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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 28, 2020 Page 1 of 29

INSIDE Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

• ‘More Is More’: Exits StubHub Amid Why Hip-Hop Stars Have Adopted The Restructuring, Job Cuts Instant Deluxe Edition BY DAVE BROOKS • Coronavirus Tracing Apps Are Editors note: This story has been updated with new they are either part of the go-forward organization Being Tested Around information about employees who have been previously or that their role has been impacted,” a source at the the World, But furloughed, including news that some will return to the company tells Billboard. “Those who are part of the Will Concerts Get Onboard? organization on June 1. go-forward organization return on Monday, June 1.” Sukhinder Singh Cassidy is exiting StubHub, As for her exit, Singh Cassidy said that she had been • How Spotify telling Billboard she is leaving her post as president planning to step down following the Viagogo acquisi- Is Focused on after two years running the world’s largest ticket tion and conclusion of the interim regulatory period — Playlisting More resale marketplace and overseeing the sale of the even though the sale closed, the two companies must Emerging Acts During the Pandemic EBay-owned company to Viagogo for $4 billion. Jill continue to act independently until U.K. leaders give Krimmel, StubHub GM of North America, will fill the the green light to operate as a single entity. • Guy Oseary role of president on an interim basis until the merger “The company doesn’t need two CEOs at either Stepping Away From is given regulatory approval by the U.K.’s Competition combined company,” she said. Prior to the sale, we Day-to-Day Role at Maverick and Market Authority. had agreed with Viagogo that I would be transitioning StubHub officials also announced 200 permanent out at the appropriate time once the sale had closed.” job cuts today as part of a larger restructuring happen- But then COVID-19 hit and StubHub and nearly every MARKET WATCH ing amid the ongoing fallout of the COVID-19 crisis other ticketing marketplace found itself on the hook PAGE 27 which has prompted a total shutdown of sports and for hundreds of millions in ticket sales that had to be live music. The job cuts were made at all levels of the refunded. SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS company, Singh Cassidy told Billboard, and come more That’s no easy task for a ticketing resale site where CHARTS than a month after the company announced furloughs thousands of independent sellers and fans buy and sell PAGES 28 & 29 of its work force. a high volume of tickets daily, often for events months “Everyone on furlough is being notified today that (continued)

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in advance. Complicating the matter, many “I felt a strong desire to stay and help with 197,000 equivalent album units earned, of the sports leagues and concerts and event us restructure and manage the business according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, promoters took weeks to determine their through what was a pretty immediate crisis and Lil Baby was gearing up for a summer own refund policies, creating liquidity chal- for the industry,” she said. “And then when I headlining tour that would serve as a victory lenges for resellers and StubHub. felt like the company was in a position that lap for his biggest album bow to date. That While the company previously had of- it would not just be able to, manage through tour, of course, won’t happen this summer, fered a fairly straight forward refund policy this, but also be in a position to thrive and due to the coronavirus pandemic; Thomas and fan protection guarantee, it became recover, that’s when I agreed to make my says that the scrapped live run particularly unsustainable as the severity of the crisis transition out.” stung, with Lil Baby at a pivotal moment in unfolded and on March 30, Singh Cassidy his upward trajectory. announced a change to StubHub’s refund “This was such a big project that came policy, only offering full refunds in states ‘More Is More’: out — this was supposed to be his year to go where they were legally required to do so. up another level in his career,” says Thomas. All other customers would be offered a 120% Why Hip-Hop “Once we realized that there wasn’t gonna credit for canceled purchases as a “thank be any touring, we were just trying to figure you for remaining patient in a very challeng- Stars Have out: How can we keep the momentum going period,” Singh Cassidy wrote in an email. ing?” That decision ignited a firestorm of criti- Adopted The The conclusion they reached was to add cism from the media and ticket resale com- six new songs that Lil Baby recorded after munity, with bloggers like Eric Fuller writ- Instant Deluxe My Turn’s release to the project, including “what I’m hearing suggests they’ll file a ing the aptly titled “Social Distancing,” and bankruptcy petition around April 15th.” Edition issue a deluxe edition of the album on May Singh Cassidy shot down the rumor tell- 1. The two-month turnaround between ing Billboard “we’re not going bankrupt.” BY JASON LIPSHUTZ the unveiling of My Turn and its expanded “When you’re trying to manage em- edition helped solidify the “instant deluxe” ployees through difficult, unprecedented il Baby’s album My Turn was never — quickly following a new album with more circumstances, inaccurate information and supposed to have a deluxe edition. music, then billing it all under the same title disinformation doesn’t help and creates “That wasn’t in our plans,” Pierre — as an increasingly common strategy in more anxiety.” “Pee” Thomas, CEO of Quality hip-hop, as a means of conjuring new inter- As for final approval from the CMA, Singh LControl Music, tells Billboard of the Atlanta est in an existing project. And the strategy Cassidy wasn’t able to provide an updated rapper’s first solo project in nearly two proved successful for Lil Baby, whose My timeline for approval, but said the company years. Turn surged on the Billboard 200 following has cleared its short term challenge and must Upon its Feb. 28 release, the 20-song the deluxe release with 100,000 equivalent now prepare for the next phase of business. album topped the Billboard 200 chart album units, up 147% from its previous week

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(41,000 units) on the chart. Britney Davis, vp artist relations, marketing genres? While the strategy has mostly been Deluxe editions are nothing new in popu- and special projects at Capitol Music Group, utilized by hip-hop stars thus far, artists like lar music — for decades, artists have been who worked on Lil Baby’s My Turn release. Dua Lipa, who has teased a deluxe edition reissuing albums with bonus content to Artists want to “just connect with fans, to of her Future Nostalgia album, and The extend the life of a project or to celebrate a bring a moment of joy or excitement during Weeknd, who added three songs to his After milestone anniversary of an album. Every- this time,” Davis points out, and releasing Hours LP soon after its release, suggest that one from Usher to Lady Gaga to Imagine more music than originally planned has the formula could become a pop mainstay Dragons to Sam Smith have dropped a filled that fan-service role. too. deluxe edition of an album well after the Yet Carl Chery, head of urban music at Yet Chery is skeptical, based on how initial album’s release. Lizzo recently used a Spotify, believes that the strategy will out- much more prolific most modern hip-hop deluxe edition of her 2019 album Cuz I Love last the pandemic and become a new norm artists have become relative to other genres. You to add the smash hit “Truth Hurts” to in hip-hop. With the sheer volume of rap If rappers record music “at the speed of the track list, and Shawn Mendes did the releases each week, he says, deluxe editions streaming,” as he puts it, then they’ll gener- same when he added the Camila Cabello help overcome short attention spans and ally have more content with which to bulk duet “Senorita” to a deluxe version of his breathe new life into existing projects — the up their albums and feed their fans. 2018 self-titled album. album equivalent of remixing a single to “Hip-hop has started so many trends, if Yet recent deluxe editions have chal- push it up the charts. we look at the last 10 years — and they don’t lenged the idea that listeners need an “I think that they stumbled upon a new all translate into other genres,” Chery says. extended time period before being served formula,” Chery says. “Staying top of mind “[Hip-hop output] is just constant. You more music — especially in a streaming is a thing that is increasingly hard to do, would think that pop music would take cues world, in which new songs can be added especially in hip-hop. You come out with from it, or other genres would take cues to a project almost instantly. In March, Lil an album, there’s new music, and then we from it, but they’re just not built like that. Uzi Vert released his long-awaited, 18-song move on to the next one. ... It makes sense The audience behavior is completely differ- album, Eternal Atake... and exactly one week that artists like Uzi and Lil Baby are feeding ent as well — I don’t know if a pop audience later, he unveiled 14 more songs and added their fans more because of the pandemic, is trained to take in so much content.” them to the album, under the new adjusted but I also don’t think it’s going anywhere Regardless of where the trend goes next, title Eternal Atake (Deluxe): Lil Uzi Vert after we go back to normal.” the instant-deluxe has turned into a bur- Vs. The World 2, instead of a standalone Some hip-hop stars have chosen to forgo geoning strategy with little downside. Fans album. The result: Eternal Atake spent two the instant-deluxe route during the pan- of Lil Uzi Vert who had been waiting since consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 demic and instead just drop entirely new 2017 for a new solo project now have 32 chart, its second week numbers boosted by albums; both DaBaby and YoungBoy Never new tracks instead of 18; Nav delighted his the 14 newly added bonus tracks. Broke Again, for instance, recently collected supporters earlier this month by releasing The trend is growing: hip-hop artists new No. 1s on the Billboard 200 just a few the equivalent of two albums instead of one. like Moneybagg Yo and G Herbo have an- months after previously doing so with dif- As long as the deluxe-edition material is on nounced deluxe editions of recent albums ferent projects. Yet part of the appeal of the par with that of the standard edition, Davis just weeks after their respective releases. deluxe edition strategy — adding songs to argues, there’s no reason not to super-serve And earlier this month, Nav pushed the one album instead of dividing them across fans. concept of a “deluxe edition” even further, full-lengths — is a more focused promotion- “I mean, why not?” she says. “More is releasing his 18-song Good Intentions album al effort. If an artist like Lil Baby wants to more in this situation.” on May 8 and adding 14 more songs to the treat My Turn as a defining album, Thomas project three days later. The result was the argues, then saving six new songs for an second career No. 1 album for the Cana- upcoming project would ultimately drive dian rapper, earning a career-best 135,000 attention away from that album. equivalent album units. “You want to be able to capitalize and get As the coronavirus pandemic has es- the full potential of everything that a new sentially shut down the live industry, the project has to offer to you, as far as touring, quick-turn deluxe edition has proven to be merch — just leveling up as an artist,” says an effective stand-in marketing tool. “I think Thomas. “We weren’t planning on putting it’s just everyone figuring out the best way out another album anytime soon, because he to release music for their particular audi- never had a chance to reap the full benefits ence, their genre, and with the [pandemic], off My Turn.” because no one knows the time frame of If the instant-deluxe does outlast the when this situation is going to end,” says pandemic, will it fully cross over into other PROMOTION

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information about the virus. green codes depending on the user’s health Coronavirus But in the U.S., where such apps have yet status. Green means you are symptom-free to rolled out, the stage is being set for flash- and allowed to travel. Red means you either Tracing Apps ing a smartphone code at the door to be- have or are likely to have the coronavirus. come a fixture of nightclubbing life, saysJC Yellow means you have had contact with Are Being Tested Diaz, president of the American Nightlife another infected person. Association, whose 30,000 members include Tensions Persist Over Privacy Con- Around the World, venue owners and promoters. “There are cerns nightclub groups and some festival produc- Complicating adoption of the apps are But Will Concerts ers who are talking about doing it,” says data-privacy concerns in numerous coun- Diaz. “This is going to happen, whether tries. The biggest question marks are the use Get Onboard? people want to or not. For us, at the end of smartphone geo-locators and uncertainty of the day, it’s a balance of opening up the over who will safeguard medical informa- BY ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO economy safely and making sure our guests tion — and for how long. are safe at these venues. If technology can In Norway, the Smittestopp app, which ill contact-tracing smart- help us accomplish both goals then we are uses a combination of Bluetooth and GPS, phone apps become the in full support of it.” collects data on the movement and health new dress code that gets As the pandemic has cascaded throughout status of its users. Thanks to a special law you past the velvet rope in the world, governments in South Korea, passed by the Norwegian parliament that theW coronavirus clubbing era? Singapore, the U.K., Israel, India, Italy, gives the government extended powers, In China, some cities have used govern- Norway and many other countries, have also health authorities are storing the data for up ment-mandated health-tracking apps on launched contact-tracing apps. Most of the to 30 days; they are supposed to purge it by smartphones to restore nightlife. Venues apps rely on self-reported health informa- Dec. 20, when the special law expires. like the 500-person Arkham club in tion and use a combination of Bluetooth Trying to use the app as an entrance tool Shanghai started scanning a three-color QR and GPS-enabled location services to track for clubbers would likely stoke a privacy code app at entrance doors in mid-March in smartphone users’ brushes with people battle, as there is no law in Norway that al- order to gain permission from the govern- infected with the virus. lows someone to demand health documen- ment to reopen after some two months of In order for the apps to be effective at tation, says Torgeir Waterhouse, a partner widespread lockdowns to contain the coro- figuring out how widespread the outbreak is in Otte, a Norwegian tech consulting firm. navirus outbreak. in a given area, at least 60% of people need “Who has the right to demand that I prove I Across the world, from Singapore to the to sign up to use them, epidemiologists have am healthy?” Waterhouse says. “The door- United States, a concerted effort by tech said. So far, most countries are falling far man?” companies and governments to create simi- short of that threshold. Paul Mangerud, the co-owner of the lar contact-tracing apps soon followed. Yet Since launching March 20, Singapore’s Oslo clubs Internasjonalen and Blå, says a despite that push, smartphone apps aren’t Trace Together app has had about 25% of contact-tracing app would be a tough sell yet gaining much traction outside of China residents sign on. In India, Aarogya Setu, a to his customers. “An important part of as a potential tool to help re-ignite para- contact-tracing app the government initially nightlife is feeling free,” he says. “I am not lyzed live music scenes. That’s due largely made mandatory for the country’s public sure our customers would like this type of to the complexity of balancing data-privacy and private sector, has more than 100 mil- surveillance.” issues with urgent health needs in a world lion installations, or about 20% of estimated In India, which was recently ranked the battling the COVID-19 pandemic on many smartphone users. In Israel, less than 25% world’s third-worst surveillance state, fronts, underscoring just how difficult it will of the population has downloaded its app, nightlife promoters and venue operators say be to restore events as we’ve known them in dubbed “The Shield.” In Norway, the “Smit- their chief concern is the invasion of their 2020 without the discovery of a vaccine or testopp” (Stop the Contagion) app has about patrons’ privacy. It’s especially important for some other unseen breakthrough. 642,000 active users, less than 20% of the a queer-friendly space like Kitty Su where Live music executives and privacy population. club regulars “feel really free and liberated,” experts in the United States and other China’s health-tracking apps use GPS- says Arnav Banerjee, the nightclub chain’s parts of the world tell Billboard they are tracking and are installed in messaging national programming head. “At any point uncertain about how reliable smartphone app WeChat and online payment platform we don’t want to take any steps to breach contact-tracing technology will prove to be Alipay. They are being used in more than that trust.” for restoring confidence to nightclub and 300 Chinese cities. The health QR codes are As Israel was introducing its voluntary festival attendees amid spotty testing, pri- linked to residents’ national ID and pass- open-source app in late March, its internal vacy concerns and still-emerging medical port numbers. They register red, yellow and security service was already doing more PROMOTION COVID COVERED From festival cancellations to virtual performances, Billboard is the source for up-to-the-minute reports on how the pandemic is affecting music.

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invasive contact tracing — the centuries- even if they’re across a wall or in another the door and social distancing. Las Vegas old process of trying to identify people apartment, creating false positives. The casino owners, however, are considering who have been in contact with a verified system also breaks down when users forget options such as requiring patrons to walk patient — under a government decree, to take their phone with them or turn off through an odorless misting sanitizing spray without asking consent from the country’s Bluetooth — and signals don’t cross easily that won’t harm clothes, using UV lights residents. Last month, the Israeli Supreme through water. And the apps, which need to to inspect glassware and countertops, and Court struck down the decree, saying it was always be running in the background, drain employing HVAC systems from cannabis unconstitutional and would require legisla- phone batteries faster. companies to filter the air, he says. tion. While severe, the government efforts Privacy experts in the U.S. contend there Even if some live music executives are to track the virus have helped contain the is nothing legally stopping governments nervous about deploying health apps, sea- outbreak, medical experts have said, and from mandating the use of health data- soned clubbers may be more willing, says emboldened Israelis to resume life faster tracking apps. “The law can certainly permit Simon Rust Lamb, an entertainment indus- than many other countries. Last week about some kind of surveillance under these try strategist. “On the nightclub level there 3,000 people showed up for an outdoor types of emergency conditions,” says Jane is this history of data tracking tolerance music concert billed as a protest event, Bambauer, a law professor at the Univer- to gain admission, especially on the bottle practicing little social distancing. sity of Arizona that specializes in privacy. service level, which includes giving your While many in China have publicly laud- “Especially when we’re in a position like driver’s license and credit card and in some ed the QR code as vital to protecting public we are now, where the alternatives to very instances fingerprints,” Lamb says. “There health, privacy experts see China’s program invasive monitoring are equally repugnant are plenty of people who, if you ask them, as the most invasive in the world. Tencent and stifling of our rights,” she says, speaking ‘Are you prepared to let us track your health and Alibaba, which are part-owners of the of government lockdowns. information?’ I think most people are going software, have denied they are providing Nevertheless, with contract-tracing apps to say yes.” user data to the government’s health code in mind, a group of Republican senators on Despite the initial enthusiasm, the color- program, saying that developers have to ask April 30 introduced the COVID-19 Con- coded apps in China have not been enough users for permission before obtaining data sumer Data Protection Act. “This bill strikes to save nightclubs there from economic outside the online questionnaire. the right balance between innovation – al- ruin. After two months back in action, Google-Apple Helping Create Privacy- lowing technology companies to continue Arkham decided to shutter again — this time Friendly Apps their work toward developing platforms that for good, says Esa Mai, the club’s music Meanwhile, Google and Apple have could trace the virus and help flatten the director — after one last party on May 16. sought to allay fears of privacy breaches curve and stop the spread – and maintaining Shareholders decided they didn’t have the with their joint effort to create acontact- privacy protections for U.S. citizens,” Sen. stomach for mounting losses due to the tracing architecture for developers that John Thune, chairman of the Senate Com- pandemic, which were exacerbated by travel would use less-invasive Bluetooth to tell a mittee on Commerce, Science, and Trans- restrictions that are preventing interna- user if they’ve crossed paths with someone portation, said in a statement. tional artists from performing in China this with the virus. The data would be decentral- U.S. Promoters Remain Skeptical, For year, she says. ized so no one entity would control it. A user Now “If I were in the live music events busi- would get a code with a diagnosis verified by Despite the myriad concerns over health- ness, I wouldn’t hold my breath,” says Tene public health authorities. The smartphone tracking apps’ use, some nightlife execs in at IAPP. “It is a stretch to hope or believe app would exchange randomly generated Spain and Italy, in their urgency to stop the that these solutions will enable reopening Bluetooth identifiers with other phones bleeding from canceled live events, have ad- before there’s a vaccine. The risk is just go- with the app, looking for possible COVID-19 vocated for their use, citing China’s success ing to be too high.” positives. (The actual apps would be built by in using them to restart parts of its nightlife. Additional reporting from Benson Zhang, verified public health authorities.) But some live event executives in the U.S. Claudia Rosenbaum, Amit Gurbaxani and “With this decentralized architecture, it are less convinced. Heidi Taksdal Skjeseth is almost impossible to hack through the “I would definitely consider it and we’re system and identify a specific individual,” looking at it,” says dance music promoter says Omer Tene, the chief technology of- Donnie Estopinal, CEO of Disco Donnie ficer at International Association of Privacy Presents. “But it’s just one of those things Professionals. that I think is still far down the road. People The Google-Apple architecture neverthe- are too worried about their personal data.” less exposes the quirks of Bluetooth tech- Diaz says that, for now, most ANA mem- nology, Tene says. Bluetooth can identify bers are focusing on simpler mitigation someone being in proximity to someone else strategies, including temperature checks at PROMOTION

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but the increase in listeners engaging with to. The streaming giant also launched its How Spotify the playlist through song likes and saves, own COVID-19 Music Relief fundraising since by definition on Chill Vibes, “a lot of site, through which it will match donations Is Focused on listening tends to be more laid-back,” she to organizations helping musicians in need says. “To see engagement spike as well, it’s dollar-for-dollar for up to a total Spotify Playlisting More amazing.” contribution of $10 million; and last month Szabo says that while Spotify has always introduced a new tool that allows artists Emerging Acts focused on music discovery, the pandemic to collect money from fans on the platform, added a new sense of urgency to that mis- whether for a charity or for their own During the sion — which is why she and other editors pockets. are now programming developing artists Meanwhile, Szabo describes an overall Pandemic onto Chill Vibes alongside more established initiative within Spotify’s editorial depart- names like Glass Animals and Imogen ment to promote emerging artists on any BY TATIANA CIRISANO Heap. playlists that see growth, beyond Chill Vibes “We all know that artists — a lot of their alone. “Every month, we’re putting together s of writing, the top half of Spo- revenue streams have just been demolished a mix of established and emerging artists tify’s Chill Vibes playlist includes this year,” she says. “So I think feeling a that we want to have at the forefront, that “Sola,” a pillowy, bilingual song hyper-responsibility to program more artists we see are doing something different or about attachment by Nina Cob- into this space, and seeing them perform listeners are gravitating toward,” she says. ham.A Keep listening and you’ll come across well, is really cool.” Those efforts come as streams of music the crooning, guitar-backed “moonlight” by The process is a bit more art than science. by independent artists and labels grew dhruv and meditative, airy “peas” by boylife. Szabo, who also works on Spotify’s emerg- faster than their major counterparts in 2019, All three artists are relatively unknown, ing artist-focused Fresh Finds playlist, often as MIdiA research firm co-founderMark with only two or three total songs in each places artists that perform well on Fresh Mulligan recently pointed out. While Spo- of their Spotify catalogs. But they have one Finds onto Chill Vibes — provided that the tify’s strategy helps shine a light on many thing in common: They have been con- song sounds, well, “chill” enough. She also unsigned artists, it could also have the effect sciously programmed onto Chill Vibes by considers recommendations from fellow of helping the streaming service strengthen Spotify editors hoping to give emerging acts Spotify editors and songs that come in relationships with labels keen to promote a boost as the playlist sees a swell in listen- through Spotify’s music submission tool for their developing acts on the platform. ers amid the coronavirus pandemic. artists. And the Chill Vibes plugs are leading “Once quarantine hit and everyone was in For some small acts, she’s “taking a bigger to other playlist placements. Szabo says their homes, we saw spikes across our chill, chance and putting them more toward the that Spotify’s Latin team is now a fan of laid-back, meditative playlists,” says Spotify top of the list” on Chill Vibes, as was the Cobham, and that she has been added to editor Lizzy Szabo, who has overseen Chill case with Cobham, a Manchester singer- the May edition of Spotify’s On Our Radar Vibes for a little over a year. “Since I’ve been songwriter who was initially picked up by playlist. Meanwhile, boylife’s “peas” — the working on this playlist, it’s the most traffic the Fresh Finds algorithm, and dhruv, the side project of Ryan Yoo, who is part of the I’ve ever seen.” moniker of 20-year-old artist Dhruv Shar- band mmmonika — has since been added to In the three months between Dec. 1 and ma. Cobham’s “Sola,” which was recently the popular genre-less playlists Lorem and March 1, Chill Vibes’ follower count grew the lead song on Chill Vibes, has now gar- Pollen, and has raked in more than 950,000 by 3.75%, according to Spotify. But in the nered more than 1.2 million Spotify streams; Spotify streams. two months between March 1 and May 1, while dhruv’s “moonlight” has crossed 1.9 “As editors, we’re not A&Rs, but we are the follower count grew by more than 7%, million. “Looking back in February, they had trying to find out what our listeners want to while monthly average users increased five- between 800 to 1,300 listeners a day,” Szabo hear based on how they’re spending their fold. “As a result, emerging artists on these says. “And now, each of them has risen to time,” Szabo says. “If the behavior changes; playlists have seen their streams increase around 27,000 to 33,000 listeners per day, if other moods or genres rise to the surface, twofold,” compared to pre-quarantine, a steadily, which is amazing.” we’ll try and surface whichever emerging company spokesperson said over email. A shift in playlist strategy isn’t the only artists fit in those spaces, too.” (Meanwhile, in Spotify’s most recent earn- way Spotify is lending a hand to the music ings report, CEO Daniel Ek said that the community in light of the pandemic — pandemic has only had a slight negative although many artists have argued that the impact on music streaming overall.) company could better help by paying artists What struck Szabo about the Chill Vibes more for their streams in the first place, a growth was not just the uptick in followers, conversation that Ek is paying attention Page 12 of 29

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we gather twice a week for a Zoom call to Guy Oseary How We Work catch up. Because of that, I think most of the work that we do at NMPA is going forward Stepping Away Now: NMPA uninterrupted. The only area that is really impacting us is From Day-to-Day President/CEO with regard to our public facing events. Our annual meeting, which is normally about Role at Maverick David Israelite 1,000 people in a ballroom in New York, is now going to be online on June 10. We’ve BY COLIN STUTZ BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM canceled our events with regard to our SONGS (Supporting Our Next Generation uy Oseary is stepping away n a series amid the coronavirus pan- of Songwriters) Foundation Golf Tourna- from his day-to-day role at his demic, Billboard is asking individuals ment and our Board meetings will go virtual management collective Maverick from all sectors of the music business until the end of the year. We have other to consult for Live Nation CEO to share stories of how they work now, events that we normally would hold — our GMichael Rapino and further concentrate on Iwith much of the world quarantined at home 4th Annual NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala his tech and entertainment entrepreneurial and unable to take in-person meetings, at- in Nashville and events around the Country interests. tend conferences or even go into the office. Music Association that will also be shelved The news comes with a three-year exten- Submissions for the series can be sent to for the remainder of the calendar year. sion of Oseary’s existing partnership with [email protected]. Read the But the main work that we do, the legal Live Nation, which purchased Maverick in full series here. work, the lobbying work and the busi- 2013. He will still continue to manage Ma- This installment is with David Israelite, ness affairs work, that’s been going pretty donna and U2 under the Maverick banner. the president/CEO of music publishing trade smoothly working from home. Other managers using the Maverick um- association NMPA. The [annual] meeting this year is going to brella will continue to operate under Live David Israelite: We’ve just been in a kind be geared much more towards substantive Nation’s Artist Nation division. of holding pattern. We have a lot of of pend- discussions and less toward entertainment. “I’m ready for my new chapter and wel- ing issues [for which] we’re waiting for deci- We usually have a lot of live music, but now come the opportunity to have more time to sions from government bodies or legal bod- we will have more informational and discus- focus on management of Madonna and U2 ies. Right before the shutdown, on March sions about key topics. This year we will be while furthering my passion for identifying 10, we had our oral arguments regarding the honoring Garth Brooks as our songwriter and incubating revolutionary businesses,” appeal of the copyright royalty board rates icon. He’ll be doing a session from his home said Oseary in a statement. by Spotify and Amazon in the U.S. Court of remotely. Added Rapino: “Guy built an incredible Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The annual meeting is going to look quite team at Maverick and his work with U2 and Now we’re just waiting for a decision. The a bit different than normal, but I’m just Madonna is unmatched. Live Nation has court is still working remotely, but obvi- glad that we’re able to still do it and hope- always been about putting the artist first and ously it’s impacting the timeline of when fully provide a lot of information that’ll be no one knows that better than Guy. I look we’re going to get a decision. We are hoping interesting with regard to how COVID-19 forward to continuing our work together this summer we will know what the rate is impacting the economics of the industry. on projects including U2, Madonna and structure is for this five-year period of the We will also be talking about how our new beyond.” copyright royalty board term, which is a big partnership with Peloton is working. I will Oseary’s resume outside Maverick in- deal. be interviewing their head of music partner- cludes a partnership with Ashton Kutcher The other big matter we’re waiting on is ships, as well as one of their top instructors, leading the venture capital firm Sound Ven- for the Department of Justice to make a de- who’s a favorite of mine. tures, which has stakes in companies includ- cision about what to do regarding the con- What’s funny is that I’ve always been into ing Uber, Airbnb, Spotify, Pinterest, Square, sent decrees that govern ASCAP and BMI. fitness quite a bit, but during our lawsuit Robinhood, Houzz and others. He is also an The process was all complete. It’s now in against Peloton, I didn’t feel comfortable do- investor in Peloton and is a co-founder of the department’s hands, and again, they’re ing Peloton. I’ve always been into spinning much-buzzed text platform Community. all working remotely as well, but undoubt- classes and I actually was doing Flywheel at edly the timeline will be impacted by what’s home. But when we settled our dispute with going on. Those are two giant issues that we Peloton and became partners, then I got a are waiting on. Peloton and it was just when the shutdown My team has been working from home for started. It was perfect timing. So for the last about the past eight weeks. As for structure, two months, I’ve transitioned to be a Pelo- Page 13 of 29

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ton user and I’m loving it. noisy in the mornings or evenings, but that’s I also have two young daughters, ages six fine. That’s all, you know, part of the new In Canada, Artists and three, with me at home. That’s been a normal. little bit of a challenge to try to keep them Are Earning entertained without school, kindergarten and Montessori daycare. We moved my Apple Music to Performance mother-in-law, who was in a nursing home, into our home. She’s nearing 80 years old Launch First Radio Royalties for and there were just some concerns about her being in a nursing home, so we decided Show In Africa Livestreams to move her in. I try to keep a routine. I’ve got a home BY ASSOCIATED PRESS BY KAREN BLISS office. I try to work out every day and spend some time with my family and try to get pple Music is launching its first ORONTO — With Canadian art- outside. We’re in Chevy Chase, Maryland. radio show in Africa. ists off the road and performing We belong to the Columbia Country Club, The streaming platform an- virtual concerts on Facebook and which just opened up its golf course last nounced Thursday (May 28) that Instagram, the performance rights Friday, where you can walk and carry your “AfricaA Now Radio with Cuppy” will debut Torganization SOCAN has created a new own bag. That’s been a blessing. Sunday (May 31) and will feature a mix of program, called Encore!, to help deliver roy- Despite the fact that we were working contemporary and traditional popular Afri- alties to performers during the COVID-19 from home, we worked with other music can sounds, including genres like Afrobeat, pandemic. The program is retroactive from organizations and lobbied collectively for rap, house, kuduro and more. March 15 of this year until March 7, 2021. provision in the CARES Act that would Cuppy, the Nigerian-born DJ and music Each online concert on Facebook/Insta- allow independent contractors like song- producer, will host the weekly one-hour gram is eligible for a total payment of CAD writers and musicians to [be eligible for] the show, which will be available at 9 a.m. EDT. $150 (USD $109), with the royalties split government benefits. It wasn’t walking the “The show represents a journey from amongst all the rights holders of the music halls of Congress, it was emails and phone West to East and North to South, but im- performed. Criteria-wise, the set must be calls. Normally, most members of Congress portantly a narrative of Africa then to Africa at least 30 minutes in length or consist of have a hundred different things that they’re now,” Cuppy in a statement. 10 songs and have been viewed by at least dealing with and you’re trying to get their African music and artists have found 100 people (proven by a screenshot). Claims attention on your issue, whereas with this, success outside of the continent and onto must be made within 90 days. everybody was focused on the CARES Act. the pop charts in both the U.S. and U.K. in “Live performances on social media prop- There were a lot of champions in Congress recent years. Acts like Drake and Beyoncé erties normally do not generate more than that went to bat for the music industry. have borrowed the sound for their own a few dollars in royalties for songwriters, We also had an office move in the middle songs, while performers like South African composers and music publishers,” it states of all this, so our employees had to go into DJ Black Coffee as well as Davido, Burna in the press release. “Typically, royalties our old office individually and pack up. That Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Mr Eazi — all from music used on these platforms come was planned well in advance before the with roots in Nigeria — continue to gain at- from streamed and downloaded recorded shutdown. We’re going to start the process tention and have become household names. music.” of setting up the new office, having each Apple Music’s announcement comes the SOCAN has allotted $200,000 (USD employee go to the office one at a time to set same week Universal Music Group said it $145,000) for each quarter. up their work space. We’re looking at maybe was launching Def Jam Africa, a new divi- “We’re not aware of other music rights or- having some in-office experiences starting sion of the label focused on representing ganizations conducting a similar initiative,” in July. hip-hop, Afrobeat and trap talent in Africa. interim CEO Jennifer Brown told Billboard I guess what has been most interesting The label said it will be based in Johannes- in an email. “The SOCAN Encore! program during this time is that, because we are all burg and Lagos but plans to sign talent from is a special distribution from our Facebook working from home, no one’s keeping office all over the continent. license.” hours. At NMPA, we like to be available to What About Other PROs? our membership 24/7 to discuss an issue. I Billboard reached out to other perform- think there’s more of that going on as people ing rights organizations outside of Canada don’t have as regular schedules. Dogs are to see if similar initiatives are available or in running around in the background. I have the works to help their members during this two young children and they can be a little financially difficult time when live venues Page 14 of 29

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are closed and tours canceled, likely into about everything in between,” Candler tells 2021. Absolute Merch Billboard. “When COVID-19 hit, everyone ASCAP members can submit setlists freaked out, but luckily we had positioned from their live-streamed performances on Teams With ourselves over the last year to focus on e- ASCAP-licensed platforms through their ex- commerce.” isting ASCAP OnStage program, which pays Artists to Raise While other companies enacted layoffs, members royalties for shows at licensed “we kept our staff,” he said. “Our bands physical venues and has been expanded to Money for Charity all were on board to push their merch and virtual ones due to the pandemic. All mem- wanted to raise money for charities,” includ- ber writers and publishers listed on title BY DAVE BROOKS ing Feeding America, Doctors Without registrations receive a royalty. Borders and private GoFundMe’s for bands BMI does not have a such a program for t was supposed to be a big year for and touring crews. self-reporting live-streamed performances Billy Candler with Absolute Merch, Participating artists include Madeon, Sil- “at this time,” Jodie Thomas, executive who had a number of high profile verstein, Quadeca, Motionless in White, director, corporate communications & clients preparing to embark on major Witt Lowry, Chase Atlantic, The Used, media relations, told Billboard in an emailed Itours. Half Alive, Megan Batoon, The Story So statement, adding “Given the circumstances, “We were expecting this to be the biggest Far and Beartooth. however, we’re gathering information on year we’ve ever had,” explained Candler. As part of the program, both Absolute and what’s trending in this space and research- “We had some life changing tours for some participating bands donated 50% of their ing the best options for BMI and our song- of our artists on the book that would have share proceeds to charity. writers.” equated to great business for us and an- “Some of these bands are struggling PRS For Music also doesn’t accept sub- chored our live strategy.” right now and for them to make five-figure missions from its members for performanc- That included Blackbear who was on donations to people they don’t even know es on any of the social media sites. tour with Halsey, Ice Nine Kills who was is pretty incredible,” Candler said. “With no SACEM, in France, is about to announce playing arenas with Five Finger Death touring happening, realistically for the fore- a new live-stream renumeration, but did not Punch and “a couple artists that had unan- seeable future, merchandise is really kind of have the information by publication time. nounced tours for this summer in amphithe- one of the only ways that fans can make a di- SESAC said it has been “offering its affili- aters,” Candler said. rect connection with the band and its great ates the opportunity to submit their online All that changed in March when the to see fans continuing to show support.” live-streamed sets as live performances market crash caused by COVID-19 crisis (for compensation) for quite some time,” derailed those plans and left the merch said Sam Kling, the PROs svp of creative company and printer with a lot of gear that How We Work operations. “We view these as we would would not go out on the road. Candler redi- any live performance in a physical venue. If rected the merch online and began working Now: Midem a SESAC song is performed live in front of with bands to donate a portion of the pro- an audience, our songwriters deserve to be ceeds to support band crews that were on Director compensated for it.” the road and help bands pay off any existing For SOCAN, the submission form has tour expenses. Alexandre Deniot not changed. The “venue” must simply be “Consumers really rallied around these marked as Facebook or Instagram. “SOCAN bands and wanted to help out,” Candler BY ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO is in the process of adding more online plat- said. Seeing the success of the initial sales, forms to the Encore! Program,” the release Candler said the company shifted its focus n a new series amid the coronavirus states, and “is encouraging its members to to charities like MusiCares. So far, the effort pandemic, Billboard is asking individu- submit set lists for all online concerts.” has helped raise $115,000 for charity; not als from all sectors of the music busi- bad for a company that launched in 2012 ness to share stories of how they work servicing festivals like the Warped Tour. Inow, with much of the world quarantined at Printing shirts from a small office in Orange home and unable to take in-person meetings, County, Absolute slowly grew into one of attend conferences or even go into the office. the largest music merch companies in the Submissions for the series can be sent to U.S. [email protected]. Read the “Last year we worked the campaigns for full series here. five No. 1 records, and ran tours from arena- This installment is with Midem director Al- sized runs down to small clubs and just exandre Deniot, who was forced to make some Page 15 of 29

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big decisions about this year’s music business to do, and during the event it is going to be There are some similar aspects from the conference as the pandemic shut down France lighter. physical Midem. We still need to have the less than eight weeks before the annual event. We decided that this edition [of Midem] speakers, we still need the content we want Here, he speaks about how he balanced home will be accessible to all. It will be free. [The to deliver and the topics. As we have a lot of and work while shifting the focus of the walk-up entry to Midem usually costs 950 eu- pre-recorded content, we have to record the conference, which kicks off next week and ros.] This is our contribution to the industry content, then we have post-production and runs June 2-5, to the first digital version of at this difficult time. It is the first time in our then we have to release it. It’s a new process. Midem in its 54-year history. history that we are going to do a digital edi- That’s why we work harder now than what Alexandre Deniot: The weekend just be- tion, after 54 years of Midem, and the first we usually do at Midem Cannes. fore the lockdown was announced in March, time we decided to give the access to all. And every day we will record content. I started to be sick with symptoms similar to It was not an easy decision. But it was also So that’s why it is similar to a TV program. the COVID ones. Without any tests available important for us knowing that there are a Every day you have a specific program at the time, my doctor asked me to stay 14 lot of people [enduring] a very difficult time. with content and every day we release new days by myself without my family. It was a It is important for us to show our solidar- content. pretty tough start, to be honest. ity with the music community. The digital Thanks to the fact that we did a lot of But I am an optimist and always see the edition seems by far the best option, rather work before for the Midem Cannes we glass half full. And there are a lot of positive than having everyone wait, especially during re-adapted part of the content to the digital aspects in being locked down at home. The a period when we all need to collaborate editions. But at the same time, we created first is being able to spend more time with with each other. new content specifically for the digital edi- my kids, which is very important. And I am We had been planning to launch a digital tion. also lucky enough to have a house with a platform for some time. The need to move [After the pandemic I look forward to] garden, surrounded by nature, not far from Midem online for 2020 gave us the push we being able to travel and be on holidays. And Paris. The fact that I was stuck at home needed to speed up the process. We are re- see the ocean. To spend some time away without being able to travel, to run from ally focused on keeping the DNA of Midem from my house, even though I really love one meeting to another, allowed me also to intact while adapting to a digital environ- my house. I am a kite surfer so if I can go refocus on the important things and gain in ment. The impact of COVID-19 on the music somewhere to do some kite surfing, I will be efficiency. industry will of course be present through- super happy. Of course, I realize that for many people out the conversations. it’s a lot more complicated and difficult Thanks to the platform and technology when you can’t go outside except for one we are using now, people will be able to con- Greek Theatre hour per day to do some sports or to go buy nect and [network]. And there will be Meet some groceries. But now the situation is a the Speakers, when we can have some in- Season Canceled bit better. The shops are reopening. We are teraction with the speakers with Q&As after able to go out with a limit of 100 kilometers the keynotes and panels. [The speakers will for First Time in from your home. Now you can take your car be live for the Q&As; the panels and keynotes and go outside without having to have any will be pre-recorded.] 90 Years official papers. A few weeks ago, you had to When we started working from home, I carry with you some official papers and had realized how fast we adapted to this new BY SHARAREH DRURY to explain why you need to be in your car situation. We organized ourselves and modi- and go outside your house. fied our way to work as a team. Basically, we he Greek Theatre is canceling its I have two boys, 6 and 10. So it’s pretty in- moved from being an event organizer to a 2020 season, prompted by the tense. They had to do school at home. They TV producer. And we will deliver a four- COVID-19 pandemic, it was an- do some stuff online. But you need to be on day program with more than 20 hours of nounced Tuesday. them to make sure they do their homework. content at the highest level, with everything TThe decision marks the first time in 90 You have to be present with them, otherwise managed from home. years that the iconic Los Angeles music it’s a mess. I have an office in Paris, London and amphitheater located in Griffith Park has [In a normal year], one week away from New York. In my core team I have around canceled its entire season, and comes two the physical Midem, everything would be 20 people. Plus, we have some representa- weeks after the Hollywood Bowl canceled set up — the speakers, the program, all our tives around the world, about 15 people. So its 2020 summer season. partners involved. Everything would be around 35 people in the core team. For the According to a statement shared on the ready. The most intense time would have digital [edition we employed] around 50 theater’s website, the move was made “in been during the event. But now it is the people, while for Midem Cannes it is more conformance with State, County and City other way around. We have a lot of things than 100 people. guidelines regarding COVID-19 and the Page 16 of 29

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improbability for mass gatherings, like con- the Hardest Part,” Billie Eilish made a guest Quarantunes is executive produced by certs and large crowd events.” appearance and Clive Davis offered color Weitz’s assistant Coco Weaver, who navi- “We will be taking time to refresh and re- commentary while Los Angeles mayor Eric gates through the 1,000 viewers who tune set, working with all our valued partners to Garcetti offered a bilingual introduction for in each week to locate celebrities like Amy reschedule any previously planned events. the LA Phil’s musical director and conduc- Adams and Debbie Gibson, who frequently Please continue to monitor our website tor Gustavo Dudamel. tunes in to watch the series and often makes for event status updates,” the statement And while most episodes of the series a cameo, LA County supervisor Sheila continued. have been taped from the Weitzs’ kitchen, Kuehl and musical legend Herbie Hancock Anthony-Paul Diaz, City of Los Angeles, the father-daughter duo surprised the audi- who sat for an in-depth interview before Recreation and Parks Executive Officer, also ence when they unveiled that they were Rob Thomas, Seal and Andy Grammer shared in a statement that “although we had broadcasting from the Hollywood Bowl, closed out the Saturday series. hoped to celebrate our 90th Anniversary which is going to miss its first season in 98 He’s been asked to open up the series to a Season of providing live entertainment for years due to coronavirus. Weitz worked wider audience on YouTube, but Weitz says the citizens of Los Angeles we feel it is the with the Bowl’s senior director of presenta- obtaining the rights to every song would right, responsible and safe thing for fans, tions Johanna Rees to arrange for the visit, be a logistical nightmare and said the small artists, staff and our Griffith Park communi- opening with an appearance by composer audience creates an informal relaxed atmo- ty to put a pause on live, large crowd events and pianist John Williams and a four-trum- sphere. How is he going to top Saturday’s until 2021.” pet live performance of the theme of Raiders performance? The news comes as Los Angeles County of the Lost Ark. Next up was an acoustic “I never look at it as topping I just look at recently reopened churches, stores, pools performance from songwriter and per- it as figuring out the great charities and the and drive-in theaters. The county’s corona- former Kenny Loggins. In between songs, diversity of music,” he told Billboard, add- virus case count stands at over 47,000 cases actor Kevin Bacon jumped on the Zoom to ing that he’s always working to book artists and over 2,000 deaths. riff with Loggins about the title track to the for the series, pursing artists like an agent 1984 hit filmFootloose . chases a client he wants to sign. “The movie wouldn’t have been the same What about rock legend Bon Jovi? Quarantunes without that song,” Bacon told Loggins, be- “He’s doing a few,” Weitz wrote via text. fore he and two other musicians ripped into “I want him.” Passes the $3M a lively, acoustic rendition of the nine-time platinum track. By the time Gloria Gaynor Milestone in Just had finished performing “I Will Survive,” Ken Pedersen, the Weitzs announced they had raised more Ten Weeks than $3 million for charities since launch- Veteran ing on Demi’s 17th birthday in late March, BY DAVE BROOKS thanks to the contribution of the 1,000 Capitol and people who tune in each week via Zoom. hen WME agent Richard Quarantunes has also garnered a ton of Virgin Records Weitz and his daughter press, but the headlines describing the event Demi Weitz first launched as “exclusive” and “insider Hollywood” miss Executive, Dies the Quarantunes series the goofiness of much of the series (which fromW their kitchen countertop, they were went four hours for their super show on at 63 hoping to raise $10,000 for a local health Saturday). Richard and Demi are fans first clinic. and are genuinely excited for each artist and BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN The invite-only series broadcast on web performance, which takes a lot of coordina- platform Zoom hit that goal in its first tion with so many artists performing. Anyone eteran label executive Ken Ped- episode, and earlier this week announced a who has used Zoom in large groups knows ersen died of sepsis brought on new milestone, raising more than $3 million that things tend to occasionally go wrong by non-COVID-related pneumo- for charity, thanks to their biggest show and it was no different with Quarantunes, nia on March 18, his family has to date on Saturday (May 23) with perfor- with occasional sound glitch or unmuted side revealed.V He was 63. mances from Beck, Bryan Adams, Elvis conversation. The small gaffes are endear- Pedersen is best known for serving as Costello, Santana and many more artists ing — including when someone accidentally CFO of Capitol Records and executive vp in a marathon four-hour broadcast. The hit the annotate button and scribbled on the at Virgin Records, where he was one of the Killers debuted two pre-recorded songs screen during one of the sets — and give the principal architects of the Now That’s What including a cover of Tom Petty’s “Waiting is series a sense of credibility. I Call Music! compilation series in the U.S. Page 17 of 29

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During his time at Virgin, he also brokered vein after departing Virgin in 2002. That sive interviews from UMG artists including a blockbuster $80 million, four-album con- same year, he founded New River Com- Bon Jovi and Demi Lovato, both of whom tract renewal with Janet Jackson. pany, a label consortium and joint venture launched content on the platform earlier In a statement given to Malibu Surf- between Virgin and Narada that signed acts this year. CEEK also recently captured a sit- side News, Peter Knee, who worked with including the all-woman Chinese music down conversation between Island Records Pedersen at EMI Music London, called group 12 Girls Band. He later held roles at founder Chris Blackwell and president Pedersen “one of the commercially smartest insurance company CRC Group and nano- Darcus Beese, as well as a “mini concert” people I have ever met, because unlike most technology company Xurex. by Island artist Jessie Reyez, during the accountants, he had a wonderful intuition Pedersen is survived by his wife, Maggie UMG imprint’s 60th anniversary celebra- in understanding what would work for the Pedersen; sons Owen Pedersen and Nick tion. other party in order to secure agreement.” Rapp; mother Jan Pedersen and sister Kathy All 360VR experiences created under In the same story, Pedersen’s EMI co- Pedersen Nadler. His father Kenneth G. the deal are available for download on iOS, worker Adrian Cheesley also remembered Pedersen and brother Daniel S. Pedersen Android, Facebook Oculus, HTC and other the late executive. preceded him in death. platforms and can also be viewed through “Ken was a charming, intelligent and Additional reporting by Barbara Burke. CEEK’s mobile virtual reality headset. lovely guy with a gung-ho attitude - we Full-service production company Jesse called him affectionately ‘the Dude’ - and, Collins Entertainment has signed a multi- as well as being my boss, we became firm The Deals: Travis year overall deal with ViacomCBS Cable friends, often travelling together to EMI Networks. companies around the world until he got Barker’s DTA Under the agreement, Jesse Collins asked to step in as acting CFO at Capitol Entertainment will provide production ser- in L.A., a very senior role for his age at the Records Signs vices for BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, time. Ken was a great friend to have and we Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1. will badly miss his good humor, warmth and TikTok Star Jxdn, The company’s founder and CEO Jesse upbeat personality.” Collins previously served as an executive Born in Santa Monica and raised in On- CEEK Pacts producer of the highly-rated BET original tario, California, Pedersen began his career film The New Edition Story and its follow as an accountant at Ernst & Whitney before With UMe for VR up The Bobby Brown Story. He also execu- moving to Capitol Records, where he was tive produced the five-season BET TV hired as director of internal audit in 1987. Concerts series Real Husbands of Hollywood star- He served in the same role at EMI London ring Kevin Hart and is behind the current beginning in 1989 before returning to Capi- BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN BET original series American Soul, which tol as interim CFO. In 1991, he returned to centers on the iconic TV music series Soul EMI London to serve as CFO and was part ravis Barker’s DTA Records has Train. of the company’s acquisition team when it signed singer-songwriter jxdn, the In the unscripted realm, the company acquired Virgin Records in 1992. He later label announced last week. Jxdn is has produced the BET Awards, BET Hon- moved into an executive vp position at Vir- DTA’s first signing. ors, UNCF’s An Evening of Stars, ABFF gin, a role he served in for nearly 10 years. TJxdn’s inaugural release on the label is Honors, Soul Train Awards, Love & Hap- It was at Virgin where Pedersen began his the single “Angels & Demons,” which was piness: An Obama Farewell, Black Girls foray into world and new age music, over- co-produced by Barker and features the Rock!, Sunday Best and the BET Hip Hop seeing and facilitating the acquisitions of Blink-182 member on drums. It was released Awards. Collins is also a producer of the Virgin sub-labels including David Byrne’s by DTA last Tuesday (May 19). In Febru- Grammy Awards, executive producer of Luaka Bop, Peter Gabriel’s Real World ary, jxdn — the performance alias of TikTok the VH1 series Dear Mama and Hip Hop Records and Narada Productions . He also star Jaden Hossler — self-released his debut Squares, CMT’s Nashville Squares, HBO’s served as a key architect behind the suc- single “Comatose,” which has garnered over Amanda Seales I Be Knowin’ and Netflix’s cessful CD compilation series Pure Moods, 20 million streams across platforms. Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Ma- a kind of Now That’s What I Call Music! for CEEK Virtual Reality will release pre- chine and Rhythm & Flow, the music com- world, new age, smooth jazz and ambient mium, virtual concerts by Universal Music petition series that was recently renewed artists. Additionally, he launched Virgin’s Group artists on its content streaming for a second season. Americana/roots rock sub-label Back Porch platform in a new collaboration with UMG’s Atlantic Records imprint Art@War has Records, which signed artists including U.S. catalog and special markets entity UMe. signed Compton-bred rapper Prince Taee Cracker and Over the Rhine. Under the deal, CEEK users will be of- to an exclusive label deal via TML (The Pedersen continued in the world music fered behind-the-scenes content and exclu- Music Life). His first release under the Page 18 of 29

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label is the single “Free Crack” feat. YBN Midtown and Demonbreun [Street]. A hand- Almighty Jay and MyCrazyRO, which is Baby Talk: How ful of them started getting married, and then currently available on all streaming ser- next thing you know, everybody’s getting vices. Maturation Is married. Then a handful of them started having kids, and next thing you know, every- Changing the body’s having kids.” Caroline Signs That cycle is nothing new — it’s a key part Story In Modern of how humanity replenishes itself and ex- Rising Reggaeton pands. But country has similarly been birth- Country Music ing such songs since its inception. Jimmie Artist Omy De Rodgers’ first historic recording session in- BY TOM ROLAND cluded the lullaby “Sleep, Baby, Sleep.” The Oro genre has since yielded newborn titles like hen Brett Young inserted The Harden Trio’s bouncy “Tippy Toeing,” BY GRISELDA FLORES the heartbeat from his Anne Murray’s anticipatory “Danny’s Song,” wife’s first sonogram into George Strait’s insightful “I Saw God Today” aroline has added Denis Omar the intro of his new single, and Loretta Lynn’s humorous “One’s on the Aponte, known as Omy de Oro, to heW created an appropriate sonic atmosphere Way” (“Gee, I hope it ain’t twins again”). its roster after signing a distribu- for “Lady,” a song that celebrates both his But as much as society is trained to revere tion deal with the rising Puerto daughter, Presley, and her mother, Taylor. newborns, merely announcing the arrival of CRican trap and reggaetón artist. But the move also inadvertently em- the stork may not be interesting enough to Caroline, which is the independent phasized the sound of a new baby boom in sustain a writing session. distribution and label services arm of country music. Joining Young on the Coun- “I don’t think I would be crazy about a Capitol Music Group, will help develop try Airplay chart are two titles in which an song where a regular couple had a regular the 25-year-old singer, who recently unplanned pregnancy plays a vital role: Jake baby and then that was the song without collaborated with global superstar Bad Owen’s “Made for You” and HARDY’s “One some sort of drama going on to keep me at- Bunny on the track “Subimos de Rango.” Beer,” featuring Devin Dawson and Lauren tached to that situation,” says HARDY. Omy de Oro joins other Caroline Alaina. Additionally, Lady Antebellum’s Sure enough, a significant amount of such signees including urbano artist Brytiago, recent release, “What I’m Leaving For,” cap- songs have focused on difficult — some- rapper Lil Baby, K-pop boy band NCT 127 tured the cycle of doubt and reassurance in times tragic — circumstances: infant deaths and hip-hop artist Trippie Redd. a working mother who is carrying another in Ernest Tubb’s “Our Baby’s Book” and Omy de Oro launched his music career child. Plus, Black River plans to introduce David Houston & Tammy Wynette’s “My on the Freestyle Mania platform, where 19-year-old MaRynn Taylor with the June 5 Elusive Dreams,” loss of custody in George he uploaded freestyle videos to showcase release of “Dads and Daughters,” a song that Jones’ “The Grant Tour” or a delivery-room his talent. begins with a hospital delivery, to digital complication in Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take It wasn’t until 2019 that he got his big service providers. (Watch the video for the the Girl.” break, collaborating with reggaetonero song here.) Meanwhile, premarital pregnancies and/ Alex Rose on “No Te Asustes.” In 2020, he Kid stuff is a timely topic. In the face or shotgun weddings have fed the stories of performed “Subimos de Rango” along- of a pandemic that has killed over 97,000 Eric Church’s “Two Pink Lines,” Don Wil- side Bad Bunny and Shootter Ledo at Americans in a scant three months (accord- liams’ “Rake and Ramblin’ Man,” The Oak Calibash in Los Angeles. ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Ridge Boys’ “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Prevention), many listeners are reexamining Daylight,” HARDY’s “One Beer” and Owen’s their lives and reprioritizing their families. “Made for You.” Those scenarios might But the songs at the heart of the baby boom have generated some audience pushback in were all recorded before the average Ameri- earlier decades, though modern listeners are can had ever heard the term “COVID-19.” less likely to judge the fictional characters in The trend instead reflects a generation of the story. 20- and 30-something country artists who “Whether you’re in the ‘50s or whether are building families in a manner that’s typi- it’s 2020, when someone realizes that you’re cal for their demographic. bringing another human being into this “I’ve noticed the shift from when I first world, it’s getting real,” notes Owen. got to town,” says Young. “Almost all the solo It’s possible that McGraw’s 2002 record- male acts were single guys running around ing of “Red Ragtop” marked a turning point Page 19 of 29

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in fan response. An oblique line — “We smile at the same time.” He previously visited the summit twice as a decided not to have the child” — hinted at Thus, the wave of baby songs represents a co-producer on two Cardi B tracks: “Bodak an abortion. The song stopped at No. 5 on return of more adult viewpoints to country’s Yellow (Money Moves)” for four weeks in Hot Country Songs, short of McGraw’s usual mainstream. 2017 and the following year’s “I Like It,” a No. 1 peaks at the time, though it clearly “We’re not concentrating on Friday and team-up with Bad Bunny and J Balvin that didn’t harm his career and may have made it Saturday night,” says Medley. “We’re con- also won four terms on top. easier for other songs about imperfect birth centrating on all aspects of life — the good, Beyoncé, meanwhile, adds a 10th Rhyth- circumstances. the bad, the work week —not just going out mic No. 1 to her files and her first since she “Everybody was kind of taken aback by with your friends or trying to get a girl to and husband Jay-Z featured on DJ Khaled’s that lyric, but I think when you look into a come over. With that, I think people are rec- “Shining” in 2017. Here’s a full recap as the crowd, you’ve got people that have lived that ognizing their audience is not just 20-year- superstar adds to her count: line,” says “Made for You” songwriter Neil old people.” Song, Additional Artists (if any), Weeks at Medley. “It’s a more liberal world out there.” “There was a time that I would have said, No. 1, Date Reached No. 1 For his part, McGraw often has focused ‘I wonder if people ever want a story song “’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” (Jay-Z featuring on noncontroversial topics and traditional again,’” agrees Johnson. “And it’s amazing Beyoncé Knowles), three, Jan. 4, 2003 family values in his songs, reflecting on a in the last year that young artists are saying, “Crazy in Love,” featuring Jay-Z, one, Aug. daughter’s birth in “My Little Girl” and ‘I want a story song.’ In a ‘90s kind of way, 9, 2003 appreciating a parent in current single “I younger artists are wanting to do a little “Baby Boy,” featuring Sean Paul, seven, Called Mama.” The songs affect him in a dif- more depth in their lyrics.” Sept. 27, 2003 ferent way now as a 53-year-old parent than This article first appeared in the weekly “Naughty Girl,” one, May 22, 2004 “Don’t Take the Girl” did in 1994. Billboard Country Update newsletter. Click “Check on It,” featuring Slim Thug, one, “It’s a lot more personal when you record here to subscribe for free. March 4, 2006 a song like that than it used to be when I “Irreplaceable,” seven, Dec. 30, 2006 was young,” says McGraw. “You found a “Sweet Dreams,” one, Nov. 28, 2009 way to make it personal because you’re an ‘Savage’ Expands “Drunk in Love,” featuring Jay-Z, three, artist, and that’s what you do: You lead with March 1, 2014 your heart. But when life steps in and really, Radio Reach, Hits “Shining” (DJ Khaled featuring Beyoncé & really gets into the cracks of your life and Jay-Z), one, March 13, 2017 causes the cracks in your face, that’s where No. 1 on Rhythmic “Savage” (Megan Thee Stallion featuring the beauty comes from.” Beyoncé), one to date, May 30, 2020 The increased discussion about babies Chart Plus, a 10th Rhythmic chart-topper makes creates an artistic sweep that mirrors life. In Beyoncé the eighth act to break the double- 2013, the bro-country movement focused on BY TREVOR ANDERSON digit barrier since the airplay ranking began one-night stands at drunken field parties. In in 1992. Notably, she’s only the second more recent years, boyfriend country found egan Thee Stallion scores woman to do so, following Rihanna. Here’s male artists singing appreciative love songs her second No. 1 on Billboard’s an updated look at the leaderboard for the about their girlfriends. Love, of course, leads Rhythmic Songs airplay chart most No. 1s: to marriage, then comes a little baby in a as “Savage,” featuring Beyon- 28, Drake carriage, reuniting the genre with some of Mcé, steps to the summit on the list dated May 17, Rihanna its inherent core content. 30. The single ascends from the runner-up 13, Usher “Our format is family, church, country,” spot thanks to a 7% jump in plays in the 11, Bruno Mars says Black River vp A&R Doug Johnson. week ending May 25, according to Nielsen 11, Chris Brown That family part is central to Taylor’s Music/MRC Data. 11, Lil Wayne “Dads and Daughters.” The heart-tugging “Savage” dethrones Drake’s “Toosie 10, Beyoncé song kicks off with the girl’s birth while ex- Slide” after the latter’s three-week run. 10, The Weeknd ploring a key relationship between genera- Before “Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion led 9, Jay-Z tions in a nuclear family. the Rhythmic Songs list for one week with 9, Nicki Minaj “You know what this does to me?” says “Hot Girl Summer,” her collaboration with With the Rhythmic sector secured, “Sav- Johnson of the song. “It makes me want Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign last October. age” extends its success story at radio. The to call my little girl, who’s now 28. And it The coronation also brings favorable single retains its No. 1 standing on the R&B/ makes me miss my mother. I call them book- news for the track’s producer, Anthony “J. Hip-Hop Airplay and Rap Airplay charts ends when a song can go both directions for White Did It” White, who takes his first for a second week each and busts into the you and hit you hard and make you cry and Rhythmic Songs leader as the sole producer. top 10 on the all-genre Radio Songs ranking Page 20 of 29

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with an 11-8 climb. ment. “We are so pleased to have secured Tame Impala’s first top 10 on Adult Alterna- Pop radio, too, becomes welcome territory our first set of recording artists and our tive Songs, surpassing the No. 11 high of “Pa- as “Savage” lifts 27-24 in its fifth week on the mission is to continue building a world- tience” (June 2019), and is the group’s first Pop Songs airplay chart. There, it picks up renowned international record label with a top 10 on any airplay chart since “Elephant.” 27% in plays in the week ending May 25. roster of supreme talent.” Tame Impala becomes the second act in Radio gains across the board, along with Marley, the son of international reggae a row and third overall in 2020 to nab its a boost in sales, help the song win the race icon Bob Marley, is scheduled to put out a first Adult Alternative Songs No. 1. Fellow for No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and new collection of music either later this year veteran rockers The Strokes preceded them Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts for the or next, and said in a statement, “It’s a very with four-week leader “Bad Decisions,” after first time. “Savage” also rebounds for a creative and fruitful time for my career and Black Pumas ruled for a week in Febru- second nonconsecutive stint atop Hot Rap I’m excited to be joining Alacran Records, ary with “Colors.” (Additionally, Nathaniel Songs after ceding the summit to 6ix9ine’s an ambitious and cutting edge label with Rateliff scored his first solo No. 1, “And It’s “Gooba” last week. real passion for the music and dedication to Still Alright,” following three leaders with their artists.” his band Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night As for Anderson, who portrayed Grey Sweats.) Ky-Mani Marley, Worm for six seasons on the acclaimed HBO Concurrently, “Lost in Yesterday” holds at megaseries Game of Thrones, he’s set to put No. 7 on Alternative Songs after reaching ‘Game of Thrones’ out his first album since a 2016 debut, You’re a No. 6 high. On the all-rock-format Rock A Man Now, Boy, which was released by Airplay chart, the track rises 5-4 (4.8 mil- Actor Sign to Columbia Records. His new album, Andy, is lion audience impressions), a new high for slated to be released in June via Alacran. the act; “Elephant” peaked at No. 12. Alacran Records “I write songs for myself, to get things “Lost in Yesterday” is from The Slow Rush, off my chest and process my emotions but Tame Impala’s fourth studio album, which BY DAN RYS then I release them and I don’t own them debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums anymore; they belong to other people,” he and Alternative Albums charts dated Feb. y-Mani Marley and Jacob said in a statement. “I hope there is some- 29. Previous Slow Rush single “It Might Be Anderson, who records under one who listens to it and hears themselves Time” hit No. 39 on Adult Alternative Songs the name Raleigh Ritchie and in [the album]. I hope that makes them feel in December. is most well-known for playing less lonely.” Kthe character named Grey Worm on HBO’s Game of Thrones, have both signed to Ala- ASCAP to Hold cran Records. They join Spanish DJ/produc- Tame Impala er Dani Calvo and British pop band Miya Virtual Editions of Miya, which is readying a new EP called Tallies First Cold Blood, as new signees to the recently- Its Pop, Screen, founded label, which is jointly based in Airplay Chart No. Miami and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Latin and Rhythm Alacran Records is a subsidiary of the Ala- 1 With ‘Lost in cran Group, co-founded by Alessandra Lo & Soul Awards Savio, which also includes a video produc- Yesterday’ tion company, runs live events and record- This Summer ing studios, and encompasses the Alacran BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Foundation, which has a longstanding part- BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN nership with the Bob Marley Foundation, ame Impala scores its first No. 1 among other initiatives. The label, which on a Billboard airplay chart with SCAP will hold four virtual also is home to British rapper/singer Tiggs “Lost in Yesterday,” which rises 3-1 celebrations for its ASCAP Pop, Da Author, Latin artist Willie Gomez and on the Adult Alternative Songs Screen, Latin and Rhythm & Soul Bahamian singer Keeya, offers its artists dis- Tlist dated May 30. Music Award winners, the orga- tribution, licensing and global marketing. Over Tame Impala’s airplay chart history, nizationA announced Thursday (May 28). “We launched Alacran Records to help the band previously peaked at a No. 8 best Honoring the songwriters and publishers create an inspiring and supportive envi- on Alternative Songs with “Elephant” in behind ASCAP’s most performed songs of ronment for rising stars to showcase their October 2013. the past year, the three-day celebrations will incredible talents,” Lo Savio said in a state- “Lost in Yesterday” previously became kick off with the ASCAP Pop Music Awards Page 21 of 29

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from June 17-19, to be followed by the Screen sales and streaming data. It ascends 19-16 on Music Awards (June 23-25), Latin Music J Balvin’s ‘Rojo’ the strength of an 8% boost in digital sales. Awards (July 7-9) and Rhythm & Soul Music Awards (July 15-17). During each, ASCAP’s Hits Top 10 on social media channels will host three days of Nahko and dedicated content, including livestreamed Latin Airplay performances, special celebrity appearanc- Medicine For the es, winner spotlights and interviews. Chart “Our members are the heart and soul of People Hit No. ASCAP and every year we look forward BY PAMELA BUSTIOS to the chance to reunite in person and 1 on Emerging celebrate their outstanding contributions to s J Balvin’s “Rojo” bounds 14-9 music,” said ASCAP chairman of the board on the Latin Airplay chart dated Artists Chart and president Paul Williams in a statement. May 30, he clocks his 28th top 10, “Even though we can’t be together ‘in real dating to his first, “6 AM,” featur- BY XANDER ZELLNER life’ this time, we are so excited to honor ingA Farruko, in 2014. them virtually so that we can all connect “Rojo” pushes up the Latin Airplay chart lternative world music group and share our collective love of music. We despite a 10% decrease in audience impres- Nahko and Medicine for the invite music fans everywhere to join us in sions (down to 6.5 million) earned in the People re-enters Billboard’s toasting their music and what their creative week ending May 24, according to Nielsen Emerging Artists chart (dated work adds to our lives.” Music/MRC Data. MayA 30) at No. 1 to become the top emerging The virtual awards ceremonies will Over the history of the chart, which began act in the U.S. for the first time, thanks to the feature exclusive photos, videos, accep- in 1994, J Balvin breaks away from a tie act’s new LP Take Your Power Back. tance speeches and more, posted with the with Ricky Martin and stands alone for the The set starts at No. 3 on Alternative Al- hashtag #ASCAPAwards to the @ASCAP, fourth-most top 10s. bums and No. 11 on Top Rock Albums with @ASCAPScreen, @ASCAPUrban and @ Here’s a look at the acts with the most top 10,000 equivalent album units, according to ASCAPLatino handles on Instagram. They 10s all-time on the tally. Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It concurrently will also include special programming as Most Latin Airplay Top 10s: launches at No. 5 on the all-genre Album part of ASCAP’s free virtual series ASCAP 39, Enrique Iglesias Sales chart, with 9,000 in album sales among Experience: Home Edition, which is slated 36, Daddy Yankee its overall unit sum. to kick off today. Additionally, at some point 31, Shakira The group previously spent one week on during the festivities ASCAP will reveal the 28, J Balvin Emerging Artists, at No. 19 in November winners of its annual Composers’ Choice 27, Ricky Martin 2017, when My Name Is Bear opened at No. Awards, which allow ASCAP’s composer 25, Cristian Castro 27 on Top Rock Albums. members to vote for their favorite film, TV 25, Marc Anthony The Emerging Artists chart ranks the and video game scores of the year. 25, Marco Antonio Solis most popular developing artists of the week, Specific times, winners and additional 25, Wisin & Yandel using the same formula as the all-encom- program details will be announced at a later “Rojo” is the third Latin Airplay top 10 passing Billboard Artist 100, which mea- date. off J Balvin’s latest albumColores which sures artist activity across multiple Billboard peaked at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, chart dated April 4. The previous two tracks, Billboard 200 and the Social 50. (The Artist “Blanco” and “Morado,” both former lead- 100 lists the most popular acts, overall, each ers, reigned for one week on the March 21- week.) However, the Emerging Artists chart and the April 25-dated surveys. excludes acts that have notched a top 25 “Rojo” is Balvin fifth straight top 10, all entry on either the Hot 100 or Billboard 200, of which belong to 2020: “Que Pena,” with as well as artists that have achieved two or Maluma, leads the pack of No. 1s (Feb. more top 10s on Billboard’s “Hot” song genre 29-dated list), “RITMO (Bad Boys For charts and/or consumption-based “Top” Life),” with The Black Eyed Peas, follows album genre rankings. (Feb. 8), “Blanco” (March 21-dated tally), Check out this week’s full Emerging Art- and “Morado” (April 25-dated list). ists chart here. Concurrently, “Rojo” advances on the Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, Page 22 of 29

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producers, while Leon Knoles will direct. on the Hot 100, he receives sole writing Harry Connick Jr. United We Sing: A Grammy Salute to the credit on three tracks: “Trapped in the Sun,” Unsung Heroes airs June 21 on CBS at 8:00 “Posted With Demons” and “One of My.” to Host Tribute to p.m. EST. High Off Life collaborator Southside (real This article originally appeared on The name: Josh Luellen) concurrently debuts at Essential Workers Hollywood Reporter. No. 7 on Hot 100 Songwriters, thanks to his credits on five Future tracks on the Hot 100. With Cyndi He further bows at No. 10 on the Hot 100 Future Hits No. Producers chart, as he also produced the Lauper, Little Big five Future tracks that he co-wrote. 1 for the First Meanwhile, OZ (real name: Ozan Yildir- Town & More im) returns to No. 1 on the Hot 100 Produc- Time on Hot 100 ers chart for a sixth week on top, driven by a Performances pair of songs in the Hot 100’s top 10. Drake’s Songwriters Chart “Toosie Slide,” which OZ solely produced, BY EVAN REAL ranks at No. 5 (after debuting at No. 1), and BY XANDER ZELLNER Future’s “Life Is Good” (featuring Drake), BS and the Recording Academy on which OZ co-produced with Darius Hill, Thursday announced plans for a uture hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot rises 13-6 (after reaching No. 2). two-hour special, hosted by Harry 100 Songwriters chart (dated May The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and Connick Jr., honoring essential 30) for the first time, thanks to 13 Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total Cworkers. songwriting credits on the latest points accrued by a songwriter and produc- The event — titled United We Sing: A FBillboard Hot 100 chart, all via songs from er, respectively, for each attributed song that Grammy Tribute to the Unsung Heroes — will his new album, High Off Life. appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based see Connick and his filmmaker daughter, The set arrives at No. 1 on the Billboard songwriter and producer charts follow the Georgia, taking a road trip in an RV from 200 with 153,000 equivalent album units, same methodology based on correspond- Connecticut to New Orleans, during which according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, ing “Hot”-named genre charts. As with they will meet with essential workers and earning Future his seventh leader. Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or hear their stories fighting on the frontlines Here’s a look at all 13 of Future’s song- producers split points for each song equally of the novel coronavirus pandemic. writing credits on the latest Hot 100, all on (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- Along with the Connicks, more notable songs on which he’s the lead artist: casional ties on rankings). names will salute the public service of Rank, Title (co-songwriters in addition to The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot America’s unsung heroes. Sandra Bullock, Future) 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full Drew Brees, Queen Latifah, Brad Pitt, Oprah No. 6, “Life Is Good” (Drake, Darius Hill, genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. Winfrey and Renée Zellweger are all set to OZ, Ambezza) com. deliver messages. No. 32, “Solitaires” (Travis Scott, Wheezy) Additionally, the special will feature No. 34, “Trillionaire” (Aaron Wright, performances by Connick, Jon Batiste, An- YoungBoy Never Broke Again) dra Day, John Fogerty, Jamie Foxx, Herbie No. 53, “Trapped in the Sun” Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Little Big Town, No. 54, “All Bad” (Southside, VOU) Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Dave No. 68, “Hard to Choose One” (Southside, Matthews, Tim McGraw, Rockin Dopsie, VOU) Irma Thomas and Trombone Shorty. No. 69, “Ridin Strikers” (Metro Boomin, United We Sing supports charities that ATL Jacob, Southside, VOU) benefit underserved children, including No No. 71, “Hitek Tek” (ATL Jacob) Kid Hungry and the Ellis Marsalis Center No. 75, “Too Comfortable” (Southside, for Music in New Orleans, as well as the VOU) MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, an orga- No. 79, “Posted with Demons” nization of the Recording Academy. No. 81, “Touch the Sky” (Southside) The special is produced by AEG Ehrlich No. 82, “One of My” Ventures in partnership with the Record- No. 84, “Harlem Shake” (Young Thug, ing Academy. Connick, Renato Basile, Ann Wheezy) Marie Wilkins and Ken Ehrlich serve as Notably, of Future’s 13 songwriting credits Page 23 of 29

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due to the impacts of coronavirus. Democratic Online Dance The first Digital Mirage drew over a million viewers and raised roughly $300,000 Presidential Festival Digital for Sweet Musicians Relief Fund. Candidate Joe Mirage Is Jason Isbell and Biden to ‘Rock Returning With the 400 Unit’s Out’ At All-Star Some of the ‘Reunions’ Rules Fundraiser Genre’s Biggest Country, Rock Stars: See The BY GIL KAUFMAN Album Charts fter months of campaigning Lineup from his basement in Delaware, BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD , JIM ASKER democratic presidential candi- BY KATIE BAIN date Joe Biden is ready to rock ason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Re- out.A And he’s bringing along some A-list ight now, a lot of DJs are hanging unions tops multiple Billboard album friends. The Biden campaign announced out at home with very little to do. charts dated May 30, following the that the Vice President will throw the “Rock Thankfully for dance music set’s first week of wide release. Out on a Night In” fundraiser on Thursday fans, many of these music-makers JReunions vaults 20-1 on Top Rock Al- night (May 28) at 8 p.m. ET featuring virtual Rare passing their time by playing the incred- bums, 17-1 on Top Country Albums and conversations and performances from the ible number of livestream events happening 2-1 on Americana/Folk Albums, up 388% Eagles’ Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, David during the pandemic, events that seem to to 37,000 equivalent album units (31,000 Crosby, Rufus Wainwright and Jimmy get bigger and more fully realized from a in album sales) in the week ending May 21, Buffett. production standpoint with each passing according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. In The event will be hosted by Illinois Sen. week. its opening frame, the album was available Tammy Duckworth and Whoopi Goldberg. So it goes with Digital Mirage 2.0, the exclusively at independent retailers and sold Tickets for the event range from $250 for a followup event to April’s Digital Mirage 7,000 copies. “guest” slot to $100,000 for a co-chair, with three-day livestream festival. Launching Reunions, which Dave Cobb produced, video call details to be provided to con- off the success of the first interweb-based marks Isbell’s third No. 1 on both Top Rock firmed guests 24 hours before the event. party, Digital Mirage producers Proximity, Albums and Top Country Albums, and his Check out what Wainwright had to say Keel and Brownies & Lemonade are hosting second with his band the 400 Unit. His solo about meeting Biden at an LGBTQ reception a second show this June 5-7 with a lineup LP Something More Than Free bowed at the during the Obama administration. that doesn’t look so different from many IRL summit of both surveys in August 2015 and festivals. The Nashville Sound, with the 400 Unit, Digital Mirage 2.0 will feature heavy hit- opened at No. 1 in July 2017, with a career ters including Baauer, Audien, Zhu, Big Gi- weekly-best 54,000 units. gantic, a DJ set from Hot Chip, Elohim, Boys Notably, Isbell is the first artist to lead Noize, Griz, GG Magree, Oliver Heldens and both lists since he last did so with The many others. See the complete lineup below. Nashville Sound in 2017. Before that, Sturgill The event will stream live via the Digital Simpson doubled up at No. 1 with A Sailor’s Mirage website, with set times forthcom- Guide to Earth in May 2016 (the first such ing. twofer since Isbell’s Something More Than Half of the proceeds from Digital Mirage Free). 2.0 will go to Plus1 Fund for COVID-19 On Americana/Folk Albums, Isbell adds Relief and Performing Musicians, which his fourth No. 1 with Reunions. In addition gets assistance to musicians and music to his latest, Something More Than Free and industry workers affected by the pandemic The Nashville Sound, he debuted on top in and people whose physical health, mental November 2018 with Live From the Ryman, health, safety and wellbeing are most at risk with the 400 Unit. Page 24 of 29

IN BRIEF

On the all-genre Billboard 200, Reunions already raised $20 million of its $65 million Me” (Interscope) has the advantage. “Rain rockets from No. 149 to No. 9, awarding goal, with plans to distribute the funds to on Me” is the best performer so far this Isbell his third top 10, after Something More nonprofit groups across the state. week for a No. 1 bow on the Official U.K. Than Free (No. 6) and The Nashville Sound Singles Chart Update, ahead of DaBaby’s (No. 4). “Rockstar” featuring Roddy Ricch and Additionally, four tracks from Reunions The 1975 Looking Powfu’s “Death Bed” (RCA/Robots & Hu- debut on the streaming-, airplay- and mans) featuring Beabadoobee, respectively. sales-based Hot Rock Songs chart, mark- to Extend Chart The Official U.K. Singles and Albums ing Isbell’s first entries. “Only Children” charts are published late Friday local time. leads at No. 34, followed by radio single Streak In U.K. “Be Afraid” (No. 38), “Dreamsicle” (No. 47) and “What’ve I Done to Help” (No. 48). “Be BY LARS BRANDLE Yusuf/Cat Stevens Afraid” peaked at No. 5 on the Adult Alter- native Songs airplay chart in March, a new he 1975 are edging closer to a On Reinventing career high for Isbell, exceeding his solo hit, fourth consecutive chart crown in and sole prior top 10, “24 Frames” (No. 8, the U.K. with Notes on a Condi- ‘Tea For The October 2015). tional Form (Dirty Hit/Polydor), Tthough it’s a tight race with KSI’s debut Tillerman,’ 50 album Dissimulation (BMG) close behind. Pearl Jam, The 22-track Notes on a Conditional Form Years Later: ‘I is the leader on the Official Chart Update, Brandi Carlile, and takes an advantage on CD and vinyl Wanted to Take sales into the final straight of the chart Macklemore & week. the Halo Off’ Matt Healy and Co. are on a perfect 3-0 Others Team Up winning streak with their previous albums BY MELINDA NEWMAN all ruling the chart, The 1975 (2013), I Like It for ‘All in WA’ When You Sleep… (2016), and A Brief Inquiry n 1970, Yusuf—then still known as Into Online Relationships (2018). Cat Stevens— released Tea for the Til- COVID-19 Benefit British rapper and YouTuber KSI is mak- lerman, a gorgeously melodic collec- ing a fight of it withDissimulation , which tion of songs that looked at the world BY GIL KAUFMAN starts at No. 2 on the midweek chart and Ithrough a prism of wisdom and spirituality leads all albums on streams and downloads. that belied the British artist’s youth. n all-star roster of great North- Four tracks from Dissimulation have im- The multi-platinum album, which in- west stars including Pearl Jam, pacted the top 40, including two top 10s. cluded the classic “Wild World,” as well as Mackelmore, Brandi Carlile Completing an all-new top three on the “Where Do the Children Play” and “Father and Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben midweek survey is D-2 (Bighit Entertain- and Son,” catapulted the 22-year old musi- GibbardA will team up for the COVID-19 ment), the second mixtape by Agust D, cian to global stardom and helped define the relief concert “All in WA” on June 10. the alter ego of Suga from South Korean singer/songwriter era. The fundraiser for impacted workers and boyband BTS. On Sept. 18, UMe will release Tea for the families across the state will take place on U.S. hip-hop artist Gunna is on track for Tillerman 2, Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ reimagin- presenting sponsor Amazon Music’s Twitch his first top 10 appearance, asWunna (300) ing of the 11 songs filtered through 50 years channel as well as local NBC affiliates KING starts at No. 6, while Charlatans frontman of life experiences. Recorded in the south 5 and KONG at 7 p.m., with a recording of Tim Burgess is eyeing a top 10 debut with of France last summer with the original the show dropping on Amazon Prime after I Love The New Sky (Bella Union), No. 9 on album’s producer, Paul Samwell-Smith, the initial airing, according to the Seattle the midweek chart. the reinvention upends many of the familiar Times. Former Mercury Music Prize winner arrangements, while staying blessedly true Other artists slated to appear include Badly Drawn Boy is set for his first appear- to the mission of the album—to explore life Dave Matthews, Ciara and Russell Wilson, ance on the Official U.K. Albums Chart in a and oneself fearlessly. Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Allen Stone, Mary Lambert, decade with Banana Skin Shoes (One Last Today (May 28), UMe released first single, The Black Tones, comedian Joel McHale Fruit). It enters the midweek chart at No. 14. “Where Do the Children Play,” the album’s and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Car- Over in the race to the singles chart title, opening track. With the world in turmoil, roll. The Times reports that All in WA has Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain on the song has lost none of its poignancy—and, Page 25 of 29

IN BRIEF

in fact seems more relevant than ever— as what I wanted to do and so I was extremely ‘This is great!’ I enjoyed reinventing the it questions how we protect children in the happy to just to be there doing that. I had to- song, as you said, with that Berlin-esque face of rampant urban sprawl, poverty, pol- tal freedom. My expectations were certainly sound. I also grew up in the time when I lution and climate change. A stop-motion not more than to have a successful record, was still hearing some of the strains of that video, directed by Chris Hopewell (Radio- but it went much bigger than that. music coming out the radio. head’s “Burn the Witch), comes out next There’s so much wisdom on the album You could take an approach to that song, week. for someone so young but by then, you’d “It’s so pristine and you’ve got to be so Yusuf/Cat Stevens talked to Billboard already had some disenchantment with reverent to it.” No, let’s do something else. from his home in Dubai, where he has been your career and, more significantly, Let’s just have fun and do something new. I sheltering in place during the pandemic nearly died from tuberculosis. At 71, do wanted to take the halo off. about recording the original album and re- you look back at your 22-year old self and You turned “On The Road To Find visiting a work loved by millions. The initial think, “I was an old soul already?” Out” into a bluesy stomp. It’s a little bit plan included playing the album from start Everybody carries a DNA destiny. Not tougher than the original. to finish on tour, but that is on hold until it just DNA, it’s much more than that. It’s our Yeah. I needed to get inspired. I don’t is safe to play live in front of an audience spirit. It’s not just a physical thing, it’s some- want to just repeat. We wanted to do things again. “Let’s hope that we can continue with thing that we carry with us. Who was guid- differently. I’ve been listening toMuddy that next year,” he says. ing me, it was unseen, but I always felt there Waters and if you take a song like “Catfish How did you come up with the idea to was a presence in my life. That I wasn’t the Blues,” his guitar sound on that is just out revisit the album for its 50th anniver- only one making things happen. There was of this world. So gritty. I wanted something sary? something else going on. We’re all kind of like that. I’ve been working in the studio It’s a lot to do with my son. He inspires made for our purpose and our destiny in with Tinariwen. I love the desert blues. I me in many ways to do things and to get this world and I just felt that when I started just went back to the roots. That’s where the out there. This challenge was one I couldn’t looking up at the sky from very early on, one blues came from. They came from Africa. It refuse because it’s my record, but not only of my biggest questions was where does the was great to be able to reinvent the song and that, it set such a standard for so many sky end? It was a metaphysical question I I could sing it in a new dimension with my people as far as my music is concerned, I had from a young age. And that’s been my experience and maturity today. thought, “C’mon.” Not that I’m going to try task and my mission: to go explore the uni- The obvious one to ask about is “Fa- to beat it or compete with it, but at least verse to find out where it’s leading to. ther and Son.” Fifty years down the road, make it relevant to me today so the people When you decided to go back into this you’re now the father as opposed to the can hear me singing it all over, but with body of work, did you discover anything son who has to go away. What was your some very interesting and new novel ar- about some of the songs that you didn’t approach on that one? rangements on some of the songs at least. … realize the first time? That one kind of created itself. I’m obvi- If you do a masterpiece, people always want I found my “Hard Headed Woman” and ously the father. It’s much easier for me to see you do it again. That’s another reason that was a pretty great discovery. I could to sing in that tone and that scale. I think why I’m doing it because I’m satisfying that actually write about her and sing directly it was, again, my son’s idea, to why not part of the curiosity of people to see how to her. That’s my wife. So there you go. It’s use your original voice from 1970. We dug would I approach it today. thrown a completely new light on the song around and found this incredible recording Tea for the Tillerman was your fourth al- and I changed the lyrics to make sure it from the Troubadour in 1970. We isolated bum. You’d broken somewhat in the U.K. does, that people understand. the voice and that’s what we used for the but not in the States. What were your The most radical arrangement is on son’s part. That’s the making of “Father and expectations for it? “Wild World,” which you reinvented to Son 2020.” The expectations were almost prophesied sound like something Bertolt Brecht and What was it like reuniting with the by Chris Blackwell. We were standing [in] Kurt Weill would have done. It almost album’s original producer Paul Samwell- the Island Records office in London, near takes you to a cabaret in Berlin. How did Smith and guitarist Alun Davis to create Portobello Road. And he turned to me after that interpretation come about? the new version? hearing it—he almost couldn’t recover after How that happened was kind of a trick. It was great. Paul has got into the mode he heard this for the first time—and he said What happens is you can get in front of the now where he knows he can criticize me, to me these immortal words: “You don’t Yamaha Clavinova and there are all these but he has be very careful about how he know how big you’re going to be.” I was a buttons and you can go anywhere. You can does it. (laughs). I’ve trained Paul a little bit little bit shocked, but he obviously knew go to hip hop, rock, ‘60s, classic, world and I and he trained me because I know the kind something I didn’t. So my expectations just hit ragtime. There was a chord sequence of thing he likes so I won’t waste my time were, “Oh, you know, I’m progressing.” I’ve and I started singing “Wild World” to it. It there, I’ll get straight onto it. We get on so gotten to the point where I was able to do started happening all at once and I thought, well together. Hand in glove. It’s a perfect Page 26 of 29

IN BRIEF

relationship and I love the man. struck out and we said, ‘We’re not hitting You also updated the cover art you Parkwood again,’ you’d play for half of a game,” Pamon painted for the original. The Tillerman explains. is now in a space suit and one of the chil- Entertainment’s For more information on the four-day dren is holding a smart phone. Is that the virtual C2 Summit (May 18-May 21), visit world now? Steve Pamon the Culture Creators website. Watch both Yeah. It’s much darker. Who knows? In of the clips from Pamon’s keynote speech the future with all this pollution, we may Gives Inspiring below. need to walk around in space suits. It’s like one one of those Sci-fi possibilities. No, Til- Career Advice lerman represents also a constant. There’s that little spot for humanity to exist, to sit to 2020 HBCU down, have a cup of tea and forget about everything else. Graduates: When Tea for the Tillerman first came out, the U.S. was greatly divided by the Exclusive Vietnam War. Now we’re even more divided in the U.S. and in much of the BY MICHAEL SAPONARA world. How do you feel this music can bring us together? ollege graduates are set to enter When some people have lost the spiritual a murky job market during these link to their lives, music can play an impor- unprecedented times amid the tant part. So from that point of view, I think coronavirus outbreak, which that the sentiments from the album are Ccan be daunting for 20-somethings looking incredibly important to us today. It shows toward the future. that there are human beings still around. Speaking at the Culture Creators’ C2 That’s important. Summit earlier in May, Parkwood Entertain- Especially in the middle of a pandemic. ment’s Steve Pamon virtually met 2020 Has this time unlocked any creativity in HBCU (historically black colleges and you? universities) graduates and gave them sound I have been very busy with writing. I’m career advice by leaning on his 15 years as an finalizing my autobiography. I’m trying executive in sports and entertainment. to fill in the gap for so many people who If Pamon could go back in time and tell almost have a mythological view of me so himself one thing, it would be to go on as I’m trying to clarify who I am and how it many job interviews as possible and not be happened. I’ve been illustrating [the book] afraid of failure. “Your biggest hater you got as well. It’s probably going to be out the end to worry about is yourself,” the Morehouse of next year. alum tells the graduates. “You start thinking This album could introduce you to a about what could go wrong, when the truth new generation of fans. What do you of the matter is, the best predictor of future want them to get out of it? behavior is what? Past performance. Nobody I think like what I got out of the album: It invited to this Zoom has a continued history was something which propelled me in my of messing up.” journey, in my life. Once you define what The Parkwood Entertainment chief oper- the road is — and the road is to find out—in ating officer then shifts his attention to hav- other words, explore life. That’s the whole ing the right measurement of success. He meaning of the album: Explore yourself and brings sports into the equation, comparing explore life and realizing, you know what, it how a free-throw shooter in basketball who is a wild world. We have to live in it, but try shoots below 80 percent could be deemed a to find that place of peace within it that you failure, while a player with a batting average can make your home. of .270 in baseball would be looked at as productive. “If we played baseball, and every time we Page 27 of 29

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 19,553,481,000 16,655,374,000 2,898,107,000 1,638,000 708,000 5,242,000 14,196,000 Week* Last 19,249,328,000 16,324,265,000 2,925,063,000 1,693,000 749,000 5,154,000 13,989,000 Week

Change 1.6% 2.0% -0.9% -3.3% -5.5% 1.7% 1.5%

This Week 22,168,311,000 14,289,802,000 7,878,509,000 2,006,000 822,000 6,362,000 12,866,000 Last Year

Change -11.8% 16.6% -63.2% -18.3% -13.8% -17.6% 10.3%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending May 21, 2020. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand. Nielsen Music/MRC Data has reprocessed year-to-date figures to account for a change in methodology, resulting in a restatement in streaming data from a provider, which has resulted in a shift in some previously reported data, most notably for video streams.

YEAR TO DATE 2020 2019 Change 110m

Total On-Demand 383,185,988,000 419,101,613,000 -8.6% YEAR TO DATE 100m Streams TRACK SALES BY AGE Audio On-Demand 318,848,367,000 276,063,202,000 15.5% Streams 90m

Digital Track Sales 99,740,000 128,993,000 -22.7% 80m

Album Sales 35,604,000 43,195,000 -17.6% 70m

Albums

275,459,000 252,985,000 8.9% 84,360,000 Consumption Units 60m

50m 67,216,000 40m ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT

2020 2019 Change 30m

CD Sales 14,685,000 20,437,000 -28.1%

44,633,000 20m

Vinyl Sales 7,184,000 6,539,000 9.9% 32,524,000 10m

Digital Sales 13,609,000 16,082,000 -15.4% Current Catalog Other Sales 126,000 136,000 -7.1%

Track Equivalent 9,974,000 12,899,000 -22.7% 2020 2019 2020 2019 0 Audio On-Demand 229,881,000 196,891,000 16.8% Equivalent

Album consumption units — also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA) sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit.  -27.1%  -20.3% Page 28 of 29 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.30.2020 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK FUTURE 1 6 WKS OZ 2 RODDY RICCH 2 J WHITE DID IT 3 DRAKE 3 TYSON TRAX 4 POLO G 4 SETHINTHEKITCHEN 5 OZ 5 TMS 6 LIL BABY 6 30ROC 7 SOUTHSIDE 7 THE MONSTERS & STRANGERZ 8 DABABY 8 IAN KIRKPATRICK 9 CHARLIE HANDSOME 9 FINNEAS 10 TRAVIS SCOTT 10 SOUTHSIDE

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 8 WKS LUKE COMBS 1 10 WKS JOEY MOI 2 SHANE MCANALLY 2 JAY JOYCE 3 CRAIG WISEMAN 3 DANN HUFF 4 MORGAN WALLEN 4 GREG KURSTIN TIE 5 LAURA VELTZ 5 ROSS COPPERMAN TIE 5 MAREN MORRIS 6 SCOTT MOFFATT 7 JONATHAN SINGLETON 7 JEREMY STOVER 8 JOSH THOMPSON 8 SCOTT HENDRICKS 9 JIMMY ROBBINS 9 BUSBEE 10 JON NITE 10 SHANE MCANALLY

ROCK SONGWRITERSTM ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 18 WKS TYLER JOSEPH 1 42 WKS JAKE SINCLAIR 2 JASON ISBELL 2 TRAVIS BARKER 3 RITCHIE CORDELL 3 RYAN METZGER 4 KEVIN PARKER TIE 4 PAUL MEANY 5 TRAVIS BARKER TIE 4 TYLER JOSEPH TIE 6 ADAM METZGER 6 JONAS JEBERG TIE 6 JACK METZGER 7 DAVE COBB TIE 6 RYAN METZGER 8 TYLER SMYTH 9 SULLY ERNA 9 BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG 10 DAVE BAYLEY 10 KEVIN PARKER

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK FUTURE 1 7 WKS OZ 2 RODDY RICCH 2 J WHITE DID IT 3 DRAKE 3 TYSON TRAX SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 4 POLO G 4 SETHINTHEKITCHEN 5 OZ 5 30ROC 6 LIL BABY 6 SOUTHSIDE 7 SOUTHSIDE 7 WHEEZY 8 TRAVIS SCOTT 8 TWYSTED GENIUS TIE 9 DABABY 9 CALLAN WONG TIE 9 SETHINTHEKITCHEN 10 ATL JACOB

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 35 WKS BAD BUNNY 1 31 WKS TAINY MAY TIE 2 FREDDY MONTALVO 2 SUBELO NEO 30 TIE 2 JOSE CARLOS CRUZ 3 WILL.I.AM 2020 4 TAINY 4 KEITH HARRIS 5 NATANAEL CANO 5 OVY ON THE DRUMS 6 J BALVIN 6 SKY ROMPIENDO 7 BRAULIO ACOSTA 7 NESTY ‘LA MENTE MAESTRO’ 8 SECH 8 HAZEN 9 PEDRO TOVAR 9 SERGIO LIZARRAGA 10 SALVADOR MEDINA 10 LENIN RAMIREZ AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES

The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated May 30, 2020. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 29 of 29 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.30.2020 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK FUTURE 1 7 WKS OZ 2 RODDY RICCH 2 J WHITE DID IT 3 DRAKE 3 SETHINTHEKITCHEN 4 OZ 4 30ROC 5 LIL BABY 5 TWYSTED GENIUS 6 POLO G 6 CALLAN WONG TIE 7 DABABY 7 DARIUS HILL TIE 7 SETHINTHEKITCHEN 8 OTTERPOP 9 TWYSTED GENIUS 9 TEEZYI 10 TRAVIS SCOTT 10 NASHI

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 1 WK DOJA CAT 1 9 WKS TYSON TRAX #1 TIE 1 1 WK LUKASZ GOTTWALD 2 THE WEEKND #1 TIE 1 1 WK LYDIA ASRAT 3 POO BEAR #1 TIE 1 1 WK YETI TIE 4 MAX MARTIN TIE 5 DAHEALA TIE 4 OSCAR HOLTER TIE 5 THE WEEKND 6 THE AUDIBLES 7 NICKI MINAJ 7 LEJKEYS TIE 8 BELLY 8 OZ TIE 8 MAX MARTIN 9 FISTICUFFS TIE 8 OSCAR HOLTER 10 RYKEYZ

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 9 WKS F A L L E N 1 9 WKS F A L L E N #1 TIE 1 9 WKS SAINT JHN 2 DJ REGARD TIE 3 ALAN SAMPSON TIE 3 KEITH HARRIS TIE 3 JAY SEAN TIE 3 WILL.I.AM TIE 5 DAN SMITH 5 MARSHMELLO TIE 5 MARSHMELLO 6 SURF MESA TIE 5 STEVE MAC 7 KYGO TIE 8 BOB CREWE 8 TOBIAS TOPIC TIE 8 BOB GAUDIO 9 BLOODPOP TIE 8 POWELL AGUIRRE 10 MARTIN GARRIX

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 11 WKS OSINACHI OKORO 1 3 WKS CHRIS BROWN 2 JASON INGRAM 2 JASON INGRAM TIE 3 LAUREN DAIGLE 3 PAUL MABURY SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 3 PAUL MABURY 4 AARON ROBERTSON 5 STEVEN FURTICK 5 WE THE KINGDOM 6 CHRIS BROWN 6 JORDAN SAPP 7 JEFF PARDO 7 BRYAN FOWLER 8 MATTHEW WEST 8 ED CASH 9 ETHAN HULSE 9 KYLE LEE 10 HANK BENTLEY 10 JEREMY REDMON

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 41 WKS KIRK FRANKLIN 1 5 WKS J. DREW SHEARD II MAY 2 TRAVIS GREENE 2 JERMAINE DOLLY 30 3 DEITRICK HADDON 3 RODNEY TURNER 2020 4 JERMAINE DOLLY 4 FRED HAMMOND 5 J. DREW SHEARD II TIE 5 KIRK FRANKLIN 6 ANTHONY BROWN TIE 5 MAX STARK 7 KEVIN DAVIDSON TIE 5 RONALD HILL 8 PJ MORTON TIE 5 SHAUN MARTIN 9 CHRIS BYRD TIE 9 BOOGZDABEAST 10 BEBE WINANS TIE 9 KANYE WEST TIE 9 XCELENCE AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES