sign in sign up
<<
Home , 6lack, A7S, Arizona Zervas, Calling My Phone, Claudia Brant, Da Funk

BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; BrettENTERTAINMENT Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayFEBRUARY 22, 2021 Page 1 of 36 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Leads Sam Hunt’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On Country , it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/ Nashville),Hot debuts at No.100 1 on Billboard For’s lion 6th audience impressions,Week, up 16%). ’s Top Country• Morgan Wallen’s chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earned‘Dangerous’ 46,000 equivalent Hits ‘Calling units, including 16,000 inMy album sales, Phone’ ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ Dials UP WITH YOUNGUp Brett No. Youngachieves 3 Debut his fifth consecutive cordingSixth to NielsenWeek at Music/MRC No. Data. and total No. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends Southside1 on Billboard marks 200, Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chart Mostand fourth for a topMale 10. It follows freshman LP BY GARY TRUST Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- MontevalloArtist Since, which ’s arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He vember 2014‘Views’ and reigned for nine weeks. To date, followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” rolls to a sixth ries, totaled 22.4 million U.S. streams (down 19%) and Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like Loved million• Billboard’s in album 2021 sales. Top week at No. 1 on the , encompass- 10,000 downloadsYou” (three, sold January (down 2018), 42%) “Mercy” in the week (two, Augustend- MontevalloBusiness hasManagers spent 267 weeksing on itsthe entire list, tying run on the chart so far after it debuted ing Feb. 18, 2018)according and “Here to MRC Tonight” Data. (two, It also April drew 2019). 59.1 ’s Crash My Party as theatop sixth-longest- the chart . million radio airplay“Catch” audiencecompletes impressionshis longest journey (up 11%)to No. in 1, • Unveils HiFi five weeks ago running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. having taken 46 weeks to reach the apex. It out- Tier, Podcast Tools ’s “34+35” returns to its No. 2 Hot the week ending Feb. 21. On the all-genre , Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” & New Offerings for 100 best, from No. 6, following the arrival of its official The track holds at No. 2 after four weeks atop the rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On , “Catch” pushes 7-5 for Creators at ‘Stream HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking Montevallovideo. with and Megan Thee Stallion. all-genre Streaminga new high. Songs chart, reaches the Radio On’ Event Hunt first released the EPX2C , whichPlus, debutedLil Tjay ’s “,” featur- Songs top five, pushing 7-5, and retreats 4-8 after and• peakedSpotify atAnnounces No. 5 on Top Countrying Albums, launches in August at 2014. No. 3 Followingon the Hot 100,COMBS marking ‘DOES’ threeIT AGAIN weeks Luke atop CombsDigital’ “Does Song to Me” Sales (River. House/Columbia MontevalloGlobal Expansion, Between the of Pines: theAcoustic highest Mixtape career started rank atfor its each No. 7artist. high in Nashville), featuring“License” Eric Church claims, ascends top Airplay 11-8 on Country Gainer Airplay, honors up on 10% the to November80 New 2015. Markets The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming24.7 (of million- in audience.Hot 100 Thefor a song fifth is Combs’consecutive eighth week,straight becoming career-opening 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 ficial audio and official video), radio airplay and sales first song to achieve such a streak since ’s Airplay:• Spotify “Leave Rolls the NightOut On,” “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles. You MissNew Me.” Features, “Break Up in a Smalldata. Town” All charts peaked (dated at No. Feb.2. 27) will update on BillChurch- adds his“Circles” 15th Country in September-October Airplay top 10. 2019. HuntMonetization co-penned all 12 songsboard.com tomorrow on Southside, including (Feb. “Body 23). Like For a allBack chart news, you Plus, “License” is just the eighth single to have de- Road,”Options which for was Podcasts released in 2017.can Thefollow smash @billboard hit ruled Country and @billboardcharts Airplay for THAT on both TOOK QUITEbuted ‘A atFEW’ No. MONTHS1 on the TravisHot 100 Denning and spent shatters at leastthe record its first for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-basedInstagram. Hot Country Songs the most weeks sixit has weeks taken on to penetratetop. It’s the the firstCountry to Airplayearn the top distinction 10 as “After chart for• ICM a then-record Partners 34 frames. It now ranks second only to and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - FloridaRestructures Line With’s “Meant to Be”“License” (50 weeks was atop released the latter Jan. list in8 2017-18).on Geffen/Interscopelion in radio reach.for a female artist’s first No. 1 with a song on which “Downtown’sSiegel Leading Dead,” which isRecords also on theand new debuted set, reached atop the Nos. Jan. 14 and 23-dated 15 HotThe song surpassesshe’s the two sole tracks billed that tookact. 50 weeks each to enter the top 10: on HotConcerts, Country SongsGibbs and Country100, Airplay, marking respectively, Rodrigo’s infirst June No.2018. 1. “KinThe song- Easton from the Corbin ’s “ASingles Girl Like to You,”Spend which First reached Six Weeks No. 10 or in More January on 2018Hot be- folks” Headled Country of Music Airplay on Feb.singer- 29, becoming Hunt’s and seventhactress, No. who 1. Itbroke hit throughfore peaking at No.100 6 atthat No. February, 1 and Aaron Watson’s “Outta Style,” which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. with roles on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvarkachieved and its No.16 10 weeks,high in December“One Sweet 2017. Day,” & Boyz II 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 Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Se- (continued) eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY

Page 3 of 36

IN BRIEF

Men, 1995-96 “34+35”; they were listed in the song’s first metric Hot R&B Songs chart. 14 weeks, “Candle in the Wind frame at No. 2, when, unlike this week, the ’s “Up” drops to No. 5 a week after 1997”/”Something About the Way You Look trio’s version drew the majority of its activ- it debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100, and The Tonight,” , 1997-98 ity; Still, and regardless of activity, Weeknd’s “” falls to No. 6 11 weeks, “God’s Plan,” Drake, 2018 they will remain credited in their individual from its No. 4 high. 11 weeks, “I’ll Be Missing You,” Puff Daddy chart histories on the song.) 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring Iann & feat. 112, 1997 Lil Tjay’s “Calling My Phone,” featuring Dior, descends 5-7 on the Hot 100, after 10 weeks, “Hello,” , 2015-16 6LACK, bounds onto the Hot 100 at No. 3, eight nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 in 8 weeks, “Fantasy,” Mariah Carey, 1995 after buzz for the song built via previews October through mid-January. It leads the 6 weeks, “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo, on TikTok. Released in full Feb. 12, it opens multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative 2021 with 34 million streams, 1.4 million in radio Songs and Hot Alternative Songs charts 6 weeks, “Born This Way,” , 2011 reach and 3,000 sold. for a 25th week each. (The hit’s latest week atop the Hot 100 Lil Tjay (born Tione Jayden Merritt) and ’s “Go makes for a slightly belated birthday pres- earns his first Hot 100 top 10, after reach- Crazy” backtracks 7-8 on the Hot 100, after ent for Rodrigo, as her real-life driver’s ing a prior No. 11 best as featured on Polo hitting No. 5, as it adds a sixth week atop license surely reflects that she was born G’s “” in June 2019. 6LACK (born Radio Songs (79.1 million in audience, down Feb. 20, 2003.) Ricardo Valentine Jr.) also achieves his first 1%). Ariana Grande’s “34+35” surges 6-2 on the top 10, after never before appearing in the Rounding out the Hot 100’s top 10, Dua Hot 100 after first reaching the rank four chart’s upper half. Lipa’s “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby, slips weeks earlier, when it was sparked by the “Phone” rings in at No. 1 on Streaming 8-9, after reaching No. 5, and Grande’s “Posi- Jan. 15 release of its featuring Doja Songs, where it’s each artist’s first leader. It tions” falls 9-10, after spending its first week Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. Now, the song also arrives as each act’s first No. 1 on both on the chart at No. 1 in November. returns to its high following the Feb. 12 pre- the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Again, for all chart news, you can follow miere of its official video starring all three Rap Songs charts, which employ the same @billboard and @billboardcharts on both artists, and the release that day of the de- methodology as the Hot 100. Twitter and and all charts (dated luxe edition of parent album Positions. ’s “Blinding ” dips 3-4 Feb. 27), including the Hot 100 in its en- “34+35” ascends with 60.2 million in air- on the Hot 100. The song spent four weeks tirety, will refresh on Billboard.com tomor- play audience (up 2%), 18.1 million streams at No. 1 last April-May (eventually finishing row (Feb. 23). (up 35%) and 16,000 sold (up 863%), the as the Hot 100’s top hit of all of 2020) and latter two metrics good for the song’s dual logs its 63rd total week on the chart. It adds wins for top Streaming and Sales Gainer on a record-extending and landmark 50th week the Hot 100. in the top 10 and record-furthering 41st (Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion are week in the top five. The track also claims a not credited on the Hot 100 this week on record-padding 47th frame atop the multi-

DECISIVE INTELLIGENCE. DELIVERED DIGITALLY. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DELIVERY

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS CONGRATULATIONS _ .MICHELLE . 'RICHBURG BILLBOARD • • 2021 • • TOP BUSINESS • • MANAGER • •

For over 30 years, Michelle Richburg has developed a specialized niche in the financial services industry as a "Banker to the Stars". Her stellar reputation allows for a client list that includes high profile professional athletes, entertainers, and business leaders .

• • • • • • • • Page 5 of 36

IN BRIEF

Feb. 18, SEA units comprise 81,000 (down Billboard 200 with 40,000 equivalent Morgan Wallen’s 24%, equaling 112.11 million on-demand album units earned (down 20%), while Pop streams of the album’s songs), album sales Smoke’s former No. 1 Shoot for the Stars ‘Dangerous’ Hits comprise 10,000 (down 74%) and TEA units Aim for the Moon rises 6-4 with 38,000 units comprise 2,000 (down 64%). (down 8%) and Pooh Shiesty’s Shiesty Sea- Sixth Week at Among albums that have charted on son falls 4-5 in its second week with 37,000 both Top Country Albums and the Bill- units (down 40%). No. 1 on Billboard board 200 (like Dangerous), the last to earn ’s former No. 1 Ever- six total weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 more bumps back into the top 10 with an 200, Most for a was Swift’s Red, with seven nonconsecutive 11-6 rise (33,000 equivalent album units weeks atop the list in 2012-13. earned; up 16%). Of that sum, 12,000 are Male Artist Since Dangerous is the first country album in album sales — up 70%. The album had a by a man with six total weeks at No. 1 robust sales bump thanks to the release of Drake’s ‘Views’ since Garth Brooks’ The Hits ruled for the cassette edition of the album, as well as eight nonconsecutive weeks in 1995, and buzz and promotion generated by Swift’s BY KEITH CAULFIELD the first non-best-of country album by a Feb. 10 announcement that she would be man with six total weeks at No. 1 since re-recording her chart-topping 2008 Fear- organ Wallen’s Dangerous: Brooks’ The Chase net seven total weeks at less album. The snares a No. 1 in 1992. ’s surges sixth total week, all in a row, Dangerous is also the first country album back into the top 10 for the first time in at No. 1 on the Billboard to spend its first six weeks at No. 1 since The 10 months, as the album jumps 21-7 with M200 chart (dated Feb. 27), capturing the Chase, which ruled the list in its first six 32,000 equivalent album units earned (up most weeks atop the list for a male artist’s weeks. The Chase debuted at No. 1, spent six 58%). Its big gain is owed to the album’s album since Drake’s Views logged 13 non- weeks in charge (Oct. 10-Nov. 14, 1992), then deluxe reissue on Feb. 12 with six additional consecutive weeks in the lead in 2016 (May slipped from the top slot for two weeks, songs, including its new radio hit “We’re 21-Oct. 8, 2016-dated charts). returning for one more week at No. 1 (Nov. Good.” The cut debuted at No. 31 on the Dangerous earned 93,000 equivalent 28, 1992). most recently published Pop Airplay chart album units in the U.S. in the week ending At No. 2 on the Billboard 200, The Week- (dated Feb. 20). Among the other newly Feb. 18 (down 38%), according to MRC Data. nd’s After Hours surges 37-2 with 42,000 added songs are two earlier Pop Airplay Dangerous bowed atop the list five weeks equivalent album units earned (up 183%). hits that didn’t previously have a home on a ago, on the chart dated Jan. 23. Only three It’s the first of two albums in the top 10 by Dua Lipa album: “ (One Day),” with J albums have spent at least six weeks at No. The Weeknd, as his best-of package The Balvin, Bunny and , and her fea- 1 in the last five years: Dangerous, Taylor Highlights dips 2-8 in its second week with tured turn on ’ “Prisoner.” Swift’s Folklore (eight nonconsecutive 31,000 units (down 65%). Future Nostalgia debuted and peaked at weeks, 2020) and Drake’s Views (13). The two albums share a pair of songs, No. 4 on the April 11, 2020-dated chart, and The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most “” and “Save Your Tears.” has now spent a total of four weeks in the popular albums of the week in the U.S. based On the latest chart, the TEA and SEA units top 10. on multi-metric consumption as measured for both songs contribute to After Hours, as Rounding out the rest of the top 10 on the in equivalent album units. Units comprise a song’s activity is assigned to the artist’s latest Billboard 200, below The Weeknd’s album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) album with the most sales in a week. (After at No. 8, are two former and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Hours sold 6,000 copies in the latest track- No. 1s: Ariana Grande’s Positions (7-9 with Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 indi- ing week, while The Highlights sold 4,000.) 30,000 equivalent album units earned; down vidual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 A week ago, the TEA and SEA for both 7%) and ’s Legends Never ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription songs was directed to The Highlights (which Die (8-10 with 28,000 units; down 5%). on-demand official audio and video streams in that frame outsold After Hours 10,000 generated by songs from an album. The new to 6,000). In turn, with the songs’ activity Feb. 27, 2021-dated chart (where Danger- reverting back to After Hours, the album ous is No. 1 for a sixth week) will be posted vaults from 37-2. in full on Billboard’s website on Feb. 23. For With After Hours’ rise to No. 2, it lands its all chart news, follow @billboard and @bill- highest rank since the May 2, 2020-dated boardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram. chart, when it fell to the runner-up spot Of Dangerous’ 93,000 equivalent album after spending its first four weeks at No. 1. units earned in the tracking week ending ’s climbs 5-3 on the

Page 7 of 36

IN BRIEF

municated with clients in new ways — even Global Entertainment Billboard’s 2021 having meetings in my home driveway.” Arcay, 43, who recently parted amica- Iván Alarcón bly from WK Management, has been the Top Business Co-founder/CEO, Vibras Lab business manager for and was As the business manager for Rimas Music “ready to pivot and adapt” when the Co- Managers and some of ’s biggest stars — in- lombian singer released his album Cumbi- cluding and Karol G — Alarcón, 42, ana last May. By helping to create 10 virtual BY BILLBOARD STAFF has increased his staff to 30 during the pan- events, along with a short film titled The demic. The firm sought alternative revenue Last World of Cumbiana, she generated he ’s leading busi- sources for its clients, from “documentaries, momentum for Vives after his three-year ness managers serve as financial livestreams and merchandise” to “partner- hiatus. “My advice for the artist,” says Arcay, advisers, tax accountants and fis- ships or endorsements in rising markets, “is to try to stay as conservative as possible, cal therapists for artists and exec- such as the gaming industry,” he says. “All diversify the business and look for possible Tutives alike — and they have long preached artists should have very clear and accurate strategic alliances among different brands.” the importance of saving for a rainy day. But knowledge of their cash flow, and just as Best Advice in an Economic Down- what if the storm lasts for a year? any other business, their source of income turn: “There is nothing 100% sure in this In 2020, as revenue from live touring should be diversified.” Alarcón says Vibras industry. Everything can suddenly change. halted, traditional recording sessions ceased also invested in new technology that allows That is why it is so important to diversify.” and marketing meetings moved to Zoom, clients access to their financial information Angie Barajas the roles of business managers became more in real time. Louis Barajas crucial than ever. “This year has been a bit Best Advice in an Economic Down- Co-founders/business managers, Business of a roller coaster,” says Sally Velazquez, turn: “Diversify your business and sources Management LAB owner of Empower Business Management. of income, and understand your cash flow. Louis Barajas, 59, and Angie Barajas, 57, Business managers helped their clients Organize your catalogs, look for possible became essential financial counselors to financially survive the pandemic by revising pending income, and search for new royalty their clients — Yandel, Nicky , Camilo cash flow projections, focusing on long-term sources.” and Gerardo Ortiz, among others — who plans and exploring new revenue sources, Belva Anakwenze relied on the husband-and-wife team to help including song catalog sales in a red-hot Principal/business manager, Abacus Finan- outline cash flow strategies to survive the market. When necessary, they applied for cial Business Management pandemic. “Our team of over 20 employees government aid available under the CARES For her music clients during the pandem- worked ferociously all year to get our clients Act and subsequent legislation — “a gigantic ic, Anakwenze made “new normal” money PPP loans and work on new budgets,” says fire drill,” says veteran money manager Bill moves, upgrading technology for easier Louis. Knowing that clients weren’t touring, Vuylsteke. access to financial information and “hav- his team also used the time to “tie financial Other events of the past year, includ- ing authentic discussions” about financial loose ends,” he adds, working on estate and ing protests against racial injustice, have planning. And, she says, “we were able to retirement plans and getting life and health prompted some to review their investment successfully assist our live-events-heavy insurance in place. choices. (Widely popular index funds invest clients in securing the SBA [Small Business New Income Sources Clients in publicly traded companies, including Administration], PPP [Paycheck Protec- Tapped: “Advances on publishing deals, private prison firms linked to mass incar- tion Program] and EIDL [Economic Injury catalog sales and business/marketing op- ceration and systemic .) Funds guided Disaster Loan funding]. We have also helped portunities. A lot of our clients, with a lot instead by environmental, social and gover- prepare our clients for the Save Our Stages of time on their hands, were very entre- nance principles drew record investments in Act and are positioned to be first in line” for preneurial and did a lot of investing in real 2020, according to the financial firm Morn- funds. estate and the stock market. We saw some ingstar. “Our clients have definitely taken Most Important Lesson Learned From of their investment portfolios grow 20% to an increased role in deciding how their the Pandemic: “The pandemic taught us all 60%.” —Louis Barajas monies are invested,” says Peggy Stephens the importance of adaptability. Our business Marius Bercovici of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group. had to be nimble in how we communicate Justin Kobay What hasn’t changed is the essential need internally and externally. More importantly, Bruce Seckendorf for constant connection between artists or we had to be readily available to all of our Partners, LL Business Management executive clients and those who manage clients — all facing financial changes and The New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based manage- their money. Says Belva Anakwenze of Aba- challenges — at the same time.” ment partnership helped clients Lil X, cus Financial Business Management: “We Claudia Arcay , T-Pain and Boots Riley create shifted our client-facing approach and com- Independent business manager, Carcay new revenue in catalog sales and streaming,

