Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE APRIL 15, 2021 Page 1 of 28

INSIDE Reservoir Leading Music Publishing

• Tencent Music Funds Onto the US Stock Market Shakes Up Leadership With BY ED CHRISTMAN New CEO Reservoir Holdings, which owns Reservoir Media, is In the end, after investment banking, legal fees • Warner Music, going public on the Nasdaq stock exchange through and other expenses, Reservoir will be left with $246 Spotify Partner Up for Original Podcasts a reverse merger with a special purpose acquisition million in gross proceeds from the transaction. company (SPAC) in an apparent move to gain liquid- The company’s current shareholders, including the • A Year Later: ity and a lower cost of capital. This marks the first Khosrowshahi family, will roll over all their Reservoir Billboard Revisits standalone publishing company to go public on a U.S. equity into the new company, giving it an enterprise Young Artists Whose Careers Were stock market. value of $788 million. Derailed by COVID Reservoir will form a business combination with That means that the Reservoir shareholders will Ross CH Acquisition II (currently trading on Nasdaq likely have a lock-up period — maybe 180 days — be- • Fyre Festival Ticket under the symbol ROCC) and when the deal is com- fore they can cash in any of their shares. In the mean- Holders Awarded $7,220 in Class pleted sometime in the third quarter, the combined time, the company has an implied pro-forma equity Action Settlement company will be named Reservoir Media but with value of $740 million at $10 a share, according to the a new ticker, RSVR, according to an announcement announcement, which further implies it also has $48 • Tiësto Starting issued by the music publishing firm Wednesday (April million in net debt. ‘New Life in Las Vegas’ With 3-Year 14) after the close of trading. This deal will provide Reservoir with a lower cost of Zouk Group Deal Golnar Khosrowshahi, founder & CEO of Reser- capital in the fast-paced, high-stakes music asset trad- voir, will lead the new combined company, with her ing world, allowing it to follow the Hipgnosis busi- current executive leadership team of president and ness strategy of finding music assets for acquisition MARKET WATCH COO Rell Lefargue and CFO Jim Heindlmeyer. and then tapping the public markets to fund the PAGE 25 Ross CH Acquisition II is bringing $115 million to deals. It also provides a way for current Reservoir SONGWRITERS Reservoir’s public offering as part of the deal. Some shareholders to eventually realize some of the value & PRODUCERS institutional investors including Caledonia have been they have created by shares they will own in the new CHARTS lined up as anchor shareholders, which will bring in vehicle. But, initially, the Reservoir stock liquidity will PAGES 26 - 28 $150 million in gross proceeds. (continued)

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IN BRIEF

be constrained by only having a float of $115 “We are thrilled to be partnering with Res- million worth of shares. ervoir and its exceptional leadership team,” Tencent Music “Today we have taken an important step according to a statement issued by Roth Cap- forward in Reservoir’s evolution to fully ital and Craig-Hallum, the sponsors of the Shakes Up realize that vision through our partnership Roth CH II. “Reservoir has built an outstand- with Roth CH II,” Khosrowshahi said in a ing collection of hit songs and soundtracks Leadership With statement. “Our dedication to our songwrit- in both its music publishing and masters ers and artists and their music is at the heart businesses, and has a unique and differenti- New CEO of everything that we do, and this path to ated value enhancement model that drives growth supports our promise to service our highly attractive returns. We are excited BY TATIANA CIRISANO clients, enhance value, and build a quality about Reservoir’s strong cash flow generat- catalog. I am immensely proud of what we ing capabilities in a growing industry with hinese music and entertainment have built alongside President & COO Rell significant tailwinds. The portfolio is fully giant Tencent Music Entertain- Lafargue, and our incredible team whose ex- diversified in all genres of music with some ment (TME) announced a slate of cellent skills, high-touch client service, and of the most iconic hits of the past hundred leadership changes today (April outstanding track record is unmatched.” years. We look forward to Reservoir pursuing C15), including promoting Ross Liang to Reservoir’s catalog includes music by future organic growth and acquisitions in this CEO and installing outgoing chief Cus- 2 Chains, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, A-Ha, exciting sector under consolidation.” sion Pang as executive chairman of TME’s Ben Harper, Big & Rich, Bob Crewe, David The board of directors of Reservoir and board. Guetta, Evanescence, Hoagy Carmichael, Ja ROCC have unanimously approved the Liang formerly served as vice president of Rule, John Denver, Kurt Elling, Leon Ware, transaction. The transaction will require the Tencent Holdings Limited, where he over- Lil Jon, Migos, Molly Hatchett, Rickie Lee approval of the stockholders of ROCC and is saw the company’s owned online music and Jones, Scott Storch, Scott Stapp, Seether, subject to other customary closing condi- social platforms including QQ and Qzone; Sheryl Crow, Stewart Copeland and Willie tions. and prior to that, general manager of QQ Mitchell. Roth Capital Partners, LLC and Craig- Music. In his new role, Liang will oversee The company says it has deployed over Hallum Capital Group LLC are acting as QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, $400 million in catalog acquisitions — placement agents for the PIPE transaction WeSing and long-form audio businesses. including recently acquiring the catalog of with the anchor share holders while Gold- Pang is replacing Dowson Tong, who is indie music publishers Shapiro Bernstein — man Sachs is acting as financial advisor to resigning from all his roles at the company since its inception, and spent another $100 Reservoir. Legal respresentation for the including chairman of the board, chairman million in frontline creative signings. The music publishing firm was handled by Paul, of compensation committee and all his roles company says it also owns 26,000 sound Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as a director or an officer. Stepping in to lead recordings, and its management business while Loeb & Loeb LLP is serving as legal the compensation committee will be James handles over 60 clients. advisor to Roth CH II. Gordon Mitchell, the company said.

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BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1928

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country

AllA oflbu these changesms; are Bretteffective imme Y- oungUniversal ‘Catc Music Grouph from’-es 10% to Fifth 20%. Music Airplay Podcasts provide an opportunity to diately. Tencent (the parent of TME) is also a 10% unlock value for artists and songwriters by “Ross’ provenLea trackder; record in Travis building shareholderDenning in Warner MusicMakes Group and Historydelivering fresh and unique stories to music successful online entertainment platforms owns 9.1% of Spotify. to fans across the globe. We look forward and social ecosystems, combined with his to working with Spotify to experiment and Sambreadth Hunt of’s experience second studio delivering full-length, strong and first re- in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the trackingdrive week. growth On Country in podcasting.” Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCAsults throughNashville/Universal successful Music expansion Group Nashville), into new debuts Warner at No. 1 on Billboard Music,’s lion audience impressions, upWMG 16%). already produces a slate of pod- Topbusiness Country areas, Albums makes chart him dated ideally April suited 18. In its to first week (ending April 9), it casts including Duran Duran’s WHOOSH!, earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingaccelerate to Nielsen our evolution Music/MRC into Data. an all-in-one Spotify Partnerand total Country Airplay No.the 1 asofficial “Catch”Prince (Big Machine podcast Label in partnership Group) ascends onlineSouthside music marks and audioHunt’s entertainment second No. 1 on des the- with2-1, increasingthe icon’s 13%estate, to 36.6Robert million Plant impressions.’s Dig- charttination and in China,” fourth top 10.said It Pang,follows who freshman has been LP Up for Original gingYoung’s Deep, the firstGood of six Ol chart Grateful entries, Dead “Sleep- With- MontevalloTME’s CEO, which since arrived mid-2016 at the and summit a member in No - castout and You,”The reached Rhino No. Podcasts 2 in December telling stories 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You of the board since 2014. of legends like Aretha Franklin and The Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Podcasts Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionAdded in album Liang: sales. “I believe TME’s dedica- DoorsYou” (three,’ John January Densmore. 2018), Most “Mercy” recent (two,- August tionMontevallo towards has driving spent 267 a sustainable weeks on the industry list, tying BY TATIANA CIRISANO ly, WMG2018) and launched “Here Tonight” the BLK (two, In April America 2019). pod- Lukedevelopment, Bryan’s Crash outstanding My Party as product the sixth-longest- and tech- cast“Catch” by Topsify, completes where his influential longest journey Black to No.art- 1, runningnology offerings,titles in the chart’sand innovative 56-year history. business arner Music Group (WMG) istshaving like Ricotaken Nasty 46 weeks and toChaka reach the Khan apex. discuss It out- models,On the combined all-genre Billboard with the 200, most Southside talented ar - and Spotify have struck a whatpaces it the means 30-week to be climb Black of “Herein America. Tonight.” rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG aftergroup the of No. people 3-peaking in the Montevallo industry, uniquely. deal to develop original aSpotify, new high. which now values its podcasting positionHunt first the released Company the toEP X2Ccapitalize, which debutedon the podcasts centered around arm as much as (if not more than) its music andexciting peaked opportunities at No. 5 on Top within Country online Albums music in AugusttheW record2014. Following company’s artists,COMBS songwriters ‘DOES’ IT AGAIN Lukebusiness, Combs is’ “Does home to to Me” more (River than House/Columbia 2 million Montevalloand audio ,entertainment.” Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape startedand atmusic its No. catalog, 7 high in the newNashville), partners featuring an- Eric Churchpodcasts, ascends including 11-8 onThe Country Michelle Airplay, Obama up 10% to NovemberTME, which 2015. rose revenues 14.6% to nounced today (April 15).24.7 million in audience. ThePodcast song is, The Combs’ Joe eighthRogan straight Experience career-openingand the Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:$4.5 billion “Leave in the2020, Night has On,” been “Take growing Your Time,”its “HouseThe Party” podcasts and “Make will coverpromoted topics No.like 1 the singles. recently-launched Renegades: Born in the Youfootprint Miss Me.” in the “Break Western Up in amusic Small industry.Town” peaked at No.stories 2. behind hit songs andChurch behind-the- adds his 15th CountryUSA. Airplay top 10. LastHunt month, co-penned the company all 12 songs announced on Southside a new, including scenes “Body looks Like at a superstar Back artists from “The most impactful podcasts share with Road,”joint record which labelwas released with Warner in 2017. Music The smash Group hit ruledWMG’s Country roster Airplay of labels for andTHAT artists, TOOK which QUITE ‘A FEW’music MONTHS the keyTravis component Denning shatters of storytelling the record and for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After alongside a new licensing agreement, fol- includes the likes of Cardi B, Ed Sheer- personal experience,” said Spotify vice pres- chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridalowing Georgia similar dealsLine’s “Meantwith Universal to Be” (50 Music weeks atop thean latter, Bruno list in Mars 2017-18). and Dualion Lipa in radio. reach. ident of global studios and business Court- Group“Downtown’s in August Dead,” 2020 which and Sony is also Music on the new set, reached“We’re Nos. excited 14 and to 15 take thisThe step song forward surpasses two tracksney Holt that. took “We 50 look weeks forward each to to enter helping the top them 10: onGroup Hot Country in 2018. Songs and Country Airplay, respectively,with in Spotify June 2018. as “Kinwe strengthen- Easton and Corbin deepen’s “A Girl Likeleverage You,” which the power reached of No. podcasting 10 in January to forge 2018 bea - folks”Some led of Country these agreementsAirplay on Feb. have 29, alsobecoming led to Hunt’s our seventh existing No. partnership,” 1. It hit fore said peaking WMG at No.execu 6 that- February,deeper andconnection Aaron Watson with fans.”’s “Outta Style,” which No.equity 3 on relationships. Hot Country Songs. In January, a Tencent- tive vp, business developmentachieved and its chiefNo. 10 high in DecemberWarner 2017. Music’s deal with Spotify is Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker led consortium increased its total stake in digital officer Oana Ruxandra. “Warner unique among the major record labels, but eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY

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IN BRIEF

Sony Music Group and Universal Music used to be — or if they ever would. like letters about what she’s bingeing, writ- Group are gaining a foothold in the podcast- Over the past few months we re-connect- ing and thinking about as a way to keep the ing industry, too. ed with all the acts to find out what their connection strong. “It was a letter about At its first-ever IAB Podcast Upfront year of isolation has been like, how they what I was doing, watching, listening to... presentation in September, Sony announced tried to stay relevant during lockdown and like [a chat] with my mates,” she says of the plans to launch 40 new podcasts over the what the future holds once they can ditch missives, which were admittedly “overshar- next year across categories like true crime, the Zoom and get back on stages. Check out ing,” but in the best way. politics, current events, music and social and their stories below. More recently, she launched the “Gracey racial justice. In 2019, Universal entered a Gracey Vs” series, in which she takes on tasks partnership with podcast company Wondery The British singer, 23, ended up back at including learning how to make pan- (which is owned by Spotify as of December), her family home during lockdown after her cakes and skateboarding for the first time. leading to projects like the Taraji P. Henson- planned debut tour and festival gigs were “It’s chaotic and fun — which is me summed hosted Jacked: The Rise of New Jack Swing, postponed indefinitely in early 2020. Stuck up in two words,” she says of the series, and launched a podcast series with FIFA in her teenage bedroom, the Polydor signee which followed on the heels of November’s hosted by signee Liam Payne in January. started posting silly memes on her Insta- release of her second EP, The Art of Closure. gram to stay connected with fans at first, but She’s also spent the past few months soon she did what so many fellow artists did experimenting with new musical ideas and A Year Later: during the pandemic: she improvised. releasing the dance-heavy, full-production For Gracey, that meant rolling out a series video for her single “99%,” which she says Billboard Revisits of covers, remixes, behind-the-scenes made her feel like a “true little pop star.” videos, dropping special merch bundles, The work seems to have paid off, with Young Artists a TopShop Christmas ad campaign, re- “Don’t Need Love” notching almost 60 leasing a mini-album, playing a few socially million streams on Spotify to date — a huge Whose Careers distanced gigs and starting a weekly e-mail jump from her most streamed song of 2019, blog for fans. “Who knew a global pandemic which had just 1.5 million streams on the Were Derailed by was what I needed to take off?,” the singer streaming service. laughs to Billboard. With 40-50 new songs written so far, COVID The year before, she’d lost her voice and Gracey says she can’t wait to hit the stage recovery from vocal cord surgery required and properly party. “I was super down a lot BY GIL KAUFMAN three months of silence, which ended up of the year, but I feel proud of what I could being perfect practice for staying put and achieve given the circumstances,” she says. ack in early April 2020, Bill- finding ways to make it up as she went along “I was dealt not ideal cards in terms of being board reached out to eight young from home. After writing songs for Rita Ora a new artist — but I put myself out there as artists whose budding careers and Jonas Blue at 16, Gracey had been wait- much as I could, and I hope it connects with screeched to a halt by the CO- ing years for her debut as a headline artist people.” BVID-19 pandemic, which had just caused the — and all that pent-up energy made her even Sammy Brue entire world to go into lockdown mode. At more determined to find a way. When we last spoke to singer/songwriter that time so much was unknown: how long Luckily for her, a 220 KID remix of her Brue, 20, he was also living back at home would the novel coronavirus be with us and song “Don’t Need Love” released in Dec. with his parents in Ogden, Utah, lament- when we would be allowed to go out again? 2019 began to pick up steam and went top ing the loss of a SXSW gig and wondering What would concerts look like once it was 10 in the U.K. in June 2020 — a month after what would happen when his sophomore over and would the promised vaccine make she filmed a bedroom video for her Ruel col- full-length, Crash Test Kid, dropped in everything normal again? lab, “Empty Love.” “Everyone being inside June. He’s still living at home, but things are The artists we spoke to — who ranged made us address things we can’t shy away totally different in every other way. from unsigned DIY bands to indie acts and from,” she says. “That helped me a lot as a The pandemic inspired Sammy to major-label newbies — were lamenting lost writer and producer... I wrote so much and backburner his solo material, and form the tour dates, missed connections with fans, was being my most creative.” electric power rock trio BRUE with a pair of and meticulous, months- sometimes years- Sure, some days she just binged New friends — as a way for him to “let loose,” and long plans fallen by the wayside. They wor- Girl for 10 hours, but on others she prepared exorcise all the built-up lost pandemic year ried about their own health and that of their for the time when she could finally hit the tension and frustration. “I won’t completely fans, about what would become of their stage — with a few gigs penciled in for later stop putting out solo songs,” he says, de- best-laid plans, and most crucially, about this year — by sending her extensive mailing scribing plans to record some “somber” stuff when things would be back to the way they list of followers long, Carrie Bradshaw-like in his bedroom and more rocking tunes in 2021 NOEL SCHAJRIS 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

Latin Grammy winner, singer, songwriter and pianist Noel CONTACTS Schajris, has sold more than 25 million records and 1 million tickets since his first solo album 20 years ago, some Joe Maimone of his songs and albums had been appeared at the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] Billboard’s top ten charts. He has earned international Lee Ann Photoglo success with the legendary duet Sin Bandera where he 615.376.7931 | [email protected] and Leonel Garcia created some of the biggest hits in Spanish music history. Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] His music videos have more than 700 million views and his social media includes 9.5 million followers from more than Marcia Olival 15 countries. As a recording artist, he has sung duets with 786.586.4901 | [email protected] John Legend, Brian Mcknight, Luis Fonsi, and Reik, just to Gene Smith name a few. 973.452.3528 | [email protected]

In 2020 he released the unique web www.NoelSchajris.fan Ryan O’Donnell which includes an online store, a fan subscription service +447843437176 | [email protected] and online shows . Mr. Schajris is considered to be one of the most important and celebrated artists in Latin music.

ISSUE DATE 5/15 | AD CLOSE 5/5 | MATERIALS DUE 5/6 Page 9 of 28

IN BRIEF

the studio with drummer Landon Gwynn Rich People Miranda, 25, says social media has been his and bassist Kip Congo. “I’ll be switching The Philadelphia-based DIY emo-pop melodic hardcore Orange County, Califor- back and forth depending on my mental rockers didn’t have a label to help them nia band’s saving grace. Eager to keep fans state.” through lean times when everything interested as they geared up to release new “It’s been interesting man, a bit exhaust- stopped in early 2020 and they lost a series music, the Fearless Records group decided ing,” he continues, describing his efforts to of highly anticipated opening slots for to hire a social media management team reconfigure his career plan from home, in- bigger indie bands. At first, they pivoted to to help them develop a more streamlined, cluding leaving his label, New West Records. Instagram Live shows and more frequent predictable posting schedule. “We were Brue’s also been taking an online film course merch drops — but after splitting with their good at posting on tour — and when we did to learn everything he can so he can shoot drummer and bassist, founder and singer/ merch drops when we were active — but his own videos. “That’s what I want to get guitarist Rob Rich and guitarist/vocalist otherwise our social would go into limbo,” across,” he says of his Sammy 2.0 project. “A Blake Horner regrouped to chart a path he tells Billboard, noting that the band now DIY attitude with an overlying message of forward. has four scheduled posts every week across love.” Following a “major” depression in the their platforms to keep interest stoked. Freed of his contract, Brue says he’s look- early days of COVID, Rich says the band Those posts range from questions and ing forward to dropping new music as it’s bounced back last summer by taking Instagram polls to giveaways and contests, recorded, with several sneak peeks of the advantage of Bandcamp’s revenue share livestreams, Q&As, and a presence on the BRUE sound already available on his Ins- program during a 24-hour flash sale of their growing Pillar community. On the digital tagram. And, after doing a few livestream pandemic album, Harmony, which they used fan club app developed by the band The shows for fans over the past year, Brue has to donate to bail funds for people arrested Maine, Movements fans can subscribe for a reached out to the company that set them during 2020’s social justice protests. monthly fee that includes exclusive behind- up so he can also learn how to run the board “Our streaming doubled this year — and the-scenes footage and access to livestream himself for future online shows, as part of though we never thought of having a home concert tickets, one-on-one chats with band his determined plan to be a one-man con- studio, we pivoted completely to a nice members and unique content not available tent machine. [one],” says Horner of their new set-up. In to the general public. For now, he’s sitting on two, maybe three addition, a server they set up on the commu- Pillar has already brought in 500 paid unreleased solo and BRUE albums. Getting nity platform Discord allowed them to chat subscriptions for Movements at tiered pric- emotional at times recalling the big changes with fans, which turned out to be good for ing points, which Miranda says has kept and feelings he’s had over the past 12 band morale as well. “As indie artists we re- the band on their creative toes. “We have months, Brue says he’s learned that “there ally have to push to get stuff out there,” says a hybrid relationship with them, we come are no rules” anymore about how to use Rich of their varied arsenal. In the past year, up with most of the content ideas and they social media. He also feels like he’s found that’s included the surprise album drop, a facilitate it,” he says of the Pillar team. the sweet spot between showing everything 40-minute Instagram Live stream, and oc- Because of their hustle — which included and selectively sharing with his distanced casional merch releases that have kept the selling branded face masks, posting throw- fans. “I’m very selective with what I post,” lights on — as well as the “Midconvo” series back concert pics, “Behind the Song” he says. “I don’t want to be super-duper of in-depth interviews with friends in other clips, playthrough videos and the drop of personal to the point where I’m letting ev- bands. their second full-length album, No Good Left eryone know exactly what’s going on every Rich People also produced several to Give, in September — Miranda says the day, but I do want to [share how I’m] quietly episodes of their popular “play through” group’s social engagement stats have never making stuff.” videos, in which Horner showed fans how been higher. They got proof of how eager He got a crash course in how much to perform some of their most beloved songs fans were to hear the new music when they he means to those fans after a group of on guitar. The pair recently released the gathered in the same room for the first time Brue-sters joined him for an unexpectedly single “Real Close,” and, in early March, sur- all year for a day-of-release livestream in poignant “Crash Test Kids” Instagram chat prise dropped the poppy single “Apropos.” September — and a second Pillar-only, full- earlier this year. “It blew my mind, like, For now, they’re just focusing on record- production show in December that blew ‘What is this? This is amazing!’” he says. ing the best songs they can and hoping to their feeds up. “They were just freaking out and talking see their fans again in person again later this “We are just doing the things [on social] about how much they like my music and year. “As an independent band you’re always we feel are subtle enough that we don’t talking about my new group.” He was so im- trying to figure out how to get an edge,” Rich come across as corny... or trying to just get pressed, in fact, that he offered to FaceTime says. “There’s a get-rich-quick vibe and it’s clicks and engagement,” he says — noting with them and play some new music in a 30 easy to forget the main thing is the music.” that fans can’t seem to get enough of the minute private show. “That was such a blast Movements playthrough videos, which they drop once to see their reactions,” he raves. Over the past year, Movements singer Pat or twice a month. Page 10 of 28

IN BRIEF

For now, they plan to start writing new if he’s unsure what it will feel like. “In Sep- The melodic Virginia rock quintet missed material in the spring with the goal of play- tember we played with Mt. Joy at Lakeshore out on a chance to open for their hero Tom ing some outdoor, distanced shows this Drive-In and that was a blast, just seeing live DeLonge’s Angels and Airwaves last year. summer. “I’m fine with that,” says an eager music and playing was such a thrill,” he says. So the Fearless Records act leaned into Ins- Miranda. “But I also wonder, when we perform... we tagram trivia contests, Tiger King-themed Rookie all feed off the crowd energy, and I wonder dance parties, cooking demos, Twitch The Chicago rock band was also slated how it will look in a room when everyone is gaming streams and livestream shows to hit SXSW last year for their first official spaced out, if the energy of the show will be to keep fans interested. Singer/guitarist showcases, and then tour with veteran alt- completely different.” Christian Neonakis, 32, says they’ve been rockers Twin Peaks and Brendan Benson. The Jacks taking their time working on a strategy and The shows evaporated, but the group still The groove-rocking Southern California using his and keyboardist Piano Whittman’s managed to drop their self-titled debut band wrote, produced and recorded their film backgrounds to produce a 16-minute, album on Bloodshot Records as they pivoted first full-length record during lockdown, “nonsensical” Christmas special to keep to offering private music lessons on Tikly — a feat bassist/singer Scott Stone says was people entertained while they were locked and, because they were quarantining sepa- super satisfying. Signed to Universal Music down at home. rately, doing the occasional solo livestream Group-distributed Edgeout Records, The “We decided we like to make funny stuff, on their phones for whoever tuned in. “But Jacks kept fans interested with the singles and part of our social media [look] is doing after a while there was no life to that, and “Have You Heard The News,” “I Don’t goofy stuff that people seem to like and is an we decided to stop doing [it],” says guitarist Mind” and the Remember You EP and the honesty portrayal of who we are,” he says. Max Loebman, 23. holiday track “In the Bleak Midwinter.” They also “went hard” at writing, with a Instead, they waited until they could In addition to hitting the virtual show three month stretch of meeting up five days film a sweltering rooftop July gig from circuit and creating the “Let’s Hear It” a week — with half the band in the living the Virgin Hotel in downtown Chicago and YouTube series in which they dive into their room and half in a bedroom — for sessions then another one later in the summer from favorite albums, musicians and rock movies, that produced 20-30 solid song ideas. After the driveway of keyboardist Justin Bell’s they also rolled up more than 60,000 TikTok slow-releasing five songs over the course parent’s house. They also played a gig in followers with a mix of original song snip- of the year, they dropped their version of November from the hometown club Fitzger- pets and silly bits. “TikTok turned out to be “White Christmas” on vinyl in December, ald’s with an audience of 3-4 crew members. a great creative outlet because we built up a which ended up getting airtime during a “It was definitely not the same, but we sizable fans base in just a few months,” says Sunday Night Football game between Green had to make the best of what we could,” he Stone of a bright spot amid some “tough” Bay and Atlanta. (“That was one of the cool- says, pointing to the upside of the “tons” months. est things ever, because I’m a huge football of songs each member has written during They lost a manger and picked up a new fan,” says Neonakis.) quarantine, and the 15 or so keepers they one, spent a lot of time together, and were In addition, they played five livestream recently began recording in guitarist Chris able to avoid looking for day jobs thanks to shows sponsored by media outlets which Devlin’s basement. For the most part they revenue from lucrative sync and sponsor- elicited questions and comments from fans were able to hang on to their day jobs — ship deals. “We’ve been so focused on the from Canada to Portugal. The hard work which range from dog grooming to subbing album... we did a full rebrand of our look has already paid off it seems — with their at local high schools — and keep the band and sound. For a while we didn’t know what Spotify figures last August breaking through together amid creatively trying times. kind of band we wanted to be,” says Stone, the one million streams level for all their “There were definitely moments of, ‘What 27. EPs so far, for what Neonakis called their are we supposed to do, and how do we During COVID, the group that formed in “holy crap!” moment of realizing that they’d go forward?’,” he admits. But after slowly 2016 as a more straight-ahead rock quartet grown from their early garage band days to getting together again in mid-2020, they re-emerged with a “more modern” sound a group potentially on the cusp of something hit a familiar groove after years of non- he describes as a poppier, more alternative bigger. With most members living together stop touring, which had previously honed mash-up in the realm of the Arctic Mon- in two separate homes just minutes apart in their chemistry to a high polish. “We were keys-meet-Harry-Styles-and-The Neigh- Leesburg, Virginia, and all of them in each rehearsing in a garage, super spaced apart — bourhood, which they’re excited to share on other’s bubbles. whereas at gigs we were normally very close the album due out this summer. “So for now, “It’s just a matter of me going into [room- together,” he says. “But it did come back we’re focusing on our digital content and mate guitarist] Dylan’s [Savopolous] bed- together and we were all in good spirits.” bumping up our streams,” he says, “so that room to record, or going over to Piano and With vaccines rolling out across the when touring opens back up, potentially [drummer] Sam [Athanas’] house, which is country, Loebman is also looking forward we’ll be able to tour sizable venues.” two minute away,” he says. “The pandemic to some outdoor shows this summer, even My Kid Brother had definitely made us feel closer.” Page 11 of 28

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Greyscale super-poppy “Diamond” one-off single they A hearing is set for May 13 to approve the The Philly alt rockers managed to release dropped in October, Grey says their fans settlement for the class action ticket hold- their second full-length, Nella Vita, and might be in for a surprise. “Our first record ers. play nearly 100 shows before things shut was straight rock, and the next one was The festival, which was conceived by down, filling the cash gap in the meantime pop rock, and we’ve been on a journey of McFarland and his business partner, hip- with planned bi-monthly merch drops that refining our sound more and more,” he says, hop artist Jeffrey Atkins (a.k.a. Ja Rule), served as their financial “safety net.” But calling “Diamond” a fun experiment to write was billed as a “unique destination concert singer Collin Walsh says when the pandemic a straight-up pop song. experience in the Caribbean aimed at young went on way longer than they anticipated, “We’re just playing it by ear for now to millennials and featuring a number of top it was time to stop dreaming up new shirts see when touring picks up,” he says — as the musical acts.” It was scheduled to take place and get back in the studio. big question mark about when, or if, venues over two weekends in April and May 2017 The group spent a month and a half will open up again in 2021 is tied to when in Exumas, Bahamas, with tickets costing recording in Los Angeles earlier this year, the album might drop. “That will [definitely] between $1,000 and $12,00, according to after spending endless hours writing new determine if we put the album out in April Meiselas. material as they waited for touring to open or November.” In addition to the festival, which was back up. After months of commenting on billed as having “the greatest talents in the their digital hockey team’s season on world,” there was also going to be a week- Twitch, then pivoting to the livestream “S— Fyre Festival long treasure hunt, as well as “immersive” tshow” faux late night show that included a art and theater and informative discussions three-song live set. Ticket Holders with “some of the brightest minds in the “We realized it [touring] wasn’t going to world.” The event was also widely promoted pick up again, so we changed our timetable Awarded $7,220 on social media by influencers who were and moved up the recording process,” he paid over $2.25 million, including Bella says. At the time he spoke to Billboard sev- in Class Action Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jen- eral weeks ago, Walsh said they were begin- ner — the latter of whom was paid $275,000 ning to mix the as-yet-untitled collection Settlement for a single post, according to the legal after narrowing it down from 50 demos to 11 complaint. of the most solid tunes. That will be news to BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM While attendees were promised luxury the Greyscale nation, since the band mostly accommodations and gourmet food, they in- went dark on social media in November yre Festival has reached a settle- stead were given FEMA disaster relief tents for the first time in years, rarely tweeting ment with 277 aggrieved ticket to stay in and were fed cheese sandwiches in and posting a series of moody pictures on holders of the infamous 2017 Baha- Styrofoam containers. Instead of an epic fes- Instagram with no captions for the majority mian event, awarding each of them tival, their time on the island was filled with of 2021 so far. F$7,220 payouts. The settlement between the “disorganization and chaos.” None of the The “S—tshow” was fun, but Walsh says ticket holders and the trustee of Fyre festi- musical guests performed, and the festival that the idea of doing the same kinds of val assets was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court was canceled the morning after many ticket livestreams and Q&As that all their friends - Southern District of New York on Tuesday. holders had already arrived. were doing seemed like a dead-end — so “It’s a small but significant step for ticket This isn’t the first judgement issued they stockpiled songs as they quarantined holders who were defrauded and had their against McFarland over the festival. In together and took the “scary” flight to lives up ended as a result of the fraudulent 2018, two North Carolina residents each L.A. After rapid COVID tests, they rented conduct by [Fyre founder Billy] McFarland,” obtained $1.5 million in compensatory an Airbnb, created their bubble with the says Ben Meiselas, partner at Geragos & damages, plus an additional $1 million in album’s producer, double-masked on the Geragos, lead attorney for the class-action punitive damages, for a total award of $5 plane and hoped for the best. “There’s a representing the ticket holders. million after each spent about $13,000 good reason people are worried about trav- Meiselas says despite the fact that there on VIP packages, according to their at- eling, and we definitely wanted to make sure are multiple creditors involved in the bank- torney Stacy Miller. And in September, we were only doing it if we could do it in the ruptcy case, there will be money set aside in the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy of most responsible way and everyone was as this settlement for Fyre Fest ticket holders McFarland’s Fyre Media secured settle- safe as possible,” he says. — but it may not come out to the full $7,220 ments regarding payments to artists such Whether touring picks up by the fall apiece. He adds that the exact amount will as Blink-182, Tyga, Pusha T and Major or not, the band will release the album — be determined at a later date but “there will Lazer who had been scheduled to perform which Gray promises is their best one ever be monetary relief in some form or fashion at the event, reclaiming some of the funds — sometime this year. If it’s anything like pending approval.” paid. Page 12 of 28

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For his part, McFarland was sentenced to Tiësto says he was wooed to Resorts gle “The Business,” his first No. 1 on six years in prison on Oct. 11, 2018 for fraud World, opening this summer, because of its Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Song in connection with a scheme to defraud status as the first new casino-resort to be Sales chart. investors, according to the U.S. Attorney’s built on the Las Vegas Strip in more than a “It’s about me going to a new place Office for the Southern District of New York. decade. in Las Vegas and starting a new life in Las He is currently being held in at a federal “I played Zouk Nightclub in Singapore Vegas,” he says of the clip. “It’s been a very facility in Oklahoma City and is scheduled and it is an incredible club with a lot of tough year for everybody and for Vegas, to be released Aug. 30, 2023. history. It’s a legendary place,” he says. “To as well. Everyone’s really excited to have have that here in Vegas now is amazing.” something new.” The venues will have full capability to be Riding high from “The Business,” a Tiësto Starting branded in according to the artist’s wants chart-topper in multiple countries including and needs. Ireland and his native Netherlands, Tiës- ‘New Life in Las At 36,000-square-feet, Zouk asserts it will to promises he’ll use his new Vegas shows to be the most technologically advanced night- debut original music. Vegas’ With 3-Year club in Las Vegas, with interactive 3D book- “Over the next week, we’re going to ing maps that will allow guests to see the decide what’s going to be the next single Zouk Group Deal exact tables they are booking and a digital through Atlantic,” he says. “And I’ve also guestlist for self-entry. The centerpiece of actually made some great club bangers that BY MELINDA SHECKELLS the experience will be an articulating ceiling are going to be released this summer, but I with a focal point called the Mothership, want everything to be open. I want to play iësto loves Las Vegas and it all incorporating a complete lighting system them first exclusively in the club before I started two decades ago when that offers different types of dynamic solu- release them, because they are custom made he first played Baby’s Nightclub tions, both motorized and static creating an for the dance floor.” at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. In infinite number of effects. The 360-degree The EDM legend assures this is just the Tthose days, the pioneering EDM artist was Capital bar will have a projection mapping beginning of what’s to come from his new spinning vinyl to 300 people. canopy and the Empire room will offer era. “I didn’t even have a phone back then,” alternate music styles to the main club in a “Over the last 14 months, I really had the says the Dutch DJ in an exclusive interview more intimate environment. chance to rethink the sound of my sets and with Billboard. “Our relationship with Tiësto dates back also made a lot of new tracks,” he says. “I For the last seven years, Tiës- to the early stages of his career, and the can’t wait to perform live—I think I’m pretty to called Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM team at Zouk Group is thrilled to continue much addicted to it. And that’s why I can’t Grand home — he even had his face plas- our support of him with this incredible quit. It’s just a very special feeling. And not tered on the side of the hotel. partnership,” said Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk many people in the world experience that But as the city prepares to fully open on Group, in a statement. feeling. When you are in front of the crowd, June 1, Tiësto will be heading down the Tiësto’s personal life has changed quite and it doesn’t matter if it’s 500 people or street to call the new $4 billion Resorts a bit since he last played Vegas. The once- 5,000 or 50,000, you get that adrenaline World — and its Zouk Nightclub and Ayu perennial bachelor married model An- rush. And if you see them smiling and enjoy- Dayclub — home for a three-year deal. nika Backes in 2019 and the couple had ing the music you play, it’s really special.” Sources say deals like this in Las Vegas can baby girl Viola in 2020. But he can’t imagine Performance dates and ticket information be worth anything from $150,000 to a life without performing in Las Vegas’ will be made available at zoukgrouplv.com/ $300,000 per night for an artist of Tiësto’s nightclubs. tiesto on Monday, April 19 at 9 a.m. caliber. No word yet on the number of dates “What’s exciting about Las Vegas is every he will play over the span of his 36 months. week you have a whole new crowd—it is “When Las Vegas shutdown [last year] the never the same. And every night is differ- future became very uncertain for every- ent,” he says. “I can play there 40 nights in body,” Tiësto says. “After seven years at a row, and it will always be different. People MGM Grand, it is time for a new challenge.” fly in from all over the world to have the best For a top-of-his-game performer times of their life, and everybody’s always like Tiësto, Zouk nightclub and Ayu dayclub happy, and everybody’s coming out to have a Resorts World, which will signify the state- good time—so it’s the best place on Earth.” side debut of Singapore experience creator He chronicled his first look inside Zouk Group, offer a best-in-class experience Resorts World in a new social media vid- in terms of technology, lighting and sound. eo soundtracked with his latest hit sin- Page 13 of 28

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tra, Electric Daisy Carnival, Jungle Festival ship with Genies and The Shawn Mendes Warner Music and the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. Her Whet Foundation — launched a commemorative Records debut, “Flexy” is out now. charitable Wonder NFT drop that collected Continues Major over $1 million as part of the Wonder Grants campaign that supports young digital artists. Label Asia Andrew Gertler’s In addition to supporting artists in the NFT space, the new venture is also pri- Expansion With AG Artists oritizing innovation. Permanent Arts has launched a fund (through Gertler’s AG Whet Records Launches NFT- Ventures) to invest in blockchain technolo- gies and marketplaces. Recent involvements BY KATIE BAIN Focused Division include Dapper Labs, the company behind the NBA’s Top Shot, and STURDY.exchange, he major label dance music expan- BY LYNDSEY HAVENS a creative direction and design company be- sion into Asia continues today hind visuals for Drake and Travis Scott (AG with Warner Music Asia’s launch anager Andrew Gertler un- Ventures partnered with and helped fund of Whet Records. Servicing pan- veiled on Thursday (April STURDY.exchange earlier this year, and TAsia, the label will be operated by Jonathan 15) the newest division of his Gertler is an advisor at the company). Serbin, the CEO of Warner Music Greater AG Artists: Permanent Arts, “What we’re seeking to do with our digi- China. Man NFT artist management and creative tal artist representation business is the same A dance music veteran and the former venture. In addition to representing visual theory we approach our artist management head of Billboard Asia and CEO of Mixmag artists, including 18-year-old painter and business with: to protect artists and help Asia, Serbin has served as executive pro- NFT act Fewocious, Permanent Arts will them manage their rights and navigate their ducer on tracks by electronic artists includ- also support and invest in NFT-related careers,” says Gertler. “With the new fron- ing KSHMR, Ferry Corsten, Steve Aoki and projects and companies, IP and digital art, tier of digital art will come new challenges Jane Zhang. He founded Whet Records and and collectibles. for the artists as well, in terms of revenue aims to work with emerging and established Permanent Arts is the latest addition to collection and IP protection, as well as in artists to provide distribution, marketing, the quickly expanding AG Artists, which the day-to-day management of what is fast management and more. includes an investment arm, AG Ventures, becoming a robust business with multiple “Whet will blend the power of Warner and a film & TV production company, Per- revenue streams and marketplaces. We as a Music’s network and expertise with the manent Content, along with a joint venture company feel we’re well positioned to help DNA of a true electronic music label,” Si- with Gertler’s top client, Shawn Mendes, artists navigate this new world.” mon Robson, Warner’s President of and Anonymous Content. International Recorded Music, says in a “I’ve been a fan of digital art and col- statement. “Jonathan has worked quickly to lectibles for a long time, and have also Music get this off the ground and we’re excited to made early investments in the avatar space show the world the talent brewing through- with Genies and in the collectibles space Heavyweights out Asia.” with our early adoption with Shawn’s fan Whet Records is the most recent major club app which launched four years ago Sign Open label launch into Asia, where Sony Music, with AR digital collectibles,” says Gertler. Universal Music Group and Warner Music “What is happening now in the art commu- Letter Opposing Group have all been setting up local im- nity with the explosion of NFTs is truly an prints for the past few years. On the dance incredible thing for these artists that I’m so Restrictive Voting front, Sony and Tencent Music Entertain- excited to be able to support.” ment launched a joint venture imprint, He adds, “Artists that were once limited Laws Liquid State, in 2018, UMG announced the to one-off sales and limited marketplaces Singapore-based Astralwerks Asia in 2019 are now able to take their art directly to BY ALEX WEPRIN AND BILLBOARD and Dutch heavyweight dance label Spinnin’ fans and also collect on the recurring resale STAFF expanded into Asia that same year via a revenue from their art.” deal with parent company Warner. Fewocious’ two most recent NFT releases, n open letter headlined “We Whet’s first signing is Chinese DJ and on digital marketplace Nifty Gateway, Stand For Democracy” and producer Lizzy Wang, who has performed earned over $3 million USD in under 10 opposing restrictions on voting at major dance music festivals including Ul- minutes. Meanwhile, Mendes — in partner- A drew hundreds of signees from Page 14 of 28

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across corporate America, including many Maffei recently suggested that stream- names from the entertainment industry. Liberty Media ing giant Amazon would drive an acceler- Among the companies attaching their ated push by Big Tech platforms for more names to the letter were Netflix, Viacom- CEO Greg sports rights worldwide. “I suspect they’re CBS, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Eventbrite, only going to get more serious over time and CAA, Sonos, UTA and Live Nation Enter- Maffei’s 2020 they won’t be the only ones,” he argued. tainment. This story was originally published by The Individuals signing the letter included Pay Rises to $47.1 Hollywood Reporter. notable entertainment figures Scooter Braun, Katy Perry, Debra L. Lee, JJ Million Abrams, George Clooney, Channing Meet Elvira, The Dungey, Lee Daniels, Larry David, Queen BY GEORG SZALAI AND ETAN Latifah, David Geffen, Demi Lovato, Pe- VLESSING Swedish Producer ter Chernin, George Lucas, Samuel L. Jackson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Shonda ohn Malone’s Liberty Media — which Behind Those Rhimes, Paula Abdul, Shari Red- owns audio entertainment giant stone and David Zaslav, as well as cor- SiriusXM, the Atlanta Braves baseball Taylor Swift porate leaders like Warren Buffett, Mike team and the Formula One racing Bloomberg and Kenneth Cole. Jcircuit — disclosed that president and Dance Remixes The letter, which was organized by CEO Gregory Maffei’s 2020 compensation former American Express CEO Ken amounted to $47.1 million, up from $44 mil- BY KATIE BAIN Chenault and Merck CEO Ken Frazier, was lion in 2019 and $20.1 million in 2018. published as a two-page advertising spread He had made $19.8 million in 2017 and n late 2020, Elvira Anderfjärd was in Wednesday’s New York Times and Wash- $16.9 million in 2016. The pay details were posed a question. ington Post. While not calling out Georgia disclosed in a regulatory filing with the “It came through my publish- by name, it called out efforts to restrict Securities and Exchange Commission. ers, and was like, ‘Do you want to try voting access (Georgia passed a restrictive Maffei’s salary last year was $871,880, Ithis? If you can deliver, then you’ve got it,’” voting bill a few weeks ago, with dozens of against a salary of $1.16 million in 2019. In she tells Billboard. “I guess I delivered.” other states weighing similar bills). April 2020, the Liberty Media CEO received The Swedish producer and songwriter “For American democracy to work for restricted stock units as part of a measure to was, in fact, asked to deliver one of the any of us, we must ensure the right to vote waive and restructure his unpaid calendar most high-profile remixes imaginable when for all of us,” the letter reads in part. “We year base salary due to “potential liquidity presented with Taylor Swift’s “Willow.” all should feel a responsibility to defend the concerns” at the company amid the onset of Taking the stems of the song into her Stock- right to vote, and oppose any discriminatory the coronavirus pandemic. holm studio and finessing them into a darkly legislation or measures that restrict or pre- The bulk of his overall compensation last plucky, pared-down version of the soft folk vent any eligible voter from having an equal year continued to come from option awards, track, the “willow - dancing witch version” or fair opportunity to cast a ballot.” stock awards and a non-equity incentive remix was released two days after the Dec. The Georgia law has sparked out- plan. 11 surprise-drop of Swift’s Evermore. rage from the entertainment industry, Maffei’s 2019 compensation had jumped This, of course, led to Internet conjecture with Major League Baseball moving its thanks to a new employment contract that about the identity of a remixer so mysteri- All Star Game to Colorado and Will Smith boosted his option awards from $8.8 million ous that her artist page on Spotify has only and Antoine Fuqua shifting their feature to $27.8 million. His option awards dipped a blank space where the photo should be. film Emancipation out of the state. to $24.98 million in 2020. Who was Elvira? Where did she come from? However, Tyler Perry, whose studio Liberty Media in its regulatory filing And how did she get the dream gig? is based in Georgia, and political activ- also disclosed the annual pay for chairman Swift herself called Elvira “a bad ass fe- ist Stacey Abrams are among those who Malone, which amounted to $1.09 million. male producer I really respect” upon releas- have argued that boycotts over the law may He had made $1.4 million in 2019, $1.1 mil- ing the song, while pop culture vixen Elvira, backfire. lion in 2018, $797,082 in 2017 and $747,156 Mistress of the Dark, cleared up at least a The open letter released Wednesday is in 2016. little bit of the confusion when she tweet- one way to bridge that gap, taking a public Liberty recently reported 2020 revenue ed, “I’ve done a lot of music projects over stand without pulling any business. of $9.4 billion, down from $10.3 billion, and the years, but this isn’t one of them.” A version of this story was originally pub- a loss of $1.4 billion, compared with 2019 The speculation multiplied on Mar. 26, lished by The Hollywood Reporter. earnings of $106 million. when Swift dropped the “Elvira Remix” of Page 15 of 28

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“Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” a reworked Elvira and off they went.” at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. edition of her 2008 hit that came out amidst It took Anderfjärd about a week to pro- “I’m kind of on a euphoric high right the rollout for Swift’s first re-recorded duce the “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” re- now, because I missed it more than I real- album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Together mix, with the song posing a challenge, given ized,” concertmaster Frank Huang said these remixes — two of just the three songs that millions of people around the world afterwards. There was a reduced force of posted to Elvira’s artist page on Spotify already know and love it. “I started over 23 strings — all masked — and no brass or — have aggregated more than 11 million once, because it’s hard to do a dance remix woodwinds for a program that lasted one streams on the platform. of a pop country song that’s so famous,” An- hour: Caroline Shaw’s “Entr’acte,” Jean Sil- “I’m so anonymous on the Internet,” derfjärd says. “Everyone knows the original, belius’ “Rakastava (The Lover)” and Richard Anderfjärd says over Zoom from her studio. and to make it dance-ey, that was pretty Strauss’ “Metamorphosen.” The cavern- “It’s pretty fun to see people speculating, hard.” ous Shed, which opened in April 2019, had like, ‘Are you Taylor Swift?’ I read that some She added percussion buoyancy to the a masked audience of 150 spaced out in people thought I was a witch. It’s pretty track with a galloping beat, and pared down groups of one and two folding chairs, about weird to have Taylor Swift write about me the production in the choruses to give the 10 feet between each set, in a venue that and no one know who I am.” brightly explosive hook maximum impact. usually seats about 1,200. In fact, Anderfjärd is a 21-year-old pro- She felt good about what she’d created, and There were electronic tickets with timed ducer, songwriter and lyricist whose writing that made her nervous. entry, and temperatures were taken upon credits include tracks by Tove Lo and Katy “I think I get more nervous when I’m entry. Each person had to show proof of a Perry. She makes music full-time, worships happy with the result,” she says, “because negative COVID-19 test or proof of hav- Lorde and still doesn’t have a photo on her then you get crushed when you feel like they ing completed vaccination at least 14 days Spotify page. That hardly matters. Given the didn’t like something you liked, and I really earlier. During the gap, many musicians global visibility of her recent output, other liked that remix, so I was pretty nervous.” taught. They had the benefit of continued major opportunities (with artists she can’t It’s pointed out that clearly, Swift and but reduced salaries, a contrast to their reveal quite yet) are currently rolling in. her team enjoyed what she’d done with Lincoln Center neighbor the Metropolitan Anderfjärd has always been into music the song. “Yeah,” she says, cracking a wide Opera, which stopped pay for its unionized — she mentions twice how much she loved smile. “They really liked it.” employees for long periods. The last time ‘80s soft rockers Toto as an adolescent the Philharmonic had gathered before an — studying jazz piano in high school and audience was on March 10 last year for a also learning to play the cello; producing NY Philharmonic night of Claude Debussy compositions with was just “my fun thing that I did outside of mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard and conduc- practicing piano,” she says. She’d long been Performs First tor Louis Langree. “ashamed for liking pop music,” but when Since then, at most a handful of Phil- she turned 18, her previously repressed love Concert With harmonic musicians had played together of pop overcame her plan of becoming a in public, at “Bandwagon” performances nurse: “I realized that I couldn’t push away Audience in 13 moved around the New York City area and this dream of producing, so I did it.” as a quartet in Florida where there were less Anderfjärd’s primary focuses are produc- Months stringent COVID-19 regulations. There were ing and writing — a true studio person, she’s also programs for digital release on NYPhil+ never performed live — taking inspiration BY ASSOCIATED PRESS recorded at St. Bart’s Church and at Lincoln from artists like Flume and infusing her Center’s Alice Tully Hall with music direc- work with the classical influences of her sa-Pekka Salonen walked on stage tor Jaap van Zweden. youth. She’s signed with MXM Publishing, to join the New York Philharmon- The Philharmonic hopes to resume the publishing company owned by song- ic, which had not gathered before regular subscription concerts in September, writer savant Max Martin, who’s written an audience for exactly 400 days. shifted to Tully and the Rose Theater at Lin- hits for Swift including “Bad Blood” and E“On behalf of all us on stage, welcome back,” coln Center Jazz until the Geffen reopens “Gorgeous.” While Elvira’s work isn’t fo- the conductor told the crowd Wednesday in September 2022. Its musicians will open cused on remixing, when Swift’s team called night (April 14). “We have been dreaming of the summer series of Picnic Performances MXM looking for someone to take on the this moment for a long time.” The philhar- in New York City’s Bryant Park with four edits, she jumped at the opportunity. monic gave its first public performance after nights starting June 9 and also hope to “MXM has a long history with team of a historic hiatus of more than 13 months play in Vail, Colorado. The limited return Taylor,” says Johan Malmberg Hector of caused by the coronavirus pandemic, play- is ahead of Broadway shows, which have MXM, “and when they asked if we had any ing at the Shed in Brookfield Place, about 2 talked about possibly resuming in Septem- explosive talent for a remix we suggested miles from its under-renovation Geffen Hall ber, and the Met, which will open Sept. 27 if Page 16 of 28

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it can reach new labor agreements. that they will now begin the process of mov- Salonen, the 62-year-old music director of R. Kelly Federal ing Kelly from the Metropolitan Correction- the San Francisco Symphony and princi- al Center in Chicago, where he has been in pal conductor of London’s Philharmonia Trial for Sexual custody since July 2019, to a similar facility Orchestra, came in as a guest conductor and in Brooklyn, New York. will repeat the program on Thursday night Exploitation Set During his lengthy wait for a trial, Kelly (April 15). “If there’s one thing we musi- has asked the court multiple times to be cians have loved during these 14 months or for August in released citing COVID-19 and other factors, so, it is that nothing — absolutely nothing but his requests have been denied. He is also — can replace the act and the ritual of a live Brooklyn awaiting trial in Illinois regarding separate concert,” he told the audience. “Music, of sexual abuse allegations. course, exists on many different levels: in BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM Steve Greenberg, one of Kelly’s lawyer, written form using the complex system of tells Billboard that he is pleased that the symbols we call notation; as recordings on . Kelly’s federal trial for rack- trial date has finally been set and that he is various mediums; or perhaps most impor- eteering, sexual exploitation of a confident about his case. tantly, in our memory and in our dreams. child, bribery, kidnapping, forced However, music can truly fulfill its original labor and enticement is set to I dare say biological function as a powerful Rbegin Aug. 9 in a Brooklyn courtroom. Karen Olivo tool to convey deepest emotions and feelings Kelly, real name Robert Sylvester Kelly, only when performed here and now at this appeared telephonically along with his legal Leaving union point in time where music performers team for a status hearing Thursday (April and the audience become one in a perfect 15) where U.S. Judge Ann M. Donnelly Broadway’s symbiosis.” firmly set his trial date. Both Kelly attorneys Acoustics are difficult for an orchestra and the prosecution told Donnelly that they ‘Moulin Rouge!’ in in The Shed, with its high ceiling creating were ready to proceed on that date. Ques- the need for amplification. Players grinned tionnaires to potential jurors will begin to be Protest Over Scott as they saw the crowd, and some in the audi- sent out on July 26. ence responded with a standing ovation. Kelly is facing charges in NY alleging that Rudin Silence “The three works we have chosen to play to- for over two decades he was the leader of a night all share a sense of moaning, nostalgia racketeering enterprise made up of manag- BY KATIE KILKENNY and loss elevated to something deeply and ers, bodyguards, drivers, personal assistants, essentially human by sheer beauty,” Salonen and runners who recruited women and girls oulin Rouge! actor Karen Olivo said. “Of course, no single program can even to engage in illegal sexual activity with the says she’s not returning to the begin to sum up our feelings and emotions singer. The sexual activity was often filmed Broadway production as a after these months. Instead, we should and photographed by Kelly, according to the form of protest against Scott see tonight’s concert as a new beginning, a court filing by the Department of Justice. MRudin, the prolific theater and film producer signal for happier times ahead, filled with The charges against him involve six differ- who former employees accused of bullying music and other things that give meaning to ent victims. in a recent Hollywood Reporter story. our existence in this troubled world.” Donnelly assured Kelly’s defense team Olivo, who played Satine in the Broadway that after the delays caused by the CO- production that began in 2019, announced VID-19 pandemic that she expected the trial her departure from the role in an Insta- to proceed in a fashion that is as normal as gram video on Monday. “Social justice possible. Depending on the circumstances is more important than being a sparkling later this summer, Donnelly said headsets in diamond. Building a better industry for my the courtroom may or may not be needed to students is more important than me putting give defense lawyers a way to communicate money in my pockets,” the Tony-winning with Kelly. The court has already imple- performer (West Side Story, 2009) said in mented other COVID safety protocols such the video. “The silence about Scott Rudin? as screening all detainee’s prior to coming Unacceptable. Unacceptable. That’s the easy to court to ensure that their temperature is one, y’all. That’s a monster. That should be lower than 100.4 as well as plexiglass divid- a no-brainer. Those of you who say you’re ers in the courtroom. scared, what are you afraid of?” Prosecutors announced at the hearing She then challenged the rest of the Page 17 of 28

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industry to speak up: “Are you going to so much,” producers said in a statement. protect your pocketbook? And let people “Many of you, like us, have been looking for- The Deals: Def go to the emergency room so you can do ward to Rolling Loud for months now. And your next concert?” She added, “That’s it. I although we may need to wait a little bit Jam Strikes JV don’t need to be on a stage. I need to be out longer, trust that this comeback and reunion here... People are more important than your will be even stronger.” With Poo Bear; pocketbook.” For the 2021 edition, Rolling Loud will Olivo’s statements come one day after honor all passes for fans who held on to Deadmau5 three performers’ unions — SAG-AFTRA, their 2020 tickets, and will grant refunds Actors Equity and the American Federa- to ticketholders who are no longer able to Cosigns New tion of Musicians Local 802 — condemned attend. Limited tickets for the 2021 festival workplace harassment in a statement will be available for sale at a date to be an- Gaming Startup prompted by THR’s Rudin story. “Every nounced. worker deserves to do their job in an en- “We want to extend a massive thank you BY CYDNEY LEE vironment free of harassment of any kind, to all of our ragers who have held on to their whether that harassment creates a toxic tickets,” the statement said. Rolling Loud oo Bear, who served as the prin- workplace or, certainly in the case of sexual said information on how to obtain a refund cipal songwriting and producing harassment, when that behavior is also for 2020 passes will come later this month. collaborator on Justin Bieber’s against the law,” the statement read. “We are also working on sweetening the multi-platinum 2015 album Pur- Olivo added at the end of our statement, deal for those of you who choose to keep Ppose, has signed a joint venture agreement “I want a theater industry that matches my your tickets in addition to the rage pack you with Def Jam Recordings for his la- integrity. C’mon, y’all, why don’t we go make already earned from the last reschedule.” bel Bearthday Music. it? It’s not here, obviously.” Since having to cancel its 2020 event due “Poo Bear is one of the singular song- This article was originally published to the global coronavirus pandemic, Rolling writing talents in music today,” said Jeff by The Hollywood Reporter. Loud has attempted to move its signature Harleston, interim CEO at Def Jam Record- festival several times. The festival has ac- ings, in a statement. “His innate ability to knowledged the issues this may have caused understand artists, to help them find their Rolling Loud for fans who have booked and rebooked voices, and to articulate the universality of a travel. “For those of you who made hotel song is simply phenomenal. We’re excited to Miami Pushes and/or travel reservations in May, we hear develop artists with Poo Bear according to your travel concerns and realize that this his unique vision.” 2021 Dates Again: is not an ideal situation. Thankfully, many Credits for the songwriter-producer, major airlines are not currently charging whose real name is Jason Boyd, also in- Here’s When the change fees, and most Miami hotels have clude Usher’s “Caught Up,” Dan + Shay’s policies in place that allow for refunds,” “10,000 Hours,” and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Hip-Hop Festival Rolling Loud said in the statement. Yankee’s 13-times platinum “Despacito During the pandemic, with no live show (Remix)” featuring Bieber. Will Return possibilities in sight, Rolling Loud pivoted to “I’m extremely grateful for Bearthday the world of livestreaming, drawing millions Music to have partnered with Def Jam and BY TAYLOR MIMS of unique viewers. Rolling Loud has hosted Universal,” added Poo Bear. “This is truly three multi-day “Loud Stream” festivals a dream manifesting to have the support olling Loud festival will return on Twitch, with headliners such as Trip- of Def Jam, and their belief not only in me to Miami for the first time since pie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, Ski Mask The but in the artists I believe in. I’m looking 2019. The hip-hop festival usually Slump God, Fetty Wap, and Lil Skies. The forward to what’s to come from this new occurs in May, but will move to festival also uses its official Twitch channel promising venture. Thank you to Lucian RJuly 23-25 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to drive and comment on rap culture, wel- Grange, Jeff Harleston and Naim McNair for Gardens. coming special guests to weekly program- this opportunity. HBD!!!!” Producers for Rolling Loud said they ming including The Rotation, The Leak, Got In addition to the aforementioned artists, intend to keep as much of the 2020 lineup Bars? and more. Poo Bear has worked with J Balvin, DJ as possible. Headliners for last year’s lineup Khaled, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Car- included Post Malone and A$AP Rocky. ey, Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran, among “We can’t wait to reunite together in many others. He boasts nearly 300 song- the pits we’ve all grown to love (and miss) writing and production credits with sales of Page 18 of 28

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over 350 million records worldwide. Africa. With the increasing popularity and Sept. 17-19 and includes headliners Billie Ei- Joel Zimmerman (deadmau5) and Rich- use of the continent’s music on TikTok, the lish, Green Day and Tame Impala amongst ie Hawtin (Plastikman) along with music deal ensures that the organizations’ song- many others. industry visionaries Ben Turner, Dean writers, composers and music publishers Producer Rob Cavallo partnered with Wilson and Inder Phull partnered to cre- receive royalty payments when their music independent distributor and music tech ate PIXELYNX — a new gaming venture is used on the short-form video platform. platform Vydia to launch Done Deal Man- centered around the newly coined “direct- “We are happy to have reached an agree- agement. to-avatar” eco-system. ment with TikTok in order to ensure that “It’s exciting to have Vydia as a part- The new London and L.A.-based en- pan African songwriters are taken care of ner,” said Cavallo. “They always want to deavor has been in development for over on the platform. As a social music platform, do what’s right for the artist and the music six months, and is focused on bridging the TikTok has revolutionized how we engage and they have no fear about trying new gap between digital collectibles, gaming and and consume music,” said Wiseman Ngubo, ideas. There’s no telling how high we can go virtual worlds. PIXELYNX will work with CAMPASSO COO. “TikTok allows fans to together.” clients to digitize their brands into collect- co-create, contextualize and re-interpret Cavallo is known for his production ible goods for use in these fantasy worlds their favorite songs alongside their favorite work with bands like Green Day, Linkin while its founders will utilize their experi- artists and drives engagement and a deeper Park and My Chemical Romance to name ence and networks to help drive the shift appreciation of songs in an era when music a few. A three-time Grammy winner, he has into a more autonomous and decentralized consumption is increasingly divorced from also contributed to soundtracks for popular entertainment world. context. With the increasing spotlight on movies such as Disney’s Tarzan, Austin Pow- “We are on the edge of an exciting African music, more African songwriters are ers, City of Angels and more. transition in entertainment where the lines poised to reach global superstar status and With his new management company, Ca- between gaming, music, fashion, art and TikTok will play a major role in showcasing vallo will prioritize A&R and management technology are being blurred,” said Phull. their talents to the world.” while also providing guidance and label “The physical/digital crossover is here to “TikTok is delighted to enter into this services as needed. stay and if you look beyond the hype it’s easy agreement with SAMRO and CAPASSO, Audiomack partnered with MTN to identify the types of companies that will ensuring that songwriters, composers and Nigeria for a new program define the next generation of culture. Fort- publishers across Africa can benefit when called Audiomack+MTN Data Bundle. nite, Roblox and emerging virtual environ- their music is used on TikTok,” added Jor- The program will offer MTN subscrib- ments will represent the future of social life. dan Lowy, TikTok’s head of music publish- ers tailored data bundles for streaming Our mission is to help our partners enter ing, licensing and partnerships. “This is an unlimited music and accessing content on this space and bring value to their fans in a exciting region for us with a huge pool of Audiomack free of data charges. meaningful way. Ignoring this new medium incredible talent, and I look forward to con- “At Audiomack, we recognize the im- is like being late to e-commerce or social necting them with our global audience. portance of access to quality music, and media. The metaverse is coming, embrace Reservations technology plat- this coupled with Nigeria’s burgeoning it and re-imagine what it means to connect form Lyte partnered with Life Is Beauti- music industry influenced our partnership with your fans and consumers.” ful to host reservations for its single-day with MTN,” said David Macli, CEO and “What PIXELYNX is offering goes be- tickets. co-founder of Audiomack Africa. “This part- yond a ‘let’s dip our toes into the metaverse’ With its reservation system, Lyte’s tech- nership not only allows us to create shared situation,” continued Zimmerman. “The nology confronts the issue of ticket-resell- value for MTN subscribers by delivering the virtual world is continuously expanding and ing, allowing fans to reserve their desired best musical experiences but also enables us changing which is really exciting and we are tickets with their credit card. The orders are to connect further with the Nigerian market growing with it, especially into new sectors then fulfilled in an organized manner, all in as we reach new audiences.” like music and fashion. Gaming, virtual partnership with the official ticketer for the “High data costs are one of the barri- worlds and interactive experiences offer event. ers to music streaming and we are glad to limitless possibilities which we are able to The technology also prevents fans from be partnering with one of Africa’s leaders carve new pathways forward in.” unintentionally becoming scalpers; if in telecommunications to provide the Au- TikTok partnered with the Southern Af- needed, ticketholders are able to exchange diomack+ Data Bundle,” added Charlotte rican Music Rights Organization (SAM- their tickets at fair market value, and those Bwana, head of business development and RO) and the Composers, Authors and holding reservations are first in line to media partnerships for Audiomack. “We Publishers Association (CAPASSO) for a receive the returned tickets. By using Lyte, are truly excited at the prospects of this multi-territory licensing deal. Life Is Beautiful promises its fans access to partnership to offer the best and hottest new SAMRO and CAPASSO represent the real tickets at fair prices. music through a mix of real-time trending, rights of thousands of music creators across The Las Vegas festival is slated to occur top charts, and expertly-curated playlists Page 19 of 28

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to MTN subscribers.” services to artists, writers and rightsholders. “inspired,” according to a press release, “by WME has signed media creator Sheena We are thrilled to broaden the scope of our massive online multiplayer experiences and Melwani in all areas. relationship with Spin Master, and welcome Porter’s favorite indie art games.” Her Interrupted Series has earned over many recent signings including Tate McRae If you’re not into VR, the free show will 1 billion views on TikTok and YouTube. and Higher Reign Music Group.” also stream on YouTube, Twitch, Oculus WME will build out Melwani’s business CCS has also signed deals to manage VR, Android TV, PlayStation and via Diplo’s across music, podcasting, brands and en- performing rights for sound recordings of Revolution on SiriusXM. Robinson is en- dorsements, television, touring and other Higher Reign Music Group and rising art- couraging fans to donate to the MusiCares platforms. ist Tate McRae. COVID-19 Relief Fund via YouTube and Her content combines elements of music, Twitch. Postmates will also be hosting a humor and positivity, and Melwani has “virtual delivery booth” where fans can use amassed 6.4 million TikTok followers. In Porter Robinson Is the code SECRETSKY for free delivery on, some videos, Melwani is joined by the popu- the press releases encourages, food from lar character “The Real Indian Dad,” who Hosting Another “their favorite local restaurant.” also has 1.2 million TikTok followers. Secret Sky is presented by Goldenvoice, Melwani as a singer and songwriter is Virtual Festival Brownies & Lemonade and Slush Manage- currently in the studio working on an EP. ment. See the complete lineup below. She continues to be managed by Brillstein With a Massive Entertainment Partners. (Etan Vlessing, THR) Lineup: See Who’s The Players Country star Nate Smith signed with Creative Arts Agency (CAA). Playing Behind Silk Sonic’s The singer-songwriter went viral on TikTok for his single “Wildfire” released in BY KATIE BAIN ‘Leave the Door June 2019. He has since signed a publishing deal with Sony as well as a management deal ast May, four million people tuned Open’: See the with Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” in to Porter Robinson’s 14-hour Zaruk of The Core Entertainment. virtual festival Secret Sky. It was Full Credits Smith spent time working as a worship Robinson’s only live set of the year. leader and credits this experience as his big- LHe invited a bunch of his musical friends, BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN gest music inspiration. His breakout singles he played new music from his forthcoming include “Under My Skin,” “Under My Skin album Nurture, and next week, he’s doing it ilk Sonic, the duo comprised Stripped” and “Sleeve,” amassing over 28.5 all over again. of Bruno Mars and Anderson million streams. Robinson announced the second itera- .Paak, topped the Billboard Hot CCS Rights Management (CCS) an- tion of Secret Sky on Tuesday (April 15), and 100 this week with its single nounced a new neighboring rights divi- it looks to be just as massive. Happening S“Leave the Door Open,” up from No. 3 last sion CCS Neighboring Rights and an ex- April 24 (the day after Nurture’s release), week. The track marks Mars’ eighth No. 1 on clusive, worldwide deal with Spin Master the show will featuring a no-scrubs lineup the tally — making him one of just 18 artists Ltd. including Rezz, Baauer, No Rome, Boys in Hot 100 history to boast at least eight CCS has been Spin’s publishing adminis- Noize, Wave Racer and, of course, Robinson songs atop the Hot 100 — and the first for tration company for more than eight years, himself. .Paak. representing scores, themes and cues from The event will likely be a highly jubilant “Leave the Door Open” logged 21.5 mil- multi-billion entertainment properties and affair, given that it follows the release of lion U.S. streams and sold 28,600 copies in 11 animated series including the popular Robinson’s long-awaited, hyper-anticipated the week ending April 8, according to MRC children’s show PAW Patrol. sophomore album. Nurture is the follow- Data, and drew 59.1 million radio airplay “CCS has consistently grown and ex- up to 2014’s Worlds, which established audience impressions in the week ending panded the global reach and breadth of our Robinson as a pioneer of a fresh, smart and April 11. It additionally hit No. 1 on both Hot music publishing and rights administra- innovative style of electronic music, and R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot R&B Songs. tion,” said Jodie Ferneyhough, Founder earned him a hardcore global fanbase. Explore the team of musicians, producers and President of CCS Rights Management. Equally innovative will be the way attend- and more behind the track with recording “Launching the new neighboring rights di- ees can experience Secret Sky, with Robin- credits provided by Jaxsta below. vision is a natural step in fulfilling the com- son himself designing and building a cus- Artists: pany’s mandate of providing a full suite of tom, digital, VR-optimized festival grounds Main Artist - Anderson .Paak Page 20 of 28

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Main Artist - Bruno Mars Main Artist - Silk Sonic Mercury Prize Courtney Love, Songwriters: String Arranger - Larry Gold 2021 Sets Big Chris Carrabba Composer Lyricist - Brandon Anderson Composer Lyricist - Bruno Mars Reveal & More to Composer Lyricist - Christopher Brody Brown BY LARS BRANDLE Perform at ‘Adam Composer Lyricist - Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II he Mercury Prize returns this Schlesinger: Producers: year, with a COVIDSafe event at Producer - Bruno Mars London’s Eventim Apollo on Sept. A Musical Producer - Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II 9. Before that, the shortlist of 12 Production Team: Talbums will be announced July 22, with BBC Celebration’ Strings Conductor - Larry Gold Music on board as broadcast partner. Engineers: Car manufacturer Hyundai is sponsor of Livestream Assistant Engineer - Alex Resoagli this year’s Mercury Prize, which celebrates Engineer - Charles Moniz artistic achievement across British and Irish BY GIL KAUFMAN Masterer - Randy Merrill music. Mixer - Serban Ghenea The award was established as the Mer- n all-star lineup of rock and pop Mixing Engineer - John Hanes cury Music Prize in 1992 by labels body the musicians have signed on for Performers: BPI and its counterpart retail association the virtual “Adam Schlesinger: A Bass - Christopher Brody Brown ERA (then known as BARD), as a platform Music Celebration,” taking place Cello - Glenn Fischbach to showcase the best music from the British onA May 5. Congas - Bruno Mars Isles, and to fuel album sales during the The tribute to the late Emmy-win- Drums - Anderson .Paak slower, mid-year months. ning Fountains of Wayne/Ivy singer/ Guitar - Bruno Mars For its first annual award, a panel bassist, who died at 52 from coronavirus Lead Guitar - Mike Feingold of industry expects selected Primal complications on April 1, 2020, will feature Piano - Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II Scream’s Screamadelica as album of the a wide-ranging group of performers playing Viola - Jonathan Kim year. songs from his catalog of original pop nug- Viola - Yoshihiko Nakano When Michael Kiwanuka won last year gets led by his FoW bandmate guitarist Jody Violin - Blake Espy with his Kiwanuka album, the announce- Porter. Violin - Emma Kummrow ment boosted sales of the record by 4,537%, Among the performers filmed at New Violin - Gared Crawford hurtling the set to No. 4 on the Official York’s Bowery Electric and other locations Violin - Luigi Mazzocchi Albums Chart, just down from its previous playing Schlesinger’s music, as well as tell- Violin - Natasha Colkett peak of No. 2. ing stories will be: Mickey Dolenz (Mon- Violin - Tess Varley The Mercury panel of judges typically kees), Sean Ono Lennon, Courtney Love, Labels: whittle down the nominees from a long-list Jody Porter and the Berlin Waltz, Chris Distributor - Warner Music Group of hundreds of contenders, entered by their Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), James Label - Aftermath Entertainment/Atlantic respective record companies. Iha (Tinted Windows/Smashing Pumpkins), Records Taylor Hanson (Tinted Windows/Hanson), Explore the full “Leave the Door Open” Ben Lee, Ben Kweller, Butch Walker, Estzer credits on Jaxsta here. Balint (Louie/Stranger Than Paradise), Patrick Carney (The Black Keys), Mike Viola, Matthew Caws (Nada Surf ), Britta Phillips, Jesse Malin, Nicole Atkins, Peter Buck ( R.E.M.) with Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5). The event will also feature concert foot- age and shout-outs, with Porter saying in a statement, “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Page 21 of 28

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Adam wince.” The set also includes a remix of “100 Años,” grown country artists over a career spanning Also slated to appear are: Joe McGinty, with Calibre 50, released Jan. 26. upwards of 70 years. John Gallagher, Jr. (Spring Awakening), Elsewhere, “100 Años” — which is in its The trailblazing country singer and song- Robert Schwartzman (Rooney), Bambi ninth week on the 25-position Latin Pop writer first made her mark in the 1940s and Kino, Kelly Buchanan, Eddie Baranek (The Airplay chart — nets the highest debut of ‘50s, working alongside her sister Heather Sights), Drew Carey, Eli Janney (Girls the week on the 50-position all-genre Latin — as the McKean Sisters — and created an Against Boys) with Justin Pierre (Motions Airplay chart. With a No. 39 start, it’s Ri- enduring partnership in life and music with City Soundtrack) and Geoff Sanoff, Diane vera’s third entry and highest-charting song her husband Slim Dusty, writing many of Gentile, John Brodeur (Birdstreets) and yet. “100 Años” was written by Carlos Ri- his most famous songs. She also managed more guests to be announced later. vera, Maluma, Edgar Barrera and Vicente the late country great for more than 50 Schlesinger was an Emmy-, Oscar- and Barco. years, and co-founded the Country Music Grammy Award-winner, as well as a Tony- Juhn’s First: Elsewhere on the Latin Association of Australia in 1992. and Golden Globe nominee and executive charts, Myke Towers and Juhn’s “Bandido” Now aged 91, McKean composed “The music producer of the hit TV series Crazy rises 14-10 on Latin Rhythm Airplay and Biggest Disappointment, “Ringer from Ex-Girlfriend. earns Juhn his first top 10 on any Latin the Top End,” “Walk a Country Mile” and “Adam Schlesinger: A Music Celebration airplay chart. “Indian Pacific,” and did so while touring Virtual Show” will premiere at 8:00 p.m. “Bandido” rises with 6 million in audience regional and remote Australia at a time ET on May 5 on the Rolling Live platform; impressions, up 10%, earned in the week when the perceived role of women was that tickets are available here with net proceeds ending April 11 and vaults 21-17 on Latin of home maker. going to MusiCares and to the pandemic- Airplay. Towers secures his 10th top 10, a McKean will be in the room for the pre- closed Bowery Electric venue that recently career count that just began less than a year sentation during the 2021 APRA Awards, set re-opened at limited capacity. ago when “Despacio,” with Natti Natasha, to take place April 28 in Sydney. Nicky Jam, Manuel Turizo, DJ Luian and Her contribution to Australian country Mambo Kingz, peaked at No. 8 in June 2020. music “as a pioneering songwriter, bush Carlos Rivera & Beyond its top 10 win, “Bandido” holds balladeer, touring performer and artist strong at No. 5 for a seventh nonconsecutive manager is unparalleled,” reads a statement Maluma’s ‘100 week on the airplay-, streaming-, digital- from APRA. blended Hot Latin Songs chart after a two- The Ted Albert honor “was most unex- Años’ Hits Top week No. 4 high. pected,” she admits in a statement, “and I thank those who must have nominated me 10 on Latin Pop for such consideration by APRA.” Joy McKean, It’s not the first time McKean been hon- Airplay Chart ored for her art and advocacy. Australia’s ‘Queen In 1991, McKean was awarded the Medal BY BILLBOARD STAFF of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “ser- of Country,’ to vice to the entertainment industry” and col- s Carlos Rivera and Malu- lected the very first Golden Guitar award at ma’s “100 Años” hits the top Receive Ted the inaugural Tamworth Country Music 10 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Awards back in 1973. Her collection has Airplay chart (dated April 17), Albert Award at grown to seven. RiveraA scores his first top 10 on any airplay “After what has been a lifetime of working chart. The song, which jumps 12-10, earns 2021 APRAs in the music industry, and loving just about Maluma his 23rd top 10 dating back to his every minute of it, I find it fascinating to re- first chart visit, “La Temperatura” with Eli BY LARS BRANDLE flect on the changes that have taken place,” Palacios (No. 8, 2014). she continues, “I’ve seen a lot of them, and “100 Años” bounds with a 30% increase in oy McKean, Australia’s “queen of no doubt there will be many more than I audience impressions, to 3 million earned in country,” is the 2021 recipient of the will ever see. One thing I do look for is that the week ending April 11, according to MRC Ted Albert Award for Outstanding awards such as this will continue to honor Data. Services to Australian Music, one of and support Australians in our music indus- The song is from Rivera’s album Crónicas Jthe highest accolades in the nation’s music try the way Ted Albert always did.” de Una Guerra (Feb. 26, Sony Music Latin), industry. The Ted Albert Award is one of this coun- which debuted and peaked at No. 12 on the It’s a fitting tribute for McKean, who try’s highest decorations, and is decided Latin Pop Albums chart dated March 13. paved the way for generations of home- by the APRA board of writer and publisher Page 22 of 28

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directors. Previous recipients include the Airplay ranking with 4.3 million audience whatever exists.”) late Michael Gudinski, Paul Kelly, Denis impressions, according to MRC Data, mostly Meanwhile, Jokia lands the first rookie Handlin, The Seekers, Cold Chisel and Fifa from alternative stations. The entrance is No. 1 by a solo woman on Gospel Airplay Riccobono. the chart’s highest since Green Day’s “Fa- since Keyla Richardson’s “So Good,” which As previously reported, Helen Reddy, ther of All…” began at No. 3 on the Sept. 21, led for a week last August. the late singer, songwriter and activist 2019, survey. A TOP 10 ‘TOGETHER’ On the airplay-, whose 1972 hit “I Am Woman” became a On the multi-metric Hot Rock & Alter- sales- and streaming-based Hot Gospel feminist anthem, will also be remembered native Songs chart, “Shy Away” debuts Songs chart, H.E.R and Tauren Wells’ “Hold on the night with the Ted Albert Award. at No. 20, with its radio reach augmented Us Together” blasts in at No. 7. It ranks at Heading into the 2021 APRA Mu- by two days of streaming (2 million U.S. No. 38 on Hot Christian Songs, following its sic Awards, Kevin Parker, Amy streams) and sales (2,000 downloads) in the arrival at No. 20 three weeks earlier. Shark and Guy Sebastian are in the lead April 2-8 tracking week for those met- The song drew 483,000 U.S. streams in pack. rics. Further gains for the song are expected the week ending April 8 and is being pro- It’s already a successful night for Dua on Billboard charts dated April 24, which moted to Christian and gospel radio by RCA Lipa, who takes out an award ahead of the will reflect its first full week of tracking. Inspiration. ceremony. The British pop artist wins the “Shy Away” is the lead single from Scaled H.E.R. achieves her first Hot Gospel most performed international work category and Icy, Twenty One Pilots’ sixth studio Songs top 10 with her first entry on Bill- for “Don’t Start Now,” which she co-wrote album, due May 21. board’s faith-based charts. She has posted with Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick and nine entries, including four top 10s, on R&B/ Emily Schwartz. Hip-Hop Airplay. Highlights from the ceremony will stream Jokia Tops Gospel Wells likewise earns his first Hot Gospel from the APRA AMCOS official YouTube Songs top 10, in his second visit to the sur- page. Airplay Chart vey, after “Trenches,” with Donald Law- rence & Company, reached No. 18 last Sep- With ‘Yahweh’: tember. He has notched six top 10s on Hot Twenty One Christian Songs. His most recent, “Famous ‘My Hope Is That For (I Believe),” featuring Jenn Johnson, Pilots Score hit No. 3 last November and went on to lead This Inspires Christian Airplay in January. Best Alternative BURNING IT UP Jordan St. Cyr’s fresh- Others’ man track “Fires” becomes his first top 10 Airplay Chart on Hot Christian Songs, lifting 12-10. BY JIM ASKER On Christian Airplay, the song, which St. Debut Since... Cyr co-penned, rises 8-6 for a new high, up okia’s launch single “Yahweh” ascends 8% to 6.4 million impressions. It also drew Themselves 4-1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart 1.2 million streams and sold 1,000 down- dated April 17. In the week ending loads in the tracking week. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD April 11, the song gained by 20% in Jplays, according to MRC Data. wenty One Pilots nab the highest The song was solo authored by the debut on Billboard’s Alternative 22-year-old Jokia, who hails from Killeen, Airplay chart since, well, another Texas. It was released on her own label, Twenty One Pilots song two-and- Jokia Music. Ta-half years ago. “Seeing ‘Yahweh’ at No. 1 is just one of the The duo’s new single “Shy Away” bounds many small reminders that God is with me,” onto the tally dated April 17 at No. 11. Jokia tells Billboard. “Being an independent The song scores the highest bow since the artist is not easy, but my hope is that this act’s own “Jumpsuit” debuted at No. 8 on inspires others to keep going and trust God the chart dated July 21, 2018. for His process.” “Shy Away,” released April 7 amid the “Yahweh” is the first track from Jokia’s latest charts’ April 5-11 airplay tracking debut EP, expected this summer. (Its title week, also soars in at No. 5 on the all-rock- is the Hebrew name of God that is often format, audience-based Rock & Alternative taken as meaning, “He brings into existence Page 23 of 28

IN BRIEF

Listen to Little Big Town’s Audacy inter- tive produced by Davidson, Leigh, David Little Big Town’s view below: Spiegelman and Rory Rosegarten (Every- body Loves Raymond). Ramone (born Jeffrey Phillip Sweet Hyman) co-founded the group that kicked Joey Ramone off the punk revolution in the U.S. with his Tests Positive for childhood friends Doug Colvin (Dee Dee Biopic Starring Ramone) and John Cummings (Johnny COVID-19, Will Sit Ramone), with all the members taking on Pete Davidson As family-like pseudonyms inspired by Beatle Out ACM Awards Paul McCartney’s early stage name. the Punk Icon Is Though he originally played drums, 6’6” Performance Joey switched to vocals early on, quickly Coming to Netflix establishing his iconic stage presence BY ANNA CHAN — one foot planted firmly forward, one BY GIL KAUFMAN hand tightly gripping the mic, floppy hair ittle Big Town will be a bit smaller covering his face and his eyes shaded by when they take the stage at the anky Saturday Night Live and The rose-colored glasses. And always, always a ACM Awards on Sunday (April King of Staten Island star Pete Da- leather jacket matched with ripped jeans, 18). The country music group an- vidson has been tapped to portray and his growly vocals about pinheads, punk Lnounced during an interview on Thursday punk icon Joey Ramone in Netflix’s rockers, glue-sniffers and other misunder- (April 15) that Phillip Sweet has tested posi- Lupcoming I Slept With Joey Ramone biopic. stood miscreants. tive for COVID-19. The news about the film honoring the lead Despite churning out dozens of ear- “Well, Philly’s not feeling good,” Jimi singer of New York punk godfathers The candy punk standards such as “I Wanna Westbrook explained about Sweet’s absence Ramones was announced on Thursday Be Sedated,” “Blitzkreig Bop,” “Sheena Is a from the interview with Audacy. (April 15), the 20th anniversary of Ramone’s Punk Rocker,” “Rockaway Beach” and “Rock Added Karen Fairchild: “We might as well death at age 49 after a seven-year battle with n’ Roll High School,” the famously fractious break the news: He’s got the COVID.” lymphoma. “brothers” never achieved the breakthrough Westbrook noted that though Sweet isn’t Netflix and STXfilms are developing and chart success Ramone craved, even as the feeling great, “He seems to be holding off producing the film from a treatment written group toured the world relentlessly from the really bad stuff.” by Davidson and director Jason Orley (Big 1976 until their breakup in 1996. The quartet is nominated for group of Time Adolescence) based on the 2010 mem- Their final show, at the Palace in Hol- the year, and are set to perform at the 56th oir of the same name by Ramone’s brother, lywood, was recorded for We’re Outta annual ceremony. Other performers include Mickey Leigh. Here!, featuring such friends and acolytes Miranda Lambert and Elle King, who are “When you share a bed with someone — as Motörhead’s Lemmy, Rancid’s Tim Arm- set to open the show with their new song and not just a bed, but a childhood, a family, strong and Lars Frederiksen, Pearl Jam’s “Drunk (and I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”; and a lifetime — you know that person Eddie Vedder and Soundgarden’s Chris Dierks Bentley, who will take on U2’s 1984 better than anybody else,” STXfilms chair- Cornell and Ben Shepherd. hit “Pride” with The War and Treaty; Blake man Adam Fogelson said in a statement. Shelton, who’ll be celebrating the 20th an- “Mickey Leigh not only collaborated with niversary of his single “Austin”; and many his big brother’s band — he has irreplace- others. able memories of and insights into Joey The show will be hosted by Mickey Guy- Ramone, having supported him when no ton and Keith Urban, who are also perform- one else would and witnessed him overcome ing. Various Nashville venues will be hosting adversity in the most dramatic way. I Slept the performances, including the Ryman with Joey Ramone is a great rock anthem Auditorium, The Bluebird Cafe, and the that will make an equally great rock biopic, Grand Ole Opry House. The ceremony airs set apart by a universal story of family. Pete at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, and can be streamed is perfect for this role and we’re excited he live and on demand via Paramount+. and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock The ACM Awards are produced by Dick to life and thrilled to be collaborating once Clark Productions, which is owned by MRC. again with our friends at Netflix.” MRC and Penske Media are co-parent com- The film, which is being made in coopera- panies of Billboard. tion with Ramone’s estate, will be execu- Page 24 of 28

IN BRIEF

dios on these projects that mean so much to clothes for when you’re off duty. I’ll be Marc Anthony us and to share with the world stories that thinking about you, and forever grateful! bring to light our culture.” Love, Taylor.” to Executive- This article was originally published It’s the latest act of kindness from Swift, by The Hollywood Reporter. who has a well-established reputa- Produce New tion for sending special gifts to super- fans and friends, and it came after Thoma- Comedy Series Taylor Swift Sends son told her hometown paper about her passion for helping people and for Swift. “I ‘Liked’ Georgia Frontline love Taylor Swift,” she said in the interview. “I am a Swiftie. I won’t deny it.” BY SCOTT ROXBOROUGH Nurse Huge Gift

ulti-Grammy and Latin Box of Merch Grammy Award-winning musician Marc Anthony has BY GIL KAUFMAN another project set up with MViacomCBS International Studios (VIS), a hen Peach County, Georgia comedy set in the world of social media. flight nurse Britta Thoma- Liked is described as a comedy series son recently revealed in an about a millennial who does whatever it interview that she’s a hard- takes, including lying, to achieve fame as coreW Swiftie, she had no idea that the news an online influencer. Anthony and VIS would result in a handwritten note and president JC Acosta announced the project bulging gift box from her favorite singer. Wednesday (April 14) during a pre-recorded “I mentioned in a recent news article keynote session as part of the digital MIPTV with The Telegraph & macon.com that I international television market. am a big Taylor Swift fan...and this showed The series will feature Anthony’s music, up at work today!!,” Thomason wrote in and the multitalent will serve as both execu- a Facebook post on Tuesday (April 13). tive producer and executive music producer “I’ve always seen videos of her fans open- for the show. Anthony’s Magnus Studios ing packages she sent them but never did shingle will produce together with Latin I EVER think I would be one of them! I’m American production house Lanugo Media not one to fangirl about anything, but if you and Mundoloco Animation Studios. know me, you know I’m a Swiftie! Don’t Liked will be the second collaboration mind me...I’ll be crying the rest of the day between VIS and Magnus, joining the ani- Taylor, thank you!” mated kids’ series Gloria Wants to Know It The post included a copy of the note and a All, which follows an alpaca from the city video of Thomason saying she could hardly who spends time at her grandfather’s house stand to read the message from Taylor in the country, and as a result, learns about without crying and then marveling as she Latin American culture. unpacked the swag box, which was stuffed Both series are part of a first-look deal with t-shirts, water bottles, guitar picks, between Magnus and the studio announced sweaters and other merch. last November. “Dear Britta, I wanted to write to you “Our continued partnership with Magnus and personally thank you for serving on the Studios and a talented artist like Marc is front lines of this pandemic and for be- a testament to our studio’s commitment ing brave enough to put yourself in danger to telling compelling, unique stories that to help others,” Swift wrote in the note, resonate with audiences around the world,” which Billboard confirmed was sent by the said Acosta. singer. “I am so inspired by your passion for Added Anthony: “We are very excited helping and caring for your patients and I and it is an honor to have the opportunity was so touched that you mentioned liking to work with ViacomCBS International Stu- my music recently! I’ve sent you some cozy Page 25 of 28

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 22,011,881,000 19,149,761,000 2,862,120,000 2,147,000 515,000 3,967,000 16,494,000 Week* Last 22,055,157,000 19,138,603,000 2,916,554,000 2,067,000 540,000 4,078,000 16,404,000 Week

Change -0.2% 0.1% -1.9% 3.9% -4.6% -2.7% 0.5%

This Week 18,391,070,000 15,280,790,000 3,110,281,000 1,371,000 702,000 5,149,000 12,851,000 Last Year

Change 19.7% 25.3% -8.0% 56.6% -26.7% -23.0% 28.3%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending April 7, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE Total On-Demand 292,379,725,000 269,281,430,000 8.6% Streams AOD STREAMING BY AGE Audio On-Demand 253,619,756,000 222,300,875,000 14.1% 180b Streams

Digital Track Sales 53,794,000 67,676,000 -20.5% 160b

Album Sales 26,957,000 25,935,000 3.9% 140b Albums 216,742,000 192,984,000 12.3% Consumption Units 120b 166,135,395,000 100b ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT

138,167,216,000 80b 2021 2020 Change

CD Sales 9,864,000 11,223,000 -12.1% 60b

Vinyl Sales 10,054,000 5,499,000 82.8% 40b 87,484,361,000 Digital Sales 6,936,000 9,111,000 -23.9% 84,133,659,000 Catalog Current 20b Other Sales 104,000 101,000 3.2% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 5,379,000 6,768,000 -20.5%

Audio On-Demand 184,406,000 160,282,000 15.1% Equivalent  4.0%  20.2% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA) sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 26 of 28 DATA FOR WEEK OF 04.17.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 8 WKS DAN NIGRO  1 6 WKS DAN NIGRO  #1 TIE 1 8 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  2 OMER FEDI  3 LIL DURK  3 YC  4 DRAKE  4 TYRON HAPI  5 OMER FEDI  5 IAMTASH  6 DABABY  6 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  7 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 7 BRUNO MARS  8 POOH SHIESTY  TIE 7 D’MILE  9 LIL BABY  9 ZACH CROWELL  10 TAYLOR SWIFT  10 SUPAH MARIO  TIE 11 MASKED WOLF  11 DAMN E  TIE 11 TYRON HAPI  12 FINNEAS  13 MANEESH BIDAYE  13 JAY JOYCE  14 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  TIE 14 HARV  TIE 15 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 14 SHNDO  TIE 15 BRODY BROWN  16 DANN HUFF  TIE 15 BRUNO MARS  17 BLAKE HARNAGE  TIE 15 D’MILE  18 NATE RHOADS  TIE 19 BELLY  TIE 19 MAX MARTIN  TIE 19 DAHEALA  TIE 19 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 19 MAX MARTIN  TIE 19 THE WEEKND  TIE 19 OSCAR HOLTER  22 TRAVIS BARKER  TIE 19 THE WEEKND  23 BLAKE SLATKIN  24 MEGAN THEE STALLION  24 WOODPECKER  25 ROD WAVE  25 BLAQ TUXEDO 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 4 WKS TAYLOR SWIFT  1 49 WKS JOEY MOI  2 CHRIS STAPLETON  2 DANN HUFF  3 ASHLEY GORLEY  3 JAY JOYCE  4 LUKE COMBS  4 ZACH CROWELL  5 MIKE HENDERSON  5 SCOTT MOFFATT  6 COREY CROWDER  6 ALEX KLINE  7 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  7 COREY CROWDER  8 JESSE FRASURE  TIE 8 CHRIS STAPLETON  9 JOSH OSBORNE  TIE 8 DAVE COBB  10 TYLER HUBBARD  10 TAYLOR SWIFT 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 4 WKS LIL DURK  1 6 WKS YC  2 DRAKE  2 TYRON HAPI  3 POOH SHIESTY  3 IAMTASH  4 ROD WAVE  4 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 5 MASKED WOLF  TIE 5 BRUNO MARS  TIE 5 TYRON HAPI  TIE 5 D’MILE  7 MANEESH BIDAYE  7 SUPAH MARIO  8 LIL BABY  8 DAMN E  9 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  TIE 9 HARV  TIE 10 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 9 SHNDO  TIE 10 BRODY BROWN  TIE 10 BRUNO MARS  TIE 10 D’MILE 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 APR. 1 4 WKS GIVEON  TIE 1 1 WK BRUNO MARS  #1 17 TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 1 1 WK D’MILE  TIE 2 BRODY BROWN  TIE 3 HARV  2021 TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 SHNDO  TIE 2 D’MILE  5 NATE RHOADS  TIE 6 MOOSKI  6 WOODPECKER  TIE 6 WOODPECKER  7 BLAQ TUXEDO  8 SEVN THOMAS  8 SEVN THOMAS  TIE 9 DRAKE  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 9 NATE RHOADS  10 DZL  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 9 YUNG BLEU  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 April 17, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 27 of 28 DATA FOR WEEK OF 04.17.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 3 WKS LIL DURK  1 6 WKS YC  TIE 2 MASKED WOLF  2 TYRON HAPI  TIE 2 TYRON HAPI  3 IAMTASH  4 POOH SHIESTY  4 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  5 DRAKE  5 SUPAH MARIO  6 CHRISTOPHER PEARSON  6 DAMN E  7 ROD WAVE  7 PXCOYO  8 DABABY  8 JOSH PETRUCCIO  9 LIL TJAY  TIE 9 DR. LUKE  10 LIL BABY  TIE 9 ROCCO DID IT AGAIN! 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 44 WKS F A L L E N  1 9 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 44 WKS SAINT JHN  2 F A L L E N  TIE 3 ANTON RUNDBERG  3 SURF MESA  TIE 3 JAMES BELL  TIE 4 HIGHTOWER  TIE 3 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 3 TIESTO  TIE 6 BLOODPOP  TIE 7 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 6 BURNS  TIE 7 CARDO ON THE BEAT  8 JOEL CORRY  TIE 7 DAVEON JACKSON  9 RITON  TIE 7 KENDRICK LAMAR  TIE 10 ALBHY GALUTEN  TIE 7 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 10 BEE GEES  TIE 7 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 10 KARL RICHARDSON  TIE 7 TRAVIS SCOTT 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 60 WKS BAD BUNNY  1 75 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 OVY ON THE DRUMS  3 EDGAR BARRERA  3 MORA  4 MORA  4 SKY ROMPIENDO  5 KAROL G  5 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  6 MYKE TOWERS  6 ALBERT HYPE  TIE 7 JHAY CORTEZ  7 MAG  TIE 7 NYDIA LANER  8 MANUEL LARA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 HAZE  9 EDGAR BARRERA  10 OVY ON THE DRUMS  10 SERGIO LIZARRAGA 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS STEVIE NICKS  1 11 WKS FINNEAS  2 DAVE BAYLEY  2 TRAVIS BARKER  APR. 3 FINNEAS  3 BLAKE SLATKIN  17 4 BILLIE EILISH  4 OMER FEDI  2021 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 DAVE BAYLEY  6 OMER FEDI  6 AARON DESSNER  7 TAYLOR SWIFT  7 RYAN METZGER  8 AARON DESSNER  8 KBEAZY  9 BLACKBEAR  9 JOEL LITTLE  10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  10 AL KOOPER  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 28 of 28 DATA FOR WEEK OF 04.17.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 4 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 14 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  5 DAVE BAYLEY  6 TAYLOR SWIFT  6 AARON DESSNER  7 AARON DESSNER  7 KBEAZY  8 BLACKBEAR  8 JOEL LITTLE  9 MACHINE GUN KELLY  9 RYAN METZGER  10 JOHN RZEZNIK  10 JOE REINHART 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 2 WKS DESMOND CHILD  1 2 WKS BRUCE FAIRBAIRN  #1 TIE 1 2 WKS JON BON JOVI  2 JAY BAUMGARDNER  #1 TIE 1 2 WKS RICHIE SAMBORA  TIE 3 JOEY MOI  TIE 4 JACOBY SHADDIX  TIE 3 NICKELBACK  TIE 4 JERRY HORTON JR.  5 GREG KURSTIN  TIE 4 TOBIN ESPERANCE  6 BRENDAN O’BRIEN  7 DAVE BUCKNER  7 JOE BARRESI  8 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 8 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 9 CHAD KROEGER  TIE 8 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 9 DANIEL ADAIR  10 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 9 MIKE KROEGER  TIE 9 RYAN PEAKE 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 3 WKS LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  1 24 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  #1 TIE 1 3 WKS PAUL MABURY  2 PAUL MABURY  3 PHIL WICKHAM  3 JEFF SOJKA  4 ETHAN HULSE  4 MICAH KUIPER  5 BRIAN JOHNSON  5 DAVID GARCIA  6 MICAH KUIPER  6 AJ PRUIS  7 JEFF SOJKA  7 JASON INGRAM  8 STUART HINE  8 CARRIE UNDERWOOD  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 PAUL DUNCAN  9 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 10 BART MILLARD  10 TEDD T  TIE 10 JORDAN MOHILOWSKI 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 2 WKS CHRIS BROWN  1 9 WKS KYLE LEE  #1 TIE 1 2 WKS STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 2 JONATHAN JAY  APR. 3 NAOMI RAINE  TIE 2 TONY BROWN  17 4 BYRON LEWIS CAGE  4 ALEX HILL  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  5 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  6 JOKIA WILLIAMS  TIE 6 JOHNTA AUSTIN  7 JEKALYN CARR  TIE 6 TROY TAYLOR  8 TRAVIS GREENE  TIE 6 TRYBISHOP  9 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  9 ALLEN CARR  TIE 10 DONNIE MCCLURKIN  TIE 10 CURTISS GLENN  TIE 10 JOHNTA AUSTIN  TIE 10 L8BOOM 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 TROY TAYLOR  TIE 10 TRYBISHOP