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 AirplayJUNE 30, 2020 Page 1 of 30 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Thievery Corporations: Don Henley 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),on debuts How at No. 1 on Billboard Giant’s lion audience Online impressions, up 16%). Platforms Top Country• Meet The Albums Queer chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earnedCreatives 46,000 Bringing equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingYour toFavorite Nielsen Artists’ Music/MRC Data. Rip Off Creatorsand total Country Airplay No. 1— as “Catch”And (Big Machine How Label Group) ascends SouthsideVision marks To Life Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chart and fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP Congress Can HelpYoung’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallo• Inside, whichthe Virtual arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He BET Awards: How vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, BY ROBERT LEVINE followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You MontevalloThey Pulled has earned It Off 3.9 & million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionWhy inIt albumMight sales.Change You” (three, January 2018), “Mercy” (two, August Montevallothe Future has of spentAward 267 weeks on the list, tying 2018) and “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). Luke BryanShows’s Crash My Party as theThe sixth-longest- Eagles have twice postponed their Hotel Cali- community —“Catch” songwriters, completes musicians, his longest music journey publish to No. 1,- running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. having taken 46 weeks to reach the apex. It out- • Canceled US Music fornia tour during the coronavirus pandemic, most ers — all of whom are now unfortunately known as On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” Festivals Threaten to recently until October 2021. But on June 2, Don content providers,” Henley said, reading testimony rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for Slow Momentum for HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking MontevalloHenley. — the band’s co-founder, drummer, and singer that he hada written new high. himself. Speaking calmly, in Rising Latin Acts Hunt first released the EPX2C —, which delivered debuted a special live-via-video performance for a a jacket and tie, Henley explained why the law — and peaked• Organizer at No. of5 on Top Countryparticularly Albums important in August audience: 2014. Following The Senate COMBS Judiciary ‘DOES’ originallyIT AGAIN Luke designed Combs to’ “Does allow to telecomMe” (River companies House/Columbia to MontevalloChris, BetweenJanson’s the Pines: SubcommitteeAcoustic Mixtape on started Intellectual at its No. Property. 7 high in Nashville), featuringinvest Eric in Church building, ascends out high-speed 11-8 on Country broadband Airplay, upwithout 10% to NovemberWeekend 2015. Concert The occasion was the third in a series of hearings24.7 million in audience.worrying The about song legal is Combs’ liability eighth — hasstraight not career-openingonly enabled Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Says All Required about the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act piracy, but also become “negotiating leverage to pay Airplay:Coronavirus “Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles. (DMCA), which gives online platforms that feature license fees that are well below market.” The el- YouPrecautions Miss Me.” “Break Were Up in in a Small Town” peaked at No. 2. Church adds his 15th Country Airplay top 10. Hunt co-pennedPlace all 12 songsuser-uploaded on Southside, including content, “Body such as Like YouTube, a Back a ‘safe ephant in the room? YouTube. (YouTube often points Road,” which was released in 2017.harbor’ The smashfrom liability hit ruled for Country copyright Airplay infringement, for THAT TOOKas QUITEout the‘A FEW’ aggregate MONTHS amount Travis itDenning pays out shatters to the the music record for three• India weeks Bans and theTikTok, airplay-, streaming-long as they and sales-basedrespond promptly Hot Country to takedown Songs thenotices. most weeks businessit has taken — to $3 penetrate billion inthe 2019.) Country Airplay top 10 as “After chart forDozens a then-record More 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 - According to Henley, as well as most organizations of Henley has been outspoken about creators’ rights FloridaChinese Georgia Apps Line Amid’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks atop the latter list in 2017-18). lion in radio reach. “Downtown’sBorder Standoff Dead,” which iscreators also on theand new rights set, holders,reached Nos. it also 14 andgives 15 such onlineThe song surpassesfor longer two tracks than somethat took of today’s50 weeks online each to platforms enter the top have 10: on Hot Country Songs and Countryplatforms Airplay, an respectively, unfair advantage in June 2018. in negotiations. “Kin- Easton Corbin’sbeen “A Girl around Like You,” — he which helped reached form No.the 10Recording in January Artists 2018 be - folks” led Country Airplay on Feb.“As 29, becominga 55-year Hunt’sveteran seventh of the No. music 1. It hitindustry, fore Ipeaking was at No.Coalition 6 that February, two decades and Aaron ago —Watson and he’s “Outtafollows Style,” the issues which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. invited by the chairman of this Senate subcommitachieved- its No.as 10 closelyhigh in December as some industry 2017. lawyers. When former Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker tee to come here and testify on behalf of the music (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

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register of copyrights Maria Pallante gullible kids who make the pilgrimage to community was a direct result of the labels was removed from her job in 2016, Henley the music Meccas, in search of The Dream. being organized and the artists not having objected. A young, unproven artist has little or no a coalition to represent their voices. So, a Weeks after he testified, Henley spoke bargaining power, and so is automatically at group of artists and artist representatives with Billboard over email to expand on his a disadvantage. But to be fair, it’s a business mobilized and formed the Recording Artists views about why the DMCA is “a relic of a that involves a tremendous amount of risk Coalition (RAC). Thanks to the many artists MySpace era in a TikTok world.” For Hen- for all parties involved, including the record who spoke up, and the support of Congress- ley, “this is a matter of principle,” as he said labels and the managers. But the creators, man Howard Berman, sound recordings in his testimony. “The system is antiquated the artists, risk everything. They get one, were stricken from the definition of ‘work and badly broken, and the creative commu- maybe two, shots at the brass ring. The for hire’ in the Work Made for Hire and nity is paying a very steep price.” odds are long; careers are, for the most part, Copyright Corrections Act of 2000. The only How did you first become so inter- relatively short. reason that recording artists can now regain ested in copyright and issues of creators’ The first issue you were known for be- control of their copyrights from the labels in rights? ing active on was the effort by the labels the U.S. as Congress intended is because the I started getting “schooled” in these to have recordings considered “works RAC organized and artists spoke up. matters about 49 years ago, at the inception for hire” — which I think was the origin RAC went on to do additional work, but of the Eagles. Like most musical artists of of the Recording Artists Coalition. How without the same level of success. A few the Boomer generation, we were naive in important was the coalition in stopping years later, a group of us went to Sacramento terms of the legal and financial aspects of that? And you learn anything from it? to testify about Section 2855 of the Califor- the business. So, lacking sound counsel, we In 1999, the lobbying group for the major nia Labor Code — the so-called ‘seven- year made the classic rookie mistakes. We, along labels, the RIAA, buried a fundamental statute.’ But it was an exercise in futility. with most of our peers, were more focused change to the Copyright Act in a completely This time, the RIAA and its lobbyists had al- on the music, the scene, and the socio- unrelated bill, the Satellite Home Viewer ready done their maneuvering to amend the political issues that had spilled over from Improvement Act of 1999. Without input statute. Behind the scenes, they were able to the 1960s into the ‘70s. It wasn’t cool, wasn’t from the artists, they amended the defini- insert a provision in the seven-year statute the artist’s job, to concentrate too much on tion of ‘work for hire’ in the Copyright Act which hinders a recording artist’s ability economics or intellectual property. That to include ‘sound recordings.’ The conse- to terminate contracts that extend beyond was the province of managers and lawyers. quence of this amendment would have been seven years. The fix was in, and the Califor- Mainly, we just wanted to make records and devastating for recording artists. It would nia Assembly turned its back on the entire hear them on the radio. But there’s a reason have effectively eliminated artists’ ability to creative community that had, arguably, put it’s called the ‘music business,’ and it has regain ownership of their sound recordings California on the map as a global center of always had a shady side. There have always in the United States. The ability of the RIAA art and entertainment, especially in terms of been sharks — opportunists, ready and to pass a bill which amended the Copyright recorded music and film. willing to take advantage of the green and Act without opposition from the creative These stories demonstrate both the dif-

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ficulty and the necessity of artist advocacy. from their creative work. party line — the old, vague rhetoric about Artists have to speak up if they want to con- As I said in my testimony, the DMCA has innovation and collaboration. Innovation for trol their destinies. Issues like these are the shown its age. It’s a relic of a MySpace era in what purpose, exactly? Collaboration with reason I agreed, last year, to join the board a TikTok world. whom? When it comes to music theft, we of the Music Artists Coalition (MAC), but it You’re a prominent artist, so I assume haven’t seen any collaboration. really is up to the younger artists to educate you get asked to speak out about all kinds On a wonkier level, are you optimis- themselves and speak out. of causes, for all kinds of reasons. Why tic that the DMCA could actually be Since you’re talking about filing “no- did you choose to speak at this particular changed? It’s very difficult to pass any tices of termination” to reclaim rights to Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing legislation in Congress these days. your work in the U.S., the natural next about the DMCA? It is critically important to get the DMCA question is whether you’ve done this. I would have preferred that a younger updated to reflect today’s internet. But it We own our post-1978 works. Under artist speak, but I have roughly 55 years of will probably be a lengthy process, because current U.S. Copyright Law, we will not be experience in the music business, and I’m Big Tech likes things just the way they are. eligible to begin reclaiming our pre-1978 familiar with the subject matter, so I was The playing field is not level; it’s tilted in works until 2028. The reversion timeline is asked to testify at this hearing. For the past their direction. Leveling the playing field is 56 years after the original copyright date. 20 years, hearings on the DMCA have been going to require younger artists to step up Not sexy stuff, but critically important to few and far between, so this was a rare op- and advocate for themselves. They’re the artists and their descendants. portunity to speak to legislators about it. ones who stand to gain or lose the most, In recent years, you’ve become outspo- There’s so much going on, that it seems and they need to understand the role that ken about how copyright law applies on- odd that Congress is holding these hear- government, and copyright law in particular, line, especially the way the DMCA allows ings right now. Did that give you pause? plays in their lives, their careers. online platforms that make available This particular subcommittee has been The updated European Union ad- content uploaded by users, like YouTube, holding hearings on this issue since early dresses this same issue to some extent, to use it until rights holders ask for it to this year, at the rate of about one per month. although it remains to be seen how it will be removed. What made you so outspo- So there is momentum. become law in different countries — let ken about this? Again, the creative community rarely gets alone actually be enforced. Are you opti- The DMCA is an extremely important a chance to be heard on this issue, and the mistic about that, and what it says about issue for the entire creative community, not abuse of the safe harbor provision of the how the tide is turning on this issue? just songwriters and recording artists. It DMCA has been going on for over 20 years. The European Union Copyright Directive also affects journalists, authors, publishers, So it was an exceptional, critical opportunity is definitely encouraging. It’s a signal that photographers and filmmakers — anyone to testify. Also, the current loss of revenue other countries, which aren’t as beholden who creates things that can be digitized and from touring has highlighted the need for to the big technology companies, recognize disseminated via the internet. creators to be paid fairly by the streaming that creators are being treated unfairly I’ve been speaking out about it for years platforms. There is a disparity in the rates and that the balance of power is off. I think because it’s a fundamental matter of fair- paid by services that is directly tied to the American politicians certainly took notice. ness. The DMCA is an outdated piece of DMCA: YouTube and Facebook hide behind It will be important to see how Brexit will legislation that was written when the Inter- the safe harbor provision to avoid paying impact the implementation of this directive. net was still in its infancy, at least in terms of rates equal to their competitors, Spotify and Any time you speak out on these issues, public use. The legislators who drafted the Apple. you open yourself up for criticism: Here’s DMCA, including its ‘safe harbor’ provision, It was interesting to note that there another rich rock star who wants more had good intentions, but the Internet is a was nobody at the hearing from any of the money. Does that bother you? very different animal now, and the law has major digital platforms — not Google, or its If criticism bothered me, I would’ve been not kept up with the technology. Congress subsidiary, YouTube. Nobody from Facebook out of the game a long time ago. What both- couldn’t have anticipated in 1998 when the or its subdivision, Instagram. Nobody from ers me is that people don’t understand the DMCA went into effect, how quickly plat- Amazon, the company that, in 2007, began issue. As I said at the hearing, it’s a shame forms would change. Dial-up soon gave way selling MP3s free of digital rights manage- that the music industry, and particularly to P2P networks, then P2P anonymity, then ment. the creative community, is perceived only BitTorrent, Pirate Bay, torrent indexes and Instead, they sent the head of something in terms of its most successful and wealthy on and on. The genie was out of the bottle called the Internet Association, a lobbying celebrities, when in fact there are millions and the piracy battle has been raging since group that claims to be “the voice of the of people working in the industry, strug- the turn of the century. It has crippled the internet economy,” but is simply a front for gling in relative obscurity — people whose recording industry and made it even more its funders, which include Google, Amazon voices would never be heard by the people difficult for young people to make a living and Facebook. He delivered the same, tired who make the rules, were it not for these Page 6 of 30

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hearings. undetected. Just three short years ago, are the gatekeepers now, and they wield An entire sub-sector of the American YouTube’s parent company, Google, was far too much power. Creators, by and large, economy is built around the worth of the boasting about sending tourists into space have been relegated to the status of “content popular song. Hundreds of thousands of in rocket ships. But they can’t track illegal providers.” Over the past five years, Google jobs are created and sustained by recorded videos? They can track “likes” and “dislikes” has spent an average of $17 million, a year on music and the people who produce it — in with frightening accuracy, but they would lobbying. Facebook spent that same amount electronics, engineering, law, accounting, have us believe that they lack the capability on lobbying last year. Over the past decade, transportation, construction, manufactur- to monitor and identify infringements on the tech giants, led by Google, Amazon and ing, management; truck drivers, venue their platforms and provide enhanced tools Facebook, have spent nearly half a billion workers, people who make drumsticks and for content owners? They just choose not to. dollars on lobbying. The RIAA, by compari- guitars, the list goes on and on. It’s reminiscent of that great SNL skit from son, spends an average of five million a year. Music has been one of America’s greatest, 1976 with Lily Tomlin: “We don’t care. We Artist and activist David Lowery, who most beloved exports for over three-quar- don’t have to. We’re the phone company,” runs a fascinating website called The ters of a century. American music has cre- which, it’s interesting to note, is posted ille- Trichordist, calculated back in 2016 that a ated more global goodwill for this country gally on Vimeo. But, whether posted legally songwriter would need 288 million “spins” than all our foreign policy and diplomacy of illegally, most of us don’t want our music to equal the average Spotify employee salary. could ever contemplate. attached to advertising, anyway, not even for A “spin” would include both the public per- Is there a generation gap here? It five seconds. That’s not why we wrote the formance royalty (BMI-ASCAP, etc.) and the sometimes seems that newer artists are songs and made the records. That’s why you streaming mechanical, if the artist is lucky working more closely with YouTube, never hear any Eagles music in commer- enough to get paid on the streaming, at all. although some of them have been just as cials. We just don’t want that, but it should That would work out to a per-stream rate of outspoken about this issue. be the artist’s choice. $0.00058, per spin. Rates have improved a If some artists want to allow their copy- Content owners send hundreds of mil- little, but not enough. righted works to be viewed on YouTube lions of takedown notices, annually. But, And among the tech giants, there are for nothing, or next to nothing, they can often, for each infringing link or file taken some that are worse than others. It is hard have at it. But it should be a choice, and down, a dozen more pop up in its place. It’s to get an exact rate, but a stream of a song on right now it’s not. Creators who don’t want an endless game of whack-a-mole. But, even Apple pays approximately $0.006 (just over their works pirated online should not have worse, due to the antiquated procedures half a cent), while the same stream YouTube to bear the burden of sending a takedown dictated by the DMCA, Internet services can pay as little as $0.00087 (less than a notice for every violation. It’s costly and with clear oversight and control of content tenth of a cent). Why does YouTube pay 15% time-consuming. At this moment, there are posted on their websites are continuing to of what Apple pays? The DMCA is the cul- approximately six billion posts on YouTube, monetize and collect advertising revenue on prit. But the real question is, why does any with about four billion of them unclaimed. videos containing music, even after that mu- artist want to support a platform that pays The small and mid-tier artists simply don’t sic has been flagged by the music’s creator them so much less? have the time or the means to deal with as being a copyright infringement. It is imperative that artists at all levels, that — it’s overwhelming. In a world where You’ve seen how the debate about this who work in every genre of music, speak 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube issue has evolved since Napster, when out. When the burden of policing copyright every minute, more than one billion videos Metallica was attacked for speaking out. infringements on global platforms lies with are viewed on TikTok per day, and there are At this point, though, Silicon Valley prob- the artists instead of the massive technology over 500 million daily active users on Insta- ably has a worse reputation that the re- companies that own and operate the plat- gram, it’s clear that massive online services cord labels, and artists like David Lowery forms, we have a system that is not working. are flourishing, while artists have no ability and Rosanne Cash are also speaking out. We have a system that is antiquated and to combat the rampant infringement that Are things changing? badly broken and the creative community occurs on these platforms. But the platforms The record labels represent the Old Music as a whole is paying a very steep price. We are clearly capable of removing infringing Business. They were, and are still in some need to speak out for those songwriters and content. quarters, perceived as “frenemies” of the recording artists who are struggling to make In October 2006, YouTube announced creative community. But the labels slept a living, particularly now as our industry the introduction of a “content identification through the digital revolution that began in has been decimated by the pandemic. We architecture,” which purportedly allows the second half of the 20th Century and ex- need equitable compensation for the rights them to locate videos under copyright, ploded in the mid-90s with the advent of the guaranteed to authors under the Constitu- and remove them. But YouTube’s Content Internet, and they’ve been playing catch-up tion. Given the current ban on large social ID system leaks like a sieve. Millions of ever since. The enormous digital platforms gatherings and the indefinite pause in live copyright-infringing videos slip through, represent the New Music Business. They performances, income from licensed digital Page 7 of 30

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music services may be the only real source business, with well over 100 million people There will be those who say that my of revenue that music creators can rely on streaming music on its platform, just in this views, and those who share them, are the in the foreseeable future. So it is vitally im- country, yet it pays out less than 10 percent last gasps of the old order, the pre-Internet portant that the devaluation of music, which of the total streaming-audio revenues art- record industry. In response to that, I offer is a direct result of the DMCA, ceases, and ists receive. More creative content is being these wise words from Pete Townshend, that creators be paid a market rate for their consumed than ever before, but less revenue from way back in 1971: “Meet the new boss. music across all platforms. is flowing to the creators and owners of that Same as the old boss.” Years ago, Rolling Stone ran an article content. The situation is well documented that said you have “conservative” views in Jonathan Taplin’s 2017 book, Move Fast on copyright. But you’re known for being and Break Things. Meet The Queer progressive and one could argue that cre- So you see Silicon Valley as a new face ators’ rights is a progressive issue. How of corporate power? Creatives Bringing do you see it? Although it had been around for about I didn’t see that article, but anybody who 50 years, the phrase “sticking it to the man” Your Favorite labels my views on copyright as “conserva- was adopted by late-1960s counterculture tive” simply doesn’t get it. My views on groups in their battles against people or Artists’ Vision copyright are progressive and founded on a organizations that symbolized power or respect for the individual creators trying to authority — government, law enforcement, To Life make a living off their craft. I’ll soon turn 73 corporate America. “The Man” in this sense, years of age, so I’m in the final chapter of my had a negative connotation, as opposed to BY BILLBOARD STAFF career. I’ve got little to gain and nothing to the sometimes-positive connotation it has lose, so I’m speaking out on behalf of those today. As David Lowery has pointed out, ven the most hands-on musi- who are struggling to make a decent living when people today illegally upload music cians need a little help expressing in the music industry, but can’t under the or music videos, they seem to be thinking — themselves. That’s where a whole present system. There are millions of them much like the people who created Napster, industry of designers, directors, and they qualify as small businesses. They’re BitTorrent, and Pirate Bay — that they’re Eglam squads and fashion experts comes in, not necessarily interested in empire-build- sticking it to the man, when, in fact, they’re ready to transform an artist’s imagination ing — they just want a seat at the table. But sticking it to the artist and, by extension, ev- and identity into an entire world for fans to the table is now controlled by the digital erybody who depends on the artist, from the consume. Meet the LGBTQ talents doing cartels that T-Bone Burnett rightly called roadies, to the truck drivers, to the ushers the work — and redefining their roles as the “surveillance capitalists.” at the venues, to the tens of thousands who music business evolves. The global digital platforms — Google, work in the various industry-related fields. Read more here. Facebook, Amazon — have been successful In the modern, Western World, we tend in marketing themselves as mavericks, reb- to conflate freedom with choice, and choice els on white horses riding out to vanquish is then understood to be a righteous flour- Inside the Virtual the tyranny of anonymity and bring freedom ishing of the unfettered will — often without to the people. They claim to be a democra- its critical covalent, responsibility. In our BET Awards: How tizing force when they are, in fact, monopo- culture, choice serves as the central totem of lies. They’re the modern-day equivalent of consumer capitalism, and those who present They Pulled It Off the Bell Telephone Company, a monopoly choices to us appear as benevolent footmen that dominated the telephone services to our own freedom. Google, Facebook and & Why It Might industry in North America from 1877 to the Amazon all paint themselves as champi- early 1980s. Like some of today’s most well- ons of choice, white knights wielding the Change the Future known politicians, they’ve been able to cre- magical scepter of innovation, the avatars of ate and sell a belief system that runs counter autonomy. They are the new gatekeepers of of Award Shows to what they actually do. the culture, building their empires on free, The enormous profits that have come or nearly free, content — work that rightful- BY LYNDSEY HAVENS with this concentration of power tell their ly belongs, or should belong, to the people own story. Today, Google’s YouTube controls who created it. Recording contracts have n April, BET aired a special called almost 60% of all streaming-audio busi- often been likened to indentured servitude, Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 ness, and revenues at Google have grown but what these gigantic digital platforms do Relief Effort, which was the network’s from $430 million in 2002, to $162 billion in could be seen as tantamount to aiding and first foray into producing and airing a 2019. YouTube alone is a $15 billion-a-year abetting thievery. Ishow under pandemic conditions. Page 8 of 30

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“At that point, even though we didn’t Jesse Collins. “We really tried to rethink an been able to do before.” really think that we’d be extended through award show and change our creative habits Among those things was allowing Megan now, we started thinking about the ‘what that we’ve built over the years.” Thee Stallion to film in a desert. “Normally, if,’” says Connie Orlando, BET’s evp of spe- Collins says that typically, he starts going outside [for a pre-COVID award show cials, music programming & music strategy. creative conversations by sending each performance] is a real challenge, really “What would an award show look like if we performer the stage set up and telling them, expensive, and rarely happens — and also had to produce it during the pandemic?” “Here’s the box that you’ve got to work often doesn’t fit with the overall show, so Turns out, they had to do just that. Last within, let’s figure this out.” But this time, it just feels like an outlier,” says Collins. night, on Sunday (June 28), BET aired the Orlando says they asked artists: “‘What But now, because of how the BET Awards 20th annual BET Awards, hosted virtually would you do if you weren’t limited to the redefined a virtual performance, they were by Amanda Seales, with the important ta- stage?’ Once you throw that out and people able to pull it off in a way that felt seamless gline: Our Culture Can’t Be Cancelled. The start thinking, you can envision something and game-changing all at once. “I feel like it three-hour long show featured video ap- bigger than you may have thought [was pos- was an arrival statement for her as an artist, pearances from Michelle Obama, Beyoncé sible].” and those are always great things for a show (who accepted the Humanitarian Award), Allowing for more creative freedom for to be a part of.” Lizzo and more, and included powerful per- an award show performance enabled art- Other highlights for Collins included formances from rap and R&B’s biggest stars, ists to feel more engaged than ever, says the Black Lives Matter package that came including DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Collins — adding that because every artist out of Keys’ performance of the recently Wayne and Alicia Keys. wanted to make a statement, they delivered released “Perfect Way to Die” (it was Alicia’s Unlike award shows of our pre-COVID a performance that they deeply connected idea to have the names of George Floyd, past, where just a handful of performers with. “We were seeing cuts along the way Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other might steal the show with a stellar vocal de- and helping massage [each performance], lost Black lives written in chalk on an empty livery or highly-produced set complete with but the artists and their teams really worked street) as well as the “Fight The Power” pyro or other stage effects, the BET Awards hard because everybody knew all eyes were remix that kicked off the show. Following a managed to make every artist a talking point going to be on this show — and I think commanding a capella intro from Keedron, by entirely reimagining what a virtual per- everybody went above and beyond.” (He Public Enemy, Rapsody, Nas, Black Thought, formance could be. adds that Lil Wayne was the first to turn in Flavor Flav, and YG all delivered compelling “I would hear ‘virtual’ and cringe, because his performance, about two weeks ahead of versus in a visual creative directed by Mike immediately people think of couch perfor- the show, while Anderson .Paak sent his at Carson. mances and iPhones,” says Orlando. “So in 7:00 a.m., the day before the awards). “Because they were all shot separately, my mind, it was always about redefining In spite of delivering a series of what we did not want to open the show where it what ‘virtual’ can be. The goal was always, looked like professional-grade music videos, just looked like everyone was in their living ‘How do we make this bigger? How do we Collins and the team emphasized to artists rooms,” says Collins. [Carson] just made it surprise people? How do we push every- and their teams that these were in fact still what we were trying to establish right away: thing to the limit?’’ That’s what we set out performances, and needed to look and feel it was a message, it was energetic and it was to do.” like such. Which is why he required the art- socially distant — but wasn’t Flava Flav on As a result, all 15 performances ended ists to perform with a microphone, as well his couch, nobody would have wanted to see up being mini movies that brought viewers as record original vocals instead of using that version.” into each artists’ world. That meant a Vegas their already recorded and released records. And even though the show wrapped less desert setting for Megan Thee Stallion’s And while these performances did come than 24 hours ago, already, Orlando and Mad Max- and “California Love”-inspired with a higher-than usual price tag for an Collins are beginning to rethink the future delivery of “Girls in the Hood” and “Sav- award show gig, Orlando says that saving on of award shows in general. “There are some age,” or a soundstage outside of Los Angeles a venue and hiring smaller crews due to so- conventional things that everybody thought filled with green screens forD Smoke’s and cial distancing allowed the cost of the show an award show had to have,” says Collins. Roddy Ricch’s performances (filmed while to actually be lower than what it would have “Showing those reactions from celebs and practicing social distancing and other safety been for a traditional set up. cutaways are a staple, and for the moment I measures, of course, with guidance from Plus, Collins says this year’s budget was just don’t know if they’re as important as we Viacom’s COVID-19 taskforce as well as lo- all about reallocating, saying, “Money that thought they were. That’s the feedback I’m cal government officials). would have gone to a venue and the costs getting from artists, managers and viewers “We always felt like if we could make [the that come along with an audience, we were on Twitter.” show] visually stunning, then we’d be in able to put more of those dollars on the He also mentions that dealing with artist good shape and the audience would receive screen. I’ve been doing this a long time, and conflicts has forever been a trying piece of it,” says BET Awards’ executive producer, that allowed us to do stuff that we’ve never putting together an award shows, saying, Page 9 of 30

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“they’ve got a festival or a doctors appoint- with more than 2.5 million confirmed cases that this year, and that will be detrimental ment, or there’s not enough time to pull it in the United States — it’s looking increas- to any Latinx artist,” says Muñoz. “From a together or the creative that they want can’t ingly unlikely that any major summer manager’s perspective, we see festivals as be executed in a physical space — this takes festivals will take place this year. And as tent poles. These moments allow us to lay that out [of the equation].” states struggle to reopen local economies, the foundation of what our artist’s career And while Collins acknowledges that summer Latin music festivals like Ruido and will look like. Cuco, for example, headlined post-pandemic, award shows may return Los Dells are stuck waiting to see if they can Viva! Pomona in 2017, which allowed us to end up returning to “normal,” he isn’t taking proceed, holding off on firm announcements set the tone for the festivals that we were the idea of a hybrid off the table, saying that around their 2020 events for as long as they able to book for the following year.” Cuco this year’s BET Awards showed him that can. went on to play at Coachella in 2018 and was artists and fans alike are most interested in “Since March, this thing has only grown scheduled to perform there again this year. a performance or even a speech that is not and affected all of our lives,” saysDamon Music agent Devin Landau, who works only visually stunning, but also comes with Rey, who along with his father kicked off with Pabllo Vittar, Cuco, The Marias and context. “The messaging [of the show] was Wisconsin’s Los Dells festival in 2017, which Omar Apollo, among others, says a summer on point and everyone received it — and has featured Bad Bunny, Banda MS and without festivals limits his newer artists’ now we have to do what Beyoncé said, and rising singer Cuco. In the past three years, visibility. “By being able to play at a festival vote like our life depends on it, or none of it the event has taken place during Labor and have your name on the same bill as Los matters.” Day weekend, but this year, neither a date Tigres del Norte or Daddy Yankee when Adds Orlando: “This challenge turned nor a lineup have been announced.“We’ve you’re an emerging artist, it’s an endorse- into an opportunity to set the bar for others been watching, waiting and hoping things ment. Festivals like these invite discovery. to think differently. I love that this event is improve, but there is a real possibility that Los Dells being the only fest of its kind in something everyone can look at and think, we won’t be having festivals this year,” Rey the Midwest is the perfect example of that. ‘Ok, it can be done,’ and there’s a way to adds. “No one is in control of the situation.” It’s not in a major market but they’re pulling wrap your head around it. This has been Newer Latinx-focused festivals, most of fans from other cities around. It actually a blessing in a lot of ways, because I think which are run independently, have become widens the reach that an artist would have traditionally, award shows are award shows. much more than just a platform for up-and- typically.” And now, it’s literally been blown up to let coming Latinx artists. They also create op- And that’s not to mention the major your imagination dictate what they [can portunities for community-building and are financial toll a festival-less summer would be].” instrumental to the development of rising have on the performing artist. “Most of the Latinx artists. time, festival fees might be more lucrative René Contreras, who launched Viva! to the artist than what they would do on Canceled US Pomona eight years ago and features mostly their own headlined show in that market,” English- and Spanish-language indie rock Landau adds. Music Festivals bands at the fest — which is typically held But not all momentum has to be lost, says toward the end of August — echoes Rey, say- Landau. During this time, he’s advising his Threaten to Slow ing a ninth edition of Viva! Pomona this year clients to keep exercising their creative is still up in the air, which is why he hasn’t muscle. Momentum for announced a date yet for this year’s edition. “It’s really important that an artist stays Contreras says he’s concerned about the engaged with their audience, continues to Rising Latin Acts impact canceling his event and others like it release music and takes on live streaming might have on developing talent. “Not hav- opportunities,” says Landau. “This isn’t BY GRISELDA FLORES ing these local independent music festivals time off but rather a time to recalibrate will only hurt an up-and-coming artist’s and assess. The goal is to still have a visible ust as relatively new indie festivals de- development and prolong their growth into growth, at least digitally, to hit the ground voted to Latin music — like Los Dells a bigger stage,” he says. running when we book again. The silver lin- in Wisconsin, Ruido Fest in Chicago Think of Latin music festivals as summer ing is that this is something that is not just and Viva! Pomona in the Los Angeles camp, says artist manager Doris Muñoz, specific to Latinx artists. Everyone is on the Jarea — were building audiences and growing founder of Mija Management, who works same boat.” their brands, their momentum has come to a with La Doña, Royaljag and Amindi, and Marty Preciado, head of programming halt in the pandemic. previously Cuco. “It’s when we all see each for Grand Park, a department of The Music Since the coronavirus forced the live mu- other again. You’re running around, high- Center in L.A., suggests this standstill can sic industry into a standstill in March — and fiving people you run into and planning be a key moment for promoters to reveal as COVID-19 now spikes across the country new projects. Seems like we won’t have ingenuity. Page 10 of 30

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“There’s a huge opportunity for these social distancing in place.” Schroeder says, and the front rail separating festivals to develop a hyper local iden- He remains hopeful for a fourth edition the audience and the stage was wiped down. tity,” says Preciado, whose Our L.A. Voices of Los Dells later this year, but realizes the There were a number of medical personnel festival moved online this year, producing chances are slim. And he isn’t sure yet what on hand available to take attendees’ tem- more than 18 hours of content for a two-day kind of impact a canceled event might hold peratures or advise if they began to feel ill. livestream event with musical performances for next year’s edition. Idaho entered stage 4 of its reopening by Puerto Rican band Balún and L.A.-based “It’ll be disappointing because our festival plan on June 13, allowing public gatherings DJs like Samurai Guru, Linafornia and is in a growth stage,” he says. “It’s like we’re of more than 50 people with appropriate Jansport J. frozen in time. But if the festival doesn’t physical distancing and precautionary mea- “Does that mean work to produce hyper happen this year, we’ll pick up where we sures observed. The state has seen growing local shows? Maybe it’s no longer a festival, can rebuild the momentum. It’ll take time, rates of COVID-19 over the past two weeks maybe it’s a week of shows or a month of but fans have shown us that they want Latin and as of Monday was reporting 5,752 con- special experiences,” she adds. “It’s a perfect festivals and they’re anxious for them.” firmed and probable cases. time for promoters to find how they can Though Schroeder says social distancing leverage that brand and position they have was stressed to festival goers, “When Chris to support local artists, shows and venues. Organizer of Janson got on, [the audience] came for- There’s a huge opportunity in redirecting ward,” he says. “They came up and he put on our attention and resources to working with Chris Janson’s one hell of a performance.” the community.” As the audience collected toward the Contreras, who also curates the lineup Weekend Concert front of the stage, seeing as it was the fes- for the Sonora Stage at Coachella and the tival’s third day, Schroeder says he figured Chella Celebrando La Comunidad at the Says All Required attendees knew the safety guidelines by Riverside County Fairgrounds, has been now and made their own choices with that using this down time to find and spotlight Coronavirus knowledge. “How I kind of see it, and I hate independent artists around Latin America in to be this way, people were allowed to pro- a virtual space. Precautions Were test and riot. And we saw where supposedly “I’ve been able to connect with musicians that doesn’t cause a bump [in COVID-19 from all 32 states of Mexico and create a in Place cases],” he says. “These people weren’t riot- playlist with their music. I did the same ing. They weren’t being bad. All they were thing with artists from Peru and right now, BY MELINDA NEWMAN doing was enjoying music and wanting to I’m focused on researching independent art- live... They were enjoying themselves and ists from El Salvador. It’s like I’m in a dark hotos and videos of country artist loving on one another and enjoying music. area but I have a flashlight and I’m trying to Chris Janson playing a concert And if it’s not OK to do that, but it’s okay to light things I didn’t know existed. So, I don’t Saturday night at Gordy’s Hwy 30 riot and it’s okay to protest everything, then consider this a lost year,” he says. Music Fest in Filer, Idaho, caused I went and fought for this country for the It’s unclear what the live music industry Pa stir on social media after it appeared wrong reasons, I guess.” will look like when festivals are allowed to fans were not social distancing or wearing Janson posted video on his social media return, but Contreras predicts he’ll likely masks. But Gordy Schroeder, the festival’s shot from the back of the stage showing drop the price of tickets for Viva! Pomona. organizer and namesake, says the three-day fans crowded up against the railing with no “I started the show eight years ago at $12 event took all legally required precautions. social distancing and few wearing masks, per ticket and right now we are at $25,” he Working with state and local authori- but took the video down on Sunday. says. “Thinking that next year, I’ll actually ties to ensure COVID-19 pandemic safety “Until he posted [the video on social decrease it by $5 and make it $20. The focus guidelines were observed during the festival media], everything had been no negativity. has always been to make it affordable for — one of the first to take place since the Everybody’s thanking us,” Schroeder says. “I those who want to come out for the show. country shut down in mid-March — Schro- actually had a couple of gals after the Chris Keeping it affordable is the best way moving eder says all attendees were instructed to Janson show talk to me across the fence and forward.” use hand sanitizer as they entered and were they wanted to thank me so much and this Meanwhile, Rey says there might be more provided with free face masks and gloves one little girl said, ‘I’m not gonna lie. I’ve “hand-washing stations and antibacterial (neither of which are mandatory in Flier). been locked up in my home with all these stations and events will distribute or sell There were also hand sanitizer stations set rules and regulations.’ She says, ‘I was to the masks.” He notes, “We’ve had conversations up throughout the Twin Falls fairgrounds. point where I was almost suicidal and get- with our production team, but we aren’t cer- Between acts, the stage and all equip- ting out and being able to enjoy some music tain how we can implement a plan to keep ment were disinfected “from head to toe,” and seeing people and some music and live Page 11 of 30

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again, I needed this.’” measures,” the statement said. This past weekend’s festival was the India Bans TikTok, TikTok’s countermove, shifting data to 10th overall and the seventh held at the Ireland, shows how integrated the two fairgrounds. While Janson was the biggest Dozens More economies have become. Chinese prod- name, other acts among the nearly two ucts are ubiquitous in India, from toys to dozen acts included Ray Wylie Hubbard Chinese Apps smartphones to Made-in-China Hindu idols. and Jack Ingram. Two-way trade grew from $3 billion in 2000 Schroeder says he was in near constant Amid Border to $95 billion in 2018, according to Indian contact with the performers’ teams mak- government data, with the balance strongly ing sure all members were healthy and this Standoff favoring China. even led to a handful of artists pulling off “There is too much of Chinese presence the bill, including Shane Smith & The Saints BY ASSOCIATED PRESS in the everyday life of the average Indian,” after they had someone in their camp test said Alka Acharya, professor of Chinese positive with COVID-19. Friday’s head- EW DELHI (AP) — Indian Tik- Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in liner, Koe Wetzel, had a member feel ill as Tok users awoke Tuesday to a no- New Delhi. The soldiers’ deaths meant the they were on the bus headed into Flier and tice from the popular short-video Indian government had to hit back, Acharya even though the member wasn’t tested for app saying their data would be said. COVID-19 Schroeder and the act decided to Ntransferred to an Irish subsidiary, a response The ban on Chinese apps, signed by In- pull the plug on their set out of an abun- to India’s ban on dozens of Chinese apps dia’s powerful Home Minister Amit Shah, dance of caution. amid a military standoff between the two asked phone companies to begin block- Capacity on the grounds is around 5,000, countries. ing the applications Tuesday, as top Army but Schroeder says it was capped at around The quick workaround showed the ban officers from India and China were set to 2,500 per day to give people room to spread was largely symbolic since the apps can’t be meet for a third time to try to quell tensions out. Additionally, Schroeder says they ex- automatically erased from devices where and rein back on military build-ups in the panded the grounds and put up grandstands they are already downloaded, and is a re- disputed border area. where attendees — especially families — sponse to a border clash with China where Supporters of the ban hailed it as a way could sit while socially distancing. 20 Indian soldiers died earlier this month, to curtail China’s growing influence while Still, Schroeder says he is concerned some digital experts said. others bemoaned the potential loss of jobs attendees might end up sick. “It bothers me. “They want to send a message. This is a at the app companies’ Indian offices. Some I’m not gonna lie. I don’t want anybody to decision based on a geopolitical situation,” slammed it as an encroachment on free get sick. I know we did everything we were said digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa. speech. asked to do,” he says. Indian protesters have been calling for TikTok “continues to comply with all data When Billboard asked for a comment a boycott of Chinese goods since the June privacy and security requirements under from Janson, Janson’s label, Warner Music 15 confrontation in the remote Karakoram Indian law and has not shared any informa- Nashville replied, “Chris was one of two mountain border region. tion of our users in India with any foreign dozen performers to fulfill a contractual ob- Late Monday, the government said that government, including the Chinese govern- ligation after being told that last weekend’s it was banning 59 Chinese-owned apps, ment,” the company’s India chief, Nikhil event would adhere to all safety and social including TikTok, which is operated by Gandhi, said in a statement. distancing protocols, as has been confirmed Chinese internet firm Bytedance. It cited This isn’t the first time TikTok has been by the festival in its statement below: ‘The privacy concerns that it said pose a threat to banned in India — the Madras High Court in Hwy 30 Music Fest in Filer, ID, assured all India’s sovereignty and security. the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu banned performers and concert attendees they were The banned apps include some that en- it last year over hate speech concerns, but safe and following all local guidelines.’” able TikTok users to add visual effects and quickly vacated its order. music to their posts, as well as dating apps, Chinese-owned apps have found a fast- privacy apps and multiplayer games. growing market in India, with some compa- India’s information technology ministry nies creating India-specific apps that have issued a statement saying it had received exploded in popularity. reports that mobile apps were “stealing and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s govern- surreptitiously transmitting users’ data.” ment has used the country’s 500 million The compilation of such data, and its internet users — second only to China — as a mining and profiling by elements hostile to lure in getting tech giants including Twitter India is “a matter of very deep and imme- to localize Indians’ data. It is expected to diate concern which requires emergency sponsor data localization legislation later Page 12 of 30

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this year. dollars into the country and either Indian Sony, 23andMe and Verizon, which will as- Among the list of newly-banned apps, consumers will boycott and protest against sist in financing. Alibaba’s UC Browser, Meitu’s Beauty Plus them, or the government will just ban them “BIN: Black Information Network will camera app and Bigo’s Likee video editing because they’re backed by Chinese,” Rein fill a void by providing continual news and app are among the top 100 most download- said. objective information with full focus on the ed apps in India, according to app intelli- Black community,” Coles said in a statement. gence firm App Annie. “We began developing our 24/7 Black news India is one of TikTok’s largest markets. iHeartMedia source last year, and events of the last few As of April, 30% of TikTok’s 2 billion down- weeks, especially the senseless and tragic loads were from India, according to app data Launches Black death of George Floyd, highlighted the analytics firm Sensor Tower. need for this network. Now is the time for Bytedance also operates the now-banned Information our voice to be heard, and I could not be Helo social networking app, which was cre- more proud of our work and the team we ated for the Indian market and has over 50 Network, 24/7 are assembling at BIN.” million users. Last year, iHeart conducted a study that Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Local & National found that 83% of its Black listeners felt that Zhao Lijian said China was very concerned a service like BIN would be important and about the Indian move and seeking more News Radio for fill a void in the news information market information. The Indian government has that is not filled by mainstream news today, the responsibility to uphold the legitimate Black Community while 86% felt that it was necessary and that rights of foreign investors, while Chinese they would value it as a news source. The companies should abide by local laws, he BY DAN RYS concept also tested strongly across 18-34 said. and 35-54 demographics in the Black com- The Karakoram clash fanned already HeartMedia is launching the Black munity, according to the company. growing anti-Chinese sentiment amid the Information Network today (June In addition to Coles, who has been in coronavirus pandemic, which emerged 30), which it says is the “first and only the radio business for 35 years, iHeart in China in December. India is the fourth 24/7 comprehensive national audio announced that veteran radio producer, worst affected, with nearly 570,000 cases Inews service dedicated to providing an ob- anchor and broadcaster Tanita Myers will and more than 16,000 deaths. In response jective, accurate, and trusted source of news serve as director of news operations for to the crisis, a movement has emerged to with a Black voice and perspective.” BIN. The network will also have an advisory promote India as an alternative to China The new network, which will be led by board of community leaders from inside and for Western markets and to shun Chinese president Tony Coles, who also serves as outside the company. BIN is currently hiring goods. iHeart’s division president of the iHeartMe- for additional positions. TikTok has sought to cultivate goodwill: dia Markets Group, will be available on local “We are pleased and proud to support the in April it said on Twitter that it had do- news AM/FM stations, through the iHeart- launch of BIN: Black Information Network nated 30 crore rupees (about $40 million) to Radio app and through other connected by contributing resources that will have the PM Cares, a fund set up by Modi’s office to platforms in the iHeart suite of offerings. It greatest impact — our reach, our multiple battle the coronavirus. will also power news services for iHeart’s platforms, our technology infrastructure The antagonisms carry risks for India: 91 hip-hop, R&B and gospel stations around and our broad, in-depth relationships with A broader boycott could backfire if China the U.S., according to a press release from consumers,” iHeartMedia chairman/CEO were to retaliate by banning exports of raw the company, including stations like New Bob Pittman said in a statement. “The materials used by India’s pharmaceutical York’s Power 105.1, Los Angeles’ Real 92.3 commitment to service and the immediate industry. So far, it has not. and KMEL in San Francisco. need we saw for a news and information In the longer term, Chinese companies Initially, the network will be available destination for the Black community ac- might avoid investing in India’s technol- in Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, celerated the launch of BIN: Black Informa- ogy sector and Indian start-ups might be Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Greenville, tion Network to serve this community in an reluctant to accept Chinese investments Macon, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Norfolk, important new way. We are honored to be for fear of repercussions, said Shaun Rein, Riverside, San Francisco and Seattle. More joined by some of the most important com- managing director of market intelligence markets are expected to be added over the panies in the world that are also committed firm China Market Research Group. next two months. BIN will be a freestanding to this mission.” “Chinese investors are going to become unit backed by iHeartMedia, with national very wary of investing in India. They’ll be founding partners that include Bank of worried that they might invest billions of America, CVS, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s, Page 13 of 30

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nearly four years ago. Since then, Matt has with much of the world quarantined at home Warner Music helped us reorganize the company and has and unable to take in-person meetings, at- been a key player in a new era of success. tend conferences or even go into the office. Nashville COO As with every post he’s had throughout his Submissions for the series can be sent to career, Matt is leaving us in better shape than [email protected]. Read the Matt Signore to he found us. full series here. I’ve had the great fortune of counting Matt This installment is with Troy Staton, who Step Down at as a trusted friend and colleague for over pioneered hip-hop touring sound with acts 25 years, going back to our days together at like Body Count, Ice Cube and Eminem before End of 2020 PolyGram and IDJ. Besides being one of the becoming Las Vegas senior operations man- greatest execs in our business, Matt is one of ager for live-audio company LMG. BY DAN RYS the greatest human beings I’ve ever known. Troy Staton: Tame Impala did a A generous and open soul, he’s a mentor and 14-truck rehearsal in our studio for two arner Music Nashville’s confidante to a generation of people trying weeks, then they did their load out and went chief operating officer to navigate their way through this crazy on tour. We had other clients lined up, but Matt Signore will be life. Matt’s dedication and expertise have then the pandemic hit. Everybody wound up leaving the company at also been felt by the wider industry, includ- postponing at first. When things got more theW end of the year, according to an internal ing serving as Board Chairman of Music Biz serious, everything turned into a cancella- memo sent by WMN chairman/CEO John and being a passionate supporter and Board tion. Big names canceled. It doesn’t seem Esposito today (June 30) that was obtained Director of Porter’s Call, the Nashville-based like anything’s coming back. by Billboard. artists’ counseling service. It took us a year to build [LMG’s Las Ve- Signore has spent 15 years at the Warner Matt will be with us through the end of the gas tour rehearsal space] up and running, Music Group in different capacities, and year to help with the transition, including lo- and we were in for a great year. Next thing had been COO at Warner Nashville since cal oversight of the renovation of our historic you know, it just dissolves right in front of January 2017. He first joined the major from Music Row building. Even in the midst of this you. Island Def Jam in 2005, as chief financial upside-down world we’re all living in at the Here in Vegas, I’ve got about 50 employ- officer of Warner’s artist and label services moment, we’ll find a way to properly toast ees. Next week, I’ll have about three. We division WEA. He eventually was elevated Matt and celebrate all that he’s shared with furloughed people, then we brought them to president of WEA, a post he held until us over the years! back. Now I’ve got to furlough them again. moving to Nashville three and a half years In the meantime, please join me in thank- I’ll just bring them back sporadically as I ago. ing Matt for his amazing service to our need them. “Besides being one of the greatest execs company and our artists. The studio and the warehouse together in our business, Matt is one of the greatest Espo is about 90,000 square feet. I’m here every human beings I’ve ever known,” Esposito day. I did a company-wide inventory, made wrote in his memo, which can be read below use of the time. Maintenance, reorganiza- in full. “A generous and open soul, he’s a How We Work tion, working on more efficiency, cleaning mentor and confidante to a generation of up our inventory software, database. A lot people trying to navigate their way through Now: LMG Las of needed stuff, because we were moving this crazy life.” 1,000 miles a minute prior to this. We were Signore will stay on through the rest of Vegas Senior averaging 50-hour weeks. the year to assist the transition, Esposito LMG’s been offering virtual capabilities noted, and oversee the renovation Warner Operations for years, so when the pandemic hit, we Nashville’s offices on Music Row. No succes- were ready with knowledge and experience. sor has been named. Manager We transformed our studios for broadcast- Read Esposito’s note below. ing and virtual events. It’s corporate clients Hi everyone, Troy Staton and artists. Do you want to stream, do you I’m writing to share the news that Matt want to record? We can send packages to Signore will be leaving the company at the BY STEVE KNOPPER each band member’s home and they can set end of December. up and do it on Teams, Google, Zoom. And As many of you know, Matt has been an n a series amid the coronavirus pan- we have IT technicians. They control the invaluable member of the WMG family for 15 demic, Billboard is asking individuals network so there’s no latency. years, including serving as President of WEA from all sectors of the music business I was a touring engineer before I came to before joining us as our COO in Nashville I to share stories of how they work now, LMG. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Page 14 of 30

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where it all began. I grew up in the projects, DJing in the parks and streets, block parties Keinon Johnson Cooking Vinyl and so forth. Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation were my inspiration. There Named Senior Joins Facebook used to be gangs in the park. The music’s playing, then a fight might break out. Get a VP of Urban Ad Boycott, bullhorn, get a microphone, “Hey, every- body, stop fighting over there!” Next thing Radio Promotions Encourages Other you know, somebody was talking with the microphone with the music. To me, that’s at Interscope Music Companies how hip-hop started. I went to New York Institute of Tech- Records to Follow Suit nology for audio engineering. I met Ice-T, wound up on the West Coast. Ice got the BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN BY DAN RYS deal with Warner Bros. and we got studio time: “Hey, Troy, we need an engineer, we einon Johnson has been n recent weeks, a series of compa- need to do a remix, we need to cut these vo- promoted to senior vp of urban nies have banded together to boycott cals.” I went on tour with Body Count, Ice-T, radio promotions at Interscope advertising on Facebook for the month Ice Cube, Lollapalooza. I worked for Death Records, the label announced of July in order to pressure the com- Row Records for three-and-a-half years. KTuesday (June 30). He succeeds current ur- Ipany to do more to combat racist, hateful While I was working with Cypress Hill, ban radio promotions head Larry Khan, and violent posts on its platform. Paul Rosenberg [Eminem’s manager] called who has announced he’ll retire in 2021. The movement, called Stop Hate For DJ Muggs and was like, “I need somebody, Johnson’s promotion comes during a Profit, was launched June 17 by organiza- Eminem’s opening up for Dr. Dre, but Dre’s high point for the company’s urban radio tions Color of Change, the NAACP, ADL, blowing him out.” Next thing you know, I’m promotions department, which has enjoyed Sleeping Giants, Free Press and Common doing all of Eminem’s live events for two recent hits including DJ Mustard’s “Ballin” Sense Media in the wake of the murder years, then 50 Cent, G-Unit. feat. Roddy Ricch, Moneybagg Yo’s “1 2 3,” of George Floyd at the hands of police LMG started out as a video company, and Lil Mosey’s “Blueberry Faygo” and several officers in Minneapolis. Since then, major we transformed into doing concert systems. tracks by DaBaby and Summer Walker, companies like Verizon, Unilever, Honda, I brought Lil Wayne to the table and we did among others. Patagonia and Eddie Bauer, among dozens his front-of-house lighting package. We did An employee of Interscope since 2010, of others, have joined the protest. Madonna at the Super Bowl halftime show. when he joined the label as national director Yesterday (June 29), U.K. record label There’s still a lot of recording going on. of urban promotions, Johnson launched his Cooking Vinyl announced that it would also Thank God, we were always doing virtual career in the ‘90s as a street team represen- be joining the campaign, and will be “rec- solutions, but we had to step it up, bring tative for Loud Records before working his ommending to our artists not to advertise on more awareness, advertise ourselves more. way up through regional promotion depart- Facebook and Instagram during the month That’s doing okay, and it’s going to get better ments at labels including MCA and Priority of July, pending meaningful action from the in the next couple of weeks. Just finished Records. social media giant, hitting pause on hate,” a high-profile corporate show and a video Khan joined Interscope seven years ago per a company statement. shoot for BET. and in the succeeding years built up one of “Our company and our artists stand But it hasn’t come back in that volume. the top urban radio promotion departments in solidarity with the values of freedom, I got a warehouse full of gear here that’s in the industry. He was previously executive equality and justice,” Cooking Vinyl’s state- just collecting dust. I told them, set it up as vp at Jive Records and has a three-decade ment continued. “By not advertising on the a museum! “Okay, these speakers were for career in the business. platform during July, which has been known Lana del Rey. These speakers — we just fin- “Keinon has been a vital part of the Inter- to turn a blind eye to voter repression and ished doing Korn in 2019. This microphone scope family for over a decade and proven to hate to Black users, we hope we can play our was used by...” be a brilliant strategist who has earned the part in sending Facebook the powerful mes- We’re surviving, but barely. I’ve laid off respect of his peers throughout the indus- sage that their profits will never be worth about 90% of my staff, and next week I’m try,” said Khan in a statement. “As I prepare promoting hate, racism and violence.” going to furlough the rest of my staff. We’ll for the next chapter of my life, I know that The label — which includes artists come back, though. this department is in good hands with Kei- like Billy Bragg, Nina Nesbitt and The non and I look forward to working with him Waterboys on its roster — appears to be closely on this transition.” the first music-centric company to join the Page 15 of 30

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movement (a full list can be found here), Country Album of the Year Blues Album of the Year and is also urging other music companies to Meghan Patrick, Wild as Me Mad Love, Dawn Tyler Watson consider joining them. A rep for Facebook Adult Alternative Album of the Year Contemporary Christian/Gospel Al- did not respond to a request for comment. A Blemish in the Great Light, Half Moon bum of the Year “Tangible change to stop the spread of Run The Advent of Christmas, Matt Maher racism and hate online requires the social Alternative Album of the Year World Music Album of the Year media giants to be held accountable for their Morbid Stuff, Pup Barokan, Djely Tapa actions,” said Cooking Vinyl head of digital Pop Album of the Year Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Lewis Newson in a statement. “It was a The Pains of Growing, Alessia Cara Ben Kaplan simple decision for us to get involved in this Rock Album of the Year Recording Engineer of the Year campaign in whatever way possible.” A War on Everything, The Glorious Sons John ‘Beetle’ Bailey Vocal Jazz Album of the Year Album Artwork of the Year Stay Tuned!, Dominique Fils-Aime Selections From Cuphead Here Are All the Jazz Album of the Year: Solo Music Video of the Year Migrations, Jacques Kuba Seguin “Little Star,” Sarah Legault and Iskwe Winners From Jazz Album of the Year: Group Electronic Album of the Year Abundance, Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop Beyond the Senses, Rezz the 2020 Juno Instrumental Album of the Year Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year Inscape, Alexandra Streliski Play to Win, Striker Awards Francophone Album of the Year Adult Contemporary Album of the La Nuit Est Une Panthere, Les Louanges Year BY DENISE WARNER Children’s Album of the Year Shine a Light, Bryan Adams Greatest Hits, Vol. 4, Big Block Singsong Comedy Album of the Year he 2020 Juno Awards may have Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Lil Bit of Buddle, Sophie Buddle been postponed because of the Chamber Coronavirus pandemic, but that detach, Angela Schwarzkopf didn’t stop the ceremony from Classical Album of the Year: Large Shawn Mendes, Thappening completely. Ensemble On June 29th, the Junos handed out the The John Adams Album Alessia Cara & awards virtually, with artists such as Alessia Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Cara and Neon Dreams performing. Choral More Big Winners Check out the complete winners list Handel: Dixit Dominus; Bach & Schutz: below: Motets, Ottawa Bach Choir Conducted by at the 2020 Juno Juno Fan Choice Lisette Canton Avril Lavigne Classical Composition of the Year Awards Single of the Year Evta, Ana Sokolovic “Senorita,” Shawn Mendes and Camila Rap Recording of the Year BY PAUL GREIN Cabello “Freaky,” Tory Lanez International Album of the Year Dance Recording of the Year f an awards show is held virtually, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We “Love Me,” Felix Cartal and Lights with no audience on hand to cheer the Go?, Billie Eilish R&B/Soul Recording of the Year winners and no acceptance speeches, Album of the Year Feel It Too, Jessie Reyez, Tory Lanez & even patched in from afar, do the The Pains of Growing, Alessia Cara Tainy Iawards still count? You bet they do. Art- Artist of the Year Reggae Recording of the Year ists shouldn’t be penalized because of the Shawn Mendes The Warning Track, Lyndon John X strange times we live in. A record’s a record Group of the Year Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year and Shawn Mendes set a truly historic re- Loud Luxury Stories From a Downtown Apartment, cord at the 49th annual Juno Awards, which Breakthrough Artist of the Year Celeigh Cardinal was held virtually Monday (June 29). Lennon Stella Contemporary Roots Album of the Mendes became the first artist in Juno Breakthrough Group of the Year Year Awards history to win single of the year Neon Dreams Mohawk, Lee Harvey Osmond three years running. He won this year for Songwriter of the Year Traditional Roots Album of the Year “Señorita,” his sensuous collab with Camila Alessia Cara Sugar & Joy, The Dead South Cabello. He won the last two years with Page 16 of 30

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“There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” (2018) was also nominated for album of the year, and “In My Blood” (2019). Anne Murray, but lost to Cara. Adams teamed with Ed Kate Moross Glass Tiger and Alanis Morissette had Sheeran to co-write the title track for Shine each won the award two years in a row. a Light. Makes Concerts Mendes also became just the second artist Lennon Stella took the award for break- to win artist of the year two years running. through artist of the year. Neon Dreams Look and Feel The Weeknd won in 2015-16. This brings won breakthrough group of the year. (Neon Mendes’ collection of Junos to an even 10. Dreams had won the Allan Slaight JUNO ‘Monumental’ The artist, who was born in Pickering, On- Master Class award in 2017. They are the tario is just 21. first act to graduate from that award to a BY NOLAN FEENEY Alessia Cara, who was originally set to competitive Juno.) be the show’s host before the coronavirus- Loud Luxury took the award for group of his story is part of a series spot- forced cancellation, won three awards—al- the year. Last year, they won the award for lighting LGBTQ creatives — bum of the year and pop album of the year dance recording of the year. from art directors to glam squads for her sophomore album, The Pains of Cara, Neon Dreams, indigenous artist — who help bring your favorite Growing, and songwriter of the year. She’s iskwē, and bluegrass ensemble The Dead Tartists’ visions to life. the first woman to take album of the year South (which won traditional roots album No matter how many screens, pyrotech- since Carly Rae Jepsen won in that catego- of the year) performed during the show. nics and moving platforms a concert has, the ry seven years ago for Kiss. Cara is the first The show opened with a message of sup- artist should be the center of attention. But woman to win songwriter of the year since port for the global push for racial equal- the right tour visuals set the tone of a show Serena Ryder took the prize six years ago. ity — and a rather remarkable moment of and allow fans to recapture the thrill of fall- Cara had been this year’s top nominee, self-criticism. They noted that, though ing in love with an artist for the first time. with six nods. the Junos got underway in 1970, it took 15 Kate Moross, founder of London-based cre- The Junos were originally slated be held years before they added soul and reggae ative agency Studio Moross, takes Billboard March 15 at the SaskTel Centre in Saska- categories. Moreover, they added, the first inside the process — as well as the many toon, Saskatchewan. rap award wasn’t presented until 1991 and sleepless nights and tech disasters — of Avril Lavigne won the Fan Choice the first award for indigenous music wasn’t art-directing tours for the likes of the Spice award—the only award voted on strictly by presented until 1994. Girls, Sam Smith, and Disclosure. fans—for the third time. She had won it in No mention was made of Jann Arden, At one point in the creation of a live show 2005 and again last year. Only two other who was voted into the Canadian Music do you start designing visuals? artists have won three or more times since Hall of Fame this year. It really depends on the project. You can the category was introduced in 2003. Justin The In Memoriam roll call included such come on board late in the process, when Bieber leads with five awards.Michael noted Canadian talent as Leon Redbone [the stage and screens] have been designed Bublé has also won it three times. (Bieber and Neil Peart of Rush. and people are looking for bespoke content. was among the nominees in that category Next year’s Junos, the 50th, will be Or it could be from the very start: I worked this year.) presented in Toronto. The mayor of the with Jason [Sherwood, the stage designer Torey Lanez became the first artist in thwarted show in Saskatoon good-naturedly for the 2019 Spice World tour] and saw Juno Awards history to win rap recording of passed the baton—virtually of course—to the his renders before we pitched to the Spice the year (“Freaky”) and R&B/soul recording mayor of Toronto. Girls directly. For a band like Disclosure, of the year (“Feel It Too,” a collab with Jes- we›d listen to the set, sit in a room and do sie Reyez and Tainy). Lanez had the year’s ideation with them. It really depends on second most nominations (five). your relationship with the artist. I’ve done Billie Eilish’s blockbuster debut album everything from just designing one or two When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go? songs in a live show among other people all won international album of the year. It the way to commissioning the work. also took that award at the Brit Awards in It takes a village to put on a huge tour the U.K. on Feb. 18. It won the Grammy for production. Which other crew members do album of the year on Jan. 26. you work with? Bryan Adams took adult contemporary When I first started doing visuals, it was album of the year for Shine a Light. It’s his just me and the band and my own projec- 17th Juno, which puts him in third place tor and console. For a stadium show, you among all artists in Juno history, behind can go up to a crew of 90 people. You work only Céline Dion and Murray. The album with video and lighting technicians, camera Page 17 of 30

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technicians, the camera director. You work art direction during a show — they’re What was it like working on Sam’s The with a creative director who is overseeing focused on the artist. But when done well, Thrill of It All tour? The stage had a par- the vision of the entire project. With the what do great visuals add to an experience? ticularly unique set-up with that pyramid Spice Girls, we had Lee Lodge as the cre- I go to a lot of shows and often feel like structure. ative director, and his job is to direct all the the artist had an idea and got someone to Sam’s show is much more theatrical, and creatives — the choreographer, the lighting, execute it for them, but they hadn’t re- I worked with the same team I worked with the videos, the costumes, the music. When ally thought about how the show looks in on the Spice Girls, actually. That’s where you have someone like that above you, you the same way that they thought about the we forged our bond. Jason designed Sam’s have the opportunity to focus on your lane setlist. And sometimes you have shows that show, and then Lee asked me to do the con- and make sure that you’re doing what you are highly conceptual, with a thread that tent on the pyramid. I was Sam’s art director do best. runs through from the start to the end, and in the past, creating single and album art, so It’s an incredibly rich crew. You make it’s sensational. There is some validity in a I understood the tone and visuals we could friends with everyone, because you all share big pop show where every number is a bit bring in. For example, the visual for “Nir- the same food and space and travel. And different and it’s a mish-mash — as long as vana,” one of Sam’s early singles, had been unfortunately, it’s a community of workers you give what feels right. It’s just under- this green fog, so I suggested we use that that are seeing some of the hardest times be- standing what the fans want. green fog in the show. cause live music has completely shut down. With the Spice Girls shows, the fans had Weirdly, my role stepped up when Sam’s What’s the side of your job that fans don’t incredibly high expectations of what that show went to Asia and they needed a more see? show was going to be, so we had to deliver portable version of the show. That’s some- My first big job was forOne Direction, something above and beyond. We couldn’t thing that’s quite common with big stadium and someone who had designed a lot of the just roll out some old numbers and stick and arena tours: You have an A, B and C show gave me really good advice: Seventy some nostalgic designs on it. It had to be a show — different versions that will work in percent of the work that you do before you spectacle. Our entire brief for ourselves was different venues or at festivals. Maybe you show up on set will go in the bin. You might to maintain the integrity of the Spice brand can’t fit your set on the stage, or you can’t design an entire show in preproduction and create something that felt as monumen- get the equipment into the country because before you arrive on set, but I guarantee that tal to a fan now as it did when they were 12. it’s too heavy to fly. We really enjoyed mak- very little of it will be the same by the time The Spice Girls tour opened with a video ing the three-dimensional world two-di- you reach the show. Everything gets shelved message that welcomed all gender identi- mensional and recreating it architecturally or changed or adjusted. You see things in ties and sexual orientations, and Sam Smith on screen. real life, and they just don’t look as good as is one of the best-known non-binary musi- What’s it like to see the final product at a you thought. cians. What does it mean to you to work on show? Now that LED screens have become more these projects? I cried my eyes out during the first Spice readily available, we have loads more pixels For me, it has to feel relevant. It can’t just Girls show just because I was so exhausted. to fill and keep up with. A single song in the be something that you apply. For the Spice Literally, I watched the rehearsal and burst Spice Girls show, I think, was 30 gigabytes Girls, I wasn’t just a fan when I was a kid into tears. I just walked down through the of data. You might have to rerender that — it genuinely felt like a part of my iden- stadium corridors like, “I can’t believe this song every day — just think about how much tity was allowed to be because of the girls’ is over.” I’d worked on it for three or four data you’re processing. And computers can messaging. As a queer and trans person, I’m months solidly. I really put everything I had be incredibly temperamental. We employed aware that a large part of their audience also into it, and it was a really difficult time for a monitor who watched the renders every identifies within that [spectrum]. And the me in my personal life as well. A year later, I night to make sure they happened success- Spice Girls themselves wanted to ensure can appreciate it. Seeing the girls repost- fully because one failure can ruin an entire that message of inclusivity. When we were ing old images, it does bring back lots of day of rehearsing. We had one night work- putting together that opening statement, fond memories. ing when it was very cold, and someone un- it was a difficult time in the world, so we One of our colleagues, Ben Farrey — the plugged our entire cabin to plug in a heater. wanted to create a space where it was joy- video engineer I worked really closely with We lost all of our work for that night. ous and happy but, in that sense, also quite on that production — passed away a few Things like that happen all the time. I political. weeks ago, and he was an amazing part of watched a Game of Thrones documentary With Sam, it’s obviously relevant to them the crew. He kept us going. And he had a that said a producer’s job is to survive. Tour- because they talk about themselves and huge responsibility. A lot of people think ing is a bit like that. You’re paid to make it their identity in their show and their music. that if you do the visuals, you’re somehow through, and by some grace of God, it all I’d worked with Sam for years, but to bring responsible for them coming out on the comes together. the show to life as well was a really beautiful screens on time and in the right place, but Fans don’t always think critically about experience. there’s actually someone else in between Page 18 of 30

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you and the computer to make sure it at the New York office of law firm Rogers & the board of The Broadway League, which doesn’t fall apart. That person is the reason Wells before moving to O’Melveny & Myers represents producers. you can sit back and enjoy the show, and he in Los Angeles. “The alchemy of 1,000 strangers bonding was that for me. Packman currently serves on the board of into a single audience fueling each per- directors of pro bono legal services provider former on stage and behind the scenes will Bet Tzedek in Los Angeles, as well as the be possible again when Broadway theatres Madison board of the National Council of AIPAC and can safely host full houses,” he added. “The the Advisory Board of Creative Community safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audi- Square Garden for Peace. ence is our highest priority and we look for- “We are pleased to welcome Scott to MSG ward to returning to our stages only when Entertainment Entertainment, where he brings with him it’s safe to do so.” decades of outstanding legal experience, Broadway theaters abruptly closed on Names Scott particularly in the entertainment industry,” March 12, knocking out all shows — includ- said Dolan in a statement. “His expertise ing 16 that were still scheduled to open — Packman and insights will be an asset as we continue and postponing indefinitely the Tony Award to grow our Company, including through schedule. Producers, citing health and city Executive VP and our state-of-the-art MSG Sphere venues.” authorities, previously extended the shut- Added Packman, “I am excited to be join- down to June 7 and then again to Sept. 6. General Counsel ing MSG Entertainment and look forward Actors’ Equity Association, the national to working with the Company’s senior man- union that represents actors and stage man- BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN agement team and the entire Legal depart- agers, noted the closure extension and urged ment to advance the Company’s key legal lawmakers to include arts funding and loans n Monday (June 29) Madison and business priorities.” to help those who work in the live perform- Square Garden Entertainment The news of Packman’s hiring follows ing arts. announced it had named Scott MSG Entertainment’s announcement earlier The association is pushing for an emer- Packman executive vp and this month that Ted King had joined the gency $4 billion in supplemental funding Ogeneral counsel. company as president, creative content and for the National Endowment for the Arts, Effective July 1, Packman will be tasked studio productions, which will include over- National Endowment for the Humanities with overseeing and directing all of MSG seeing its immersive MSG Sphere venues. and Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Entertainment’s legal affairs and managing low interest loans for theaters that do not the company’s legal affairs team, including qualify for NEA funding, restoring the busi- all corporate, commercial, transactional, liti- Broadway ness tax deduction for the purchase of live gation, regulatory and day-to-day legal mat- entertainment tickets and the passage of the ters. He will report to MSG Entertainment Shutdown bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. executive chairman and CEO Jim Dolan. In London, producer Cameron Mack- Packman comes to MSG Entertainment Extended Through intosh has said his company’s West End with over 25 years of legal experience under productions of “Hamilton,” “The Phantom his belt. Most notably, this includes a 14-year End of 2020 of the Opera,” “Mary Poppins” and “Les year stint at MGM Holdings/Metro-Gold- Miserables” won’t reopen until 2021 due wyn-Mayer, where he served in a variety of BY ASSOCIATED PRESS to the coronavirus pandemic. The John F. leadership roles, including 12 years as gen- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts eral counsel and secretary. During his run EW YORK (AP) — The shutdown in Washington, D.C., has canceled most at the company, which he ended as senior on Broadway has been extended previously-announced performances and executive vp, he served as a strategic partner again — until at least early Janu- events through the end of 2020, as has the to the CEO and board of directors on several ary. Huntington Theatre Company in Boston. key initiatives, including the company’s NAlthough an exact date for performances Broadway grossed $1.8 billion last season successful restructuring and investments in to resume has yet to be determined, Broad- and attracted a record 15 million people. domestic and foreign joint ventures. way producers are now offering refunds and Producers and labor unions are discussing More recently, Packman worked as senior exchanges for tickets purchased for shows ways theaters can reopen safely. executive vp, general counsel, chief strategy through Jan. 3. The latest extension wipes away many officer and head of business affairs for the “The Broadway experience can be deeply shows planned for the fall. Many have just independent TV studio and distributor So- personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” moved to next year, including a revival of nar Entertainment. He kicked off his career said Thomas Schumacher, chairman of “The Music Man” with Hugh Jackman and Page 19 of 30

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Sutton Foster that was to start rehearsals the designer behind them. As she listened to scarves and gym bags to baby clothes and on June 29 but will now open in May 2021. them bluntly discuss opinions and prefer- baseball hats, but there’s a time and place Shows that were to open this spring have ences, Storey learned a lot about what they for full collections. Reserve big merch drops abandoned their plans, including “Hang- look for in merch. Now she encourages for a major event, such as a new album re- men” and a revival of Edward Albee’s bands to do similar research into what their lease, a tour or the release of a big single or “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” A produc- own fans like. video — times when “there will be a much tion of “The Minutes” by Tracy Letts and “Think about the psychology of it,” she higher volume of sales,” Storey says. “American Buffalo” byDavid Mamet will advises. “The colors, where the design is on Holidays are usually the biggest sales pe- arrive on Broadway in Spring 2021, opening the shirt — what is the audience looking for? riod of the year for her clients, so she likes to exactly one year after their originally sched- Is it a band where people want to see their design new items for artists for the season as uled opening dates. faces, or are slogans more appropriate? If well. And if a band has been quiet for some you’re a metal band, are people expecting — whether they’re off cycle or just hunker- the shirts to be in a particular style?” ing down during quarantine — special runs How to Build a 2. Build Your Own Focus Group can keep fans engaged: “Have one design, Before you giddily run off hundreds of put it out and say, ‘It’s limited edition, we’re Merch Business your prettiest designs, consider showing only making 50 of them, you have to buy it prototypes to friends or members of your in the next month.’” Fans Will Obsess team. Storey suggests making a mock store 5. Always Do The Math with a dozen or so options and asking Be smart about limited quantities, Over friends to pick two favorites. “It shows you however. Most merch manufacturers set a a lot,” she says. “I’m a total environmental- minimum order size, often around 120 or BY GAB GINSBERG ist and really encourage bands not to make 150 pieces of a particular design. At that landfill fodder.” point, a t-shirt might cost around $5 to his story is part of a series spot- To better assess fans’ appetites — and to manufacture, Storey says, but if a band opts lighting LGBTQ creatives — keep extra stock to a minimum — Storey for a smaller run that comes in under the from art directors to glam squads recommends trying a preorder system. minimum, the per-item manufacturing cost — who help bring your favorite “That can be a good way to gauge interest in could be double that — which can greatly Tartists’ visions to life. a product and not be wasteful about it. Fans affect profits. Since 2003, Montreal-based art director know what to expect, and you know how She also stresses that bands need to Emy Storey has designed hundreds of ap- many to make.” consider the other parties that take a cut. parel items for Tegan and Sara, fun., Mag- 3. Make Your Web Store Work For You “When someone’s selling your merchandise gie Rogers, Leon Bridges, The National, Right now, it’s basically impossible to sell for you online, they take a percentage of First Aid Kit and more. The key to her suc- merch on tour, but that doesn’t mean sales that,” she says. “When bands sell on tour, cess? Respecting the audience — “It doesn’t are finished. Opening a web store for the management takes a percentage, a lot of matter if you think the t-shirt is really cool, first time? Storey suggests working with a times the label takes a percentage, and the it doesn’t necessarily mean people are going merchandising company that can print your venue takes a huge percentage, even though to buy it,” Storey says — and making sure her shirts and build a user-friendly interface, they don’t do anything. They set up a table clients understand the value that a robust like The Cardboardbox Project. “You have for you, and they still want 20% of your merch business can add to their brands. to think of the whole package of the buying overall sales.” That’s why paying attention “If you’re a musician, you’re providing all experience,” she says. to price breaks is so important: “If you know of these different elements for your fans to Good product photography is also key, you can’t charge more than $30 a shirt, and appreciate, to listen to, to look at,” she says, even if it’s shot without professional equip- you spent $10 on it, and you’re giving 20% “and merchandise is one of those things, ment. “One thing that I’ve done with quite to the venue and 20% to your management, too.” Here, Storey, the founder of graphic- a few bands now is a casual photo shoot of you make nothing at the end.” design studio Storey Elementary, shares them in the merchandise — fans love to see 6. Know That Materials Matter her tips for designing merch that looks good the band in the merch,” she says. “Or do a “You can’t just take a thing and slap it and sells great. look book, which can show how a product on a t-shirt — you have to study t-shirts,” 1. Get Into The Mind Of A Fan hangs on a human body. It doesn’t have to be Storey says. Most shirts are silk-screened, Not long after she began working with crazy expensive — it can be selfies — but it and different techniques have different price Tegan and Sara, Storey started manning helps them envision the product more. The points; a single-color print is naturally going the merchandise table at shows each night, more pictures, the better.” to be much cheaper than a complex, colorful selling T-shirts directly to the duo’s fans — 4. Don’t Saturate The Market design. often without attendees knowing she was Storey has designed everything from There’s also the quality of the blank shirt Page 20 of 30

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itself: “There are always new brands to buy channel has 9.5 million subscribers, MPM In a statement emailed to Billboard, from, so you just have to experiment,” she aimed for the Latin marketplace. ASCAP president and songwriter Paul says. “Looking at samples is great, but don’t “Many YouTubers do music, but few are Williams also weighed in on the loss of go for whatever’s cheapest just to have a accepted by the industry and the fans,” says Mandel: “Giant. Genius. Gentleman. There higher profit margin. Think about what’s Arellano. “One thing is to identify talent, are many ways to describe the legendary going to feel wearable because that will be and another is to have multi-hyphen talent: composer Johnny Mandel. His incredible the shirt the person wants to wear over and influencers who can develop as credible music spanned decades, mediums, oceans over again. It’s a piece of clothing, but it’s artists and be seen as such. There’s a lot of and firmly established him in the American also promotional — it has your band name work to do.” Songbook canon. I had the great honor of or album on it, so the more they wear it, the Pantoja, for example, recorded with sev- witnessing his unique gifts personally when more you’re getting your band’s information eral urban acts last year, including Lary Over we co-wrote a song ‘Close Enough for Love.’ out there. You want it to be a really good and Ovy On The Drums. And in April, he I cherish that experience. Johnny proudly product.” released “Mi Plan,” featuring Noriel. served his fellow music creators on the “We’re proud to say that our artists are ASCAP Board for many years and his work paving the way for this business model to paved the way for future generations of MPM Productions be successful,” adds Arellano. “These guys songwriters and composers to pursue a life have shown a proven track record of not in music as he had. He was a true jazz spirit Inks Multi-Year only finding these successful acts early on and that spirit will live on in his music and but also sticking with them to develop them in our hearts for eternity.” Partnership With and provide them with the strategy and Over the course of his illustrious career, resources they need to succeed and be great the Juilliard-educated Mandel worked with Universal Music artists,” says Victor Gonzalez, president of a long list of stars including Barbra Strei- UMLE. “UMLE is happy to be in business sand, Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Frank Latin with MPM.” Sinatra and more. In 1966, he took home both the Oscar for BY LEILA COBO best original song and song of the year at Famed Hollywood the Grammys for writing “The Shadow of niversal Music Latin has inked Your Smile,” the love theme to the Richard a multi-year partnership with Composer Johnny Burton and Elizabeth Taylor romance The Los Angeles-based music and Sandpiper. Other film scores in his lengthy media company MPM Produc- Mandel Dies at 94 catalog of work also include 1964’s The Utions. The first artist signed under the deal Americanization of Emily starring Julie An- is Mexican urban act Juan De Dios Pantoja, BY GLENN ROWLEY drews, 1975’s Escape to Witch Mountain, the better known as JD Pantoja, a YouTuber- original 1976 version of Freaky Friday and turned-recording artist. ohnny Mandel, the famed Hollywood 1980’s Caddyshack. Pantoja’s single “El Error,” has garnered composer behind the theme song for In the wake of the news, Michael Bublé over 50 million views since its release in classic sitcom M*A*S*H, has died also turned to social media to share a touch- May. at the age of 94. Mandel’s daughter, ing tribute to the late composer. “I was so MPM, co-founded in 2016 by Arizona JMarissa, confirmed the death via theNew sad to learn that a hero of mine, Johnny State University alums Eric O’Connor, York Times. Mandel, passed away. He was a genius and Dimitri Hurt and Luis Arellano, started Mandel’s longtime pal Michael Feinstein one of my favorite writers, arrangers, and out as a company that represented YouTu- also shared the news on Monday (June 29) personalities. He was a beast. RIP Johnny,” bers. Eventually, says Arellano, president of via a heartfelt Facebook post. “A dear friend the crooner wrote alongside a black-and- MPM Latin, “we shifted our business strat- and extraordinary composer arranger and white portrait of his friend. egy to focus on creating our own intellectual all-around brilliant talent Johnny Mandel Read Feinstein and Buble’s tributes to the property. That’s why we proposed making just passed away,” the musician wrote. “The late Mandel below. music to our talent.” world will never be quite the same without Their first artist to sign to a label was his humor, wit and wry view of life and DDG, a hip-hop act who signed with Epic. the human condition. He was truly beyond The company also represents social media compare, and nobody could write or arrange personality Flight, whose YouTube channel, the way he did. Lord we will miss him. Let’s NotYourAverageFlight has 2.23 million celebrate him with his music! He would like subscribers. With Pantoja, whose YouTube that.” Page 21 of 30

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Marjorie Garcia Dr. Dre’s Wife of Universal Inks Promoted to 24 Years, Nicole Distribution Deal Partner at King, Young, Files for With Famed Holmes, Paterno & Divorce Italian Label Sugar

Soriano BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Music

BY LEILA COBO icole Young, Dr. Dre’s wife of 24 BY ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO years, has filed for divorce. os Angeles-based attorney Marjo- Young filed documents seeking niversal Music Group has forged rie García has been promoted to to end her marriage with Dr. Dre a global distribution partner- partner at King, Holmes, Paterno N— the producer, rapper and music mogul ship with famed Italian music & Soriano. The promotion makes whose real name is Andre Young — on Mon- label Sugar Music Group, home LGarcía one of the few female Latinas to day in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Uto some of the most iconic soundtracks in make partner in a major law firm. Nicole Young, 50, cited irreconcilable dif- movie history, including La Dolce Vita and García, who previously worked as an ferences as the reason for the split, and she Il Postino. attorney at Universal Music Latino, has is seeking spousal support from the 55-year- Under the partnership agreement, UMG spearheaded the expansion of the Latin old Dr. Dre, who has amassed a major for- will distribute all of Sugar’s catalogs from music department at KHPS, a broad practice tune in his time as an N.W.A. member, solo the label’s 88-year history. Future recordings with particular emphasis on entertainment rapper, producer, co-owner of Death Row from Sugar’s roster of artists, which includes law, complex business litigation, real estate, Records and founder and CEO of Aftermath Andrea Bocelli, will be distributed domes- banking and corporate finance. Entertainment and Beats Electronics. tically via UMG Italy, with support from Her roster of clients includes Juanes, The couple has two adult children, UMG’s global network of labels, to reach J Balvin, Los Tigres del Norte, Gloria 23-year-old son Truice and 19-year-old new audiences around the world, UMG says Trevi, Carla Morrison and the produc- daughter Truly. in a press release. tion team of Andrés Torres and Mauricio Dr. Dre has four children from previous Founded in Milan in 1932 by Hungarian- Rengifo, among others. relationships. born Ladislao Sugar, who came from a “When I started out, there weren’t a lot of The two married in 1996. It was the first family of musicians, Sugar is a family-owned faces or voices like mine that I could look up marriage for Dr. Dre. Young was previously business that has been at the forefront of to within my field, so I had to forge my own married to NBA player Sedale Threatt. Italian music culture for decades. The label path like so many of the clients I now have An email to Dr. Dre’s publicist seeking built the prestigious CAM Sugar catalog of the honor of representing,” says García. comment on the divorce filing was not im- over 2,000 soundtracks from Italian and “My becoming a partner at KHPS in itself mediately returned. French cinema, which features the works is a loud message to all young Latinas that of over 400 music maestros, including no matter what challenges you face, you can Ennio Morricone (Cinema Paradiso; The persevere,” adds García, who attributes hard Good, The Bad and the Ugly), Nino Rota and work, paying dues and perseverance as the Philippe Sarde. key qualities to her appointment. “These As part of the far-reaching agreement, are values that my once-undocumented im- UMG label Decca Records and Sugar will migrant parents taught me, and I’ve brought work closely together to explore the largely them with me to the firm.” untapped collection of music from the “Marjorie is not only an excellent and world of Italian and European cinema for accomplished lawyer, but has become a future release, re-introducing the cinematic dynamo in the Latin music world,” added masterpieces to a new generation of music KHPS managing partner Howard E. King. and film lovers around the world. “Her clients are well served by her enthusi- “Having one, truly unique, worldwide asm and talent. We are blessed to have her distribution solution for the entire breadth as a partner.” of Sugar recordings is a very important step, as we look to grow our reach and visibility Page 22 of 30

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into new territories,” Sugar Music Group influential and successful company. We are thing, let me know!” I got a call from Tove president and CEO Filippo Sugar, the fam- delighted that Carbon Fiber Music is joining Lo’s publicist to do this new girl who had a ily’s third-generation music executive, said our Ingrooves family.” song called “Ocean Eyes” — that was Billie in a statement. The first releases under the new deal Eilish. It was these smaller acts no one had “We are thrilled to expand our long- include Lary Over’s “Anda Deja;” Ankhal’s really heard of, but if I loved the music or standing relationship with Filippo and “Perreo Intenso;” and Farruko, Kevvo, Guay- the look and felt the authenticity of it, I was Sugar Music, and to provide support for naa and Akim’s “Paredes de Hielo.” on board. their artists and rich catalogues worldwide,” I’ve sometimes been called in to edit added Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO because an artist is a little too influenced by of Universal Music Group. What It’s Like what they see on Instagram — maybe they do their brows too dark, and it’s distracting. to Be a Makeup But when it comes to designing a look for Carbon an artist, it’s ultimately about who they are. Artist for Pop I love when Tove Lo has full-on high glam, Fiber Music but that’s just not her vibe, it’s not what her Superstars music is, so we do something stripped-back. Signs Global When it’s a new artist, I also like to give BY NOLAN FEENEY them something they can pull off on their Distribution Deal own. For Charli one year [during the Sucker his story is part of a series spot- album era], our whole thing was a red lip. With Ingrooves lighting LGBTQ creatives — We found some favorite shades and had from art directors to glam squads brands sponsor her, so if I wasn’t around, Music Group — who help bring your favorite she could keep doing that same classic red Tartists’ visions to life. she was always wearing. BY GRISELDA FLORES Here, makeup artist Colby Smith — who’s Makeup is a business, and a lot of hiring worked with pop stars such as Dua Lipa, comes down to budget. An artist might not arruko’s record label Carbon Fiber Billie Eilish, Icona Pop, Tove Lo and Charli be able to fly me to London or Los Angeles Music, which he co-founded with XCX — reflects, in his own words, on his because there are incredibly talented people manager and business partner path through the industry and the power of in those major cities. Someone with less ex- Franklin Martinez in 2014, has good glam. perience might be more affordable, but it’s Fsigned a global distribution deal contract Makeup doesn’t feel like a job. It just feels also a gamble. You don’t know what you’re with Ingrooves Music Group, Billboard can like getting ready with your best friend. going to get. Some people also haven’t flown confirm. I’ve done it my whole life, so I don’t really internationally. I once went to China with With a catalog of more than 200 songs know anything else. I was that person in Charli seven times in one year. I know how and plans to continue releasing music high school that got the girls ready. When to get in and out of China easily, which can throughout the year, Carbon Fiber Music’s I was 18, I went to MAC Cosmetics in L.A. be overwhelming for someone who’s newer. roster includes artists like Akim, Ankhal, Jo- and asked for a job, and they hired me to do Investing in good glam is one less thing sephlee, Lary Over, Menor Menor and Milly, counter makeup. Then I moved to New York for a pop star to think about. It helps them and music producers No Me De Cotorra and and was working at MAC when I got a call feel more confident. They don’t have to wor- Sharo Towers. from a friend to do a photoshoot with these ry about how they look — they just worry “As Carbon Fiber Music continues to girls no one had heard of. It ended up being about their job. Speed is also important. I’m grow, we needed a partner who could Icona Pop, and later that month, “I Love proud to say that me and my regular hair provide us with an in-depth analysis of It” exploded. Their management called girl, Korey Fitzpatrick, can do things in market trends and support us with effective me: “They look like pop stars! Can you keep 45 minutes to an hour. But there’s a lot of and responsive marketing,” said Martinez. doing it?” hurry-up-and-wait. You’ll get 30 minutes to “Ingrooves’ industry leading insights and Slowly and surely it became more of a do your job, someone will complain it takes expertise, combined with its international job. I met Tove Lo through Icona Pop at a too long, and then all of a sudden, it’s an presence, will enhance our efforts to expand birthday party. [Icona Pop’s label] Atlantic hour later and they’re ready, and you’re like, our reach and support our music reaching called me to do this up-and-coming girl who “Cool, I could have been doing my job the the rest of the world.” was about to release a song with Iggy Aza- whole time!” You can ask for two hours, but About the deal, Bob Roback, CEO of In- lea — it was Charli XCX. I met Dua Lipa no one wants that. You don’t want to wake grooves said, “Farruko and Franklin Marti- randomly through Charli at a party and was an artist up at 4 a.m. if they don’t have to nez have made Carbon Fiber Music a highly like, “You’re so beautiful, if you need any- leave until 6 a.m. because they’re going to be Page 23 of 30

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tired and cranky. singer brought back his XO face masks The relationship between a pop star and and matched every dollar to help raise the Gabby Barrett’s her makeup artist is special, especially for money. queer boys who grew up with that pop Earlier this month, The Weeknd shelled ‘Goldmine’ Yields fantasy — we love a diva, we love a stage. It’s out $500,000 to nonprofit organizations super intimate work. You’re not only face- committed to racial equality. Split between Chart Riches and to-face, it’s usually just you and the artist, Black Lives Matter Global Network, Colin so you can talk about real things because Kaepernick›s Know Your Rights Camp and Record First-Week there’s no management around. You’re also National Bail Out, The Weeknd spoke on the often the last person they see before they go importance of creating change for African Streams on stage, and every artist gets a bit nervous, Americans. so it’s important to be that sense of ground- “Keep supporting our brothers and sisters BY JIM ASKER ing for them. Artists rarely get time to go out there risking everything to push for sit and hang with their bestie — we become actual change for our black lives,” he cap- abby Barrett’s first LPGoldmine that person in vulnerable situations. tioned his Instagram post highlighting the opens at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top People will ask, “Isn’t it weird seeing receipts of his donations. “Urging everyone Country Albums chart, starting someone naked in a robe? Is it weird being with big pockets to give and give big and if with 20,000 equivalent album in their personal hotel room with their you have less please give what you can even Gunits in the week ending June 25, according clothes everywhere?” It doesn’t even reg- if it’s a small amount.” to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. ister in my brain anymore because I’m just Most notably, the set earned 15.98 mil- there to do my job. Charli and I have lived lion on-demand streams for its songs in the on a tour bus together. I’ve seen her at her Blackpink’s ‘How tracking week, the largest opening stream- worst; she’s seen me at my worst. But when ing week ever for a debut country album by you have that bond with an artist, it’s the You Like That’ a woman. most fun thing you could ever experience in The sum also marks the biggest opening your life. Dress-up, glam, all rolled into pop Broke Some Major streaming week for a debut country set in music? It’s a perfect recipe. 2020 and the third-largest debut streaming YouTube Records frame for any country album this year, after Sam Hunt’s Southside, with 36.82 million Here’s Where BY RANIA ANIFTOS (April 18), and Kelsea Ballerini’s Kelsea, with 16.71 million (April 4). The Weeknd lackpink dropped their fun, con- The 13-track Goldmine, released on fident video for their comeback Warner Music Nashville/WMN, includes 12 Is Donating $1 single “How You Like That” on songs co-authored by Barrett, who finished Friday (June 26), and just in one in third place on ABC’s American Idol in Million Amid Bweekend, the South Korean girl group broke 2018. First single “I Hope” led Country some pretty big YouTube records. Airplay in April, becoming the first career- Coronavirus The music video set an all-time record opening No. 1 by a woman since Carly for the biggest YouTube premiere with 1.66 Pearce’s “Every Little Thing,” which reigned Pandemic million peak concurrents. Plus, the clip was in November 2017. the biggest 24-hour music video debut of all On the airplay-, streaming- and sales- BY CARL LAMARRE time with 86.3 million views. powered Hot Country Songs chart, “I Hope” “Again in this dark place, light up the holds at its No. 2 high. It leads Country he Weeknd’s altruism isn’t slow- sky/ While looking in your eyes, I’ll kiss Streaming Songs for a 12th week, with 13.5 ing down. On Monday (June 29), you goodbye/ Laugh all you want while million U.S. streams (up 15%). On Country the XO commander donated a you still can/ Because it’s about to be your Digital Song Sales, it lifts 5-3 (7,000 sold, up whopping total of $1 million with turn, 1,2,3,” Rosé preaches on the infectious 7%). T$500,000 going to MusiCares and the other track’s first pre-chorus before the hip-hop- The song is also crossing over to pop radio half to front line hospital workers of the inflected chorus. formats, aided by a remix featuring Charlie Scarborough Health Network. Watch the music video below. Puth. It climbs 22-18 on Adult Contempo- The Weeknd’s generous gesture is to help rary, 20-19 on Adult Pop Songs and 27-25 on those affected by COVID-19. Along with Pop Songs. his charitable donation, the After Hours Meanwhile, Goldmine sophomore single Page 24 of 30

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“The Good Ones” pushes 59-56 on the will find Bono dialing up Chris Rock. “El- dio Luxembourg that were beaming in from Country Airplay chart, up 34% to 1.1 million evation” is a weekly show “celebrating good outside or Irish territory. audience impressions. news and ideas from the worlds of science, The music that they were playing was medicine, faith and the arts,” hosted by heavily influenced by the U.K., but American Irish broadcaster/writer John Kelly. The acts [as well]. From that beginning I’ve al- The Edge Says series promises to feature music and poetry, ways had this real affection for radio. When as well as interview with artists, activists, U2 kicked off, it was the way we were really U2’s SiriusXM thinkers, scholars and the occasional U2 first able to engage with a wider fanbase member; the first guest is civil rights at- through college radio. We would spend Channel Has torney and author Bryan Stevenson (Just quite a considerable amount of our time Mercy). when we first came to tour in America going ‘Power to Engage Guitarist The Edge also gets his own to radio stations and taking over shows, be- show, “Close to The Edge,” on which he’ll ing guest DJs. in an Emotional commune with fellow musicians, artists and And what was the thrill was to discover thinkers for a series of deep-dive conversa- was that we has so much in common with and Deep Way’ tions about the creative process. And the all the people that worked in radio. Be- whole thing will kick off with a two-hour cause of course radio was predominantly a BY GIL KAUFMAN mixtape of songs personally chosen by the music-based format. So everyone we came band. across, like ourselves, had been turned on here are very few career mile- Prior to launch, Billboard spoke to The at a certain point by music. They hadn’t stones left to tick off onU2 ’s Edge from his quarantine location at home formed a band, but they’d done the next best bucket list. But come Wednesday in Dublin about his radio dreams as a thing — which was to become a radio DJ, or (July 1), the Rock and Roll Hall of teenager, the bonus of launching during a programmer or a journalist. So already 80 TFamers will add another important first to lockdown and why it was so important to percent of the getting-to-know-you has been their hefty warchest of accomplishments: get fans in the mix on U2 X-Radio. achieved if you’re meeting someone who is a satellite radio channel bosses. I feel like someone once said being in a radio DJ or involved in radio. After broadcasting their hearts, souls and band is like being in a gang, and here you Tell me about your show and where social justice pleas to millions across the are bringing your gang along with you you want to take the listeners with it? globe for decades, Bono, The Edge, Larry on this trip. You’ve got old friends such Who will you be talking to and what are Mullen and Adam Clayton will bring their as Gavin Friday, Paul Oakenfold, Bill Fla- you excited to dive into? talents to SiriusXM with the launch of the nagan, John Kelly. It sounds like you’ve It’s about interesting characters and what U2 X-Radio Channel (32 on your dial). built the ultimate clubhouse. they are expert in. Obviously, as I’m a musi- And in typical U2 fashion, what’s on tap [Laughs.] It feels a bit like that, in a great cian and songwriter principally, mostly it goes well beyond the expected. Among the way. The common thread being a love of will be musicians and songwriters and pro- shows slated for the channel are “Plays U2,” music. ducers, but I don’t want to limit it to that, in which fellow artists and friends — includ- Some kids dream of being stand-up co- because I have a lot of other interests that I ing first-up pal Matthew McConaughey medians, maybe rock stars. As a kid were think might be fascinating to our audience. — will talk about and play their favorite U2 you obsessed with radio? Did you ever Without wanting to get too far away from songs, as well as “Desire,” hosted by the dream of being a DJ and having your own the core idea of music and U2, I would hope band’s most fervent fans, who will tell their radio show? to involve people from all kinds of walk of personal stories about the group and playing Yeah, radio was huge for me — and it’s a life: scientists, philosophers, filmmakers, their U2 highlights. There will also be the generational thing I guess, but Dublin was environmentalists and people who I think weekend kickstarter “Discothèque,” a dance pretty much insulated from global culture are asking the same sort of questions we find show of U2 remixes and club mixes along except for the broadcasts that came into the ourselves asking through music they may be with electronic music from other artists and country. There was a couple of UK TV chan- asking though some other media. friends hosted by their old friend, DJ Paul nels we could pick, which was great because Any names you can give me of anyone Oakenfold. we had Top of the Pops and The Old Grey you’ve already lined up? Singer Bono will get behind the micro- Whistle Test. So once a week we got a kind I interviewed David Byrne yesterday and phone for “Bono Calling,” described as an of download of what going on in the music [guitarist] Carlos Alomar, from that crucial exploration of “seven questions about life, culture in UK at least. But the other source phase of [working with] Bowie and Iggy work, hope and the future with guests from was pirate radio, and as a kid myself an my Pop and quite an incredible period of three every discipline, from world leaders to local brother would be hiding under bed late into years when I would say six or seven of the activists to movie stars.” The first episode the night listening to Radio Caroline or Ra- most influential albums made during that Page 25 of 30

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period... Carlos was at the center of that cre- people and connect with people, so to that dedicated U2 fans so it doesn’t feel rote or ative process. And Noel Gallagher I’ve had extent it should be welcome and it should dialed in. a chat with. There are a few others lined up, be helpful. In that sense I think the timing Have you been more involved in this so it’s currently mostly music, but I’m really is great. But the flip side of that is that the than you might have been because of excited to see where else I can take it. network’s very denominated toward being COVID? Do you have more time to spend What music are you most excited to in cars and car journeys — which are obvi- tweaking it? play for fans? These channels often have ously down because people have not been at I think that is one of the things about live cuts, rarities, but what’s the non-U2 work or commuting. lockdown, the opportunity to put time into music that is most dear to your heart and But the app is pretty great and, person- things you would otherwise put into travel influenced you? ally, that’s how I use it every day. or whatever. There are some silver lin- Stuff that reaches me and has influenced Yeah. So the app will probably end up ings and I think U2 X-Radio has benefitted me and that’s quite a broad spectrum of being more important in the short term, from probably more attention as a result music. It’s not from one particular era and in because people will not be commuting as of the lockdown than it might have gotten terms of genre and style it kind of cross over. much. I think what’s key here is that it’s a otherwise. But the thread is music that has that power curated offering and curated mostly by the Is there something about all of you to engage in an emotional and deep way. It band, with some help from Sirius and our having your own creative outlet like this can be Kraftwerk or a Bruce Springsteen team — so in that sense it’s really bespoke that is good for the band? Is it a unifying cut, or something from the ‘60s or from this and not AI-generated. It’s real people with thing, or does it spark some other level of era. It’s hard to define other than it’s the ears and brains and sensitivities that are creativity? stuff that we find fascinating and turns us behind it. I think it does have real positives. I, on. It’s distinct from a lot of streaming ser- for instance, have been doing quite a few Tell me about some of the rare U2 vices in that regard and I think there’s room recordings with Adam where we’re inter- tracks fans might hear on the channel? for that. Not that I’m down on streaming at viewing each other. So to actually spend You’ve put out a number of albums with all — any place where music is enjoyed is a time together talking about music and the bonus cuts, will there be other surprises good thing as far as I am concerned, but I past, but the future also is great. And they in the mix? think there is a place for this more curated, are crucial opportunities because back in Without wanting to turn into a kind of U2 personal connection with the artist. the day when we were just stuffed into the archive of forgotten songs and oddities, I What was important to you about giv- back of some coach or van heading up and don’t think we want to go too far away from ing fans their own show? down motorways, that time never needed the values we bring to making an album, I think engagement should go both ways, to be set aside because we were just in each which is, “What are we very proud of and and it seemed like a kind of obvious thing. other’s company all the time. But now it’s a what do we want to showcase?” I think What’s fun will be to see where that show little more of a rarity and I think it’s really there’s a lot of U2 songs that didn’t really get goes. We’re hoping that it throws up some great that we’ve come together to contribute as much attention as they might, so they’re interesting surprises to us and who will to the channel and it is, again, a silver lining not necessarily on the compilations or songs engage with it? We’re a band that have been of this lockdown. that would have been given a lot of radio around for quite a few years and we have How did you decided on which guests play. fans at varying levels of commitment and to invite for the “Plays U2” segments? And also I’ve been making some experi- some are super... to the point of obsessed Who threw McConaughey’s hat into the mental, tiny little pieces of music I hope with with U2. And then there’s a lot of ring? we’ll end up using on the station. So it’s an people who might be tuning in occasion- There’s a team of people coming up with opportunity for these short-form composi- ally because they like a couple of our tunes. ideas and I guess we’re all putting in our tion ideas I haven’t done in the past, but I’m So that range will probably end up being opinions. Matthew is a friend and there’s kind of enjoying making. I think we’ll be expressed in that “Desire” show and I’m a fairly long list of people we’re excited to doing custom compositions and ideas for excited to see where that takes us. reach out to. We can’t really confirm anyone the channel. It’s almost like our live concerts — the now — it’s just the last week that we’ve I’m sure you didn’t expect to launch challenge is always for us to balance the started to make those calls — but we’re during a global pandemic, but is there need to deliver a great show for general excited that Matthew jumped right in there some way you’ve had to adjust the music fans, but to also be aware of the fact and will be our first official guest DJ. programing to account for the fact that that we might have member of the audience The ZooTV era was always my favorite we’re all stuck at home, or at least might that have been to 10 shows, and so we really U2 incarnation, but why was it important be again given what’s going on in our don’t want it to be that predictable. We want to you to include “Discothèque” in the country? to break rhyme and do things that surprise mix? Why shine a light on that side of the Obviously it’s a great medium to engage the people who are even the biggest, most band? 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We thought that coming into the weekend that energy, that club culture sensibility Diplo, D-Nice & Bob Dylan Leads would be welcome — and we have such a depth of material in that direction that it felt More to Perform Artist 100 Chart like a great opportunity. And Paul Oakenfold is a great friend, so we’re excited to delve at Joe Biden for First Time, into our archive or remixes and draw from the great club music of the ‘90s and up until Virtual Fundraiser Thanks to ‘Rough today. It’s still a form I’m excited about. I have to be honest, it’s not necessarily BY KATIE BAIN and Rowdy Ways’ what I would listen to at home all the time, but when I’m out... that’s the music. You’ve iplo is throwing his cowboy hat Album got people over and you want to have a bit of into the political ring. a party, that’s what I would be playing. As announced yesterday BY XANDER ZELLNER Another SiriusXM channel boss, (June 29) via Senator Kamala Bruce Springsteen, has really turned his DHarris’ Instagram, the producer will play a ob Dylan re-enters the Billboard personal show into a beacon during these fundraising event for Presumptive Demo- Artist 100 chart (dated July 4) at turbulent times about what’s on his mind. cratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on No. 1 to become the top musical Your band has been known to speak out Thursday, July 9. Harris is reportedly on the act in the U.S. for the first time, about important topics from time to short list of candidates to serve as Biden’s Bdating to the chart’s launch in 2014. time. Is this a good time to be launching Vice President. The legendary singer-songwriter reigns a channel with an always-on mic to speak Hosted by Harris and moderated by DJ on the strength of his new LP Rough and into? Cassidy, the dance party event titled Get Rowdy Ways, which arrives at No. 2 on the I think that’s one of the positives of radio Up, Stand Up! will also feature D-Nice, Billboard 200 with 53,000 equivalent album is that it is that opportunity to speak. One Jermaine Dupri, model and founder of the units, according to Nielsen Music/MRC of our early guests will be Bryan Stevenson, Black Girls Rock! organization Beverly Bond Data. who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, and entrepreneur Hannah Bronfman. In The set earns Dylan his 23rd career and I’ll be talking to Bryan and John Kelly addition to the music, the show will include top 10, as he becomes the first act to have will be hosting a Sunday morning segment a conversation between the DJs. Admission achieved at least one new top 40-chart- called “Elevation.” That is one of the aspect for the digital dance party and presidential ing album in every decade from the 1960s of the channel I think we’re excited about, fundraiser starts at $25. See the event poster through the 2020s. the opportunity to offer a platform to people below. The LP also opens at No. 1 on Top Rock who, like Bryan, are doing incredibly impor- The news of the political dance party Albums and Americana/Folk Albums. On tant work and to help bring some attention came on the same day as a Texas Virtual the latter list, Dylan adds his record-extend- to what he’s doing, and others like him. Event for Biden that featured Willie Nel- ing eighth leader, dating to the chart’s 2009 Some might say giving Bono an always- son and Robert Earl Keen. inception. (Seven acts rank second with four open mic is a dangerous thing... No. 1s apiece.) [Laughs.] I know what you’re saying. I’m Meanwhile, at 79 years old, Dylan is the sure there will be a lot of care going into senior-most act to have topped the Artist what we’ll be putting out. I think we’ll be 100, surpassing Paul McCartney, who was 76 fine. when he led in September 2018. Among other Artist 100 moves, another iconic singer-songwriter returns, as Neil Young re-enters at No. 12, driven by his album Homegrown, which he recorded in 1974-75 and released for the first time on June 19. The set debuts at No. 17 on the Bill- board 200 (26,000 units), earning Young his 61st career solo entry and highest-charting since A Letter Home, which peaked at No. 13 in 2014. The Artist 100 measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption, Page 27 of 30

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blending album and track sales, radio air- Check out the top 10 summer songs every and Conor Oberst, reached No. 10 in March play, streaming and social media fan interac- year throughout the Hot 100’s history 2019, powered by the pair’s self-titled debut tion to provide a weekly multi-dimensional (from the chart’s start in 1958) and the LP. ranking of artist popularity. weekly Songs of the Summer chart in its Among other Emerging Artists chart Check out this week’s full Artist 100 entirety. moves, K-pop group SEVENTEEN de- chart here. buts at No. 6 on the strength of its new EP Heng:garæ, which debuts at No. 14 on the Phoebe Bridgers World Albums chart with 2,000 units. The DaBaby and EP’s “Left & Right” debuts at No. 7 on the Scores First World Digital Song Sales chart, marking the Roddy Ricch’s group’s 18th top 10 on the tally. Billboard No. 1, on The Emerging Artists chart ranks the ‘Rockstar’ Rules most popular developing artists of the Emerging Artists, week, using the same formula as the all- Songs of the encompassing Billboard Artist 100, which Thanks to New LP measures artist activity across multiple Summer Chart For Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, ‘Punisher’ Billboard 200 and the Social 50. (The Artist Third Week 100 lists the most popular acts, overall, each BY XANDER ZELLNER week.) However, the Emerging Artists chart BY GARY TRUST excludes acts that have notched a top 25 hoebe Bridgers jumps from No. entry on either the Hot 100 or Billboard 200, aBaby’s “Rockstar,” featuring 22 to No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerg- as well as artists that have achieved two or Roddy Ricch, continues atop ing Artists chart (dated July 4) to more top 10s on Billboard’s “Hot” song genre Billboard’s Songs of the Sum- become the top emerging act in charts and/or consumption-based “Top” mer chart, spending a third Pthe U.S. for the first time, thanks to her new album genre rankings. Dweek at No. 1 on the survey (dated July 4). LP, Punisher. With the surge, she secures Check out this week’s full Emerging Art- The 20-position Songs of the Summer her first No. 1 rank on anyBillboard chart. ists chart here. running tally tracks the most popular titles The set debuts at No. 43 on the Billboard based on cumulative performance on the 200 with 16,000 equivalent album units weekly streaming-, airplay- and sales-based earned in its first full week (June 19-25), ac- Willie Nelson & Billboard Hot 100 chart from Memorial cording to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. (The Day through Labor Day (this year encom- album was released on June 18.) Robert Earl Keen passing charts dated June 6 through Sept. Punisher, released via Dead Oceans, 5). At the end of the season, the top song of concurrently debuts at No. 2 on both the Al- Headlined Joe the summer will be revealed. ternative Albums and Vinyl Albums charts, “Rockstar” returns to No. 1 on the July as well as at No. 4 on Independent Albums Biden’s Texas 4-dated Hot 100 for a third total week on and No. 6 on Album Sales. top. Bridgers also lands a pair of tracks from Virtual Fundraiser Rounding out the Songs of the Summer Punisher on the multi-metric Hot Rock & top five, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage,” Alternative Songs chart. “Kyoto” re-enters BY HERAN MAMO featuring Beyoncé, holds at No. 2; The at No. 35, a new peak, while “Garden Song” Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is steady at No. debuts at No. 40. “Kyoto” also bullets at its illie Nelson and Robert 3; Doja Cat’s “Say So” stays at No. 4; and No. 22 high on the Adult Alternative Songs Earl Keen performed at Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain on airplay chart. former Vice President Me” remains at No. 5. Notably, Bridgers has appeared on Emerg- Joe Biden’s Texas virtual One song debuts on Songs of the Sum- ing Artists in two other iterations: as a fundraiserW today (June 29) as the event’s mer: Surfaces’ “Sunday Best,” at No. 19. The member of Boygenius and Better Oblivion headliners. breakthrough hit by the duo of Texans For- Community Center. Boygenius, consisting Former 2020 presidential candidates rest Frank and Colin Padalecki places at No. of Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, Julián Castro and Beto O’Rourke, as well as 22 on the Hot 100, after reaching a No. 19 reached No. 28 in November 2018, thanks to former president of the Planned Parenthood high. It also spends a fourth week in the top the group’s self-titled debut EP, and Better Federation of America/Planned Parenthood 10 of the Pop Songs radio airplay chart. Oblivion Community Center, aka Bridgers Action Fund Cecile Richards, also made Page 28 of 30

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appearances this afternoon. The video call people up, or say something about how up 24%). The duo lands its third top 10, after scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ET already sold out we live, because music can speak to those “Fly,” which reached No. 9 in September multiple ticket levels, including young things without preaching.” 2015, and debut hit “Girl in a Country Song,” professional ($250), friend ($500), advo- “For this song to be my 31st No. 1,” which led for a week in December 2014. cate ($2,800), sponsor ($5,600), champion Chesney continues, “It tells me to keep ($15,000), supporter ($25,000) and co-host pushing, to keep trying to speak to people ($35,000). and create dialogues about what matters No Looking The 87-year-old artist/activist posted through my music. To me, when a song about the event on his Instagram yester- comes out of the radio that makes you smile Back: ‘TBT’ Takes day (June 28), tagging #TeamJoe to show and helps you live your life in the moment, his support for the Democratic candidate what could be better?” Sebastian Yatra, hoping to beat President Donald Trump in The track, released on Blue Chair/War- November’s election. Fellow country music ner Music Nashville/WMN and which Rauw Alejandro star Margo Price voiced her support for David Garcia, David Lee Murphy and Craig Nelson in the comments section, exclaiming, Wiseman wrote, is the second single from & Manuel Turizo “YES WILLIE. Vote um out. Please & Thank Chesney’s same-named LP, which debuted you.” atop Top Country Albums, as well as the to No. 1 on Latin See Nelson’s post about Biden’s fundraiser all-genre Billboard 200, dated May 16 with below. 233,000 equivalent album units. Airplay Chart First track “Tip of My Tongue” peaked at No. 8 on Country Airplay in December 2019, BY PAMELA BUSTIOS Kenny Chesney becoming the 56th of Chesney’s 57 top 10s. Chesney rules Country Airplay for the ebastián Yatra, Rauw Alejandro Extends Record first time since “Get Along” led for two and Manuel Turizo’s “TBT” hits frames in July 2018. He began his run of 31 No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart For Most Country No. 1s with his ninth of 91 Country Airplay (dated July 4) and dethrones the entries (second only to Strait’s 100), “She’s SBlack Eyed Peas from their one-week reign Airplay No. 1s Got It All,” which dominated for three with “Mamacita,” with Ozuna and J. Rey weeks beginning in August 1997. Soul. With ‘Here and NEW TOP 10s Elsewhere in the Country “I wrote this song over a year ago with Airplay top 10, Chris Janson earns his fifth Sech in Miami,” Yatra tells Billboard from Now’ top 10 and fourth in succession as “Done” Colombia. “We started writing a story based bumps 12-7 (20.4 million, up 23%). It follows on personal situations we were both going BY JIM ASKER “Good Vibes,” which became his first leader through over a guitar riff. It’s a reggaetón in October 2019. tune with strong pop elements co-produced enny Chesney’s “Here and LOCASH, the duo of Chris Lucas and by the XAXO brothers with Andrés Torres Now” ascends 2-1 on Billboard’s Preston Brust, returns to the Country and Mauricio Rengifo (“Despacito”). It also Country Airplay chart dated Airplay top tier, as “One Big Country Song” has its romantic touch, which is something I July 4. In the week ending June climbs 11-9 (20.2 million, up 12%). It’s the vibrate with strongly.” K28, the song increased by 18% to 29.8 million pair’s third top 10 and first since its lone The acts join atop the chart in the song’s audience impressions, according to Nielsen No. 1, “I Know Somebody,” led in October 14th try thanks to its 12.42 million in audi- Music/MRC Data. 2016. “Song” hits the top 10 in its 59th week, ence impressions (up 7 percent) earned Chesney adds his record-extending 31st breaking the record for the longest trip to in the week ending June 28, according to Country Airplay leader. Dating to the list’s the tier. It passes Travis Denning’s “After a Nielsen Music/MRC Data. January 1990 launch, Tim McGraw ranks Few,” which reached the region in its 57th “Its journey to the top is a reflection of second with 29 No. 1s, Blake Shelton places frame (April 18). Scotty McCreery’s “In how the song has been getting into people third with 27 and Alan Jackson and George Between” then entered the top 10 in its 56th little by little,” Yatra continues. “It’s also a Strait follow with 26 apiece. week (May 9). Both songs hit No. 1, leading reflection of the perseverance of my team “I remember cutting ‘Here and Now’ and the lists dated June 13 and 27, respectively. at Universal. Nowadays it is very easy to how great it felt,” Chesney tells Billboard. Plus, Maddie & Tae (Maddie Marlow and release a song and get lost in so many things “But I also hoped it might remind re- Tae Dye) achieve their first Country Airplay — the news, our daily routines. We’ve done a ally busy people what matters is, be in the top 10 since 2015, as “Die From a Broken nice job with ‘TBT.’” moment. I always try to cut songs that lift Heart” (Mercury) jumps 16-10 (18.9 million, It’s the first No. 1 for Rauw Alejandro, Page 29 of 30

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who began his Latin Airplay career a little El Micha, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with third LP Mordechai opens at No. 4 on the over a year ago when he secured his first Pitbull, Ne-Yo, also featuring Lenier, April 18 midweek chart, while Wigan, north England chart entry with “Luz Apaga,” with Ozuna J.Rey Soul, “Mamacita,” with Black Eyed indie newcomers The Lathums start at No. and Lyanno (No. 48 peak, Feb. 16, 2019-dat- Peas, June 20 5 on the Official Chart Update with their EP ed survey). Camilo, “Si Me Dices Que Si,” with Reik The Memories We Make (Modern Sky). “I was super happy to work with Manuel and Farruko, June 27 Over in the U.K. singles chart race, New Turizo and Rauw Alejandro, who are both Rauw Alejandro, “TBT,” with Sebastián Zealand teen Jawsh 685 viral hit with Jason on fire these days,” Yatra adds. “They are not Yatra and Manuel Turizo, July 4 Derulo “Savage Love” (Laxed – Siren Beat) only extremely talented, but both have big (RCA) takes pole position for the first hearts. So happy to be next to Rauw as he time, as last week’s leader “Rockstar” (In- gets his first No. 1 on Latin Airplay. Without Haim Lead terscope) by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch a doubt he’s one of the few newcomers who dips to No. 2. will leave a mark. I’m such a fan of him, his Midweek U.K. The Official U.K. Singles and Albums versatility and ability to create.” Charts are published late Friday. As “TBT” hits No. 1 on Latin Airplay, Albums Chart Yatra nabs his seventh leader. His first No. 1 dates back to when “Robarte Un Beso,” with With ‘Women in Brett Eldredge Carlos Vives, ruled for one week in January 2018. Turizo, meanwhile secures his second Music Pt. III’ to Appear With No. 1. “I’m extremely grateful with Bilboard BY LARS BRANDLE Producers Daniel for the support these past five years,” Yatra continues. “I feel this past year, I’ve been aim are on course for another Tashian and forgetting about the essence of the songs, U.K. chart crown. which is basically the most important thing. The Los Angeles sister trio’s Ian Fitchuk at You get entrenched is this spiral of work, third LP Women in Music Pt. III action, executing, touring and not actually H(Polydor) dominates the midweek albums Grammy Museum taking the time to plan and give a song the chart, with a lead of nearly 5,000 combined importance and love it needs. The pause sales, according to the OCC. It’s also the Virtual Event during quarantine has served as a tool to best-selling album on vinyl so far this week. reinvent myself musically. ‘TBT’ represents Haim have good form on the U.K. survey. BY PAUL GREIN the end of that final chapter in my career Their debut Days Are Gone (Columbia) prior to the halt.” bowed at No. 1 in October 2013, and their rett Eldredge will appear with Elsewhere on the Latin charts, “TBT” July 2017 sophomore set Something to Tell Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk remains atop the Latin Rhythm Airplay You reached No. 2. at a virtual Grammy Museum chart for a second week, and moves into the The album with the best chance of event that will post on July 11, top 20 on Hot Latin Songs, which blends snatching the crown is Bob Dylan’s Rough Bthe day after the release of Eldredge’s fifth airplay, digital sales and streaming data. and Rowdy Ways, which sits in second place studio album, Sunday Best, which they pro- Alejandro joins a group of other eight acts and is the market-leader on CD sales. Rough duced. The pair also teamed with Eldredge who have claimed their first No. 1 in 2020. and Rowdy Ways opened at No. 1 on the Of- to write five songs on the album. Let’s take a look at the board: ficial U.K. Albums Chart last Friday, for Tashian and Fitchuk won two Grammys Artist, Song Title, Date Reached No. 1 Dylan’s ninth leader in the territory. two years for Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Black Eyed Peas, “Ritmo (Bad Boys For British singer and songwriter Jessie Hour, which they co-produced and largely Life),” with J Balvin, Feb. 8 Ware is at No. 3 on the midweek tally with cowrote with her. The album was voted Nicki Minaj, “Tusa,” with Karol G, Feb. 15 her fourth studio effortWhat’s Your Plea- album of the year and best country album. Static & Ben El, “Súbelo (Further Up),” sure? (Virgin), the most downloaded album Eldredge has yet to receive a Grammy with Pitbull and Chesca, March 28 over the weekend, the OCC reports. nomination. Chesca, “Súbelo (Further Up),” with Static All of Ware’s three previous albums The museum’s public programs digital se- & Ben El and Pitbull, March 28 cracked the top 10, with a No. 5 peak for her ries features new interviews with artists and Ne-Yo, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with Pit- 2012 debut Devotion her highest-charting musicians recorded via Zoom. The museum bull, featuring Lenier and El Micha, April 18 album. at L.A. Live in Los Angeles remains closed Lenier, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with Pit- Psychedelic rock trio Khruangbin are on until further notice due to COVID-19. bull, Ne-Yo, also featuring El Micha, April 18 course for a first U.K. Top 40 title as their Here’s the complete list of digital public Page 30 of 30

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programs scheduled for July: 7/1 – Matoma 7/6 – Max 7/8 – Christie Lenée 7/9 – The Immediate Family – live via Zoom 7/11 – Brett Eldredge with producers Dan- iel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk 7/13 – Ray Wylie Hubbard 7/15 – The Jayhawks 7/18 – Jake Troth 7/20 – Alec Benjamin 7/22 – Butch Walker 7/25 – Zakiya Hooker 7/27 – Lettuce 7/29 – To Be Announced In addition, on July 10, the museum will air a digital exhibit, The Road to the Grammy Awards. All content is available at www.grammymuseum.org.