Page 9 of 36

IN BRIEF

which will “sustain [them even] when tour- Chris Hughes financial life now and into the future.” — ing recovers,” says Kobay, 31. “Clients are Business manager, FBMM Kolbrenner seeing firsthand the value of owning their FBMM, with offices in Nashville, New Legina Chaudoin intellectual property.” As always, they con- York and , went into overdrive Alvin G. Hagaman Jr. tinue to teach clients the basics: “Build up helping clients stay ahead of the massive Cheryl Harris that emergency fund,” says Bercovici, and, if music business disruption. On the short list: Kerry O’Neil necessary, “downsize your cost of living.” helping artists navigate the CARES Act and Lillian Williams Best Advice in an Economic Down- guiding those interested in launching or Partners, O’Neil Hagaman turn: “Health and your family are most accelerating their livestreaming business. The partners at Nashville-based O’Neil important.” —Bercovici “Livestreaming is a newer source of income Hagaman advised clients in the past year David Bolno that appears to be here to stay,” says Hughes, to “leverage strengths where needed and Nicholas Brown 46. “The pandemic simply presented an op- minimize risk where avoidable,” says Haga- Bernie Gudvi portunity for some artists to look at it sooner man, 68. “A lot of our artists have been able Michael Karlin than they may have otherwise.” to expand their platforms and creativity Michael Oppenheim Most Important Lesson Learned From during this time of nontouring. They have Larry Tyler the Pandemic: “The rainy day we all talk been very active with livestreaming shows Partners, NKSFB about can happen on a grand scale. Prepara- — some have been using a subscription The firm — with six locations nationwide, tion and communication, in any scenario, model with very cool, interesting places to some 550 employees and a client roster always pay off.” —Romano livestream. While the return on these shows that includes Drake, , Post Mark Carter has been higher than expected,” says Haga- Malone, , and Sam Principal, Prager Metis man, “the overall profits have been less than Smith — moved its Sherman Oaks, Calif., Bruce Kolbrenner from a strong touring season.” office to new quarters in Encino despite the Managing partner, Prager Metis Most Important Lesson Learned From the pandemic. Bolno notes the company went to Joseph Callaghan Pandemic: “Hopefully, we can all recognize substantial expense to make its office COV- Lahteefah Parramore the devastation and ruin to our lives, fami- ID-19-safe — “our employees felt protected,” Thomas Smith lies, communities and businesses from an he says — but NKSFB also gave staff the Simon Winters unhealthy world [and find] greater respect option to work from home. “It has been a Partners, Prager Metis for the importance of science, institutions, challenging time,” says Brown, “where it has To make up for lost touring revenue, governments and individuals working been very important to provide the support Prager Metis helped clients find alternative collectively toward maintaining a healthy system that clients have required. They are sources of income, says Kolbrenner — com- planet. Also, the inspiration and healing artists, and their emotional, creative nature ing up with valuations for potential catalog powers of art, nurturing the essence of our needs encouragement, which is what [we’ve sales, auditing royalties to identify under- souls.” —Hagaman been] able to provide.” payments and figuring out how to monetize Tom Cyrana New Income Sources Clients virtual . Clients worried more about John Gula Tapped: “We have been looking at selling their “long-term financial futures,” he says, Lia Sweet their publishing catalogs or royalty income so business managers for the 8-year-old, Partners/managing directors, RZO streams to take the benefit of the [current] 700-employee accounting firm helped them Bill Zysblat gains tax [rate] on these types of talk through pension plans, estates and Co-founder/managing partner, RZO sales and get substantial lump sums from trusts. “Clients in the music and entertain- The Rolling Stones, one of RZO’s longest- the companies” buying music assets. — ment industries are by their very nature cre- running clients, halted a massive stadium Brown ative people,” says Kolbrenner. “We assisted tour last March. Lady Gaga, another client, Julie Boos our clients and their teams in tapping into performed at a massively important event: Owner/business manager/chairman, FBMM this creativity to help seek out alternative the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Jamie Cheek revenue sources.” Jan. 20. Owner/business manager/president, FBMM Most Important Lesson Learned Between those milestones, this has been, David Boyer From the Pandemic: “Financial planning “financially, the most challenging year ever,” Owner/business manager/vp, FBMM for our clients is and always has been a says RZO co-founder/managing partner Bill Carmen Romano team effort. Actively involving attorneys, Zysblat. “There has never been a year where Owner/business manager/vp, FBMM managers, agents and investment advisers the industry all but shut down. None of us Duane Clark is exceedingly important so that everyone have ever seen anything like it.” Owner/business manager/vice chairman, understands the financial condition of their Zysblat’s perspective on the pandemic FBMM client and how we can best maintain their and its impact is unique. A practicing CPA 20 21 5TH ANNIVERSARY Raleigh Music Group was founded in 2016 by industry veteran As Raleigh’s reputation has grown, the company has partners Peter Raleigh and Steven Storch. The company is steadily built a contemporary roster of , artists headquartered in the of Times Square, NYC with offices in and producers and now publishes songs performed by or Los Angeles. In its first five years has experienced remarkable global featuring superstar artists including: Ariana Grande, Chris growth and expansion. Brown, Kid Rock, , , Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg, Cardi B, A Boogie, , Trey Songz, Lil Durk, The boutique music publishing company attributes its success to its and film and tv Randy Edelman “client first” approach to music publishing – delivering a high touch, and Rick Marotta. high service experience to a select roster of music publishing clients it represents. The company has benefitted from the support of Please join Billboard in congratulating Raleigh Music Susan Aberbach, an owner of the Elvis Presley catalog and an early group’s 5th Anniversary. stage investor. CONTACTS Raleigh’s client services are provided by A&R staff in NY and LA, a synch licensing team with strong relationships in the film/tv, Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advertising and gaming industries, and a first-class copyright and royalty administration department. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] The company’s best in class global sub-publishing partner network includes Budde, Café Concerto, Peer Music, Native Tongue, Supreme Cynthia Mellow Songs, Schubert, Cloud 9, GL Music, Clippers, , Nichion, 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Geoff Paynter Music, Fujipacific, IDM, Pelikan and others. Marcia Olival Raleigh represents numerous iconic catalogs and songs including 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “A Little Less Conversation”, and “All Shook Up”, George Gershwin’s “Summertime”, “Let’s Call the Gene Smith Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take that Away from Me”, The 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, Gregmark Music’s “Stormy Monday”, ’s “What Kind of Fool am I” and numerous Debra Fink other classics. The company also represents the classic catalogs of 213.448.5157 | [email protected] Bo Diddley, America, Anthony Newley, Willy (Mink) Deville, Lords of Ryan O’Donnell the Underground, Trax Records, and many others. +447843437176 | [email protected]

ISSUE DATE 3/13 | AD CLOSE 3/3 | MATERIALS DUE 3/4 Page 11 of 36

IN BRIEF

for nearly four decades, he co-founded RZO breaking livestream event, Studio 2054, Songwriters Hall of Fame.” Her client base with his late business partner, Joe Rascoff, reached 5 million viewers for its debut, also includes solo artists, bands, labels, mix- in 1988. RZO stands out among its peers in according to her management company. The ers, actors and film and music producers. In business management not only for its focus show featured Elton John, , the ongoing catalog acquisition craze, recent solely on artists, but also the stature of those and Miley Cyrus. Dales says his deals have netted “beautiful windfalls for clients. The firm manages the financial -af 25-year-old firm’s focus was to help all cli- clients for whom a sale matched their life fairs of the Stones, Gaga, U2, Steely Dan, Da- ents — which include Coldplay, Queen and goals.” But the greatest accomplishment for vid Byrne, , Shania Twain, , Bush — to “revise their business plans and Fasbender’s firm in 2020 was simply “sur- and the estates of projections” while also preparing them for vival,” she says. Her Los Angeles-based com- and , among others. RZO’s part- business to return to “a hoped normal when pany secured “maximum allowable” PPP ners, each with a specific area of expertise, restrictions are eased.” and SBA loans for all clients who needed include Cyrana (royalty compliance), Gula The Impact of Brexit: “Touring costs them, while retaining her own 12 employees (tax) and Sweet (business management). will increase due to the need for work visas without salary cuts. Having overseen numerous stadium for onstage musicians and support crew, New Income Sources Clients tours, Zysblat estimates that 200 to 250 carnets for equipment and increased red Tapped: “The year had an unusual amount crew members stop working when touring tape. Changes in social security regula- of real estate activity, both buying and ceases, “as opposed to the thousands — who tions will affect U.K. artists working in the selling houses and converting some of the are not paid directly by us — who become European Union, and [value-added tax] catalog sale monies into diversified income unemployed. The ticket takers aren’t work- and duty issues will affect artists who have streams that included rental real estate.” ing. The cleanup staff isn’t working. The traditionally sold their own merchandise on Stan Flowers numbers are absolutely devastating.” the road.” CFO, Zac Brown Collective tours cannot be staged without Kella Farris Being “disciplined financially” was the insurance against cancellations, and “clearly, Stephanie Self foundation of the Zac Brown Collective well there will be a pandemic exclusion [from Catherine Moore before 2020, says Flowers, which allowed coverage] in every policy going forward,” Partners, Farris, Self & Moore the company to maintain its equilibrium says Zysblat. Insurance for tours has been Farris, Self & Moore helped their clients amid the pandemic. The organization used getting more expensive, he notes, as aging secure PPP loans while navigating the pause PPP loans to mitigate touring losses and artists continue to perform, extreme weath- in touring for their artists alongside man- staged three livestream performances that er threatens outdoor shows, terrorist attacks agement and booking agencies. Alternative drew over 1.5 million views. Two of those occur at venues and, now, unprecedented revenue sources identified by the boutique events raised nearly $1.6 million for Zac risks can threaten public health. Higher Nashville-based firm included developing Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, benefit- costs can either be absorbed by bands with “creative and meaningful merchandise” as ing veterans and their families, according more modest production — or higher ticket well as the rise of song catalog sales, largely to Flowers. “The lesson here is to stick to prices. due to “uncertainty regarding the capital strong financial practices even in the good Did RZO need to counsel clients with a gains tax rate, low interest rates for inves- times so you can be prepared for anything.” sudden loss of touring income to tighten tors and copyrights,” says Farris, 41. “Taking Best Advice in an Economic Down- their belts? “In March or April, I said to money during a pandemic year turn: “We tightened our belts, employed myself, ‘Oh, man. This is going to be a tough for artists and songwriters was appealing.” careful spending and shaved unnecessary year talking everybody down.’ But in the Reaction to Federal Aid Pro- costs. end, it wasn’t that hard because everyone grams: “Our banking partners City Na- Todd Gelfand was aware and automatically became rea- tional Bank, Pinnacle Bank and Studio Bank CEO, Gelfand Rennert & Feldman sonably frugal. stepped up to help facilitate the PPP pro- Rick Mozenter “I have to say that entertainers are privi- cess, and we also utilized the EIDL and the Ronald Nash leged enough that they were able to make it Employer Retention Credit, as well as the David Phillips through this time,” adds Zysblat. “Much of State of Tennessee grants from the CARES Mike Skeet the country wasn’t. So we’re all pretty grate- Act.” —Farris Todd Kamelhar ful.” Tina Fasbender Managing directors, Gelfand Rennert & Feld- Lester Dales Founder/president, Fasbender Financial man Director, Dales Evans & Co. Management Gelfand Rennert & Feldman, a division Despite -two punch of the pan- While Fasbender declines to name her of Focus Financial Partners since 2017, has demic and Brexit in the United Kingdom, clients, “I will tell you that the firm is 90% grown significantly, with over 500 employ- -based Dales Evans celebrated the music-centric. Songwriters were my first ees in five offices across , Los success of client Dua Lipa, whose record- focus, and we have three who are in the Angeles, Nashville, Delaware and London. 2021 TOP MUSIC LAWYERS

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

Please join Billboard in congratulating this year’s Ryan O’Donnell music power lawyers. Advertise and position your +447843437176 | [email protected] law firm to the decision makers in the industry who are always in need for the best legal counsel.

ISSUE DATE 4/3 | AD CLOSE 3/24 | MATERIALS DUE 3/25 Page 13 of 36

IN BRIEF

The company merged with WG&S in 2019 Granat, 39, says securing loans or grants Maria Del Pilar Lopez and acquired London-based firm Skeet through the CARES Act — critically, PPP Director, business management and family Kaye Hopkins (where clients include Josh funding — allowed artists to keep paying office, Citrin Cooperman Groban) last May. Amid the pandemic, many their employees. His clients also remained Kaplan reports that most of Citrin of GRF’s clients secured increased royalty solvent by performing livestreamed con- Cooperman’s clients — including Father streams by selling or negotiating advances certs, chasing royalties owed to them, in- John Misty, The Strokes, The Beach Boys, on their catalog. For those who collected vesting in residential real estate and explor- Q Prime and and his MXM PPP loans, “in the beginning, the rules ing sales of their music catalogs, which he Music — were able to navigate pandemic seemed to change every day,” says Kamelhar, says “may be more highly valued right now downturns with “reserves built through “but due to our strong banking relation- than they have ever been.” Above all, “cash is years of following our advice.” Hull joined ships, we were able to assist our clients who king,” he adds. “It’s important to have some the firm in March, bringing with him over needed loans through this process.” liquidity and cash in the bank saved for a two decades of experience in royalty audits The Impact of Brexit: “There will be rainy day.” and helping drive further growth. Del Pilar increased costs of visas and carnets, and The Impact of Brexit: “I work with Lopez moved to the firm earlier this year. a lot more paperwork. There may be new several U.K.-based artists who are upset “We are problem solvers,” says Kaplan. The withholding tax implications on royalties, with the negative impact Brexit will have pandemic “brought to light that no matter which already exist on touring income, from on them. From a logistics standpoint, they how well you think things are going, some- certain European Union countries. Hope- will need to contend with new challenges, thing completely unexpected can happen, fully, the visa-free scheme for musicians that such as customs and travel delays. Brexit so if you learned the lesson of living below has been proposed will become a reality.” could lead to a reduction of live tour dates your means, you can ride out anything.” —Skeet throughout Europe once this world pause New Income Sources Clients W. Shane Glass ends.” Tapped: “The multiples offered in catalog President, Colony Business Management/The Becky Harris sales made them very hard to refuse. So the Colony Group Partner, Huskins-Harris key was to make sure our clients still had When the coronavirus struck, Glass Harris, 59, helped her star clients navigate upside potential after the transaction and to immediately went into risk management short-term budget cuts while achieving new make sure it was the right partner.” —Kaplan mode. “It was important that we maintained career highs: Riley Green won new male art- Jordan L. Josephs our clients’ financial infrastructures and ist of the year at the 2020 Academy of Coun- Director of business management and family provided them the comfort that we are try Music Awards, Kane Brown won favorite office group, SingerLewak still operational and able to [deliver] our male artist at the , Working with artists and producers in services,” says Glass, who provides tax advi- and won performance of the hip-hop, rock, pop, dance and , Sing- sory and accounting services to executives year at the CMT Music Awards. Harris is erLewak saw business growth in 2020 and Grammy Award-winning artists. His also thankful that her roster “tried to take despite the pandemic. “We were positioned strategy included helping clients tap new as much care of their bands and crews” as perfectly with our software and IT capa- sources of income, like catalog sales and possible. “We did all we could to help them bilities to go to remote working without livestreamed concerts, as well as accessing meet those goals and to stay above water in missing a beat,” says Josephs of the 61-year- PPP loans to help support employees. “Be a situation they had never foreseen.” old firm’s foresight. The company extends conscious of spending,” he advises clients Most Important Lesson Learned From the same provisions to its clients, helping in this downturn. “Take advantage of PPP the Pandemic: “Patience — and that my them prepare for income downturns: “With monies and consider forbearance agree- clients are all family. When my husband and sound financial planning, entrepreneurship ments with banks and lenders.” I had COVID-19, several of them checked and the right investment mix, clients should Reaction to Federal Aid Programs: “It in daily and offered to bring us anything we have enough passive income to pay the bills was complex to keep up with the dynamic needed. I feel fortunate to work for people on a monthly basis, even without their core set of rules. We read the actual regulations who care so much for their team.” business.” ourselves, as there was conflicting ad- J. Christopher Hull How Social Concerns Have Influenced vice [in] published information. We believe Partner/royalty audit, compliance and con- Investing: How social concerns have influ- the PPP provided an overall benefit to cli- sulting practice leader, Citrin Cooperman enced investing “We’ve always had clients in ents, and the recent rule changes regarding Mark Kaplan green types of investments. One client who being able to deduct the forgivable loans has Partner/West Coast music leader, Citrin is an activist has an incredible nonprofit amplified the benefits.” Cooperman in Chicago. He invests capital, as well as Sean Granat Victor Wlodinguer leverages his brand to get other donors and CPA/tax partner, CohnReznick Partner/East Coast music leader, Citrin artists involved.” In a year when touring was impossible, Cooperman Nicholas Judd 2 0 2 1 PRIMARY WAVE 15TH ANNIVERSARY

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

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

ISSUE DATE 4/24 | AD CLOSE 4/14 | MATERIALS DUE 4/15 Page 15 of 36

IN BRIEF

Co-founder/CEO, Leftbrain allocations amid the pandemic, from real Book. Legend performed at the Celebrating Judd, 35, with business partner Josh Ka- estate to private equity. The family firm also America concert after President Joe Biden’s plan, launched the Leftbrain app and royalty welcomed a new partner in the insurance inauguration. tracking tool in 2020, allowing their clients space that “added significant value to our Most Important Lesson Learned From to access real-time financial data — while business,” he says. “Having the expertise at the Pandemic: “There can be a silver lining the firm tracked down missing royalties to our fingertips for our clients has been very in anything in life, even when bad things maximize their liquidity. “The app empow- beneficial.” happen to good people — you just have to be ers them to have their finger on the pulse of How Environmental Concerns Have open and accepting.” their finances and reinforces good financial Influenced Investing: “There has been a Matt Lichtenberg habits,” says Judd. Although the company growing focus on environmental invest- Partner, Level Four Business Management declines to name its clients, he notes that ments for quite some time, from consumer “Our clients have stayed the course,” says three of them are up for in products to renewable energy. Many of my Lichtenberg of the principles that have March. clients have heavily invested in the space for informed investment decisions over the past New Income Sources Clients years now.” year. This is not to say there hasn’t been up- Tapped: “While cash flow remains a con- Joshua Klein heaval, as Level Four transitioned to remote cern, our artists are increasingly interested Managing partner, TKG Business Manage- work “while navigating our clients’ unfore- in accumulating generational wealth. Tradi- ment seeable challenges.” Lichtenberg counseled tionally, investment balances, bank balances Klein established Beverly Hills, Calif.- his clients struggling with the impact of the and company values remained siloed in based firm TKG last year to offer his clients pandemic to reduce overhead and seek out confusing, outdated statements or online a personal, hands-on approach to money new revenue sources, such as livestreaming portals. We are building on the existing ca- management. He has given his roster — or creating video messages on Cameo. In pabilities of the Leftbrain app to enable our which includes The Chainsmokers, , addition, “we did catalog sales,” he says, “as clients to see their entire net worth in one Kelly Rowland, and Bazzi — funda- the multiples were unprecedented.” place and monitor it over time.” mental investment advice for the long term. Mike Merriman Michael Kaplan “Start thinking more about passive income President, Parr3 Managing partner, Miller Kaplan streams,” says Klein. “One day, they won’t be Merriman, 40, like many of his peers, Since touring shut down, Kaplan has suc- touring, recording or writing anymore.” took on new responsibilities during the cessfully guided clients into new avenues of Reaction to Federal Aid Pro- pandemic, like the CARES Act to business, “from investing in apps to buying grams: “The CARES Act benefited my cli- maximize government aid for clients, while catalogs and everything in between,” he ents because they were able to continue pay- also unearthing new royalty streams and says. He has also reminded artists that the ing their staff for a period with no income performing desk audits for client catalogs. pandemic has created opportunities, from coming in. It was a first for everyone — the The firm assisted songwriter cutting expenses to boosting creativity: SBA, banks, employers, employees. I think and his team in analyzing the value of his “Many of my clients have been able to use the second round will be much smoother.” catalog, which Universal Music Publishing this time to focus on writing and recording David Levin Group purchased in January, ahead of his new music — sometimes leaning on me to Business manager, DL Business Management new deal with UMPG. In addition to Bell, secure a safe studio space in which to cre- Levin’s firm, founded in 1997, works with the company counts Kehlani, 6LACK, Alison ate.” clients including John Legend, Live, Lake Wonderland, Clairo and companies like How Social Concerns Have Influenced Street Dive, The O’Jays, Madison Beer, LVRN Records as clients. Investing: “The interest to be associated Wyclef Jean, Joshua Radin and Jessica Best Advice in an Economic Down- with environmental, social and governance Simpson. During a difficult 2020, he guided turn: “Stay the course. Remember the cash principles has been increasing steadily over their affairs by “staying positive” and advis- reserves we set aside for you? This is what time. But since the entertainment industry ing them to “stay true to your craft,” he says. they’re for.” tends to be on the forefront of these types of His advice: “Explore all potential income- Harley Neuman cultural movements, it’s really more a mat- related offers that resonate and know that Partner, Neuman + Associates (a division of ter of waiting for the corporations to catch this too shall pass.” This past year, his clients NKSFB) up.” have pursued virtual coaching and speaking Newman says 2020 can be summed up Matt Klarberg engagements, as well as income from en- by the bromide “Health is more important Managing director, Monarch Business & dorsements, publishing and livestreaming. than wealth.” And, if you ask the adviser, Wealth Management In December, Simpson signed a multime- who guides the finances of such clients as Klarberg, 36, helped clients including dia rights deal with that includes Melissa Etheridge, Cee Lo Green, Dave Koz, Kaskade, , DJ duo VAVO and two TV projects at Amazon Studios, one Brian Culbertson and Pete Yorn, about his R&B singer Quincy monitor their portfolio based on her bestselling memoir, Open top accomplishment of the past year, he Page 16 of 36

IN BRIEF

responds with a laugh and says, “Surviving.” Mike, singer India. Arie, producers Mike resumption of touring. We love to work with Although some of his clients benefited from WiLL Made-It and Stewart, and rock new, developing artists who we can help the CARES Act, Newman found the process band Orchestra. Polay credits grow into the stars they have the potential “disorganized.” cloud-based systems and collaboration tools to become. This was even more relevant in Best Advice in an Economic Down- with helping his team establish a “success- 2020.” turn: “Control discretionary spending and ful mobile workforce” during the past year, New Income Sources Clients look for alternative income sources, like while he encouraged his roster to utilize Tapped: “The trend of the past few years livestreaming.” new sources of income, he says, noting has only been enhanced: providing consis- Glenn Nordlinger “production, film scoring, catalog sales and tent content to your fan base and owning as CEO, The Nordlinger Group direct-to-fan experiences.” much of it as possible. This includes videos, After a year that taught him “the impor- Most Important Lesson Learned From songwriting and of course master owner- tance of financial forecasting and maximiz- the Pandemic: “The pipeline of developing ship of recordings. Many artists spent the ing savings,” Nordlinger says he and his musical artists and new music fans may be pandemic writing and recording new music team raised over $25 million for various in jeopardy. Artists depending on the club and then releasing it on different platforms. clients through the sales of publishing and circuit and festivals to garner new fans will This can allow for immediate return of in- master rights. All of his clients — including experience extreme financial headwind vestment and income generation.” —Nathan , the , Rosanne once the pandemic is under control.” Richman Cash and Grace Potter — received 15-month Michelle Richburg Steves Rodriguez operating budgets and cash flow forecasts President/CEO, Richburg Enterprises Founding partner, Freemark Financial for their businesses and personal finances. When the pandemic slashed touring Rodriguez, 50, has helped his music He says the firm also had “great success” income, many artists and industry profes- clients — including Jesse & Joy, Andrés applying for PPP loans, working mostly with sionals “were not eligible for traditional Torres and Mauricio Rengifo — weather the City National Bank. unemployment benefits because they pandemic by “reducing costs wherever we How Environmental Concerns Have are self-employed,” says Richburg, 54. So can,” he says. Though some of his clients Influenced Investing: “Many artists are she and her team sought relief for clients had an extra source of income through cata- given the opportunity to make early invest- through PPP and EIDL funding and other log sales and livestreaming, Rodriguez says ments in startup companies, and the ones grants. During the pandemic, she has also his biggest accomplishment was getting all focused on environmentally friendly prod- channeled energy into helping her roster of Freemark Financial’s clients through the ucts are very appealing to our clients.” of clients — which includes , A health crisis with “cash in the bank at a time Tony Peyrot Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and RCA Records when cash flow was limited.” Managing partner, Dunn Pariser & Peyrot president Mark Pitts — navigate charitable Reaction to Federal Aid Pro- Peyrot juggles several roles, including spending directed at COVID-19 relief. grams: “The SBA PPP loan was invaluable providing financial guidance with a focus on Most Important Lesson Learned From to multiple clients. We are also utilizing the the mental and fiscal health of his clients. the Pandemic: “Realizing that self-care Shuttered Venue Operators grant program” And while advising such acts as DJ Shadow, comes in many different forms. Putting your from federal aid legislation passed in De- and Draco Rosa, he says mental health first, setting boundaries and cember. one of his proudest moments in 2020 was taking a break is productive. And not taking Phil Sarna helping producer (Beyoncé, anything for granted, especially spending Senior managing director, PS Business Man- ) release his motivational hip-hop more time with family and loved ones.” agement album, I Want To See You Shining. Says Pey- Murray Richman Patrick Templeman rot: “It is an affirmation album that captured Nathan Richman Managing director, PS Business Management the essence of meditation, social justice and Partners, Richman Business Management Tara Moore peace and love for all, at a time when it was A laser focus on cash flow and expense Director, PS Business Management needed most.” management was more important than PS Business Management retained its en- Best Advice in an Economic Down- ever for the Richmans’ clients last year “as tire staff without furloughs while continu- turn: “Focus on what is under your control. we helped our artists navigate a very tough ing to advise clients including , Also, clean out that old storage unit.” financial landscape,” says Nathan Richman, Lizzo, Halsey, Arcade Fire and Maggie Robert Polay 46, who has worked with his 74-year-old Rogers. The firm helped artists diversify Managing member, Polay Clark & Co. father, Murray, for over a decade. The Rich- their revenue streams through livestream- The -based accounting and busi- mans stressed short-term revenue forecast- ing, merchandising, brand partnerships ness management firm Polay Clark guides ing in tandem with financial assistance from and catalog sales. It has also helped clients the finances of a roster that includes TV the CARES Act, offering “a safety net for our support their communities, including Eilish, host Steve Harvey, rapper-activist Killer artists until we have more visibility on the whose mother established the nonprofit Page 17 of 36

IN BRIEF

Support and Feed to provide meals for President, Sussman & Associates a year of maintaining and finding revenue families in need. “In all of these endeavors,” Sussman, 67, who founded his firm in rather than exploring new investments.” says Sarna, “we stand in full support of our 1994, has been helping a client list that Most Important Lesson Learned From artists — heart, mind, body and wallet.” includes Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Olivia the Pandemic: “Always work with a solid New Income Sources Clients Newton-John and “financially plan, then adjust and adapt as necessary. Tapped: “One of our clients had the year’s handle the pandemic” by finding new Cash reserves are always important.” most successful streaming event, and many revenue streams, from intellectual property Sally Velazquez clients were able to sell large catalogs of sales and music licensing to catalog repack- Founding partner/owner, Empower Business copyrights as part of a bigger financial plan aging and livestreaming. “We advised clients Management or part of a retirement strategy. The strength to use this time in quarantine to plan for the Empower “took on a lot of new cli- of the financial markets highlighted the fact future,” he says, “both creatively in their art ents and hired new employees” amid the that savings is a buffer in uncertain times.” and financially.” pandemic, says Velazquez, 37, noting that —Sarna Lou Taylor remote communication made operations John Shaheen Founder/CEO, Tri Star Sports & Entertain- easier and — “eliminating L.A. traffic” — Partner, Business Wealth & Tax Management ment Group more efficient. “I am a Puerto Rican female Shaheen counts “no layoffs” at his Lauren Cooper business owner, and my clients are mainly company as one highlight in a year turned Business manager, Tri Star Sports & Enter- minorities,” she says, citing iann dior, whose upside down by COVID-19. To help his tainment Group “Mood” with 24kGoldn peaked at No. 1 clients — including management firm The Peggy Stephens on the Billboard Hot 100, and , Revels Group, independent label Soulection, Director of business management, Tri Star whose hit “Mr. Right Now” with Drake producer Kenny Beats and Clue/Warner Sports & Entertainment Group and reached No. 10, both in Records rapper IDK — he outlined how to The pandemic threw clients a curveball, October. “The increase in communication streamline their businesses and reduce over- says Stephens, but she’s proud “we did not for clients was crucial, as we were able to head. His bottom-line advice was to “pivot, panic at Tri Star.” The firm provides man- discuss new budgets, decreasing spending create and generate new income sources.” agement and financial planning services for and reallocating these funds to investments Client George Watsky, aka Watsky, raised a roster that includes Mary J. Blige, Florida and savings.” funds for his band, crew and musicians in Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, Jason Derulo, Most Important Lesson Learned From need through the charity Sweet Relief with and (and, the Pandemic: “Every smart business man- a rap marathon, livestreaming for 33 hours, previously, ). To help inspire ager is going to say, ‘Save for the future and 33 minutes and 19 seconds, an achievement new business ventures, advisers encour- plan for the unexpected,’ which is all true. recognized by Guinness World Records. aged clients to go “back to the basics,” says However, I think everyone should check in Most Important Lesson Learned From Stephens. “We asked the question, ‘What on their clients’ mental health.” the Pandemic: “You’ve got to keep your originally drove you to a career in entertain- Rit Venerus head up.” ment?’ This became the springboard for Founder/senior managing director, Cal Fi- Thomas St. John exploring new passion projects, leading to nancial Group CEO, Thomas St. John new streams of income.” Cal Financial’s client base includes St. John’s company “was able to meet the Most Important Lesson Learned From top-tier live acts and challenges of 2020 head on,” he says, “in a the Pandemic: “Flexibility, fluidity and lots Dead & Company, but Venerus, 49, says he’s year which saw live music, sporting events, of hard work allowed our firm to continue grateful that the roster is diverse enough — film and television production halted. We to lead in an industry that saw massive shut- and The Lumineers are also clients launched three new offices in Stockholm, downs and changes to our clients’ revenue — to enable the firm “to not only retain all Sydney and Melbourne [Australia], further streams.” of our employees through this difficult time, expanding our international expertise Michael Vaden but to continue to grow our team.” He adds: across seven locations and growing to over Principal, Vaden Group/Elliott Davis “I am very proud of how the Cal family 150 talented professionals.” While the firm’s Amid the challenges of the past year, says came together despite challenging circum- client list is confidential, it advised Calvin Vaden, 67, “we collaborated with our clients, stances and were able to carry on operations Harris on his sale of publishing rights to agencies, bankers, managers and other without missing a beat.” Vine Alternative Investments in October. advisers to maximize financial opportuni- New Income Sources Clients Inspired by star golfer and client Garrick ties while taking advantage of alternative Tapped: “When it comes to record and pub- Higgo, St. John says his firm has created a revenue streams.” Those alternative sources lishing deals, we’ve always encouraged our $1 million scholarship “for aspiring artists of revenue included streaming through con- clients to bet on themselves and take better and athletes.” cert subscription services, consulting and back-end financial terms rather than getting Charles Sussman sponsorship deals. “Last year was mostly the most money upfront. That has allowed Page 18 of 36

IN BRIEF

clients to keep their non-touring revenue Best Advice in an Economic Down- will be steeped in bureaucracy. This will streams unleveraged and for revenue to turn: “We are all in this together and will result in cost delays and missed opportuni- flow despite the pandemic. Livestreaming get through this together.” —Salzman ties.” has been a good way for clients to connect Kris Wiatr Contributors: Megan Armstrong, Chuck with their fans and generate some cash flow. President, Wiatr & Associates Arnold, Katie Bain, Steve Baltin, Dean However, the economic model just isn’t re- Nashville-based Wiatr handles the Budnick, Anna Chan, Ed Christman, Tatiana ally there yet to be truly supportive.” finances of some of ’s biggest Cirisano, Leila Cobo, Jonathan Cohen, Mariel Bill Vuylsteke stars, but his focus goes beyond their hits. Concepcion, Stephen Daw, Frank DiGiacomo, Senior managing director, Provident Finan- “Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton and Lee Thom Duffy, Griselda Flores, Glen Francis, cial Management Brice have all seen incredible success in the Adrienne Gaffney, Gab Ginsberg, Josh Glicks- Vuylsteke prides himself on his firm’s past 18 months, but what we’re really proud man, Gary Graff, Lyndsey Havens, Cherie “family attitude” and the ability to retain of is that they are helping shape the future Hu, Gil Kaufman, Steve Knopper, Juliana Ko- all 120 employees “at full pay, even though of country music,” says Wiatr. To assist his ranteng, Carl Lamarre, Joe Levy, Joe Lynch, our touring income completely went away.” clients during “this unprecedented touring Heran Mamo, Geoff Mayfield, Taylor Mims, While most of his clients — which include drought,” he prepared them with financial Gail Mitchell, Melinda Newman, Cathy such superstars as , Red Hot Chili planning. “We worked with each client on Applefeld Olson, Glenn Peoples, Jessica Roiz, Peppers, Green Day and Weezer, as well as where to save and how to keep business Dan Rys, Richard Smirke, Natelegé Whaley, artist manager Guy Oseary — saw income going in innovative ways, like livestreaming Jewel Wicker, Deborah Wilker, Nick Williams, fall year over year, a combination of catalog and merch bundles.” Stereo Williams monetizations, virtual corporate and public Reaction to Federal Aid Pro- METHODOLOGY: Billboard power performances, and “various COVID-19 grams: “The CARES Act was a huge help lists are selective with honorees chosen investment strategies” helped keep everyone for so many of our clients because it gave by Billboard editors. Nominations for each afloat. “Luckily,” he quips, “they had great employers and their employees time to fig- power list open not less than 120 days in business management going in.” ure out how to bridge the gap until further advance of publication. (For a contact for our Reaction to Federal Aid Programs: “No income arrived. The experience with the editorial calendar listing publication dates, one really knew what to do at first. Once platform, in application and distribution, please email [email protected].) we figured it out for our clients, many took was seamless.” The online nomination link is sent to press advantage of the provisions, which helped Colin Young representatives and/or honorees of companies tremendously, mainly for keeping crew on Founder, C.C. Young & Co. previously featured on any Billboard power salary.” London-based C.C. Young, which list, as well as those who send a request before David Weiss represents an international roster of over the nomination period to thom.duffy@ bill- Jaime Masuda 250 artists, takes an analytical approach to board.com. Nominations close and lists are Beth Sabbagh protecting its clients’ interests, says founder locked not less than 90 days before publica- Rob Salzman Young, who opened a new office in Sweden tion. Billboard’s Top Business Managers for Partners, DWA (a division of NKSFB) last year. In September, the British music 2021 were chosen by editors based on factors “The pandemic’s impact on live per- trade journal Music Week named the com- including, but not limited to, nominations by formance has created unprecedented pany accountancy firm of the year. “We have peers, colleagues and superiors. In addition circumstances for musicians, support staff remained under independent ownership,” to nominations, editors weigh the success of and professionals alike,” says Salzman at says Young. “This ensures our objectivity in each executive’s company or affiliated artists DWA, a firm that works with The Weeknd, always working in the artist’s best inter- as measured by chart, sales and stream- , deadmau5, Coldplay, Carole est.” In November, Young gave evidence at a ing performance. To offer feedback on this King and Vampire Weekend, among others. U.K. Parliament inquiry into the economics feature, please email thom.duffy@billboard. “While nobody saw this pandemic coming, of music streaming, where he argued for a com. my mantra of always advising clients to re- more equitable royalty split between artists This article originally appeared in the Feb. serve 18 to 24 months of operating reserves and labels. “During this past year, we also 20, 2021, issue of Billboard. for unforeseen events has paid substantial have focused on royalty audits, with a par- dividends for many.” Masuda joined his ticular emphasis on streaming,” says Young. colleagues in focusing on budgeting and “This has been a revelation.” cash flow analysis, reducing unnecessary The Impact of Brexit: “As a nation, the tour insurance, applying for PPP and EIDL U.K. has not yet secured the easy transfer of funds, refinancing mortgages for clients and, equipment and personnel between the U.K. he says, “having a positive outlook but also and the European Union member states. Vi- being realistic.” sas for personnel and carnets for equipment Page 19 of 36

IN BRIEF

focus compared to where it began 15 years tric features like Canvas, which allows acts Spotify Unveils ago as a pure music service, Spotify started to make looping visuals for individual songs. the event highlighting how its algorithms Canvas, which was limited before, will be HiFi Tier, Podcast have helped promote artists outside of their available to all Spotify artists moving for- home markets and push users to discover ward. Spotify for Artists will be available in Tools & New new artists. “On Spotify, artists from Latin 25 new languages, the company added, and trap, South African house, or even classical Spotify Clips, effectively a stories feature on Offerings for find more than 80% of their streams outside Spotify that allows artists to share behind- of their home country,” Ostroff said. the-scenes content with their fans, will also Creators at Erlich said Spotify adds over 60,000 new be available soon. songs to its platform every day and has ‘Stream On’ Event added 76,000 artists to its playlists for the first time, noting that its algorithms are Spotify BY MICAH SINGLETON powering a new level of discovery for users that wasn’t possible before. Announces Global potify has announced a HiFi “We’re helping fans discover artists that version of its service that will they’ve never heard before, 16 billion times a Expansion of 80 allow users to stream music in month,” he said. high-fidelity audio formats later Spotify chief r&d officer Gustav Söder- New Markets Sthis year. The announcement came during ström spoke about the company’s expanded Spotify’s Stream On event on Monday (Feb machine learning capabilities, which is BY DAN RYS 22), which highlighted the platform’s impact bringing new features like better search and on the music industry over the past 15 years, algorithmic playlists to users. The company t Spotify’s Stream On event to- and featured a slew of new product an- is expanding its Daily Mix playlist offerings, day, CEO Daniel Ek announced nouncements. bringing mixes around genres, artists and a major global expansion for CEO Daniel Ek was joined by chief decades, to users in the coming months. the streaming service: 80 new content officer and advertising business Topical podcast searches — currently being markets.A officer Dawn Ostroff and co-heads of- mu tested in the US and rolling out globally “We’ll be expanding Spotify’s global foot- sic Jeremy Erlich and Marian Dicus at soon — will allow users to search for some- print significantly,” Ek said early on in the the event, which included announce- thing like “cooking” and find related shows. event. “This move will make Spotify avail- ments of new global markets for Spotify, up- Spotify also said it will begin an ac- able to more than a billion people in new coming podcasts from Barack and Michelle celerated expansion globally, a move markets around the world, with nearly half Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, a new that will give Spotify access to 1 billion more of them already using the internet.” multi-year podcasting deal with Avengers: people across 80 new markets and 36 new That expansion will be across Africa, Asia, Infinity War directors Joe and Anthony languages. Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Russo, and the HiFi subscription offering. “We’ll be expanding Spotify’s global foot- bringing the total number of territories that Spotify will become the biggest stream- print significantly,” Ek said. “This move will the company is in to more than 170. Some ing service to announce a high-fidelity tier, make Spotify available to more than a billion markets will launch with a smaller number following Amazon Music HD’s rollout in people in new markets around the world, of features and catalog that will then expand September 2019. Outside of Amazon, high- with nearly half of them already using the over time, in order to get the service into fidelity streaming audio has been limited internet.” these markets as soon as possible, with more to smaller platforms like Qobuz, , and Spotify chief freemium business of- features coming on line moving forward. Deezer. Spotify has not released additional ficer Alex Norström said some markets The list of markets that will be brought details around the audio quality of its HiFi will launch with “a core library of content along in different ways is not yet available. offering, or how much it will cost. and features that will evolve over time,” Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya in Spotify spent nearly an equal amount of a signal that the company has not com- Africa; as well as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and time on music and podcasting during the pleted licensing deals for all its new markets Bangladesh in Asia; Jamaica, Haiti, St. Lucia, event, a signal of how it sees the company globally. Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago in the moving forward. “We’re committed to build- The event also featured a slew of artists Caribbean are among the new territories ing the world’s leading audio platform,” discussing their success on the platform, in- covered. The full list can be found here. Dawn Ostroff said before announcing a slew cluding J. Balvin and Khalid, BLACKPINK, Most recently, the company launched of new podcasts. Billie Eilish and Finneas, and Halsey. in South Korea, amid the global boom in While the company may have a new Spotify made sure to focus on artist-cen- interest in K-, which brought its Page 20 of 36

IN BRIEF

previous total number of markets in which it Streaming Ad Insertion offer. is available to 93. In the summer of 2020, the Spotify Rolls Out But soon, advertising will not be the only service entered Russia and 12 other Central form of revenue for podcasters on the plat- and Eastern European countries, while it New Features, form. The company announced that it would moved into India in 2019. be allowing some podcasts to charge for At the time, however, the company had Monetization subscriptions in exchange for bonus clips or lagged behind its competitors like Apple content. It’s unclear how that will roll out Music and YouTube in Africa, a continent of Options for or what it will entail — Spotify is currently some 1.2 billion people. Spotify was available offering a waitlist for creators to sign up to in just five countries in Africa before this Podcasts find out more as it becomes available — but new expansion, while in April its site says it will have “diversified options” 2020 had moved into more than two dozen BY DAN RYS around paid subscriptions. countries in Africa as part of a 52-country Earlier this month, Spotify reported it expansion, which brought its total num- potify’s Stream On event Monday had 155 million paid subscribers around ber of markets to 167. Later that month, (Feb. 22) was a showpiece that the world, with 345 million monthly Spotify reshuffled its international expan- touched on a variety of new initia- active users and $9.5 billion in revenue sion team, with its global head of markets tives, features and expansions that for 2020. A new podcast with Barack moving into an advisory role. Sthe company has planned for 2021. But it Obama and was anoth- Earlier this month, Spotify reported it also served to make crystal clear where its er major podcasting-related takeaway from had 155 million paid subscribers around the main growth priority lay: podcasts. the event, while headline-grabbing news world, with 345 million monthly active us- Throughout the two-hour-long presen- came through the company’s announced ers and $9.5 billion in revenue for 2020. tation, the subject of podcasts and their expansion to 80 new markets, bringing its During the event today, the company also growth came up repeatedly, with Spotify — total north of 170 around the world. announced that a new subscription offering which has spent billions on acquisitions in Read more Billboard coverage on Spo- was due to arrive late this year, with hi-fi the podcasting space over the past several tify’s Stream On event here. audio becoming available for a presumably years, with more than 2 million podcasts higher price point, and that an international now on the platform — showing off its latest expansion in its podcast producer The Ring- initiatives for audio beyond music. ICM Partners er was also in the works. Meanwhile, Spotify That starts with its new tools for its An- For Artists — its suite of tools to help cre- chor platform, including an integration with Restructures With ators and their teams navigate and get the WordPress to allow podcasters to easily most from the platform — will be expanded create a blog for their show (and bloggers to Siegel Leading into 25 additional languages, while Spotify turn their words into podcasts), the ability itself will be in 36 new languages, bringing to host polls and Q&As and, “in the coming Concerts, Gibbs the total to more than 60 languages. months,” bringing video podcast functional- Follow more coverage of the Stream On ity to the platform. There is also the ability Head of Music event right here. to tag podcasts and individual episodes by theme or topic in order for listeners to both BY DAVE BROOKS search and sort more easily, but also for the Spotify algorithm to be able to serve up CM Partners announced a surprise similar content like it recommends music. shakeup of its leadership group Spotify announced new monetization ini- Monday morning, according to chief tiatives as well. Since introducing podcasts executive Chris Silbermann. onto the platform, the streaming service IAs part of the reorg, Rob Prinz will has allowed them to embed ads within their remain a partner but relinquish his role as streams, even in its premium, $9.99/month head of worldwide concerts and devote his tier, which for music means an ad-free full attention to being an agent. In Prinz’s experience. Now, Spotify is expanding its ad place will be New York agent Mark Siegel, experience for its podcasters, including the who will now serve as head of worldwide introduction of its Spotify Audience Net- concerts. Siegel’s current position will be work, aimed at connecting advertisers with filled by agent Robert Gibbs, who is being creators within its ecosystem, while making promoted to serve as head of music. new insights and data available through its “Rob did an outstanding job leading our Page 21 of 36

IN BRIEF

aggressive growth strategy in 2020 and for best represent our clients and reap the Music industry observers should be famil- that we are very grateful,” says Silbermann, rewards of the investments we have made in iar with the different approaches to listing noting that Prinz had a busy 2020, part- the live events business,” Silbermann says. on a public exchange. The Madison Square nering with London based Primary Talent “We are all looking forward to a booming Garden Company cleaved into two divisions, International in March and recruited nine 2022 and beyond as the audience returns to sports and concerts, in an August 2020, music agents to ICM. experience the artists and concerts they love tax-free spin-off. Each MSG shareholder “He and I have been discussing his desire and have greatly missed.” received one share of the new company, to move back to becoming a full-time agent MSG Entertainment, owner of such iconic for a while and while we both now feel that Manhattan venues as Madison Square Gar- the time right, I am grateful to him for the Universal Music den and Radio City Music Hall. The MSG job he has done.” Company changed its name to MSG Sports Also being promoted is Matt Bates, who Group Is Going and changed its New York Stock Exchange has been named head of International and ticker from MSG to MSGS. MSG Entertain- Europe. Public, But Don’t ment became a standalone company and Siegel has been a long-time agent “for began trading on the NYSE as MSGE. many legendary clients, he has also made it Call It an IPO In an IPO, a company hires underwriters a point to continuously mentor and develop – investment banks such as Goldman Sachs young agents who have gone on to have BY GLENN PEOPLES – to take its executives on a “road show” incredibly successful careers of their own,” a to pitch its stock to institutional investors statement from ICM reads. he term IPO, short for initial at a set price before shares open for trading Gibbs, a partner at ICM, is based in Los public offering, is often used on an exchange. Those investors can flip the Angeles and has worked at the agency for 14 generically to describe a private shares for a quick gain if the price trades years. In August, he was promoted to head company transitioning into a above the IPO price. Or IPO participants of contemporary music and is the highest Tpublic company by listing on the New York can hold their shares in expectations of ranking African American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq or another stock long-term growth. had in the agency business, according to ICM exchange. But in the case of Universal Music a traditional IPO in May 2020, as did Music Partners. Bates is a 15-year veteran of Pri- Group (UMG) and parent company , Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose mary and has been on its board since 2014. technically speaking, “IPO” isn’t the correct acquisition company, on Feb. 5. “Mark Siegel, Robert Gibbs and Matt term for its planned listing on the Amster- Vivendi won’t conduct a direct listing Bates are universally respected within our dam Euronext exchange in late 2021. either — an unorthodox route to a stock agency and the music business at large,” says The most accurate wording is that Vi- market that circumvents the traditional IPO Silbermann. “Through their hard work and vendi will spin off UMG — as used process and avoids underwriter fees that dedication to their clients and the team here in its Feb. 13 press release — as a stand- typically range from 6–7% of IPO proceeds at ICM, they epitomize the true meaning of alone corporation with stock that’s sepa- for listings between $100 million and $500 leading by example.” rate from its parent company. This isn’t million, according to PricewaterhouseCoo- Steve Levine will continue to be co-head empty pedantry: each path to a public stock pers. In those scenarios, a direct listing can of worldwide concerts, company officials exchange has important differences for the allow the company to pocket an extra $7 noted, while Peter Elliot remains manag- company and its shareholders. million to $30 million. Spotify popularized ing director of Primary Talent International Vivendi will keep only a 20% stake in the direct listing in April 2018: Already well and Scott Mantell holds the co-head of UMG, the world’s largest music company, capitalized, the company didn’t need money ICM International title, based in Los Ange- which it has owned since 2004. A Ten- from an IPO; instead, a direct listing gave les. cent Corp.-lead consortium, which has given existing shareholders an easier alternative The company also announced that it is es- “an initial favorable response” to the listing, than finding buyers on the private market. tablishing a Concerts Leadership Commit- according to the press release, owns 20% With no IPO price, Spotify monitored early tee designed to “keep the department on the of UMG from two investments in 2020 at a orders to choose an opening price of $132; cutting edge of every client opportunity and 30 billion euros ($36.35 billion) valuation. the share price rose to $169 and closed the groom the next generation of department Vivendi plans to distribute the other 60% first trading day at $149.95. leaders,” according to a statement. It will in- of UMG’s share capital to its shareholders clude Jacqueline Reynolds-Drumm, Yves made possible by amending its bylaws dur- C. Pierre, Ari Bernstein and Mitch Black- ing a special shareholder meeting on March man. 29, 2021. Another shareholder meeting to “We have empowered a talented, diverse approve the distribution will occur closer to and forward-thinking leadership team to the listing date in late 2021. Page 22 of 36

IN BRIEF

him the ownership of his masters,” recalls heritage as a cornerstone. In February, Jon Platt on Sony/ Branca. “Michael was the person who was the company announced its rebranding as single-handedly most responsible for the Publishing, complemented by a ATV’s 25 Years of growth of Sony/ATV, first by bringing ATV redesigned logo — a vibrant abstract depict- in and then subsequently by being on the ing sound waves — and a renewed commit- Songs board of directors and helping guide the ment to its “Songwriters first” mantra. Fol- company.” lowing the announcement, Platt discusses BY GAIL MITCHELL Sony purchased the Jackson estate’s 50% Sony’s forward focus, upgrades to its royalty share of the publishing entity in 2016, mak- payment system and navigating publishing’s n his 2020 year-end message to song- ing it a wholly owned Sony company. Along current Wild West climate. writers, Sony/ATV Music Publishing the way to becoming the world’s leading How would you assess the company’s chairman/ CEO Jon Platt praised publisher, Sony/ATV acquired Famous Mu- legacy? them for continuing to change the sic, whose assets include classic American It’s a legacy of excellence, which has been Iworld with their creativity — especially in film and TV catalogs, in 2007. Five years proven time and time again. It’s a legacy a tumultuous year framed by a pandemic later, Sony and a group of investors also composed of some of the greatest songs and and racial unrest. “Thanks to all of you,” he bought EMI Music Publishing, followed in songwriters in the world. And when you wrote. “History is always being written.” 2018 by Sony’s acquisition of the remain- look at the origination of Sony/ATV, it not Those five words also describe the company, ing ownership interests in EMI. In addition only represents partnerships with talented recently rebranded as Sony Music Publish- to administering Jackson’s personal firm, songwriters but also with other compa- ing, and its journey to becoming the No. 1 Mijac Music (including the Sly & The Fam- nies and executives. On the executive side, global , especially under the ily Stone catalog and songs by Ray Charles, legendary music publisher Marty Bandier 12-year watch of legendary publishing ex- Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin), Sony/ led the company to become the No. 1 music ecutive Martin Bandier and now Platt, who ATV owns or administers such history- publisher in the world. However, you can’t succeeded his former EMI Music Publish- making catalogs as Jobete/ and discuss the legacy of Sony/ATV without also ing boss and mentor in April 2019. Leiber & Stoller. acknowledging the influence of Michael Now celebrating 25 years of songs, Sony/ When he took over at Sony/ATV in 2019, Jackson, who is arguably one of the smartest ATV was established in November 1995 Platt became the highest-ranking Black music publishers ever. The success of Sony/ when partnered executive in the music industry. Under his ATV would not have been possible without with and his ATV Music. purview, the company recently ushered in a his contributions. And now this anniver- Jackson had acquired ATV a decade prior; at strong fourth quarter, ruling both Billboard’s sary is a perfect time for us to rebrand the the time, he leveraged $11 million in equity Hot 100 Songs and Top Radio Airplay charts company again as Sony Music Publishing. and $36.5 million in debt to buy the ATV for the third quarter in a row. Sony/ATV It’s important that we honor our company’s catalog, which included the rights to John logged 59 titles on Hot 100 Songs, including legacy and, at the same time, chart our own Lennon and Paul McCartney’s Beatles rep- Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” featur- course for the future as a modern music ertoire on , for $47.5 million. ing Lil Durk, and Cardi B’s “WAP,” featur- publisher. Sony/ATV’s legendary songwriters not ing Megan Thee Stallion. The publisher’s How did you come to that decision? only include Jackson and , but market share on Hot 100 Songs fell over two It just makes a lot of sense. First, after also , , Leonard percentage points, to 24.14% from 26.68%, so many company partnerships, it’s very Cohen, Ashford & Simpson and members the previous quarter, while its share of Top important for us to show that we are one of Queen. Its roster of contemporary talent Radio Airplay songs jumped by one basis team at one company working together as features Beyoncé, , , point to 22.11% from 22.10%. one for songwriters. Bringing back the origi- Cardi B, Lady Gaga, , Gabby Sony doesn’t report Sony Music Publish- nal name, Sony Music Publishing, conveys Barrett, Luke Bryan, Maluma, , ing’s financial results by itself but collec- our alignment with Sony’s entertainment Pharrell Williams and its latest signing, tively with Sony Japan’s music publishing brands: Sony Music, and Sony JAY-Z. results. Thus overall, Sony’s publishing Interactive. Establishing Sony/ATV was part of Jack- operations grew 13.3% to nearly $430.6 mil- In your letter to songwriters in De- son’s dream “to create the biggest publish- lion from $365 million compared with the cember, you used the phrase “History is ing company in the world,” says attorney corresponding third quarter a year earlier — always being written.” What inspired it? , who has long represented a resurgence from the first six months when It has been our tagline that keeps us the pop icon and his estate. When Jackson its revenue dipped 11.6% to $642.3 million aligned with our songwriters and focus as first hired Branca, he didn’t own his own from the prior year’s $715.1 million. a company. Songwriters do something that masters. “ gave him the leverage and As it embarks on its next quarter century no one else can do: They can walk into a the platform for me to go to Sony and get of songs, Sony/ATV is also reclaiming its room with nothing and later walk out with Page 23 of 36

IN BRIEF

something. Something that could change hands-down a breakthrough artist for us. ing right now, given the flurry of catalog the world; touch the world; make people It has been amazing watching her rise. We acquisitions and soaring multiples. Have feel good, smile or laugh; or make them cry. also brought country talents and you ever experienced such a competitive That’s an incredible gift that songwriters Ben Hayslip into the company. Outside of climate before? have. So we tell our songwriters, our history the U.S., there’s , which was a very I’ve never seen as much acquisition makers, that history is always being written big signing for us, along with renewals for activity as we are seeing right now. It’s an because you never know when that’s going London Grammar and . Ad- incredibly aggressive market that is creat- to be. ditional renewal highlights include Maluma, ing unique opportunities for songwriters, How would you describe your business Stargate’s Tor Hermansen, particularly for iconic legacy songwriters. philosophy? and Boi-1da. Beyoncé and Rihanna are also However, younger songwriters should give It’s the same philosophy I started with as now here, along with someone else new: serious, deep thought before going down a creative manager in 1995: Always put the JAY-Z. I don’t think we’ll be doing a formal this path. As the industry continues to songwriter first in everything we do, period. announcement. But me and Jay have been evolve, songwriters have more options and What are potential signees looking for telling the same story for over 20 years. leverage than ever before. And that’s a good from Sony? (Laughs.) People know where we stand. thing that I absolutely applaud. People want to be in business with a A year into the pandemic, what chal- You mentioned signing JAY-Z, who was strong music publisher that is going to sup- lenges are you still facing as a business? previously with Warner Chappell. Last port their career and be a partner to help People’s wardrobes have changed. year, Taylor Swift and left them grow. The relationship between talent There are a lot more sweats and flip-flops. Sony and signed with Universal Music and publisher is very important, but deliver- (Laughs.) But I’m proud of how our entire Publishing Group. How do you deal with ing on that relationship is more important. music publishing team has been there for those situations? Is it simply just part of So what I look for are people who can truly our songwriters every single day. Not having the business? do that. You want your calling card to be the physical connection within an office It’s going to happen. But at the same time, how you help the songwriter’s life, not how environment has been the biggest change I’ve benefited from it my entire career as much you paid for a deal or anything else. because there’s strong value to being around well. Of course, you don’t want to see great The No. 1 thing that you should do for a and with people. That’s still the missing songwriters leave. And I don’t love it when songwriter is everything you told him or her piece we don’t have right now, and we that happens. But you manage what you can that you were going to do when you signed shouldn’t have it right now because we all manage. them. If you do that, then they’re good. If have to be safe. But no matter how things June 2 will mark one year since you go beyond that, then they have a chance have changed for us internally, we still need Blackout Tuesday, the music industry’s to be great. to work as hard as we can so that songwrit- day of reckoning with systemic racism. Who are among the notable signings ers’ lives change very little, if at all, because What progress have you seen at Sony and that have occurred under your watch of this. It’s very important that we continue across the industry? thus far? to create opportunities for songwriters We’ve been focused on making our As well as signing important extensions because it’s not the same as it was prepan- company more diverse while fostering an and making some incredible acquisitions, demic. inclusive culture. We’ve doubled the num- we’re excited about new deals we’ve signed With the passing of the Music Modern- ber of women in senior leadership posts and with songwriters that I feel are going to be ization Act and the Mechanical Licensing tripled our executives of color in the U.S., among the next generation of stars in our Collective preparing to distribute funds, which I’m happy about. I want to be clear business — like Tate McRae, and are songwriters finally going to get the though, that we as an industry still have a Gray, as well as songwriter-produc- financial respect they deserve? lot of work to do. It’s not just about filling ers such as Scott Harris and [The National’s] Things are getting better, yes. But we still companies with employees. There must also Aaron Dessner. Moving over to Latin have a long way to go. Songwriters deserve be an opportunity to move into leadership America, we brought — one of to be respected. There is no music business positions with a diverse pool of candidates the great songwriters in — back without songwriters. to choose from. That’s the discipline we to Sony, and also signed Sky Rompiendo and What’s one thing you want to see hap- must have to truly impact change and peo- Myke Towers, who is having an amazing run pen on this front a year from now? ple’s own new awareness. Music is diverse. right now. Even better rates. I want all writers to be The listeners are diverse. So there’s no We’ve been diverse in our signings as compensated for their significant contri- reason that the insides of these companies well. In the U.S., we signed WondaGurl and butions in a fair way. I don’t think that’s a shouldn’t be diverse. Jozzy, two of the top new female song- one-day fix, but we must continue to move All the major companies have hired writer-producers out there right now. And in that direction. [diversity, equity and inclusion] executives, then in the country space, Gabby Barrett is It seems like the Wild West in publish- [Sony Music appointed Tiffany R. Warren Page 24 of 36

IN BRIEF

executive vp/chief diversity and inclu- There’s also the partnership that we cre- Again, it comes back to songwriters. It’s very sion officer in October] and a significant ated with a company called BeatStars, which important for us to be there and be a part amount of companies have made substantial is an online marketplace for hip-hop pro- of the community. We’ve planted our flag contributions to underserved communities, ducers to sell their tracks. One of the bigger there, providing jobs as we put together a funding various initiatives from education trends that’s happening now is how so many full staff rather than having people fly in and and homelessness to mental health. That international songwriters and producers out. didn’t exist prior to June. Russell Emanuel, have been writing and producing records in Your second anniversary at the helm is our president/CEO of , the U.S. One reason why hip-hop has been coming up in April. What are your next came up with the idea for the Screen Scor- able to flourish during quarantine is because priorities looking ahead? ing Diversity Scholarship for Black com- working virtually or remotely is nothing I have my foot on the gas every single day. position students in the master’s program new to the hip-hop space. Partnering with a My job is to make sure everybody else also at the University of Southern ’s company like BeatStars lets these producers has their foot on the gas. We’ve done four to Thornton School of Music, which we put their music online and make records out five years’ worth of work in 18 months. I’m established with Bleeding Fingers Music [a of them. It has been a perfect opportunity proud of that. For the first time in our indus- joint-venture music production company and partnership for us. try, what you’ve done doesn’t mean as much established by Hans Zimmer and business What are Sony’s business priorities anymore. It’s about what are you doing. partner Steve Kofsky]. You don’t see many internationally? What you’re doing means more than what people of color in that space, so giving some- One of the things I’m proud of is how you’ve done. We are in a time in our lives one that educational access as well as assets much more connected we are globally. Elicia right now that people see better than they is super key in that world. We’re not trying Felix-Hughey, who is our global head of hear. So they want to see what you’re doing to do onetime events; we’re trying to create HR, was my first hire. She has been right versus talking about what you’re going to do. significant partnerships. For example, we’ve by my side the entire way in pushing a lot And I truly believe that. also partnered with Shanti Das and her of the initiatives I’ve wanted to establish at What is your vision for Sony Music nonprofit organization Silence the Shame the company. But international has always Publishing 25 years from now? [which focuses on education and awareness been an important factor at Sony. So it’s not It won’t look the way it looks right now, around mental health], through which we’ve about it being a next frontier for us, it’s now. but Sony Music Publishing will be a more done forums for our employers and are now Jorge Mejia runs our whole Latin America authentic reflection of the music and song- doing for our songwriters as well. region, where we’ve done some fantastic writers that we are lucky enough to work As important as it is as a music communi- signings. And we have new leadership in the with and represent. ty that we do those things, it’s also impor- U.K. under David Ventura and Tim Major. Top Hits of 2020 tant as a music community that we take care They’ve put together an entirely new A&R The highest-charting songs on Billboard’s of our own debt. “Systemic” means some- team, which is run by Sarah Lockhart, and year-end Hot 100 list with Sony/ATV Pub- thing has been happening for a long period they are on fire. Then there’s Johnny Ten- lishing credits. of time. And we’re only eight months into nander in Scandinavia, who is one of the 1. “Someone You Loved” - Lewis Ca- the industry taking a stand. It’s too early to best music publishing executives you’ll ever paldi tell and unfair to judge if there has been a find. We’ve also opened offices in India and Rank: No. 10 seismic shift. But four months from now, we Southeast Asia. Publishers: Sony/ATV Songs (BMI), have to take a real look and see if things are How have Sony’s U.S. operations BMG Rights Management U.K. (PRS), BMG moving in the right direction. Out of all of shifted during your tenure? Gold Songs (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Music the entertainment industries, music has the We made a leadership change to enhance Publishing Allegro U.K. (PRS) best opportunity to impact change. our business in Nashville after the previous 2. “I Hope” - Gabby Barrett featuring What other operational changes have leadership decided to depart. We have a Charlie Puth been implemented at Sony since you dynamic executive in Rusty Gaston, who has Rank: No. 12 joined the company? completely rebuilt our Nashville operations. Publishers: Sony/ATV Countryside One thing I’m very happy about is our We also opened offices and studios in -At (BMI), GBF Music Global (BMI), Revinyl current royalty payment system called Real lanta last year. I’ve done business in Atlanta House (BMI), EMI April Music (ASCAP), Time Royalties, which we upgraded last for over 25 years and feel it’s the epicenter Nite Writer Music (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree year. We’re now able to pay our songwriters of Black music right now, either created Publishing (BMI) their foreign royalties in the period those there or inspiring music around the world. 3. “” - Jack Harlow royalties were earned, which hasn’t been We signed a long-term deal with [songwrit- featuring DaBaby, and Lil traditional in the music publishing industry. er-producer Christopher] Wayne Usually, there’s a six- to 12-month lag on to take over his entire Red Zone [Entertain- Rank: No. 13 those payments. ment production complex in Buckhead]. Publishers: Harlow Happenings Page 25 of 36

IN BRIEF

(SESAC), JetsonMade Anotha1 Publishing ATV Tunes (ASCAP), Hot Girl Music (BMI), to a fantastically catchy love song and made (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tunes (ASCAP), Win- Tenyor Music (BMI), The Upperclassmen it a global game-changer for Latin music ners Circle Publishing (BMI), John Lucas Publishing (BMI), Keyzbaby Productions and for music as a whole.” Publishing Designee (BMI), Nathan Ward II (ASCAP), Avex Music Publishing (ASCAP), Audrey Ashby, senior vp business Publishing Designee (BMI), LosTheProduc- St. Lukes Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Bal- affairs and catalog: “’s ‘I’ll er (BMI), Baby Jesus Publishing (ASCAP), lad (BMI), Future Sights and Sounds (BMI), Be There’ [which reached the top of the South Coast Music Group (ASCAP), Univer- Songs of Universal (BMI) Billboard Hot 100 in 1970] is an uplifting sal Music (ASCAP), Tory Lanez Publishing 9. “Ballin’ ” - Mustard and and inspiring song that has endured over (BMI), Back Hair Music Publishing (BMI), Rank: No. 25 the years because of its message of uncondi- Money Mack Music (BMI), Warner-Ta- Publishers: Mustard on the Beat (BMI), tional love. To love unconditionally is one of merlane Publishing (BMI), Darryl Clemons EMI Blackwood Music (BMI), 10 Sum- life’s greatest experiences.” Publishing Designee (BMI) mers Songs (ASCAP), Khan Boys Music Johnny Tennander, managing direc- 4. “Savage” - Megan Thee Stallion fea- (ASCAP), Kobalt Songs Music Publishing tor, Scandinavia/senior vp A&R, Eu- turing Beyoncé (ASCAP), Project Dreams Publishing (BMI), rope: “Sade is one of the absolute best and Rank: No. 15 Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing America most influential artists and songwriters ever, Publishers: 1501 Certified Publishing (BMI), Narquise (ASCAP), Checkman Music with a total elegance and quality in every- (BMI), Hot Girl Music (BMI), Songs of (ASCAP), WC Music (ASCAP), West 11th thing she does. And ‘By Your Side’ [which Universal (BMI), Songs of Kobalt Music Street (ASCAP), Volume Ventures Publish- reached No. 2 on the Adult R&B Airplay Publishing America (BMI), HSZ Music ing (ASCAP), Songs of Peer (ASCAP), Er- chart in 2001] is definitely one of her finest (BMI), Von Word Music (BMI), Oak- mias Asghedom Publishing Designee (BMI), moments — completely timeless songwrit- land 13 Music (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tunes Sony/ATV Songs (BMI) ing and production that has inspired many (ASCAP), 2082 Music Publishing (ASCAP), 10. “Blueberry Faygo” - generations of artists and songwriters. As a WC Music (ASCAP), Jorden Kyle Lanier Rank: No. 27 bonus, did an amazing remix Thrope Publishing Designee (BMI), People Publishers: Lil Mosey Publishing Desig- [driving the track to No. 2 on Dance Club Over Planes (ASCAP), These Are Songs of nee (BMI), Songs of Universal (BMI), Callan Songs].” Pulse (ASCAP), Artist 101 Publishing Group Wong Publishing Designee (BMI), Franmar Liz Lewis, senior vp catalogue develop- (BMI), Carter Boys Music (ASCAP) Music (BMI), Unidisc Music (BMI), Sony/ ment: “One of my favorite songs is Carole 5. “Roxanne” - Arizona Zervas ATV Songs (BMI), ECAF Music (BMI), King’s ‘Home Again’ from Tapestry [a No. 1 Rank: No. 16 Sony/ATV/Epic/Solar (BMI), Warner- album on the Billboard 200 in 1971 that has Publishers: Arizona Zervas Publish- Tamerlane Publishing (BMI), Boobie and spent over 300 weeks on the chart]. The line ing Designee (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tunes DJ Songs (BMI), AX5 Songz (BMI) Cardi B ‘Chills my soul, right to the marrow’ evokes (ASCAP), Jace Jennings Publishing Des- (left) and Megan Thee Stallion on the set of such a powerful feeling in one sentence. ignee (ASCAP), Music by JG Publishing their “WAP” video. Her songs are classics because of her unique (BMI), Tru Music (SESAC), Prescription Methodology: Song ranks correspond ability to capture universal humanity with Tracks (SESAC), Songs That Go Boom with their position on the 2020 Billboard Hot every melody and lyric.” (SESAC), Kobalt Group Music Publishing 100 year-end ranking, which covers activity Sarah Lockhart, head of A&R, (SESAC) on the weekly Hot 100 charts dated Nov. 23, U.K.: “Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key 6. “Before You Go” - Lewis Capaldi 2019, through Nov. 14, 2020. of Life track ‘As’ is a majestic gift that will Rank: No. 21 Iconic (and Valuable) Hits in the Sony/ remain relevant forever. For me, this is the Publishers: BMG Rights Management ATV Vault single most important love song — a celebra- U.K. (PRS), Sony/ATV Music Publishing Catalog executives on their favorite copy- tion of universal love captured in seven U.K. (PRS) rights, including songs by Carole King, Stevie minutes. It blows me away every time, and I 7. “Falling” - Trevor Daniel Wonder and Sade. have to stop and stand still to feel its power.” Rank: No. 22 Jorge Mejia, president/CEO, Latin Jean-Christophe Bourgeois, directeur Publishers: Songs of Universal (BMI), America and U.S. Latin: “There is a before général, creative for France: “The power Sony/ATV Songs (BMI), Taz Taylor Beats and after [ and Daddy Yankee’s] of Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’ lies in (BMI), Artist 101 Publishing Group (BMI), ‘’ — before ‘Despacito,’ songs in its ability to conjure up feelings of pure joy KC Supreme Publishing (BMI), Copyright Spanish or partially in Spanish didn’t regu- and exhilaration for listeners regardless of Control larly form part of the non-Latin mainstream where they come from. The song’s universal 8. “WAP” - Cardi B featuring Megan charts; after, this song topped the charts in appeal draws from the band’s incredible Thee Stallion 47 countries and reached the top 10 of six musicianship and highly sophisticated vocal Rank: No. 24 others. Luis Fonsi, [co-writer] , and ultimately the of Publishers: Washpoppin (ASCAP), Sony/ and Daddy Yankee each brought their vision leader and main songwriter Maurice White. Page 26 of 36

IN BRIEF

More than 40 years after its creation, ‘Sep- music received nearly 25,000 spins on U.S. Looking at the discography on a title-by- tember’ is one of the most streamed songs in radio stations, or 2,000-3,000 plays a day. In title basis, Dangerous has enjoyed nearly a the world as well as a staple in film, TV and the afterwards, plays decreased by 22% increase in activity since Feb. 3 with advertising.” almost 94% to well under 2,000 total spins the nine days since then generating 202,000 This article originally appeared in the for the period. album consumption units, up from 166,000 Feb. 20, 2021, issue of Billboard. Streamed programmed plays through consumption units in the nine-prior days. So platforms such as Pandora and Slacker far this year, that album’s total activity is the didn’t fare much better, with the daily aver- equivalent of 878,000 album consumption Morgan Wallen’s age going from 1.9 million per day for the units. Translating that into economic activ- nine days preceding and including Feb. 2 to ity, Billboard estimates that Dangerous gar- Sales: Comparing about 228,000 per day in the nine days after, nered $1.7 million in revenue during the for an 88% decline. nine-day period after the video of Wallen the Numbers When consumers have had the choice, using the racial slur surfaced online. That’s they have voted to support Wallen. In on- up 32.7% from the estimated $1.28 billion in Before and After demand streams, his music almost held its revenue the title accrued in the earlier nine- own with steady play throughout the two day period. the Racial Slur nine-day periods. Overall, his stream count In the nine days after Feb. 3, album in the nine days before Feb. 3 totaled 224.17 consumption units of If I Know Me almost Video million plays; in the nine days since Feb. 3, doubled to 39,000 units, from nearly 21,000 streams totaled 223.6 million — just a 0.3% units in the nine-days prior. The biggest BY ED CHRISTMAN AND MELINDA decline. movement within the sales model came in NEWMAN While major on-demand streaming ser- the form of downloads, which jumped to vices like Spotify and Apple have removed nearly 9,000 copies from well under 1,000. organ Wallen’s catalog has Wallen from their editorially curated playl- Songs from the album, which included garnered $8.005 million in ists, the slight decline likely means subscrib- Country Airplay No. 1s “Up Down,” “Whis- revenue from U.S. sales and ers actively seeking out his music to play are key Glasses” and Chasin’ You,” increased streams in 2021 as estimated offsetting his playlist banishment. four-fold to nearly 21,000 downloads from Mby Billboard based on blended average Within on-demand streams, audio below 5,000 copies. In economic activity, If wholesale pricing and piece and streaming streams fell 1.8%, but Wallen’s video on- I Know Me tallied nearly $290,000 in the counts reported by MRC Data. demand streams shot up by nearly 21% latter nine-day period, versus $164,000 in The numbers are staggering. Morgan to 19 million plays from 17 million in the the prior nine-day period. leads all artists in 2021 in on-demand earlier period. In the six-week period end- Finally, Stand Alone almost doubled its streaming and overall album consumption ing Feb. 11, Wallen’s catalog has garnered activity in the nine-day period following units so far this year. Even more remark- 1.035 billion on-demand streams, more than the video’s release, notching more than able is that more than a quarter of that tally, any other artist this year. The late Juice 5,000 album consumption units from under $2,028 million, was generated during the WRLD is No. 2 with 738 million on-demand 3,000 units in the nine-day period prior. nine full days after the Feb. 2 emergence of a streams. Wallen is also the U.S. industry Value wise, Billboard estimates that the title video of Wallen using the n-word. leader in the U.S. in album consumption generated nearly $37,000 worth of activ- By the end of Feb. 3, terrestrial radio had units with nearly 985,000 in activity gener- ity at wholesale prices, versus slightly over dropped Wallen from playlists and his plays ated by his catalog so far this year, while $20,000 in the nine-day prior period. that day declined significantly from Feb. Taylor Swift is No. 2 with 684,000 units, as Overall year to date, Morgan Wallen’s 2; most digital service providers had pulled of Feb. 11. catalog has scanned nearly 987,000 album him from curated playlists and his label sus- Wallen’s music enjoyed the biggest re- consumption units, including video, of pended promotion of his new album, Dan- sponse since Feb. 3 in sales. In the nine-days which sales of his albums (physical and gerous: The Double Album. (Complete MRC prior to Feb. 3, Dangerous and 2018’s If I downloads) have moved 195,000 copies; his data was available through Feb. 11.) Know Me, both issued through Big Loud, songs downloads total nearly 253,000. That Fans, however, have flocked to purchase and his 2017 independently released Stand breaks out to $7.185 million for Dangerous; Wallen’s material, either out of loyalty or Alone EP, sold more than 15,000 copies. Wal- almost $903,000 for If I Know Me; and about fear they will not be able to hear his music len’s album downloads blew up by nearly $110,000 for Stand Alone. (That adds up to otherwise, keeping Dangerous: The Double 500% to over 45,000 copies from nearly slightly more than the catalog’s total rev- Album atop the Billboard 200 for the fifth 8,000 in the earlier period. Meanwhile, song enue due to a smidgen of apparent double straight week. downloads more than doubled to nearly counting on the format counts. All numbers In the nine days before Feb. 3, Wallen’s 95,000 units from almost 41,000 downloads. are rounded and are only for the U.S.) Page 27 of 36

IN BRIEF

Singletary as music industry “boot camp.” good work. When I encountered situations Amazon Music’s “I was an English major who knew nothing where I felt my voice wasn’t being heard or about entertainment,” she says. “But that job I wasn’t being respected, I would move on. I Kirdis Postelle on is what framed the foundation for my work inevitably found different situations where and career ethic today.” my work, vision and voice were respected, Her ‘Passion’ for In three years Postelle moved to L.A. and where I could do the work I wanted to do. worked for Kenneth “” and Trac- After that, you went to Capitol, to work Breaking Artists, ey Edmonds’ Yab Yum Records, where in pop at a time when that was unusual for she was soon “making more money than Black executives. What was that transition Leaning Into Hip- anybody coming out of law school,” she like? recalls. She was soon introduced to Dr. Dre, I went in asking myself if I was quali- Hop who was starting his own record company, fied to work in pop, because I’d worked Aftermath Entertainment, and “he wanted in hip-hop basically my entire career, and BY GAIL MITCHELL a woman to run it,” says Postelle. “I’d been Steve [Barnett, former Capitol Music Group working with R&B royalty, so I was dis- chairman/CEO] said to me, “You know you hen Kirdis Postelle joined missive when we met. But after we talked, have great taste, right? So, the genre doesn’t Amazon Music in March he offered me the job — and we worked matter.” That comment built up my confi- 2020, the first thing she set together for 17 years.” dence. My team and I developed marketing out to do was expand the From 1996 to 2013, as GM, Postelle campaigns for and 5 Seconds of streamingW service’s artist marketing opera- oversaw Aftermath’s marketing, promotion, Summer, among other acts, and enjoyed a tion, which had mostly focused on paid publicity and A&R administration divisions, lot of success. media and ads on billboards. The plan was working with artists such as Kendrick You’re a client of the exclusive executive to move into events and experiential-based Lamar, and The Game. In 2013, management firm Making Opportunities marketing, but, says the global head of artist she moved over to Capitol Music Group, in Better, which advocates for Black execu- marketing, “As you can imagine, we haven’t a job focused on pop music and marketing, tives in music and was co-founded by your done any of that since COVID-19.” then took a similar role at the Warner label. ex-husband. How important has that been Postelle’s hands haven’t been tied though. In 2018 she reunited with LaFace co-found- for your career? Collaborating with a global team covering er Antonio “L.A.” Reid as executive vp/ Brian [Postelle] and Steve [Moir, MOB over 40 territories around the world, with GM at Hitco Entertainment before joining co-founder] have managed me since I left U.S. offices in Los Angeles, New York and Amazon two years later. Aftermath. If you feel you don’t have a voice , L.A.-based Postelle works on cam- Currently working out of her home, the as an executive within a company, it’s im- paigns for artists in all genres, integrating mother of two starts her days at 4 a.m. with portant to have that kind of representation Amazon’s technology and nonmusic busi- exercise before diving into meetings, wrap- to help advise you. Also, women know the ness units. She launched Amazon’s Break- ping by seven or eight every night. (There’s hard work we’re capable of doing — how- through program for emerging acts and one strict rule: “I have to be eating at noon,” ever, we often don’t know what we’re truly oversaw campaigns with artists such as Dua she says with a laugh. “I don’t play with my worth when it comes to negotiating a salary. Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, BTS, Summer food.”) Having representatives who will fight to get Walker and for livestreams, “Marketing hasn’t changed as much as you everything you deserve is essential, and socially distanced events, charitable initia- you would think it has,” says Postelle. “It’s why it’s important for women — especially tives and more. “R&B/hip-hop is a big prior- still our job to get artists’ music and brand women of color — to have such representa- ity this year,” she says. “The genre is what, out there far and wide ... The tools we use tion. 30% of all the streams right now? We have are just faster and more efficient now.” Did you struggle over the decision to join some artist projects on deck that I can’t talk When you joined Aftermath as GM, there L.A. Reid’s Hitco [after he exited Epic fol- about yet, but if I can get them across the weren’t so many women in jobs at that level. lowing accusations of sexual harassment]? line it will be so exciting.” Was that hard? No, I struggled over leaving Warner Born in Wichita, Kan., and raised in Chi- Working for Dre wasn’t like working in because of my relationship with Dua Lipa. cago, Postelle graduated from the University the music business because while I was I knew she was going to be a superstar, and of Michigan and was on track to be a lawyer there, nobody ever told me, “No, you can’t.” we were starting to lay the foundation. We before she scored a temp job at LaFace It wasn’t until I left Aftermath that I started were at the beginning of everything. But Records in 1992 that changed her plans. She to experience the challenges that you’re there was a lot of change happening at the was soon hired full time and now recalls referring to. But I never let that concept label with Tom [Corson, co-chairman/COO] working under former LaFace artist devel- of the glass ceiling intimidate me — I just coming in. Then here was L.A., giving me opment and marketing executive Davett pushed through, worked hard and did damn an opportunity to build something with Page 28 of 36

IN BRIEF

him. After all those years with Dre, I was capacity and restrictions on dance events nostalgic for that: building something from Insomniac Events’ put in place by Florida officials, which some scratch, ownership and being able to have promoters complain have been loosely real direction over artists’ careers. I was Pasquale Rotella enforced, and drew criticism from the dance only an assistant when we worked together music community and beyond. before. Says EDC Las Insomniac Events was forced to cancel And then Amazon came calling. When their slate of 2020 events and furlough L.A. and I talked about it, he said, “Listen, Vegas Remains 50 percent of its staff amidst the pan- I don’t want to lose you but if you were my demic. Rotella’s announcement follows sister or daughter, I would tell you to take Scheduled For the 2021 cancellations of major spring and that job.” It’s a different world now with summer music festivals including Coachella, streaming. To work at Amazon with the May, Announces Festival and Glastonbury, as tools and resources needed to help develop COVID-19 continues to prohibit both small and break artists ... that’s my passion. Florida Show and large-scale gatherings. Amazon is now in a range of businesses. How does music intersect with the others? BY KATIE BAIN My team is the primary entry point into Break all of the other Amazon business units: Say lectric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, an artist wants to create a sustainable cloth- the largest dance in Up After 28 Years ing line. Katie Klein [senior cross category the , remains on the artist marketing manager] on my team calendar for May. With Eight-Minute would manage the relationships between EVia Instagram, Insomniac Events Founder the fashion team and climate pledge team to and CEO Pasquale Rotella said that there ‘Epilogue’ Video put such a campaign together. We also did have not yet been any changes to the com- a major activation with , pany’s spring festival calendar. EDC Las BY GIL KAUFMAN during which Carrie did an original compo- Vegas festival, Insomniac’s flagship festival sition for us that Ring doorbell used in its — which drew roughly 450,000 attendees eloved enigmatic French EDM holiday commercial — and Carrie appeared in 2019 — remains scheduled for May 21-23, duo Daft Punk call it a day in a in it as well. 2021. A pair of Beyond Wonderland festivals new eight-minute video entitled You built a career developing and market- in Washington state and Southern California “Epilogue.” ing new talent. How does that experience are still scheduled for June 18-19 and June BThe surprise clip — featuring excerpts play into Amazon Music’s larger strategy? 25-26, respectively. from their 2006 movie Electroma — dropped Our Breakthrough program identifying “I know a lot of you are looking for an Monday morning (Feb. 22) and it opens with developing artists isn’t a one- or two-month EDCLV update, so yes, we’re continuing to a long shot of the pair in custom Daft Punk campaign — it’s an album cycle. We want plan EDC Las Vegas & Beyond Wonderland racing suits and their iconic helmets to be that connective tissue with artists for their scheduled dates,” Rotella wrote as Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and between releases. For example, U.K. artist Sunday (Feb. 21) in a comment on his own slowly walk through a Arlo Parks had an idea for an hourlong Instagram post. “There continues to be new windy desert scape. variety special — a big undertaking. But we developments & we’re in constant commu- As Homem-Christo strides with purpose partnered with her and it ended up being nication with local officials. If things change, in the video, Bangalter hangs back and great content. And Amazon’s music app is however, we have backup dates in place & eventually stops, with the distance between the only app in which you can actually see I’ll let you know soon.” them growing. After a final look backwards livestreaming — being able to plug artists In his post, Rotella was promoting an to his partner, Homem-Christo returns and into that technology has been very help- upcoming April 10 outdoor event in Orlando looks Bangalter in the helmeted face as he ful from a marketing standpoint, as seen called Abduction 2021, which says it will strips off his black jacket and turns around with Arlo. We’re always looking for the include required masks and temperature to reveal a control panel in his back. opportunities to help developing, emerging checks. A lineup has not yet been an- With just the sound of the wind swirling and top-tier artists showcase their brands nounced. around them, Homem-Christo opens the beyond music. With the state embracing relaxed rules panel, flips a switch and sets off a beeping This article originally appeared in the around group gatherings, Florida recently one-minute countdown that gets louder as Feb. 20, 2021, issue of Billboard. hosted myriad live music events including Bangalter walks away and then braces for a pair of Super Bowl adjacent sets by Steve self-destruction. Aoki and Diplo. Both of these sets violated Longtime publicist Kathryn Frazier Page 29 of 36

IN BRIEF

confirmed that the Parisian group has Gonzales. At press time it was unknown if lectual and personal property rights — to broken up and that the video represents there was any unreleased DP tracks in the Vicky Cornell for the benefit of their two their statement on the end of their nearly vault, so the final released music from the minor children. three-decade collaboration; at press time no duo could be their 2016 collaboration with In her complaint, Vicky Cornell said she reason was given for the split. The Weeknd on his hit “Starboy” and “I Feel asked the band make a buyout offer for her The video ends with the image of one It Coming” from the Canadian singer’s Star- husband’s interest in last year. silver and one gold hand making the shape boy album. The group offered her $300,000 despite, of a triangle over the years 1993-2021 as a Watch the “Epilogue” video below. she says, receiving a $16 million offer from setting sun blazes to the strains of their song Check out some of the group’s most be- another investor for the act’s master record- “Touch” from what would be their final loved songs below. ings. In response, Vicky Cornell says she album, 2013’s . counter-offered $12 million for the band’s Though they released only four full-length collective interests, equaling $4 million per studio albums — 1997 debut Homework, Soundgarden surviving member, which they summarily 2001’s Discovery and 2005’s Human After denied in December. She later offered them All — the pair were hugely influential dance Responds to $21 million for the band’s interests, she says, music superstars whose vibrant, uplifting and that offer was also rejected. music belied their cold, robot exteriors. Buyout Bid The four-member rock group never had a The Parisian producers scaled to the written partnership agreement, according to heights of dance music with a trademark Lawsuit Filed by court papers. sound that blended pop, , synthpop, “All offers to buy out our interests have hip-hop, house and techno with ’s been unsolicited and rejected outright,” overtones, accompanied by eye-popping, Soundgarden said in their statement. The futureshock videos directed by the likes of Widow band added that they also haven’t had access , Roman Coppola and Michel to their accounts, which has Gondry that mixed animation and surreal BY BILLBOARD STAFF resulted in “misleading and confusing our imagery. Beginning in 1999 the press-shy fans.” pair adopted their mute robot costumes, oundgarden has released a state- The band has since started new Twitter, which they wore religiously for the rest of ment in response to a lawsuit filed Instagram and Facebook accounts under their careers, rarely appearing in public out by late frontman Chris Cornell’s the name Nude Dragons — an anagram for of the shiny helmets. widow, Vicky Cornell, who claims Soundgarden. Among their most beloved hits are songs Sthe surviving members made a “lowball” In a statement released on Feb. 17, a such as “Around the World” and “Da Funk,” offer for her financial interest in the iconic Soundgarden representative said “the band’s as well as “One More Time,” “Robot Rock” rock band. members have continued to try to settle all and the No. 2 Grammy-winning 2013 smash In the 11-page complaint, filed Tuesday disputes with the Cornell Estate and in their “Get Lucky.” In addition to their colorful (Feb. 16) in the U.S. District Court Western several attempts to settle, the band mem- videos, DP also earned a reputation for visu- District of Washington, Vicky Cornell claims bers have elected to offer multiple times ally stunning live performances, which had that remaining Soundgarden members — more than the amount calculated by (music them spinning their body-moving hits from , and Hunter industry valuation expert Gary) Cohen. This atop a giant electrified, light pulsing pyra- Shepherd — have have severely undervalued dispute has never been about money for mid. The pair also recorded the her share of the group, offering her “the vil- the band. This is their life’s work and their album to 2010’s Tron: Legacy and released lainously low figure of less than $300,000.” legacy.” the full-length animated sci-fi film Interstel- She serves as the personal representative of However, Vicky Cornell’s lawyer Marty la 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem in her late husband’s estate. Singer said in a statement that “the band’s 2003, followed by their directorial debut, Vicky Cornell’s suit asks the court to place contention that this dispute is somehow 2006’s robots in search of humanity sci-fi a value on her interest in the band. not about the money for them is absurd and film Daft Punk’s Electroma. Soundgarden’s surviving members say in hypocritical.” The album that became their swan their latest statement that the “buyout offer Singer claimed Soundgarden “received a song, 2013’s Billboard 200 topper Random that was demanded by the estate has been third party offer to buy just a portion of their Access Memories, featured collaborations grossly mischaracterized and we are confi- interests for 16 million dollars, and yet sub- with Chic’s , dent that clarity will come out in court.” sequently offered to buy out Chris’ interest pioneer and Paul Williams, Chris Cornell died in 2017 at the age of 52 for a mere $278,000. And then Vicky offered as well as The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, while on tour with Soundgarden in Detroit, $21 million for their shares, which they Pharrell Williams, Panda Bear and Chilly leaving his property — including his intel- turned down — not because they wanted to Page 30 of 36

IN BRIEF

preserve their life’s work but because they Thanks to a combination of strict quaran- and we held the first arena shows since know that they will make even more off ... tine protocols, testing, contact tracing and COVID before Christmas (Greatest South- the music that Chris wrote and the legacy the rollout of vaccinations from this week ern Nights) for the same reason, as a circuit that he created.” for the first time, Australia’s live industry is breaker. Soundgarden’s surviving members optimistic for a prompt return to business. Strong sales for Guns N’ Roses and these concluded their most recent statement by TEG is ready. The live entertainment other tours have proved to us, if we had any hinting at the possibility of new music in the and tech giant tested the waters with a pair doubt, that fans have cabin and can’t future. of socially-distanced shows at Sydney’s wait to get out and share unbeatable live “Being a band from Washington State Qudos Bank Arena late last year, under the experiences in a safe environment. since 1984, we are proud of Soundgarden’s banner Greatest Southern Nights. Those Is it conceivable that the band and musical legacy, work and career. We look concerts, co-promoted with Live Nation, crew will go through a two-week quaran- forward to completing the final Soundgar- and with support from NSW Government tine when they hit these shores? den album,” the group wrote. and Destination NSW, were the first arena No. But we know that Australia and New Billboard has reached out to Vicky Cor- dates post-pandemic. Zealand are in a far better position health nell’s reps for comment. Several tours have since been announced, and safety-wise than almost every other including the Guns N’ Roses stadium trek, developed economy. We also have a massive presented by TEG Dainty and slated to kick vaccine roll-out about to begin, a Trans- TEG’s Geoff Jones off Nov. 6 at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Tasman travel bubble and we will have a Coast. leaner touring entourage and shows with Talks Guns ‘N As far as statements go, few can top COVID marshals and all of the requisite a GNR jaunt in a pandemic. safety measures. Roses Stadium Strong sales to see the classic line-up Why is Australia in such a strong of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan and position compared with the rest of the Tour: ‘Australia other tours have “proved to us, if we had world? any doubt, that fans have cabin fever and Australia and New Zealand have done and New Zealand can’t wait to get out and share unbeatable a very good job of managing the virus, live experiences in a safe environment,” says through a combination of policy, geography Can Lead The Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG, parent company and culture - Australians and Kiwis tend of Ticketek, TEG Dainty and Qudos Bank to play by the rules. Artists have always Way’ Arena. loved touring Down Under for the fans, the Billboard caught up with Jones for a weather, the safety and the reception and BY LARS BRANDLE glimpse at Australia’s live market and an we have a wonderful opportunity to make early look at the Guns ‘N Roses tour, which that possible for them and get them back out he dream of full-scale touring is all set to be the first Australasian stadium playing to fans in a safe environment. is inching closer to a reality in run since COVID-19 grounded flights and It must be frustrating to see sports Australia. closed borders in March 2020. and the classical arts playing to fuller Thanks to a combination of Billboard: The Guns N’ Roses stadium rooms than the capacity for concerts. Tstrict quarantine protocols, testing, contact tour sets the bar, globally. The rest of Is LEIF (the Live Entertainment Indus- tracing and the rollout of vaccinations from the world has noticed. Was that the plan try Forum) bringing this argument to this week for the first time, Australia’s live when the announcement was made? government? Are they listening? industry is optimistic for a prompt return to Geoff Jones: We wanted to try to provide Yes, it is a bit frustrating but we have to get business. impetus to the live industry, which had been our industry’s narrative out there more as it TEG is ready. The live entertainment frozen due to COVID restrictions. We see has been truly devastated by COVID. Sport and tech giant tested the waters with a pair that Australia and New Zealand have a great has done a great job in Australia, but the live of socially-distanced shows at Sydney’s opportunity to lead the world in bringing music and sport industries are very closely Qudos Bank Arena late last year, under the back live international music at scale, and intertwined and together employ more than banner Greatest Southern Nights. Those what better band to lead that charge than 122,000 people in normal times. concerts, co-promoted with Live Nation, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll stadium act, Guns New figures from EY suggest that up to and with support from NSW Government N’ Roses. 86% of jobs supported by live music and and Destination NSW, were the first arena We have also put tours on sale from the shows have already gone and so we are seek- dates post-pandemic. likes of Keith Urban, Amy Shark, Delta ing further support for our industry through The dream of full-scale touring is inching Goodrem, Guy Sebastian and Jim Stein- the pandemic. closer to a reality in Australia. man’s Bat Out Of Hell (The Rock Musical) We were delighted that the New South Page 31 of 36

IN BRIEF

Wales Government backed the Greatest Select students will receive scholarships The Academy announced the leadership Southern Nights shows at Qudos Bank Arena from Amazon Music and the opportunity to council for the Black Music Collective on at reduced capacities. The reality is that network with members of the music indus- Oct. 22. The 22-member council include we need 100% capacities as promoters to try, including Amazon Music executives and 11 executives, six artists and three produc- make a tour profitable – unlike major sports, members of the Black Music Collective. ers. Among them: Yolanda Adams, Terri which already carry broadcast rights and The Black Music Collective is a group of Lyne Carrington, Derek “MixedByAli” Ali revenues - and that is one of many things prominent Black music creators and profes- and H.E.R. LEIF is working with governments on. sionals who share the goal of amplifying For more information on the Black Music With your experience across ticketing, Black voices within the Academy and the Collective, visit here. venues, promoting and more, are you music community. confident the protocols in 2021 will get “We are proud that the newly-established Aus/NZ over the hump first? Black Music Collective is already making John Branca on I’m confident that Australia and New Zea- an impact in developing the next genera- land can lead the way in returning block- tion of Black talent in music and creating How Michael buster international acts to the world of live a direct pipeline to career opportunities,” music. We are proceeding cautiously and said Harvey Mason Jr., chair and interim Jackson Changed carefully and the safety of our fans, artists president/CEO of . and our people remains our number one “We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at Music Publishing priority but the signs are good. Amazon Music for being equally committed We have noticed that the film industry to cultivating a more equitable and inclusive BY GAIL MITCHELL here has been able to get international talent music community.” in and across borders so that is one area in “We’ve teamed up with the Black Music hen Michael Jackson which we looking for a level playing field for Collective to build this program, and ensure bought ATV Music — home live music. we’re taking the steps toward creating an to the Beatles catalog — in inclusive environment where Black creators 1985 and partnered with can realize their career objectives,” said SonyW Music Publishing to establish Sony/ Amazon Music Ryan Redington, vice president of music ATV in 1995, those strategic moves were industry at Amazon Music. stepping stones toward fulfilling Jackson’s & Recording The Black Music Collective will select long-held dream. three HBCU students who will each be “Michael’s dream was to create the big- Academy’s awarded $10,000 scholarship for the 2021- gest publisher in the world,” says entertain- 22 school year. The application process will ment attorney John Branca. He negotiated Black Music open this summer. The scholarship re- the aforementioned deals and other pub- cipients will also participate in a two-week lishing acquisitions on behalf of his client Collective Team immersive rotation program with Amazon before Jackson’s untimely death in 2009. Music department leads. Additionally, Ama- In addition to serving as co-executor of the to Aid Students zon Music will provide a $20,000 donation Michael Jackson Estate with John McClain, for musical equipment to two HBCU music Branca is partner and head of the music At Historically programs. division at entertainment law firm Ziffren More details on the scholarship and Brittenham LLP. Black Colleges & mentorship program, including eligibility Speaking to Billboard on the occasion requirements, will be announced in coming of Sony/ATV’s rebranding as Sony Music Universities weeks. Publishing in tandem with the company’s The Academy first announced the for- silver anniversary celebration, Branca says, BY PAUL GREIN mation of the Black Music Collective on “Michael is the person who was single- Sept. 3. The academy named six honorary handedly most responsible for the growth he Recording Academy’s Black chairs – three artists (John Legend, Jim- of Sony/ATV. That’s not to take anything Music Collective has announced a my Jam and Quincy Jones) and three away from [former chairman/CEO] Martin multi-year scholarship and men- veteran executives (Debra Lee, Sylvia Bandier, who was very influential and in- torship program in partnership Rhone and Jeffrey Harleston). Jam and strumental in growing the company, or pres- Twith Amazon Music for select students at Lee previously served together on the Re- ent chairman/CEO Jon Platt, with whom Historically Black Colleges and Universities cording Academy’s diversity and inclusion the company is in great hands. But it really (HBCU). task force. started with Michael.” Page 32 of 36

IN BRIEF

When did you first become aware of Us Now.” What other songs would people some of the most influential, impactful, and Jackson’s interest in publishing? be surprised to learn are part of his Mijac inspiring voices of today to craft provoca- Michael and I started working together Music portfolio? tive and entertaining content as projected in 1980. He was an innovator like Sam “People Get Ready” by the Impressions through the lens of the modern Black expe- Cooke. When he hired me, he didn’t own his is another great anthem that’s under Mijac. rience, yet meaningful to multiple genera- masters at the time. But Thriller gave him Also Aretha Franklin’s “(Sweet Sweet Baby) tions,” a statement announcing BlackStream the leverage and the platform for me to go to Since You’ve Been Gone,” “For the Love reads. Sony and get him ownership of his masters. of Money” and “Love Train” by the O’Jays Through strategic alliances with taste- That was very important to him. and songs by Ray Charles and Elvis Pres- makers and programmers, Twitch has made Right after Thriller came out [1982], Mi- ley. Mijac Music remains an independent significant investments in the music space. chael said he wanted to buy copyrights. We publishing company administered by Sony In August, the Amazon-owned company bought the Sly and the Family Stone catalog Music Publishing and owned by the Jackson announced a partnership with the Rolling and bought more wonderful copyrights Estate. Loud festival for live hip-hop events on the later like “When a Man Loves a Woman,” Is there another special memory that platform and a month later Twitch an- McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stop- comes to mind when you look back at nounced a partnership with Relix magazine ping Us Now,” and Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Jackson’s publishing pursuits? and its owner Peter Shapiro from (who also Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” I remember mentioning to him that owns Bowl, Capitol Theatre and Then when Michael bought ATV in 1985, growing up, I’d been a fan of Dion and the Lock’N fest) to launch a channel focused on that was part one of his dream to create the Belmonts and noted that Dion’s “Runaround jam bands. Twitch also has streaming agree- biggest publishing company in the world. Sue” and “The Wanderer” were for sale. Mi- ments with Global Citizen festival, Outside Then the merger with Sony in 1995 was chael said, “I don’t know those songs; send Lands and Live Nation. the next step in the process. Michael was them over.” Michael would always spend Gee said the idea for BlackStream Live also on Sony/ATV’s board of directors, so Sundays dancing, so on Monday morning, started as a discussion with Ahmir “Quest- he remained active in helping to build the he called me up: “Branca, Branca. I love the love” Thompson and Tarik Trotter of The company as it continued to buy important songs! We’ve got to get them. I danced all Roots as the three were building and publishing catalogs. day to ‘Runaround Sue.’’’ Michael was pas- delivering content across a variety of digital Along the way, I represented Leiber sionate beyond belief. platforms. and Stoller when they sold their catalog to “We quickly realized the importance of Sony/ATV and also represented [Motown what we called the new streaming economy founder] Berry Gordy in selling the Jobete Shawn Gee and saw the infectious engagement behavior song catalog to EMI Music Publishing. of the audience. However, the two issues After Michael’s unfortunate passing [in Partners With we constantly faced were monetization and 2009], we were able to help [then Sony/ATV ownership,” Gee said. “We needed to find chairman/CEO] Marty Bandier and [chief Twitch to Launch the proper method to fund and monetize financial officer] Rob Wiesenthal buy EMI our ideas in order to be able to scale, turn a to create the biggest publisher in the world. BlackStream Live profit, and maintain an equity stake in the When we did that, it was kind of a nod to creative IP we were incubating. My partner- Michael because that was his dream. He was BY DAVE BROOKS ship with Twitch allows us to support black always focused on that. creators up front with capital and ultimately What was Jackson’s thought process in rtist manager and president of partner with them in the ownership of the determining which catalogs and copy- Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee is ideas. As the IP scales, all parties benefit.” rights to acquire? the latest live music executive to Gee continues to champion Black voices He appreciated great songs and great launch a streaming music chan- including through Live Nation Urban which songwriting and in his mind the Beatles nelA for the Twitch Network. has built a portfolio of festival brands and were the greatest. So when the Beatles When BlackStream Live debuts on strategic partnerships in the live space with catalog came up, my God, he couldn’t rest. It Feb. 26, viewers can tune in for curated BlackStream Live representing digital eco- took almost a year to finish that deal and get livestreamed content from Black creators in- systems built around each of the live brands. that catalog, but I can’t tell you how excited cluding music performances, live podcasts, “We are adding access and ownership to he was. music sets, emerging artist jam sessions, the mix with BlackStream Live,” Gee adds. Many people probably don’t realize interviews and free-wheeling conversations “Most importantly, it gives us the ability to how astute Jackson was in his publish- with influential Black voices discussing identify and amplify the next generation of ing acquisitions, including songs like the important issues in Black culture. black creators. What BET did in the nascent popular-again anthem “Ain’t No Stoppin’ The goal of BlackStream is to “unite stages of cable TV back in the 80’s and 90’s, Page 33 of 36

IN BRIEF

is what I envision BlackStream Live doing ing this a possibility,” Swift tells Billboard. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” one to-date, for the live streaming industry, by providing “They’re the ones who emboldened me to Feb. 27, 2021 a definitive home for the black voice.” reclaim my music and they really showed Adding to her honors, Swift is the first Users can pre-subscribe to BlackStream up this week to see it through. It blows me artist to have led Hot Country Songs in the Live here. away that they’ve sent a song to No. 1 that 2000s, ‘10s and ‘20s. had its first life over a decade ago. I couldn’t Meanwhile, “Love Story (Taylor’s Ver- be happier that it happened now, and in this sion)” is just the eighth single to launch at Taylor Swift’s way.” No. 1 on Hot Country Songs since the survey Released Feb. 12, the new version at- began as an all-encompassing genre ranking ‘Love Story tracted 13.7 million U.S. streams in the week in October 1958. It’s the first by a woman ending Feb. 18, according to MRC Data, and no other accompanying artists, and just (Taylor’s Version)’ and opens at No. 1 on Country Streaming the second by a woman overall, after Bebe Songs, awarding Swift her third leader. Rexha and ’s “Meant Debuts at No. 1 The new track sold 25,000 downloads to Be” began its record 50-week reign in in its first frame and likewise drives in December 2017. on Hot Country atop Country Digital Song Sales, marking Swift adds her 24th Hot Country Songs Swift’s record-extending 15th No. 1, all of top 10 and third since last August, when Songs Chart: which have debuted at the pinnacle. “Betty” arrived at its No. 6 peak. Current The re-recording, which is not being promoted radio single “No Body, No Crime,” ‘I’m So Grateful actively promoted to radio, also drew 1.1 featuring Haim, flew in at its No. 2 high in million all-format airplay audience impres- December. The songs are from her 2020 to the Fans’ sions in the week ending Feb. 21 (with 9% albums Folklore and Evermore, respectively. from Country Airplay chart reporters; the While Swift and Parton are the only art- BY JIM ASKER AND GARY TRUST bulk were from Adult Pop Airplay, Adult ists to top Hot Country Songs with multiple Contemporary and Pop Airplay panelists versions of the same song, other hits, by aylor Swift’s re-recording of combined). some of the format’s biggest icons, have “Love Story,” dubbed “Love How did the 2008 “Love Story” fare in the come close. Parton herself charted a third Story (Taylor’s Version),” blasts in tracking week? It drew 3.4 million streams, version of “I Will Always Love You”: As a atop Billboard’s airplay-, sales- and up 34%, and sold 700 downloads, up 79%, duet with Vince Gill, it hit No. 15 in 1995. Tstreaming-based Hot Country Songs chart both well below the metrics of the new Waylon Jennings’ “Good Hearted Woman” dated Feb. 27. version. The original drew a higher radio hit No. 3 in 1972. Updated with Willie Nelson, The song, which marks Swift’s eighth Hot audience, 1.9 million in the same period, the duet reigned in 1976. Plus, ’s Country Songs No. 1 and first to debut at the as it’s long been a staple of rotation at pop, “Folsom Prison ” first reached No. 4 summit, leads the list in a second form, after adult and country stations among other big on the Most Played by Jockeys chart in 1956 her original version topped the charts dated hits of its era. before his live version, recorded at Folsom Nov. 22 and 29, 2008. Swift tops Hot Country Songs for the first Prison in Folsom, Calif., led Hot Country Only one other composition has ruled Hot time since “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Songs for four weeks in 1968. Country Songs in separate iterations by the Together” dominated for 10 weeks in 2012- (Honorable mention: Webb Pierce’s same artist: Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always 13, after which she segued more fully to pop “There Stands the Glass” topped multiple Love You” first led for a week in June 1974, with her 2014 LP 1989. country charts in 1953. Sam Hunt sampled followed by her updated recording for a Here’s a recap of Swift’s eight Hot Coun- the classic in his single “Hard to Forget,” week in October 1982. try Songs No. 1s (her first six of which led which reached No. 3 on Hot Country Songs The original “Love Story” was released when the chart reflected solely country last June and led Country Airplay in July.) from Swift’s second LP, 2008’s Fearless. radio airplay): “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” concur- The new take is from her forthcoming re- “Our Song,” six weeks, beginning Dec. 22, rently debuts at No. 11 on the all-genre, recording of the album, Fearless (Taylor’s 2007 multi-metric Billboard Hot 100. It opens as Version). (Re-recordings of older songs or “Should’ve Said No,” two, Aug. 23, 2008 Swift’s record-padding 22nd No. 1 on Digi- albums are treated separately from their “Love Story,” two, Nov. 22, 2008 tal Song Sales. The song is her 129th Hot originals, with independent chart histories “You Belong With Me,” two, Aug. 22, 2009 100 entry, extending her mark for the most for each version.) “Sparks Fly,” one, Nov. 26, 2011 among women. Contributing to the haul, the “This is my first time having a No. 1 debut “Ours,” one, March 31, 2012 original “Love Story” rose to No. 4 on the on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Hot 100 in January 2009. and I’m so grateful to the fans for mak- 10, Oct. 20, 2012 Additional reporting by Tom Roland. Page 34 of 36

IN BRIEF

career.) Apple TV+ The Weeknd’s In addition to that start, The High- lights also kicks off at No. 1 on the Top R&B Announces ‘Billie ‘Highlights’ Albums chart and at No. 2 on the all- genre Billboard 200. Eilish: The World’s Debuts at No. 1 on The Highlights, an 18-track compilation that spans releases from 2011-2020, arrives a Little Blurry’ Live Top R&B/Hip-Hop with 89,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Feb. 11, according to Premiere Event Albums Chart MRC Data. Of the starting sum, 10,000 units are directly from traditional album sales, BY ASHLEY IASIMONE BY TREVOR ANDERSON while 9,000 derive from track-equivalent album units (with 10 individual tracks illie Eilish fans will get to enjoy a resh off a Super Bowl LV half- equals one album unit) and the remaining live performance and a conver- time show performance on Feb. 7 70,000 come from streaming-equivalent sation with the singer ahead of stacked with his biggest hits, The albums (with 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 the Billie Eilish: The World’s a Weeknd fashions that career-span- paid/subscription on-demand official audio BLittle Blurry premiere on Apple TV+. Fning retrospective into a No. 1 album on Bill- and video streams equal to one album unit). Before the documentary debuts, a live board’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, The streaming sum also translates into 101.9 premiere event is set to kick off at 9 p.m. as The Highlights opens at the summit of the million on-demand streams of the project’s ET/6 p.m. PT on Thursday, Feb. 25. View- chart dated Feb. 20. songs. ers can stream it for free through the Apple With The Highlights, The Weeknd scores Notably, all track-equivalent and stream- TV and Apple Music apps, or on Eilish’s his seventh No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop ing-equivalent units for songs on The High- YouTube channel. Albums. Let’s recap the lucky seven leaders: lights was redirected from their original During the -hosted special, Album Title, Weeks at No. 1, Date studio albums to the greatest-hits set this there will be a stripped down performance Reached No. 1 week, per Billboard rules that the artist’s from Eilish and a chat with her, plus an in- Trilogy, one, Dec. 1, 2012 top-selling album absorb the equivalent terview with director R.J. Cutler and video Kiss Land, one, Sept. 28, 2013 activity. Thus, for example, The Weeknd’s from the film. Beauty Behind the Madness, eight, Sept. 19, album After Hours, in losing activity from Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blur- 2015 the title track, “Heartless” and especially the ry will be available to watch immediately Starboy, two, Dec. 17, 2016 major hit “Blinding Lights,” drops 3-20. after the special event. (EP), one, April 14, The Apple Original Films documentary 2018 feature — produced in partnership with After Hours, four, April 4, 2020 Rule Interscope Films, The Darkroom, This Ma- The Highlights, one (to date), Feb. 20, 2021 chine and Lighthouse Management + Media His only charting album to miss the top All Three Rock — tells the story of Eilish’s extraordinary slot was , which peaked at rise to superstardom as a teenager, on the No. 27 in 2015. Albums Charts road and at home creating her When We All As The Highlights arrives, it also gives The Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? album. Weeknd a seventh champ in the last decade With ‘Medicine at (2011-2021), the third-most in that span, behind Future (12) and Drake (10) and the Midnight’ highest tally by an act who primarily sings. The Highlights also ends an extensive BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD drought for greatest-hits compilations at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums oo Fighters crown all three of Bill- chart. The last such set was The Notori- board’s rock albums charts with ous B.I.G.’s Greatest Hits in 2007, which their new LP , led for one week that year. (Between the while also snagging their first No. two, Michael Jackson’s This Is It reigned for F1 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs tally (dated four weeks in 2009-10, though the LP was a Feb. 20). soundtrack to the titular film that contained The set debuts at No. 1 on the Top Rock a selection of Jackson hits from his solo Albums, Alternative Albums and Hard Page 35 of 36

IN BRIEF

Rock Albums charts with 70,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Feb. Olivia Rodrigo’s , 11, according to MRC Data. Of that sum, 64,000 units comprise album sales. ‘Drivers License’ Olivia Rodrigo It’s the -led band’s fifth Top Rock Albums No. 1 (the tally began in 2006) Takes Early Lead Rule Australia’s and its fifth and sixth, respectively, on Alternative Albums and Hard Rock Albums In U.K. Chart Race Charts (both of which started in 2007). Foo Fight- ers now lead all acts outright for the most BY LARS BRANDLE BY LARS BRANDLE Alternative Albums No. 1s, breaking what was a 15-way tie for the mark. Meanwhile, livia Rodrigo turned 18 on the he Rubens have ruled triple j’s their six Hard Rock Albums rulers slot them weekend, but her birthday Hottest 100, but they’ve never led into a four-way tie with Five Finger Death celebrations could extend for their homeland’s albums chart… Punch, Linkin Park and for another week at least. until now. the record on that ranking. (Their addi- OBased on early sales and streaming data, TThe outfit debut at No. 1 tional leader on Hard Rock Albums is their the U.S. pop singer’s global hit “Drivers on the ARIA Albums Chart with 0202. 2009 Greatest Hits, which reached No. 3 on License” is on track for a seventh week at It’s the fourth studio album from the Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums.) No. 1 in the U.K. Menangle, New South Wales band and the Concurrently, “,” Medi- “Drivers License” leads the Official U.K. fourth Australian No. 1 album on the ARIA cine at Midnight’s current radio single, Chart Company’s First Look survey, which Charts in 2021. crowns Hot Hard Rock Songs, marking the measures the hottest songs from the first 48 0202 features the ARIA Award-nomi- band’s first No. 1 on the multi-metric chart hours of the chart week. nated single “Live In Life,” and it follows (which began last June). It reigns with 4.1 The song that pushed “Drivers License” the band’s self-titled debut album (No. 3 million all-format radio audience impres- last week, “Calling My Phone” by Lil in 2012), Hoops (No. 2 in 2015) and Lo La sions, 1.1 million U.S. streams and 1,000 Tjay and 6Lack, dips 2-3. After leading at Ru (No. 3 in 2018). downloads sold. the midweek stage, “Calling My Phone” “It’s an incredible feat ten years into a In all, seven of the album’s nine songs missed out on top spot by just 1,700 com- career,” comments ARIA CEO Annabelle infuse Hot Hard Rock Songs, including the bined sales. Herd, “and I look forward to seeing them top two, as “” debuts at No. 2, The fastest-starting debut belongs to Ella continue to knock down more milestones and four of the top 10. Henderson and Tom Grennan, whose col- into the next ten and beyond. I also want to The multi-metric Hot Rock & Alterna- laboration “Let’s Go Home Together” is new congratulate everyone in The Rubens team, tive Songs chart features three Foos entries, at No. 17 on the chart blast. Ivy League Records and Mushroom.” led by “War” at No. 18, and Hot Alternative It’s the U.K.’s most downloaded song so The Rubens took the top prize in Songs houses two. far this week and enjoys a boost following the poll in 2016 with Airplay-wise, “War” reaches new highs the pair’s performance of the track on BBC “Hoops”. at all three individual rock radio formats, One’s The Graham Norton Show. “We uploaded our first track on triple j lifting 12-7 on Adult Alternative Air- If it holds its momentum, “Let’s Go Home unearthed ten years ago and to be still doing play, 18-15 on Alternative Airplay and Together” would give Henderson her first what we love and connecting with fans all 21-15 on Mainstream Rock Airplay. On Top 40 single as a lead artist in over six over the world means so much to us,” says the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock years, since “Yours” cracked the Top 20 in the band in a statement following their Airplay chart, the track rises 8-7 with 3.9 December 2014. Grennan has yet to impact ARIA chart title, “especially after such a million impressions, up 8%. the U.K. Top 40. He could double up when tough year for our industry as a whole.” the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published Foo Fighters latest chart leader Medicine this Friday, as “Little Bit Of Love” lifts to No. At Midnight dips 1-2, while Dua Lipa’s Fu- 36, the OCC reports. ture Nostalgia soars 16-3 off the back of the Meanwhile, a trio of dance tracks are release of a deluxe “Moonlight Edition.” Fu- beating a path up the chart. Tiesto’s “The ture Nostalgia logged one week at No. 1 Business” lifts 6-4, Riton x Nightcrawlers’ in April 2020, and the British pop singer “Friday” featuring Musafa and Hypeman performed at the 2019 ARIA Awards. vaults 10-5, and ATB’s “Your Love” (9pm) The Top Five this week is closed out by featuring Topic and A7S is up 21-14. two former leaders, ’s F*ck Love (Savage) and The Weeknd’s The High- Page 36 of 36

IN BRIEF

lights, respectively. Tyron eclipses the British rapper’s best A little further down the list is Luca Brasi, chart placing, a No. 9 for his Mercury Prize- whose fifth studio album Everything Is Ten- shortlisted 2019 album Nothing Great About uous bows at No. 7. It’s a new ARIA Albums Britain. Chart for the Tasmanian rock band. Coming in at No. 3 on the albums chart This week’s U.K. No. 1 belongs is Pale Waves’ second effort, Who Am to ’s Tyron. In Australia, the British I (Dirty Hit). It’s a career best for the Man- rapper just misses out on the Top 10, as his chester indie rockers, whose 2018 debut My sophomore album starts at No. 11 for the Mind Makes Noises peaked at No. 8. rapper’s ARIA Top 50 debut. Dua Lipa’s former chart leader Future Just one spot behind is Adelaide’s super- Nostalgia () vaults 11-4 star singer and songwriterSia, with Music following the release of an extended Moon- - Songs From And Inspired By The Motion light Edition, while U.S. rockers The Pretty Picture. The soundtrack to the feature Reckless score a third U.K. Top 10 album film Music, for which Sia makes her directo- with Death By Rock And Roll (Century Me- rial debut, is the award-winning artist’s first dia). It’s new at No. 6. appearance on the ARIA chart since Every- Meanwhile, Rodrigo’s drove the perfect day Is Christmas went to No. 7 in November chart race to complete a sixth week at No. 1 2017. with “Drivers License.” Sia previously topped the chart with Lil Tjay & 6LACK’s “Calling My Phone” 2014’s 1000 Forms Of Fear and 2016’s This Is (Columbia) had led at the halfway stage, Acting. but “Drivers License” powered ahead in the Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, second half, finishing in front by just 1,700 Olivia Rodrigo motors to a sixth consecu- combined sales. tive week with “Drivers License” while Lil “Calling My Phone” rings in at No. 2 and Tjay & 6lack have the highest new entry is the highest debut and most-streamed with “Calling My Phone,” new at No. 3. track of the week, the OCC reports, with 7.2 million spins. Finally, Taylor Swift has another Top Slowthai Snags 40 hit to her name as “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” (EMI), a new recording of her U.K. No. 1 With 2008 song “Love Story,” enters at No. 12. It’s ‘Tyron’ Swift’s 35th Top 40 appearance in the U.K.

BY LARS BRANDLE

lowthai took the fast track to No. 1 in the U.K., where his sopho- more album Tyron (Method) is the new leader, while Olivia Rodrigo Senters a sixth week at the top of the national singles chart with “Drivers License” (Inter- scope). Tyron blasts to No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, for the British rapper’s first chart crown. According to the Official Charts com- pany, Tyron was the week’s best-seller on vinyl and it finishes with more than double the combined sales of its closest competitor, the prior week’s No. 1 Medicine At Mid- night (Columbia) by Foo Fighters.