sign in sign up
<<
Home , Amidst the Chaos, Belly (rapper), Christian Airplay, Do Everything, Edgar Barrera, Fidel Nadal

Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 6, 2021 Page 1 of 24

INSIDE Live Nation Revenue Ticks

• AEG Presents Up 34.2% as Live Events Return Forms Climate Positive Touring BY GLENN PEOPLES Group The return of in the U.S. and abroad is sweet Zealand’s largest festival, has sold out as well. • ’s Astroworld Passes music to Live Nation’s ears after the pandemic-caused Breaking down Live Nation’s earnings further: Sell Out in Under an live music shutdown dropped revenues by 95% or Financial metrics - year-over-year (Q1 2021 vs. Q1 Hour — All 100,000 more in the last three quarters of 2020. Live Nation’s 2020) of Them earnings for the first quarter of 2021 showed only the Revenue: $291.6 million, down 79% from $1.37 billion • Don Everly Wins precursors to the comeback, as concert revenue ticked Operating loss: $303.2 million, up 76% from $172.7 Fight Over ‘Cathy’s up 34.2% from the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to million Clown’ With the 76% decline compared to the first quarter of 2020 Net loss: $322.7 million, up 53% from $210.9 million Brother’s Family that was almost untouched by the pandemic. Financial metrics - sequential (Q1 2021 vs. Q4 2020) • Universal Music CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement that Live Revenue: $291.6 million, up 22.4% from $237.4 to Award ‘X Factor Nation is “confidently planning our reopening, partic- million Israel’ Winner With ularly for outdoor shows, and we expect many of our Operating loss: $303.2 million, down 48.4% from Global Record Deal other major markets will follow this summer.” The $587.6 million • Pollack’s percent of people with at least one vaccination stands Net loss: $322.7 million, down 53% from $463.8 Lawyer May Face at 40% in the U.S. and 50% in the U.K. “Although Eu- million Trial Over Aretha rope remains a few months behind on vaccinations,” Sales metrics - year over year (Q1 2021 vs. Q1 2020) Franklin’s ‘Amazing Grace’ he said, “they are progressing and recent disclosures Concerts: $239.4 million, down 76% from $993.4 about reopening to international visitors this summer million MARKET WATCH are encouraging.” Ticketing: $28.3 million, down 90% from $284.3 PAGE 21 Rapino also optimistically noted that Bonnaroo, Elec- million tric Daisy and Rolling Loud Festivals sold out “in record Advertising and sponsorships: $22.6 million, down & PRODUCERS time at full capacity.” In the U.K., where Live Nation 75% from $90.3 million CHARTS has 11 festivals planned for the summer, Reading, Leeds Financial metrics - sequential (Q1 2021 vs. Q4 2020) PAGES 22 - 24 and Parklife are also sold out. Rhythm and Vines, New (continued) 250 SPEAKERS FREE FESTIVAL REGISTER TODAY

TIMBALAND MERCK MERCURIADIS CHRIS BLACKWELL BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE DEBRA RATHWELL Award-Winning Record GRAMMY®-Winning Founder, Singer, CEO/Founder ® EVP, Global Touring & Producer, Rapper, DJ, , Producer, Island Records Oscar -Winning Composer Singer, and Songwriter Hipgnosis Songs Ltd. Arranger and Guitarist Talent, AEG Presents 2021 PRIDE

On June 5th, Billboard will publish its 3rd annual CONTACTS Pride issue honoring culturally moving and Joe Maimone influential people who have contributed to the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] community’s history and its current landscape. Lee Ann Photoglo Year-round Billboard and celebrate 615.376.7931 | [email protected] the LGBTQIA+ community through the lens of music, amplifying the culture of the proud Cynthia Mellow LGBTQIA+ community across our editorial 615.352,0265 | [email protected] channels, including Billboard Pride. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Building on this platform, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be joining together for the entire month Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] of June to celebrate love, acceptance, diversity and what it means to be queer in music. All month long, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be the go-to destination for music and entertainment Pride content. Leveraging our iconic voices within music and culture, Billboard and Rolling Stone will curate a mix of engaging video and social content featuring thought-provoking panels, heartfelt performances, and glam tutorials – all fostering a community of consumers and influencers in celebration of LGBTQIA+.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

BB House_Pride_06_042421.indd 1 4/21/21 10:00 AM Page 3 of 24

IN BRIEF

Concerts: $239.4 million, up 34.2% from of climate awareness, responsibility, and solutions. The CPT Green Touring Guide is $178.4 million collective action. being developed to lead through example Ticketing: $28.3 million, up 160% from “AEG Presents has the ability and and innovation, and to provide guidance $10.9 million structure to really make a global impact in and insights promoters can utilize in the Advertising and sponsorships: $22.6 mil- moving our entire business – which has had hopes of showing both venues and artists a lion, down 52% from $47.4 million a traditionally significant carbon footprint path forward to net zero or better carbon – toward a zero emissions ,” says Jay emissions. Marciano, chairman and chief executive The first installment of the Guide, named AEG Presents at AEG Presents and chief operating officer “The Starting Seven.” is a compendium of of the office of the chairman for AEG. “The seven actions promoters can take to start to Forms Climate company’s reach enables us to execute at make a positive environmental impact. every level of the live experience: from clubs In collaboration with AEG 1Earth, AEG’s Positive Touring and theatres to arenas, global tours, and fes- corporate sustainability program, Morrison tivals. I’m looking forward to seeing how the will co-lead CPT with Nicole Neal and Group Climate Positive Touring group begins to team members Jon Baden, Amy Buck, implement their plans as the business starts Caroline Burruss, Kelly DiStefano, Kate BY BROOKS to reopen this year.” Lewis, Mike Luba, Ben Martin, Alexandra Co-leading Climate Positive Touring is McArthur, Kate McMahon, David Rap- EG Presents is forming Climate AEG Presents’ Amy Morrison, who adds, paport and Connie Shao. Positive Touring, a team of music “With light at the end of the tunnel, we feel industry professionals dedicated it’s the right time to announce CPT and our to moving the live business to- short- and long-term strategies. We’ve been wardsA a greener future. working on this since the earliest days of the CPT is comprised of staffers who work shutdown. Now that live music is coming across various AEG Presents divisions, in- back, we can put our goals into action. As cluding Concerts West, Global Touring, In- promoters, we will literally put our message ternational Touring, Marshall Arts, Messina on the road, modeling achievable sustain- Touring Group, and Global Partnerships. ability, with the power of music in our sails.” The group is focused on reducing tour CPT has created and deployed two major related carbon emissions to net zero or initiatives — a Venue Environmental Survey better, supporting locally led environmental and the Green Touring Guide. The survey operations and encouraging artists, fans, will gather reliable data that will allow crews, and employees to actively partici- venues, artists and CPT to work together pate in dialogue about the many benefits to identify sustainability priorities and

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

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

A DEEP DIVE LIBRARY stocked with intelligence on fan data, SUBSCRIBE TO BILLBOARD PRO FOR song catalog sales, TV synchs, Africa’s burgeoning music ACCESS TO NEW REPORTS business and the gaming industry’s embrace of artists. AND THE ARCHIVE 2 0 2 1 INDIE L A B E L P O W E R P L AY E R S

On June 5th, Billboard will publish CONTACTS its fourth annual Indie Label Power Joe Maimone Players List. This special feature in 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advance of Indie Week (6/14-6/17) and Lee Ann Photoglo the 10th Anniversary Libera Awards will 615.376.7931 | [email protected] profile leading executives at top independent record labels, publishing Cynthia Mellow companies and distribution companies. 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Positioning themselves as the driving force Marcia Olival behind the success of independent music, 786.586.4901 | [email protected] these executives contribute to the independent music sector and to the Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] world of music at large.

Take this opportunity to advertise and congratulate this year’s 2020 Indie Label Power Players.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

Page 5 of 24

IN BRIEF

back the beloved spirit and nostalgia of Everly Brothers classic “Cathy’s Clown.” Travis Scott’s AstroWorld, the city’s legendary and now- U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger for defunct amusement park. the Middle District of Tennessee ruled on Astroworld Passes A portion of proceeds from the event will May 5 that Don “expressly repudiated” his be donated to the festival’s official charity brother Phil’s authorship of the song prior Sell Out in Under partner, Cactus Jack Foundation. Founded to June 1980, three years before the defen- by Scott, the nonprofit organization looks dants filed their Counterclaim. As a result of an Hour — All to empower and enrich the lives of youth by which, the Counterclaim is time-barred, and providing access to education and creative the defendants are legally estopped from 100,000 of Them resources to ensure long-term success. claiming that Phil Everly, who died in 2014, Astroworld was last held in 2019 as a sin- was a co-author of “Cathy’s Clown.” BY TAYLOR MIMS gle-day festival with 50,000 attendees. Pre- The Everly Brothers released “Cathy’s vious Astroworld lineups have included Post Clown” in 1960, topping the Billboard Hot ver 100,000 eager fans are Malone, Rosalia, Pharrell Williams, DaBaby, 100 chart for several weeks. On Nov. 8, 2017, headed to Houston this fall , , Playboi Carti and Don filed a complaint against Phil’s heirs — for Astroworld. Travis Scott’s Megan Thee Stallion. his third wife Patti and his two sons Jason annual festival’s passes sold out and Chris — asking a judge to declare that OWednesday (May 5) in under one hour for he was the sole owner of the song, owing the Nov. 5 and 6 event. Don Everly 100% of the song’s copyright and royalties. The is slated to return for As proof, Don presented the court a “release a third year to NRG Park in Texas, with an Wins Fight Over and assignment” declaration signed by Phil expanded two-day format. Scott, the cre- in that Phil was not the author of the song. ative mind behind the festival, is once again ‘Cathy’s Clown’ According to the evidence presented set to headline. The artist is also working on at trial, Don and Phil are both listed as his latest , Utopia. The remainder of With Brother’s “authors” on the original copyright registra- the artist-curated lineup has yet to be an- tion for the Composition and in 1960 they nounced. Family assigned 100% of the worldwide copyright With this year’s immediate sellout, As- in “Cathy’s Clown” to Acuff-Rose, which troworld continues its streak of selling out BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM was later acquired by Sony/ATV Music (now prior to announcing a lineup. Publishing). They, however, With a new creative theme, “Open Your Tennessee federal judge has sided still retained the contractual right to the Eyes to a Whole New Universe,” Scott will with Don Everly in his long battle so-called “songwriter’s share” of royalties helm the multi-stage music festival experi- with his late brother Phil’s family derived from the song. ence in his hometown while also bringing A over who owns the rights to the Don testified during video deposition

AUTHORITATIVE INTELLIGENCE. DELIVERED DIGITALLY. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DELIVERY

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 6 OF of 1924

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country thatA he lbuwas 23 andms; Phil was Brett 21 when they Y oungtranged brother ‘Catc to correcth’-es the record Fifth legally signed away those rights and never read the that he was the sole writer on “Cathy’s Universal Music to contracts. “WeLea just kindder; of fell offTravis the turnip Clown.”Denning Makes History truck,” Don testified. “We were kids.” There was evidence presented at trial that Award ‘X Factor Over the years, Don and Phil expressed Don followed up the letter with a phone call Samin interviews Hunt’s second that theystudio wrote full-length, the song and first in overto Philfive inyears, 1980. Southside Don said sales he didn’t (up 21%) remember in the tracking Israel’ week. On Country Winner Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCAtogether. Nashville/Universal During a 1972 Music interview, Group PhilNashville), said debutsthis at conversation,No. 1 on Billboard conceding’s lion audience to the court impressions, up 16%). Topthat Country Don had written chart most dated of theApril song 18. In but its first thatweek (endingduring thisApril period9), it he would sometimes earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITHWith YOUNG Brett GlobalYoungachieves his fifth consecutive cordingthat he toadded Nielsen some Music/MRC verses. However, Data. Don get “drunk and stoned.” andJoey total Paige, Country the Airplay No. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends nowSouthside claims marksthat he Hunt’s wrote second the song No. alone 1 on the and band’s former bass player, testified he was at Record2-1, increasing 13% Dealto 36.6 million impressions. chartthat the and only fourth reason top 10. he It creditedfollows freshman Phil with LP Phil’s house that day when Don called and Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He co-authorship of “Cathy’s Clown” and sev- witnessed an angry phone call between the BY DAVID CASPI vembereral other 2014 songs and reigned was because for nine heweeks. was To told date, by brothers. When Phil hung up, he told Paige 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 millionWesley in Rose album that sales. it would make the Everly that he told Don he was going to give back You” (three,niversal January 2018),Music “Mercy” Group (two,and Si August- BrothersMontevallo more has popularspent 267 ifweeks the publicon the list, believed tying “Cathy’s Clown” and later signed paperwork 2018) and “Heremon Tonight” Cowell’s (two, Syco April Entertain 2019). - Lukethat theyBryan wrote’s Crash their My Party songs as together,the sixth-longest- accord- absolving himself of ownership to “keep the “Catch” completesment will his award longest an journey international to No. 1, runninging to the titles court’s in the opinion.chart’s 56-year Don toldhistory. the court peace.” having takenrecording 46 weeks deal to reach to the the winner apex. It outof - thatOn the the song all-genre was Billboard inspired 200, by the Southside break-up ar- Don filed termination notices to regain his Uthepaces upcoming the 30-week season climb of ofThe “Here X Factor Tonight.” Israel, rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On , “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after“for theno reason”No. 3-peaking from Montevallo his high school. girl- full copyrights to the song, and then after somethinga new high. never before done in the Israeli friend,Hunt firstCatherine released Castle the EP CravenX2C , which Coe, debuted and the Phil’s death his family also filed termination music market. andsound peaked was inspiredat No. 5 on by Top the Country noise of Albums“mules in Augustnotices 2014. to Followingregain the rightsCOMBS to the ‘DOES’ track. IT AGAIN LukeThe Combs high-profile’ “Does to Me” collaboration (River House/Columbia with Montevallogoing down, Between the path, the down Pines: theAcoustic canyon” Mixtape startedUltimately at its No. 7 Judgehigh in Trauger Nashville), decided featuring that Eric ChurchIsraeli, ascendsTV network 11-8 on Reshet Country 13 Airplay, and multi up 10%- to Novemberfrom a Disney 2015. film Grand Canyon Suite. the evidence showed that24.7 Don million “repudiated in audience. Thenational song is productionCombs’ eighth companies straight career-opening Fremantle 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:Don testified“Leave the that Night the On,” brother’s “Take Your profes Time,”- “HousePhil’s Party” authorship and “Make of ‘Cathy’s promoted Clown’ No. by 1 singles. letter Media and Syco Entertainment, comes less Yousional Miss relationship Me.” “Break soured Up in a Smallby 1973 Town” and peaked he at No.and 2. then by telephone callChurch in 1980” adds and his that 15th Countrythan Airplaya year aftertop 10. UMG opened its first-ever quitHunt the co-penned duo. He said all 12 except songs foron Southsidea call in , includingPhil “Body did not Like make a Back any attempt within the office in Israel. Road,”1980 that which the was brothers released did in not2017. speak The smash for ten hit ruledthree-year limitations for periodTHAT TOOKor within QUITE the ‘A FEW’ TheMONTHS recording Travis Denningdeal is the shatters latest the announce record for- threeyears. weeks “At their and the last airplay-, show, Don streaming- was drunk and sales-based remaining Hot Country thirty-four Songs yearsthe most of his weeks lifetime, it has to taken ment to penetrate leading the to Country the relaunch Airplay this top fall10 as of “After The 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 - Floridaand ‘messing up’ Line the’s “Meantlyrics, andto Be” the (50 situation weeks atop thereclaim latter list co-authorship in 2017-18). status.lion in radio reach. X Factor Israel, which will feature a panel was“Downtown’s so tense that Dead,” Phil whichended is up also smashing on the new set, reached Nos. 14 and 15 The song surpasses two tracksof judges that totook be 50 presided weeks each over to by enter music the top 10: onhis Hot guitar Country and walkingSongs and off Country stage,” Airplay, according respectively, in June 2018. “Kin- Easton Corbin’s “A Girl Likemanager You,” which Cowell, reached who No. will 10 travel in January to the 2018 holy be - folks”to the led court’s Country opinion. Airplay Don on Feb.claimed 29, becoming that in Hunt’s seventh No. 1. It hit fore peaking at No. 6 that February,land to andrecord Aaron the Watson show. Cowell’s “Outta previously Style,” which No.1980, 3 on he Hot wrote Country Phil Songs. a letter saying “you can achieved its No. 10 high in Decemberserved as 2017.the main judge on the original U.K. 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 give me my songs back,” asking his es- version of , which has been on eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY Page 7 of 24

IN BRIEF

hiatus since December 2018, as well as The Mokady, formerly vice president of Con- Amazing Grace came together from X Factor in the U.S., which aired on Fox for tent for cable Provider HOT, which sold for- footage shot in 1972 by Pollack of Aretha three seasons. mats such as In Treatment and Euphoria to Franklin’s legendary two-day performance Artists discovered on Cowell’s television HBO, is hoping to replicate some of the at the Missionary Baptist Church. For years, shows have sold more than 600 million success Israeli writers, directors and actors the movie was held up by demands from the records, and include such acts as One Direc- have found by being discovered locally and singer herself, even after Elliott got Warner tion, Fifth Harmony, Leona Lewis and Susan then going on to have international careers. Bros. to release its rights to the footage. Boyle. “The same path needs to be taken in music Elliott says that before Pollack died, the “The belief in the talent and the market also,” he says. director helped his efforts to secure a quit- is why we set up our own Universal Music claim deed from WB and never made any entity in Israel and why UMG was the first rights claim himself. major global music company to do so in Sydney Pollack’s But as Elliott prepared to bring the Israel,” Yoram Mokady, Universal Music movie to the Telluride Film Festival in 2015, Israel’s Managing Director, tells Billboard. Lawyer May Tyerman wrote to Elliott about financial “This will help the next generation of Israeli compensation for Pollack rights. music talent to reach audiences around the Face Trial Over What rights did Pollack (and his estate) world.” actually have? Last month, the Israeli Public Broadcast- Aretha Franklin’s The director didn’t own copyright to the ing Corporation announced that The X footage, but in a series of letters and con- Factor Israel will serve as the preliminary ‘Amazing Grace’ versations, Tyerman repeatedly represented competition to determine the country’s that Elliott would need Pollack rights. By representative for the 2022 Eurovision Song BY ERIQ GARDNER June 2015, Tyerman instructed Elliott “to Contest, the annual European music event cease and desist immediately from any fur- which draws about 200 million viewers s everyone knows, lawyers are ther use of [Pollack’s] name on or in connec- worldwide. Tel Aviv hosted the previous supposed to represent their tion with this project,” and in an email the Eurovision in May 2019. clients zealously. Sometimes, following month, the producer was told the Alongside Cowell, the judging panel will there’s even bluffing involved. Pollack estate would take legal measures if be comprised of three major Israeli art- ButA can an attorney get into legal trouble for the film wasn’t withdrawn from exhibition. ists he handpicked: singer-songwriter Aviv voicing a foolish legal theory in a threat- Later, as the film was being marketed, Geffen (who heads alt-rock group Blackfield ening letter without any real intention of Tyerman kept up the pressure with warn- with Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson), Miz- testing it in court? ings to Elliott’s rep at WME. Elliott suspects rahi singer Margalit Tzan’ani and electropop That scenario has come up in a case that Tyerman also tried to get Warner Bros. musician Netta Barzilai, who won Eurovi- against Hollywood power lawyer Barry to recognize that Pollack had some rights. sion in 2018 after being discovered on an Tyerman, who represented Sydney Pol- Pollack’s estate even retained Dale Kinsella Israeli reality TV show. lack (Tootsie, Out of Africa …), before the — another power lawyer in Hollywood — as “While Netta’s win and the success of famed director died in 2008, and Pollack’s litigation counsel. Eurovision 2019 reignited hype and inter- estate afterwards. Tyerman and his firm So Elliott removed Pollack’s name from est in the brand, this new recording deal of Jackoway Austen Tyerman are facing a the film. prize further validates the power of music lawsuit over the Aretha Franklin concert Lionsgate nearly bought the movie for competition shows,” says Ami Glam, Reshet film, Amazing Grace, and this week, a Los $2 million, but Elliott says the deal col- 13 COO. Angeles judge refused to reject the claim lapsed when Tyerman intervened with the Reshet 13 is keeping most details of the that Tyerman committed trade libel when insistence that Pollack’s name should again contest under wraps, saying only that the the movie was being shopped. be added and that his estate should be part prospect of an international recording con- The suit comes from producer Alan of the deal. tract with UMG is generating a substantial Elliott, who spent years attempting to get And so the dealmaking and conversations, amount of online audition applications. In Amazing Grace released. He eventually did threats and denial of rights, continued until the past, the show awarded winners a local in 2018, and the movie earned rapturous re- Aretha Franklin died and Elliott eventu- recording contract and talent management views, but Elliott (a former record executive ally found distribution. Even then, as the agreement. The season will play out in time who also was once a business partner of Ari press reported the movie would finally get to meet the European Broadcasting Union’s Emanuel) didn’t sell the movie for as much released, and Variety recounted Pollack’s annual deadline of February-March 2022 for as he hoped and the producer now claims encouragement a decade earlier, Tyer- all countries to designate their Eurovision $20 million to $50 million in estimated man wrote to Elliott, “I hope you were not representatives. damages from Tyerman’s actions. involved in this?” Page 8 of 24

IN BRIEF

Last November, Elliott filed suit with at country radio, as well as through various multiple claims including trade libel, tor- Rebel Music and country marketing and commerce initia- tious interference, unfair competition and tives. intentional infliction of emotional distress. Geffen Records “Kidd G is an incredible artist who has In response, Tyerman aimed to defeat the galvanized music fans with his powerful lawsuit with an anti-SLAPP motion that Partner With songwriting and his ability to bend genres,” argued that Elliott was frivolously interfer- added Geffen Records GM Lee L’Heureux. ing with First Amendment speech — namely, Big Machine on “We are excited to be teaming up with Scott a lawyer’s sacrosanct prelitigation commu- Borchetta and everyone at The Valory Music nications. Kidd G Co. to continue to grow Kidd G’s fanbase in While Superior Court Judge the world.” Daniel Murphy accepts that the suit arises BY MELINDA NEWMAN The deal marks the third pact between from protected activity, and the burden then pop and country labels to cross-promote shifts to Elliott to show he has a probability ebel Music and Geffen Records acts in recent months. of prevailing, the judge isn’t ready to dispense have linked with Big Machine Big Loud Records and with the producer’s big claim of trade libel. Label Group’s Valory Music Co. first partnered last year to work Morgan Tyerman asserts that his communica- imprint to promote develop- Wallen together and now Lily Rose, while tions concerning Sydney Pollack’s rights Ring country artist Kidd G, the companies Nashville and In- are protected by litigation privilege, but tell Billboard. terscope Records will jointly release Kacey Murphy concludes there’s “a triable issue of “When we partnered with Kidd G last Musgraves’ next album out later this year. material fact exists as to whether Defen- year, we knew it would take a special team dants contemplated litigation in good faith to help him build his unique fanbase around when they issued their statements regarding the world,” said Javier Sang, founder/CEO Behind the Artist Pollack’s rights.” of Miami-based label and management Murphy explains that he comes to this company Rebel Music. “With Geffen and Manager: Rebeca conclusion because the Pollack estate never Big Machine Label Group on board with us, did sue, and how a reasonable person would he has a true dream team set up for him to Leon Talks be disinclined to bring an action that was win.” completely unfounded. His first release under the new arrange- Rosalia, Vision & And as for the merits of trade libel, the ment, fronted by new song “Last Call,” out judge says that as a sophisticated individual tomorrow, follows the December launch Fan Clubs at 2021 in the entertainment industry, Tyerman of Teenage Dream: 1000 Miles from Georgia, knew how the threat of litigation would tie a deluxe version of Kidd G’s debut EP, which LAMC up Amazing Grace for years and that there’s reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers sufficient evidence that false statements album chart. BY JESSICA ROIZ were made about Pollack’s rights. The 18-year old TikTok sensation, “Accepting Plaintiff’s evidence and all born Jonathan Gabriel Horne in the small he Latin Alternative Music reasonable inferences therefrom as true, the Georgia town of Hamilton, blends country, Conference (LAMC) continued Court concludes that a triable issue of mate- rock and hip-hop. Over the last several Wednesday (May 5) with a one- rial fact exists as to whether Defendants months he released the sloping “Dirt Road,” on-one sit-down with Billboard honestly claimed that Pollack has rights to which has garnered more than 16 million TLatin Executive of 2020 Rebeca Leon to give the film,” continues the judge. “[T]here is a YouTube views and reached No. 40 on Bill- viewers insight into her career as an artist question as to whether Defendants’ state- board’s Hot Country Songs chart, as well as manager and industry lead. ments were well-founded. Plaintiffs’ argu- a number of similarly styled anthems which “Don’t do everything alone, there’s ment is supported by, among other things, celebrate rural life. always a big team behind great success,” Elliott’s statements that several individuals “Kidd G is the sound of the next wave she told Billboard’s Leila Cobo during the within the entertainment industry informed of great Georgia artists who’ve combined conversation. Defendants that Pollack had no rights to country & hip-hop in their own unique Leon, who currently manages Rosa- the film and his statements that Defendants way,” said BMLG president/CEO Scott Bor- lia, Lunay and St. Pedro, also revealed at interfered with negotiations to further allow chetta. “Not unlike Jason Aldean or Brant- -day virtual event that she looks Tyerman to put himself into any negotiation ley Gilbert before him, Kidd is a southern to work with artists who have the mental- and profit from his actions.” boy who will blur and ultimately stretch ity of an athlete — meaning, they have to Read the rest of the ruling at THR.com. format lines.” Valory will provide support be prepared, disciplined, eager to learn, be Page 9 of 24

IN BRIEF

coached, competitive and respect everyone’s valued and we don’t do enough to cultivate with a live rendition of Rogers’ powerful time. “It’s all about putting the end result that relationship with them to hook them up 2019 single “Jacob From the Bible,” asking and getting the gold medal,” she noted. with merch or concert tickets. What keeps them to take a look at an up-and-coming For a second year in a row, the 23rd an- you there after the hype, is that relationship LGBTQ artist. As Rogers tells it, Tranter was nual LAMC is offering free registration for with the fans. immediately interested. all panels, workshops and showcases featur- On managers in songwriting cred- “All of a sudden I got a DM from Justin ing performances by Khea, Flor de Toloache its: I’ve been offered it many times. I think on Instagram saying that they had heard and Silvana Estrada, among many others. people use it to resolve business. I think my music and loved it and I almost passed Below, read some highlights from Leon’s the creative process is so sacred, I respect out,” he recalls. “I saw Justin and their band LAMC Talk With Billboard Latin. creatives so much. Just because you were open for when I was 12, so it feels On artist authenticity: There has to be in the room and made a couple of calls, I so full circle to have signed with them and a balance between giving people what they don’t think managers should be credited Warner Records now. It’s a dream team for want and showing them something they’ve by publisheres. It’s a bad look on the artist, me, really. I feel like I am making the music never expected. With Rosalia, it was always too. Honestly, I think it’s unhealthy for the I was born to make.” flamenco. She’s an experimental artist and business and bad for the artist. I prefer to Tranter confirms that they were instantly does things her own way, which makes it know my place and know what I do. I’m not hooked on the singer’s sound, specifically authentic. It’s a balance between taking a songwriter but a businessperson. considering his unapologetic presence on chances and requires everyone on the boat stage. “I truly lost my mind. I watched it to have courage. like 12 times in a row at midnight just sob- On Rosalia’s success: She’s so in control Jake Wesley bing,” Tranter says of the video. “Jake was of her life and I don’t think people are used everything I wish my 20-year-old self had to seeing a woman as a boss. Her path has Rogers Signs to the societal safety to be. I thought if I don’t had so many obstacles but the success is so do everything in my power to make this much sweeter. Facet Records & queer-icon-in-the-making the mainstream On working with J Balvin: What at- superstar he deserves to be, then I should be tracted me to him was his conviction. We Warner Records, kicked off the GLAAD board and go hide in knew that he could be a artist and a corner.” break globally. He had a vision. You can’t get Debuts Single Aaron Bay-Schuck, the CEO and co-chair- there if you don’t know where you’re going. man of Warner Records, tells Billboard that On her management style: Every ‘Middle of Love’ Tranter immediately brought Rogers to his manager is different and has had big success attention after seeing his live video. After stories. It’s kind of like music, you have to BY STEPHEN DAW a few meetings, some songwriting sessions be genuine. You have to honor who you are and a showcase in L.A., Bay-Schuck and always and what matters to you. For me, I’m ndie pop phenom Jake Wesley Tranter officially made their offer, and -Rog about more is less. My roster is small be- Rogers has officially signed to Facet ers signed in late 2020. cause I go all-in and want to be involved in Records in partnership with Warner “Justin called me one day telling me I had the artist. I don’t know everyone’s method Records. To celebrate his new musi- to come to their home and hear the most but I know that it also works for them. Ical home, Rogers debuted his new single remarkable artist. Sending music wouldn’t In being genuine, you connect more with “Middle of Love” on Thursday (May 6). do it justice, they said, I had to see him people. When you’re a manager, you have Originally from Springfield, Mo., Rogers live. Justin was right,” Bay-Schuck says. “It to connect with the artist and then sell the learned to play guitar at age 6, began train- ended up as one of the most memorable vision. I don’t know how to do that if you’re ing in piano and classical voice at age 12, and showcases I have seen in my career. For the lying or faking it. was constantly supported by his parents. entire 30 minutes, I was captivated. Jake On fan clubs: One of the things people With his mother working in radio, Rogers was confident and let his songwriting and don’t talk about enough is having a close attended concerts of his soon-to-be-idols vocal ability do all the talking. I felt like I relationship with fan clubs. We know all of such as Lady Gaga and Furtado from was staring at this generation’s . these girls and guys on a personal level. We an early age, when he began to plant the He had his vision, his songs, and his presen- zoom with them and catch up with them on seeds of his own songwriting career. tation all figured out from day one.” the regular. Those are loyal customer fan But it wasn’t until 2019 that Rogers When it came time for Rogers to pick his bases that really care about what you post caught the attention of Justin Tranter, debut single, he says he knew he wanted to and work on. We get lost in media and crit- pop super-songwriter and Facet Records’ show off an up-tempo pop number, but also ics but we’re here for the fans, the ones who founder and CEO. The singer’s manager wanted to make sure it was imbued with show up to the concerts. They are so under- Lucas Canzona sent a cold email to Tranter meaning. That’s how he knows “Middle of Page 10 of 24

IN BRIEF

Love” (which he co-wrote alongside Tranter Others on tap to play are 311, Run the years working towards this moment, and and their longtime collaborator Eren Can- Jewels, Brett Eldredge, G-Eazy, Wilco, I’m looking forward to the many successes I nata) was the correct choice — a piano-driv- Diplo, Charlie Wilson, Pixies, ZZ Top, know we’ll share with her and the Dream- en, thriving pop single about the destructive Rise Against, Fitz and the Tantrums, Dirty ville team,” said Ryan Press, president of nature of love, the song felt like the right Heads, Jake Owen, Bleachers, Black Puma, A&R at . way to re-introduce himself to the world. Flo Rida, Lindsey Stirling, Goo Goo Dolls, Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville record “[‘Middle of Love’] symbolizes the central T-Pain, Ludacris, Joan Jett and the Black- label, the neo-soul singer released her debut idea of all my new music: Love has the hearts, The Struts, Nelly, Cam, Blanco project under the label called Pho. She then capability to hurt or heal,” he tells Billboard. Brown, Sugarhill Gang, Psychedelic Furs, rose to fame in 2019 with her debut studio “When I sat down to write this song with Maddie & Tae, Liz Phair, Claud and many album Shea Butter Baby, selling out her first Justin Tranter and Eren Cannata, I was more. headlining tour for the record and having its wounded in my own relationship, I was “We could not be more excited to unveil title track featured in Creed II. Lennox has witness to my grandpa dying because his the lineup for Summerfest,” Milwaukee collaborated with , Wale, Ty Dolla wife died, and I was learning about all my World Festival Inc. President/CEO Don $ign and many more. LGBTQ+ heroes who were mostly killed or Smiley said in a statement. “From first- “The Warner Chappell team has always exiled. ‘Middle of Love’ feels like my first timers, including Chance the Rapper, Miley supported me. I’ve known Wallace and Ryan steps into my own reclamation of love.” Cyrus, and Run the Jewels, to Fest favorites Press for some time now and I am so thrilled Check out Roger’s stunning including Dave Matthews Band, T-Pain, to be a part of the family,” said Lennox. for “Middle of Love” below: Styx and Chris Stapleton, our lineup contin- Primary Wave Music acquired the ues to be one of the most diverse and unique music publishing catalog of Carl Stur- in the industry.” ken and Evan Rogers. The acquisition also Miley Cyrus, Summerfest has traditionally run from includes a share in the duo’s master royalty late June to early July over an 11-day stretch, income from ’s first seven albums Jonas Brothers, but this year organizers have pushed it back and their shares on some of her biggest hits to the fall as the nationwide COVID-19 like “Umbrella,” “We Found Love,” “Distur- Dave Matthews vaccine roll-out continues and the nation bia,” and many more. attempts to reach herd immunity. Sturken and Rogers are known for discov- Band, Luke Bryan Check out the full lineup in the official ering Rihanna and writing and producing Summerfest poster below. numerous chart-topping hits over many & More to Play decades. Shares of publishing on Kelly Clarkson’s “The Trouble With Love Is” Summerfest 2021 Publishing Briefs: and ‘N Sync’s “(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You” are also included BY GIL KAUFMAN Signs in the acquisition. “Sturken and Rogers career spans decades ne of summer’s staple events, With Warner, of creating top hits and when they discov- Milwaukee’s epic Summerfest, ered and signed Rihanna in 2005 it solidified is back this year with a packed Primary Wave their place in history as she has lineup after taking 2020 off due proven be one of the world’s biggest stars,” Oto the global coronavirus pandemic. After Acquires Sturken says Justin Shukat, president of Primary canceling for the first time in its 53-year his- Wave Music. “We are proud and excited to tory, organizers announced the star-studded & Rogers Catalog acquire this incredible catalog of works.” roster of acts slated to perform over three Warner Chappell Music extended its weekends: Sept. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. BY CYDNEY LEE worldwide publishing agreement with The nation’s biggest music festival will Grammy and Academy Award-nominated feature headline sets in the 23,000-capacity ri Lennox signed an exclusive songwriter/rapper/producer Belly. The American Family Insurance Amphitheater global administration deal deal includes the acquisition of 50% of his from Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Chance with Warner Chappell Mu- songwriting catalog, including The Week- the Rapper, the Jonas Brothers, Chris sic covering her existing and nd’s “” and “.” Stapleton, and Dave Matthews Band, as futureA work. “Belly’s become one of the most impact- well as performances from Sheryl Crow, “There’s so much to be said about Ari and ful and versatile songwriters and artists of the Zac Brown Band, Gabby Barrett and her music, but her artistic drive is what truly our time,” said Guy Moot, Warner Chappell 24kGoldn. sets her apart. She’s spent the last seven Music co-chair and CEO and Carianne Page 11 of 24

IN BRIEF

Marshall, co-chair and COO. “He’s accom- ning, and he has only scratched the surface One Media iP acquired the writer’s plished so much over the past two decades, of his career as a hitmaker,” said Verse 2 shares to the royalties of over 250 tracks by from building up an impressive solo career Music partner, Kent Earls. “When the op- Kid Creole and The Coconuts. to working with as one of his portunity arose for him to become our first According to Yahoo Finance, the acqui- top collaborators. We’re excited to continue signed writer, the answer was a resounding sition was completed through the com- our partnership with him alongside Sal and YES. Welcome to the V2 family, Josh!” pany’s Harmony iP asset release program the whole team at XO.” “Josh is just a great guy and an incred- which allows music rights holders advanced Last month, Belly released the newest ible songwriter,” added Brown. “He is one access to future earnings. For over four single “Money On The Table (feat. Benny of the first songwriters I ever wrote with in decades, Kid Creole and The Coconuts have the Butcher)” off of his upcoming album See Nashville and I’m really excited he’s part of produced worldwide hits blending Latin, You Next Wednesday. The project is slated the team.” calypso and jive to create uplifting singles to drop this summer via /XO partnered and appeal to a wide audience. Records. with The Very Good Music Publishing to “I started Kid Creole and the Coconuts in Reservoir signed Grammy-nominated, further support its catalog of songwriters 1979. I had no idea then that I was destined multi-platinum producer MarcLo to a and producers. to enjoy success around the world for the global publishing deal. The Stockholm-based company’s roster next 40 years,” said August Darnell, the The L.A.-based producer is known is home to emerging Scandinavian hitmak- band’s founder. “With the team at One for his involvement in The Monsters & ers who’ve helped pen chart-topping hits. It Media iP and their Harmony iP initiative I Strangerz and for his work “The Middle” was founded in 2011 by Jakob Emestam and have now ensured my musical legend will by , and Grey. MarcLo is a part of The Very Good AB. continue for another 40 years.” has also collaborated with Maroon 5, Jason “The Very Good not only has a fantastic “We are delighted to announce our third Derulo and Chris Brown. roster, but is comprised of a driven, pro- acquisition of the year executed through our “The breadth of Marcus’ songwriting fessional creative team with a proactive innovative Harmony iP program,” said Mi- and production skills is undeniable and approach that earns continued success,” chael Infante, CEO of One Media iP. “The has rightfully earned him recognition by said Johnny Tennander, Sony Music Pub- Kid has been a delight to work with and we so many of today’s top acts,” said Donna lishing MD, Scandinavia and svp of A&R in look forward to many years of close associa- Caseine, Reservoir evp and global creative Europe. “We’ve been working closely with tion with him. I want to say, “who is the director. “We are so impressed with his Jakob for over a decade now with Noonie Daddy?” but that would be too corny.” boundless talent and look forward to bring- Bao, and recently Linus Wiklund, so this is ing all of his creative aspirations to life.” a natural step for us. We are honored and “I am very excited to be starting this new excited to welcome The Very Good to the Rapper chapter with Reservoir alongside Donna Sony Music Publishing family.” Caseine and the entire company globally,” “We represent the best songwriters in Charged With MarcLo added. “Bringing music to the the world with the support of our incred- world is such a huge collaborative process, ible A&R team, and joining forces with Sony Lying to Federal and I could not be more thrilled about the Music Publishing only makes us stronger talent, creativity, and expertise on my team.” – we can’t be anything but excited for the Investigators Verse 2 Music, Kane Brown’s publish- future,” added Emtestam, founder of The ing company, signed Grammy-nominated Very Good. “After having worked with Sony BY ASSOCIATED PRESS songwriter Josh Hoge in a worldwide co- over the full life of The Very Good/Vivstilo, publishing agreement. The deal will cover we have developed a terrific relationship, PRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The his future work. and it feels like we’re coming home.” rapper G Herbo is in more legal Hoge is known for penning many of French rapper Ryad Kartoum, stage trouble in connection with an al- Brown’s hits including “Cool Again,” “Used name RK, signed a global publishing agree- leged scheme to use stolen credit To Love You Sober,” and “One Thing Right.” ment with Warner Chappell France. Scard information to pay for a lavish lifestyle, He is the first songwriter to sign with the “RK has burst onto the music scene, federal prosecutors said. company which was recently launched in delighting critics and connecting with fans,” The native, whose real name is partnership with Sony Music Publishing. said Matthieu Tessier, managing direc- Herbert Wright III, was charged Wednesday Hoge was nominated for Grammy for his tor of Warner Chappell Music France. “His with lying to federal investigators, according contributions on Chris Young’s “Think of songwriting is raw, authentic and urgent. It’s to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office You.” a great privilege to be able to work with him in Boston. “Josh has been involved in Kane’s writing as he prepares to launch his fourth album In December, G Herbo, 25, was among career with great success from the begin- which is sure to be his biggest yet.” six people, including his Antonio Page 12 of 24

IN BRIEF

Strong, indicted for conspiracy to commit Billboard was on site at the Hollywood wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He Ahead of New Bowl for the recording, and we caught up pleaded not guilty. with Bareilles after to discuss the emotions Authorities say the suspects used text Live Album, Sara she felt at the initial 2019 show, the new messages, social media messages and emails livestream taping and why making Girl- to share account information taken from Bareilles Is Taking s5eva amid the COVID-19 pandemic was so dark websites for trips on private jets, exotic cathartic. car rentals, yacht charters, luxury vacation Fans Back to the First of all, thanks so much for inviting rentals, and even designer puppies. us to a concert. What was it like for you to During the investigation in November Hollywood Bowl be back onstage and back at the Hollywood 2018, G Herbo told a federal agent that Bowl? he never worked with or was assisted by BY KATIE ATKINSON It was wild to be in that place empty, and Strong; never provided Strong any money; it was hopeful and it was nostalgic. I was never received anything of value from n 2019, accomplished having so many feelings. Strong; and had no direct relationship with what she had previously thought What did that first headlining show at the Strong, prosecutors said. of as a career “impossibility”: she Bowl mean for you back in November 2019? In fact, the two had worked together headlined the Hollywood Bowl on a It was so many things. First and foremost, since at least 2016, had exchanged money Ichilly November night, with her name atop that place is a little bit like going to church. and valuable goods, and had frequent direct the vaunted Los Angeles venue’s marquee It’s so majestic and where it’s nestled and contact through phone conversations, text for the very first time. She never could have my history with Los Angeles, just what that messages and social media messages, pros- imagined that the next time she would set venue meant to me as a young artist and ecutors said. foot on the same stage, it would be in front always kind of dreaming of the possibil- An email seeking comment was sent of 17,000-plus empty seats amid a global ity — or what felt like an impossibility — of Thursday to G Herbo’s attorney. Strong’s pandemic. playing the Hollywood Bowl. And then federal public defender said via email he But even though the Grammy-winning having that moment come at the end of 2019 had no comment. singer-songwriter couldn’t bring her fans when everyone in my world imagined that The charge of making false statements back to the Bowl just yet, she has two dif- we would release this live record last year. carries a sentence of up to five years in ferent ways to bring the Bowl to her fans: So now, to imbue this event with all of prison. First, on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, Bareilles is the context and the experience of what last G Herbo was named in December to hosting a livestream concert from the venue year meant, and the impossibility of being Forbes’ 30 under 30 music list and appeared on her YouTube page, and on May 21, she’ll in a space like that, it just was so layered. last November on “The Tonight Show” with release : Live at the Hol- It was so special and it felt really reverent to perform the song “PTSD” lywood Bowl, a 21-track project recorded at to share that space and to share it with a with Chance the Rapper. that November 2019 show. very small amount of people. I was a little He released his debut mix tapes “Wel- “To imbue this event with all of the overwhelmed. As always, it was a mad dash. come to Fazoland” and “Pistol P Project” in context and the experience of what last You’re trying to do 10 million things in a 2014, both of them named for friends who year meant, and the impossibility of being short amount of time and can’t do anything had been killed in Chicago. He also started in a space like that, it just was so layered,” with the lights until the sun goes down, and a program in Chicago called Swervin’ Bareilles tells Billboard of returning to the it’s like “Hurry up! We have to do the show!” Through Stress aimed at giving urban empty Hollywood Bowl last month to record It was chaotic and delightful and crazy and youths tools to navigate mental health. Friday’s stream, which is promoting the live hard and wonderful — just like life. It was all album as well as her new Girls5eva series of the things. about a reuniting ‘90s girl group, streaming How bizarre was it to look out and now on Peacock. “It was so special and it have all those empty boxes and barely any felt really reverent to share that space and to people? share it with a very small amount of people.” It really does bring home the power of the And now the intimate show — which audience. Like, you can stand onstage in a includes Bareilles’ full band performing an majestic place, in a cathedral of music, and abbreviated set of Amidst the Chaos Tour it doesn’t mean the same thing without the songs, plus a hilarious performance with people there to receive it. I was really struck her Girls5eva bandmates Renée Elise Golds- by that, because we’ve all felt so isolated and berry, Busy Philipps and Paula Pell — will be we have this imagining of community be- shared with a much bigger crowd. cause we’re all having to do it from far apart. Page 13 of 24

IN BRIEF

But to really be in a space that is built to to get to experience our of s5eva, and the timing of all of it just felt so support people coming together and having those songs for that tour in particular. But serendipitous. the people not be there, it was kind of stark. everything got cut short. There was every This was a mad dash and a huge scramble But also, where we are in the course of possibility that we were going to have a to make this all come together. And Epic this virus and the healing of the country, European leg of that tour and bring it out Records, my label, was absolutely incred- it did feel really hopeful to know, in a few again. There was a lot of talk about that, and ible, some of my very close team members, months, there will be people here again. then of course 2020 was what it was. I think my agent. Pete Giberga, who’s been working Maybe in a few weeks — I don’t know what all of that just made this iteration of the with me as a consultant, he’s the A&R guy the goal or exact plan is. We’re not that far music more precious to me. And I felt even who signed me to my deal and still works away from the next iteration of what our more determined to get that out to the fans. with me. My internal team was working so lives will look like. Did you have some favorite live albums or hard to make this happen. And Peacock was Having gone to school in L.A., did the live recordings growing up? a wonderful partner and helped get this off Hollywood Bowl hold some extra meaning I was a big Counting Crows fan — still am the ground and brought the girls in, so we for you? — and they had a live record from Amster- got to have that really fun “what the f—- are As a brand-new UCLA student, the very dam [New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken we doing?” moment while singing a song first concert I ever saw in Los Angeles was Music Hall February 4–6, 2003], and that from the show. [Laughs] So they were hilari- at the Hollywood Bowl. My roommate and was one of my go-tos. I just thought they did ous and wonderful, as they always are. I went to see Faith Hill and Deana Carter such a beautiful job with that record. Bill You said onstage that called you and we sat in the very, very back, and I will Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall is kind of one up to be involved in Girls5eva. When did never forget it. I was experiencing that of the ultimate albums for me. Aretha live you get that call and how did the process venue in my new city of Los Angeles and anywhere is like just, OK, we can close the work as a songwriter and as a castmember? just all of the expansive feelings that it car- conversation there. And a lot of . I got the call, I want to say it was maybe ries with it. The Bowl in and of itself just has I listened to a lot of Bob Marley growing up, June inside the lockdown. I, like many a warmth to it and the environment of it has and those live recordings are pretty special people, was having a really hard time. I was such a warmth to it. So that will forever be as well. having a real, real hard time, emotionally imprinted as my first musical experience in A lot is made of the legendary acoustics at and mentally and just how to get through Los Angeles. the Bowl. What does that feel like as an art- this time. And Tina called and I had a Zoom To come full-circle and actually get to ist from the stage — both with and without meeting with her, and I felt like I was in step onstage and to be onstage there — also a crowd? a dream or something. I felt like she was because I’d had little tastes of being onstage The part of the live experience that I love pitching me a literal fantasy. [Laughs] Like, there; I was there as the Little Mermaid [in the most is the sound of the audience. So it “You want to do this fun show that’s like a live musical production], and I was there was an interesting thing. It felt like an ele- comedy but music and about women and doing a show with — but to get to ment was missing. I have in-ear monitors, they’re reclaiming their voice and you can be the headliner, it felt like a real milestone like so many artists, and lots of times I will work with all these incredible people?” And moment. We all have those things that we perform with one of them out, because I just I’m like, “Are you f—-ing for real?” I actually look to the future in our careers or things like hearing the audience sing along, I like remember saying, “Are you sure? Because we hope to achieve someday, and they kind hearing them chatter, I like talking to them I’ve never done this before. Did you get the of live as these lofty goals, and that was re- and having a conversation with the audience wrong number here?” But she had seen me ally one of them. So I will never forget that throughout the show. So for me, I was kind in [on Broadway]. And they called night. of missing that element. But the acoustics me, and it was an immediate yes. I was like, And it was so f—-ing cold! [Laughs] It felt are incredible there. It’s just a really special “Yes, of course. I’m terrified, but of course like the universe sort of helping me not take space designed exactly for that, of course. I’m going to do this.” myself too serious. Because I was legit just How did the livestream taping at the Bowl And it was such a beautiful decision. I f—-ing freezing. come about? Was it just for the live album or went through the loss of a very close friend Did you decide ahead of time that you for the TV show, or a mixture of everything? last year, and I started filming this right after wanted to record that show for a live album, The idea came from Kevin Beisler, my he had passed. And it was so cathartic to or do you record every show and it was manager, and I don’t know if that idea was go into that healing, loving, hilarious space decided after? from him and Brandon Creed [at Full Stop], with all of these wonderful people. And I knew that that night was going to mean who I was working with at the time, but Tina and [executive producer/composer] a lot to me for a lot of reasons, so I knew we they had shared this idea and I loved it, so Jeff [Richmond] and Meredith Scardino, the wanted to record it. And then that tour, the we’ve been really focused on trying to get creator/showrunner, were all very inviting Amidst the Chaos Tour, meant so much to it together. I just felt like it was a perfect of me. It was a low-pressure invite to get as me as an artist as well, so I wanted people moment to share my enthusiasm for Girl- involved as I wanted to be with the music. Page 14 of 24

IN BRIEF

Jeff Richmond has just been a tremendous ful voice. So we had so much fun actually Armor partner. He’s just brilliant. He’s like, “You really singing together and working on our If I Can’t Have You (feat. Emily King) want to jump in? You want to write the song blend and singing for real. So it was really Miss Simone for the finale? Or you want to help shape nice to have the freedom of getting to play in Someone Who Loves Me (feat. The Milk these ideas that come up so quick?” You the moment without having to over-dub or Carton Kids) know, it’s a lot of high jokes per minute and change things. We were just really singing in A Safe Place to Land high musical jokes per minute, so there’s the room. You Matter to Me (feat. Solomon Dorsey) a lot to play with, and they were really And what was the acting aspect like for Bad Idea (feat. Butterfly Boucher) inviting, so it was really, really fun and very you? Of course, you stepped into the starring She Used to Be Mine spontaneous. role of Waitress on Broadway, so it’s not Uncharted Were there any girl groups or boy bands brand-new, but I’m guessing it’s a whole No Such Thing / Satellite Call that you used as inspiration when you were new world in TV land. Let The Rain working on the music? TV land was very intimidating at first, It was a real amalgamation, I’d say. It and I felt really lucky to be supported and Brave was a real pastiche of a lot of groups. … The everyone had a lot of patience for me. It was Orpheus (feat. ) people I listened to the most were prob- like, “OK, Sarah, don’t stand in the light of Gravity (feat. Rob Moose) ably Destiny’s Child and *NSYNC — even someone else.” [Laughs] You have to learn Saint Honesty though it’s a boy group — and then I was a how to be on a TV set and eye lines and not big Britney and Christina fan also. So I did a crossing the camera. There was a lot I felt lot of that traditional pop music, I loved that like I was learning a little bit trial by fire, but Sergio George, a lot. But there’s little bits of ABBA in there I really took the approach that I got kind of for me. You’re just writing songs that feel educated with in theater, which is just to Mabiland & like comfort food, like candy. listen and respond and to stay focused and They did so much research. The ward- present. More Artists robe department was incredible, hair and But I felt like I was learning so much from makeup was incredible. Everybody did so these women every day. They’re so playful, on Embracing much homework. And we were also making they’re so inventive, they’re so free. So I’m a show inside this pandemic, where there hopeful that there will be a progression in Their Afro-Latino was this really beautiful undercurrent of the development even throughout these gratitude that we even had the privilege of episodes, that you’re seeing my comfortabil- Identity at 2021 going to work. So even though the COVID ity increasing. But I related to the character protocol was really stringent and hard at a lot. She’s a little bit of an anxious mess, LAMC times, there was so much patience and but she has a lot of heart. She’s kind of do- generosity on set because everyone was ing her best, but f—-ing up all the time. I’m BY JESSICA ROIZ so happy to be working at all. It was really like, “Yeah! That’s me! I can totally do this!” amazing. [Laughs] It was a really healing, wonderful s part of the 23rd annual Latin We obviously know of both you and experience to be a part of. Alternative Music Conference Renée as musicians and as singers, but what Thank you again for my first live music (LAMC), artists Mabiland was it like for Busy and Paula to hop in and experience in forever, and I’m really look- (Colombian rapper), La Dame hang with you guys? Did they have musical ing forward to hearing the live album later BlancheA (Cuban singer and musician), backgrounds too that we don’t know about? this month. May is a really big Sara month, Akapellah (Venezuelan MC), Fidel Nadal I was ready for it to be, like, “Oh, is this clearly. (Argentine /world artist) and Sergio going to be hard?” And it was like, “Byeee, It’s a really big Sara month! They’re George (Puerto Rican producer/pianist) no big deal.” [Laughs] It was so wonder- thinking about changing the name of the joined forces to speak about their Afro- ful and easy. Busy has a beautiful voice month, but I’ve been telling them: Don’t do Latino identity. and she’s super confident, as she is with that, it’s tacky. [Laughs] The panel, presented by , everything. She has this beautiful, bub- Amidst the Chaos: Live at the Hollywood was moderated by Puerto Rican guitarist, bly [presence] — she’s like champagne. So Bowl full tracklist: composer and arranger Carlos Alomar, best much fun to be around. And she’s a beautiful Orpheus / Fire known for his work with . singer, great voice, beautiful tone. And Paula Poetry by Dead Men One part of the conversation touched is a musical theater nerd, so she’s a total Eyes on You upon what being Afro-Latino entails for encyclopedia about early Broadway songs, I Choose You each artist, personally. Below, check out she loves Broadway, and she has a beauti- Love Song their best quotes from the conference. Page 15 of 24

IN BRIEF

Akapellah: Blackness does not go in blocks. So, my world was surrounded by Lauryn Hill, Trent Reznor, Alicia Keys, and color. In Venezuela, there is no predominant African-Americans, Afro-Puerto Ricans, and the late Tom Petty. ASCAP president Paul race. Culturally, the music has a lot of Black- Afro-Dominicans. There were some Jewish Williams and will present the award ness but with so much diversity, you always and Italian people who lived in our neigh- to Kurstin. find someone who is Black-skinned and borhood and identified with us. On those Due to the health crisis, ASCAP’s flagship does not have the pride or identity of being 20 blocks is where artists such as Eddie event last year flipped for the first time to a Afro. I feel very proud and I realized how Palmieri and salsa music were born. virtual event, which boasted 10,000 regis- special I am when I travel to other coun- trants from 120 countries and included over tries, such as Chile. I am a black Venezuelan. 38 panels, organizers say. You learn to value who you are when you Greg Kurstin After this year’s opener, sessions will mix yourself with different cultures. Over continue twice a month on Wednesdays time, I accepted my Blackness and I feel and Dave Grohl through the end of 2021 and will drill into super proud. such topics as “Roadmap to a Release,” Fidel Nadal: , for example, Set for One-on- “Deconstruction of a Song” and “What They is a mystery, because compared to other Don’t Teach You in Music School,” “Sync countries, in Argentina you can say that One at ASCAP 101,” and much more. there is a lower percentage of Blacks. It’s The virtual sessions are free and will be rare because, at the time of slavery, many Experience hosted on several platforms, including You- Blacks arrived at the port of . Tube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experi- My family came from Africa as slaves. That’s BY LARS BRANDLE ence website. Further details on program- why my father, from such an early age, was ming will be unveiled in due course. an advocate for social and racial struggles in he 2021 ASCAP Experience will the country. I was born in that environment, kick off next week with a heavy- where the struggle was breathed. Racism hit weight one-on-one featuring Greg Justin Bieber’s me because it was obvious. That was what Kurstin and Dave Grohl. led me to create music and write my experi- THitmaker Kurstin and Grohl, the Hall of ‘Peaches’ Reaches ences without knowing that it was going to Fame inducted Nirvana drummer and Foo be my profession. Fighters frontman, will open proceed- No. 1 on La Dame Blanche: The term corresponds ings with a virtual conversation, starting to me because I’m Latina and I’m African. In Wednesday, May 12 from 3pm ET. Airplay Chart Cuba, we have seen many battles that have Expect the two friends and collaborators been won but at the same time, there’s a lot to rattle off tales on songwriting, inspiration, BY TREVOR ANDERSON of racism. However, I feel that Afro-Cubans their big breaks and more. are proud of being Black. As a songwriter and producer, Kurstin ustin Bieber’s “Peaches” ripens Mabiland: The word Afro-Latino is is at the very top of his game. His trophy quickly on Billboard’s Rhythmic being used a lot lately and I feel that every cabinet includes eight Grammy Awards, Airplay chart, as the song ascends time there are more and more labels. Being including back-to-back producer of the year 3-1 to lead the list dated May 8, its Black is a constant struggle since you are honors. Jsixth week on the radio ranking. The single, born. You have to recognize your roots, who In 2017, he scooped four Grammys includ- which features R&B acts Daniel Cae- gave you life, your ancestors, your culture. ing album, song, and record of the year for sar and Giveon, improved 24% in plays in I am from Choco, where African music and his work with on 25. Kurstin has also the week ending May 2 to become the radio culture live. I studied in Medellin, which worked his studio magic on records for the format’s most-played song of the week, ac- has a smaller Afro population. That’s when Foos (including their latest chart-topping cording to MRC Data. I realized that being Black is different and LP Medicine at Midnight), Paul McCartney, With the new chart champ, Bieber col- that people don’t understand that. There’s P!nk, Sia, Beck and many others. Across his lects his fifth Rhythmic Airplay leader. He a side of Medellin that embraces the Afro career, he has worked on records that have first reigned with “As Long as You Love Me,” culture but I feel that each country has its sold more than 85 million copies worldwide. featuring Big Sean, in 2012, and returned struggle. The Q&A will follow the presentation of to the mark in 2016 with “Sorry.” His third Sergio George: I was born in New York the ASCAP Golden Note Award, bestowed to and fourth No. 1s came as features on DJ in the ‘60s, a time where there was a lot of songwriters, and artists who’ve Khaled’s “I’m the One” and “No Brainer” in discrimination. The Black community lived achieved extraordinary career milestones. 2017 and 2018, respectively. The former also in 20 blocks. White people, the police, and This year Kurstin is the recipient, joining included a star-studded guest roster with racism were on the other side of those 20 previous honorees including Blondie, Ms. Chance The Rapper, Quavo and Lil Wayne, Page 16 of 24

IN BRIEF

while the later nearly repeated the lineup, Earns ’s with the exception of Lil Wayne. Daniel Caesar, meanwhile, reaches No. 1 Sixth Mainstream ‘Nurture’ Debuts with his first appearance on Rhythmic Air- play. Giveon, too, achieves a first leader with Rock Airplay No. at No. 1 on Top a first showing. Since “Peaches” debuted on the list, though, he’s added a second song on 1 With ‘Breathe Dance/Electronic the chart: His sleeper hit “Heartbreak An- niversary” scores its fifth week on the chart Again’ Albums Chart and pushes 23-19 on the new ranking. As “Peaches” completes its journey to No. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD BY GORDON MURRAY 1 in six weeks, it logs the fastest trip among Bieber’s five chart-toppers. “I’m the One” op Evil returns to No. 1 on Bill- orter Robinson rockets to previously held the mark in his roster, need- board’s Air- the first No. 1 debut of 2021 on ing seven weeks before its coronation. play chart with “Breathe Again,” Billboard’s Top Dance/Elec- With the Rhythmic dominion conquered, which rules the tally dated May 8. tronic Albums chart (dated May “Peaches” will likely next set its sights on PThe song becomes Pop Evil’s sixth Main- P8) with Nurture. The set earned 14,000 top 40 radio. The collaboration darts 6-2 stream Rock Airplay leader and first since equivalent album units in its first week, end- on the Pop Airplay chart, which measures March 2018, when “Waking Lions” crowned ing April 29, according to MRC Data. That’s the most-played tracks at mainstream top the tally for one frame. the highest weekly total for any album since 40 stations. There, the song adds 20% more The band, which formed in Michigan the last No. 1 debut, Kylie Minogue’s Dis- plays in the week ending May 2. Beyond in 2001, first led with the four-week No. 1 co (19,000, as reflected on the chart dated that, the single has made notable impres- “Trenches” in 2013. Nov. 21, 2020). sions on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Concurrently, “Breathe Again” bullets Nurture is Robinson’s second No. 1, after Airplay chart, where it climbs 25-21 in its at its No. 20 high on the all-rock-format, Worlds also debuted atop the chart in fifth week (up 22% in weekly plays) and audience-based Rock & Alternative Air- August 2014. Robinson has logged one ad- on Adult Pop Airplay, scene of a 21-20 play chart with 2.3 million audience impres- ditional entry, Spitfire (No. 11, 2011). boost in its fourth frame. sions, up 6%, according to MRC Data. Robinson also claims 12 of the 50 posi- Strong showings at both the rhythmic and It also reaches a new No. 7 best on the tions on the multi-metric Hot Dance/Elec- pop fronts, combined with the reinforce- streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot tronic Songs chart, led by “” ment of R&B/hip-hop and adult pop, yield Hard Rock Songs chart, where it’s the (48-16). The track, which reached No. 12 in benefits on the overall chart, group’s first top 10 since the ranking began February, earned 912,000 U.S. streams, up where “Peaches” gains 5-3. The single swells in June 2020. 270%, in the tracking week. 21% to 61.5 million in audience to become “Breathe Again” is the second single Robinson also re-enters with “Get Your the third most-heard track in the U.S., from Versatile, Pop Evil’s upcoming sixth Wish” (No. 20) and “Musician” (No. 23), according to MRC Data. The double-digit studio album. Lead track “Work” hit No. 8 while debuting with nine Nurture tracks, percent gain is the largest week-over-week on Mainstream Rock Airplay last August. including “Unfold,” with Totally Enormous increase among the chart’s 50 songs. Extinct Dinosaurs (No. 19), “Lifelike” (No. “Peaches” appears on Bieber’s Justice al- 28) and “Wind Tempos” (No. 30). bum, which debuted at No. 1 on the Bill- Shifting to the Dance/Mix Show Airplay board 200 upon its release in March. chart, Regard, and Tate McRae motor 13-4 with “You.” In its second week on the chart, it makes the quickest jump to the top 10 since Chris Malinchak’s “When the World Stops Turning” surged 21-7 in its second frame last July. “You” is the third top 10 for Regard, following “Ride It.” (No. 4, November 2019) and “Secrets,” with Raye (No. 2, July 2020). The collab marks the second top 10 for McRae and first for Sivan. The vault for “You” is thanks to core- dance airplay plus a smattering of top 40 mix show attention, highlighted by notable Page 17 of 24

IN BRIEF

gains on KMVQ-HD2 San Francisco (20 to THIRD No. 1 and ’ 78 plays week0over-week), WCPY Chicago gospel collective City Music claim (28 to 45) and WZFL Miami (11 to 33). (The their third shared No. 1, all of which have ‘Lyke Mike’ Lands Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart measures debuted at the summit, on the multi-metric radio airplay on a select group of full-time Hot Gospel Songs survey with “Wait on In Top 10 on Top dance stations, along with plays during You,” featuring and Chandler mix shows on nearly 80 top 40-formatted Moore. On Hot Christian Songs, it starts at Latin Albums reporters.) No. 9. “You” holds at No. 4 on Hot Dance/Elec- On the April 24-dated lists, the act’s Chart tronic Songs, earning top Airplay Gainer “,” featuring , honors, up 113% to 2.8 million radio audi- flew in atop Hot Gospel Songs and at No. BY PAMELA BUSTIOS ence impressions, up 113%. It also jumps 9 on Hot Christian Songs. On the April 40-32 on the Pop Airplay list. 10-dated rankings, their “Jireh,” featuring yke Towers claims his second Moore and Naomi Rain, debuted at Nos. 1 top 10 on the Top Latin Al- and 10 on the respective charts. bums chart as his third studio CeCe Winans, This week, as “Wait” ranks at No. 1 on Hot album, Lyke Mike, debuts at Gospel Songs, “Jireh” is No. 2 and “Talking MNo. 3 on the May 8-dated survey. The set Elevation Worship to Jesus” is at No. 3. The only other act to follows Towers’ sophomore effort Easy monopolize the top three is Kanye West, Money Baby, his first entry on the all-genre & Maverick City thanks to his first faith-based album, Jesus Is Latin chart (No. 1 start, Feb. 2020). King. On Nov. 9, 2019, when the set debuted Lyke Mike, released April 23 on One Way Add New No. 1s at No. 1 on and Top International/Warner/Warner Latina, Gospel Albums, he took over the top 10 on earned a little more than 16,000 equivalent on Gospel Charts both Hot Christian Songs and Hot Gospel album units in the week ending April 29, ac- Songs with tracks from the album. cording to MRC Data, 4,000 units ahead of BY JIM ASKER “Wait” bows with 2.1 million U.S. streams its predecessor’s debut week sum, despite its and 3,000 sold, as it begins at No. 1 on No. 3 start. Nearly all of Lyke Mike’s starting eCe Winans achieves her second Christian Digital Song Sales and Gospel sum is powered by streaming activity. leader on Billboard’s Gospel Air- Digital Song Sales. It also enters atop Gospel The Top Latin Albums chart ranks the play chart as “” climbs and at No. 5 on Christian most popular Latin albums of the week from No. 3 to No. 1 on the survey Streaming Songs. in the U.S. based on multi-metric con- Cdated May 8. In the tracking week ending As “Wait” marks the third Hot Gospel sumption as measured in equivalent al- May 2, the song increased by 9% in plays, ac- Songs leader for both Charlotte, N.C.-based bum units. Units comprise album sales, cording to MRC Data. Elevation Worship and -based Mav- track equivalent albums (TEA) and stream- “Never” was co-penned by Chris Brown, erick City Music, it’s the former’s ninth Hot ing equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit (both of Christian worship Christian Songs top 10 and the latter’s third. equals one album sale, or 10 individual collective Elevation Worship) and Tiffany Bowe earns his first No. 1 on Hot Gospel tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad- Hammer. Songs and first top 10 on Hot Christian supported or 1,250 paid/subscription The song is the lead track from Wi- Songs. Moore adds his second leader on the on-demand official audio and video streams nans’ Believe for It: A Live Worship Experi- former and second top 10 on the latter. generated by songs from an album. ence, which arrived at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Wait,” “Jireh,” and “Talking to Jesus” Only six Latin albums have posted a larger Top Gospel Albums chart and No. 3 on Top preview Elevation Worship and Maverick week, by units earned, in 2021 — though a Christian Albums (both dated March 27), City Music’s collaborative album Old Church number of those other six albums posted becoming her ninth No. 1 on the former and Basement, released April 30. It will impact bigger frames in multiple weeks. her 13th top 10 on the latter. next week’s, May 15-dated . Of Lyke Mike’s 16,000 equivalent album Winans previously topped Gospel Airplay units earned in the tracking week ending with “Pray” for two weeks in January-Feb- April 29, SEA units comprise almost 16,000 ruary 2006. (The chart began in 2005, while (equaling 23.3 million on-demand streams her history on Billboard surveys dates to the of the album’s tracks), while album sales and 1980s.) She has banked one additional top 10 TEA units comprise less than 1,000 units among her eight appearances on the tally, as combined. “Never Have to Be Alone” climbed to No. 5 The set was previewed by two songs on in April 2017. the airplay-, digital sales and streaming- Page 18 of 24

IN BRIEF

blended Hot Latin Songs chart: “Cuenta,” and dated to its first week at the summit in extends its its record for the most No. 1s, (No. 45 peak, April 3-dated list) and “Burb- late August. (Briefly interrupting its com- raising its career count to 19 No. 1s, ahead erry,” with Nengo Flow, which re-enters at mand, Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” led of Conjunto Primavera and Intocable, both No. 45. In addition, three songs of the album for a week in November and ’s with 16 No. 1s. debut on the current list: “Mírenme Ahora” “Willow” ruled for a week in December.) Here are the groups with the most leaders at No. 23, “Pin Pin” at No. 40, and “Cuando Concurrently, “Heat Waves” reaches a on Regional Mexican Airplay: Me Ven” at No. 48. new No. 34 high on the all-format Stream- No. 1s, Artist Beyond his latest Hot Latin Songs de- ing Songs survey. It also continues its rise at 19, Calibre 50 buts, Towers’ collaborative effort “Pareja pop radio formats after topping Alternative 16, Conjunto Primavera del Año,” with Sebastián Yatra climbs 44-25, Airplay for three weeks in March and April. 16, Intocable while “Bandido,” with Juhn, dips 5-8 and It climbs 21-20 on Pop Airplay and 24-22 15, Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga “Travesuras,” with the all-star team of Nio on Adult Pop Airplay, marking the group’s 15, Los Tigres del Norte García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, and Wisin & first entry on each tally. In addition to its Regional Mexican descends 21-24. In all, Towers places “Heat Waves” is the latest single Airplay coronation, “Vamos Bien” speeds up a total of seven titles on the current tally, from Dreamland, ’ third studio the all-genre Latin Airplay pushing 12-5. As one less of his career high of eight concur- album. It became the band’s first Billboard Calibre 50 adds a 22nd top 10 to its career, rent titles in the same chart week (Jan. 2 200 top 10, debuting and peaking at No. 7 in it continues to hold the record for the most and Jan. 23). August, and has earned 381,000 equivalent top 10s by a regional Mexican group. Lyke Mike concurrently starts at No. 36 36 album units to date. on the all-genre , his highest charting effort there. A Good Day Adds Fourth Glass Animals’ For Calibre 50: ‘Heat Waves’ ‘Vamos Bien’ Hits Chart No. 1 With Hits No. 1 on No. 1 on Regional ‘Less Like Me’ Alternative Mexican Airplay Streaming Songs Chart BY JIM ASKER ach Williams earns his fourth No. Chart BY PAMELA BUSTIOS 1 on Billboard’s Christian Air- play chart (dated May 8) as “Less BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD s Calibre 50’s “Vamos Bien” hits Like Me” rises from No. 3 to the No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Ztop spot. In the tracking week ending May or the first time in 2021, there’s a Mexican Airplay chart (dated 2, the single increased by 11% to 9.7 million new No. 1 on Billboard’s Alterna- May 8), the band captures its audience impressions, according to MRC tive Streaming Songs chart. 19thA leader on the 26-year tally and extends Data. Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” its record for the most No. 1s. Williams wrote the song with Hank Bent- Frises 2-1 on the list dated May 8, becoming “Vamos Bien” ascends 2-1 with 7.1 million ley and Mia Fieldes. the English band’s first ruler on the rank- in audience impressions, up 17%, earned in “This song was written to remind me of ing (which is less than a year old, having the week ending May 2, according to MRC how imperfect we are as humans, and how launched last June). Data. all of our victories need to be pointed back In the April 23-29 tracking week, “Heat The title track of Vamos Bien (No. 12 high, to Him,” Williams tells Billboard. “So, with Waves” earned 10.1 million U.S. streams, up Regional Mexican Albums, Feb. 20-dated this No. 1, I will embrace the imperfection 2%, according to MRC Data. It’s the first list), is the third song from the album to and point this win right back to God.” time that the song, released last June, has land atop Regional Mexican Airplay. It trails As “Less Like Me” hits No. 1 in its 17th topped 10 million weekly U.S. streams. “Barquillero” (four-week champ, July 2020) frame, it wraps Williams’ fastest trip to Its ascent to No. 1 snaps the 34-week reign and “Te Volvería a Elegir” (six- week win- the Christian Airplay penthouse. “There of 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring Iann Dior, ner, Dec. 2020). Was Jesus,” with Dolly Parton, led for five that had persisted for the entirety of 2021 With “Vamos Bien’s” move, Calibre 50 weeks following its coronation in its 19th Page 19 of 24

IN BRIEF

frame, on the chart dated Sept. 12, 2020; become a part of that is my way of giving other pet parents to come get wild with me “” reigned for 20 weeks back, as I am so grateful for all the care and and my boys on a Hot Girl ranch,” she said. after reaching the apex in its 18th week in support I’ve received along the way, in my “Thank you Snapchat for helping me put August 2017; and his debut entry, “Chain recovery.” this together. Get ready for Off Thee Leash Breaker,” led for 15 weeks after reaching the The 73-year-old rock legend has fought with Megan Thee Stallion. Mwah.” pinnacle in its 22nd week in November 2016. his share of health battles in recent years. The Snapchat interview series will be Williams has banked his four Christian Speaking to The Sun earlier this year, produced by Will and Jada Smith’s media Airplay No. 1s among eight top 10s. His first Wood revealed he’d been diagnosed with company Westbrook Media, according top 10 this year, his version of the Yuletide lung cancer in 2017 and with small-cell to Deadline, and will also spotlight the art- standard “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” carcinoma during the lockdown. “I came ist’s A-list friends and their furry buddies. climbed to No. 3 in January. through with the all-clear,” Wood told the On Wednesday, Meg launched new doggie Speaking of the holidays, Williams is tabloid. merch as part of “Thee Hot Dog Collection” working on a seasonal set due later this Wood has been inducted into the Rock on her website, featuring patterned travel year. Before that, a deluxe version of Rescue And Roll Hall of Fame on two occasions. bowls, hoodies, tanks and bandanas. Story, his second full-length, which debuted First, in 1989, as a member of The Rolling The three-time Grammy winner’s latest and peaked at No. 2 on Top Christian Al- Stones, and a second time as a member venture comes shortly after she announced bums in October 2019, is due, with six new of Faces, in 2012. her musical hiatus on April 22. She told songs, July 9. TUFR ambassadors include Robert Cray, her fans she was “recharging” and had Cindy Cashdollar and Jerry Douglas. “entered a period of regeneration to prepare for what’s next.” She has since appeared Rolling Stones on a remix of ’s “On Me” and Megan Thee the highly anticipated DJ Khaled “an- Guitarist Ronnie them” “I Did It” with Post Malone, Lil Baby Stallion and DaBaby. Wood Joins Announces New Recovery Charity Sir Paul Snapchat Pet as Ambassador McCartney Series: ‘I Am One Honored by BY LARS BRANDLE of the Best Dog olling Stone Ronnie Wood is Royal Mail Stamp recovering and he’s on the mend. Moms Ever’ Now, the veteran guitarist is Collection reaching out to help others. BY HERAN MAMO RThe British musician has joined Turn Up BY GIL KAUFMAN For Recovery as an ambassador. ho let the dogs out? Megan “Their mission is a subject very close to Thee Stallion, and she’s he Royal Mail is rolling out a set my heart and I am so honored to become an teaming up with Snap- of 12 special stamps honoring Sir ambassador for this brilliant organization,” chat for a new pet series Paul McCartney, including he explains in an official statement. calledW Off Thee Leash. eight that spotlight album covers Established in 2019 by Melia Clapton And the “Savage” hitmaker plans to bring Tthat define his career. The stamps will be (Eric Clapton’s wife), Turn Up For Recovery her own pets with her, including her pit bull released on May 28 and will feature a set of is a charitable movement which aims to 5ive, her most well-known French bulldog eight with the artwork from Macca’s solo raise awareness of abstinence-based recov- 4oe, another Frenchie named Dos, and a albums, from his self-titled 1970 debut to ery, tackle the stigma of addiction and help Cane Corso named X, whom she added to last year’s McCartney III. make treatment affordable to those strug- her family in September. The other four stamps are collected on gling with substance addiction. Meg posted a 20-second clip on her miniature sheets that cover three decades of Through his connection with TUFR, socials Wednesday (May 5) announcing the McCartney’s solo career. “Paul McCartney Wood hopes to “bring people together series. “As y’all all know I am one of the best remains a vital figure at the centre of rock through music to support recovery for dog moms ever on the planet, the whole en- and pop, an artist whose legacy is immense, addicts, and their friends and family. To tire planet. And I really want to invite some but whose work continues to generate Page 20 of 24

IN BRIEF

popular attention and critical acclaim. This dedicated stamp issue is a fitting tribute to one of the UK’s much loved and revered musical icons,” the Royal Mail’s David Gold said in a statement. The Royal Mail has pre- viously honored such fellow British music icons as David Bowie, Elton John, Queen, Pink Floyd and . The stamps will be available in a more than two dozen variations, including a presentation book, a prestige stamp book, a limited-edition medal cover with a plectrum medal struck by the Royal Mint, a framed set, a collector’s sheet and fan sheets dedi- cated to specific albums. Click here to see all the stamps. Page 21 of 24

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 22,087,689,000 19,208,962,000 2,878,727,000 1,900,000 483,000 3,940,000 16,285,000 Week* Last 21,752,993,000 18,906,032,000 2,846,961,000 1,987,000 515,000 4,065,000 16,132,000 Week

Change 1.5% 1.6% 1.1% -4.4% -6.4% -3.1% 0.9%

This Week 18,882,545,000 15,990,019,000 2,892,526,000 1,514,000 742,000 5,490,000 13,588,000 Last Year

Change 17.0% 20.1% -0.5% 25.5% -34.9% -28.2% 19.9%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending April 29, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE Total On-Demand 60m 358,197,346,000 324,991,460,000 10.2% Streams TRACK SALES BY AGE Audio On-Demand 310,832,335,000 269,389,035,000 15.4% 54m Streams

Digital Track Sales 65,881,000 84,254,000 -21.8% 48m

Album Sales 33,031,000 30,252,000 9.2% 56,615,000 42m Albums 265,655,000 232,821,000 14.1% Consumption Units 36m 46,094,000 30m ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 24m 2021 2020 Change

CD Sales 12,218,000 12,558,000 -2.7% 18m 27,639,000 Vinyl Sales 12,177,000 6,220,000 95.8% 12m

Digital Sales 8,505,000 11,362,000 -25.1% 19,788,000 Catalog Current 6m Other Sales 131,000 113,000 16.1% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 6,588,000 8,425,000 -21.8%

Audio On-Demand 226,035,000 194,143,000 16.4% Equivalent -28.4% -18.6% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA)   sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 22 of 24 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.08.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK  1 9 WKS DAN NIGRO  TIE 2 DAN NIGRO  2 YC  TIE 2 OLIVIA RODRIGO  3 TYRON HAPI  4 YC  4 JAY JOYCE  5  5 OMER FEDI  6 REALRED  6 REALRED  7 DRAKE  TIE 7  8 OMER FEDI  TIE 7 OSCAR HOLTER  9 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 7 THE WEEKND  10 DABABY  10 DAMN E  TIE 11 MASKED WOLF  11 DANN HUFF  TIE 11 TYRON HAPI  TIE 12 BRUNO MARS  13  TIE 12 D’MILE  TIE 14 BELLY  14 IAMTASH  TIE 14 DAHEALA  TIE 15 HARV  TIE 14 MAX MARTIN  TIE 15 SHNDO  TIE 14 OSCAR HOLTER  17 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 14 THE WEEKND  TIE 18 EINER BANKZ  19 POLO G  TIE 18 SYNCO  20 LIL BABY  20 JOEY MOI  21 POOH SHIESTY  TIE 21 KOZ  22 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 21 STUART PRICE  TIE 23 ANDERSON .PAAK  23 BLAKE HARNAGE  TIE 23 BRODY BROWN  24 SUPAH MARIO  TIE 23 BRUNO MARS  25 FINNEAS  TIE 23 D’MILE 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 4 WKS JAY JOYCE  2 ASHLEY GORLEY  2 JOEY MOI  3 LUKE COMBS  3 DANN HUFF  4 JOSH OSBORNE  4 ZACH CROWELL  5 JESSE FRASURE  5 ROSS COPPERMAN  6 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  6 SCOTT MOFFATT  7 COREY CROWDER  7 ALEX KLINE  8 CHRIS STAPLETON  8 JORDAN SCHMIDT  9 ZACH CROWELL  9 DAVID GARCIA  10 NICOLLE GALYON  10 ZACH KALE 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK MONEYBAGG YO  1 7 WKS YC 

SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 2 YC  2 REALRED  3 LIL DURK  3 TYRON HAPI  4 REALRED  4 DAMN E  5 DRAKE  TIE 5 BRUNO MARS  TIE 6 MASKED WOLF  TIE 5 D’MILE  TIE 6 TYRON HAPI  TIE 7 HARV  8 POLO G  TIE 7 SHNDO  9 POOH SHIESTY  TIE 9 EINER BANKZ  10 LIL BABY  TIE 9 SYNCO 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 MAY 1 7 WKS GIVEON  TIE 1 4 WKS BRUNO MARS  TIE TIE #1 8 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  1 4 WKS D’MILE  2021 TIE 2 BRODY BROWN  TIE 3 HARV  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 SHNDO  TIE 2 D’MILE  5 WOODPECKER  TIE 6 MOOSKI  6 NATE RHOADS  TIE 6 WOODPECKER  7 SEVN THOMAS  8 SEVN THOMAS  8 BLAQ TUXEDO  9 VARREN WADE  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 DRAKE  10 DZL  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES

The top songwriters and producers on the and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated May 8, 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 23 of 24 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.08.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK MONEYBAGG YO  1 7 WKS YC  2 YC  2 TYRON HAPI  3 REALRED  3 REALRED  TIE 4 MASKED WOLF  4 DAMN E  TIE 4 TYRON HAPI  TIE 5 EINER BANKZ  6 POLO G  TIE 5 SYNCO  7 POOH SHIESTY  7 SUPAH MARIO  8 DRAKE  8 TOREY MONTANA  9 LIL DURK  9 YUNG DEE  10 LIL BABY  TIE 10 CHI CHI  TIE 10 EVRGRN 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK PORTER ROBINSON  1 12 WKS HVME  TIE 2 F A L L E N  2 PORTER ROBINSON  TIE 2 SAINT JHN  3 F A L L E N  TIE 4 ANTON RUNDBERG  4 DJ REGARD  TIE 4 JAMES BELL  5 SURF MESA  TIE 4 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 6 HIGHTOWER  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 6 TIESTO  TIE 8 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 8 BLOODPOP  TIE 8 CARDO ON THE BEAT  TIE 8 BURNS  TIE 8 DAVEON JACKSON  10 STEVE AOKI  TIE 8 KENDRICK LAMAR  TIE 8 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 8 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 8 TRAVIS SCOTT 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS EDGAR BARRERA  1 78 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 EDGAR BARRERA  3 MORA  3 MORA  4  4 SUBELO NEO  TIE 5 JHAY CORTEZ  5 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  TIE 5 NYDIA LANER  6 ALBERT HYPE  7  7 ERICK GUTIERREZ CERVANTES  8 HAZE  8 KEITYN  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 KAROL G  9 SKY ROMPIENDO  10 CHRIS JEDI  10 MANUEL LARA 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 5 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 13 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  MAY 3 BILLIE EILISH  3 BLAKE SLATKIN  8 4 TYLER JOSEPH  4 OMER FEDI  2021 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 DAVE BAYLEY  6 OMER FEDI  6 AARON DESSNER  7 PRINCE  7 JOEL LITTLE  8 TRAVIS BARKER  8 RYAN METZGER  9 TAYLOR SWIFT  9 PRINCE  10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  10 KBEAZY  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 24 of 24 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.08.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 16 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  4 TYLER JOSEPH  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  6 AARON DESSNER  7 TAYLOR SWIFT  7 JOEL LITTLE  8 AARON DESSNER  8 RYAN METZGER  9 TRAVIS BARKER  9 KBEAZY  10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  10 TYLER JOSEPH 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 10 WKS SHAUN MORGAN  1 12 WKS GREG KURSTIN  TIE 2 MASKED WOLF  2 MATT WENTWORTH  TIE 2 TYRON HAPI  3 DREW FULK  TIE 4 JORDAN FISH  4 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 4 OLIVER SYKES  TIE 5 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 6 DANNY WAGNER  TIE 5 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 6 JAKE KISZKA  7 JOE BARRESI  TIE 6 JOSHUA KISZKA  8 FOO FIGHTERS  TIE 6 SAM KISZKA  9 WIZARD OF OZ  TIE 10 BEN PHILLIPS  10 KYLE HORVATH  TIE 10 TAYLOR MOMSEN 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS PAUL MABURY  1 27 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  2 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  2 PAUL MABURY  3 PHIL WICKHAM  3 JASON INGRAM  4 BRIAN JOHNSON  4 JEFF SOJKA  5 JEFF PARDO  5 DAVID GARCIA  6  6 AJ PRUIS  7 MICAH KUIPER  7 MICAH KUIPER  TIE 8 BART MILLARD  8 JEFF PARDO  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 8 JORDAN MOHILOWSKI  9 BEN GLOVER  10 PAUL DUNCAN  10 TEDD T 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 5 WKS CHRIS BROWN  1 12 WKS KYLE LEE  #1 TIE 1 5 WKS STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 2 JONATHAN JAY  MAY 3 BRANDON LAKE  TIE 2 TONY BROWN  8 4  TIE 4 CHRIS BROWN  2021 5 DANTE BOWE  TIE 4 JASON INGRAM  6 NAOMI RAINE  TIE 4 STEVEN FURTICK  7 JEKALYN CARR  7 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  8 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  8 ALLEN CARR  9 TRAVIS GREENE  9 DANA SOREY  10 TIFFANY HUDSON  TIE 10 CURTISS GLENN  TIE 10 L8BOOM  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES