex Kind and The Charlie is one of the reasons I started a Music Group. “We have seen tremendous Sensuous Black Man. label,” Bridgers said in a statement. growth in the kids and family segment in “My utmost priority was to bring new life In celebration of the announcement, the recent years, thanks to advances in stream- to Rudy Ray Moore’s classic comedy record- 21-year-old artist released a reimagined ing and voice-technology. ings and help further his legacy for many version of his single “Seeing Things,” which The agreement comes at a time when years to come,” Randell said. “It was the features fellow Saddest Factory artists kids’ music consumption is increasing right decision to partner with Sean Peace MUNA, a pop trio. “MUNA is my favorite dramatically across streaming services, the and entrust SongVest in helping to guide band,” Hickey said of the collaboration. press release said. This is attributed to the me and find a perfect home at 800 Pound “Their songs are like a best friend who you “rapid adoption” of voice-enabled devices Gorilla Records. Ian, Ryan, and Damion can laugh with, dance with, cry with and do that allow children to engage with music at and their staff really understands the genre everything with. Listening to them makes a younger age. Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. and can deliver what Rudy Ray Moore fans me feel like the world is beautiful and like has striven to promote healthy and positive want, plus they have the best infrastructure, I’m not alone. They put so much love and messages on their shows, teaching values tools, and distribution to expand the reach care into it and truly expanded on what the like compassion, empathy and resilience. and grow the audience for Rudy’s crafts- song means to me.” “We could not be more thrilled to partner manship.” Bridgers started Saddest Factory — a with a respected and influential industry Moore’s recordings, standup routines, and jokey phrase that sounds like the word powerhouse like Universal Music Group filmmaking were spotlighted in the 2019 “satisfactory” when said out loud — back to expand the possibilities of our music Netflix film Dolemite Is My Name starring in October 2020 with her own label Dead content,” said René Rechtman, co-founder Eddie Murphy, who used to attend Moore’s Oceans in order to sign her favorite undis- and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment. shows in L.A. The film highlights the strug- covered artists. Hickey is just the third act to “Music plays a critical role not only in our gling comedian in 1970s LA as he hit it big be signed to the Saddest Factory roster, join- company’s growth strategy but also in child- with his raunch alter ego and then risked it ing MUNA and Claud, a Chicago bedroom hood development. We look forward to the all to take his act to the big screen. Moore’s pop artist. possibilities for our already popular nursery comedy — which was laced with rapid-fire Moonbug Entertainment and Universal rhymes and songs, and the new music that rhyming, explicit sexual language, and char- Music Group have entered an exclusive we’ll produce together.” acters such as the pimp Dolemite — have global partnership wherein UMG will pro- The recordings of Rudy Ray Moore, who been sampled by legendary rappers such as vide worldwide distribution, publishing and wears the hats of comedian, singer actor and Dr. Dre, Big Daddy Kane and 2 Live Crew. licensing for the Moonbug Music label — filmmaker, have been sold to independent “Owning a piece of history like Rudy covering popular kids/family music catalogs comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records in Ray Moore’s Dolemite Comedy Catalog is a for series like CoComelon, Little Baby Bum a deal facilitated by SongVest. Moore died dream come true,” said Ian Adkins, founding & Blippi. in 2008, so the deal was managed by his member and head of European Operations The multi-year partnership involves the longtime manager Donald H. Randell, who at 800 Pound Gorilla Media. “I will person- partners working to reach new audiences plans to use the proceeds from the sale ally make sure the recordings live on. Our Page 19 of 32

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entire team is ready to bring this iconic champion female talent in the underground Beyoncé and more. Its roster currently catalog in, and find the best opportunities music scene,” the press release reads. So includes producers IzyBeats, Walshy Fire to get more people to laugh along with the far, the label has signed Swiss abstract RnB and Melo-X, along with artists David Lyn, stories of Dolemite.” singer/pianist MILYMA, London-based NeriBeats, J Perry, GG, Nia V, Bassto, Fux- Chicago experimental artist Circuit des duo Lavender and contemporary R&B and Beats, Bling Dawg, Popeye Caution and their Yeux has signed with Matador Records, alternative hip-hop artist Denaisha. latest signing, Bounty Killer. with plans to release her first project under “Foundation.fm Records is an important Warner Music Group’s ADA Asia has the label, -io, in October. It’ll be the sixth start-up organisation in a musical world inked a partnership with Baramey Pro- album by the artist, whose given name is where more than half of music fans are duction, a music company specializing in Haley Fohr. women, but female representation in the nurturing original Cambodian talent, to An artist known around the Chicago higher ranks of the industry continues to be increase opportunities for Baramey’s artists. area, Fohr used to employ a collaborative far lower,” said Tony Harlow, CEO of War- This agreement — which covers global mu- songwriting process. But going forward ner Music UK. “This partnership, brought to sic distribution, digital marketing and sync with Matador, she has taken a solo course us by Sam, will not only allow us to intro- licensing — marks the first time a label from of creating music and her upcoming album duce the world to distinctive, authentic, and Cambodia has signed a deal with a major features self-produced orchestra, horn and fresh new musical talent, but it will allow international record company, according to percussion parts. “I was haunted by memo- us to further our commitment to champion- the press release. ries in the pandemic,” she said about the ing diverse voices. I’m looking forward to “It’s a great honor for Baramey to join album. “As someone with PTSD, memories working with Becky and the team who are forces with ADA Asia to distribute our are all twisted up inside of me in a way that working hard to make the industry a better, music around the globe,” said Laura Mam, doesn’t help my higher self. Making this more equitable place.” artist, founder and CEO of Baramey. “This album was once again an exercise of trying Creative Titans has launched Creative deal is not only monumental for Cambodia’s to relieve myself of some of that darkness in Titans Legacy, which will aim to acquire, music industry, it’ll also be transformational a way that music has always done for me.” manage and amplify Caribbean and LATAM for Cambodian artists. When we started Fohr joins a roster including Julien Baker, music catalogs. The project is a subdivision our company, distributing music outside Lucy Dacus, Car Seat Headrest and Snail of Creative Titans, an entertainment music of Cambodia was unheard of, and we’re Mail in her signing with Matador. The label company currently backed by a multi-mil- excited that this partnership will enable was founded in 1989 and is known for its lion dollar investment fund. us to amplify our team’s achievements. I’m collection of indie, alternative and experi- As part of this expansion, the company personally humbled and delighted that mental artists. has also brought on industry executive Ed Baramey will be the first label in Cambo- Newly launched record label foundation. Poston to head A&R under Creative Titans dia’s history to partner with a major music fm Records (FFM Records) will partner Music and serve as a managing partner of company to bring the music of our country with Warner Music UK’s Alternative Dis- Creative Titans Legacy. He will lead the to the world.” tribution Alliance (ADA) to distribute all charge in signing new talent for the com- The Cambodian genocide of the 1970s new releases. FFM was founded by Becky pany, working closely with Creative Titans nearly wiped out the country’s music sector, Richardson and Sam Eldrige in May and is founder Ron Telford to “identify unique and Baramey was one of the first entertain- an all female-led label. catalogs in their targeted markets, with a ment companies that “dedicated efforts to “When we started foundation.fm in 2018, focus on the Caribbean and Latin American boost Khmer talent and revive its music the record label was one of our long-term diaspora,” according to the press release. scene,” the press release reads. Formed goals, so to be launching just three years “We are excited to be in a position to help as part of the country’s “original music later really is a dream come true,” Richard- grow the legacy of incredible music across movement”, the organization created a son said. “The stats are shocking with re- the world, to ensure their place in history platform for artists to release their songs in gards to female representation in the music with strategic development and manage- a domestic market that had been dominated industry on all levels and in all areas. I really ment,” Poston said. by music piracy. Today, Baramey’s roster hope we can help continue to make change Creative Titans offers artist management, includes hip-hop duo Kmeng Khmer, rising with foundation.fm Records and I am so global music publishing and record label R&B singer Sophia Kao and hip-hop star excited about the artists we have signed so services, scouting talent from the Caribbean, Vann Da. far - watch this space!” Africa, Latin America and territories outside “I believe that ADA Asia and Baramey will FFM Records is an offshoot of the inde- of North America. Its team of writers and create a synergy that’ll write a new chapter pendent community radio station, Founda- producers are responsible for nearly 40% of in Cambodia’s music history,” said Chee tion FM, which was set up by Richardson the music coming out of the Caribbean and Meng Tan, managing director at ADA Asia. and Frankie Wells in 2018 to “help balance LATAM, the press release asserts, includ- “This partnership underscores ADA Asia’s gender bias and boundaries in broadcast and ing records from Jorja Smith, Alicia Keys, unparalleled efforts to be the best-in-class Page 20 of 32

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partner to forward-looking labels across the steps, marking the first major integrations brief stints on Republic Nashville in 2013 region.” for the audiobridge platform. and Big Loud Records’ precursor Big Loud 7digital, an end-to-end digital music solu- The new tool boasts a slew of new Mountain Records in 2014. tions company, has announced its partner- features including multi-track recording, “Working with the team at Big Loud ship with Muzooka, an artist asset database. instant collaboration, track mixing, and an Records and having access to integrate plans Content delivered via 7digital’s music-as-a- audio effects suite. Audiobridge CEO Matt and creativity every step of the way provides service platform will now be pre-mapped Miller founded the company to make it me with the opportunity and immense sup- with Muzooka’s pre-approved database of easier for artists to create music on their port to continue my work and growth with artist images, links and other media assets mobile devices, and this new program is a committed and focused team behind me in a deal that allows brands to “deliver a aimed to do just that. Miller, a musician and that shares a common goal of amplifying, highly visual experience to their users via producer, thought it was too difficult to lay strategizing and succeeding in all areas,” a simplified integration,” according to the down ideas, play with arrangements and Smith said. press release. make music on a smartphone so he decided Mad Bunny Records has signed singer- “By integrating our label-approved artist to make a solution that would work for songwriter/actor Jake Etheridge, a Nash- assets, music services offer deeper engage- people of all technical skill levels. ville artist who’s penned tracks for shows ment with the artists connected to their “We’ve seen music artists of our day break like Shameless, Supergirl, Charmed, branded experience,” said Shawn Wilson, into the market by creating award-winning UnREAL and Nashville. “I couldn’t be more Muzooka CEO and founder. “We are thrilled songs out of their bedroom,” Miller said. pumped to be teaming up with Ben and to join forces with 7digital and offer this “Many of those have had to rely on tradi- Mad Bunny Records,” Etheridge said. “From turnkey solution to maximize engagement tional computers and sophisticated software the minute we first talked there’s been a on music streaming platforms across all to produce music which requires some level real creative and philosophical connection. industries.” of expertise. Audiobridge has helped to Been a huge fan of what he’s done and I’m Muzooka provides a central hub to more equalize music creation by bringing intui- honored, humbled and so excited for what’s than two million musical acts and come- tive software to mobile phones and making next.” dians where record labels and manag- the mobile recording experience seamless, Originally hailing from South Carolina, ers control their own artist assets across simple and accessible for everyone.” Etheridge brings to the label over 15 mil- multiple platforms, websites, apps and Big Loud Records signed Dallas Smith to lion cumulative streams and 97 thousand smart displays. When an update is made a global recording deal, with his first music monthly listeners on Spotify. According to on Muzooka, the new content is instantly under the new label expected this fall. His the press release, work has already begun on distributed across all connected platforms Local Hay Records imprint, formed with his next release, which is due sometime in so that information from any source is record producer Scott Cooke, has also 2022. He recently opened for label founder always up to date. Muzooka has previously entered into a joint venture with Big Loud Ben Harper’s sold out show in Colorado at inked contracts with BMI and the Record- Records with a goal to sign Canadian artists Red Rocks. ing Academy, via Grammy.com. to worldwide deals. Harper, a multi-Grammy-winning musi- “This collaboration between 7digital and Big Loud has managed Smith, a Juno cian, founded Mad Bunny in 2020 to provide Muzooka provides a powerful solution for Award and Canadian Country Music Award a home for eclectic musicians wanting to our clients across streaming, B2B music, and winner, since 2014. “We couldn’t be more “stay true to their creative vision.” Distrib- fitness, as well as in automotive, gaming, and excited to continue and expand our working uted by INGROOVES, the label is home to more,” said Paul Langworthy, CEO of 7digi- relationship with Dallas Smith,” said Seth Birdthrower and The Cush. “We are thrilled tal. “Combined with 7digital’s core music England, Big Loud partner/CEO in a state- to sign this immensely talented and exciting platform capabilities, strong visual content ment. “Dallas was the first country artist emerging young artist, and for the oppor- and enhanced metadata has the capability to Joey [Moi, Big Loud partner/record pro- tunity to play a part in furthering his reach positively affect key consumption and audi- ducer] and I ever worked on together. We’ve and growing his audience,” Harper said. ence engagement indicators. We are excited had the pleasure of watching him quickly “Welcome to the Mad Bunny family Jake!” to offer this enhanced feature to help our become Canada’s biggest country star, and Former Disney Channel star Kevin clients bring new and differentiated experi- we look forward to helping him grow his Quinn has signed a multi-year record deal ences to market.” footprint globally.” with Capitol CMG, releasing his first single Audiobridge, a mobile music recording Smith has scored more No. 1s on Bill- with the label “Wildfire” Aug. 13. Signing and collaboration platform, has announced board’s Canada Country chart than any Quinn is a “coveted win” for the label, ac- the general availability of its music creation other artist. Included in these 11 chart cording to the press release. His signing to tool. The program allows creators to upload toppers are “Some Things Never Change” CMG marks Quinn’s joining a roster that and share their songs directly from the app featuring Big Loud labelmate Hardy. He pre- includes names like Beck, Jon Bellion, Lewis to TikTok and SoundCloud in just a few easy viously recorded for 604 Records and had Capaldi, Riley Clemons, Halsey, Niall Horan, Page 21 of 32

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Kari Jobe, Paul McCartney, Hillsong Music, Reik, Camila Foo Fighters to Katy Perry, Sam Smith and more. The announcement arrives on the heels Cabello, Christian Receive 2021 MTV of the Chicago-born artist’s starring role in Netflix’s new musical film, A Week Nodal & More to VMAs Global Icon Away. Quinn appeared on 11 out of 13 songs in the project’s soundtrack, which was dis- Perform at the Award tributed by Capitol CMG and has racked up more than 51 million global streams to date. 2021 Billboard BY MIA NAZARENO His voice was also featured on the theme song of Disney’s “Bunk’d,” which he starred Latin Music oo Fighters will be presented with in for two seasons. the first-ever global icon award “We are so excited to be partnering with Awards at the 2021 MTV Video Music such a multi-talented artist like Kevin,” said Awards airing live on Sept. 12. Be- Capitol CMG co-presidents Brad O’Donnell BY GRISELDA FLORES Fsides receiving the award, the rock band is and Hudson Plachy in a joint statement. slated to return to the VMAs stage for the “From acting to songwriting, his success is amila Cabello, Christian Nod- first time in 15 years. driven by a raw natural talent and incredible al, Juanes, Natti Natasha, Prince Foo Fighters debuted on the VMA stage work ethic. We are honored to team up with Royce, Ana Barbara, Carlos in 1997 for a pre-show performance of him to help carry his music to his fans and Rivera, Myke Towers, Reik, “Monkey Wrench” and “Everlong,” a pair of beyond.” Cand Rauw Alejandro are confirmed to songs from their sophomore album, The Co- R&B trio Gabriels have signed to Elektra perform at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music lour and the Shape. Records. The breakout act is comprised Awards set to take place Thursday, Sept. 23. The icons are set to join a lineup that of former American Idol contestant Jacob The chart-topping artists make up the includes first-time VMA performers Olivia Lusk and co-producers Ryan Hope and Ari first lineup of confirmed performers at the Rodrigo and Machine Gun Kelly. Other Balouzian and has garnered the support annual awards show that will broadcast live scheduled performers include Lorde, Lil of artists like Gilles Peterson, Celeste and on Telemundo beginning at 7pm ET with Nas X and Camila Cabello, all of whom have Elton John. the traditional red carpet special followed performed on the show in the past. The signing follows the 2020 release of by the awards show at 8pm ET. The band is up for three awards this year Gabriels’ debut EP Love & Hate In A Differ- Natasha, Royce, Nodal, Reik, Alejandro for their single “Shame Shame,” which ent Time. Though the group is based in L.A., and Towers are all finalists vying for awards is nominated for best rock, best choreogra- their music first made it big abroad before in categories such as new artist of the year, phy, and best cinematography. growing in popularity in the U.S. Their join- Latin pop song of the year and airplay song Adapted from MTV’s European Music ing Elektra means they’ll have labelmates of the year. Bad Bunny leads the list with 22 Video Awards (EMAs), the award is given in Twenty One Pilots, Panic! At The Disco, nods. Maluma follows with 11, J Balvin with to artists who have “left an indelible mark Brandi Carlile and Christina Perri. 9, and Karol G, Anuel AA and Black Eyed on the musical landscape and continues to Verve Records has signed musician and Peas with eight each. influence, inspire and evolve,” according composer Julius Rodriguez, a 22-year-old The Billboard Latin Music Awards will to an MTV statement. Past winners from New York-based jazz musician whose per- also be simulcast on the Hispanic entertain- the show’s European counterpart include formed with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, ment cable channel, Universo, and through- Queen, Eminem, and the late Whitney Keyon Harrold, Dev Hynes, Gabriel Garzón out Latin America and the Caribbean on Houston. Montano, Ben Williams, A$AP Rocky, Telemundo Internacional. Foo Fighters’ award comes just six weeks Meshell Ndegeocello, Macy Gray, Braxton The ceremony will coincide with Bill- before the band is set to be inducted into the Cook, Laurin Talese, Victoria Canal and Roy board Latin Music Week, which returns to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Oct. 30. Hargrove. Miami from September 20-24, 2021, and will The band has received 11 Grammys, while Rodriguez has recently been the subject host live conversations and performances frontman Dave Grohl has additional five of praise, earning featured spots in The with superstars such as Karol G, Daddy wins on his own. New York Times, JAZZIZ magazine, Van- Yankee, Kany García, Raymix, Natti Natasha, The 2021 MTV VMAs is slated to broad- ity Fair and Paste. He announced his new Myke Towers, Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Nicky cast live from the Barclays Center in Brook- label home on Instagram, along with his Jam, among others. lyn on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Fans first headlining show at famed NYC jazz For more information on Billboard Latin can cast their votes for the upcoming show nightclub Blue Note. Music Week and to register now, visit bill- at MTV.com/vma/vote until Sept. 3. boardlatinmusicweek.com. See below for a sneak peek: Page 22 of 32

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Maren Morris, whose career spanned more than 30 years, to Country Festival U.K.) paving the way for Australian artists includ- Wesley Rose international media Luke Combs ing Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans and achievement award: Keith Urban. Mathias Bridfelt (Sweden – SVT) and Dan + Shay Those eligible to receive the award Saniel Marriner (Australia – CMT Aus- include promoters, booking agents, talent tralia) Nominated for buyers, festival and venue bookers and other Ricky Marshall (U.K.– BBC Radio 2) live music industry professionals. Charlotte Thompson (Canada – Red CMA International CMA CEO Sarah Trahern noted in a state- Umbrella P.R.) ment, “We are delighted to honor those in International artist achievement Awards the industry who have been instrumental award: in carrying country music forward into ter- Brothers Osborne BY JESSICA NICHOLSON ritories outside of the United States as this Luke Combs year’s CMA International Awards nominees. Dan + Shay rothers Osborne, Luke And we are especially thrilled to be adding Maren Morris Combs, Dan + Shay, Maren a new award to the slate this year recog- Yola Morris andYola are among nizing those specifically in the live music International country broadcaster the artists nominated for the industry cultivating and growing country award: BCountry Music Association’s 2021 Interna- music’s reach. A true pioneer in the genre, Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country tional Awards. These accolades recognize few people exemplified this more than Rob Radio/Bell Media) creatives and industry members who have Potts. He was a driving force in our efforts Rita Jernquist (Sweden – Sveriges Radio contributed to the growth of country music to expand country music internationally, P4) around the world. and I am excited we are able to honor those Baylen Leonard (U.K. – Absolute Radio The artists are all nominated for the following in Rob’s footsteps.” Country/Bauer Radio Limited) international artist achievement award, The awards are voted on by CMA’s Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Coun- which honors significant accomplishment international members and the awards are try/Grant Broadcasters) by a United States-based artist, who has presented to the individual winners as the Jeff Walker global country artist demonstrated the greatest creative growth, opportunity presents itself. There is no award: development and promotion of the country formal awards ceremony. Jill Johnson (Sweden) music industry outside of the U.S. during the Here’s the full list of nominees for the Brett Kissel (Canada) eligibility period. 2021 CMA International Awards. The Shires (U.K.) Previous winners in the category have Rob Potts international live music The Wolfe Brothers (Australia) included Reba McEntire, Kacey Musgraves, advancement award: Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Michael Chugg (Australia – Chugg Enter- Carrie Underwood and more. tainment and Chugg Music) Olivia Rodrigo Nominees were also revealed in catego- Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts ries including the Jo Walker-Meador inter- Entertainment GmbH) Tallies Milestone national award (which honors outstanding Nigel Hassler (U.K. – CAA) achievement by an individual supporting Sigve Prestnes (Norway – Stageway Tal- 20th Week at country music’s marketing development ent) outside of the U.S.); the Wesley Rose inter- Troy Vollhoffer (Canada – Premier Global No. 1 on Hot 100 national media achievement award; the in- Production, Country Thunder Music Festi- ternational country broadcaster award; and vals and Big Valley Jamboree) Songwriters Chart the Jeff Walker global country artist award. Jo Walker-Meador international This year, the CMA introduced a new award: BY XANDER ZELLNER category, the Rob Potts international live Ilse DeLange (The Netherlands - Artist, music advancement award, which recog- founder of Spark Records, Firefly Publishing livia Rodrigo returns to No. 1 nizes an individual’s significant contribu- and Tuckerville Festival) on Billboard’s Hot 100 Song- tions to the live music industry through Tracy Martin (Canada – The Core Enter- writer chart (dated Aug. 21) for helping to build live audiences for country tainment) a record-extending 20th week music outside the United States. The award Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music Oon top, thanks to five writing credits on the is named after the late Australian manager, and Events) latest Billboard Hot 100. promoter and CMA Board member Potts, Chris York (U.K.– SJM Concerts, Country Rodrigo’s former Hot 100 leader “Good Page 23 of 32

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4 U” leads her entries at No. 2, followed Nas’ ‘King’s King’s Disease II, one (to date), Aug. 21, 2021 by “Deja Vu” (No. 10), “Traitor” (No. 33), King’s Disease II is the direct follow-up to “Favorite Crime” (No. 89) and “Happier” Disease II’ Reigns 2020’s King’s Disease album, which peaked (No. 97). All five tracks are from her debut at No. 3 on the list. Among its achievements, LP Sour, which spent four weeks atop the Atop R&B/Hip- the latter-mentioned album won Nas his Billboard 200 and places at No. 2 on the first Grammy Award, for best rap album, latest ranking with 61,000 equivalent album Hop Albums ending a streak of 13 previous unsuccessful units earned in its 12th week, according to nominations. MRC Data. Chart Thanks to the new leader, Nas becomes Dating to the launch of Billboard’s song- only the 12th artist — and sixth rapper — to writer and producer charts in June 2019, no BY TREVOR ANDERSON register a double-digit sum of chart champs other act has spent more weeks at No. 1 on on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums since the Hot 100 Songwriters. Finneas has totaled as returns to the throne of Bill- ranking began in 1965. He follows the the second-most time on top (12 weeks), board’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop overall leader, The Temptations (who have followed by Roddy Ricch (10). Albums chart for the first time 17 such albums to their credit), Jay-Z (14), Rodrigo’s five entries on the Hot 100 also in just over nine years as King’s Future and R. Kelly (12 each) and Drake (11), spark Dan Nigro’s record-padding 21st week NDisease II debuts at No. 1 on the list dated and matches Aretha Franklin, Eminem, Lil atop the Hot 100 Producers chart. He solely Aug. 21. The set starts with 56,000 equiva- Wayne, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and produced all five songs except for “Good 4 lent album units earned in the week ending The Isley Brothers, all of whom claim 10 U,” which he co-produced with Alexander Aug. 12, according to MRC Data. No. 1s. 23. Of the album’s first-week total, just under Elsewhere, King’s Disease II begins at No. Louis Bell has logged the second-most 35,000 units derive from streaming-album 1 on Top Rap Albums and at No. 3 on the weeks at No. 1 on Hot 100 Producers (17), equivalents — representing 47.4 million on- all-genre Billboard 200. On the latter, the followed by Joey Moi (13). demand streams of the set’s tracks — 19,500 entrance gives Nas his 15th top 10 credit. The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and are from traditional album sales and the As Disease II arrives, three of its songs de- Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total remaining 1,500 arrives via track-equivalent but on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, points accrued by a songwriter and produc- units. (One unit equals the following levels led by “EPMD 2,” featuring Eminem and er, respectively, for each attributed song that of consumption: one album sale, 10 indi- EPMD, at No. 27. The track registered 5.4 appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based vidual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 million U.S. streams in its opening week songwriter and producer charts follow the ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription — the second-highest sum of the album’s same methodology based on correspond- on-demand official audio and video streams tracks, just a hair behind “Rare” (also 5.4 ing “Hot”-named genre charts. As with for a song on the album.) million) — and is the top-seller of the set, Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or King’s Disease II marks the hip-hop with 5,000 downloads in the same period. producers split points for each song equally legend’s 10th No. 1 on the chart and first “Rare,” meanwhile, opens at No. 39, while (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- visit to the penthouse since 2012, when Life “Nobody,” featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill, kicks casional ties on rankings). Is Good posted two weeks in charge that off at No. 42. The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot August. As Nas’ new LP joins its nine 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full predecessors, here’s a look at the rapper’s genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. chart-topping collection on Top R&B/Hip- com. Hop Albums: Album, Artist (if other than Nas) Weeks at No. 1, Date Reached No. 1 It Was Written, seven, July 20, 1996 The Firm – The Album, with Foxy Brown, AZ and Nature, one, Nov. 8, 1997 I Am…, three, April 24, 1999 Stillmatic, six, Jan. 5, 2002 God’s Son, one, Jan. 4, 2003 Hip Hop Is Dead, one, Jan. 6, 2007 Untitled, two, Aug. 2, 2008 Distant Relatives, with Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, one, June 5, 2010 Life Is Good, two, Aug. 4, 2012 Page 24 of 32

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Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bad an’s newly announced album =, due Oct. 29 “The Scotts” in 2020. on Atlantic Records. Kanye West’s Hot Rap Songs No. 1s as a Habits’ Leads to Elton enters after 20 years: Sheeran’s Producer: “Bad Habits” claims the Adult Pop Airplay Artist, Title (peak year) Record-Breaking summit after Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” led for Ludacris feat. Shawnna, “Stand Up” (2003) seven weeks. Twista feat. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx, No. 1 on Adult Pop Meanwhile, Elton John and Lipa’s “Cold “Slow Jamz” (2004) Heart (PNAU Remix)” debuts at No. 39. The Twista, “Overnight Celebrity” (2004) Airplay Chart song, in which John sings part of his 1990 West feat. Jamie Foxx, “Gold Digger” (2005) hit “Sacrifice” and Lipa updates his 1972 West feat. T-Pain, “Good Life” (2007) BY GARY TRUST classic “Rocket Man,” is John’s first entry on West, “Heartless” (2009) the chart since “I Want Love,” which hit No. Jay-Z, Rihanna & West, “Run This Town” d Sheeran scores his sixth leader 28 in November 2001. (2009) on Billboard’s Adult Pop Air- Lipa is climbing Adult Pop Airplay with Jay-Z & West, “Ni**as In Paris” (2011) play radio chart as “Bad Habits” two songs, as “Cold Heart” joins “Love Big Sean feat. E-40, “I Don’t F**k With You” rises to No. 1 on the tally dated Again,” which bullets at No. 24. (2014) EAug. 21. Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby” With the coronation, Sheeran one-ups (2021) Rob Thomas for the most career weeks Kanye West & Take a Daytrip earned its first chart credit spent at No. 1 among soloists over the chart’s in 2018 with Juice WRLD’s “Legends,” 25-year history. Take a Daytrip which reached No. 29 on the Hot 100 the (Adult Pop Airplay reflects total weekly next year. The pair followed that up with plays, as tabulated by MRC Data, among Tie Atop Rap Sheck Wes’s breakthrough single “Mo its reporting panel of over 80 adult top 40 Bamba,” which hit No. 2 on Hot Rap Songs stations.) Producers and No. 6 on the Hot 100. Here’s a look at the acts to total the most The duo has tallied 14 production entries time atop Adult Pop Airplay: Chart, Thanks to on the Hot 100, including a pair of No. 1s: 101 weeks, Maroon 5 “The Scotts” in 2020 and Lil Nas X’s “Mon- 54, matchbox twenty ‘Industry Baby’ tero (Call Me by Your Name)” this April. 47, Santana West, of course, has a legendary history 41, Ed Sheeran BY XANDER ZELLNER on Billboard’s charts as an artist, songwriter 40, Rob Thomas and producer. Before he first appeared 38, P!nk anye West and production on the Hot 100 as an artist in November 35, Adele duo Take a Daytrip tie at No. 1 2003 (with the No. 15-peaking “Through 35, Nickelback on Billboard’s Rap Producers the Wire”), he posted eight production Sheeran also ties Shawn Mendes for the chart (dated Aug. 21), each lead- credits on the chart: first on Jay-Z’s “Izzo most Adult Pop Airplay No. 1s among solo King for the first time thanks to their shared (H.O.V.A.),” which reached No. 8 in 2001, males. Among all acts, they slot in after Ma- production of Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s and then via Scarface’s “Guess Who’s Back,” roon 5 (15), P!nk (10), Katy Perry and Taylor “Industry Baby.” featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel (No. 79); Swift (eight each). The single tallies a third week at No. 1 on Jay-Z’s “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” (No. 4); Trina’s Sheeran previously topped Adult Pop the Hot Rap Songs chart, encompassing its “B R Right,” featuring Ludacris (No. 83); Airplay with “Thinking Out Loud,” for six entire run on the ranking so far, with 24.7 Talib Kweli’s “Get By” (No. 77); Ludacris’ weeks beginning in February 2015, followed million U.S. streams, 18.3 million radio audi- “Stand Up,” featuring Shawnna (No. 1, one by “Photograph” (six, September 2015); ence impressions and 4,100 downloads sold, week); Monica’s “Knock Knock” (No. 75); “Shape of You” (12, March 2017); “Perfect” in the week ending Aug. 12, according to and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My (nine, January 2018); and “I Don’t Care,” MRC Data. It also places at No. 8 on the Bill- Name” (No. 3). with Justin Bieber (seven, August 2019). board Hot 100 after debuting at its No. 2 West has logged four No. 1s on the Hot Concurrently, “Bad Habits” hits a new No. high two weeks earlier. 100 as a producer (“Stand Up,” “Slow Jamz,” 3 high on the Billboard Hot 100, with 70.1 “Industry Baby” marks the 10th No. 1 pro- “Gold Digger” and “Stronger”) and four million all-format radio airplay impressions duction credit on Hot Rap Songs for West as an artist (“Slow Jamz,” “Gold Digger,” (up 7%), 16.2 million U.S. streams and 15,500 and the second for Take a Daytrip (which “Stronger” and Katy Perry’s “E.T.,” on which downloads sold in the week ending Aug. 12. comprises Denzel Baptiste and David Biral), he’s featured). “Industry Baby” became The song is set to appear on Sheer- after The Scotts, Travis Scott and Kid Cudi’s his first top 10 as a producer since his own Page 25 of 32

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“Follow God” in 2019, as well his highest- from among the numerous submissions leader, “Orphans,” reached the summit in charting production entry since “Run This from around the country was written by a 2019 and remained on top for two weeks in Town” in 2009 (No. 2 peak). then-sixth-grader named Hatsunesan, who 2020.) The weekly Rap Songwriters and Rap wrote about their gratitude toward music. Modest Mouse can now set its sights on Producers charts (which began in June “Love Letter,” the song based on Hat- a feat it has until Dec. 31, 2039, to achieve: 2019) are based on total points accrued by sunesan’s letter, scored 31,392 first-week Alternative Airplay No. 1s in four distinct a songwriter and producer, respectively, for downloads to hit No. 1 for the metric, which decades. Only Green Day has earned the each attributed song that appears on the fueled its launch at No. 4 on the chart. This honor since the chart began in September Hot Rap Songs chart. As with Billboard’s song’s debut edged the duo’s “Sangenshoku” 1988, with leaders in the ‘90s, ‘00s, ‘10s and yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers out to No. 11, but they still maintain three ‘20s. split points for each song equally (and the songs in the top 10, as do BTS (“Permission “Between” led Adult Alternative Air- dividing of points will lead to occasional ties to Dance,” “Butter,” “Dynamite”). play for seven weeks beginning in June. on rankings). The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines It holds at its No. 4 high on the all-rock- Check out this week’s full Rap Songwrit- physical and digital sales, audio streams, format, audience-based Rock & Alternative ers and Rap Producers charts, in addition to radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube Airplay chart, with 4.9 million audience the other full genre rankings, at Billboard. and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-ups impressions, according to MRC Data. The com/biz. and karaoke data. song also hit No. 33 in July on the multi- For the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, metric Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. dated Aug. 9 to 15, see here. In addition to its radio presence, it earned SixTONES’ 359,000 U.S. streams in the Aug. 6-12 track- ing week. ‘Mascara’ Hits No. Modest Mouse “Between” is the lead single from The Golden Casket, Modest Mouse’s seventh 1 on Japan Hot Adds Alternative studio set. It debuted at its No. 7 peak on the Alternative Albums chart in July and has 100 With Half- Airplay No. 1 in earned 26,000 equivalent album units to Million CDs Sold Third Decade date.

BY BILLBOARD JAPAN With ‘We Are New Around the

ixTONES’ new single “Mascara” Between’ World: England’s soars to No. 1 on this week’s Bill- board Japan Hot 100, dated Aug. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD KSI Wins With 9 to 15, with 504,232 CDs sold in Sits first week. The rising Johnny’s boy band odest Mouse reaches No. 1 Lil Wayne Collab asked King Gnu/millennium parade hitmak- on Billboard’s Alternative er Daiki Tsuneta to write the number, which Airplay chart in a third decade ‘Lose’ hits No. 1 for sales, look-ups and Twitter with “We Are Between,” which mentions, while also performing well in Mrises 2-1 on the ranking dated Aug. 21. BY ERIC FRANKENBERG video views (No. 4) and radio airplay (No. 2) The track follows “Float On,” the Isaac to lead the latest chart by a wide margin. Brock-led band’s breakthrough single and n a historic week for The Weeknd on “Mascara” also proved the group’s ex- first ruler, for a week in 2004, and “Lamp- the U.S.-based Billboard Hot 100, panding popularity, outselling its two earlier shades on Fire” (three weeks, 2015) as Mod- the Canadian superstar’s new single singles also by far: first-week figures for the est Mouse’s Alternative Airplay No. 1s. “Take My Breath” is the highest debut previous single was 436,911 copies, while the Modest Mouse is the second act to ascend Ion the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard one before that was 459,986 copies. to No. 1 on Alternative Airplay in the 2000s, Global Excl. U.S. charts, at Nos. 5 and 7, YOASOBI’s new single “Love Letter” ‘10s and ‘20s, and the second in a row; Wee- respectively. It’s the only arrival in the top debuts at No. 4. The track was produced zer’s “All My Favorite Songs” drops to No. 3 40 of either tally, and one of only two songs for a project hosted by a TOKYO FM radio after four weeks on top. Weezer boasts three to debut simultaneously on both rankings program that called for letters to be submit- No. 1s in the ‘00s, one in the ‘10s and two in dated Aug. 21. ted for the breakout duo to consider basing the ‘20s. (One other act has placed at No. 1 The other double debut is a cross-country a new song on. The letter that was chosen in all three decades: Coldplay, whose fourth collaboration, as “Lose” by English You- Page 26 of 32

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Tuber KSI and New Orleans-raised rap Volbeat Clocks Jordan Schmidt legend Lil Wayne enters the charts at Nos. 74 and 119, respectively. Ninth Mainstream Tops Country Collaboration in hip-hop isn’t just prevalent, it’s ubiquitous. Recent releases by Rock Airplay No. Producers Chart Tyler, the Creator, Migos, and Polo G, among others, continue the tradition of acts in the 1 With ‘Wait a for the First Time genre spotlighting fellow rap stars. The same goes for British rappers such as Dave, Minute My Girl’ BY XANDER ZELLNER Skepta and Stormzy. But it’s rarer for hip-hop acts from dif- BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD ordan Schmidt rules Billboard’s ferent sides of the pond to mingle, as drill Country Producers chart (dated Aug. and grime lead the U.K. scene and trap and olbeat sends its ninth song to 21) for the first time, thanks to a trio of pop-infused rap dominates the U.S. The No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream production credits on the Hot Country arrival of “Lose” blends the two countries’ Rock Airplay chart, as “Wait a JSongs chart. styles and pays off with not only debuts on Minute My Girl” rises 2-1 on the Nelly and Florida Georgia Line’s “Lil Bit,” both global rankings, but KSI’s first entry on Aug.V 21-dated tally. which Schmidt solely produced (and also the domestic Hot 100, at No. 86. The Danish band last led with “Die to co-wrote with FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, Nelly Released Aug. 6, “Lose” starts with global Live,” featuring Neil Fallon, for a week in and Blake Redferrin), ranks at No. 4 on Hot counts of 12.4 million streams and 12,600 March 2020. Volbeat’s nine leaders date Country Songs with 13.6 radio audience im- downloads sold in the week ending Aug. 12, back to 2012, when “Still Counting” reigned pressions, 10.1 million U.S. streams and 7,700 according to MRC Data. for two weeks that July. downloads sold, according to MRC Data. Elsewhere on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, The band is now tied for the 10th-most Also contributing to Schmidt’s coronation “Vamos a Marte” by Germany’s Helene No. 1s in the chart’s 40-year history, along- is Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt’s new duet Fischer debuts at No. 165, with help from side Aerosmith. Shinedown leads all acts “Wishful Drinking,” which debuts at No. 40 Puerto Rico’s Luis Fonsi in a featured role. with 16. on Hot Country Songs (co-produced with The German/Spanish-language song is Concurrently, “Girl” lifts 11-9 on the Andress), and Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Truth the first of its kind since the global surveys all-rock-format, audience-based Rock & About You,” at No. 49 (co-produced with began last September, as most charted Alternative Airplay chart with 2.9 million Tenpenny). multi-lingual duets have included English audience impressions, up 3%, according to Schmidt notched his first production (although not Aya Nakamura and Maluma’s MRC Data. It matches the band’s best rank credit on Hot Country Songs in 2018 via “Djadja,” performed in French and Spanish). on the chart, previously achieved by “The Tenpenny’s “Drunk Me.” He’s produced six Meanwhile, Sefo’s “Bilmem Mi?” becomes Devil’s Bleeding Crown” in June 2016. additional entries. Here’s a chronological the highest-peaking song by an artist from In addition to its mainstream rock suc- recap: Turkey with a No. 121 debut on the Global cess, “Girl” hit Alternative Airplay for a Jordan Schmidt’s Production Credits on Excl. U.S. chart; South Korea’s SOMI enters week (No. 40, Aug. 7), marking Volbeat’s Hot Country Songs: at No. 130 with “Dumb Dumb”; and Sahdev first appearance on the survey since Artist, Title, Peak Pos., Year (co-producers) Dirdo, Badshah, Aastha Gill and Rico, all 2013. “Girl” also bullets at No. 10, a week Mitchell Tenpenny, “Drunk Me,” No. 6, 2018 from India, debut at No. 184 with “Bachpan after reaching its No. 8 high, on the multi- (Tenpenny) Ka Pyaar.” metric Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, having Kane Brown, “Like a Rodeo,” No. 17, 2019 drawn 188,000 U.S. streams in the Aug. 6-12 Tenpenny feat. Seaforth, “Anything She tracking period. Says,” No. 45, 2020 The song is currently a standalone single, Tenpenny, “Bucket List,” No. 45, 2021 after Volbeat’s most recent full-length, Re- Nelly & Florida Georgia Line, “Lil Bit,” No. wind, Replay, Rebound, debuted and peaked 3, 2021 at No. 6 on the Top Rock Albums and Hard Tenpenny, “Truth About You,” No. 33, 2021 Rock Albums charts in August 2019. (Tenpenny) Indrid Andress with Sam Hunt, “Wishful Drinking,” No. 40, 2021 (Andress) Three of Schmidt’s production credits have also scaled the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. “Drunk Me” reached No. 39, “Like a Rodeo” hit No. 90 and “Lil Bit” has risen to Page 27 of 32

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No. 23. “Pepas” leads the Dance/Electronic Better,” featuring Marc E Bassy, who also On the Country Songwriters chart, Ashley Streaming Songs chart for a third frame and notches his initial top 10 (22-8). Plus, Olivia Gorley tallies a 17th week at No. 1, thanks to Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales for the Rodrigo rockets to a second top 10 with her six writing credits on Hot Country Songs. first time, also marking Farruko’s first leader No. 3-peaking Billboard Hot 100 hit “Deja Thomas Rhett’s “Country Again” places at on both lists. Vu” (14-9) and both PS1 and featured singer No. 9 (having become Gorley’s 64th top 10 The track by the singer-songwriter from Alex Hosking land top 10 firsts with “Life on the ranking as a writer), followed by Cole Puerto Rico improves 6-3 on the Hot Latin Goes On” (15-10). Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night” (No. 10), Songs list. Helping spark its gains, its official Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably video premiered Aug. 6. Leave” (No. 18), Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in “Pepas” is the fourth song to hit No. 1 Calibre 50 My Boots” (No. 30), HARDY’s “Give Heaven on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs this year, Some Hell” (No. 39) and Dan + Shay’s “Good following Surf Mesa’s “ily,” featuring Emilee Extends Regional Things” (No. 43). (Jan. 2-Feb. 6; six weeks); Travis Scott and Gorley is one week away from potentially HVME’s “Goosebumps” (Feb. 13-June 19, Mexican Airplay tying for the most time spent at No. 1 on 19 weeks); and Regard, Troye Sivan and Country Songwriters, dating to the chart’s Tate McRae’s “You” (June 26-Aug. 14, eight Chart No. 1 launch in 2019, as Blanco Brown leads with weeks). 18 weeks on top. Previously, Farruko charted on Hot Record With ‘A La The weekly Country Songwriters and Dance/Electronic Songs with “On My Way,” Country Producers charts are based on total with Alan Walker and Sabrina Carpenter Antiguita’ points accrued by a songwriter and produc- (No. 8, 2019), and “Aire,” with Steve Aoki er, respectively, for each attributed song that (No. 36, this July). BY PAMELA BUSTIOS appears on the Hot Country Songs chart. Meanwhile, Martin Garrix debuts at No. As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple 10 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs with s Calibre 50’s “A La Antiguita” writers or producers split points for each “Love Runs Out,” featuring G-Eazy and hits No. 1 on the Regional Mexi- song equally (and the dividing of points will Sasha Alex Sloan. It’s Garrix’s ninth top can Airplay chart (dated Aug. 21), lead to occasional ties on rankings). 10 and 40th chart hit, dating to his classic the group clocks its 20th leader The full Country Songwriters and Coun- “Animals” (No. 3, 2014); only five acts have andA extends its record among all acts in the try Producers charts, in addition to the full more appearances since the chart began in chart’s 26-year history. genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. January 2013 (led by David Guetta with 58). “A La Antiguita” lifts 2-1 with an 11% com. The first top 10 for G-Eazy and the second weekly improvement in audience impres- for Sloan, “Love” earned 1.8 million streams sions, to 8 million, earned in the tracking and opens at No. 23 on Dance/Electronic week ending Aug. 15, according to MRC Farruko Hits No. Streaming Songs. Data. It concurrently sees growth on the Shifting to the Dance/Mix Show Airplay overall Latin Airplay with an 8-5 climb, the 1 on Hot Dance/ chart, Calvin Harris collects his 20th top closest to the top the group has placed in 10 (only Guetta, with 30, and Rihanna, 24, 2021, following “Vamos Bien,” an equal No. 5 Electronic Songs have more since the chart’s August 2003 high (chart dated May 8). inception), as “By Your Side,” featuring Tom The norteño-banda tune written by Eden Chart With ‘Pepas’ Grennan, who grabs his first top 10, jumps Muñoz and produced by Jesus Tirado — 11-6. which also includes Michoacan rhythms BY GORDON MURRAY “Side” can be heard on multiple core- charanga and huapango — is the fourth single dance outlets, including at airplay leaders from Calibre 50’s Vamos Bien album, which arruko completes a flight to his KMVQ-HD2 San Francisco, Music Choice’s peaked at No. 12 n Regional Mexican Albums first No. 1 on Billboard’s multi- Dance/EDM channel and KNHC (C89.5) (Feb. 20-dated survey). metric Hot Dance/Electronic Seattle. (The Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart As mentioned, with “A La Antiguita’s” No. Songs chart (dated Aug. 21) with measures radio airplay on a select group of 1 reach, Calibre 50 extends its record for the F“Pepas.” The song hits the top with 9.7 mil- full-time dance stations, along with plays most No. 1s among all acts on Regional Mexi- lion U.S. streams, up 33%; 7.2 million radio during mix shows on nearly 80 top 40-for- can Airplay. The band broke the record when airplay audience impressions, up 11%; and matted reporters.) “Decepciones,” with Alejandro Fernández, 2,500 downloads sold, up 25%, in the track- Additionally on Dance/Mix Show Airplay, landed at the summit in Oct. 2020. With 17 ing week ending Aug. 12, according to MRC Dillon Francis adds his third top 10 and leaders then, the ensemble broke away from Data. Shift K3Y collects its first with “Love Me a tie with Conjunto Primavera and Intocable, Page 28 of 32

IN BRIEF

both with 16 wins. Here is a recap of the art- Based in Charlotte, N.C., Crispell III won “Heat Waves,” a breakthrough hit for Glass ists with the most No. 1s on the tally: BET’s talent show Sunday Best in 2019. Animals in the U.S. with a No. 19 peak on 20, Calibre 50 “Wonderful” is the first single from Crisp- the Billboard Hot 100 in early July, fur- 16, Conjunto Primavera ell III’s debut LP I’ve Got a Testimony, which thered its chart success after it was featured 16, Intocable bowed and peaked at No. 5 on Top Gospel on the ninth episode of the second season of 15, Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga Albums in September 2020. the popular Netflix series, which premiered 15, La Arrolladora Banda el Limon de Rene Crispell III claims the second rookie single July 15. Camacho to top Gospel Airplay within a month, after “Heat Waves” earned 68 million U.S. on- 15, Los Tigres del Norte Monica Lisa Stevenson’s “I’m Not Ashamed” demand streams and 21,000 digital down- 14, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga (featuring Paul Porter) led the July 24-dated loads in July 2021, according to MRC Data. Over on Hot Latin Songs, Calibre 50 sets survey. The song even rebounded to No. 1 on Bill- the foot on the list’s top 20 as the track steps Mann’s 6th top 10: Meanwhile, Tamela board’s Alternative Digital Song Sales chart 25-20 with increases on all metrics. Mann’s Overcomer enters Top Gospel Al- dated July 31, which comprised the tracking bums at No. 3. In its first week, ending Aug. week featuring the season’s premiere, to 12, it earned 2,000 equivalent album units. 4,000 downloads in all, and it also returned Melvin Crispell Overcomer marks Mann’s sixth top 10 to No. 1 on Alternative Streaming Songs the on the survey. She boasts two leaders: Best same week (12.4 million streams). III Tops Gospel Days in 2012 and One Way in 2016. Never Have I Ever boasts two songs In November 2018, she teamed with her in all on the July 2021 Top TV Songs Airplay Chart husband, David Mann, for the release of Us list, with “Heat Waves” joined by Sam Against the World: The Love Project, which Smith and Labrinth’s “Love Goes” at No. 10 With Song Written started at its No. 3 high. It became David (1.1 million streams, 1,000 downloads in July Mann’s second entry and first top 10, after his 2021). by His Dad Nearly 2007 solo album Mr. Brown’s Good Ol’ Time However, it’s not the show with the Church started at its No. 28 peak. most entries on the July 2021 ranking. 30 Years Ago That distinction belongs to fellow Netflix series Virgin River, which sends four songs BY JIM ASKER ‘Never Have I onto the chart, paced by Rag’n’Bone Man’s “Human” at No. 3 (7.5 million streams, 6,000 elvin Crispell III scores his Ever’ Takes Top downloads), after its third season, which first No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel premiered on July 9. Airplay chart (dated Aug. 21) TV Songs Chart See the full top 10 below. as his debut single, “Wonderful Rank, Song, Artist, Show (Network) MIs Your Name,” ascends to No. 1 in its 28th No. 1 With Glass 1. “Heat Waves,” Glass Animals, Never Have I week on the list. Ever (Netflix) In the tracking week ending Aug. 15, the Animals’ ‘Heat 2. “I Am the Antichrist to You,” Kishi song gained by 17% in plays, according to Bashi, Rick and Morty (Cartoon Network) MRC Data. Waves’ 3. “Human,” Rag’n’Bone Man, Virgin “Wonderful” was authored by Crispell III’s River (Netflix) father, the late Melvin Crispell Jr., who was BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD 4. “Running Low,” Syml, Virgin River (Netf- also a gospel musician and songwriter. lix) “Of course it is incredible to top the charts, lass Animals’ “Heat Waves” is 5. “Flowers,” Rick and Morty feat. Ryan Elder an absolutely surreal experience. But to do No. 1 on Billboard’s Top TV Songs & Mark Mallman, Rick and Morty (Cartoon so with a song that my father wrote nearly chart, powered by Tunefind, for Network) 30 years ago is something truly remark- July 2021, thanks to its appear- 6. “Intro,” The xx, Outer Banks (Netflix) able,” Crispell III tells Billboard. “I am just Gance in the second season of Netflix’s Never 7. “WhoWho,” WizTheMC & Hugo, Atypi- 24, which means it was written before I was Have I Ever. cal (Netflix) born. Rankings for the Top TV Songs chart 8. “Time After Time,” Phillip LaRue & the “To have the opportunity to share it with are based on song and show data provided Wildwoods, Virgin River (Netflix) the world, and it be a hit, speaks to how time- by Tunefind and ranked using a formula 9. “Three Little Birds,” Dresage & AG, Virgin less his writing is,” he muses. “I am honored blending that data with sales and streaming River (Netflix) to carry on the legacy. I pray that I make him, information tracked by MRC Data during the 10. “Love Goes,” Sam Smith & Labrinth, Nev- and everyone who has supported me, proud.” corresponding period of July 2021. er Have I Ever (Netflix) Page 29 of 32

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 21,325,403,000 18,621,407,000 2,703,996,000 1,891,000 489,000 4,057,000 15,936,000 Week* Last 21,390,973,000 18,704,698,000 2,686,276,000 1,978,000 495,000 4,099,000 16,076,000 Week

Change -0.3% -0.4% 0.7% -4.4% -1.2% -1.0% -0.9%

This Week 20,151,565,000 17,515,031,000 2,636,534,000 1,927,000 666,000 4,449,000 15,050,000 Last Year

Change 5.8% 6.3% 2.6% -1.9% -26.5% -8.8% 5.9%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending August 12, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE YEAR TO DATE TOTAL STREAMING BY AGE 2021 2020 Change

Total On-Demand 683,599,046,000 623,818,930,000 9.6% Streams 450b Audio On-Demand 594,977,984,000 526,509,637,000 13.0% Streams 405b Digital Track Sales 127,065,000 154,941,000 -18.0%

360b Album Sales 62,803,000 56,693,000 10.8%

Albums 451,995,781,000 509,434,000 452,442,000 12.6% 315b Consumption Units

270b 399,448,685,000

ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 225b 2021 2020 Change 180b CD Sales 22,973,000 22,327,000 2.9%

135b Vinyl Sales 23,814,000 11,550,000 106.2%

231,603,265,000 90b Digital Sales 15,730,000 22,632,000 -30.5% 224,370,245,000 Catalog Current Other Sales 286,000 183,000 56.1% 45b

Track Equivalent 12,707,000 15,494,000 -18.0% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Audio On-Demand 433,925,000 380,255,000 14.1% Equivalent

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.  3.2%  13.2% Page 30 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.21.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 20 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  1 21 WKS DAN NIGRO  2 DAN NIGRO  2 DR. LUKE  3 THE WEEKND  3 FINNEAS  4 DOJA CAT  4 OMER FEDI  5 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  5 KOZ  TIE 6 BELLY  TIE 6 MAX MARTIN  TIE 6 MAX MARTIN  TIE 6 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 6 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 6 THE WEEKND  TIE 9 ED SHEERAN  9 TAKE A DAYTRIP  TIE 9 JOHNNY MCDAID  10 YETI BEATS  11 DAVE BAYLEY  11 ROGET CHAHAYED  TIE 12 BILLIE EILISH  12 ALEXANDER 23  TIE 12 FINNEAS  13 MICHAEL KNOX  14 OMER FEDI  14 BLAKE SLATKIN  15 FRED AGAIN..  TIE 15 BRUNO MARS  TIE 16 DAVID BIRAL  TIE 15 D’MILE  TIE 16 DENZEL BAPTISTE  17 STUART PRICE  TIE 16 LIL NAS X  18 DAN SMYERS  19 ASHLEY GORLEY  19 JORDAN SCHMIDT  20 THE KID LAROI  20 KANYE WEST  21 DABABY  21 TAY KEITH  22 BLAKE SLATKIN  22 SHANE MCANALLY  23 ZACH CROWELL  23 TYRON HAPI  TIE 24 CLARENCE COFFEE JR.  24 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 24 DUA LIPA  25 STEPHEN KIRK  TIE 24 KOZ 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 17 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 1 WK JORDAN SCHMIDT  2 HUNTER PHELPS  2 DAN SMYERS  3 ZACH CROWELL  3 DANN HUFF  4 COREY CROWDER  4 SHANE MCANALLY  5 JONATHAN SINGLETON  5 JAY JOYCE  6 LUKE COMBS  6 MICHAEL CARTER  7 JOSH JENKINS  7 MICHAEL KNOX  8 HARDY  8 COREY CROWDER  9 MARTIN JOHNSON  9 CHRIS YOUNG  10 CHRIS YOUNG  10 JOEY MOI 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK DOJA CAT  1 2 WKS DR. LUKE  TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS 

SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 2 D’MILE  TIE 2 D’MILE  4 HIT-BOY  5 LIL BABY  TIE 5 KANYE WEST  TIE 6 MASKED WOLF  TIE 5 TAKE A DAYTRIP  TIE 6 TYRON HAPI  7 TAY KEITH  8 GIVEON  8 TYRON HAPI  9 TAY KEITH  9 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  10 RODDY RICCH  TIE 10 HARV  TIE 10 SHNDO 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 AUG. 1 7 WKS DOJA CAT  1 6 WKS DR. LUKE  TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  21 TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 2 D’MILE  2021 TIE 2 D’MILE  TIE 4 HARV  5 GIVEON  TIE 4 SHNDO  TIE 6 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  6 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 6 THE WEEKND  7 SEVN THOMAS  8 BRODY BROWN  8 NATE RHOADS  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  9 CAPELLA GREY  TIE 10 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 10 LEGENDURY BEATZ  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 VARREN WADE  TIE 10 P2J 

The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated August 21, 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 31 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.21.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 12 WKS LIL BABY  TIE 1 1 WK KANYE WEST  #1 TIE 2 MASKED WOLF  TIE 1 1 WK TAKE A DAYTRIP  TIE 2 TYRON HAPI  3 TAY KEITH  4 TAY KEITH  4 TYRON HAPI  TIE 5 DAVID BIRAL  5 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  TIE 5 DENZEL BAPTISTE  6 OG PARKER  TIE 5 JACK HARLOW  7 DJ KHALED  TIE 5 LIL NAS X  TIE 8 EINER BANKZ  TIE 5 NICK LEE  TIE 8 SYNCO  10 OG PARKER  TIE 10 GYLTTRYP  TIE 10 MUSTARD 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 59 WKS F A L L E N  1 9 WKS REGARD  #1 TIE 1 59 WKS SAINT JHN  2 F A L L E N  TIE 3 FREDERIK EICHEN  3 HVME  TIE 3 ISAAC QUINN  4 SKRILLEX  TIE 3 KODA  5 TAINY  TIE 3 REGARD  6 SHOUSE  TIE 3 TATE MCRAE  TIE 7 GHETTO  TIE 3 TOM MANN  TIE 7 IAMCHINO  TIE 3 TROYE SIVAN  TIE 7 K4G  TIE 10 ANDY BAUZA  TIE 7 SHARO TOWERS  TIE 10 FARRUKO  TIE 7 VICTOR CARDENAS  TIE 10 FRANKLIN JOVANI MARTINEZ  TIE 10 GHETTO  TIE 10 IAMCHINO  TIE 10 JUAN MANUEL GOMEZ  TIE 10 K4G  TIE 10 SHARO TOWERS  TIE 10 VICTOR CARDENAS 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 15 WKS TAINY  1 93 WKS TAINY  2 BAD BUNNY  2 MR. NAISGAI  3 RAUW ALEJANDRO  3 SKY ROMPIENDO  4 ERIC DUARS  4 EL ZORRO  5 MR. NAISGAI  5 MORA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 6 EDEN MUNOZ  TIE 6 ALBERT HYPE  7 KEITYN  TIE 6 MANUEL LARA  8 MORA  8 EDGAR BARRERA  9 JHAY CORTEZ  TIE 9 CARLOS BRAULIO MERCADER  10 ORLANDO CEPEDA MATOS  TIE 9 DJ MAD  TIE 9 ISAIAH ENNIO PARKER  TIE 9 IVAN LUIS CHEVERE 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 4 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 21 WKS FINNEAS  #1 AUG. TIE 1 9 WKS FINNEAS  2 DAVE BAYLEY  21 3 DAVE BAYLEY  3 TRAVIS BARKER  2021 4 STEVIE NICKS  4 LUCIO FABBRI  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 7 BOB GAUDIO  7 ADAM FRIEDMAN  TIE 7 PEGGY FARINA  8 EVAN BLAIR  9 TRAVIS BARKER  9 RYAN METZGER  TIE 10 ELLE KING  10 JOEL LITTLE 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 MARTIN JOHNSON  Page 32 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.21.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 9 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 24 WKS FINNEAS  #1 TIE 1 12 WKS FINNEAS  2 DAVE BAYLEY  3 DAVE BAYLEY  3 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  6 TRAVIS BARKER  6 ADAM FRIEDMAN  TIE 7 BILLY WALSH  7 EVAN BLAIR  TIE 7 THE KID LAROI  8 RYAN METZGER  9 TYLER JOSEPH  9 DAN NIGRO  TIE 10 BLACKBEAR  10 TYLER COLE  TIE 10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  TIE 10 NICK LONG 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 6 WKS DAMIANO DAVID  TIE 1 6 WKS FABRIZIO FERRAGUZZO  #1 #1 TIE 1 6 WKS ETHAN TORCHIO  TIE 1 6 WKS MANESKIN  #1 TIE 1 6 WKS THOMAS RAGGI  3 GREG KURSTIN  #1 TIE 1 6 WKS VICTORIA DE ANGELIS  4 THE WIZARDZ OF OZ  5 MICHAEL POULSEN  5 FOO FIGHTERS  6 WOLFGANG VAN HALEN  6 MICHAEL BASKETTE  TIE 7 BRANDON BARNES  7 SUZY SHINN  TIE 7 JOE PRINCIPE  TIE 8 AXEL ROSE  TIE 7 TIM MCILRATH  TIE 8 CARAM COSTANZO  TIE 7 ZACH BLAIR  TIE 10 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 10 KEVIN CHURKO 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS JEFF PARDO  1 42 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  2 MATTHEW WEST  2 PAUL MABURY  TIE 3 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  3 JEFF PARDO  TIE 3 PAUL MABURY  4 CHRIS BROWN  5 CHRIS BROWN  5 SEAN COOK  6 STEVEN FURTICK  6 MICAH KUIPER  7 MICAH KUIPER  7 MARK MILLER  8 BRANDON LAKE  8 JASON INGRAM  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 PAUL DUNCAN  9 KYLE LEE  10 ANNE WILSON  TIE 10 JONATHAN JAY  TIE 10 TONY BROWN 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS DANTE BOWE  1 23 WKS KYLE LEE  2 CHRIS BROWN  2 TONY BROWN  AUG. 3 STEVEN FURTICK  3 JONATHAN JAY  21 4 BEN SCHOFIELD  4 BEN SCHOFIELD  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  TIE 5 CHRIS BROWN  6 DWAN DEBERNIS HILL  TIE 5 JASON INGRAM  TIE 7 CECE WINANS  TIE 5 STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 7 KYLE LEE  TIE 8 JUST BLAZE  TIE 7 MITCH WONG  TIE 8 KIRK FRANKLIN  10 BRANDON LAKE  10 PHILLIP BRYANT  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES