BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; BrettENTERTAINMENT Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayMARCH 11, 2021 Page 1 of 43 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE NFTs Are Booming and the Sam Hunt’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville),Music debuts at No. 1 onBiz Billboard ’sDesperately lion audience impressions, up 16%). Wants In Top Country• Congress Albums Passes chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earned$1.9T 46,000 Relief equivalent Bill: album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingHere’s to What’s Nielsen in Music/MRC It for Data. andBY totalMICAH Country SINGLETON Airplay No. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends SouthsideMusic marksWorkers Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chart and• A Seatfourth At top The 10. It follows“It freshman was one ofLP those moments in my life where I was NFT marketplaceYoung’s called first NBA of six Top chart Shot entries, where “Sleep it sells With - Montevallo(Kids), which Table: arrived at thelike, summit ‘Holy in shit,’”No - recalls DJ-producer 3LAU, “‘I think clips of highlightsout You,” and reached accepts No. credit 2 in December cards, not 2016. just He vemberChildren’s 2014 and Music reigned for ninewe weeks. just changedTo date, everything.’” Ethereum. Footagefollowed ofwith LeBron the multiweek James dunkingNo. 1s “In soldCase for You MontevalloGrammy has Nominees earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved million in album sales. That holy-shit moment, shared by most of the music $208,000 onYou” Feb. (three, 22 and January the platform 2018), “Mercy” has processed (two, August — And Their business, was his Feb. 25 auction of 33 collectible NFT over $250 million in sales in the past month, accord- MontevalloOverlooked has Peers spent of267 weeks on the list, tying 2018) and “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). LukeColor Bryan —’s Crash Open My Up Party as the— non-fungible sixth-longest- token — versions of his 3-year-old al- ing to The Wall“Catch” Street completes Journal. his longest journey to No. 1, running titles in the chart’s 56-yearbum, history.Ultraviolet, that sold for $11.7 million (one NFT An NFT ishaving a one-of-a-kind taken 46 weeks cryptographic to reach the apex. token It out- • US Livestreams On the all-genre Billboard 200,went Southside for $3.6 ar million)- — which included vinyl, un- that exists onpaces a blockchain, the 30-week typically climb of “Here Ethereum, Tonight.” the rives Earnedat No. 5, $610M awarding in Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after the2020: No. 3-peaking Study Montevalloreleased. music and the chance to record with 3LAU. second-mosta new popular high. cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. That’s real money for a virtual good, setting a record Blockchains are immutable digital ledgers that allow Hunt• firstTop Germanreleased the EPX2C , which debuted andFestivals peaked at Canceled No. 5 on Top Countryfor the Albums primary in sale August of an 2014. NFT Following collection at COMBSthe time ‘DOES’ NFTsIT AGAIN to beLuke tracked Combs across’ “Does the to Me” internet (River andHouse/Columbia makes MontevalloAgain,, BetweenThrowing the Pines: andAcoustic making Mixtape history started as the at itsfirst No. album7 high into be Nashville),tokenized. featuringit possible Eric Church for anyone, ascends using 11-8 onthe Country same blockchain Airplay, up 10% to to NovemberEurope’s 2015. Summer Music creators and executives seem to agree24.7 thatmillion in audience.verify their The authenticity. song is Combs’ eighth straight career-opening MontevalloInto Doubt 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: “Leave the Night On,” “Takesomething Your Time,” has changed “House Party”— even and if they “Make don’t promoted entirely No. 1 singles.Essentially, that makes the NFT a digital collectible You Miss• Anthony Me.” “Break Martini Up in a Smallunderstand Town” peaked it. Deadmau5, at No. 2. Grimes and Shawn ChurchMendes adds histhat 15th serves Country as its Airplay own topproof 10. of authenticity. The media HuntAppointed co-penned Royalty all 12 songshave on Southside already ,sold including NFTs “Body — although Like a Backnot albums — involved can be copied — anyone can hear Ultravio- Road,”Exchange which was CEO: released in 2017.following The smash the leadhit ruled of digital Country artists Airplay like for Beeple, THAT who TOOK QUITElet — ‘A but FEW’ the MONTHS NFT is unique.Travis Denning To collectors, shatters theit’s recordthe for Exclusive three weeks and the airplay-, streaming-has generated and sales-based nearly $80 Hot million Country auctioning Songs the off most NFT weeks differenceit has taken tobetween penetrate a thepicture Country of a Airplayfamous top painting 10 as “After and chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - FloridaMARKET Georgia WATCH Line’s “Meant toartwork Be” (50 sinceweeks December, atop the latter with list in a 2017-18).piece of digitallion inart on radio reach.the actual painting itself. In terms of value, the NFT PAGE 40 “Downtown’s Dead,” which isauction also on atthe Christie’s new set, reachedselling Nos. for a14 record and 15 $69.3The mil song- surpassesbrings two scarcity tracks to that the took digital 50 weeks world. each to enter the top 10: on HotSONGWRITERS Country Songs and Countrylion Airplay, on March respectively, 11. So far in NFTs June 2018.are popular “Kin- mostlyEaston Corbin’s “ANFTs Girl Like also You,” let creators which reached control No. digital 10 in Jworksanuary through 2018 be- folks”& ledPRODUCERS Country Airplay on Feb.among 29, becoming people who Hunt’s are seventh interested No. 1.in It cryptocurrency, hit fore peaking at No.“smart 6 that contracts,” February, and lines Aaron of code Watson that’s automatically“Outta Style,” which No. 3 on HotCHARTS Country Songs. but are quickly becoming mainstream: In October,achieved the its No.execute 10 high in behaviors December such 2017. as giving the creator a resale LatestPAGES single 41 “Hard - 43 to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker NBA, in partnership with Dapper Labs, launched an (continued) eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY BEST ACTRESS GOLDEN GLOBES WINNER THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY NEW SINGLE “TIGRESS & TWEED” FROM THE MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK: THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY OUT NOW ! BRAND NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!

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royalty when it’s sold to another buyer in sell virtual stickers and trading cards with with a portion of proceeds going to Live Na- the future. “You can set that permanent re- animations of his iconic mouse helmet. tion’s Crew Nation Fund. sale royalty at the time of minting,” says Dee After selling an “audiovisual collaboration” Even with 3LAU’s success, questions re- Goens, co-founder of the NFT marketplace with augmented reality artist Sutu depict- main about the viability of selling albums as Zora, noting that a royalty range of 10% to ing a golden version of Deadmau5’s helmet NFTs. The price of gas makes it hard to sell 25% is typical. floating in a space station on the moon Titan music at scale, and it’s far less convenient to “The problem with the digital world is in a 30-second loop, deadmau5 teamed with listen to than Spotify. we’ve been trained for a decade that every- digital artist Mad Dog Jones on another “I’m not the biggest advocate for straight thing is just copyable,” says 3LAU, a long- NFT auction that showed the benefits of a music NFTs,” says Darlington. “It feels standing member of the crypto community. royalty on third-party sales. like we’re going back in time, like owning “There has always been a historical culture “With Mad Dog Jones, we did $420,000 MP3s and trading MP3s. I think it’s going of collection when it comes to art that just in 15 minutes,” says Dean Wilson, dead- to be more of an uphill battle to sell straight hasn’t manifested in a digital way.” mau5’s manager and founder/CEO of music.” A creator who wants to sell an NFT management firm Seven20. “Two weeks Right now, “the NFT business is a collect- first needs to “mint” one, which involves later, Mad Dog Jones does his own drop. He ibles business,” says Wilson. “What we’re uploading the media and setting the rules clears $4.2 million. In the same week, for seeing is a hype moment like when dot-com in a smart contract. It also requires paying our art that we did with him, we alone got businesses boomed and then busted. There for “gas,” the fluctuating price for writing paid $22,000 on the secondary market.” will be a boom where everybody thinks data onto a blockchain. “It costs $30 to $50, On Jan. 27, Monstercat became one of the there’s a gold rush and there’s free money depending on what gas prices are, to mint an first labels to release an NFT, taking in over out there, and then the collectible busi- NFT,” says Mike Darlington, founder/CEO $500,000 in a pair of drops with the pro- nesses will come out the back of this hype. of the electronic music label Monstercat. ducer Varien and digital artist Giant Swan. It’s taking the baseball card mentality of (Environmentally friendly artists, beware: Mendes brought in $600,000 for his charita- collectibles into the digital space.” The Ethereum network alone annually uses ble foundation in February with a collection So far, NFTs aren’t easy for ordinary peo- as much power as Ecuador.) Once minted, of NFT wearables for digital avatars. On Feb. ple to buy. Prices are out of reach for most an NFT can be sold in a “drop” — vernacular 28, Grimes auctioned 10 pieces of digital music fans, and most marketplaces only ac- adopted from the sneakerhead community art featuring original music that collec- cept payment in Ethereum. Alongside NBA — on marketplaces like OpenSea, Zora and tively pulled in over $6 million. On March Top Shot, NFT marketplace Nifty Gateway Nifty Gateway, where some of the biggest 2, the members of Disclosure live-streamed accepts credit cards, but the market won’t NFT collectors have congregated. themselves producing a song on Twitch, grow significantly until more sellers and NFTs have been traded online since 2017, minted it as an NFT and sold it for $69,000. buyers better understand how it works. (A but they’ve captured the interest of the And on March 5, Kings of Leon earned $2 fact made clear in Kings of Leon’s NFT drop, music business over the last few months. In million with NFT collectibles, including the which didn’t sell as quickly as expected.) December, deadmau5 announced he would band’s new album, When You See Yourself, “We’re dealing with a moment of clear

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digital divide where people are illiterate to legislation, which President Joe Biden is duced in the second relief package passed by how technology works,” says Daouda Leon- expected to sign into law Friday. then-President Donald Trump in Decem- ard, Grimes’ manager and founder of the “There’s a whole lot to celebrate in the ber 2020 — through September 6. That’s firm CreateSafe. “I’m seeing a lot of people bill,” says Kevin Erickson, director at the one week longer than the House bill. (South just going after the gold rush, wanting to get nonprofit Future of Music Coalition. “To Dakota and Idaho opted out of offering the in and sell NFTs, and not doing the work begin with, it’s big. It’s not repeating the supplement to their residents when the and figuring out how these things work.” mistake of 2009 where the recovery package December package passed.) While the $100 If music NFTs become popular, they will passed in response to the Great Recession MEUC is an important concession to mixed- also raise additional questions — whether was far too small. This is still too small, but earners, its advocates had also lobbied artists who don’t own the rights to their re- there’s a lot of meaningful steps that we can senators to keep the federal unemployment cordings will be able to sell an NFT without build on.” benefit at the $400 level approved by the permission from labels, what kinds of royal- Mixed Results for Mixed Earners House. They argued that the $300 provided ties labels might pay artists when they sell Most prominently, the bill includes a $300 by the last package wasn’t enough, particu- an NFT and what kinds of licenses buyers weekly federal pandemic unemployment larly given that lawmakers failed to fix the will need to display their collections online. compensation (FPUC) supplement — $100 flaw in the CARES Act that led to mixed “We’re entering a new era of accounting less than in the original House bill. The earners being shut out of PUA benefits in that nobody’s ready for,” says Darlington. change has been noted as a concession to the first place. “None of the publishers are ready, none of moderate Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, U.S. Representatives Adam the collection societies are ready. The tech- and it will hit “mixed earners” who make a Schiff and Judy Chu attempted to fix that nology is going to far surpass the systems living through a combination of employee foundational flaw by introducing the that we have in place.” wages and freelance income especially hard. Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment A version of this article originally appeared Due to a flaw in the March 2020 CARES Assistance Act last July, but the bill was ul- in the March 13, 2021, issue of Billboard. Act pandemic relief legislation, workers timately excluded from both the December whose W-2 earnings qualified them for relief package and the current legislation. traditional unemployment benefits were Sarah Howes, an independent attorney Congress Passes deemed ineligible for Pandemic Unemploy- who does pro-bono work for artists, gig ment Assistance (PUA), the system of state- workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs af- $1.9T Relief Bill: level aid the bill created for freelancers. As fected by the pandemic, says advocates had a result, many freelancers’ unemployment also lobbied for the MEUC to be increased Here’s What’s in It benefit amounts were determined by their to $150 a week, but adds that the extension often far less substantial W-2 earnings, leav- of the supplement counts as a win for mixed for Music Workers ing them with only minuscule state-level earners, who were all but ignored in the benefits. Because of this, many in that situ- original CARES Act legislation passed in BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN ation saw the FPUC supplement — which March 2020. was $600 a week under the CARES Act and “We’re so grateful that we got included,” he House of Representatives reduced to $300 when it was extended at says Howes. “It gives some money, and it passed a landmark $1.9 trillion the end of 2020 — as a lifeline. does make these people feel heard. I can tell COVID-19 relief bill on Wednes- Advocates had expected the $400 FPUC you, when you’re in crisis, feeling heard is a day (March 10), including a mixed benefit that the House established for the huge part of it.” Tbag of legislation for the music industry’s American Rescue Plan Act to remain intact Lauren Hancock, an attorney who sits hard-hit freelance workforce. when it emerged from the Senate, but Man- on the board of directors at Songwriters of The American Rescue Plan Act, which chin reportedly threatened to vote against North America (SONA), agrees that while the Senate passed Saturday, is the third the package if the FPUC was not lowered. the relief bill falls short in some areas, it’s a and most sweeping relief legislation of the “One hundred dollars a week is a big valuable messaging tool for the future, par- pandemic, and it bears substantial changes loss for a musician who is unable to work ticularly when it comes to freelancer issues. since the House last voted on the legislation because of the pandemic,” says A2IM “[Having] all of this stuff...included in these Feb. 27. president and CEO Richard Burgess, who COVID relief packages is great to get the Some of those modifications will affect worked as an independent musician for issue on people’s radar,” she says. hard-hit freelancers in the music industry in many years and has been a vocal advocate of Stimulus Checks: A Stopgap, Not a ways both good and bad, though advocates relief for freelancers. Solution for freelance music workers who were inter- The Senate bill does extend the $100 The Senate bill also extends the FPUC viewed for this story say they are largely weekly mixed-earner unemployment com- – which, like other pandemic unemploy- happy with the current version of the pensation (MEUC) supplement — intro- ment assistance, had been slated to expire 2021 TOP MUSIC LAWYERS

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

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on March 14 – through September 6, also $40 billion in additional rent and mortgage one week longer than in the House version assistance. The Senate also added an amend- A Seat At The of the legislation. It additionally includes ment to the House bill that will exempt all $1,400 stimulus checks that will be sent student loan forgiveness, including potential (Kids) Table: to individuals making $75,000 or less and future student loan cancelation by Congress a maximum joint income of $150,000 for or the Biden administration, from federal Children’s couples. taxation so long as that debt is forgiven by Howes says those stimulus checks will Jan 1, 2026. And it provides an additional Music Grammy certainly help mixed earners pay down any $1.25 billion to the Shuttered Venue Opera- debts they have accrued but, overall, she tors Grant program, with another $840,000 Nominees — And explains, they will not make up for the thou- allocated to staffing at the Small Business sands of dollars of unemployment benefits Administration (SBA), which is responsible Their Overlooked that gig workers have lost. What’s really for allocating those funds. The amendment needed, she continues, is long-term relief for to the SVOG will also allow venues to apply Peers of Color — mixed earners who have been all but shut for and receive funds from the second round out of the unemployment system over the of Paycheck Protection Program loans, Open Up past year. which closes applications on March 31. If “There remain serious problems,” she venues receive these PPP2 funds as well as a BY FRANK DIGIACOMO says. “There are still some waiting for venue grant, the amount of their PPP funds benefits and others who have been excluded will be reduced from their awarded grant he announcement in December from any unemployment support despite amount. that three of the five Grammy losing most or all of their income due to “Working families get a lot in this bill,” nominees for best children’s flaws in policy. We need to continue fixing says Burgess, who adds that the legislation album were asking to have their these problems — with legislation, [Depart- also “triple[s] the value of the Earned In- Tnames withdrawn from the ballot reverber- ment of Labor] guidelines, state unemploy- come Tax Credit to over $1,500 and make[s] ated through the industry, bringing atten- ment policy and technology modernization.” it easier for folks without children to get the tion not just to the Recording Academy’s In addition to permanent fixes to the un- benefit.” The bill contributes an additional ongoing struggles with diversity, but also employment system, Howes says Congress $15 billion to Economic Injury Disaster to music too often overlooked by anyone and the Biden administration also need to Loans (EIDL), for which freelancers are except for children and their parents. In a consider debt relief programs for mixed eligible, he says. year marked by the most powerful social earners who have accumulated credit card Erickson is also heartened by the bill’s $3.5 justice protests in nearly a half century — debt, as well as refundable tax credits and billion allocation for block grants to address a year that saw the Recording Academy grants for entrepreneurs whose businesses mental health and substance use, including pledge to create a more diverse and inclu- suffered losses. $100 million for mental health workforce sive membership and voting process — all Tax Relief, Health Care Subsidies and training. “Musicians face disproportionate of the nominees were white, and all but one More rates of anxiety and depression and addic- of them were men. This even though there Among the other provisions that will benefit tion even in good times,” he says. “The strain had been no lack of notable children’s music freelancer music workers in the bill are an that our healthcare system is under has led releases from artists of color in 2020. increase in the per-child tax credit to $3,600 to cutbacks in these kinds of treatment. Even Children’s/family music is one of the for kids under the age of six, and $3,000 though the ACA means that folks have cover- places kids first learn about the world and for those six and older; and an increase age for mental health and substance abuse, the forces that shape it. It has long carried in the Child and Dependent Care Credit, there are real problems with provider short- messages of progressive politics (as, indeed, which covers 50% of eligible care expenses ages. This should help.” many of the albums nominated this year for children and other dependents, to a do), which made the exclusion of Black and maximum of $4,000 for one dependent and Brown artists from this year’s ballot sting all $8,000 for two or more. the harder. And that exclusion is hardly an The American Rescue Plan Act would anomaly. In 2017, there were no Black-led also forgive taxes on the first $10,200 of acts nominated, and the nominees that vied federal unemployment benefits for 2020 in 2018, 2019 and 2020 included only one and provide a refund for anyone who has act of color each year. already paid them. It additionally provides The all-white ballot for best children’s additional subsidies for Affordable Care Act album was first brought to light by Family (ACA) and COBRA plans and a combined Music Forward, a collective led by artists 2 0 2 1 PRIMARY WAVE 15TH ANNIVERSARY

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

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

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of color, shortly after the nominations were City, NC, whose 2020 debut children’s ted. announced at the end of November. But it album D.a.D was celebrated on Today, NPR Pierce, D.a.D is your first album of wasn’t until three of the nominated acts — and elsewhere; Christina Sanabria of the children’s music. Are you an Academy Alastair Moock, The Okee Dokee Brothers Latin Grammy-winning husband-and-wife member and did you submit your album and Dogs on Fleas — asked to have their duo 123 Andrés (pronounced Uno Dos Tres yourself? nominations withdrawn (and after learning Andrés), which released Hola, Amigo: Songs Freelon: I’m not a voting member so I that the Academy would not remove their of Friendship; and 15-year children’s music had to submit through a friend. names from the ballot, called on members veteran and reggae artist Aaron Nigel Moock: I’m a voting member, and I sub- to not vote for them) that the issue became Smith, who put out the concert album Live mitted Be A Pain myself. national media fodder. in L.A. Joe, this would have been the Okee Academy officials — including interim Four of the five participants are founding Dokee Brothers’ fourth nomination? president Harvey Mason Jr. and chief di- members of Family Music Forward, which Mailander: Fifth. We submitted Songs versity, equity and inclusion officer Valeisha formed this past summer (Mailander is a For Singin’ ourselves. We are voting mem- Butterfield Jones — met twice via video member but joined later in the year). They bers. conference over the issue. The first meet- recounted their meetings with the Academy, All of you make music to entertain and ing was with a small group of Family Music the changes they would like to see in the comfort children, but you also use music Forward members after the organization’s voting process for children’s music, and the to educate. How have the events of 2020 initial protest. The second was with a larger systemic racism they see in the music indus- affected your feelings about the role of group that included Moock; members of try, including the media that covers it. As children’s music in the world, as well as The Okee Dokee Brothers and Dog on Fleas; Moock put it, “All white people have to do to your feelings about this year’s Grammy the two other nominees in the category, be part of racist society is nothing because nominations in your category? Justin Roberts and Joanie Leeds (neither of the system already serves us.” Smith: Children’s music is one of the whom have withdrawn their nominations); They also discussed the artists they would most important offerings that we can pro- and children’s music artists of color Uncle have liked to have seen nominated for the vide to our generation. Music has a way of Devin, his wife Lolita Walker and Tommy best children’s album Grammy, the events breaking down barriers, and it can really Shepherd of the Alphabet Rockers (them- that led to the formation of the Family teach because it’s received by youth without selves two-time nominees in the category). Music Forum, and the steps that its mem- discrimination and preconceived notions. At both of the meetings, the Academy ad- bers are taking to create opportunities for We can teach numbers, letters and colors, mitted that the nomination review commit- artists of color. “We are tired of waiting,” but we can also teach loving kindness. We tee for the best children’s album category says Smith. can teach how to be a good neighbor. With — which culls the top 15 albums that get The industry is responding as well. Febru- the Grammys this year, the nominations the most nods during general voting to five ary saw the unveiling of Nashville-based were a reflection of our society today and nominees — had lacked diversity. Although 8 Pound Gorilla Records, a division of the our history. This year of all years, it was the statement that Butterfield Jones issued comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Media. surprising and, more importantly, disap- afterward contained no such mea culpa, it With SiriusXM Kids Place Live host Kenny pointing that there was no acknowledge- did say, “We have met with Family Music Curtis heading up A&R, 8 Pound Gorilla will ment of the rich diversity that’s offered in Forward and others to reaffirm our commit- devote itself to releasing a diverse roster of the children and family music space. ment to drive necessary change. We are con- talent, including music by SaulPaul and DJ Freelon: This year, I thought a lot about fident that together our industry can keep Willy Wow. “We want to help our artists how racism starts at a young age because moving forward.” (On March 1, members of create music that sounds like the world kids I put out D.a.D as a Black father at a time FMF submitted a proposal to the Recording live in today,” says Curtis. when I also had to have a conversation Academy with recommendations for creat- Everyone here has put out an album with my Black son about institutional ing more transparency in the nomination this year that would have been eligible in racism. When a police officer like the one process. They are expecting a response after the best children’s album category. Were that kneeled on George Floyd’s neck or the the Grammys.) all of your albums submitted for nomina- one that shot Tamir Rice or killed Michael In order to delve deeper into the is- tion? If so, can you briefly tell me how Brown was a kid, what images of Black men sue, Billboard invited five artists in the your album was submitted? were they seeing in their childhood? Would children’s and family music space, in- Sanabria: We are Grammy members, George Zimmerman have killed Trayvon cluding Moock and one half of The Okee and so we submitted our own album, Hola, Martin had he seen positive, affirming, nur- Dokee Brothers, Joe Mailander, to join in Amigo: Songs of Friendship. turing Black role models? They’re largely a roundtable discussion. The other par- Smith: I am a voting member, and I sub- absent from children’s media and media in ticipants were Pierce Freelon, a hip-hop mitted my album, Live in L.A. This was the general. So, last year I really started think- artist and city council member in Raleigh seventh album of mine that I have submit- ing about the power of children’s music to Page 10 of 43

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interrupt that narrative — to flip a switch in tremendous impact on what we were do- Family Music Forward first brought the minds of folks who are killing Black men ing at the time. We were just coming up attention to the all-white Grammy nomi- and boys at these alarming rates. George in the industry, and it led to a relationship nation slate at the end of November via Floyd was a catalyst, just like Emmett Till with a booking agent that put us in front of social media. Did the Academy respond was a catalyst, but neither of them was an performing arts center audiences and the to you? anomaly. national press. From there, we used that mo- Smith: Yes. When we did our initial Christina, you and your husband have mentum to engage with our fan base. We’ve protest, I felt there was a sense of urgency. been nominated three times for Latin never put down what this award can do for They were like, can we meet today? They re- Grammys and won in 2016. Yet you’ve artists. We do think it needs to go hand-in- spected the fact that something needed to be never been nominated by the all-genre hand with quality music and engagement for addressed. On December 4, we had a heart- Grammys. How did your Latin Grammy it to do much good, but yeah, it’s an effective to-heart with them — myself and a couple nominations and win affect the visibility tool even in the children’s music space. other members of Family Music Forward of 123 Andrés, and why do you think your Moock: The Grammy is a very big deal. — where they acknowledged that there was work has been overlooked by the Gram- It’s recognition from your peers. It opens a lack of judgment within the Grammy orga- mys at large? a huge number of doors — especially in a nization, and we were appreciative of that. Sanabria: Once you can put that on your small category like this — to be able to use We presented recommendations for how website, in your bio and every piece of that brand as part of your brand for the rest we can move forward, such as education marketing, that opens doors for you. And of your life. All of us want it because we programs to inform the Academy member- if it doesn’t open doors, it increases the have awards in children’s music, but nobody ship that there’s a wide variety of genres in chances they will open for you when you outside of children’s music has ever heard the children’s music category. One of the key knock. The same is true for any prestigious of them. But what happened this year is not recommendations was more transparency in award like the Grammys. So, one reason it is the way that any of us wanted it, and I think the entire process — the nominating process so important for the Grammys to reflect the I’m right in speaking for all five of the nomi- included — and we want an overhaul of the diverse field of children’s music creators out nees in saying that we were all taken aback. nominating committee. After the votes are there, is that this category is uniquely posi- Can you walk us through how you came tallied and calculated, it goes to a secret tioned to serve all children. And all children to put out the statement rescinding your review committee and that’s where the wis- include what I looked like as a child and the nominations? dom, the discernment, the ability exists to range of my experiences. There were days Moock: I spent this last year as part of make this situation right. That’s where they when I was, like, “I want bubblegum,” but I Family Music Forward. I feel very fortunate could have said, “Hey, all of the nominees also dealt with concerns of having parents to be part of it. It’s a Black and Brown-led are white. How do we correct this?” who were undocumented immigrants. You organization, and I spent much of this year Mailander: After members vote for the might say, “Are children ready to think listening to the stories of peers. I’ve known category, there is a nomination review com- about that?” But this summer, we attended a Aaron and Uncle Devin for a long time, but I mittee that reviews the top 15 vote getters, number of protests and marches and saw so had never had that conversation with them. and they choose the five nominees from many children who were the age that Tamir And that’s mostly because I never asked there. Rice would have been or younger. Some them, what has your journey in family music Smith: So, that was our initial meeting, were carrying signs that read, “I won’t be been like? As I started to ask more people and then there was a follow-up meeting cute in 15 years.” They showed us that this that question, I was really taken aback by with the Academy on Dec. 11 where FMF is the reality for a lot of children today. The the obstacles I heard about over and over and the artists were represented. Do you latest census information shows that more again. Then, Family Music Forward came want to speak to that Joe? than 50 percent of children today are non- together over the summer and under the Mailander: The big thing that the Acad- white. Some are grappling with poverty and leadership of folks like Aaron, put together emy admitted in that meeting was that the inequality. And if you look at what sounds our first-ever Black music festival, Kukuza nomination review committee did not have those children are gravitating to on YouTube Fest. And not only did the group create this strong representation from people of color. and TikTok, they are a lot more diverse two-day festival of performances, when it That was said outright. They said it should than what some people might think of as came time to hire a graphic designer, we have been stronger and that it was unac- children’s music. went and researched Black graphic de- ceptable. We suspected this was the case Joe, The Okee Dokee Brothers have signers because none of us in the group, because of the amazing albums that came won a best children’s album Grammy. including any of the Black members of the out in 2020 that were overlooked. That What kind of effect did it have on your group, knew any. Uncle Devin found a Black didn’t add up for us. We could see that our career? publicist because there are none in the music, which kind of fits within the white Mailander: We won in 2013 for an album children’s music space. It was a real learning narrative, seems to have unseen advantages called Can You Canoe and yeah, it had a experience. when there’s only white people listening to Page 11 of 43

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it. Those are people that understand what that committee are kept secret and the pro- again, which is why this protest is saying we’re doing with folk music. But this is a tocols they use to determine the final list of we need to make room for Black and Brown special category that really needs to have ex- nominees is not really known unless you’ve voices. It’s not that our voices and stories perts on the committee that understand the been on one of the committees. Perhaps aren’t important. They are – I’m really diverse genres that were submitted in the they could open up the process and let us proud of my album, what it’s about and the children’s category — hip-hop, R&B, reggae audit that information or publicly release message it sends to kids — but the nomina- and Latin music. They didn’t have that, and the information. Let’s be open and upfront. tions are so white and so male that we’re that’s absolutely unacceptable for a profes- Mailander: Aaron we might disagree on telling the same stories to the same audienc- sional organization to drop the ball like that. this, but I think the Academy’s reason for es. That’s a disservice to Black and Brown It is embarrassing to our genre, and it hurts not releasing those names is to protect their people. It’s a disservice to white people, too. our music community. privacy and keep them from being flooded Freelon: Could I build on that? Children’s Was any reason given for this lapse? with solicitations. You can push for that, and music, let’s be honest, is a relatively obscure Mailander: They said that they didn’t I’m open to hearing more, but we should be genre. What’s the one time a year where, have enough people of color because of able to work with the Academy to determine if you are interested in music, you think, review committee term limits as well as what percentage of people of color are on “I wonder what’s going on in children’s conflicts of interest. But as I tried to piece the committee as well as gender percent- music?” The Grammys play a big role in together what had happened, I see that ages. the media’s interest in what’s going on in maybe they reached out to a handful of Smith: That would be fair. That way we our category. And so for them to look up people of color. They need to have 50, 60, could make a proper assessment without annually and constantly see this very narrow 100 people that they can reach out to make disclosing personal information. Another representation of talent — imagine a best of sure the committees are diverse — and those one of their arguments was that there the best competition where the top four are people do exist. weren’t enough submissions by artists of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, James Taylor Who did you meet with at the Acad- color to be considered. But after reviewing and Joan Baez. They are among the best — emy? the entire list, we found that actually a quar- as are, by the way, the five nominees for this Mailander: Harvey Mason Jr., Valeisha ter of the entries were [artists of color]. That year’s children’s music category — but why Butterfield Jones and other top executives means a quarter of the nominations should aren’t Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Tupac in around them. have reflected that. I’ve released seven the conversation? It’s mind-boggling. And In light of the Academy’s admission albums. I’ll say that two of them deserved brother Aaron, this is not something where that the review committee was not to be acknowledged — I’m a tough critic we should be saying, “I have no idea how diverse, what did you think of the state- when it comes to my work. And I’ve got the this happened.” ment that Valeisha Butterfield Jones same agents as all of the guys and women The last thing I’ll say is Billboard, you play released after your meetings? There was that have been nominated. I understand the an important role in perpetuating the status no reference to that admission. game thoroughly. I have put the market- quo. We’re here because some white guys Mailander: We expected them to put out ing money into it. I’ve “played the game” at decided to rescind their nominations — not a statement taking responsibility in a very the level of many of the people who have because you were fascinated by the music of clear way, which did not happen. been nominated, and I don’t know why I Pierce Freelon, 123 Andrés or Aaron Nigel Smith: We’re disappointed by that, but I haven’t been on that on that list for all these Smith. Basically Alastair and Joe hoisted understand that they were protecting their years. And this is not just for me. This is for us on their backs and brought us into this organization. They weren’t not going to Pierce. This is for SaulPaul. This is so artists meeting because you didn’t pay attention throw themselves under the bus. But we do of color don’t have to wait 20 years to get until the controversy of their choice made feel heard to a certain degree and hope- acknowledgement. It hurts to not feel the it mandatory. We need a lower bar of entry ful that they seemed responsive. But we’re support of your peers. than white guys rescinding their nomina- operating on the principle of trust but verify. Freelon: You don’t know why? It’s sys- tions. Some of the gatekeepers that can We’re not going to leave it in their lap to cre- temic racism. allow that access are publications like Bill- ate this change. The change is coming with Mailander: An NPR piece on the protest board, Rolling Stone and NPR, which don’t or without the Academy. came out recently, and I felt like the writer typically do a lot of children’s music stories. Aaron, you spoke about the need for did a great job telling the story. Yet, what When Family Music Forward first said this more transparency. Can you tell us what’s gets put on the net is a picture of The Okee is wrong, Billboard, Rolling Stone and NPR not transparent? What are the failings Dokee Brothers — two white guys — and were like, meh. But when Joe and Alastair and how should they be corrected? a headline [“3 Grammy Contenders Share and Doug said it’s wrong, guess what? We Smith: The nomination review commit- Outrage At All-White Category, Decline got phone calls from all three. tee has a lot of power to determine who’s Nominations”] that leads to white savior- Moock: I want to cosign and speak to going to be nominated, but the members of ship. That story gets told over and over white people for a second. All white people Page 12 of 43

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have to do to be part of racist society is over the summer in reference to some Moock: My origin story started with a nothing because the system already serves virtual events that had an all-white lineup. bad idea. We have a children’s music forum, us. A lot of us in the children’s music world We began to meet regularly, and as Aaron and after George Floyd’s murder, I jumped have struggled with this because we feel like said, our first outward looking project was into that space and threw out the idea to hey, we’re good people, we all want change, Kukuza Fest. do a concert to raise money for Black Lives and we all want to see the nominees be Freelon: The festivals that Christina Matter. Fifty people raised their hands, diverse. But we keep getting the same result. mentioned are not new. There have been which is a testament to our community, but It’s hard to point fingers. The Grammys white festivals and white booking agents, 45 of them were white. One of our other play a role: the nominating committees look white-exclusive artists and events. There founding members, Amelia Robinson, called like us; the field itself is overwhelmingly were two or three things that made it differ- that out and was like, “Hey, I don’t think white. I think there’s a real disconnect for ent this year. COVID was one. So, festivals this is how we honor Black Lives Matter.” a lot of people in our field when it comes to that may not have been on everyone’s radar In a very gracious way, Devin and Andrés hip-hop, reggae, R&B. I don’t think many were now in our faces because everything reached out and told me that they were of us have the tools to evaluate that music had become digital and virtual. What started already working on an idea for a Black mu- critically. So, we don’t know what Pierce as a conversation that Alastair and others sic festival or concert but maybe we could is doing. And yet, Pierce’s album got more were having around George Floyd, and what collaborate. It was a much better idea. But national press this year than any children’s do we do about this racist festival thing, that’s not the origin story of Family Music album that came out by far. He was on became an opportunity to create a group Forward. Like Christina says, a lot of people the Today show and a bunch of other pro- dedicated to dealing with this. If there was in this field were already working and col- grams. So, the national audience understood a timeline, I was in the second tier. Aaron laborating, and that specific conversation that this album was important. How does was in the third. There’s a first tier before around the concert led a number of us to get that not get a nomination? me, and we’re all founding members except together. One conversation led to another, Christina, what’s your perspective? Joe. Also, I want to make sure that when and we found ourselves with a group. Then Sanabria: There’s something unique you write about Family Music Forward you we reached out to some other folks like about children’s or family music in that it’s know that, although last summer was a Pierce and Aaron and we built ourselves a not a genre, even though it’s sometimes catalyst, this movement is building on a very coalition. called one. It’s more of an audience that solid foundation created by some amaz- In your opinions, who are the deserv- listens to many genres. But there’s also ing Black women like Ella Jenkins, Sweet ing artists who should have been on that something that’s not unique about children’s Honey in the Rock and Lolita Walker, who is nomination ballot? music. It’s what American music looks like. Uncle Devin’s wife, and a cofounder of WEE Mailander: I think Pierce Freelon made a The members of Family Music Forward Nation Radio. masterpiece. He made an incredibly mean- want to approach change through the idea Smith: I was one of the last to the dance. ingful and personal album that reflected of intersectionality. We want to lift up the We were all quarantined and doing our own his relationships with his daughter and his voices of people of color and other identi- projects, and Alastair reached out to me. He father. It’s fresh, it takes a lot of risks and it’s ties, whether it’s gender or ability. These was, like, “Yo man, there’s something you super vulnerable. It 100 percent should have are the children and families that we are might want to know about that’s starting.” been on that nomination list. Elena Moon serving, and we recognize that unless we So, I’m bigging up Alastair for introducing Park’s album, The Unhurried Journey, is also move forward together, we are not achieving me to the group. It has been life-changing a masterpiece and was completely over- justice, equality and representation. We’ve and empowering. Rather than feeling looked. It’s traditional folk music from East been talking a lot about the Grammy pro- isolated, I’m part of a team. We’re meeting and Southeast Asia meets Americana. Saul- cess, but I think that Family Music Forward multiple times a week. We’re forming com- Paul’s Be The Change was one of the best re- and all of us here recognize that change mittees, and we’ve got initiatives that you’ll cords of 2020. His sound is not understood needs to happen industry-wide — from the be excited to see. by old folkies, so it was also overlooked. performance spaces, the radio spaces, the Mailander: I’m not a founding member. Uno, Dos, Tres Andrés was overlooked. press spaces. All of those things need to For me, it was a slow process of participat- Aaron Nigel Smith cut a live reggae record come together to make sure that there are ing in certain initiatives throughout the that’s full of incredible energy. That doesn’t no barriers for musicians making high-qual- fall. But I will say this about Family Music happen very often in this field. Mista Cookie ity music to make a living. Forward: I’ve been in the children’s music Jar, Jose-Luis Orozco, Lucky Diaz, who’s Everyone here is a member of Family space for 10 years and have never felt as been overlooked way too many times. Those Music Forward. How did the organiza- inspired and energized as I have in the last are just a few personal favorites. tion get its start, and when did each of three months as I get to know these people Moock: Obviously, we have our favorites, you join? who are really walking the walk and doing but three of those albums — Pierce’s, Saul- Sanabria: Family Music Forward started incredible work. Paul’s and Elena Moon Park — have come up Page 13 of 43

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over and over again with people in our field in the March 13, 2021, issue of Billboard. than replicate it. Some platforms allow art- who have talked about this. For me, it was a ists to take questions from fans, host virtual travesty that SaulPaul was not nominated. meet and greets, and perform encores for a This is his fourth album, and he did what it US Livestreams select few fans — and charge accordingly. often takes to get on the ballot. He included The result is “a new format,” says Thomas a lot of well-established members of the Earned $610M in Hesse, co-founder of Dreamstage. “It community, including people who have been becomes something that sits between the nominated for Grammys themselves. Joe 2020: Study traditional music video and the live perfor- put his finger on it: SaulPaul’s sound isn’t mance.” well understood. He uses Auto-Tune. But it BY GLENN PEOPLES The format’s potential is mind-bog- was an inclusive album as well as a deeply gling for superstars. K-pop group BTS sold personal album that, on some songs, spoke ivestreaming went from niche to 993,000 tickets for virtual concerts on directly to Black kids. He has an incredible mainstream in 2020, becoming big Oct. 11 and 12. Big Hit Entertainment, the story about growing up poor and spending moneymakers for artists unable to Korean company behind BTS, hosted the time in jail, and he articulated that in such tour during the pandemic, accord- concerts on its WeChat social platform. a personal way on the album. That story is Ling to new research by MusicWatch. Faced with 40 canceled BTS tour dates that so valuable and it’s so rarely heard in this An estimated 115 million people watched dropped Bit Hit’s concert revenue by 98% in space. a livestream in the fourth quarter 2020 2020, the company hosted those and more Musicians in other categories have said on platforms ranging from the popular concerts on its WeChat social platform, that, by talking to their colleagues, it’s site Twitch to Mandolin, one of the new mu- improving revenue from content — includ- possible to figure out who’s on a nomina- sic-focused streamers to have sprouted dur- ing media other than live streams — by 71% tion review committee. Have any of you ing the pandemic. “When I [first] looked to $120.1 million, according to the com- been able to suss that out and approach at the landscape, it was an asterisk,” says pany’s 2020 financial release. True, BTS is these committee members to voice your Russ Crupnick of MusicWatch, who found an outlier with a large fanbase, but other frustration and anger? that 11% of U.S. consumers streamed a music artists have also caught on: the percent- Sanabria: Andrés and I have not. That is event in the first quarter of 2019, counting age of livestreams tracked by Bandsin- not something of interest to us. We see this clips and highlights, a multi-day virtual town jumped from 2% in June 2020 to as a historic issue. This particular year was festival, DJ sets, and a video game stream, more than half by November. a glaring example, but in 2017 there was among other options. “It’s been outstanding In some cases, online concerts could be a no act led by people of color. And in other how many people have been exposed to one feature rather than a product. Live Nation, years there were one, maybe two nominees, since the pandemic.” which bought a majority stake in stream- but that doesn’t make it okay. Next year we Just 9% of fans — that’s roughly 10 mil- ing platform Veeps in January, sees stream- might have one or two nominees and every- lion — paid for an event such as Kiss’ New ing as complementary to in-person concerts. one will be like, “Oh, that’s great. Problem Year’s Eve broadcast or Billie Eilish’s Oct. “We think we have a unique advantage solved.” But it’s not. It’s an ongoing long- 24 live concert. That’s a small fraction of because we have the 30,00 physical term thing. It’s not just about this year. It’s the 110 million people who pay for music shows,” CEO Michael Rapino said in Live about the system. through streaming services or via purchas- Nation’s Feb. 26 earnings call. Smith: It’s going to take a holistic ap- es of downloads, CD and LPs. But the $610 The online concert could also become an proach to manifest the change we want to million that consumers spent on virtual upgrade option for ticket buyers, like VIP see. So pointing the finger at one particular concerts in 2020 was more than down- packages, he said. “Or possibly you can come committee or one particular challenge that loads ($600 million) and CDs ($572 million). to the show and you want some to look at we’re having — I don’t know if that’s where Whether or not livestreaming can main- other camera angles on your phone.” the solution lies. Organizations like Fam- tain momentum in 2021 will help determine ily Music Forward are where the solution how artists monetize their global fanbases. is. Let’s build and let’s create. We’re in that With vaccination rates raising and new process, and the first thing we did was found COVID-19 cases falling, people will soon Kukuza Fest, highlighting people of color. return to concert venues and livestreaming The second thing we did was this protest, will no longer be the only way to see a fa- which has had significant impact. We’re vorite artist perform. While 66% of fans ex- building the industry that needs to be here. pect to continue watching virtual perfor- We’re tired of waiting. mances when concerts resume, according Additional reporting by Joe Levy. to Crupnick, streaming services are evolving A version of this article originally appeared to augment the in-person concert rather Page 14 of 43

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“2021 was actually meant to be the CEO of CTS Eventim. “But precedence Top German summer of reunions, and festival organiz- must, of course, be given to safeguarding ers have invested a great deal of time and and protecting the health of fans, perform- Festivals Canceled energy in sanitary and infection control con- ers, festival teams and partners.” cepts to make that possible,” Frithjof Pils, Again, Throwing managing director of Eventim Live, said in a press release. Anthony Martini Europe’s Summer The ongoing health crisis in Germany and Switzerland meant promoters “have had to Appointed Royalty Into Doubt accept with a heavy heart that festivals of this magnitude are not yet feasible at pres- Exchange CEO: BY RICHARD SMIRKE ent,” he said. The festival cancellations will deeply Exclusive ONDON — Promoters have called concern live executives, artists and crews off some of Germany’s biggest mu- desperate to see a return to touring and full- BY GAIL MITCHELL sic festivals for a second straight capacity concerts in Europe. Already this year due to the COVID-19 pandem- year, promoters have called off a number of nthony “Ant” Martini has Lic, dealing another blow to Europe’s efforts tentpole 2021 events in Europe, including been appointed CEO of Royalty to restart live music this summer. Glastonbury in the U.K., Hellfest in France Exchange, effective immedi- CTS Eventim and its promoter network and Primavera Sound in Spain. ately. Matthew Smith, found- Eventim Live announced Wednesday There are, however, a large number of ingA CEO of the online platform, stays on as (March 10) that they were postponing Rock European festivals hoping to take place this chairman. am Ring, scheduled for June 11-13 at the summer, most notably in the U.K. where In announcing Martini’s appointment, Nürburgring racetrack in Nürburg, and its more than 22.8 million people — more than Smith stated, “I’m incredibly happy that we concurrent sister event Rock im Park, which one-third of the population — have so far found Anthony and that he agreed to step takes place near Nuremberg, until June received at least one COVID-19 vaccination into the CEO role. “He has the experience, 2022. dose. It’s the third-highest vaccination rate vision, drive and relationships—not to men- The two outdoor festivals have a com- of any country in the world. Live events tion charisma—to lead Royalty Exchange bined capacity of more than 150,000 people free of restrictions are due to return start- into its next chapter.” and rank among Germany’s most popular ing June 21, according to the government’s Martini, a former artist manager and in- summer music events. Artists booked to play roadmap out of lockdown. dependent label executive, said, “I’ve always this year included Volbeat, Green Day and The shows include the dual site Reading enjoyed the thrill of finding the next big System of a Down. The promoter has not and Leeds festivals, All Points East, Latitude, artist, but this time I’ve found the next big confirmed if those acts will perform at the and Creamfields — which counts David company. Royalty Exchange is disrupting rescheduled 2022 editions. Guetta, deadmau5, Eric Prydz and Tiësto the financial landscape of the music busi- Eventim Live, in a statement, cited “ongo- among its line-up and sold out in record ness in favor of those who actually create ing uncertainty about infection rates and time in February. the value in this industry—the artists. That’s mutations” for the cancellations. The picture in other major touring a mission I can get behind and take to the The promoter also announced the post- markets in Europe, such as Germany and next level.” ponement to 2022 of four other German France, is more uncertain due to well-pub- Prior to joining Royalty Exchange, Marti- festivals: Hurricane (due to feature Twenty licized delays in administering vaccinations ni founded indie label Commission Records, One Pilots and The Killers), Deichbrand and new coronavirus mutations that are whose roster included hit artists Lil’ Dicky (Steve Aoki, Capital Bra), SonneMond- leading to a spike in infections. As of March and MadeinTYO. Martini sold a majority Sterne (Martin Garrix, The Chainsmokers), 5, around 4.7 million people in Germany — stake in the label to Big Noise in 2019. Mar- Southside (Kings of Leon, Rise Against), 5.7% of the population — had received at tini launched his industry career as an artist and Greenfield Festival (Volbeat, Korn) in least one vaccination dose, according to the manager, later advancing to a senior role at Switzerland. Robert Koch Institut. Crush Management where he discovered All the events had been scheduled to take “The delay in the vaccination rollout and and managed rapper Tyga, among other place between June and August and have the new virus mutants really kicked us in acts. From there, Martini segued to music capacities of between 60,000 and 80,000 the buttocks,” reads a statement on the Hur- licensing platform Jingle Punks and played people. Ticket holders will be given the op- ricane festival website. an instrumental role in its sale to Canadian portunity to transfer their tickets to attend “We regret these cancellations very publisher Anthem Entertainment. next year’s events, organizers said. much,” said Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, Earlier this week, Royalty Exchange was Page 15 of 43

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ranked No. 8 in the music category on Fast level. Those dollar amounts have ranged over the world and to give listeners access Company’s annual list of the World’s Most from $10,000 up to multimillions of dol- to all of the world’s music. We are delighted Innovative Companies for 2021. In the last lars. Moving forward, Royalty Exchange’s that our Korean listeners will now also be four years, Denver-headquartered Royalty 2021 plans include replicating the Vydia able to enjoy this local music alongside our Exchange reports that it has facilitated more partnership with more distributors as well 70 million+ songs and 4 billion+ playlists,” than 1,000 transactions and directed more as further expanding its service/resource Spotify sad in a statement. “We remain than $90 million in new funding to creators initiatives for artists. committed to making a positive impact on and right holders. To date, the company has “Throughout my career, my vision has Korea’s music streaming ecosystem through 27,000 registered investors. always been focused on empowering artists, our partnerships with artists, labels, and lo- In his new role, East Coast-based Martini especially the 99% of non-superstar artists,” cal rights holders.” has already helmed two new artist-focused says Martini. “We want to really open this Their global licensing deal had expired initiatives: a partnership with digital dis- up to everybody and be super-inclusive.” on Feb. 28. Spotify issued a statement tributor Vydia and The eXchange. The Vyia to Billboard that read, “Despite our best partnership, announced on March 3, is avail- efforts, the existing licensing deal we able to clients that use Vydia to distribute Hundreds of had with Kakao M has come to an end.” their music. Under terms of the agreement, But Kakao Entertainment issued a counter- those clients can request an advance on K-Pop Songs statement on Soompi, pointing fingers at future royalties. In turn, they have complete the streaming service for being the one control over the amount of the request, how by Seventeen, who chose not to renew their agreement much they’ll repay in return and also will after Kakao had requested it. They were retain full rights to their music. MonstaX & More also in the midst of negotiating a separate, In the first test of the program, Royalty unrelated domestic contract, but “due to Exchange and Vydia referenced up-and- Returning to Spotify’s policy that they must proceed with coming Atlanta rapper Money Mu. He the domestic and global contracts at the requested a $400,000 advance in return for Spotify same time,” its global contract with Kakao a $571,000 repayment. The auction bid the Entertainment expired. advance up to $444,000. BY HERAN MAMO Spotify launched in South Korea on Feb. The eXchange, introduced on Feb. 16, 2, and its move into the world’s sixth largest is the name given to Royalty Exchange’s potify and Kakao Entertainment market, according to the IFPI, put Spotify expansion of its online marketplace. The (previously Kakao M) have made in direct competition with the domestic merged two of the company’s popular amends. streaming band affiliated with Kakao Enter- features into one platform: the Second- Licensing negotiations between tainment, Melon. (Kakao Corp. has operated ary Market, where investors relist catalogs Sthe global streaming giant and power- Melon since 2009.) acquired on Royalty Exchange to investors, house South Korean distributor reached an “Kakao Entertainment Corp. (previously and Direct Listings, where rights holders impasse earlier this month. And as a result, Kakao M) has entered into an agreement can publicly list their catalogs at a price they some of the K-Pop’s biggest stars disap- with Spotify and will sequentially provide set rather than hold an auction. peared from Spotify on March 1, includ- its music content to Spotify for service in “These are game-changing models that ing Seventeen, MonstaX, Mamamoo, and beyond Korea,” reads a statement from can give artists an opportunity to control (G)I-DLE and IU. But the renewed global Kakao Entertainment to Billboard. “Through their own destiny,” Martini tells Billboard. license will allow their music to return to its diverse partnerships around the world “Royalty Exchange had focused mostly on the streaming platform across the globe, including Spotify, Kakao Entertainment songwriters and producers, selling public including South Korea for the first time. hopes that music lovers around the world performance or publishing royalties. That’s The discographies of the affected K-pop can easily access its artists’ and music con- been a huge business over the past four acts, which also include Zico, Gfriend, tent to enjoy K-pop. Kakao Entertainment years. But coming from the label side, I see Loona, Sunmi, Apink and Dreamcatcher, remains committed to the Korean music an opportunity to expand further and help will eventually return to Spotify on Friday, ecosystem and its growth and will continue even more artists and Independent labels according to a source. protecting the rights of artists, labels and and their [building] artists by expanding “We are pleased that Kakao Entertain- local rights holders going forward.” into sound recording royalties.” ment’s content and artists are back on While Royalty Exchange has done deals Spotify, allowing our 345M+ global listeners with Eminem, Dire Straits and Slipknot, across 170 countries to once again enjoy the Martini says the company has also worked music they love. Spotify’s mission has al- on deals for creatives who aren’t on that ways been to connect artists to their fans all Page 16 of 43

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place next in terms of overall representa- gest reign on both tallies: eight weeks each Who Runs the tion. to date. It shares the mark on the Global A territory with a notable difference Excl. U.S. chart with BTS’ “Dynamite.” World? A Recap between its showing on the Global 200 vs. BTS claims additional honors as the only the Global Excl. U.S. chart is Brazil, which act so far with multiple No. 1s: three on of the First averages two songs a week on the former, the Global 200 (“Dynamite,” “Savage Love compared to nine on the latter. India, [Laxed – Siren Beat]” and “Life Goes On”) 6 Months of Mexico and Norway also see significant and two on the Global Excl. U.S. chart (“Dy- upticks when U.S. data is removed from the namite” and “Life Goes On”). Billboard’s Global equation. The South Korean superstars have scored In accordance with the domination of the the second-most top 10s on the Global 200, Charts U.S., U.K. and Canada, English is the most three, along with DaBaby, Ariana Grande popular language on the global charts. Songs and The Weeknd. Justin Bieber leads with BY BILLBOARD STAFF with English lyrics (including multi-lingual four (“Holy,” featuring Chance the Rapper; songs) comprise 79% of the Global 200 and “Lonely,” with Benny Blanco; “Monster,” n September 2020, Billboard un- 66% of the Global Excl. U.S. chart so far (and with Shawn Mendes; and “Anyone”). veiled the Billboard Global compared to 96% on the Hot 100 this week). When it comes to the most charted songs 200 and Billboard Global Excl. Spanish has scored 14% and 18%, respective- overall? Taylor Swift leads the Global 200 U.S. charts. Both surveys rank the ly, along with Japanese (3% and 7%), Korean with 22 (fittingly, of course), while Grande Ibiggest songs in the world, based on streams (1.5% and 3%) and Portuguese (1% and 4%). paces the Global Excl. U.S. chart with 20. and digital sales from more than 200 inter- Over half a year, 10 songs have topped ei- Notably, both artists released albums since national territories, with the latter exclud- ther global chart, six of which presided over the global tallies launched, charting every ing U.S. data. both. Here’s a chronological breakdown. song from their respective LPs in their first This week’s March 13-dated editions No. 1 on both Global 200 & Global Excl. tracking weeks. mark six months of the global charts, so U.S. Canada’s Bieber has the most com- we’re taking a look at who has been ruling “Dynamite,” BTS (from South Korea) (four bined weeks for all songs on each the world in that span. weeks, Global 200; eight, Global Excl. U.S.) chart: 176. Grande (156), Juice The rankings have reflected achieve- “Positions,” Ariana Grande (U.S.) (two; one) WRLD (139), Drake (137) and Myke ments of both new and veteran acts from “Dakiti,” Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez (Puer- Towers (135) follow on the Global 200, all around the globe. Still, while 31 distinct to Rico) (three; five) while Dua Lipa (165), Towers (165), Grande territories have been represented on the “Life Goes On,” BTS (South Korea) (one; (146) and Ed Sheeran (139) trail Bieber on Global 200, American acts lead the charge, one) the Global Excl. U.S. chart. claiming 52% of all charted entries across “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Mariah Since the charts’ inceptions, 51 songs have the list’s first 26 weeks (based on all songs’ Carey (U.S.) (four; one) logged all 26 weeks so far on the Global 200, total weeks to date). “Driver’s License,” Olivia Rodrigo (U.S.) while 59 songs have a perfect attendance That slight majority suggests the global (eight; eight) record on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. Three dominance of Western pop acts (as well as No. 1 on Global 200-only of those songs rank in the top 10 of both the fact that both surveys do not yet include “WAP,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stal- charts this week: “Blinding Lights” by The local streams from global digital music lion (U.S.) (one) Weeknd, “Mood” by 24kgoldn featur- services in certain territories). But it is “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat),” Jawsh ing Iann Dior and “Dynamite” by BTS. significantly less than the U.S. share on the 685 (New Zealand) x Jason Derulo (U.S.) x (“Mood” and “Dynamite” have spent all 26 domestic-based Billboard Hot 100, where BTS (South Korea) (one) weeks in the top 10 of the Global Excl. U.S. American artists boast 77% on the latest No. 1 on Global Excl. U.S.-only chart and 25 in the top 10 of the Global 200; list. Further, on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Hawái,” Maluma (Colombia) (one) they each dropped out on the Jan. 2-dated which, again, ranks the top songs in the “Lovesick Girls,” BLACKPINK (South chart, pushed down a few boughs by Christ- world except for the U.S., American acts still Korea) (one) mas hits.) lead but with a 34% share. Unsurprisingly, the songs to have led only There are only two 26-weekers on both Puerto Rico (as tracked separately from the Global 200 each include U.S. acts, while charts that do not include any lyrics in the U.S. in this research, to highlight its the No. 1s to top only the Global Excl. U.S. English or Spanish. “Yoru ni kakeru” by own reach) and the U.K. follow, with 11% tally are by acts from Colombia and South Yoasobi peaked at No. 6 on the Global Excl. and 10%, respectively, on the Global 200, Korea. U.S. chart and No. 16 on the Global 200. and 13% each on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. The charts’ current champ, “Drivers Li- (The Japanese duo has logged seven and Canada, Colombia, Japan and South Korea cense” by Olivia Rodrigo, has logged the lon- four entries on the respective surveys.) Plus, Page 17 of 43

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“Jerusalema” by Master KG featuring Burna Prior to leaving at the end of 2019, Caldas Boy and Nomcebo Zikode is the only song had struck licensing deals with Spotify, Inside Justin sung in Zulu to appear on either chart, while YouTube, Deezer, SoundCloud, Pandora, its three performers are the only artists from Facebook, Tencent and more. Bieber’s New their home countries to make either rank- Merlin is a multiple winner of the A2IM ing: Master KG and Zikode are from South Libera Awards’ Independent Champion World: Therapy, Africa and Burna Boy is from Nigeria. honor, Caldas is a recipient of the Indie Without any recurrent rules, the global Champion honor at the AIM Independent Date Nights and charts allow older songs to appear despite Music Awards. being, in some cases, decades past their Post-Merlin, Caldas stayed true to his Delivering ‘Justice’ original release dates. The oldest song, other independent roots by joining the newly- than holiday fare, to chart so far is Queen’s formed Exceleration Music, spearheaded BY KATIE BAIN 1975 opus “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which has by former Concord Music Group CEO Glen reached Nos. 113 and 128 on the Global 200 Barros with a calling to “invest in the future ustin Bieber wanted to drive himself. and Global Excl. U.S. charts, respectively. of independent labels and artists.” On a cloudless, windy afternoon in Notably, Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Unveiled earlier in the year, its mission February, three cars pull up to a man- from 1976, hit No. 10 on the Global 200 after statement touts a values-led approach to sion in Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon: Nathan Apodaca’s viral video on TikTok investment and acquisition, and a mindset Ja hulking Yukon Denali, followed by a grey helped the song skate to a resurgence that of preserving and building on the legacies Tesla model X, followed by a black Range continues, as the song ranks at No. 88 on of labels and the artists the venture works Rover. the current chart. Michael Jackson’s 1983 with, with an eye to a “future focused on Two serious-looking bodyguards get out classic “Thriller” is the only other song from growing the value of their rights.” of the first and last vehicles. Bieber emerges the 20th century to have hit the top 100 of Caldas is part of Exceleration’s foundation from the Tesla; his wife, Hailey Baldwin the Global 200 so far, as it reached No. 51 in team of indie power-players, which includes Bieber, steps down from the passenger seat. November after it scared up more audience Amy Dietz (former GM of Ingrooves), John The bodyguards hover nearby at a respect- over Halloween. Burk (former president of Concord Records) ful distance, while the couple — swaddled and Dave Hansen (ex-GM of Epitaph Re- in oversize, especially soft-looking clothing cords and executive chairman of Merlin). — offer up their nasal passages for rapid CO- Charles Caldas, “With all of the market consolidation we VID-19 tests ahead of Bieber’s photo shoot. are seeing, we felt there was a room for a Bieber is a month out from releasing Jus- Ex-Merlin CEO, venture like ours that can invest in music, tice, his sixth studio album (out March 19) but in a better way than by simply amassing and his second in 13 months; the R&B- Talks Exceleration music as an ‘asset class,’ which is frankly an focused Changes arrived on Valentine’s Day anathema to us,” Caldas explains. 2020, just as the world was going through Music Its team of experts “understand the some major changes of its own. Bieber’s two independent culture and who will work most recent albums have bookended the BY LARS BRANDLE to enhance and protect the legacies of the most tumultuous year of American history people we work with. All of the founders in living memory — but for Bieber, whose hen it comes to the global have slightly different backgrounds, and we life in the spotlight has been strange and independent music com- cover a lot of bases,” he continues. tumultuous enough, it was a much-needed munity and its myriad From the outset, Caldas will contribute reset. “It’s the first time I’ve had this much challenges, Charles Caldas the knowledge and experience “amassed in consistency and predictability,” he says over reallyW knows his stuff. the global streaming market, and across the Google Hangouts the day before, “like ever, The Australian native was there at the independent sector to ensure we create a really.” He pauses. “It’s really nice.” very beginning of Merlin, announcing the truly global offering,” he explains. These days, Bieber stops working at 6 p.m. independents’ digital rights agency to the Early investments include the Chicago so he can spend the evenings on the couch industry at Midem 2007, and helming the blues label Alligator Records, specialist jazz with his wife. (“Hailey’s love language is just organization from its inception in 2008. label Candid Records, plus a strategic part- lying around watching a movie,” he says.) During his time in charge, Merlin distrib- nership with the Ray Charles Foundation. He goes to bed at a reasonable hour. He rises uted over $2 billion to roughly 900 members, “At our heart,” explains Caldas, “we care by eight and checks in with his manage- including more than 20,000 labels and distrib- about keeping independent companies ment to learn what has happened for Justin utors in over 60 countries that make up 12% of independent and the independent sector Bieber the pop star while Justin Bieber the the global digital recorded-music market. healthy.” husband was offline. He uses an iPad for this Page 18 of 43

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communication because he does not possess pop apex — if that’s even what he wants. “At participant at rehearsals. “This is a kid who a cellphone, which isn’t actually that normal this point, I’ve reached a level of success so I used to have to beg to go to a rehearsal,” but gives him the power to limit who can many times that I know success isn’t a be- says Kaye, who during less stable moments reach him. “I definitely learned how to have all, end-all to my happiness,” says Bieber. of Bieber’s life was often the one who had boundaries, and I just don’t feel like I owe To date, Bieber’s catalog has earned a to ground him. “We used to have to take his anybody anything,” says Bieber. “That has combined 22.6 million equivalent album computers away or put someone outside his helped me to be able to just say no and just units in the United States, according to door so he couldn’t sneak out.” be firm in it and know that my heart [wants] MRC Data. If Justice becomes another None of these feats are especially remark- to help people, but I can’t do everything. I Bieber success story, it will be a major win able — being where you need to be and want to sometimes, but it’s just not sustain- for his longtime label, Def Jam, where caring deeply about your creative output are able.” Bieber is the reigning pop prince — and, basically the bare minimum in 2021, when “Boundaries” is a key word in the 2021 label sources say, its biggest moneymaker by the most celebrated pop stars tend to be Bieber lexicon. Back when he was a teen a landslide. Around 70% of his streams and workhorses, creatively or otherwise. But for phenom releasing four albums in five years music consumption come from fans outside a guy who freely admits he’s still learning — and promoting them with roughly 450 of the United States, and Def Jam’s par- how to be an artist and a healthy adult at tour stops between 2010 and 2017 — not ent company, Universal Music Group, has the same time, showing up, staying present doing things he didn’t want to do wasn’t designated him as one of its global priority and enthusiastically doing the work are a really an option. Even the most casual music artists, an international program that in past good start. In conversation, Bieber is earnest fan has absorbed the rough outline of his years has supported powerhouses like Billie (“I appreciate you giving me a platform to life story through pop culture osmosis — the Eilish and J Balvin. That means all of UMG’s speak with all my heart”), endearingly polite single mother, the hardscrabble childhood, resources — “Every dollar, every door,” says (“I hope you have a great day”) and, for the YouTube origin story — just as they are a source close to the company — are avail- once, pretty excited to be doing all this. “I undoubtedly familiar with the lowlights able to ensure he stays at the top. think this is the first time in my life where that nearly consumed him. Last fall, he re- To hear members of his team tell it, that’s I’ve actually enjoyed the process of releasing leased New Chapter, a 25-minute addendum a refreshing change from last year. Bieber an album,” he says. to his 2020 YouTube docuseries, Seasons, in released Changes during a transitional pe- “He’s not even becoming a boss — he’s which he revealed there were times when riod for his label: One week after the album becoming a leader,” adds Kaye. “It’s such a he felt “really, really suicidal.” came out, news broke that Def Jam’s then- beautiful thing to see out of someone whom Today, the 27-year-old Bieber is able to chairman/CEO, Paul Rosenberg, was step- you’ve known since he was, like, 12.” look back on harder times with a surprising ping down. “Changes was a bit of a struggle The songs came quickly. Early on in the degree of Zen. “I can talk about that part for us,” says SB Projects president Allison pandemic, Bieber and Hailey were holed of my life and not feel like, ‘Oh, man. I was Kaye, who has long co-managed Bieber with up at their house in Toronto when Braun, such a bad person,’ because I’m not that per- Scooter Braun. “We needed a team that was Kaye and Gudwin started passing him tracks son anymore,” he says. “I also have done the supermotivated and ready to jump in, and culled from the pool of demos submitted by work to know why I was making those deci- we didn’t feel like we got it. And thankfully, writers, managers, publishers and produc- sions. I know where that pain was coming [UMG’s central corporate team] stepped in. ers. “It’s a lot of crap material,” says Gudwin from, that caused me to act the way I was It ended up being a No. 1 album, everything of these submissions, “but a lot of the stuff I acting.” (It doesn’t hurt that the documen- ended up being great. But this time around, get directly from the actual songwriters and tary arrived on the cusp of a wider reckon- it’s a different scenario.” (Among the prom- producers is usually stronger because they ing with the trauma of child stardom — he ising changes: Def Jam now has a product have more of an idea of where Justin is as an hasn’t watched Framing Britney Spears yet, manager solely dedicated to Bieber.) artist and person.” he says, “but I’m going to.”) Perhaps no one is more crucial in keeping From his home studio, Bieber cut the The calm of quarantine life, his stabiliz- the trains running smoothly these days than tracks he liked and sent them back to this ing marriage and a renewed commitment Bieber himself. “He was driving this at such inner circle. When he returned to L.A. a to his faith have put him, as every single a rapid pace,” says Braun of Justice. Bieber few months later, his recording intensified. member of his inner circle attests, “in a re- now pays attention to the little things, like With Changes, Bieber was determined to ally good place.” Promoting and touring an the final mixes of his songs. (“I could for make an R&B record — and went so far as to album, though, means he’ll have to leave the sure do that for him, but he didn’t defer to call out the Grammy Awards for nominat- comfort of his 2020 bubble. With Justice, me,” says Josh Gudwin, Bieber’s longtime ing him only in pop categories last fall, a he’ll find out just how compatible build- producer, engineer and mixer.) He takes the decision he called “very strange” on social ing schedules around date nights, staying lead in conceptualizing performances, like a media. “It can definitely get frustrating,” right with God and getting a good night’s Valentine’s Day TikTok livestream concert he says today, before softening: “They’re sleep are with maintaining a perch at the that drew 4 million viewers. He is an active humans, and they can’t get it all right every Page 19 of 43

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time.” pressure because of the style of music.” were loving like my little sister’s friends This time, however, nothing was off Or Braun, who describes it as if it were an were loving ‘Monster’ at the same time. limits. Justice spans the beatific brightness outlier in his discography that really can’t When you’re only working one single at a of “Someone” to the No Jacket Required- compare to his other albums: “On Changes, time, you’re only reaching the people that era Phil Collins nod of “Deserve You,” from he led [creatively] as well, but that was R&B single speaks to.” the R&B-centric pop of “Peaches” to the — it was a different project.” Or Kaye, who The team also knows that a No. 1 only acoustic balladry of “Lifetime,” which will says that Def Jam was “out of their comfort has so much value. Chart turnover in 2020 surely soundtrack plenty of nuptials in the zone” when it came to releasing an R&B was historically high: There were 20 new post-vaccination wedding boom of 2021. album by a pop artist: “It wasn’t what they Hot 100 No. 1s — the most since 1991 — and “He’s singing the best I’ve ever heard,” were used to doing.” 12 of them were No. 1 debuts, the most says writer-producer Benny Blanco, who It certainly looked like his team was try- instant chart-toppers ever in a single year. has worked with Bieber since his 2010 ing to get some distance from Changes last Big, splashy debuts are common; hanging debut, My World 2.0. “When we were do- fall, when Bieber started releasing an around, less so. “I know consumption pat- ing Saturday Night Live [last year] and he avalanche of singles, well before Justice was terns have changed, and it’s like, ‘OK, let’s was hitting these runs, I was like a little kid even a fully formed album. “I can’t pretend jam it to the top, and who gives a fuck if it sitting there like, ‘Wow.’ ” like there was never any plan to put out a falls down,’ ” says Farag, “but we make more The team hadn’t planned to follow [deluxe edition of ] Changes or any of those revenue if it’s consistent for months, and up Changes so soon, says Gudwin, “but once things,” says Kaye, “but we headed into that’s what ‘Holy’ has been doing.” you see a list of songs in front of you, it’s like, COVID and he just started cutting all of this And in the end, a slew of No. 1 singles ‘Oh, shit. We have a fucking album.’ I think music.” isn’t necessarily what makes an artist happy Justin realized we had an album maybe two First came the sprightly Chance the or productive. Purpose was a blockbuster months ago.” (Kaye, on the other hand, jokes Rapper collaboration “Holy,” then the album that spawned three inescapable back- she had that realization “yesterday, when it tearjerker ballad “Lonely,” then the Shawn to-back No. 1 singles: “What Do You Mean?,” got turned in.”) Mendes duet “Monster” — a summit of Ca- “Sorry” and “Love Yourself.” Its album cam- Changes was by no means a com- nadian wunderkinds — and, finally, Bieber’s paign also ended with the cancellation of its mercial failure: It spawned two top 10 own “Anyone,” all of which became Hot 100 last 14 tour dates, including several U.S. sta- hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and has hits. (“Lonely” peaked at No. 12, while the diums, for what was described at the time as earned 1.1 million equivalent album units. other three reached the top 10.) “unforeseen circumstances” but was in fact, But it didn’t exactly live up to expecta- This deluge-style rollout came from his team says now, a clear mental health cri- tions. Changes never produced a Hot 100 Braun and Kaye, along with Def Jam execu- sis. “He was going through something that No. 1, even though it seemed like Bieber re- tive vp promotion Nicki Farag, who has been he wasn’t expressing to anyone,” says Kaye. ally wanted one when he shared a since- working with Bieber since she escorted him “We didn’t really understand what we were deleted Instagram post advising fans to on a run of small-town radio appearances canceling it for — we just kind of had to.” boost the chart performance of lead single when he was a kid. Initially, Farag was skep- “Everything was about success, bench- “Yummy” by, among other things, streaming tical when Braun proposed the idea while marks and such, and then I was just still the song while they slept. (He did, however, playing her a dozen new songs last fall: “I’m empty, you know?” says Bieber of earlier score a No. 1 last May with the one-off Ari- like, ‘You’re out of your fucking mind. Who’s chapters in his career. “All my relationships ana Grande collaboration “Stuck With U,” going to want to consume that much Bieber were suffering, but I had all this success and a charity single that benefited the families in such a short amount of time?’ ” But she all of this money, and it just wasn’t fulfill- of frontline workers.) Then, in March 2020, came around, and today says that it’s an ing for me.” It was time, he knew, to start eight stadium shows on the Changes tour effective, “never been done before” way to putting in the work on something other than were downgraded to arenas because of reintroduce stars like Bieber to a wider pop his music. slower-than-expected ticket sales, sources audience. There are few summaries of Bieber’s told Billboard at the time. (The tour was It’s also a fitting strategy for promot- youth as succinct as the one he delivers later canceled due to the pandemic.) ing music during a pandemic, says Kaye. on “Lonely”: “Everybody saw me sick,” he Changes was hardly uncommercial in its “There’s no common culture, there’s no of- sings, “and it felt like no one gave a shit/ sound, but members of his team talk about fice, there’s no water cooler everyone’s going They criticized the things I did as an idiot it like some wild stylistic departure that to,” she says. “So it’s about meeting people kid.” When Bieber recorded it, he broke faced an uphill battle from the start. There’s where they are because they’re only talking down crying in the studio and “had to go sit Gudwin, who describes it almost as a niche to their friends who are interested in the down and, like, drink a tea,” recalls co-writ- personal project: “With Changes, Justin gave things they are interested in.” “Lonely,” she er Blanco. “This is the most honest Justin what he needed to give at the time, and that continues, was a track that worked well at you’re going to get.” was an R&B album. [Justice] has a lot more adult contemporary radio “that my parents There is a sense among his team that Page 20 of 43

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Bieber has been unfairly doomed to a life of “Poo Bear” Boyd. “He could have ended up to try to do that again. Building a show for having to constantly explain himself, of hav- with anybody. To get a female who actually both sounds great in theory, but in practice ing to revisit low periods from fresh angles is equally yoked and as heavy into Christi- it’s not the easiest.” no matter how far in the rearview mirror anity as he is, it’s really a blessing.” She is Bieber himself is “really excited” to get they are. “He spent all of the Purpose tour also undoubtedly good for business. “There back on the road, and being married is a big apologizing for being a teenager, which are very few people in my life where you’re reason why. “We’re going to plan really cool was ridiculous,” says Kaye. “If someone had like, ‘Everything’s going to be better if their excursions with the two us,” he says — one cameras on me at 18, it would have been way spouse is here,’ ” says Kaye, who calls her “a of the ways they plan to make the grueling worse than what anyone saw on him.” godsend.” “Days that I know Hailey’s com- nature of life on the road a little more bear- But lately, Bieber himself has more will- ing to set, I’m like, ‘This is going to be the able. “He’s done tours before, but he’s done ingly embraced that role. That was part greatest day ever.’ ” tours as a kid, he’s done tours when he was of the impetus behind Seasons and New Though Hailey does not exactly have a in a bad place, and he’s done tours when he Chapter. “I just want to be somebody who traditional desk job — she is best known was going through it on Purpose,” says Kaye. can say, ‘Look, I did some things that I’m not as a model and has appeared on the cover “He’s never toured as a healthy adult.” too proud of, but I took a look in the mirror of Vogue in 11 different countries — the way Bieber doesn’t seem all that concerned and decided to make some changes, and you she operates her life and career has been a about when this tour will actually happen. can too,’ ” he says. When asked what’s at the positive influence. “One thing that has been For now, he’s got his wife, his relationship top of his list when he’s thanking God for his so helpful is my wife is so by the book,” says with God, his fans, his voice, his team and many blessings, he replies without hesita- Bieber. “She’s so structured and routine and a new album that overflows with apprecia- tion: “That I’m forgiven.” so responsible.” tion for all of them. At the end of the photo When he talks about his faith, Bieber That has inspired Bieber to take a more shoot, he thanks everyone and announces closes his eyes and rubs his temples in a way active role in his own career. It’s a work he’s going for lunch (“with Babe,” of course). that seems like he’s pulling the words from in progress: He says he’s “learning about Then he climbs back into the Tesla — sand- the depths of his soul. When he canceled contracts and trying to get what’s fair,” and wiched between two other SUVs, but in the last leg of the Purpose tour, the biggest sources tell Billboard that Bieber has been control behind the wheel. changes he made to get better were going in the process of negotiating a new deal that This article originally appeared in the to therapy regularly for the first time and would allow him to own his masters going March 13, 2021, issue of Billboard. reconnecting with God. “I just changed my forward and license them to UMG, while priorities so that I didn’t [become] another participating at a higher rate in the revenue statistic of young musicians that ended up, from his UMG-owned catalog. (This is an Who Will Win in like, not making it,” he says. Pop music, it increasingly common arrangement that lets turns out, is a pretty effective vessel for artists claim ownership without necessarily Latin Categories sharing a message for the masses: “There changing the returns much for them or their was a time where I really did have my iden- label over the course of the licensing deal, at 2021 Grammys? tity wrapped up in my career, but I really do which can span decades.) But he still relies have an overflow of feeling like my purpose on his team to do, well, all the things an art- Our Predictions is to use my music to inspire.” ist hires a team for in the first place. And he Recommitting to his faith has, no doubt, credits Hailey with helping him “realize that BY BILLBOARD STAFF been easier with the support of a like- I either take responsibility for this or else minded partner. Bieber and Hailey, who I’m not going to be able to sustain a certain ho will win the Latin married in 2018 at a New York courthouse, lifestyle that I want.” categories at the 2021 are, undeniably, cute together. While posing Hailey will also accompany him when he Grammys? Below, Bill- in the estate’s sprawling gardens, Bieber goes on tour, which Kaye expects will be board’s Latin editors offer dotes on his wife: “Babe, let’s go for a walk,” sometime in 2022. Though Team Bieber has anW analysis of the main categories. These he asks between shots. “Babe, let’s build one now tried twice to make him a stadiums act are educated guesses based on the market- of these,” he offers while sitting in a gazebo. in the United States (on the Purpose tour, place and past voting behavior; they are not He sings along to Kacey Musgraves’ Golden he played stadiums in Africa, Asia, Europe endorsements of one artist over another. Hour, a sonic snapshot of newlywed and Australia), Kaye says the next tour will This year, leading up to Sunday’s 63rd bliss that has been his go-to photo shoot focus on arenas for logistical reasons. “Our annual Grammy Awards, we’ve gathered soundtrack since he and Hailey had it on initial attempt to figure out a show that our Latin editorial team and embarked on a heavy rotation during a road trip to Utah last could work for both stadiums and arenas lively discussion about predictions. summer. “God really blessed him with her,” was a fiscally daunting thing,” she says of Our participants are Leila Cobo, Bill- says Bieber’s longtime collaborator Jason the Purpose tour. “I don’t think we’re going board’s VP/Latin industry lead; Jessica Page 21 of 43

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Roiz, Billboard’s Latin assistant editor; needed and needs its own category, con- riachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez and Griselda Flores, Billboard’s senior sidering all the other great urban, reggae- Christian Nodal, AyAyAy! Latin writer. ton albums that we had in 2020, such as J LC: I think Alejandro Fernandez will The 2021 Grammys will air live on Sunday Balvin’s Colores. But Bad Bunny will and win this one. Although I think Christian’s (March 14) at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, Para- should win, and if he doesn’t, I also think album is really superb, I have to say. I was mount+ and Grammy.com. Online view- it’s going to be controversial. I actually impressed. He makes this music cool and ers can also stream CBS with free trials think if he wins or doesn’t win, there will be contemporary. But Alejandro Fernández is on fuboTV and Sling TV. controversy. Alejandro Fernández, and he also does have Here are our predictions: Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album a great album. I think it’s going to swing in Best Latin Pop or Urban Album Bajofondo, Aura that direction. Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG Cami, Monstruo GF: Hands down, Natalia Lafourcade Camilo, Por Primera Vez Cultura Profética, Sobrevolando will win this category. She already won best Kany García, Mesa Para Dos Fito Paez, La Conquista del Espacio album at the Latin Grammys and she’s a Ricky Martin, Pausa Lido Pimienta, Miss Colombia Grammy darling, so to me, this is a no-brain- Debi Nova, 3:33 GF: This is a category that got it right. er. I think she is so meticulous and inten- Leila Cobo: I find it so careless and Fito Paez and Cultura Profética are the tional with her music, and this folk album is dismissive that the Grammys would put big names in this category but I think Lido no exception. Latin pop and urban together in a single Pimienta has a real shot at winning this JR: I think Natalia will win, but I do category. It takes my breath away. So you one. Grammy voters, I feel, would appreci- love Hecho En México and Christian’s album have the artist that was the most-streamed ate how she fused traditional sonority like is amazing. He was so innovative with AyAy- artist on Spotify globally in 2020, he’s a trap cumbia and porro with more contemporary Ay!, but he’s also competing with Natalia and rap artist and he is competing against and modern sounds. It’s a beautiful, colorful and Alejandro who are big names, so I don’t Ricky Martin; Kany Garcia, who is a singer- album that stands out from the other four. see it happening for him. songwriter; Debi Nova, a pop artist; and LC: This is a hard category because Bajo- Best Tropical Latin Album Camilo, who’s a pop singer and does some fondo’s Aura is by Gustavo Santaolalla and José Alberto “El Ruiseñor,” Mi Tumbao kind of urban leanings. But it’s like having people definitely know him, and if they tie Edwin Bonilla, Infinito Ariana Grande up against Eminem. I find it Bajofondo to Gustavo then I think Aura has Jorge Celedon & Sergio Luis, Sigo Cantando so disrespectful that these two categories a shot because he carries clout. But then Al Amor are together. There’s no excuse for this to Fito Paez has been so active and he played Grupo Niche, 40 happen in 2021. Having said that, I will say that concert at Carnegie Hall and I love his Víctor Manuelle, Memorias De Navidad that I can’t imagine anyone else winning ex- album, so he’s very much in the forefront. LC: I have no idea who will win this cat- cept for Bad Bunny. He’s been such a force But I agree with you, Griselda, that Lido is egory, but I hope and I think Grupo Niche of nature this year. But this competition isn’t like the dark horse because she’s very alter- will win with this album because it’s their proper. It’s incredibly unfair for everyone native and not as known in the Latin circle 40th-=anniversary album. And because involved, including him, because he’s not but definitely is in the alternative commu- Grupo Niche symbolize Black Colombia. competing against his peers. And if the nity. I’m leaning toward Fito, but Lido could The group is an institution. They’ve been Grammy community felt so strongly about give us a surprise. at it for so long and they’re great so I think this album that it’s the only urban album in JR: Well, I’m going with Cultura Profe- Niche should win hands down. this category, then it should have been com- tica because they actually won their first GF: I think Grupo Niche will win too. The peting in the album of the year category, but Latin grammy with this album in the same album already won best salsa album at the not here. If by some miracle voters decide category. They’ve been active for 25 years Latin Grammys so I think they can easily they will not give it to him, then I think it and they said that they submitted all their win this one. And they should. will go to Ricky Martin. albums, but this comeback album gave them JR: Victor Manuelle’s album is beautiful Griselda Flores: I agree. It’s an unfair their first Latin Grammy for best alternative and its backstory is beautiful, but I agree category. All of these albums in this category set. So I think they could win. Grupo Niche will win. are so deserving of the award, but I think Best Regional Mexican Music Album Bad Bunny will take this one. His album was (Including Tejano) revolutionary and it marked a before and Alejandro Fernández, Hecho En México after, in my opinion. He’s also performing, Lupita Infante, La Serenata so I think it’s very likely he will be named Natalia Lafourcade, Un Canto Por México, the winner. If he doesn’t, then there will be Vol. 1 controversy. Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernan- Jessica Roiz: We all agree that urban dez, Bailando Sones y Huapangos Con Ma- Page 22 of 43

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March, Potter made her electric onstage Why Women presence hard to ignore: For six months, she Billie Eilish, livestreamed Twilight Hour concerts every Are Ruling the Monday, attracting over 300,000 views — Green Day & more than 13 times the number of fans she Grammy Rock would have reached by the end of her live Tame Impala to tour. “To see her cover Led Zeppelin or Noms For the First get her Flying V [guitar] out, and then also Headline 2021 concentrate on [new album Daylight] — it Time in a Decade all came together to remind people of what Life Is Beautiful a force Grace Potter is,” says Stephanie BY TAYLOR MIMS Hopson, project manager at Potter’s label, Festival Fantasy Records. n its 10 years of existence, the Gram- Though HAIM had to cancel the major- BY TAYLOR MIMS mys’ best rock performance category ity of its shows set at Jewish delis across has included 46 nominees — only the country promoting Women in Music PDATE: This story has been 10 of which have been women, and Part III, the sisters found inventive ways to updated with the Life Is Beautiful Ionly one of which, Alabama Shakes’ Brit- engage with fans — like teaching the signa- 2021 lineup, which was an- tany Howard, won. But at this year’s ture “wancing” (walk-dancing) moves from nounced Wednesday (March 10). Grammy ceremony, that pattern will finally their music videos on Zoom. Those inter- ULife Is Beautiful festival has an- change: Phoebe Bridgers, HAIM, Grace active events, as Columbia Records senior nounced Billie Eilish, Green Day and Tame Potter, Fiona Apple, Big Thief (fronted director of marketing Betsy Whitney puts Impala to headline its 2021 edition. The Las by singer Adrianne Lenker) and a solo it, let listeners “fall in love” with HAIM’s Vegas festival is one of the first to reveal its Howard make up the category’s first ballot “point of view and their sound,” not with lineup for a major event in 2021. of only women or female-led acts. Four “just a traditional marketing plan.” The three-day weekend will feature of them also appear in the best rock song It may well have helped that many of performances from A$AP Rocky, Ille- category, where Tame Impala is the lone rock’s usual male suspects weren’t even part nium, HAIM, Young Thug, Glass Ani- male-fronted act nominated. of this year’s Grammy conversation. Acts mals, FISHER, St. Vincent, 6LACK, Mod- That evolution follows another promising like Foo Fighters, Jack White and Bruce est Mouse, Dillon Francis, Ludacris, Don change at the Recording Academy itself: In Springsteen (each with at least 25 nomi- Toliver, LANY, and Brittany Howard. November, it welcomed a new class of 1,345 nations and 10 wins each) didn’t release Additional artists include San voting members, 40% of whom are women, eligible albums, which, as radio program- Holo, J.I.D, Surfaces, Gorgon after an effort to expand and diversify. And mer Rosemary Welsch of WYEP Pittsburgh City, EARTHGANG, Death From in a year when the pandemic rendered the points out, left less room for “the laziness Above 1979, All Time Low, Ekali, Purity usual industry gatekeepers less all-powerful, of the voter” drawn primarily to recogniz- Ring, Ashnikko, SHAED, Trevor Dan- the nominees figured out how to put them- able names. Then again, the quality of these iel, DRAMA, Cash Cash, surf mesa, Still selves in front of as many of those voters as women’s albums may have simply spoken Woozy, Noah Cyrus and more. Check out possible, and on their own terms. for itself: All were among 2020’s biggest the full lineup below. Bridgers planned to spend last spring critical hits, with four receiving a Metacritic On March 2, the three-day music festival opening for The 1975 on an arena tour. score of 85 or above. announced plans to return in September af- When it was canceled, she turned herself “There are and always have been amazing ter the pandemic canceled the 2020 edition. into a headliner, taking “advantage of the female artists in the field that deserve to be “It’s a good day when you get to announce fact that she wasn’t one person on a huge recognized,” says Grammy rock and alter- that LIVE is back,” Justin Weniger, Life Is stage and instead had a blank slate,” says native genre manager Brian Clasby. “The Beautiful partner, said in a statement. “In Robby Morris, creative director at Bridgers’ voters’ job is to identify the year’s best music the darkest days of 2020 when everything label, Secretly Group. She played an NPR in the field — and they felt that the best per- else stopped, the Life Is Beautiful commu- Tiny Desk concert in a digitally rendered formances in the category came from these nity kept us moving forward. We’re eagerly Oval Office for an audience of over 1 million; particular artists.” awaiting a return to the festival grounds three months later, on The Late Late Show This article originally appeared in the where we will reunite our community and With James Corden, she performed the March 13, 2021, issue of Billboard. celebrate the role of art and music in provid- now Grammy-nominated “Kyoto” from ing us hope when we need it the most.” her bed, green-screened into Carnegie Hall. The festival is set to once again take over Despite having to halt her own tour in 18 city blocks from Sept. 17–19 with 170,000 Page 23 of 43

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attendees over the course of the three-day nominated for album of the year for Folklore. event. Previous performers have included So Golden: Harry Swift and Dessner are also nominated for Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Foo Fight- song of the year for “Cardigan.” Antonoff is ers and more. Styles Set to Open individually nominated for producer of the Over the past year, the live music industry year (non-classical). has faced a series of cancellations and Grammy Awards The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air postponements for festivals and concerts live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. but a string of recent announcements seem BY PAUL GREIN PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy.com. to be placing faith in a return to live events Online viewers can also stream CBS with this fall. arry Styles’ first Grammy free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. Bill- On Feb. 24, Cárdenas Marketing Network Awards’ performance is go- board may receive affiliate commission (CMN) announced Maluma’s 30-date arena ing to be major: He has been through links on our site. tour slated to kick off on Sept. 1 in San Jose, tapped to open the 63rd annual California. CEO of CMN Henry Cárde- HGrammy Awards on Sunday (March 14). nas told Billboard last week that they have To be asked to open the Grammys is a Roddy Ricch’s had many conversations with all the arenas major vote of confidence in an artist. If the Maluma plans to hit and “They agreed that audience doesn’t know the artist or doesn’t ‘The Box’ Grammy between now and September, things will much care, they can drift away before the have returned to normal.” Cárdenas added show even gets started. Submission that there are contingency plans — such as In the past decade, just three other limiting capacity — if the pandemic worsens individual artists (not groups or collabs) Updated With later in the year. have had that honor. Taylor Swift – whom In January, New York’s Governors Ball an- Styles briefly dated – has opened the show Multiple New nounced it would be moving its 2021 edition twice. She opened the 2013 show singing to Sept. 24-26. The Randall’s Island festival “We Are Never Ever Getting Back To- Writers typically takes place in June. “We’ve decided gether,” and the 2016 show with “Out of the to move the 2021 show to a time of year that Woods.” Adele opened the 2017 show with BY ASSOCIATED PRESS is both more realistic and safer for all,” said “Hello,” which wound up winning record festival producer Founders Entertainment and song of the year. Lizzo opened last ultiple writers have been in a release. year’s show performing “Cuz I Love You” added to the Grammy submis- “While there is still uncertainty in the and “Truth Hurts.” She won best pop solo sion for Roddy Ricch’s Bill- world, we are watching problems evolve performance for the latter song, edging out board Hot 100 No. 1 hit “The into possibilities and are beginning to see Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” in that category. It MBox,” which is nominated for three honors all the right signs,” added Life Is Beautiful’s was Eilish’s only Grammy loss of the night. including best rap song and song of the year, Weniger. “Much like most of our audience, The Recording Academy isn’t saying what one of the show’s top prizes. we’re excited to reacquaint ourselves with a song Styles will perform, but “Watermelon When the Recording Academy announced world where discovery and serendipity are Sugar” (nominated for best pop solo per- its nominees in November, only Ricch and once again the norm. We’re ready to hear formance) and “Adore You” (nominated for Samuel Gloade (aka 30 Roc) were listed as those three magical words echo from the best music video) would be good bets. the writers of the megahit, which is compet- stage, ‘Are you ready?’ Most importantly, Styles has three Grammy nominations on ing for two Grammys specifically reserved we’re ready to feel the power and connec- the night. He is also nominated for best pop for songwriters. tion that comes with Live experiences.” vocal album for Fine Line. These are the first But later four additional writers — Lar- Passes for Life Is Beautiful go on sale Grammy nominations of Styles’ career – in rance Dopson, Adarius Moragne (aka Thursday with early bird pricing starting at or out of One Direction. Datboisqueeze), Khirye Anthony Tyler and $295 for the weekend. Fine Line spent its first two weeks at No. Aqeel Qadir Tate (aka Zentachi) — were 1 on the Billboard 200. “Watermelon Sugar” added to the Grammy submission for “The topped the Billboard Hot 100 for one week Box.” last year. “Adore You” peaked at No. 6 on The submission was altered a second that chart. time, with Zentachi removed as a co-writer In other Grammy news, Swift revealed and Eric Sloan added. that she will be joined by her collabora- It was not clear why the writers were tors Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner on originally left off the song, or why Zentachi her Grammy performance. All three are was removed and Sloan was added. Ricch’s Page 24 of 43

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representative at Atlantic said the label had and producers of the group’s first Hot 100 duced with Oscar Holter and co-wrote with no comment. entry, Max Martin, who also made his first Holter, Belly and Jason Quenneville. Sloan is the only one of those who is listed inroads on the chart with the song, didn’t Billboard: What is it about “Blinding as a writer of “The Box” with the Grammys appear on the list again for nearly two years. Lights” that you think has made it a but is not credited on Spotify, BMI’s website But in May 1997, Robyn’s “Do You Know record-breaking Hot 100 hit? Is there or Atlantic Records production notes about (What It Takes)” debuted directly in the top anything especially atypical about it? the song. 40. That August, it peaked at No. 7, becom- Penn: Like most hits, “Blinding Lights” When the ballots went out for the first ing Robyn’s first top 10, as well as the first features a meticulous combination of the round of voting — to determine Grammy for Martin, one of the song’s writers and typical and the atypical, which helps the nominees — only Ricch and 30 Roc ap- producers. song sound familiar to people while still peared as writers of “The Box.” It is unclear Before long, Martin (born Karl Martin standing out from the pack. But when it if the two names, or the current six nomi- Sandberg, in Sweden) had affirmatively comes to this song, it’s really the writing and nees, were listed on the ballot for the final answered the title question in Robyn’s production team’s stellar arrangement tech- round of voting, which determines Grammy breakthrough hit. By the end of the ‘90s, niques, along with Max Martin’s melodic winners. he’d co-written and -produced Robyn’s genius, that make it such an interesting and Three of the added writers of “The Box” next top 10, “Show Me Love,” three Back- captivating hit. — Datboisqueeze, Tyler and Sloan — are street Boys top 10s and solo-penned and For instance, its 28-second intro is almost first-time nominees. Dopson won the best co-produced Britney Spears’ debut single unheard of currently; the average Hot 100 R&B song Grammy in 2019 for co-writ- “…Baby One More Time,” which, in January top 10 in 2020 was just 13 seconds. So, it re- ing Ella Mai’s massive hit “Boo’d Up.” 1999, became his first of 23 Hot 100 No. 1s as ally comes down to the way that the “Blind- The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will a writer and 21 as a producer. To date, only ing Lights” team arranged the intro to keep air live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 Paul McCartney (32) and John Lennon (26) the listener engaged, all while establishing p.m. PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy. have written more No. 1s and only George many key aspects of the song, including its com. Online viewers can also stream CBS Martin (23) has produced more leaders. atypical instrumental hook; most hooks in with free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. In the 2000s and ‘10s, Martin swelled his today’s hits are vocal. (Billboard may receive affiliate commission count of Hot 100 No. 1s, including eight (that Another atypical quality is its, what I call, through links on our site.) he co-wrote) recorded by Katy Perry, four by disappearing chorus. While many top 10 Taylor Swift and two more by Spears. hits give the listener more chorus as a song Martin’s most recent Hot 100 No. 1 as a progresses, the “Blinding Lights” creators How Max Martin co-writer and producer is The Weeknd’s actually shorten the chorus as the song “Blinding Lights,” which tallied its first of progresses. Like with everything else, there Continues to Top four weeks on top in April 2020. As pre- is purpose behind this. In this case, it makes viously reported, on the latest, March the listener long to hear that full chorus the Charts, From 13-dated Hot 100, the song becomes the first again and return for another listen. in the chart’s six-decade history to spend a Also, the song’s 1980s-influenced produc- BSB and Britney year in the top 10. tion qualities, a la “Take On Me” by a-ha, On March 6, Hit Songs Deconstructed, come across as new and fresh to younger Spears to ‘Blinding which provides in-depth analysis of Hot audiences while creating a sense of nostalgia 100 top 10 hits, held its Max Martin De- for older audiences, which ultimately broad- Lights’ constructed Masterclass, led by Hit Songs ens the song’s reach across demographics. Deconstructed co-founder Dave Penn. But perhaps the song’s most notable BY GARY TRUST Over four hours, Penn and attendees, who quality is the expert use of motifs and hook ranged from artists to industry executives foreshadowing techniques that take its n the Billboard Hot 100 dated and more, culled Martin’s catalog in search catchiness and memorability to the next Oct. 28, 1995, “We’ve Got It of characteristics that reveal insights into level, whether the listener realizes it or not. Goin’ On” by Backstreet Boys his unparalleled chart success since the This is a hallmark of Max Martin’s melody squeaked in at No. 97. The song mid-’90s. writing throughout his career. For example, Oultimately missed the top 40, but blockbust- Billboard stayed after class and chatted the synth hook in the intro melodically fore- er success lay ahead for the boy band, which with Penn about Martin, how songwriting shadows lines two and four of the chorus would go on to score three No. 1 albums on and producing intersect with chart achieve- vocal melody. And the verse that follows the Billboard 200 and six top 10s on the Hot ments and what has helped spark the rhythmically foreshadows lines one and 100. unprecedented run for “Blinding Lights,” three of the chorus. Following a similar arc, one of the writers which Martin and The Weeknd co-pro- So, by the time listeners arrive at the first Page 25 of 43

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chorus, they’re already familiar with the undisputed champion of pop melody. As the when competing for attention among entire melody, which makes it that much saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! today’s mainstream audiences. It’s about easier for them to sing along and remember You’ve pointed out that Martin songs achieving the delicate balance between it. And this goes on throughout the entire devote more total time to their choruses the familiar and the unexpected that’s the song; almost every line relates to some other than the average Hot 100 top 10. Maybe recipe for hit songs and all other forms of line in the song, which gets it ingrained in that’s not surprising, given the strength entertainment. Too familiar and the audi- the listener’s head without ever becoming of his hooks? ence is going to get bored and lose interest. monotonous or stale. It’s not surprising at all. His choruses are Too atypical and it’s going to be hard for These are just of a few of the many quali- stellar, and they’re what the listener shows them to easily connect with the song at first ties that helped “Blinding Lights” achieve up to hear every time they listen. However, listen. its mass success, along with promotional as we saw with “Blinding Lights,” he’s Max Martin has really perfected this factors like its TikTok dance trend, unique also not afraid to go against the grain and balance, which is especially important for a music video and The Weeknd’s Super give the listener less of a chorus as a song mainstream hit song, where the main goal is Bowl performance. progresses. If it’s warranted, he’ll do it. But to entertain and engage people. For this hit to come a quarter-century you’ve got to know the rules to break the into Martin’s run of commercial success rules, and Max certainly knows all of them. seems pretty impressive. Has his song- How much do you feel that lyrics mat- Post Malone writing changed in any notable ways, ter in his hits? If he’s making such mass- comparing his ‘90s Hot 100 top 10s to his appeal hooks, do you think that his lyrics Offering a Shot at most recent? are similarly meant for all audiences to What’s so impressive is that he’s always in sing along to, and not be controversial or Private Beer Pong tune with the times, which has enabled him jarring in any way? to stay relevant all these years. Lyrics, of course, do matter in Max Martin Game Via NFT For example, a decade ago he was opting hits, but first and foremost to the extent that for more clubby dance beats and EDM- they serve the melody. They have to sound Auction styled synths as heard in Britney Spears’ good, regardless of whether they make sense “Hold It Against Me,” and silly lyrics like or not. Without a killer melody, the lyrics, BY GIL KAUFMAN “don’t be fancy, just get dance-y” in “Raise no matter how amazing they are, will fall on Your Glass” by P!nk. But toward the end deaf ears. f you life’s dream is to face off of the 2010s, he had embraced trending And while he doesn’t have many songs against Post Malone in a heated game hip-hop and started including trap beats that deal with controversial issues, there are of beer pong, Fyooz has just the thing in songs such as Ariana Grande’s “God Is a some that certainly toe that line. Looking at for you. Hopping on the latest virtual Woman,” along with more complex, meta- songs like The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Itrend, the rapper has teamed up with the phorical lyrics like “when all is said and and “Can’t Feel My Face,” their lyrics heav- cryptocurrency outfit to offer a select group done, you’ll believe God is a woman.” ily reference drug abuse, which definitely of fans an exclusive opportunity via their Something even more recent is how he’s isn’t a light topic. That being said, the lyr- $FYZNFTs (non-fungible tokens). adjusted his song structure to accommodate ics in these songs are also left vague and Posty announced the news in a tweet today’s increasingly fast-paced, attention- metaphorical enough that you could easily featuring a ghostly android hand dropping a challenged listeners. For example, Lady interpret them as being about a relationship. ping-pong ball into a red cup amid a field of Gaga’s “Stupid Love” and The Weeknd’s So, when it comes to controversial lyrics, digital chains and barbed wire. “Save Your Tears” [currently at No. 6 on the they exist in Max’s work, but rarely are they The opportunity is part of a suite of drops Hot 100] both feature so-called bonus hook overt enough to actually cause controversy. for fans who join the company’s “Moon sections that appear before the chorus even You’ve theorized that songwriting is Club,” which will allow NFT owners to take hits. So, he’s essentially ensuring that the like other products: Give listeners hooks, their shot in Posty’s World Pong League via listener stays tuned in throughout the entire but with enough surprises so that songs a live auction on Clubhouse, and to snatch song by introducing new elements and don’t get too boring or predictable. You up an animation NFT via a free drop to all hooks more frequently. could say the same for TV shows, food Moon Club members. But while he has adjusted certain aspects or anything else that we love to consume The Post Malone auction date is set for of his writing and producing style over over and over. Is that essentially the key March 25, and an announcement promises the years, what’s interesting is that many when analyzing songwriting, one that’s that holders of 1,000 FYZNFTs — which things have remained essentially the same. perhaps easily defined but less easily ex- grants you access to become a Moon Club Melody reigns supreme when it comes to ecuted, throughout pop music history? member — will get a free “Golden Hand” mainstream hits, and Max Martin is still the Exactly. And it’s especially important image created by digital artist Fvckrender, Page 26 of 43

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as well as access to exclusive drops and just being stuck inside and working way too terms of fundraising. other exclusive members. hard. I am jealous of the people who got to What happens to WANMA after this? The same Moon Club NFT Drop #1 is bake bread or knitted. I don’t know what We are discussing how to keep WANMA also offering a King Bach “Slot Machine,” people did. I just don’t really go out...at all. going. All the time and infrastructure which will contain an “unknown number of Is it taking any sort of toll on you? went into the Keep Music Live campaign rare, not so rare or even blank NFT,” and Lil My back has been out for three weeks because that’s what we needed to do. We Yachty “Magnifying Glass” and “Hit Bout straight now. I have only made it downstairs needed to raise money. But that made it so It” music video NFTs, as well as a chance at on four days. It’s been really annoying. I WANMA has less infrastructure, at least a live chat with Yachty and a studio session can’t get it to let go. I slept 15 hours the not what Keep Music Live has. WANMA is with Mustard. other day because I took muscle relaxers only venue people. Nothing has been set in Check out details about the NFT pong just to try to get my back to let go. I woke up stone, but one of the things we want to do experience below. today and thought, it’s 11am but I could go is more educational events. We want to find back to sleep. a way to remove the barriers for people to This is probably a stupid question, but get involved in the music industry, particu- Neumos in are you extra stressed about something larly BIPOC and female contingent. One of right now? the things I have learned over the years is Seattle, in a I am just trying to get through the that you hire the people you know. When days. I lost my mom and three friends in you reach out about jobs, you do it with the Pandemic: ‘I Get a two-week period. It’s just too much to people you know. If most of the people in handle. After a year of this pandemic, this the music industry are white dudes, then So Exhausted’ just broke me. Losing my mom, it just hits they are going to tell other white dudes. at times. I will just be sitting here and just That’s not going to change anything. That Thinking About get so bummed and so sad. It’s been too has been unanimous decision with the much to take. I had to step back from a lot group, that we are going to work on chang- the Past Year of my responsibilities for a week and some ing those barriers so we can become more change. Between being bummed and frus- inclusive. It’s got to change and we needed BY TAYLOR MIMS trated, the actual pain...it’s been too fucking to have our asses kicked because we were much. just comfortable. s co-owner of Seattle’s popular I’m really sorry to hear all of this. What have you heard anything independent venue Neumos in I could handle my mom, eventually. It was new about the Shuttered Venue Opera- Capitol Hill, Steven Severin has something that was going to happen. She tor’s Grant? been a staple in the Seattle music was in a lot of pain. It really was a good Nothing. We’ve heard nothing. The new industryA for more than 20 years. Roughly thing, but it was different with my friends. I Small Business Administration administra- 10 years ago, he helped create the Seattle feel like I weight about 500lbs. But I am still tor hasn’t been confirmed. We’re waiting. Nightlife and Music Association to bring trying to do stuff. Some days it is possible. [Keep Music Live] did our distributions of together the area’s live event insiders, and Some days, it’s not. We’re finally launch- our grant money here in Washington. We for the past 16 years has helped run Neumos ing our from the vault event. helped 77 venues get a little further down with its sister club Barboza and the accom- Can you explain the event? the road, but everybody is just sitting and panying Runaway bar. It is called Band Together Washing- waiting. I can’t imagine the task the SBA has As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover ton. We announced the “save the date” last in front of them. I really wish they wouldn’t the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts week and it is going to be hosted by Sir have made it sound like it could happen on the music industry, we will be speak- Mix-a-Lot and Rachel Flotard. You know so soon. If they had said the grants will be ing with Severin regularly to chronicle his Rachel? She is Neko Case’s manager. She ready in six months and then they get it experience throughout the crisis. (Read works for Red Light Management. She was out in four months, we would have been the last installment here and see the full in Neko Case’s band for some time. She is stoked. But when we think applications are series here.) hilarious. She is one of those people who going to happen a month after, we’re not We are coming up on almost a full year everybody loves. The two of them are going stoked. People are struggling and it’s causing of this series together. to be amazing hosts. March 18 is the day we a lot of stress. Every time I think of the full year, I get so are actually having it. We got Pearl Jam. It exhausted. It’s been a year, a whole year. I is all archival footage. A lot of good stuff has remember three weeks out thinking, we’re come together. I am really psyched about not going to be able to make it. We need to it. That is our last big event that [Washing- do something. Now months have gone by of ton Nightlife Music Association] will do in Page 27 of 43

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val] shows and just wanted to do whatever Willie Jones he could, which led us back to Nashville. TuneCore Too many roads led back to Sony and too Signs With Sony many good people.” Launches Jones says he also watched how Sony Music Nashville: breaks artists, which led to his decision. “It’s Operations in how they commit and win. Kane [Brown] Exclusive is collaborating with so many non-country Latin America: artists [and] it just helps bring more people BY MELINDA NEWMAN in to the genre. I love Maren [Morris] and I Exclusive think we’ll get into the studio one day. But ony Music Nashville has signed hot what’s extra dope is what’s going on with BY LEILA COBO new artist Willie Jones in partner- my boy Niko [Moon]. He’s not obvious, just ship with The Penthouse. got the vibes, great songs and now he’s No. fter distributing music by over Jones’ music “sounded very 1 [with ‘Good Time’ on the Hot Country 3,000 Latin American artists Sfresh and different to me,” Sony Music Songs chart]. That’s no accident. That’s hard worldwide, TuneCore has offi- Nashville chairman & CEO Randy Good- work from Niko but also Sony. Big ups to cially launched operations across man tells Billboard. “It caught my attention that radio team!” LatinA America. amidst a playlist of a variety of new artists While streaming has fueled Jones’ career TuneCore LATAM will support artists in from all genres.” so far, Goodman sees him as a terrestrial Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, In January, the Shreveport, Louisiana, radio and streaming act. “It’s no doubt an Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico native, who effortlessly blends hip-hop and interesting time as we really need both. and Spain. The company’s Latin American country music, saw his video for “American Streaming is obviously our revenue driver operation will be headed by Bruno Duque, Dream,” a compelling, provocative song but there still is a high correlation between formerly marketing manager at digital Latin about racial inequity through the eyes of a critical mass airplay and consumption ton- American distributor iMusica. young Black man, premiere jointly on CMT nage,” he says. “I really see country radio Duque, who for the past six months has and BET, in a first for the networks. The for the most part becoming more aggres- led TuneCore Brazil, will now expand his song is on his new album, Right Now, which sive with what they’re playing and so am oversight to the entire region, plus Spain. He came out the same month via Empire. confident they’ll see the value of Willie on will report to Said Faryal Khan-Thomp- Jones, who appeared on The X Fac- their stations.” son, TuneCore’s vice president, Interna- tor when he was 17 in 2012 singing Josh Jones hints that he has more music at the tional. Turner’s “Your Man,” is represented by ready. In the meantime, Goodman says Sony Duque will officially announce Jonnie Foster at The Penthouse for manage- Nashville has yet to decide which imprint — TuneCore’s LATAM plans during a fireside ment and CAA for booking. In February, he RCA Nashville, Arista Nashville or Columbia chat at the Midem LATAM forum that will signed a global publishing deal with Warner Nashville — will be Jones’ new home. go live March 12 (Friday) at 9 a.m. ET. Chappell Music Nashville. “We have a lot of setup work to do, which TuneCore’s low, flat-fee per track ($9.99), “In just a few short years, Willie has is imprint agnostic,” Goodman says. “We’ll plus its “100 percent of 100 percent” pay earned the respect of the biggest publisher, go with the imprint that, when we’re ready, model, could prove to be particularly attrac- the most powerful agency, and now with presents the best opportunity [regarding] tive in Latin America, where artist resources Sony Music, the hottest record label in space and focus.” are far more limited than in the U.S. or Nashville,” says Foster. “This is a team sport, Foster tells Billboard that Jones’ com- Europe. and we’ve assembled the Dream Team.” mitment to Empire was up, leading the By the same token, music revenues in For Jones, the connection to Sony goes way for the Sony deal. “We are ending with Latin America have continued to grow more back further than Goodman’s discovery. a bang: [Jones’ March 5] Grand Ole Opry than any other region in the past four years, “The road here wasn’t a straight line at all debut, [Jimmy] Fallon [debut] and some according to IFPI reports, and there is a but Randy was honest on how he ‘found me’ other great stuff with DSPs,” he says. “We’re burgeoning number of independent artists and that story alone earned my respect,” so proud of what we were able to build with in need of international distribution and he says. “[A&R head] Jim Catino and his the Empire team and helping them start access. A&R department have been overly support- Empire Nashville.” “There are so many artists doing different ive since day one but it goes back further fusions with local rhythms,” Duque told Bill- to Berlin and London with their [former] board. “There is so much musical creativity international guy Jon Cauwood. He came to going on in the region that not only deserves a few of my C2C [Country to Country Festi- to be heard by a wider audience, but also Page 28 of 43

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deserves to generate revenue for the artists.” identifying and amplifying new talent, and An early success story is Mexican trio So- we want to continue to do that in the music Bill Harkin, mos Tres, a trio that plays a mix of pop and industry. Jeff Harleston and his phenomenal ranchera and whose handful of tracks have team at Def Jam have given us their trust Designer of over 21 million streams on Spotify. and their resources to help develop artists TuneCore, whose site offers 13 language that not only have potential, but staying Glastonbury options, including Spanish and Portuguese, power. We look forward to the journey distributes directly to over 150 digital stores. ahead.” Festival’s Pyramid Its loyalty program, TuneCore Rewards, will Tebs Maqubela, an A&R executive from also launch in Spanish in April. Columbia Records with artist management Stage, Dies at 83 In addition to officially announcing its experience in affiliation with Brockhamp- Latin operations today, the company will ton, and Albert Cooke, who previously BY LARS BRANDLE also launch its #ASÍdeIndependiente cam- worked at Island Def Jam as an artist devel- paign, celebrating its 15th anniversary, and opment executive before heading to Sound- here are few grander festivals on offering indie artists 25% of their first year’s cloud’s artist relations department, will the calendar than Glastonbury, distribution of an album or single. join Hillman Grad Records. Maqubela will and no stage can usurp the Pyra- be head of A&R, while Cooke will take on mid Stage. the role of general manager. Both will work TThank Bill Harkin for that. Lena Waithe to sign and develop talent while reporting Harkin, who passed away at 83, designed directly to the two leaders of the label’s the very first Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, Teams With Def parent company, Hillman Grad Produc- a platform that has hosted performances tions — Waithe, the CEO, and Rishi Rajani, from almost every leading artist in the Jam to Launch president of film & TV. world, from David Bowie to Amy Wine- “Lena Waithe has established herself as house, Paul McCartney, U2, Johnny Cash Hillman Grad one of the most artistically and commer- and many others. cially successful creators and storytellers at Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Records work today,” added Harleston. “Lena has a Eavis pays tribute to Harkin, whose ideas profound understanding of and appreciation were so unusual they took some time to sink BY HERAN MAMO for music. After making her mark on televi- in. sion as an actor and writer, then smoothly “I liked the idea but was slightly wary of ef Jam interim CEO Jeff shifting gears into her role as a film pro- the reality, although was captivated by their Harleston and Lena Wait- ducer and CEO, it follows that she would childlike excitement,” recounts Eavis, the he announced Wednesday now spread her wings at the helm of this dairy farmer who turned a small concert on (March 10) that Def Jam Re- exciting new record label. Def Jam is the his property into the world-famous event, Dcordings and the Emmy-winning writer are perfect partner for Lena Waithe’s new Hill- with the help of Harkin. launching Hillman Grad Records. man Grad venture, and we look forward to A top-flight architect working for British According to a press release, the exclu- bringing her musical vision to life.” Leyland car launches, Harkin first came to sive joint venture partnership is committed No artists were announced to have been Glastonbury toward the end of 1970, follow- to discovering and developing artists by signed to Hillman Grad Records at press ing the first iteration of the event. “leveraging opportunities across music, TV time. The original stage was erected out of & film” and capitalizing on the intersection scaffolding and plastic sheeting and made its of those entertainment realms. debut for the second edition of Glastonbury “Music and storytelling have always gone Festival, in 1971. hand in hand. And I think that’s because Several versions of the Pyramid Stage musicians are the storytellers we love the have popped up over the years, one of which most,” Waithe said in a statement. “They burned down shortly before the 1994 festival can take complex emotions and simplify was staged. The current version of the stage it in four minutes, the same artist can sing was built by local resident Bill Burroughs about the revolution and falling in love. for the 2000 edition, and is four times larger Music is a part of us. It’s so often con- than the 1981 stage, the BBC reports. nected to our fondest and sometimes our Harkin’s “enthusiasm and dedication led darkest memories. Musicians tell our story. to what we have now – thank you so much At Hillman Grad Productions we believe in Bill,” writes Eavis. “An inspirational life well Page 29 of 43

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lived – and simply loved by us all.” points in their personal and professional The first Glastonbury concert featured lives,” these partners says in a join state- H.E.R., Janelle Marc Bolan on the bill, and Eavis splashed ment, “it’s safe to say that Michael’s impres- out free milk for the 1,500 ticket-holders. sion on his team and the installation of Monae & More Entry was just £1. Things have moved on. values, ideals and success in artist manage- Prior to the pandemic, the event was ment are lasting traits and characteristics Work to Turn one of the largest greenfield festivals in that we hope to continue to manifest in the world, attended by more than 200,000 Seminal Music Group’s many years to come Music Into Action each year and raising millions of pounds for as a company.” charities. “Michael’s memory and energy will at Black Music The 50th anniversary edition was meant forever be attached and engrained in ev- to be held in June 2020, but was canceled erything we do as Cheat Codes,” the group Collective Pre- due to the health crisis. This year’s event has adds, “and it’s tough to believe it’s been a also been scrapped due to COVID, in what year now since we lost our brother. It makes Grammy Event organizers are calling “another enforced us proud to see the family, Ricardo, Jon and fallow year.” team keep his legacy alive through Seminal BY CEDRIC THORNTON Music Group and we wish them nothing but the best as we continue on to this next he inaugural Grammy Week event Seminal Music chapter together.” hosted by the Black Music Collec- Theanne had managed Steve Aoki in the tive, a newly launched initiative by Group Relaunches United Kingdom and other international the Recording Academy, was held territories since 2008, helping establish the TWednesday evening. The online event was a Year After Death producer as a leading global EDM artist a celebration of Black creators’ and profes- by securing him headlining slots at major sionals’ countless contributions to the music Of Its Founder European festivals — including the world’s industry. biggest dance music festival Tomorrowland Harvey Mason, Jr., chair and interim BY KATIE BAIN — and booking his myriad Ibiza residen- president/CEO of the Recording Acad- cies. Theanne received a 2016 Grammy emy, and Valeisha Butterfield Jones, the year after the death of artist man- nomination for his work on the Aoki docu- Academy’s chief diversity, equity & inclusion ager Michael Theanne, the man- mentary, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead. Theanne officer, started the program by detailing the agement company he founded also had longstanding professional relation- launch of the Black Music Collective before in 2010 is being relaunched by a ships with dance producer Deorro and the giving way to the performers and speakers. groupA of former colleagues and other indus- electronic trio Cheat Codes. The event featured performances try professionals. “To see the Seminal family keep the torch by H.E.R., who sang “I Can’t Breathe,” Seminal Management has opened new lit for my brother and best friend Michael a Grammy nominee for song of the offices in Los Angeles and London with a warms my heart,” Aoki says in a statement. year; Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist, client roster that includes largely electronic- “It brings me so much joy to know that who performed a song from Alfredo, which oriented acts including Bonnie x Clyde, the journey we all started together will is Grammy-nominated for best rap album; Cheat Codes, Noise Cans and City of The continue to carry on. Sending the Seminal and P.J. Morton and Yolanda Adams, who Sun, along with a wide range of other art- Music Group team my support and lots of performed Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic ists, producers, writers and engineers. The love as they honor Michael Theanne and his “What’s Going On.” firm will continue its focus on international memory.” Some of the industry’s top executives marketing and touring. Prospective management clients can reach spoke briefly about the importance of the Seminal Management partners Ricardo Seminal Music Group at mgmt@seminal- Black Music Collective and goals and ac- Fernandez Zambak, Aahmek Rich- musicgroup.com. complishments made in the culture of Black ards, Jon Camche and Georgio Constan- music. These leaders included Grammy- tinou relaunched the company in honor winning producers Quincy Jones and Jimmy of Theanne, who passed away on Feb. 29, Jam; Debra Lee, former chairman and CEO 2020, after collapsing while returning home of BET Networks; Jeriel Johnson, Black from a hike with his dogs in Los Angeles. He Music Collective executive sponsor; and was 45. Riggs Morales, Black Music Collective chair “Although the four partners of Seminal and Atlantic Records executive. Music Group had all met Michael at various The panelists had lengthy discussions re- Page 30 of 43

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garding their roles in Black music and how and Academy executive Jones — discussing The Soul: 7 ~ The Journey ~ comes in at No. the landscape of social justice is looking in getting through this pandemic and how they 8 on the tally, which combines global sales modern times. Jimmy Jam said, “I think the are utilizing their talent to stay relevant and of physical and digital album downloads to Black Music Collective is a great place to impactful. rank the top albums of 2020. have conversations and for those people, the Monáe talked about initially being told It’s the latest in a bundle of IFPI honors music community is important to them, the no and that with the music she was doing, for the boy band, who were also named Black community is important to them, and people would not “get it” and having to Global Recording Artists of 2020, and Map those intersections are important to them. move forward using that as inspiration to Of The Soul: 7 came in at No. 1 on the inau- To me, this is a time where we have a bit of succeed through the independent route. She gural IFPI Global Album All Format Chart. time to maybe pause a little bit, maybe take also discussed becoming involved in politics Jungkook, V, Suga, Jin, RM, Jimin and a little more time to figure out what’s impor- after seeing an election “stolen” from Stacey J-Hope are seemingly unstoppable. Map tant. What’s important is maybe finding our Abrams, who lost a close race for governor Of The Soul: 7, their fourth studio album, commonalities.” of Georgia in 2018. Monáe used that as in- smashed sales charts in their homeland and Lee added: “I think music has always spiration to help Abrams and the movement around the world, finishing the year just shy been a reflection of our times. Music helped flip the state of Georgia in the 2020 general of 5 million global units. to integrate our industry and our world. election. In the United States, Map Of The Soul: Black musicians and artists who came along Rae discussed how her “weirdness” and 7 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for early on had to break the racial injustice that feeding off others’ energy propelled her to the septet’s fourth leader, extending their they encountered. Even today, hip-hop and become successful. She also talked about record for Korean acts. other forms of music are telling the stories having to finish the work that she had been Asian acts dominate the latest IFPI of our time.” doing with Insecure and other projects she chart. Coming in at No. 3 is Japanese art- Singer and philanthropist John Legend worked on during the pandemic. ist Kenshi Yonezu with Stray Sheep; South had a heartfelt conversation with social The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air Korea’s Blackpink is at No. 5 with The justice leader and activist Tameka Mallory live on Sunday (March 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 Album; Japanese boy band Arashi is at No. about the current civil rights/social justice p.m. PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy. 9 with This is Arashi; and compatriots King movement. The discussion centered on the com. Online viewers can also stream CBS Gnu round out the Top 10 with Ceremony. effects of the artists and the music that is the with free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. “BTS’ success across IFPI’s global charts soundtrack for the people involved in the (Billboard may receive affiliate commission — including the top two positions in this movement. through links on our site.) chart — is unprecedented and demonstrates “Glory,” which Legend and Common co- the amazing global appeal of their music,” wrote for Ava DuVernay’s 2014 film Selma, comments Frances Moore, CEO of IFPI. was cited as prime example. The song, BTS Bag “We would like to congratulate the band which won an Oscar, Grammy and Golden once again on such a successful year.” Globe, continues to resonate with people ‘Unprecedented’ Albums from Taylor Swift, AC/ working for change. DC and Justin Bieber also make the list, As Mallory told Legend, “We borrowed 1-2 on IFPI’s published Thursday (March 11). ‘Glory,’ but we really stole it! We played it Top 10 Global Albums 2020 everywhere … We were walking down the Global Album 1. BTS, Map Of The Soul: 7 (4.8 million street blasting ‘Glory.’ That became, really, total global units) the soundtrack for the movement — not just Sales Chart For 2. BTS, Be (Deluxe Edition) (2.7 million) of 2020, but, obviously, it’s been years.” 3. Kenshi Yonezu, Stray Sheep (2 million) The discussion also touched on defunding 2020 4. Taylor Swift, Folklore (2.0 million) the police, community efforts, making sure 5. Blackpink, The Album (1.5 million) people of color are getting the help needed BY LARS BRANDLE 6. AC/DC, Power Up (1.4 million) to survive and the collaborative efforts be- 7. Justin Bieber, Changes (1.2 million) tween activists and artists. TS aren’t done with rewriting the 8. BTS, Map Of The Soul: 7 ~ The Journey Mallory stated, “We have to be conscious history books. ~ (1.2 million) to find small grass-roots groups that have The K-pop superstars bag 9. Arashi, This Is Arashi (1 million) small budgets, may not be flashy, but doing another IFPI award, this time 10. King Gnu, Ceremony (1 million) real serious work.” Btopping the trade body’s Global Album Sales This panel involved three powerful wom- Chart with Map Of The Soul: 7. en — actor, writer and producer Issa Rae, It’s an unprecedented 1-2 for BTS, eight-time Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe whose BE set is runner-up while Map Of Page 31 of 43

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tion also features hits including “Wow,” international and Indonesian repertoire Publishing Briefs: “Love Me Land” and “Talk About Love” together to enhance global appeal. feat. Young Thug. Larsson scored a break- Ariandini started her career as a publish- Sony Snaps Up through with her 2015 hits “Lush Life” and ing country manager at Universal Music “Never Forget You” feat. MNEK, which in 1997 and later EMI Music Indonesia in ‘Savage’ Writer & peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. 2004, where she served until the company Her other singles include “So Good” feat. Ty shut down in 2008. She subsequently piv- Swedish Pop Star Dolla $ign, “Symphony” with Clean Ban- oted to the tech sector, where she worked dit and “Ain’t My Fault.” for nearly four years as country manager at Zara Larsson Country music superstar Luke Bryan has both Huawei Indonesia and Baidu Technol- renewed his longstanding global publishing ogy. In 2015, she founded the Indonesia BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN deal with Sony Music Publishing covering e-commerce association, idEA, and later his catalog and future releases. joined the Indonesia Fintech Association as itmaking songwriter-pro- Bryan has co-writing credits on several of general secretary in 2019. ducer J. White Did It, a.k.a. his hit singles, including “I Don’t Want This “We are delighted to launch in Indonesia,” Anthony Jermaine White, has Night To End,” “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ said Guy Henderson, president, interna- signed a global publishing deal Every Day,” “Move,” “Fast” and “What tional, Sony Music Publishing. “As the first Hwith Sony Music Publishing for a portion Makes You Country.” international publishing company to estab- of his catalog and future releases. Bryan’s seventh and latest studio album, lish itself in the country we look forward to The deal comes ahead of Sunday’s 2020’s Born Here Live Here Die Here, has developing the careers of Indonesian song- Grammys, where J. White is nominated for spawned four No. 1s on Billboard’s Country writers, including domestically, across Asia Record of the Year and Best Rap Song for Airplay chart: “Knockin’ Boots,” “What She and around the world. We also look forward his work on the Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Sav- Wants Tonight,” “Down To One” and “One to the many opportunities that this exciting age” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyonce. Margarita.” A deluxe version of the album, and interesting market can create for our As a writer-producer, he was nominated slated for release on April 9, will add six new global roster of songwriters.” for two previous Grammys: Record of the songs to the 10 original tracks. “SMPI will bring together the best of both Year for Cardi B’s “I Like It” feat. J Bal- Launching his music career as a song- worlds from SMP and SMEI,” added Arian- vin and Bad Bunny (2019) and Best Rap writer, Bryan first gained attention after co- dini. “Combining their expertise and reach Song for Cardi B’s breakthrough hit “Bodak writing Billy Currington’s Country Airplay enables us to provide a fantastic new offer- Yellow” (2018). His collaborations with No. 1 single “Good Directions.” He scored ing for Indonesian songwriters and compos- the rap superstar also include her hit 2018 his breakthrough as an artist with the single ers, including potential collaborations and single “Money.” “All My Friends Say” off his debut album, I’ll co-writing projects. I’m excited about the J. White has also worked on such chart Stay Me. Over his career, he has earned sev- upcoming projects and initiatives we will be and streaming hits as “A Lot” by 21 Sav- en RIAA album certifications, 22 platinum announcing in the coming months.” age feat. J. Cole and “Big Booty” by Gucci singles and 12 multi-platinum singles. His Universal Music Publishing Group Mane feat. Megan Thee Stallion. He also awards haul includes seven ACMs, includ- (UMPG) has signed hitmaking songwriter served as executive producer on Iggy ing two Entertainer of the Year awards; two and artist Julia Michaels to a global admin- Azalea’s 2019 album In My Defense and CMAs for Entertainer of the Year; seven istration agreement. its first single, “Sally Walker.” He’s man- CMT awards; five Billboard Music awards; Michaels has racked up an impressive aged by Chad Wes, Nic Warner and Lucas and four American Music awards. repertoire over her career thus far, writ- Keller at Milk & Honey. Sony Music Publishing has announced the ing for major artists including Selena Sony Music Publishing also signed launch of Sony Music Publishing Indone- Gomez, Justin Bieber, Janelle Monáe, Ed Swedish singer-songwriter and dance-pop sia (SMPI), a new, independent publishing Sheeran and Dua Lipa, among many others. star Zara Larsson to a worldwide publishing company dedicated to developing and pro- Twenty-five of her songs have charted on deal. moting Indonesian songwriters both locally the Billboard Hot 100, including two No. 1 Larsson’s global hits include “Ruin My and around the world. hits: Bieber’s “Sorry” and Gomez’s “Lose Life,” “All The Time,” “Lush Life” and Under general manager Anti Ariandini, You to Love Me.” “Never Forget You,” as well as collabora- SMPI will work closely with Sony Music After signing to Republic Records as a tions with BTS (“A Brand New Day”) Entertainment Indonesia and other music solo artist, Michaels broke through with her and Kygo & Tyga (“Like It Is”). publishers and associations to develop five times platinum-selling single “Issues,” Larsson’s most recent single is “Look international networks and partnerships followed by three EPs: Nervous System, In- What You’ve Done,” which is included on for Indonesian composers and songwriters, ner Monologue Part 1 and Inner Monologue her new album Poster Girl. The collec- along with creative projects bringing both Part 2. She’s been nominated for two Gram- Page 32 of 43

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mys, one for Song of the Year and the other Último Tour del Mundo, which shot him native UK, being awarded second place on for Best New Artist. In September 2020, to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 Producers the BBC Sound of 2021 poll; she was also she released “Lie Like This,” the lead single and Latin Producers charts. He has also col- included on BBC Radio 1’s 2021 Brit List and from her upcoming debut studio album. laborated with artists such as Astrid S, Bebe chosen as Apple’s Up Next Artist in 2020. Reach Music Publishing has acquired a Rexha, Nicky Jam, Rauw Alejandro and Flo Her debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, 50% interest and worldwide administration Rida, the latter on the six-times platinum has racked up over 50 million streams so far. rights to the song catalog of Glenn Tipton, a single “My House.” Humberstone is slated to kick off her lead guitarist for the iconic metal band Ju- El Último Tour del Mundo was the first UK tour, including four sold-out Omeara das Priest and co-writer of several of their all-Spanish language album ever to reach London shows, this summer. She’s managed biggest songs. the top spot on the Billboard 200. by Josh Sanger at Deep End/Closer Artists. The acquisition covers Tipton’s songwrit- Sony Music Publishing has signed rising Grammy-winning DJ and producer Roger ing catalog of nearly 200 songs as a member indie-pop singer, songwriter and produc- Sanchez has signed a global publishing of Judas Priest, beginning with their third er Dayglow (a.k.a. Sloan Struble) to a global agreement with Sentric’s concierge elec- studio album, Sin After Sin, through their publishing deal. tronic music publishing division, Black most recent album, 2018’s Firepower. Tip- Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Day- Rock, covering his full catalog and future ton’s solo albums, Baptizm of Fire and Edge glow scored a streaming smash with the releases. of the World, are also included in the deal. track “Can I Call You Tonight?”, which has Sanchez is best known for dance hits in- Tipton’s co-writing credits for Judas crossed 190 million streams worldwide and cluding “Another Chance,” “Lost” and “Turn Priest include such tracks as “Breaking The peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Alternative on the Music” feat. G.T.O. He received a Law,” “Heading Out To The Highway,” “Hell Airplay chart. Grammy in 2003 for his remix of No Doubt’s Bent For Leather,” “Living After Midnight” Looking ahead, Dayglow has set the “Hella Good.” He has also remixed songs and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” all release of his sophomore album, Harmony by artists including Michael Jackson, The of which are included in the deal. House, on May 21. His latest singles are Police, Diana Ross, Jamiroquai and Maroon Judas Priest is slated to go back on tour “Something” and “Close to You.” He started 5 and has had prominent residences in this summer, continuing the band’s 50th his career while in college, when he released Ibiza over the last two decades, along with anniversary celebration. Also scheduled is his 2018 debut album Fuzzybrain, which performances at festivals including Cream- the release of their career-spanning 42 CD included “Can I Call You Tonight?” along fields, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland and We box set. with the popular tracks “Hot Rod” and Are FSTVL. “I deliberated for a long time on whether “Listerine.” Sanchez’s latest track “Dream On Me” — a to relinquish 50% of my publishing to Songwriter Ilsey Juber has renewed her collaboration with Ella Henderson — has another company and realized as soon as global publishing deal with Sony Music racked up 6 million total streams in three I had a conversation with Michael Clo- Publishing. months. He has an album slated for release ster and Scott Rubin from Reach Music just Juber has written tracks for artists includ- in early 2022. how knowledgeable they are of both mine ing Beyoncé, Shawn Mendes, Mark Ron- Reach Music Group has signed a global and Judas Priest’s catalog and that they son, Miley Cyrus and Major Lazer, among admin deal with rapper Tom MacDonald for would be really pro-active with the songs,” others. Her most recent credits include his full catalog and future releases. said Tipton in a statement. “I believe I now “All My Favorite Songs” by Weezer and MacDonald topped Billboard’s Emerging have a team who understand and are geared “Midnight Sky” by Cyrus, along with two Artists chart in February on the success of up to deal with metal and look forward to other tracks from Cyrus’ 2020 album Plastic his single “Fake Woke,” which also debuted working together in the future!” Hearts. at No. 96 on the Billboard Hot 100. His latest Reach was represented in the transac- Juber’s past writing credits include such single, “Clown World,” reached No. 2 on tion by attorney Jeff Sacharow, partner at hits as Panic! At the Disco’s “High Hopes” iTunes’ U.S. Songs chart. Lapidus, Root & Sacharow, with support (No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100), Mendes’ from UK counsel Rupert Sprawson of James “Mercy” and Ronson’s “Nothing Breaks Ware Stephenson. Tipton was represented Like a Heart” feat. Cyrus. She also worked by Simon Esplen, managing partner at Rus- extensively on Ronson’s 2019 album Late sells. Night Feelings and Lykke Li’s 2018 album So MAG (a.k.a. Marco Borrero), who execu- Sad So Sexy. tive produced Bad Bunny’s No. 1 Billboard Universal Music Publishing Group 200 album, El Último Tour del Mundo, has (UMPG) has signed emerging singer- signed a global admin agreement with War- songwriter Holly Humberstone to a global ner Chappell Music. publishing deal covering all of her songs. MAG was credited on 9 of 16 songs on El Humberstone has risen quickly in her Page 33 of 43

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history. We’re beyond thrilled to play a role It bought a stake in K-pop rival YG Enter- Album Designer in Roger’s historical journey into the world tainment in January, and the next month of NFT.” announced a Universal Music Group joint Roger Dean to With more than 100 million copies of venture to create a K-pop-focused label Dean’s images having been sold around the with Geffen Records, as well as a music Release NFT world, his work has been exhibited in galler- competition show on U.S. television to dis- ies and museums worldwide, including the cover a new K-pop boy band. Artwork Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal College of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the BY TAYLOR MIMS New York Culture Center and the Institute Black Eyed Peas & of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. usic album and poster design- Shakira’s ‘Girl Like er Roger Dean has announced his first NFT release. BTS Label Big Hit Me’ Tops Latin The drop will include lim- Mited editions of three exclusive digital art Entertainment Airplay Chart pieces, each a component of his new Alluri- um series, in collaboration with NFT studio Plans Name BY PAMELA BUSTIOS THE MTAPHR. Dean is internationally known for his Change to HYBE lack Eyed Peas and Shakira add album cover designs, posters, books, video a new No. 1 to their scorecards games and visual identity systems, includ- Corporation as “Girl Like Me” jumps 4-1 on ing his iconic album art for multi-platinum the Latin Airplay chart (dated selling bands Yes, Asia and more. He has BY TATIANA CIRISANO BMarch 13). It’s the Peas’ fourth consecutive also created logo work for Virgin Records No. 1 and Shakira’s 15th — her first since and Tetris. ig Hit Entertainment, the South “Clandestino,” with Maluma, ruled for one “There has been an increasing volume Korean music company that is week in Sept. 2018. about this technology, it sounded amazing, home to superstars BTS, is in the “Girl Like Me” advances to the top boost- and after a number of seriously intriguing process of changing its name to ed by a 33% gain in audience impressions, to approaches, I wanted to try it out. I wanted BHYBE Corporation, a company spokesper- 11 million, earned in the week ending March to learn and to play. It seemed that the best son confirmed to Billboard. 7, according to MRC Data. way was to just jump in and do it,” said Dean The news was first reported by Variety, The song is the fifth single from Black in a release. “Fortunately, I was intro- which writes that Big Hit, run by chairman Eyed Peas’ Translation, the trio’s first bilin- duced to a brilliant group of people at THE and CEO Bang Si-hyuk, has registered the gual LP. It debuted at No. 3 on the Top Latin MTAPHR, all with not only the same idea new name with Korean company regulatory Albums chart and No. 52 on the all-genre of doing something new and wonderful, but authorities. The name change has yet to be Billboard 200 (dated July 4, 2020). with the magic balance of talent, experience, approved by shareholders, and will be ad- The Black Eyed Peas boast their and drive to create something fantastic and dressed at an upcoming general sharehold- fourth Latin Airplay No. 1 from the same al- rock solid.” ers meeting on March 30. bum. The last act to pull four No. 1s from an “Floating Islands,” originally painted The spokesperson did not provide addi- album was Bad Bunny, with four No. 1 hits in 1993 and served as the cover of Yes!’s tional information or reasoning for the shift, from his 35- week No. 1 set YHLQMDLG: offshoot band ABWH (Anderson Bruford saying that further details will be shared in “Vete” (one week, March 2020), “Yo Perreo Wakeman Howe) live at the shoreline al- forthcoming press releases. Big Hit, which Sola” (two weeks, June 2020), “La Difícil” bum, will be exclusively available on the went public on the South Korean stock (one week, Aug. 2020) and “La Santa” (one digital asset marketplace NiftyGateway on exchange in October, improved revenue 36% week, Dec 2020). Tuesday. to $716.7 million in 2020, according to its To recap the Black Eyed Peas’ four Latin “Roger is an absolute legend in the world annual earnings report released last month, Airplay No. 1s from Translation: of music and the arts and has been involved driven by physical album sales. Song, Peak Date an incredible amount of truly epic moments While the company is also home to “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life),” with J Balvin, in culture,” said UTA music agent Ben popular acts like TOMORROW X TO- Feb. 8, 2020 Hogan in a release. “Roger and MTAPHR GETHER and Lee Hyun, it has long relied “Mamacita,” with Ozuna & J.Rey Soul, June have put together an extraordinary cam- chiefly on BTS for most of its revenue. But it 20, 2020 paign featuring some iconic pieces of art is making moves to diversify its artist roster. “Feel The Beat,” with Maluma, Nov. 14, 2020 Page 34 of 43

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“Girl Like Me,” with Shakira, March 13, 2021 mates Howard and David Bellamy on Bel- With Shakira’s newest leader, she joins a lamy Brothers Honky Tonk Ranch. Britney Spears’ privileged group of acts who have secured a That evening, Circle will air perfor- No. 1 in each of the last four decades along- mances from Shelton, starting with Shel- Dad Responds to side Alejandro Fernandez, Enrique Iglesias, ton’s Opry Live appearance with Dustin Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Lynch and Trace Adkins. At 10 p.m. ET, Call for Federal “Girl Like Me” was produced by will.i.am, Shelton and Lynch will be joined by Chris Shakira and Johnny Goldstein and written Janson, Jimmie Allen and others for the Hearings Into by the Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Brendan premiere of this year’s Conservation Aid Buckley, Johnny Goldstein, Albert Menen- concert, a benefit for wildlife habitat conser- Conservatorships dez and Tim Mitchell. vation organization, The National Wild Turkey Foundation. BY HERAN MAMO “Blake is an iconic country music star, and Peacock Picks we are excited to have him take over Circle ritney Spears’ father Jamie Network for a night of all things Blake Spears is speaking out against Up First Music & Shelton,” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Congressmen Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Network general manager. “Viewers will and Jim Jordan (R-OH) after Country Lifestyle get an inside look into our favorite episodes Bthey asked for federal hearings about and moments featuring Blake - from visits to conservatorships and noted the singer as the Channel With the iconic ‘Ole Red’ hotspot, to live perfor- “most striking example.” mances with his close friends and fellow Citing the #FreeBritney movement that Circle Network: country music stars. This also comes at a has grown tremendously following the perfect time as we launch our partnership February release of the Framing Britney Exclusive with Peacock, allowing even more country Spears documentary, Gaetz and Jordan fans to take part in the journey.” urged House Judiciary Chairman Jerry BY MELINDA NEWMAN “There are more than 130 million people Nadler (D-NY) to hold a hearing “to exam- in the United States who identify as country ine whether Americans are trapped unjustly ircle Network, a joint venture music fans, and with Peacock, we are able in conservatorships” in a formal letter on between Opry Entertainment to reach more of this growing fan base than Tuesday. The congressmen want to examine Group and Gray Television, is ever before,” added Scott Bailey, president not just Spears’ conservatorship, but the now available on Peacock, mak- of Opry Entertainment Group, in a state- system in general. Cing it the NBCUniversal-owned streaming ment. “We look forward to adding our artist- “If the conservatorship process can rip service’s first music channel and country centered programming, like Opry Live, to the agency from a woman who was in the lifestyle channel. their collection of high-quality content and prime of her life and one of the most power- To commemorate the occasion, Circle and channels.” ful pop stars in the world, imagine what it Peacock have teamed with Blake Shelton — Circle started in January 2020 and has can do to people who are less powerful and who is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a monthly reach of close to 150 million be- have less of a voice,” Rep. Gaetz said in a a judge on NBC’s The Voice — for Spring tween streaming distribution partnerships press statement Blake, a daylong network takeover on Sat- and linear distribution. Its programming Jamie Spears’ lawyer Vivian L. Thoreen urday. mix includes music, Grand Ole Opry perfor- issued a statement in response to Enter- “Launching with an event anchored by mances, documentaries, lifestyle shows and tainment Tonight on Wednesday (March Blake Shelton perfectly illustrates the op- archival offerings. 10). “From the beginning, the court has portunity to further engage and enhance the Peacock launched in July 2020 and has closely monitored Britney’s situation, country music fandom on our service,” Jen more than 33 million signups as of the end including through annual accountings and Brown, Peacock’s senior vp, programming of January, according to NBCUniversal par- in-depth reviews and recommendations told Billboard. ent Comcast. from a highly experienced and dedicated Spring Blake will feature a day of new Spring Blake will continue throughout court investigator who annually meets at and archival Shelton-themed programming March with promotions via Ole Red and the length with Britney and all involved in starting at noon ET, including episodes restaurant’s social channels. her conservatorship,” the statement reads. of previously aired programming from “Britney’s Conservatorship of the Estate Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant in Nashville via was co-managed by a private professional Natalie Stovall’s The Southern Weekend, as fiduciary and her father until early 2019. At well as Shelton reuniting with former tour- that time, Britney requested in court papers Page 35 of 43

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that her father be the sole conservator of her Mayer, Megan Thee Stallion, Maren Morris, estate. Her Conservatorship of the Person is Ari Lennox, Ant Post Malone and Harry Styles. not managed by her father but by a private The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air professional fiduciary, and is similarly sub- Clemons, Jon live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ject to the scrutiny of interviews, audits and PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy.com. detailed reports to the judge by the court Batiste & More to Online viewers can also stream CBS with investigator.” free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. Bill- The multi-platinum singer has been in a Join The Roots board may receive affiliate commission conservatorship overseen predominantly through links on our site. by her father since 2008 when she was just For 2021 Pre- 28. Now, 12 years later, many supporters of the #FreeBritney movement have come Grammys ‘Jam Justin Michael forward questioning whether a conser- vatorship over the singer’s personal and Session’ Williams Plans financial life still needs to be in place. Spears herself addressed her fans and requested BY BILLBOARD STAFF Pre-Grammy in an unprecedented filing regarding her sealed hearings to appoint a new conserva- he Roots have announced the Benefit for tor of her estate in a manner that’s “open lineup for their annual pre- and transparent.” Grammys “Roots Jam Session,” COVID-19 Victims “Jamie Spears has diligently and profes- which will take place on Saturday sionally carried out his duties as one of T(March 13) with performances from Ant BY STEPHEN DAW Britney’s conservators, and his love for his Clemons, Ari Lennox, Jon Batiste and more. daughter and dedication to protecting her The event — produced in partnership with ith everyone looking is clearly apparent to the court,” the state- TIDAL and Oculus — will kick off at 9 p.m. forward to a life post- ment continues. “Any time Britney wants ET and also feature Tobe Nwigwe, Emily COVID, queer recording to end her conservatorship, she can ask her King, Brittany Spencer and Kathy Sledge. artist Justin Michael Wil- lawyer to file a petition to terminate it; she The livestream will air live simultane- liamsW wants to take a moment to look back. has always had this right but in 13 years has ously in virtual reality in the Venues app This Saturday, Williams will host “Love never exercised it. Britney knows that her — available on Oculus Quest — and in 2D Over Fear: A Pre-GRAMMY Benefit Con- Daddy loves her, and that he will be there for video and high-quality audio on TIDAL, cert Supporting Children Who Have Lost her whenever and if she needs him, just as he with Oculus Quest owners encouraged to Parents to COVID-19.” The benefit show, always has been — conservatorship or not.” subscribe here and TIDAL members and which will take place on the streaming plat- nonmembers invited to tune in here. form StageIt, will raise funds for children The Roots have been throwing their pre- and families who lost parents and family Grammy event for more than a decade, in- members to the deadly outbreak in the last viting new and veteran acts to jump on stage year. with them and jam in an intimate setting. The show will feature performances from This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 all-LGBTQ talent, including Williams, rock pandemic the event will be virtual and fans singer ALONZO, and singer-songwrit- can prep for the big night by checking out er Tito Rey. All three artists will perform the Roots Essentials Playlist on TIDAL. their songs, with Williams also flexing his The Grammy warm-up will set the table skills as a motivational speaker throughout for Sunday night’s (March 14) 63rd annual the evening. Grammy Awards, which has a jam-packed Williams partnered with Pandem- roster of performers on tap, recently add- ic of Love and Covid Survivors for ing Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, as the Change for “Love Over Fear,” and 100 per- duo Silk Sonic, to a list that includes: Dua cent of all proceeds from the concert will be Lipa, Roddy Ricch, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, split between both organizations. Williams Black Pumas, Cardi B, BTS, Brandi Carlile, also will debut his latest single “Believe” DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Mickey during the event, with all proceeds from Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda the new song also being split between both Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John organizations. Page 36 of 43

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“Music has never just been for enter- Miguel’s “Adorn” for the second-best sum the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. “Damage” tainment—it’s how we transform suffering in terms of weeks at No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop takes over as the most played song on R&B/ and pain into beauty Especially for people Airplay. The track only trails another Brown hip-hop radio as it jumps 4-1 on the Main- who have been marginalized in any way,” song, “No Guidance,” featuring Drake, stream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, while Williams tells Billboard of the event. “And which marshaled a record 27 weeks in it holds at No. 15 on Adult R&B Airplay, that’s what we’re doing with this concert, charge in 2019-20. though it gains 21% in plays in the week. we’re taking one of the most collectively As Brown establishes a double domina- The dual combination of adult and devastating years in modern history and tion, here’s a look at the 10 longest leading mainstream clout was a key factor behind transforming the pain into love. We’re No. 1s since the chart began in 1992: “Go Crazy” and its multi-month supremacy. reminding people that even in the darkest of 27, “No Guidance,” Chris Brown featuring “Crazy” reigned on Mainstream R&B/Hip- nights, they have the power to choose love Drake, 2019-20 Hop Airplay for six weeks, and remained in over fear. Plus it’ll be a great opportunity for 24, “Go Crazy,” Chris Brown & Young Thug, the top 10 each week from June 13, 2020 to people to give back in a meaningful way.” 2020-21 Feb. 20, 2021, while it lead the Adult R&B “Love Over Fear: A Pre-GRAMMY Ben- 23, “Adorn,” Miguel, 2012-13 Airplay ranking for seven nonconsecutive efit Concert Supporting Children Who Have 16, “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai, 2018 weeks from last December through earlier Lost Parents to COVID-19” will take place 15, “Be Without You,” Mary J. Blige, 2006 this month. Saturday, March 13, starting at 9 p.m. ET. 15, “Hotline Bling,” Drake, 2015-16 Reserve your ticket here. 14, “We Belong Together,” Mariah Carey, 2005 Machine Gun 14, “Blame It,” Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain, Chris Brown Now 2009 Kelly & Blackbear 14, “Pretty Wings,” Maxwell, 2009 Has the Two 14, “Hold On We’re Going Home,” Drake Make History featuring Majid Jordan, 2013-14 Longest Running Brown’s sway over the chart has been Atop the so strong in the past 18 months that he’s No. 1s on R&B/ controlled the chart’s summit for 62% of Alternative Airplay the time, 51 of 82 weeks, from Aug. 24, 2019 Hip-Hop Airplay — the first week “No Guidance” was No. 1, Chart through the latest week, March 13, 2021. Chart Though his standing in first and second BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD place is assured, will “Crazy” eventually BY TREVOR ANDERSON overtake “Guidance” for top status? Current or the first time in the three-de- signs suggest its certainly possible, even cade history of Billboard’s Alterna- hris Brown arrives at a historic despite “Crazy” having slipped in audi- tive Airplay chart, two soloists in milestone as his single “Go Crazy,” ence for seven of the last eight weeks, as lead roles on a song hit No. 1. with Young Thug, leads Bill- its peak’s airplay total had such a gap over F“My Ex’s Best Friend,” by Machine Gun board’s R&B/Hip-Hop Air- all competitors that it could afford to bleed Kelly and Blackbear, ascends to the top Cplay chart for a 24th week. With the track’s audience and retain its top standing. On the spot on the tally dated March 13. newest week on top, Brown now claims the current list, “Crazy” posts 21.6 million in The song marks MGK’s first Alternative two songs with the most weeks at No. 1 in audience, ahead of No. 2, Pop Smoke’s “For Airplay ruler. Having shifted from rap to a the chart’s 28-year history with “Crazy” and the Night,” featuring Lil Baby and DaBaby, at rock sound, he previously peaked at a No. 2 “No Guidance.” 18.5 million, though that track is essentially best with “Bloody Valentine” in September. “Crazy” reigns for its 24th frame on the even with its audience sum from the prior Blackbear, meanwhile, snags his first list dated March 13. Its latest term comes week and suffered slight losses in the two Alternative Airplay No. 1 as a lead artist, despite a 5% drop to 21.6 million in audience prior weeks. having also reached No. 1 as featured on All impressions for the week ending March 7, The most obvious challenger is H.E.R.’s Time Low’s “Monsters” last year. The song according to MRC Data. Brown and Young’s “Damage,” currently at No. 3 with 17.4 dominated for 18 weeks and ranks at No. 3 single began its extended rule on Aug. 22, million, up 17% from its prior week sum on the latest list, having placed inside the interrupted only by a six-week streak for of 14.9 million. “Damage” has gained as its top five continuously since August. Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” featuring found concurrent traction on both adult and While solo artists are becoming more Lil Durk, in September-October. mainstream-leaning R&B/hip-hop stations, prominent on Alternative Airplay after With its 24th week, “Crazy” surpasses both of which’s audience numbers feed into a lengthy period dominated by bands, Page 37 of 43

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“Friend” marks the first No. 1 by two solo- breakthrough single “Last Resort” (No. 4 “Harder” and “34+35,” Grande maintained ists billed as lead artists in the history of peak), its first of 22 top 10s, in 2000, the her status as a Rhythmic radio format the chart, which began in 1988. In fact, the band took nine years before “Lifeline” be- favorite by earning a top 10 on the chart song is only the third leader by two solo- came its first No. 1 in April 2009. Then, 2015 with each of her studio albums except 2018’s ists at all; Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used one-week leader “Face Everything and Rise” Sweetener. Five of her last six entries have to Know,” featuring Kimbra, ruled for 12 kicked off a hot streak into the 2020s. also reached the top 10: “7 Rings” (No. 3), weeks in 2012, after Chad Kroeger’s “Hero,” “The Ending” also gives Papa Roach its “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” featuring Josey Scott, led for three weeks first set of back-to-back No. 1s, as the song (No. 10), a featured turn on 2 Chainz’s “Rule in 2002. follows prior entry “Come Around,” which The World” (No. 5), “Boyfriend,” with Social “Friend” is the second song by soloists led for a week in December 2019. House (No. 10) and “Positions” (No. 7). to top Alternative Airplay already in 2021, All four singles from the band’s 2019 al- “34+35” also picked up a boost from the following Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” bum Who Do You Trust? have hit the Main- popularity of its remix, which features Doja for a week in February. In 2020 and 2019, stream Rock Airplay chart’s top five. Along Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. The two five songs by solo acts hit No. 1 in each year, with its two latest leaders, the title track and new additions are themselves two of Rhyth- tying the record established in 1989 and “Elevate” reached Nos. 3 and 4 in February mic radio’s most in-demand acts. Doja Cat repeated in 1992. and June 2019, respectively. has posted four top 10s since the start of Concurrently, “Friend” holds at its No. On the all-rock-format, audience- 2020, including a concurrent hit – her guest 2 high on the all-rock-format, audience- based Rock & Alternative Airplay tally, turn on Saweetie’s “Best Friend” – that based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart “The Ending” bullets at its No. 14 high with ranks at No. 6 on the current list. In that with 5.3 million audience impressions, 2.7 million audience impressions, up 12%, same time, Megan Thee Stallion has landed up 1%, according to MRC Data. The song according to MRC Data. three top 10s, all of which have gone to No. continues to earn crossover airplay, reaching Who Do You Trust? debuted at No. 3 on 1: “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé, “Body” and a the Pop Airplay top 10 (11-10) and lifting 30- the Hard Rock Albums chart in February supporting spot on Cardi B’s “WAP.” 29 on Adult Pop Airplay. On the all-for- 2019 and has earned 83,000 equivalent mat Radio Songs chart, it jumps 20-16 with album units to date. 33.2 million impressions, a boost of 7%. Alicia Keys The track is the latest single from MGK’s Tickets to My Downfall, which Ariana Grande Reclaims No. 1 on debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 al- bums chart in October. To date, it’s earned Rules Rhythmic Adult R&B Airplay 754,000 equivalent album units. Airplay for First Chart

Papa Roach’s Time Since 2015 BY TREVOR ANDERSON

‘The Ending’ BY TREVOR ANDERSON ust two weeks after Toni Brax- ton forced Alicia Keys to share the Begins Reign on riana Grande returns to No. 1 record for the most No. 1 songs on Bill- on Billboard’s Rhythmic Air- board’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, the Mainstream Rock play chart for the first time since Jlatter again re-establishes herself as leader 2015 as “34+35” skips 4-1 on of the pack. Keys ascends 2-1 on the list dat- Airplay Chart theA list dated March 13. The single ascends ed March 13 with “So Done,” featuring Kha- through a 10% boost in plays in the week lid, which rises 8% in plays and becomes the BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD ending March 7 to become the most-played most played track on the adult R&B format’s track at the radio format in the week, ac- monitored stations in the week ending apa Roach earns its sixth No. 1 cording to MRC Data. March 7, according to MRC Data. on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock “34+35” gives Grande her third No. 1 on “Done” gives R&B veteran Keys her 12th Airplay chart, as “The End- Rhythmic Airplay, following the three-week No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay, the most of any ing” crowns the March 13-dated champ “Problem,” featuring Iggy Azalea act since the chart began in 1993. As she Psurvey. in 2014 and “Love Me Harder,” with The reclaims top dog status, here’s a look at the Of its six rulers, five of the Jacoby Weeknd, which led for five weeks the fol- updated count for the most chart champs: Shaddix-led act’s No. 1s have led in the last lowing year. 12, Alicia Keys six years. After first reaching the chart with Between her trips to the summit with 11, Toni Braxton Page 38 of 43

IN BRIEF

8, Charlie Wilson featuring H.E.R., and “Love Again” with That’s Life features familiar favorites like 7, Kem Brandy in 2018-19 before “Japanese Denim” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “I’ve Got 7, Maxwell broke the streak when it peaked at No. 13 You Under My Skin,” “You Make Me Feel So 7, R. Kelly last May. Young,” “Luck Be a Lady” and “In the Wee Behind Keys and Braxton, Mary J. Blige Small Hours of the Morning.” and Whitney Houston are tied for the next Of That’s Life’s 12,500 units earned, highest sum among women, with six each. Willie Nelson’s 12,000 comprise album sales, 500 comprise In addition, “Done” secures Keys’ 92nd SEA units (equating to 626,000 on-demand week atop Adult R&B Airplay, furthering ‘That’s Life’ streams of the set’s songs in its first week) her record in that category, too. Maxwell and a negligible number comprise TEA. Of ranks second thanks to 73 weeks at the sum- Debuts at No. 1 the album’s 12,000 copies sold, 8,000 were mit, while Braxton lands in third place with via CD and 2,000 came via vinyl LP. The 50 frames. on Jazz Albums remaining 2,000 were digital albums. That’s Let’s recap the spread of Keys’ 92 weeks Life also debuts at No. 18 on the Vinyl Al- in charge across her dozen leaders: Chart bums chart and No. 20 on the Tastemaker Song Title, Artist (if other than Alicia Albums chart. (The latter list ranks the top- Keys), Weeks at No. 1, Date Reached No. 1 BY KEITH CAULFIELD selling albums of the week at independent “Fallin,” five, Aug. 4, 2001 and small chain record stores.) “A Woman’s Worth,” three, Jan. 26, 2002 illie Nelson’s new Frank Nelson previously hit No. 1 on Jazz “You Don’t Know My Name,” 10, Jan. 3, Sinatra-inspired al- Albums with Summertime: Willie Nelson 2004 bum That’s Life opens at Sings Gershwin (three weeks at No. 1, 2016) “If I Ain’t Got You,” 10, April 24, 2004 No. 1 on Billboard’s Jazz and Two Men With the Blues (with Wynton “Diary,” featuring Tony! Toni! Tone!, 12, AlbumsW chart (dated March 13). It’s his Marsalis, four weeks at No. 1 in 2008). On Sept. 25, 2004 third leader on the list. The set also bows Traditional Jazz Albums, he topped the “Unbreakable,” 11, Nov. 19, 2005 atop the Traditional Jazz Albums tally tally with Summertime (five weeks), Here “No One,” 11, Nov. 10, 2007 — his fourth No. 1 there. (On both charts, We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray “Like You’ll Never See Me Again,” seven, Sinatra himself is runner-up at No. 2, with Charles (with Marsalis, featuring Norah Jan. 26, 2008 his popular 2015 hits set Ultimate Sinatra.) Jones, five weeks at No. 1 in 2011) and Two “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” 10, June 12, That’s Life launches with just under Men (four weeks). 2010 12,500 equivalent album units earned in the Nelson’s chart history continues to be “Fire We Make,” with Maxwell, seven, June U.S. in the week ending March 4, accord- wide and varied across Billboard’s charts. 22, 2013 ing to MRC Data. Of that sum, 12,000 are in Of course, the country king has logged a “Show Me Love,” featuring Miguel, five, traditional album sales. staggering array of hits on the Top Coun- Dec. 14, 2019 The Jazz Albums and Traditional Jazz try Albums and Hot Country Songs chart “So Done,” featuring Khalid, one (to date), Albums charts rank the most popular (with 17 and 20 No. 1s, respectively). In March 13, 2021 jazz albums, and traditional jazz albums, addition, he’s logged No. 1s on Jazz Al- Plus, with “Show Me Love” and “So respectively, of the week in the U.S. based bums, Traditional Jazz Albums, Reggae Done” both appearing on Keys’ seventh on multimetric consumption as measured Albums and Americana/Folk Albums. studio album, Alicia, the set is her first to in equivalent album units. Units comprise He’s also notched top 10 efforts on Kid produce multiple chart-toppers since her album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) Albums, Blues Albums and the Billboard third, As I Am. That album, released in 2007, and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). 200. housed “No One” and “Like You’ll Never See Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 indi- Me Again.” vidual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 Featured artist Khalid, meanwhile, picks ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription up his third No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay, fol- on-demand official audio and video streams lowing his singles “Location,” which reigned generated by songs from an album. For all for three weeks in 2017 and “Talk,” which chart news, follow @billboard and @bill- racked up 12 frames in charge in 2019. boardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram. As that trio makes for his entire Adult Nelson’s That’s Life is his second jazz R&B Airplay chart history, the young talent covers set of songs made famous by Sinatra, is the first act to have his first three entries following 2018’s My Way. On the all-genre each reach No. 1 since Daniel Caesar sent Billboard 200, That’s Life bows at No. 58, “Get You,” featuring Kali Uchis, “Best Part,” marking Nelson’s 81st chart entry. Page 39 of 43

IN BRIEF

Songs chart, marking Tears for Fears’ first Tears for Fears’ appearance on the survey, which began in 2009. ‘Everybody Wants “Rule” became Tears for Fears’ first of two No. 1s on the Hot 100, for two weeks to Rule the World’ in June 1985, followed by “Shout” for three weeks that August. The singles, plus the No. Returns to No. 3 hit “Head Over Heels,” were released from the British act’s second LP Songs From the 1 on a Billboard Big Chair, which topped the Billboard 200 for five weeks in 1985. In the latest tracking Chart week, the set spiked by 21% to 4,000 equiva- lent album units. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD

ver 35 years after hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is back atop Oa Billboard chart. The ‘80s classic reaches No. 1 on the Al- ternative Digital Song Sales list dated March 13, soaring by 704% to 6,000 down- loads sold in the week ending March 4, according to MRC Data. “Rule” has made steady recent gains thanks in part to its inclusion in the movie Land. The film, directed by and star- ring Robin Wright, opened in select U.S. theaters on Feb. 12 (following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival Jan. 31). It was released on video on-demand March 5. “Rule” is also one of many songs currently discounted in the iTunes Store’s “69¢ Pop Hits” spotlight. On the latest all-genre Digi- tal Song Sales chart, where “Rule” ar- rives at No. 14, other discounted favorites surge, including Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good),” which re-enters at No. 10 (7,000 sold, up 906%); The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” which debuts at No. 18 (5,000, up 673%); and Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On,” which enters at No. 21 (4,000, up 1,105%). Additionally, “Rule” spends a second week on Rock Streaming Songs at No. 25, with 3.7 million U.S. streams, up 3%. Those sales and streaming totals, along with 4.5 million all-format radio audi- ence impressions in the tracking week, send “Rule” to a No. 10 entrance on the multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative Page 40 of 43

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 21,223,278,000 18,449,752,000 2,773,526,000 1,861,000 482,000 3,902,000 15,659,000 Week* Last 21,027,722,000 18,255,300,000 2,772,422,000 1,651,000 466,000 3,840,000 15,308,000 Week

Change 0.9% 1.1% 0.0% 12.7% 3.3% 1.6% 2.3%

This Week 19,896,713,000 16,980,501,000 2,916,212,000 2,215,000 664,000 5,008,000 15,008,000 Last Year

Change 6.7% 8.7% -4.9% -16.0% -27.4% -22.1% 4.3%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending March 4, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE 30m Total On-Demand 183,380,956,000 177,255,780,000 3.5% Streams TRACK SALES BY AGE 27.5m Audio On-Demand 159,000,717,000 145,095,419,000 9.6% Streams 25m

Digital Track Sales 34,046,000 44,011,000 -22.6% 29,047,000 22.5m Album Sales 16,854,000 17,866,000 -5.7% 20m Albums 135,832,000 127,006,000 6.9% Consumption Units 23,726,000 17.5m

15m

ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 12.5m 2021 2020 Change 10m CD Sales 5,996,000 8,119,000 -26.2% 14,964,000 7.5m Vinyl Sales 6,447,000 4,052,000 59.1% 5m

Digital Sales 4,346,000 5,624,000 -22.7% 10,320,000 Catalog Current 2.5m Other Sales 65,000 71,000 -7.9% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 3,405,000 4,401,000 -22.6%

Audio On-Demand 115,573,000 104,739,000 10.3% Equivalent -31.0% -18.3% 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 41 of 43 DATA FOR WEEK OF 03.13.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 7 WKS DAN NIGRO  1 3 WKS DAN NIGRO  #1 TIE 1 7 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  2 JOEY MOI  3 LIL DURK  3 FINNEAS  4 FINNEAS  4 YC  5 BRS KASH  5 ROSS COPPERMAN  6 DABABY  6 IAMTASH  7 POOH SHIESTY  7 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  8 POP SMOKE  TIE 8 MAX MARTIN  TIE 9 BELLY  TIE 8 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 9 DAHEALA  TIE 8 THE WEEKND  TIE 9 MAX MARTIN  11 DAMN E  TIE 9 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 12 MR. FRANKS  TIE 9 THE WEEKND  TIE 12 TBHITS  14 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  14 BLAKE HARNAGE  15 BILLIE EILISH  15 PXCOYO  16 DAVE BAYLEY  16 NATE RHOADS  17 LIL BABY  17 DANN HUFF  18 JON NITE  18 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 19 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 19 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 19 OMER FEDI  TIE 19 OMER FEDI  TIE 21 GABBY BARRETT  21 CHI CHI  TIE 21 ZACH KALE  22 BLAQ TUXEDO  23 MEGAN THEE STALLION  23 SCOTT MOFFATT  24 JUSTIN BIEBER  24 ZACH KALE  25 LUKE COMBS  25 ZACH CROWELL 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS JOSH OSBORNE  1 44 WKS JOEY MOI  2 MORGAN WALLEN  2 ROSS COPPERMAN  3 JON NITE  3 DANN HUFF  TIE 4 GABBY BARRETT  4 JAY JOYCE  TIE 4 ZACH KALE  5 SCOTT MOFFATT  6 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  6 ZACH KALE  7 ASHLEY GORLEY  7 ZACH CROWELL  8 LUKE COMBS  8 DAVID FANNING  9 JESSE FRASURE  TIE 9 JOSH MURTY  10 COREY CROWDER  TIE 9 NIKO MOON 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 4 WKS BRS KASH  1 3 WKS YC  2 LIL DURK  2 IAMTASH  3 POOH SHIESTY 3 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE

SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS   4 LIL BABY  4 DAMN E  5 DABABY  5 PXCOYO  6 POP SMOKE  6 NATE RHOADS  7 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  7 CHI CHI  8 KING VON  8 BLAQ TUXEDO  9 MEGAN THEE STALLION  9 CASHMONEYAP  TIE 10 MASKED WOLF  10 TYRON HAPI  TIE 10 TYRON HAPI 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM 1 #1 1 #1 MAR. 2 WKS DRAKE  6 WKS NATE RHOADS  TIE 2 NATE RHOADS  2 BLAQ TUXEDO  13 TIE 2 YUNG BLEU  TIE 3 MAX MARTIN  2021 TIE 4 BELLY  TIE 3 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 4 DAHEALA  TIE 3 THE WEEKND  TIE 4 MAX MARTIN  6 WOODPECKER  TIE 4 OSCAR HOLTER  7 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 4 THE WEEKND  8 LOSHENDRIX  TIE 9 GIVEON  TIE 9 CARDIAK  TIE 9 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 9 JEFF GITTY  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES

The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated March 13, 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 42 of 43 DATA FOR WEEK OF 03.13.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 5 WKS BRS KASH  1 3 WKS YC  2 POOH SHIESTY  2 IAMTASH  3 LIL DURK  3 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  4 DABABY  4 DAMN E  5 POP SMOKE  5 PXCOYO  6 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  6 CHI CHI  7 LIL BABY  7 CASHMONEYAP  8 MEGAN THEE STALLION  8 TYRON HAPI  TIE 9 MASKED WOLF  TIE 9 DJ SWANQO  TIE 9 TYRON HAPI  TIE 9 SEAN ISLAND  TIE 9 YUNG DZA 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 2 WKS GUY-MANUEL DE HOMEM-CHRISTO  1 4 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 2 WKS THOMAS BANGALTER  2 DAFT PUNK  TIE 3 F A L L E N  3 F A L L E N  TIE 3 SAINT JHN  4 SURF MESA  TIE 5 BOB CREWE  TIE 5 HIGHTOWER  TIE 5 BOB GAUDIO  TIE 5 TIESTO  TIE 5 SURF MESA  TIE 7 BLOODPOP  TIE 8 ANTON RUNDBERG  TIE 7 BURNS  TIE 8 JAMES BELL  TIE 9 JARLY  TIE 8 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 9 SIGALA.  TIE 8 TIESTO 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 57 WKS BAD BUNNY  1 70 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 OVY ON THE DRUMS  3 EDGAR BARRERA  3 MORA  4 MYKE TOWERS  4 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  5 MORA  5 ALBERT HYPE  6 CAMILO  6 SKY ROMPIENDO  TIE 7 HAZE  7 MAG  TIE 7 JHAY CORTEZ  8 EDGAR BARRERA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 7 NYDIA YERA  9 MANUEL LARA  10 JUAN ANTONIO HERNANDEZ JR.  10 CAMILO 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 2 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 6 WKS FINNEAS  #1 TIE 1 4 WKS FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  MAR. 3 TAYLOR SWIFT  3 AARON DESSNER  13 4 DAVE BAYLEY  4 OMER FEDI  2021 5 OMER FEDI  5 BLAKE SLATKIN  6 BLAKE SLATKIN  6 DAVE BAYLEY  7 AARON DESSNER  7 KBEAZY  8 BLACKBEAR  8 MARSHMELLO  9 TRAVIS BARKER  9 CHRIS HUGHES  10 24KGOLDN  10 ELYOTTO  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 43 of 43 DATA FOR WEEK OF 03.13.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 6 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 9 WKS FINNEAS  #1 TIE 1 8 WKS FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 DAVE BAYLEY  3 OMER FEDI  4 OMER FEDI  4 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 AARON DESSNER  6 TAYLOR SWIFT  6 DAVE BAYLEY  7 AARON DESSNER  7 KBEAZY  8 BLACKBEAR  8 MARSHMELLO  9 24KGOLDN  9 CHRIS HUGHES  TIE 10 IANN DIOR  10 ELYOTTO  TIE 10 KBEAZY 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS WOLFGANG VAN HALEN  1 7 WKS GREG KURSTIN  TIE 2 ANGUS YOUNG  2 BRENDAN O’BRIEN  TIE 2 MALCOLM YOUNG  TIE 3 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 4 IVAN MOODY  TIE 3 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 4 JASON HOOK  TIE 5 DAN SEARLE-DESBIENS  TIE 4 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 5 JOSH MIDDLETON  TIE 4 ZOLTAN BATHORY  7 TYLER SMYTH  8 KITT WAKELEY  8 JOE BARRESI  TIE 9 PETE LOEFFLER  9 DASHDONDOG BAYARMAGNAI  TIE 9 SAM LOEFFLER  10 MICHAEL BASKETTE 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 17 WKS ETHAN HULSE  1 19 WKS PAUL MABURY  TIE 2 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  2 JONATHAN SMITH  TIE 2 PAUL MABURY  3 JEFF SOJKA  4 MATTHEW WEST  4 AJ PRUIS  5 ANDREW RIPP  5 MICAH KUIPER  TIE 6 BRIAN JOHNSON  6 MARK MILLER  TIE 6 PHIL WICKHAM  7 NICK SCHWARTZ  8 JASON INGRAM  8 ETHAN HULSE  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 AJ PRUIS  9 JASON INGRAM  10 PAUL DUNCAN  10 AARON ROBERTSON 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 5 WKS CHARLES JENKINS  1 4 WKS KYLE LEE  2 BYRON LEWIS CAGE  2 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  MAR. 3 TRAVIS GREENE  3 ALEX HILL  13 4 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  TIE 4 BERNIE HERMS  2021 5 JONATHAN TRAYLOR  TIE 4 CHUCK BUTLER  6 JOKIA WILLIAMS  6 AARON LINDSEY  7 RICH TOLBERT JR.  TIE 7 JONATHAN JAY  TIE 8 DONNIE MCCLURKIN  TIE 7 TONY BROWN  TIE 8 JOHNTA AUSTIN  TIE 9 JOHNTA AUSTIN  TIE 8 TROY TAYLOR  TIE 9 TROY TAYLOR  TIE 8 TRYBISHOP  TIE 9 TRYBISHOP  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES