Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MARCH 17, 2020 Page 1 of 34

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• From Drive- MusiCares Commit $2M In Concerts to Livestream Raves, For Coronavirus Relief Fund Artists Band Together to Keep BY TATIANA CIRISANO Music Alive Amid Coronavirus The coronavirus outbreak has left countless the ground, and people in the communities who know • With Coachella members of the music community in a financial exactly how to help, and what’s going to be a differ- & Coronavirus 1-2 bind, as each tour and festival cancellation means ence-maker for a lot of people,” he says. “Some people Punch, Indio’s Local Economy Faces Hard dozens of lost paychecks. That’s not to mention need help with their rent, some need to buy groceries, Road Ahead concern over the virus itself, which has begun to some need medical care. The infrastructure around afflict members of the industry. MusiCares is set up to deal with specifically that.” • Billboard Music In response, the Recording Academy and its chari- Similarly, three days after Hurricane Katrina rav- Awards Postponed table arm, MusiCares, are today (March 17) launching aged the gulf region in 2005, MusiCares and the acad- Due to Coronavirus a coronavirus relief fund for music professionals ad- emy dedicated $1 million to help victims of the storm. • Billboard Latin versely impacted by the virus, starting with an initial After a five-year effort, MusiCares ended up distribut- Music Awards $1 million donation from each. MusiCares is also in ing more than $4.5 million to more than 4,500 music Postponed Due to the process of securing donations from several major professionals — helping with everything from medical Coronavirus streaming services, record labels and other music expenses and relocation costs to instrument repair. • British Label Sales companies, plus a number of high-profile artists, ac- Still, the coronavirus pandemic comes with new Grew to £1.1 Billion in cording to a representative. challenges for relief efforts: Not only is it a global 2019, Says BPI The virus known as COVID-19 is just the sort of im- problem with far-reaching effects, but it’s ongoing — • Tencent Music possible-to-predict pandemic that MusiCares was set yielding news updates daily and even hourly. Entertainment up for, Recording Academy interim president/CEO and “My first thought was, ‘this is going to get out of Revenues Jumped chair of the board Harvey Mason Jr. tells Billboard. control. The need is going to overwhelm us and our 34% to $3.65B The nonprofit helps individuals in all corners of ability to help our music community,’’’ Mason Jr. in 2019 the music industry cover a range of financial, medical admits. But he and the academy quickly snapped into and personal emergencies, meaning it has “boots on (continued) PROMOTION

N S A L O E MAY 30, 2020

20 20 COUNTRY POWER PLAYERS

Billboard’s sixth annual Country Power Players BONUS DISTRIBUTION issue will profile the people who have driven CMA Music Week 6/4-6/7 another solid year for the country music industry, generating billions in sales, streaming and touring. CONTACT This special feature will also include a photo Lee Ann Photoglo portfolio featuring the top artists, songwriters, 615.376.7931 | [email protected] musicians and executives, as well as coverage Cynthia Mellow of the most talked-about topics in country music. 615.352.0265 | [email protected] Joe Maimone Advertise in Billboard’s Country Power Players 212.493.4427 | [email protected] issue to congratulate this year’s honorees while Debra Fink reaching key decision-makers who are driving 323.525.2249 | [email protected] the music business.

COVER DATE 5/30 | ISSUE CLOSE 5/20 | MATERIALS DUE 5/21

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action: “We’re going to have to do some- MusiCares chair Steve Boom echoes the thing extraordinary to be able to keep up need for additional donors in a press release. From Drive- with that.” “The music industry is built on the work of MusiCares-eligible music profession- musicians, artists, and music professionals. In Concerts to als — those who have had at least five years It is in times like these, that the industry of employment in the music industry, or needs to come together to support those Livestream Raves, six commercially released recordings or who are struggling, particularly those who videos — can apply for funds on the Musi- rely on touring incomes to survive,” he says. Artists Band Cares website, where they will be required “We know this fund will need to be signifi- to show proof of gig cancellations due to cant. We will not be able to do it alone, and Together to Keep coronavirus precautionary measures. From that’s why we are asking the entire music there, Mason Jr. says, “It’s really a partner- community including labels, streaming Music Alive Amid ship between MusiCares staff looking into it services, and anyone who is able to join us in and working with the individual recipient to this important effort. We’re all in when the Coronavirus find out ‘what happened, how did it happen, good times roll, and it’s important that we’re where am I, and where do I need the help?’” all in when times are tough, too.” BY ANDREA DOMANICK He emphasizes that MusiCares will allo- Other coronavirus relief efforts for the cate funds based on need, with a preference music community include musician finan- ours and concerts may be on for “people that really need help — that live cial assistance organization Sweet Relief’s hold for the foreseeable future, paycheck to paycheck,” he says. “These are COVID-19 Fund along with local efforts, but musicians around the world not the artists that are going on worldwide like the Seattle Artists Relief Fund and are banding together to prove tours on jets.” Banding Together ATX fund for the Austin Tthat the show must — and will — go on. That’s why MusiCares is calling on those live music community, following the cancel- From livestreaming performances to col- who can contribute to the fund to do their lation of its South By Southwest festival. laborative recording projects to “drive-in” part, too — whether that’s by donating “$5 concerts, artists are tapping technology and or $ million,” Mason Jr. adds. their creative networks to develop support “I think it’s going to be one of our great- systems and stay connected with fans as est challenges for the next couple weeks self-quarantining becomes the norm amidst and months, to be able to get this going and the escalating coronavirus pandemic. serve as many people as we can serve,” he Over the weekend, dozens of artists says. “The Recording Academy and Musi- and venues announced they would be live Cares are here for you in a time of need, and streaming upcoming performances that we hope to be able to alleviate some of the were canceled due to venue closures. On suffering or hardship you’re going through.” Sunday, Spanish singer-songwriter Alejan-

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dro Sanz teamed up with Colombian rocker the software to Google Poly, where anyone “We have to find creative ways to do spe- Juanes for a live streamed performance will be able to download and modify the cial things, because we are still here, we are called La Gira Se Queda En Casa Para Todos, designs. still active and alive,” said Babbitt, conclud- or “The Tour Stays Home for All,” which “What’s really awesome about the inter- ing the broadcast. “We need to support each received more than 5 million views in under net right now is that everything you want to other to find creative solutions in these chal- 24 hours and became the top global trending do can be accomplished for free somehow, lenging times.” video on YouTube Monday. The Metropoli- some way,” Keehn says. “Hopefully people Other artists who have lost work due to tan Opera also announced it would begin will want to contribute to this and help show cancellations are using circumstances streaming free performances from its “Live develop it further. The climate is ripe for it as an opportunity to remotely collaborate on in HD” series on its website beginning Mon- right now, and I don’t see any other options. creative projects. Touring bassist and writ- day. Other artists who have streamed or are The things I was banking on to make money er-producer Allee Futterer, who performs planning to live stream shows include U.K. on to survive off of are gone right now. This with acts like Mayer Hawthorne, Donna rock artist Yungblud, J-pop entertainment is the only thing I know to do.” Missal and Kiesza, began organizing a re- giant LDH Japan, Dropkick Murphys, In- Beyond the growing ubiquity of streaming mote writing camp for artists of any medium digo Girls and Burger Records acts Shadow shows, other artists are developing creative to remotely contribute to EPs that Fut- Show and This Uni. Christine and the alternatives to safely convene around music terer will then edit and send to a mixer and Queens, Neil Young, Keith Urban, Pete in person. Los Angeles experimental musi- release the following week. Its first edition, Wentz of Fall Out Boy, John Legend and cians Celia Hollander, Booker Stardrum, Community Arts Project: L.A., will be put out Miley Cyrus have also all performed or an- Jeremiah Chiu and Ben Babbitt teamed up March 23, featuring collaborations from Los nounced streaming performances and digi- with Dublab Radio to organize a “drive-in” Angeles-based artists. Since posting an open tal hang-outs with fans. Meanwhile, a slate concert in a grocery store parking lot after call for the project on Instagram Sunday, of folk and country artists have announced business had closed. Operating out of a Futterer says she already received inquiries Shut In and Sing, an online festival to white van, the performers used a hyperlocal from more than 60 artists from Berlin to stream this weekend via StageIt. FM radio transmitter to broadcast a perfor- London to Buenos Aires, which she hopes DJs and nightlife producers have also har- mance to about 50 cars parked with people will lead to more location-based EPs in the nessed streaming platforms like Instagram, listening “alone, together.” Around 900 weeks ahead. TikTok and Twitch to host Boiler Room- people also tuned in from home via Dublab’s “I wanted to give people an outlet to be style “raves” to stay connected with fans. website stream. fully creative and express their emotions in “Raving remote! Since everyone is feeling “I’ve had this idea for awhile, but felt the a collaborative way without actually creat- pretty isolated right now, we thought we social isolation went against what I valued ing in the same room,” she says. “I have no could all use some music to cheer us up,” about live shows, so I never did it,” says idea what to expect, which is the fun part. electronic label and artist collective Second Hollander, explaining that the event is a way I drew names out of a hat to figure out who Nature Seattle wrote in an Instagram post for the artists to continue the month-long went on which team — everybody is into on Friday, announcing the night’s canceled residency that was supposed to begin at lo- very different kinds of music so I’m really Mala Junta party with DJs Hyperaktivist, cal venue Zebulon that night. “It’s a strange excited to hear the tunes.” DJ Tool, D. Dan and Archivist would instead time that this now has the potential to be be live-streamed over Twitch. The event a beacon of community. It’s definitely an page also included a donation button to experiment. But I think it went well, and we support Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 plan to do it every week.” Response Fund, which helps support The once unremarkable scene of a full organizations that work with populations grocery store parking lot on a weeknight disproportionately affected by the virus and was both surreal and heartening on Monday its economic impact. as listeners politely honked and waved to Brady Keehn, who performs as L.A. each other through their windows to wel- electronic artist Panther Modern, is work- come other attendees as they drove in. Some ing to help share resources for artists to put vehicles carried groups of people, while on streaming and virtual reality shows. In others drove solo. Though most remained addition to writing a guide for how to make anonymously in their cars, a few fans the most of your equipment for concert opened their back hatches to face each other streaming, Keehn is also working with tech while listening, and a handful ventured out company The Wave XR to design stages, to walk their dogs and chat at a distance. venues and other environments that acts After each set, listeners silently flashed their can use for VR concerts. He plans to upload headlights in applause. Page 5 of 34

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have come to rely on the hundreds of mil- with the postponement of the year’s two With Coachella lions of dollars in revenue the festival gener- major music festivals — not to mention the ates every April. But with the festival and its cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open tennis & Coronavirus country-music equivalent Stagecoach now tournament in nearby Indian Wells, which rescheduled for autumn due to the corona- was slated to take place this month — many 1-2 Punch, Indio’s virus pandemic, public officials are scram- will be left wondering how to pay their bills. bling to deal with the loss of income for a “We just need to see what we can do Local Economy substantial chunk of valley residents and about working with our government agen- businesses who rely heavily on the tourism cies and our utilities to help with any kind of Faces Hard Road industry for their financial well-being. roll back that we could do,” says Miller, who According to the Greater Palm Springs says he’s looking to work with the county, Ahead Convention & Visitors Bureau, one in four state and federal governments to help local jobs in the region are linked to the tourism residents affected by the postponement. BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN industry, from hotels to restaurants to trans- “Maybe a little forgiveness on time frame for portation, including taxi companies and people to be able to pay their electric and think it’s gonna put a lot of people shuttle services. And with Coachella and water bills and stuff like that.” who were just barely making it out of Stagecoach generating an estimated more As for Indio itself, Miller says the city can business. It’s like the worst time of the than $700 million in overall economic activ- handle the delay of the $3.5 million-plus in year for this to happen.” ity in 2016 alone, businesses and workers in tax revenue — a substantial chunk of its $81 IOn the day I speak with Glenn Miller, the tourism and hospitality sectors will feel million budget — generated by the Golden- mayor of Indio, California, he’s dealing not the hit, at least in the short-term, from the voice festivals each April by dipping into the just with the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals’ postponement. city’s $20 million reserve fund. festivals’ postponement due to the corona- “I think hotels are gonna get slashed,” “We’re able to utilize that to ... subsidize virus pandemic but something much more says Tara Lazar, founder and chef at Palm our budget, and then when the concert immediate and only slightly less rare for this Springs hospitality group F10 Creative, comes in October, we’re able to put that desert community: a literal downpour. which runs three restaurants, two bars, a money back in our reserves,” he says. Had “Everything is flooded,” says Miller as he boutique hotel and a catering business in Goldenvoice not “been as willing to resched- navigates his Mini Cooper through the city’s the city. “And I think the people who are ule” the festivals, he adds, the city would saturated roads. “We probably got an inch gonna feel it the worst are gonna be hourly have had to absorb those extra costs in order and a half of rain in an hour.” employees, like housekeeping [staff ].” to keep up the “quality of life” residents The storm could be a metaphor for what Lazar’s concerns extend to the restaurant have become accustomed to. Miller and this town of 90,000 full-time sector, particularly so-called “dive” estab- Still, given the summer tourism drought residents are dealing with in the wake of the lishments, which she believes could suffer that happens across the region, those af- massively-popular music festivals’ resched- from a “perception [that they]…maybe aren’t fected by the move may be facing some uling from April to October last week under as proactive about corona[virus] as other tough times in the short term. Perhaps the orders from Riverside County and local restaurants are.” hardest-hit sector will be the valley’s many health officials. That’s causing no small “People bank on April to get their coffers hotels, as well as homeowners who count amount of anxiety among business owners up, and then they can coast for the rest of on an Airbnb windfall during spring festival who are anticipating a sharp drop-off in the year,” Lazar continues, noting that she’s season (an estimated 10,000 people stayed business as a result. “mildly terrified” about the prospect of be- in Airbnbs during the festivals in 2016). “We’re gonna have people that are going ing forced to lay off some of her staff due to Each year, hotel room rates skyrocket during to be affected by it, how much we don’t the downturn. “I think it’s gonna put a lot of Coachella season (rooms in the Coachella know,” says Miller. “I’m not worried as people who were just barely making it out of Valley went for an average of $240 a night in much for the large corporations ... but I re- business. It’s like the worst time of the year April 2017), while short-term rental during ally am [worried about] our mom and pops for this to happen.” Coachella can bring in hundreds, if not and our day-to-day workers that we rely Thanks to Coachella and Stagecoach, thousands, of dollars in a single weekend for on daily, and they rely on that tip money or April is a huge month for the region’s mas- homeowners, many of whom now won’t be extra hours.” sive tourism industry, which dies out in the seeing that money until October. In the 21 years since Coachella first set summer due to temperatures that regularly “The economic impact of losing the down roots on the sprawling Empire Polo hover above 100 degrees between June and festivals has already been substantial, Club grounds in Indio, the annual gather- September. Workers and businesses depend with massive refunds of rooms, events and ing has become a pillar of the city and its on the money they make in the spring to sponsorships already underway,” said Arrive surrounding communities, whose residents tide them over during the low season, but Hotels & Restaurants CEO Matt Steinberg, Page 6 of 34

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which hosts an annual Coachella pool party region’s summer low season has kicked off during the festival each year, in an email over two months early. Billboard to Billboard. “The revenue we generate “Normally right now, our phones would from major events like Coachella and the be ringing, drivers would be doing tons of Music Awards BNP Paribas Open is a significant part of business,” says Julianelli, who notes that our business. We also expect the extended drivers who normally make between $2,500 Postponed Due to impact of this outbreak to be quite serious to $3,500 a week during the spring festival on our small business and, especially, on our season have been averaging just $780 over Coronavirus employees who rely on high-season tips to the past week. “And our phone lines have make ends meet.” stopped.” BY KATIE ATKINSON Because the festivals were postponed well Julianelli adds that since the slowdown, outside the 72-hour cancellation policies they’ve been forced to make “major cuts” he 2020 Billboard Music Awards employed at the majority of area hotels, at the office and, since the Coachella and have officially been postponed most festival goers will be able to cancel Stagecoach postponements, will also be due to coronavirus concerns, dick without penalty — though many are choos- taking about 20 taxis off the road. That’s bad clark productions and NBC an- ing to simply reschedule their reservations news for the drivers, who like most cabbies Tnounced Tuesday (March 17). A new date for October. Based on an informal survey of are classified as independent contractors, has yet to be announced. hotels in the area, the majority are allowing meaning most aren’t eligible to receive unem- The awards show was set to air live from festival goers who made reservations during ployment or disability benefits from the state Las Vegas on April 29. the three weekends in question to resched- — a situation that could change if the federal “In accordance with the current guide- ule for the same rate in the fall. government declares an emergency and lines set forth by national and local health Short-term rental services like Airbnb makes federal disaster unemployment assis- officials and in order to ensure the health and Vrbo are also updating their policies tance available for independent contractors and safety of our artists, fans, guests and in light of the coronavirus pandemic. On across the country. (Two separate bills that staff - we are postponing the Billboard Mu- March 10, Airbnb introduced “More Flexible would allow independent contractors and sic Awards,” a joint statement from dcp and Reservations,” a suite of tools and pro- those who are self-employed to qualify for NBC reads. “For more than two decades, the grams designed to allow hosts and guests to unemployment benefits are currently making Billboard Music Awards has honored the “navigate uncertainty and meet their needs their way through the House and Senate.) best in music based on the Billboard charts, to cancel or postpone” their reservations In light of the upheaval, Lazar is doing and we look forward to celebrating the on the service. Since both Airbnb and Vrbo her best to remain optimistic. “April is a incredible artists who topped those charts leave it up to homeowners to decide on the really busy month for us anyway, it kind of over the last year. strictness of their cancellation policies up stacks everything for us,” she says, noting “dcp and NBC will announce a new date front, they also give them wide discretion that the springtime brings the region’s “nic- and venue for the show in the near future.” in determining how to handle cancellations est weather” all year, and with it a horde of While it was announced that Kelly Clark- over coronavirus-related concerns. That tourists. “I’m mildly relieved that [Coachella son would return as the show’s host for a said, Airbnb is offering incentives to home- and Stagecoach are] moving to October just third time, 2020 nominations had not yet owners who allow cancellations outside the because we’re not as busy, so we have a little been revealed for the show. scope of their specific policies, including bit more bandwidth to take on the normal Stay tuned to Billboard.com for further refunding host fees and offering promotions April business.” information about the 2020 awards cer- that make those homeowners’ listings more But with everything shutting down and emony. Earlier Tuesday, it was announced visible on the platform in order to drive paranoia increasing the wake of the growing that the Billboard Latin Music Awards and future bookings. coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. and Califor- LatinFest+ were also indefinitely postponed Transportation companies are also taking nia — the state has more than 200 cases, due to health concerns. an enormous hit from the cancellations. while over 2,000 have contracted the virus dick clark productions is owned by Valence According to Anna Maria Julianelli, general in the U.S. — the Coachella Valley tourism Media, the parent company of Billboard. manager at Yellow Cab of the Desert in Palm industry will almost certainly fall short of Desert, her drivers have been seeing drops normal levels for this time of year. And as far in income of up to 80% since the cancella- as Miller is concerned, that’s probably for tion of the BNP Paribas Open, which had the best in light of the real dangers present- been slated to run in Indian Wells from ed by the disease. March 4-17. Now, with Coachella, Stage- “Music’s something we can always have,” coach and other major events later this he says. “Your health and well being is spring postponed or outright canceled, the something that you can’t replace.” Page 7 of 34

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The numbers quoted by the BPI in its Billboard Latin British Label Sales annual trade income report are based upon information provided its U.K. record label Music Awards Grew to £1.1 Billion members, combined with Official Charts Company market share data. According to Postponed Due to in 2019, Says BPI BPI, more than £120 million ($144 million) was lost to the music industry due to piracy Coronavirus BY RICHARD SMIRKE in 2019.” The music industry’s success is powered BY LEILA COBO ONDON — The music industry, by record labels’ up-front investment and like all aspects of society, may shouldering of risk,” said BPI chief execu- illboard and Telemundo have an- currently be taking a battering tive Geoff Taylor. “But there is no room nounced that the 2020 Latinfest+ from coronavirus, but some small to rest on our laurels. British music faces and the Billboard Latin Music Lcrumbs of comfort can be found in new intense competition at home and abroad, is Awards will be postponed for figures released by British labels trade body undervalued by some tech platforms and is Blater this year, due to growing concerns over BPI that illustrate the giant strides made by undermined by widespread illegal sites.” coronavirus. New dates for both events — the record business over the past decade. Noting that total UK record sales still which were originally scheduled for April U.K. labels reported just under £1.1 billion remain a fifth below their 2001 peak, Taylor 20-23 in Las Vegas — will be announced ($1.3 billion) in sales revenue across stream- called upon the British government to part- soon. ing, CD, vinyl and download sales, public ner with the music sector and “unleash the “Following the Nevada Governor’s recom- performance rights and sync in 2019, up full potential of our music industry.” mendations to limit the size of public gath- 7.3% on the previous year, and the highest As previously reported, Lewis Capaldi erings for the prevention and containment level of annual trade income since 2006. was the U.K.’s best-selling artist of 2019, sell- of COVID-19, Telemundo and Billboard Driving the growth was — unsurprisingly ing more than 640,000 copies of his debut announced they will postpone the upcoming — streaming sales, which climbed by 22% Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent Billboard Latin Music Awards, previously to £629 million ($755 million). 90% of that across all formats. Capaldi’s breakthrough scheduled to air live on Telemundo on April streaming total came from subscription rev- single “Someone You Loved” was streamed 23 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in enues, while ad-supported tiers accounted over 228 million times. Liam Gallagher’s Las Vegas,” a statement from Billboard and for around 4%. Video streaming ads from Why Me? Why Not was last year’s best- Telemundo reads. “The LatinFest+ confer- the likes of YouTube contributed £35 million selling vinyl release in the U.K., shifting just ence, which was scheduled for April 20-23 ($42 million), equivalent to a 5.6% share. under 30,000 copies. at The Venetian, will also be postponed. The Streaming now makes up just under 60% health and safety of our guests, artists, par- of all U.K. label sales, with the number of ticipants and staff continue to be our highest paying subscribers in the U.K. now at almost Tencent Music priority, and we look forward to reschedul- 20 million, according to estimates from ing the awards show and conference in the MIDiA Research. Entertainment near future. Physical formats brought in a further £216 “We will provide updates via email, social million ($259 million) in 2019, represent- Revenues Jumped media channels and our official event web- ing 20% of trade income. Breaking physi- sites: http://latinfestplus.com and http:// cal sales down, CD purchases totaled £142 34% to $3.65B Telemundo.com/premiosbillboard.com.” million (down 20% year-on year) and vinyl Billboard has held its Latinfest+ — previ- £66 million (up 16%). Download sales fell by in 2019 ously known as the Billboard Latin Music almost 30% to £58 million ($69 million). Conference — for three decades, with this Across all formats, the equivalent of 154 BY GLENN PEOPLES year’s event marking the 30th anniversary. million albums were streamed, purchased Stay tuned to Billboard for information on physical formats or downloaded in the ostly unseen in the United about new dates for both events. U.K. last year. 2019 also saw more than 110 States, Chinese music stream- billion tracks streamed for the first time in a ing company Tencent Music single year. Entertainment continued to Meanwhile, music-heavy films like Last Mprove it’s a formidable force by improving Christmas, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocket- revenues 34% to $3.65 billion (25.43 billion man helped boost sync income to just over £28 Renminbi) in 2019. Net income jumped million ($33 million), a rise of 11% on 2018. 126.7% to $664 million. Page 8 of 34

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The worst weeks of the novel coronavirus Instead, Western music services, led by Spo- No. 9, “Silly Watch” in China came after the fourth quarter and tify and iHeartMedia, have heavily invested No. 11, “P2” full-year reporting period for the results an- in podcasts. No. 20, “That Way” (up from No. 21) nounced Monday (March 16), but the global At the same time, Tencent Music has No. 22, “Homecoming” pandemic still loomed over an earnings call. introduced short-form video of both user No. 25, “Prices” “I wish you and your family good health,” generated content and original program- No. 28, “POP” said Cussion Pang, Tencent Music’s CEO, ming such as the Mr. Radio variety show. No. 33, “Bigger Than Life” at the call’s conclusion. “The virus has Next quarter, QQ music will launch live- No. 34, “Celebration Station” brought some negative impact to our society streaming, already used for events dedicated No. 36, “You Better Move” and even the global economy. I’m sure that to new release music. No. 37, “I’m Sorry” all the bad times are gone and the future is The starkest contract between Tencent No. 39, “Venetia” bright.” Music and Western subscription services is No. 45, “Chrome Heart Tags” Unsurprisingly, Tencent Music executives the average revenue per user each month. No. 48, “Futsal Shuffle 2020” (re-entry; said little about the virus’ effect in the first When each subscriber pays roughly the down from No. 5 peak) quarter, instead focusing on the impressive same, depending on plan, ARPU describes No. 51, “Bust Me” financial and operational successes in 2019. a service’s ability to maximize revenue No. 68, “Commercial” (Lil Baby feat. Lil Pang first addressed China’s struggle by not- while nabbing more, decreasingly valuable Uzi Vert; down from No. 23) ing Tencent helped “thousands” of artists customers. In North America and Western No. 72, “Secure the Bag” with a musician program gave away a free, Europe, a $5-$6 ARPU is common. In China, No. 76, “Urgency,” feat. Syd seven-day membership for online music and Tencent Music got $1.33 for each paying No. 88, “PTSD” (G Herbo feat. Chance the karaoke services for people “to express their user — and $19.80 for social entertainment Rapper, Juice WRLD & Lil Uzi Vert; down thoughts and good wishes to one another.” like karaoke and virtual gifts, underscoring from No. 38) Later, Tony Yip, the chief strategy officer, that digital music is an emerging market In the 61-year history of the Hot 100, said the revenue growth would be “softer” with massive potential but now valuable only two other artists have charted at least than original expectations but would accel- primarily for its population. 20 songs on the Hot 100 simultaneously. erate in the second half of the year.” Drake has achieved the feat five times, and Tencent Music, a collection of four holds the record for the most simultaneous streaming platforms in China, generates Lil Uzi Vert Charts entries, with 27 on the July 14, 2018, tally, far more revenue selling virtual goods than when his album Scorpion debuted atop the subscriptions to music. It’s a business model 20 Songs on Hot Billboard 200. Plus, Lil Wayne landed 22 with enviable margins: Tencent Music’s songs on the Hot 100 at once as his LP Tha gross margin was $1.25 billion, or 34.1% of 100 — Including Carter V opened atop the Oct. 13, 2018-dated revenue — far better than the 25-30% seen Billboard 200. at other streaming companies. Every Track From Of Lil Uzi Vert’s 20 entries on the Hot Tencent Music served 644 million 100, 13 land in the top 40, making him just listeners at the end of 2019, second only to ‘Eternal Atake’ the third artist ever to chart that many en- YouTube and 373 million more than Spotify. tries or more in the region simultaneously. Between the four platforms — QQ Music, BY XANDER ZELLNER Drake holds the record, with 21 simultane- Kugou, Kuwo and WeSing — end-of-year ous top 40 hits on July 14, 2018, and Post paying subscribers numbered 39.9 million, il Uzi Vert celebrates his second Malone has landed 14 songs in the region on a 47.8% increase from 2018, but well behind No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 two charts, Sept. 21, 2019 and May 12, 2018. Spotify’s 124 million and Apple Music’s 60 (dated March 21), as Eternal Atake With 16 debuts on the latest Hot 100, Lil million. arrives with 288,000 equivalent Uzi Vert has now charted 48 career entries The differences in Chinese and West- Lalbum units, according to Nielsen Music/ on the survey, matching the totals of Paul ern markets further stand out in growth MRC Data, and he also charts a whopping Anka, Brook Benton, Mariah Carey, Kend- strategies and bringing new formats to the 20 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — in- rick Lamar and Brenda Lee. platform. Tencent Music is pushing long- cluding all 18 from the album. Lil Uzi Vert has also now charted 20 form audio such as audiobooks, said to be Here’s a look at all 20 of Lil Uzi Vert’s songs on the Hot 100 in 2020 alone, passing “an under-penetrated market,” through a songs on the latest Hot 100. All are debuts, Lil Baby for the most this year, so far. licensing deal with China Literature. In the 16 total, except where noted. Meanwhile, thanks to her feature on West, namely with Spotify, the audiobook Rank, Title “Urgency,” Syd earns her first career Hot market has been ceded to hyper-focused No. 6, “Baby Pluto” 100 entry. platforms such as Amazon’s Audible.com. No. 8, “Lo Mein” Page 9 of 34

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nity has already identified him, he spoke on anyone [for] taking steps that may turn out Nashville Music the condition of anonymity to protect his later to be unnecessary. But it may turn out children’s identities. later that, thank goodness, we did it right, Scene’s First “We’ve had these outbreaks before, but because we had no idea how bad this thing this one seems a little different, a little more was going to get.” Coronavirus aggressive,” he says. “There’s maybe a little Conflicting messages and a lack of data more panic in the air.” created much of the nation’s current panic. Survivor Speaks That panic mushroomed from a little President Donald Trump suggested in his to a lot over the past week as the number first address to the nation on Feb. 26 that the Out: ‘I’ve Never of U.S. coronavirus cases exploded, just number of U.S. coronavirus cases might be weeks after the White House minimized capped at 15. Nine days later, he declared a Felt More the virus’ impact. With no cohesive plan in national emergency, with more than 1,000 place to combat COVID-19 — and with the infections and 41 deaths reported across 48 Influential in This president openly attempting to manipulate of the 50 states. infection data for the best possible market- Most people who are infected are likely Town’ ing position — the stock market nose-dived, to recover. The manager, who probably con- businesses pulled back, and individual states tracted COVID-19 during a trip to Colorado BY TOM ROLAND placed limits on public gatherings, in some on March 1-3, sweated out the bulk of his instances banning events of more than 100 symptoms in a 48-hour window after he he coronavirus has officially hit people. began to feel sick on March 6. He suffered Nashville’s music community. That hit the country music business hard. body aches, chills, a runny nose, a dry cough, CMT closed its offices March 10 Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, a sore throat and intestinal issues, while his to thoroughly sanitize the premis- the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sturgill Simpson, temperature peaked at 101.5 degrees. But Tes after an artist manager who had attended Dwight Yoakam and the Zac Brown Band elderly citizens and people with compro- the network’s tornado relief telethon, held were among the artists who postponed tours mised immune systems are particularly in conjunction with WSMV-TV Nashville on or individual dates. Loretta Lynn, who at vulnerable to the virus, and that’s part of the March 5, tested positive for COVID-19. CMT age 87 has weathered a stroke and broken reason that the manager insisted on getting executives who were present at that event a hip in recent years, was quarantined by diagnosed. were asked to work from home for the fol- her doctors to avoid coming in contact with “I didn’t come in here for my own health,” lowing two weeks as a preventive measure. infected visitors. he told nurses at the hospital. “I came in Black River took similar steps, closing The Stagecoach country music festival here for everybody else’s.” March 10 for a deep clean and requiring five in Indio, Calif., was delayed from April to In fact, he was repeatedly rebuffed in his staff members who had a 15-minute meeting the fall; RodeoHouston, the Tin Pan South attempts to get tested. Health care workers with the infected manager to work remotely Songwriters Festival and Europe’s C2C told him short supplies required them to through March 20. music festival were canceled; the Country ration the tests and he did not fit the criteria Plenty on Music Row were skeptical for Music Hall of Fame and Museum closed for to receive one. He pushed four separate a time about COVID-19, a new strain of a thorough cleaning through March 31; and times through different doctors and his coronavirus. But as the number of infec- the Grand Ole Opry announced it would local emergency room to get tested. He tions soars in the U.S. and across the globe, turn away audiences through April 4. The finally received a test on his last visit, which the impact on the community of the artist lattermost’s WSM-AM Nashville show will took seven hours as he was given several manager’s diagnosis is a confirmation that air as an in-studio live broadcast on Satur- other tests first to eliminate other possible the bug is real, and it’s not just somebody days during the interim, but the Opry will illnesses. The COVID-19 test, administered else’s problem. not be held on other nights during the week. with a throat swab, took less than a minute “I do joke that I’ve shut down CMT, Black Meanwhile, numerous companies have to complete, and once the results came back River and maybe a few other Music Row instructed or encouraged their employees to positive, he was placed on quarantine for offices — and the entire Williamson County work from home, including Beasley Media two weeks. He had visited a local school and school system,” says the manager. “I’ve and Billboard. was initially asked not to reveal his diagno- never felt more influential in this town.” “Nobody wants to lose money, nobody sis to the school system, but he decided that The manager agreed to speak with the wants to be sitting at home when they could was irresponsible and notified authorities, Billboard Country Update, believing it was be out singing, but no one wants the country who shut down facilities and conducted a important for the community to take the shut down either,” says the manager with cleaning. COVID-19 threat seriously. Even though a COVID-19. “At some level, maybe that’s The coronavirus can cause death and large portion of Nashville’s music commu- the choice we’re faced with. I don’t fault appears to reduce long-term lung capacity Page 10 of 34

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in some of its survivors, though most people (7,000 units). eventually recover. Lil Uzi Vert Hits Check out this week’s full Artist 100 “At its worst, I would call it a mild flu,” chart here. says the manager, describing his personal No. 1 on Artist 100 experience. “It doesn’t have to be a dire sentence.” Chart, Thanks to Kid Rock’s Bar But he was also amused by tales of behavior at an industry party before Scotty ‘Eternal Atake’ & Others Agree McCreery’s March 11 concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Some attendees were in Debut to Close After sync with fist bumps and elbow bumps as a replacement for the traditional handshake, BY XANDER ZELLNER Nashville Mayor’s while others seemed insulted when people refused to shake their hand. Still others il Uzi Vert vaults from No. 28 to Coronavirus Order hugged old friends without asking first if it No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 was OK. chart (dated March 21) to become — UPDATE “I can empathize with people that think the top musical act in the U.S. for we’re overreacting,” says the manager. “On Lthe first time. BY ANNIE REUTER the other hand, I’ll think about my peers The rapper leads the ranking thanks to and, you know, I don’t want people inadver- his sophomore album Eternal Atake, which PDATE: After this story was tently infected.” blasts in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with initially published, a spokesman It is, he believes, important for the Nash- 288,000 equivalent album units, accord- for Steve Smith — owner of Kid ville music industry to know that COVID-19 ing to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, opening Rock’s Big A— Honky Tonk Rock is in the community. Though no additional with the biggest streaming week since Lil UN’ Roll Steakhouse and other Nashville busi- infections have been reported publicly since Wayne’s Tha Carter V in 2018. nesses — responded to Billboard’s request for he appeared at the tornado telethon, it is Uzi also lands 20 songs on the Billboard comment and said Smith’s Lower Broadway easy to conceive of his fellow telethon at- Hot 100, including all 18 from the album, establishments were complying with the tendees Kid Rock, Cassadee Pope, and Lady and becomes just the third act ever to land mayor’s orders. Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Dave Hay- that many songs on the Hot 100 at once. “In cooperation with the Mayor’s office, wood contracting the virus that night and Three of those 20 tracks debut in the top Tootsie’s, Honky Tonk Central and Kid Rock’s in turn spreading it to their families as well 10: “Baby Pluto” (No. 6), “Lo Mein” (No. 8) Honky Tonk have closed to help protect public as cowriters, musicians, radio programmers and “Silly Watch” (No. 9). health. Rippy’s and The Diner will operate and fans across the country. An ounce of The Artist 100, which launched in 2014, under the guidelines set forth for restaurants prevention, the manager believes, is worth a measures artist activity across key metrics and take precautions to keep our staff and pa- ton of cure. of music consumption, blending album and trons safe. We hope to continue working with “Whether we’re reacting appropriately or track sales, radio airplay, streaming and local officials to minimize the hardship this overreacting, we won’t know for some time,” social media fan interaction to provide a puts on our over 800 staff members and 300+ he says. “People, I think, are just trying to do weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist musicians. Visit us on social media platforms the best they can.” popularity. for news and updates.” This article first appeared in the weekly NCT 127 re-enters the Artist 100 at No. Despite Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s Billboard Country Update newsletter. Click 2, a new peak, thanks to the K-pop group’s request to close down Lower Broadway here to subscribe for free. new album NCT #126: Neo Zone, The 2nd Al- on Sunday as a public health emergency in bum, which opens at No. 5 on the Billboard Nashville due to the coronavirus, countless 200 with 87,000 units. bars refused to shut their doors. Dixie Chicks debut at No. 74 on the Artist Kid Rock’s Big A— Honky Tonk Rock 100, as “Gaslighter,” the lead single and title N’ Roll Steakhouse remained open, as did track from their first album in 14 years (due Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s Honky May 1), jumps 31-20 on the Hot Country Tonk, Honky Tonk Central and the Diner. Songs chart. All venues are owned by Steve Smith, who Plus, Mandy Moore enters the Artist 100 initially called the mayor’s request “uncon- at No. 90, as her album Silver Landings ar- stitutional.” rives at No. 17 on Top Album Sales (6,000 “We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Coo- sold) and No. 134 on the Billboard 200 per to combat the COVID-19 virus, but un- Page 11 of 34

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less there’s a statewide mandate that directs Check out a full, updating list of canceled schedule of premieres of archival films all bars and restaurants to be closed, the and postponed events here. for NYA subscribers, including SHUT IT request made by Mayor Cooper is uncon- DOWN on Tuesday (March 17), a documen- stitutional as he Is targeting a select group tary on the making of the Colorado album, of businesses,” Smith says in a statement Neil Young with other debuts slated on a daily basis posted to social media. “In response, Toot- through the end of the month. sies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Launching Live Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and the Diner will continue to Stream Series Gabby Barrett & remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Gover- For Fans Cooped Ingrid Andress nor of Tennessee.” Meanwhile, the mayor held a news con- Up During Combine for a ference on Monday afternoon where he laid out his plans for the city’s response strategy. Coronavirus First in Country “The bottom line is that we are making health decisions that are both in line and on Emergency Airplay Chart’s the leading edge of best practices nation- wide for the sake of protecting our commu- BY GIL KAUFMAN Top 10 nity,” Cooper said. “The decision to declare public health emergency, temporarily close ust like the rest of us, Neil Young is BY JIM ASKER bars and place restrictions on restaurants in cooped up at home during the CO- Davidson county are serious public health VID-19 pandemic lockdown. But he’s abby Barrett and Ingrid decisions. But, these are also short-term got a half century of music to keep him Andress team up for an unprec- solutions that will make a tremendous long- Jcompany, so he’s decided to pass the time by edented feat in the top 10 of Bill- term difference in flattening the curve and live streaming some shows from his living board’s Country Airplay chart the spread of coronavirus in our commu- room. The rock icon announced on Monday G(dated March 21). nity.” (March 16) that he’ll be streaming a series Barrett’s debut single “I Hope” rises 11-9 Other businesses downtown including of shows filmed by his wife, actress Daryl on the ranking, up by 15% to 24.1 million Luke Bryan’s Luke’s 32 Bridge, John Rich’s Hannah. audience impressions in the week ending Redneck Riviera and City Winery Nashville “Because we are all at home and not many March 15, according to Nielsen Music/MRC immediately followed the request to sus- are venturing out, we will try to do a stream Data. The track becomes the first top 10 for pend their operations until further notice from my fireplace with my lovely wife film- the singer-songwriter, who finished third on and alerted patrons via social media and ing,” he wrote on his Neil Young Archives ABC’s American Idol in 2018. email on Monday. site. “It will be a down-home production, a Meanwhile, Andress ranks at No. 10 with So far, metro Nashville has 24 confirmed few songs, a little time together... we will be her maiden hit, “More Hearts Than Mine” cases of COVID-19 virus, according to the soon be [sic] announcing the first one right (23.2 million, up 4%), a week after it reached public health director. The age range is here at NYA in the Times.” At press time its No. 9 high. from 11 to 73 with only one person currently Young had not revealed when the series will Thanks to both songs, the latest Coun- hospitalized. begin. try Airplay chart is the first to boast two The news comes after several major Young has already taken a dive into the women in the top 10 with solo debut hits in tourist spots in Nashville were closed due to new social distance performing world, lead roles, dating to the list’s January 1990 concerns over the coronavirus, including the playing a rally for Democratic presidential launch. Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday “Wow, I feel so blessed to have a top 10 Ole Opry. Additionally, the Tin Pan South night. Though Young had teased a tour with single,” Barrett tells Billboard. “[‘I Hope’] felt Songwriters Festival previously sched- Crazy Horse in old arenas around the coun- special from the beginning, and to see the uled for later this month in Music City has try for this year, the live stream series will reaction has been overwhelming in the best been postponed until later this year. Dan + have to do for now as Americans get used way. I can’t thank country radio, my fans Shay, Kenny Chesney and Blake Shelton to the new, quarantined normal, which has and my team enough for believing in me. all postponed their tours due to the coro- resulted in the cancellation and postpone- And, I’m so happy for Ingrid. It’s an exciting navirus while the Houston Rodeo was also ment of virtually all touring and live events time.” canceled. South by Southwest in Austin for the foreseeable future. Says Andress, “Sharing ‘More Hearts was canceled outright due to coronavirus. In the meantime, he’s also set a robust Than Mine’ has been a dream come true. Page 12 of 34

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Thank you to everyone who’s helped this for 30% of the 25,000 events it sells tickets song continue climbing into the top 10 and Coronavirus Casts for annually. beyond. We’re all part of changing history While the virus has struck India towards together, and I can’t wait to see what we ac- Uncertainty Over the end of the music festival season – the complish next.” bulk of the country’s 300-plus large-scale Both Barrett and Andress record for War- India’s Growing music and outdoor events are held between ner Music Nashville, although different pro- September and April – it has already had motion teams work each artist to radio. The Live Music Scene a severe impact on the live music indus- combined effort is overseen by WMN senior try, which is estimated to have a value of vp promotion and streaming Kristen Wil- BY AMIT GURBAXAN Rs1,280 crore (approximately $175 million), liams. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be part according to a 2019 report published by of many artist achievements in my career, UMBAI – With the number Deloitte and trade body the Indian Music but this may be among the most impact- of diagnosed cases of the Industry. ful,” Williams says. “I’m incredibly proud of coronavirus inching up every So far, scrapped or postponed events Gabby and Ingrid for delivering two bona day, India is moving swiftly to include the Road To Ultra shows in Delhi fide hits, I’m proud of our team for fighting Mavoid a major outbreak, actions that are tak- and Hyderabad, which were to be headlined to make sure they continue to be heard, and ing a great toll on the live music industry. by KSHMR, as well as R&B star Khalid’s I’m proud of country radio for embracing Last week, the Indian government said it tour stops in Mumbai and Bengaluru. A few these artists as they deserve to be embraced. was suspending visas for nationals from all festivals, including BUDX in Mumbai and Let’s make this habit instead of history.” countries, effective until April 15. In a mat- the hip-hop-focused Bira 91 April Fools’ Fest While this week marks the first time that ter of minutes, all the gigs with visiting DJs, in Delhi, were pushed even before they were lead solo female debut hits have ranked in producers and bands that were scheduled to announced, sources tell Billboard. the Country Airplay top 10 simultaneously, play in Mumbai over the next two months Venues are reducing the number of gigs the feat has been achieved via featured roles. had been canceled. they’re programming or voluntarily calling Such a double-up last occurred on the chart In any given month, about two dozen them off for the next two weeks. The nation- dated Aug. 11, 2018, by Julia Michaels and electronic music artists, along with a hand- wide Social chain of bars, which is pres- Tori Kelly: Keith Urban’s “Coming Home” ful of rock and jazz acts, travel through ent in six Indian cities, initially planned to (featuring Michaels) placed at its No. 3 peak Mumbai to perform at the city’s bars and restrict shows to weekends then decided to and Chris Lane’s “Take Back Home Girl” nightclubs. stop hosting events until the end of month. (featuring Kelly) ranked at No. 9, before The government’s actions also affected That’s bad news for booking agents whose reaching No. 8 the following week. Delhi and Bengaluru, which along with business is dependent on volumes. “If we’re Plus, Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” which Mumbai form the country’s touring circuit losing half our bookings, it just doesn’t add led Country Airplay for two weeks begin- for most international acts. Patients have up economically because it’s not like our ning Feb. 15, marking her fourth leader, been diagnosed with COVID-19 in each of overheads are going down,” says Tej Brar, descends 4-7 (25.7 million in audience, down these cities. As of Monday, India’s infections the founder of Third Culture, a Mumbai- 8%).With Barrett, Andress and Morris all in had topped 140 with three deaths, spread based artist management and booking the top 10, the chart is the first since the sur- across 15 states and union territories. agency that works with Indian-American vey dated Oct. 20, 2012, to house three songs Last week, the Maharashtra government rapper Raja Kumari. by solo women in the top tier simultaneous- announced the closure of schools, colleges, In the current environment, staging ly. That week, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown cinemas, malls, gyms and swimming pools gigs and selling tickets in advance are not Away” ranked at No. 2; Jana Kramer’s “Why across the state, until the end of the month. guarantees that fans will actually attend. Ya Wanna” held the No. 4 spot; and Miranda Unlike Europe and parts of the United “There’s no way for us to tell if people are Lambert’s “Fastest Girl in Town” was steady States, restaurants and bars, which serve going to show up or not,” says Yama Seth, an at No. 9. as the main venues for weekly live music artist manager at the Delhi-headquartered Notably, Barrett, Andress and Morris each performances, have been allowed to remain Big Bad Wolf whose roster includes singer- co-wrote their respective current top 10s. open in India, at least for now. songwriter Prateek Kuhad. Given that most Country Airplay and all charts dated More than 1,000 of the events currently venues and promoters depend on robust March 21 will update on Billboard.com listed will be canceled over the next two F&B sales to earn a profit, a poor turnout tomorrow (March 17). months, estimates Shreyas Srinivasan, could entail additional losses. CEO of Insider.in, one of India’s two biggest The industry is optimistic that things online ticketing platforms. These include will be back to normal soon, which is why those related to sport, comedy, film, food the majority of promoters have chosen to and music, with the music sector accounting say they’re postponing events rather than Page 13 of 34

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canceling them. “We’re hoping that while it moters are contemplating staging “digital dramatically understates the case. He was causes a dent in the cash flow, it’s not going events and live streaming experiences,” — as a maverick, a unique unit, a radical think- to affect the overall scheme of gigs because China, Spain and South Korea already are er,” recount Cassell and Kelly. “He came these shows should happen at a later date,” — says Dharam Saraviya, senior business hurtling into our lives as a sharp-dressed, says Himanshu Vaswani, the co-founder of manager for live at OML Entertainment, exotically handsome rock and roller with event production and consultancy company which stages the annual Bacardi NH7 Week- a jet-black quiff and pegged pants, playing 4/4 Experiences, which manages the annual ender in Meghalaya and Pune. “There will with the John Reed Club (Ivy League’s first All About Music conference in Mumbai. be some innovations that will come out of ever release, a seven inch). He loved music, But some opportunities have been lost this,” adds Brar. and he loved bringing people along with for good, says Big Bad Wolf’s Seth. February him, dragging them up to his level of ambi- to April is peak events season in northern tion. No-one ever made wanting to succeed Indian cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Pete Lusty, so hilarious, or fun.” Jaipur. “Now is the best time for outdoor Lusty had a wealth of international ex- gigs,” she says. “It’s going to be the height of Australia Label perience, splitting time between Australia summer by the time we start organizing gigs and the United States to help further his again.” Chief and artists’ careers. Some of Australia’s biggest There’s also a fear that it’s only a matter international breakthroughs in the noughts of time before government officials prohibit Manager Who came from his companies, with Jet, The all large gatherings. “The world over, they’re Vines, The Avalanches, Luke Jackson’s The recommending social exclusion,” says Srini- Guided Vines, Sleepy Jackson and, later, Empire of The vasan. Sun among them. There’s uncertainty about the 2020-21 Jet and Empire of A former legal practitioner, Lusty made festival season as well. “The general feed- music a full-time gig in 1997 when he co- back we’re getting from agents is: We’re the Sun, Dies of founded Ivy League Records and Winter- not booking anything right now,” says Brar, man & Goldstein with Cassell and Kelly. who is the promoter of the Neon East Fest. Cancer The record label, a joint venture with Mi- “That’s a huge disadvantage because we chael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, is often want to lock our headliners early to help BY LARS BRANDLE in the discussion as one of Australia’s pre- leverage sponsorships.” mier indie labels, earning wins at the AIR Like the Khalid show, most interna- RISBANE — Pete Lusty, co- and ARIA Awards for its lineup of releases, tional bookings for Indian festivals are built founder of independent Austra- which has included Cloud Control, Bad around larger tours of the Middle East, lian music company Ivy League Dreems, Alpine, Josh Pyke, Youth Group, Southeast Asia or Australia, so a lot of them Records and management com- The Vines, Bad Dreems, The Mess Hall and are contingent on the entire region being Bpany Winterman & Goldstein, passed away Lanie Lane. virus-fee by the fourth quarter of 2020. “If on the weekend after a battle with cancer. Winterman & Goldstein built an enviable India isn’t a worry but other countries on “Words can’t describe our sadness,” reads roster which has included Empire of The the route are, then there’s a risk of our date a statement from Andy Cassell and Andy Sun, Jet, The Vines, The Sleepy Jackson, getting pulled too,” says Munbir Chawla, Kelly, his business partners at Ivy League, The Avalanches, Youth Group, Something the co-founder of Wild City, one of the label home to The Teskey Brothers, The For Kate, The Preatures, Alpine and others. organizers of the Magnetic Fields festival in Rubens, Alpine and more. “It’s a loss that Lusty “was a master strategist with a Rajasthan. resonates throughout every single member genius intellect and an uncanny ability to If things don’t turn around by June, some of our Ivy League family – artists, staff past read the state of play and predict the future. firms may have to shut down, saysDev Bha- and present, friends, family, and fellow He was always in control,” continues the tia, who runs Unmute, a Delhi-based EDM- travellers. We just need to get it out right statement from Cassell and Kelly. “A thinker, focused artist management agency, whose now: we love him so much. There is a hole a doer, a finisher, a winner. He was disarm- roster includes the company’s co-founder, in all of our lives that we will never, ever be ingly frank. He was the epitome of ‘cool’. A Indian techno stalwart Arjun Vagale. “We able to fill.” puzzle to the unacquainted - an open book can go two-three-four months more,” he Lusty was well-liked across the industry, to those who knew him. Loyal and generous. says. Bhatia’s counting on “content projects” not just for his smarts but for his charm Thoughtful and surprisingly transparent. such as synch deals and work commissioned and good company. Though he shunned the Reliable, but never punctual. Ridiculously by brands to help pull through the live spotlight, Lusty was a cooler cat than many funny, audaciously irreverent. Shameless. A music falloff. of the artists whose careers he guided. serial prankster. A cunning genius. Sharp as In the case of a ban on live shows, pro- “To say that Pete was a true original a tack. An hilarious beautiful mind. Pete was Page 14 of 34

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a great human and a dear, dear friend.” Long lines, however, persisted at some not already sitting on cases to not report Lusty leaves behind his wife Georgia and grocery stores despite despite officials say- Monday. two children, Tom and Kitty. ing there’s no need to hoard supplies. Near San Diego State University, Will Responding to panic buying that has Remsbottom’s Scrimshaw Coffee had just stripped supermarkets, executives of major three people and one was washing windows. San Francisco Bay grocery chains said at Los Angeles press “I’m just struggling with this moral conun- conference there is no food shortage, sup- drum of remaining open and being a poten- Area Counties ply chains are in good shape and clerks tial spreader versus closing and not being are working in the middle of the night to able to pay my employees,” he said. in California restock shelves while maintaining a high In Orange County, an elderly couple level of cleanliness. wearing face masks walked out of a super- Order Shelter- “There is plenty of product,” said Bryan market with a full cart. A moment later, a Kaltenbach, president of Kroger’s Food 4 woman walked briskly toward the store, In-Place Due to Less. asking if there was any toilet paper inside. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday urged There wasn’t. Coronavirus the state’s 5.3 million people who are 65 and Robert Murillo’s younger daughter older and those with chronic health condi- turned 4 on Sunday, but the family stayed BY ASSOCIATED PRESS tions to isolate to protect themselves from home and ate cupcakes. “We made the best the virus. He also called for all bars, winer- with what we had,” he said. “They’re still at fficials in six San Francisco Bay ies, nightclubs and brewpubs to close. the age that blowing a balloon makes their Area counties issued a shelter- Last week, Newsom recommended all day, so thank God for that.” in-place mandate on Monday nonessential gatherings be limited to 250 California has confirmed at least 335 cases affecting nearly 7 million people, people, prompting the temporary closure of the virus and six deaths. The virus usually Oincluding the city of San Francisco itself. of numerous businesses, performances and causes only mild or moderate symptoms, The order says residents must stay inside meetings. He didn’t order school closures such as fever and cough, but can be deadly and venture out only for necessities for but virtually every district took the step on for older people and those with underlying three weeks starting Tuesday in a desperate its own. health conditions. attempt by officials to curb the spread of the Newsom said an estimated 85% of Cali- Many districts are arranging for meal novel coronavirus. fornia’s 6 million public school students will pickups for children who depend on schools If affects the counties of San Francisco, be out of their classrooms this week. for breakfast and lunch. Many college stu- Marin, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and The length of time varies by district, with dents also are back home as their colleges Contra Costa, as well as the city of Berkeley. some canceling classes for up to five weeks. and universities empty their dormitories People should work from home and un- Newsom said he recognized the increas- and move classes online. less they provide essential services, such ing isolation for millions of Californians is As the virus has spread, California and as public safety, sanitation and medical “anxiety-inducing” but said the moves were other states have been issuing ever-increas- services. necessary to protect the state’s most vulner- ing directives. Last week, Newsom recom- “The most important thing you can do able residents. mended all nonessential gatherings be lim- is remain home as much as possible,” San Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti im- ited to 250 people, prompting the temporary Francisco Mayor London Breed posted on posed even stricter requirements. Restau- closure of numerous businesses, Twitter. “There is no need to rush out for rants may only offer pickup, delivery and performances and meetings. food or supplies, as these stores will remain drive-through service. He also closed gyms, In another effort to keep people separat- open. movie theaters, bowling alleys and arcades. ed, state health officials on Saturday urged The dramatic step came officials across “We need to take these steps to protect movie theaters to keep attendance under California took increasingly strident steps our city right now,” he said. 250 and ask strangers to sit 6 feet (2 meters) to separate people and contain the spread The rapid pace of new restrictions caught apart. Gambling venues were told to limit of coronavirus, promoting millions of the people and institutions off-guard. 250 people per room and clean chips and state’s oldest and youngest residents to stay At the Chimney Coffee House in Los slot machines more frequently, while theme home Monday. Angeles, barista Rachel Cauilan filled the parks and attractions were told to thin out Freeways normally jammed with rush day’s first UberEats order. “One guy came in crowds by staggering attendance. hour drivers flowed freely, and Starbucks’ and he wanted to talk and stay but we had to Meanwhile, California is working with shift to take-out only was apparent at loca- kick him out,” she laughed. Verily, the life sciences arm of Google parent tions where tables were removed and drive- In San Diego, the Superior Court hastily company Alphabet, on a tool to help people through lanes were busy. advised people summoned for jury duty but find coronavirus testing. An online portal Page 15 of 34

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would help people determine if they should The Killers, former first lady Michelle With the disease reaching more than 150 be tested and direct them to mobile testing Obama and other celebrities. The Qualtrics countries and 49 U.S. states, Billboard has units in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. court filing said SME contended the coro- compiled an ongoing list of major concerts The state has increased the number of navirus did not pose sufficient health risks and events that have been postponed or available hospital beds and will be reopen- to force a cancellation. But most scheduled canceled due to the outbreak. ing shuttered medical centers in the coming participants and presenters supported the Cancellations Announced in March days. firm’s decision, Qualtrics said. SME books March 17 - The Rolling Stones an- He also said there would be a significant bands, celebrities, keynote speakers and nounced that their 15-date No Filter Tour push to move many of the state’s 108,000 athletes for a variety of events. has been postponed. “We’re hugely disap- homeless people indoors.He said the state Qualtrics, the band and SME were pointed to have to postpone the tour,” the had motels that could be used to provide “equally aligned in ensuring the health and band said in a statement. “We are sorry to all shelter, along with 450 state-owned trailers safety of The Killers’ fans and all X4 attend- the fans who were looking forward to it as set up before the outbreak. ees,” Qualtrics said in a statement. For most much as we were, but the health and safety people, the new coronavirus causes only of everyone has to take priority. We will all mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever get through this together — and we’ll see Utah Tech Firm and cough. For some, especially older adults you very soon.” and people with existing health problems, The 20th edition of Australia’s Splendour Settles With it can cause more severe illness, including in the Grass festival is postponed from July pneumonia. to October. The Killers The vast majority of people recover. ZZ Top’s March 20-28 Las Vegas resi- According to the World Health Organiza- dency has been rescheduled “out of an Booking Agency tion, people with mild illness recover in abundance of caution,” a statement from the about two weeks, while those with more group read. “We will make a return engage- Over Canceled severe illness may take three to six weeks to ment at The Venetian with specific dates to recover. The world’s coronavirus pandemic be announced soon. Thank you for under- Conference has infected more than 186,000 people and standing and look forward to seeing you all killed over 7,400. in Vegas soon!” BY ASSOCIATED PRESS March 16 - Guns N’ Roses postponed all of their upcoming South American tour Utah technology company Here Are All dates. Previously, just the Costa Rican date settled a lawsuit with the book- was rescheduled. ing agency for The Killers that the Major Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festi- disputed the agency’s contention val is now rescheduled for Oct 2-4, 2020 at theA rock band should be paid for a sched- Music Events Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, FL. uled show at the firm’s canceled conference, The Hot Country Knights are postpon- which was called off due to the spreading Canceled Due ing their 2020 One Knight Stand tour, which coronavirus pandemic. Qualtrics LLC did was set to launch next month in California. not disclose the terms of its settlement to Coronavirus Refunds for all dates are available at point of agreement with Los Angeles-based SME purchase. Entertainment Group, The Deseret News (Updating) ASCAP canceled their Screen Music reported. Awards, Pop Music Awards and Latin Music Qualtrics, a software firm based in Provo, BY BILLBOARD STAFF Awards, which were scheduled to take place Utah, and Seattle, canceled its annual X4 in April and May in Los Angeles. user summit slated for last week at the Salt ince the outbreak of the corona- Vanessa Carlton is rescheduling all of Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. virus disease at the end of 2019, her Love Is An Art tour (both the first and The company canceled the annual four- more than 184,000 people have second legs) to help limit the instances of day event because of concerns about the contracted the disease, resulting group gatherings. “I will not put any of you spread of the COVID-19 virus. The lawsuit Sin more than 7,500 deaths according to the in a position where you may become sick, over financial obligations resulting from the World Health Organization. As the disease so we must postpone our tour,” she said in event cancellation was filed in federal court continues to spread, live event organizers a statement. “But, we are going to do all we last week but was not served, the newspaper have been canceling or postponing large can to reschedule these dates, and when we reported. gatherings from technology conferences to do we’ll bring you an epic show! Mean- The conference was expected to feature major concerts. while wash your hands 9000 times a day. Page 16 of 34

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Thank you for your understanding and your 2020 Festival and Parade,” said Denise New- you all on a happier and healthier note!” he support-and be safe!” man, President of Long Beach Pride, said in wrote. Just one week into his first-ever solo a statement. “We look forward to celebrat- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Mu- world tour, Louis Tomlinson canceled the ing with our amazing LGBTQ+ and ally fam- seum announced that the museum, Hatch remainder of the UK leg amid coronavirus ily, neighbors and friends at a later date, and Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B and the concerns. “I’m sad to say that we have made encourage everyone to celebrate their Pride CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of the decision to reschedule my UK Tour that each and every day.” Fame and Museum will close to the public was due to start next week,” Tomlinson March 13 - Kelly Clarkson was sched- for the rest of March. tweeted. “We are working with the promot- uled to kick off her 2020 Las Vegas National Sawdust has suspended all pro- er and venues to make new plans as soon as residency at the Zappos Theater in Planet gramming beginning March 13 through the possible but these things are taking a little Hollywood on April 1, but as the coronavi- end of April. longer at the moment.” rus continues to spread, the songstress has OG shock rocker Alice Cooper postponed Elton John has postponed his Farewell postponed her shows to July. his planned spring 2020 headlining North Yellow Brick Road tour — shows from Allie X has postponed her upcoming tour. American tour that was slated to run from March 26-May 2 have been pushed to 2021. “Like so many other musicians, I’m very March 31-April 22; the tour will be resched- Frontman Dave Grohl announced that sad to announce that I am postponing my uled for the fall with an itinerary announced the Foo Fighters are postponing their Van upcoming North American Tour. I’m truly soon. Tour 2020. A few dates have already been so disappointed,” the singer said in a state- Pop punkers The Dollyrots postpone rescheduled to later this year. ment. “I’ve been so eager to get out on the their spring tour, assuring fans they’ll Alanis Morissette will reschedule tour road and sing these songs for you. But, given be back on the road as soon as possible. dates in Japan, Manila, Australia and New the current state of affairs surrounding “Anyone who’s been to one of our shows Zealand. COVID-19, I feel it is the right decision for knows that we make every effort to meet our David Lee Roth has postponed the last the health and well being of all. Please wait fans after the set, to hang out, to take silly six shows of his Las Vegas residency. for me. I am working on rescheduling these selfies and give sweaty hugs,” they wrote. Marina has cancelled her April tour dates and am looking forward to rejoicing, “We consider tons of y’all friends and that dates in the U.S. crying, dancing, screaming and laughing connection makes touring the best part of March 15 - The 2020 iHeartRadio Music with you. You all mean so much to me. Take being in a band. So the last thing we’d want Awards, originally scheduled to air on Fox care of yourselves and each other.” is to push forward with these dates and find on March 29 from the Shrine Auditorium Texas Music Revolution, a two-day con- out someone contracted this at one of our in Los Angeles, have been postponed until a cert scheduled for March 20 and 21 in Plano, shows, got it from one of us, or inadver- later date due to a mandatory ban on large Texas, has been postponed. tently passed it on to us. Also, the fact we gatherings in the city. The Jonas Brothers canceled their April tour with our kids poses a whole extra level The 55th annual Academy of Country 1 - 18 Las Vegas residency at Park MGM. of concern, we need to protect them from Music Awards, which were scheduled to “We love you guys and we are praying for exposure and possibly becoming carriers take place on April 5 at the MGM Grand everyone’s safety and wellness. We’ll see you themselves.” Click here to see affected Garden Arena in Las Vegas, have been post- soon,” they captioned the statement. dates. poned to September (with a new date still to The Grand Ole Opry radio show will J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, initially be confirmed). pause performances that include a live slated for April 4 in Raleigh, NC, has re- Metal band Eyehategod cancel the final audience through April 4. “The Grand Ole scheduled its second annual event for Aug. three dates of their European tour, tossing Opry stands by the motto of the Circle can’t 29. dates in Kiev, St. Petersburg and Moscow, be broken,” the announcement read. The Thom Yorke postponed the North Amer- Russia. “We have no apology big enough & Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry Show will ican leg of his Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes we are very sorry to our Ukrainian and Rus- return to its original format as a live radio Tour. He has not announced reschedule sian fans, but the possibility of being kept broadcast without a live audience. dates, but noted they would be this year. from returning home for 30 days would not Sturgill Simpson announced that he is Third Eye Blind rescheduled the sec- have been financially possible for the band,” rescheduling a number of March and April ond half of their tour in support of new they wrote. dates for his A Good Look’n Tour. However, album Screamer, and also shared the new March 14 - Long Beach Pride will post- the Hampton, Virgina; Toronto, Ontario; dates, which resume May 31 in Los Angeles. pone its festival and parade — which were Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis David Archuleta postponed his OK, All set to take place May 15-17 — following and Chicago shows are cancelled “due to Right 2020 Tour, but hopes to reschedule discussions with local officials. “It is with an unavoidable scheduling conflicts.” for later in the year. “ You are all like fam- abundance of caution that the Long Beach Trevor Noah postponed his tour dates for ily to me and so your health and safety are Pride Board has decided to postpone the the next month. “Looking forward to seeing amongst the top priorities for me,” he wrote Page 17 of 34

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on Instagram. explained, “We are continuing to monitor nounced on Thursday (March 12) that all The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie the evolving situation with Coronavirus events related to this year’s LA Pride have Hall orchestras canceled all rehearsals and and are in continual conversation with local been postponed. performances through March 31. promoters and venues. The health of our Amoeba Music canceled all in-store per- Celine Dion postponed the March and fans, bandmates, crew members and all of formances for the rest of March. April dates of her Courage World Tour those that work in and around the venues is The Grammy Museum made the deci- in North America. New dates are yet to be what we are focused on... As for the recently sion to close through March 31, 2020, which announced. announced North American Spring tour, we includes all Public Programs, on-site Educa- Wilco postpone upcoming dates in are taking a day-to-day approach so please tion Programs and guided tours. Calgary, Missoula, Salt Lake City, Seattle, continue to monitor our website and social Harlem’s Apollo Theater is canceling all Vancouver, Portland, Las Vegas and Califor- media channels for updates.” public programs such as WOW - Women nia. The band said they are making every Tones and I announced that she was of the World Festival, Amateur Night at the effort toreschedule the dates for later in cutting short her European tour. “It is with Apollo, School Day Live, Historic Tours, the year. great regret that I must cut short the rest Live Wire, Apollo Comedy Club,and Apollo Australia’s government applies a ban to of my first tour over here, as the majority Music Café events through April 4. Ad- public gatherings of 500 or more people, of the remaining shows have already been ditionally, the Apollo Theater and African with effect from Monday, March 16. The cancelled due to government policy and I do Film Festival’s Africa Now! concert featur- decision triggers a string of cancelations and not want to subjugate anyone to making a ing Oumou Sangaré on Saturday, April 4 has postponements. The CMC Rocks QLD festi- choice between coming to see me and their been postponed until the fall. val is scrapped. Frontier Touring and Chugg health,” she explained on Facebook. Reba McEntire shifted her spring tour Entertainment list at least 17 shows which Promoter Goldenvoice is closing some to a summer kickoff, and will now begin now won’t go ahead as planned. of its venues through March 31 after Cali- on July 9 in Huntsville, Alabama. “For the Following the abrupt cancellation of the fornia Gov. Gavin Newsom issued capacity safety of everyone, we have decided to Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, a limits at gatherings. postpone our new arena tour until July,” she special one-off concert headlined byRobbie Lionel Richie postpones his Friday said. “All tickets will be honored for the new Williams is scrapped. (March 13) and Saturday (March 14) Las dates. Most importantly, stay safe and take The hard rock and heavy metal Download Vegas shows at the Encore Theater. care of you and your loved ones. We’ll get Festival was due to take place next week in Ms. Lauryn Hill postpones Thursday through this together.” Melbourne (March 20) and Sydney (March night’s (March 12) show in Cleveland and Pussy Riot postponed their Santa Ana 21). However, when My Chemical Ro- Saturday’s (March 14) gig in Upper Darby, tour stop Thursday evening until the fall. mance canceled due to the “current global Pennsylvania, due to crowd bans. The Cleve- “dear all, due to safety & health reasons the situation,” Live Nation called off the 2020 land show has been moved to Sept. 9 and a show in SANTA ANA today is not happen- shows. new date will be announced for the Upper ing, it’s postponed and will happen in the March 12 - Chris Stapleton reschedules Darby show at a later date. fall, all tix will be valid,” the punk bank a series of All-American Road Show dates Decibel Magazine tour featuring ex- tweeted. “stay tuned for more news about in March, including Thursday’s (March 12) treme metal bands Mayhem, Abbath, Gate- the tour. stay safe!” gig at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, creeper and Idle Hands, slated to kick off on STYX is rescheduling concerts from Texas, as well as Saturday’s (March 14) gig Friday (March 13), has been canceled. March 13 to March 28. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with Billie Eilish announced that her Where The Allman Betts Band canceled the rest opener Willie Nelson and March 20 and 21 Do We Go? tour dates for the rest of the of their scheduled shows in March. “We are gigs in Biloxi and Birmingham. “The health month have been postponed. “I’m so sad to looking at options to reschedule dates and and well-being of our families & communi- do this but we need to postpone these dates appreciate your patience while determining ties is our number one priority,” Stapleton to keep everyone safe. We’ll let you know next steps. As soon as we have additional tweeted. when they can be rescheduled. Please keep info to share, we will. Stay safe and follow Béla Fleck & The Flecktones are resched- yourselves healthy. I love you,” she wrote. the guidelines in your community — we uling the March and April dates on their Taylor Swift was scheduled to headline all need to do our part to help reduce the 30th anniversary tour. At press time the Capital One’s JamFest in Atlanta on April spread of COVID-19 and look out for each group was slated to hit the road again begin- 5, as part of the 2020 NCAA March Mad- other,” the band wrote in a statement. ning May 23. ness Music Festival. The event has been Hamilton performances at the Hollywood Tool postpone March 16 show in Salt canceled, following news that the Division I Pantages Theater for the remainder of Lake City, but say their March 14 show at men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tourna- March have been suspended by California the Ford Idaho Center in Boise is “going ment is also not happening. Governor Gavin Newsom. Fans can still on as planned.” In a statement, the group Nonprofit Christopher Street West an- purchase tickets for future dates during the Page 18 of 34

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musical’s scheduled run until Nov. 22. told employees they were pausing arena will be postponed until the second half of Blake Shelton postponed the final two tours through the end of the month. the year. weekends of his Friends and Heroes Tour Michael Bublé postponed the remain- Maluma has postponed the European 2020 until later unknown dates in spring ing arena shows in March and April to later leg of his 11:11 World Tour. 2021. “Omaha, I’m here in your city with unknown dates. “I was looking forward to Tove Lo has rescheduled the remaining my friends and heroes and am ready to play getting back on the road but the safety of my dates on her European tour to September. “I a show for you, but for all the right reasons fans and my touring family of course take have been looking forward to these shows — chiefly everyone’s safety and well-being — priority under the current circumstances. for so long, but it has become unsafe and im- we have to reschedule tonight and the rest We will be coming back soon with new possible for all of us to continue as planned,” of the tour,” said Shelton in a press release dates and everyone will be safe to enjoy a she tweeted. on the night of his Omaha tour stop. “Please great night out. Stay well everyone,” Bublé Dan + Shay have postponed their spring take care of yourself and your loved ones. said in a release. His tour dates beginning tour — dates now start in July. “Thank you You can bet we’ll see you back here soon!” May 2 and on will continue as scheduled. all for your patience and understanding. It The C2C: Country to Country music Kenny Chesney announced that he’s is a strange, strange time for all of us, but we festival in London, Dublin and Glasgow postponing the first 11 shows of his Chill- felt this was the right thing to do. Previously has been postponed to later unknown dates. axification tour out of an abundance of purchased tickets will be honored at all Headliners Eric Church, Luke Combs caution. “You can’t take risks without really rescheduled dates. We hope everyone can and Darius Rucker were set to kick off the understanding the consequences,” he said make it. Keep an eye on venue websites for festivities Friday (March 13). “Thank you all in a statement. “In times of uncertainty, I further information and updates. Stay safe for your understanding and patience at this won’t take chances with those I love. I can’t out there,” the band said in a statement. very difficult time. C2C and its organizers imagine, as much as we love being out there All events at Carnegie Hall in New York apologize wholeheartedly for the time to playing for the fans, being able to do that City for the month of March have been work through the issues to get this state- through the worry our nation is experienc- canceled. “With the health and safety of ment out,” the C2C festival organizers said ing.” its public, artists, and staff as its foremost in the statement. Old Dominion had pulled Cher postponed the remainder of her priority, Carnegie Hall today announced out of the festival last week citing concerns. ABBA-inspired Here We Go Again Tour that it will be closed for all public events and Quavo announced on Instagram that with new dates from September to Decem- programming through the end of March, he’s canceling the third annual celebrity ber. “I’m heartbroken, but the health of my effective midnight tonight, in an effort to flag football game Huncho Day on the Nawf fans and my touring family comes first. The reduce the spread of the new coronavirus originally set for April 5, 2020. “We are shows have been really special but, nothing (COVID-19),” read an official statementon disappointed, but feel strongly about doing is more important than everybody’s safety. the venue’s site. our part to keep people safe and this virus I’m excited to see everyone when we’re back Pixies scrapped the final five dates of contained. Thanks for your support and out on the road,” the singer said in a press their Australian tour, citing “caution for understanding,” the rapper’s letter read. statement. current public health concerns.” “Please make sure you’re taking the neces- All Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts The Who postponed their UK/Ireland sary steps to take care of yourself and your held at Walt Disney Concert Hall have been tour, which was slated to kick off on Monday family.” canceled until March 31. “The California (March 16) in Manchester at the Manches- Broadway officially sets its closure at Department of Public Health issued a man- ter Arena. “The fans’ safety is paramount 5 p.m. ET Thursday night until April 12 at date that all public gatherings, including and given the developing Coronavirus New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s near- concerts and presentations at Walt Disney situation, the band felt that they had no ly immediate command. “Our top priority Concert Hall, should be canceled through option but to postpone the shows,” read has been and will continue to be the health March 31, 2020 to protect public health and a statement that promised the dates will and well-being of Broadway theatregoers slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19,” be rescheduled for later in the year. Singer and the thousands of people who work in read an official statementon the orches- Roger Daltrey assured fans that the gigs the theatre industry every day, including tra’s website. will “definitely happen and it may be the actors, musicians, stagehands, ushers, and The 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last time we do a tour of this type, so keep many other dedicated professionals,” said induction ceremony at the Public Hall in those tickets, as the shows will be fantastic,” Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broad- Cleveland honoring Nine Inch Nails, De- with guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend way League, said in a press release. peche Mode, the Doobie Brothers, T-Rex, adding, ”[the band] haven’t reached this AEG joined competitor Live Nation Notorious B.I.G. and Whitney Houston decision easily, but given the concerns about in recommending concerts be postponed has been postponed until a later date. public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead... if through the end of the month. Earlier Organizers of Lollapalooza Argentina one fan caught Coronavirus at a WHO con- Thursday (March 12), Live Nation officials have officially announced that the festival cert it would be one too many.” The pushed Page 19 of 34

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off shows include a Teenage Cancer Trust and the District of Columbia — is Knox- ground for rehearsals, we made the difficult show at Royal Albert Hall on March 28. ville, Tennessee’s Big Ears Festival, which decision to postpone. We wanted you all to March 11 - Dark Mofo, a festival in was slated to take place from march 26-39. know as soon as we knew so you could make Australia’s southernmost state, has been “This has been a tough decision. Not only your own plans.” The band also explained canceled due to concerns surrounding COV- is the principle that ‘the show must go on’ if original tickets will be honored, whether ID-19. Bon Iver was scheduled to perform woven into our DNA, but the impact of this anyone in the band is infected (they’re not) at the June fest. cancellation on the community that makes and if it will affect the March 27Gigaton Italian orchestral death metal band Big Ears possible — the artists, the festival album release date (it won’t). Fleshgod Apocalypse postponed their attendees, our staff and production teams, Iconic D.C. rock venue 9:30 Club has North American tour — which was slated and the Knoxville community with all of its joined Lincoln Theater, the Anthem and to feature their first accompaniment by a businesses and workers — cannot be over- other Washington venues in canceling string quartet — due to travel restrictions stated,” read a statement. Refunds will be shows until at least March 31 after the city’s tied to the coronavirus. The shows will take offered to ticketholders for the event slated health department recommends calling off place at a later, as-yet-unspecified, date. “It to feature sets from Devendra Banhart, Joe gatherings of 1,000 people or more. is with heavy hearts that we must announce Henry, Kronos Quartet, Patti Smith and Reunited prog rockers Yes canceled the postponement of our upcoming tour Thundercat, among others. shows in Florida and their Cruise to the in North America with the Veleno String The MUSEXPO Creative Summit 2020 Edge appearance. “Although YES performs Quartet and The Agonist,” the band wrote set for March 22-25 in California was post- with the spirit that ‘the show must go on,’ to fans. “We’re absolutely devastated about poned due to following the announcement we’ve reached the point where various the delay, but we’re already working to by The World Health Organization that the factors require us to cancel our forthcom- reschedule the tour for late Summer/early coronavirus (COVID-19) is now officially a ing U.S. dates and cancel our appearances Fall (exact dates coming soon). We know pandemic. AllAccess.com’s Worldwide Ra- on the 7th ‘Cruise To The Edge,’” wrote that there are so many people waiting for us dio Summit 2020 is also said to be postpon- guitarist Steve Howe of the event slated to in the US and Canada and we can’t wait to ing in the same announcement. feature Marillion, Saga, Kings X, Gong and see you.” The GLAAD Media Awards were set others. “We are full of regret, as we’ve been Israeli pop band Lola Marsh rescheduled to take place in New York on March 19, but preparing for these shows with maximum a string of European dates for June and Sep- have been cancelled in the interest of public excitement. Running a relatively large show tember. “We are sad as this tour was a real safety over the spread of the coronavirus. aided by our 12-piece crew and full produc- dream for us, but looking forward to seeing Rich Ferraro, GLAAD’s chief communica- tion requires insurance coverage, which is everyone at the new shows! Wishing health tions officer and an executive producer of currently unavailable to us for a variety of and safety to all,” they wrote in an Insta- the GLAAD Media Awards, says, “we will be reasons beyond our control.” Cruise to the gram post with the new dates. in touch with nominees shortly with plans Edge is still slated to leave the port of Miami K-pop group Stray Kids will not be tour- for how award categories scheduled for the on March 27 without Yes. ing Europe this spring after all. The boy New York show will be announced.” Metal band Machine Head postponed band’s planned gigs in Madrid, Berlin, Brus- Glass Animals canceled their March 14 the second European leg of their 25th an- sels, Paris and Moscow have been put on ice, show at Neumos, Seattle, following Wash- niversary tour, which was scheduled to as well as their show at London’s Wembley ington governor Jay Inslee’s temporary ban take off in Zaragoza, Spain, on April 19. “It Arena on May 17 on their District 9: Unlock on group events with more than 250 people. is with heavy heart that we must announce tour. “We ask for your understanding as this Papa Roach canceled shows in Paris, the postponement of our upcoming EU/UK decision has been made in consideration for Tilburg, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Copen- tour in support of the 25th anniversary of the safety of the artists and audience,” they hagen due to government restrictions on Burn My Eyes,” they wrote. “As residents of wrote. public gatherings. At press time the dates the Bay Area, we’ve been hit hard and have Following an emergency health declara- have not yet been rescheduled. witnessed firsthand what has been going tion from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Pearl Jam hosted a fan FAQ on their on. Public gatherings of more than 1000 all remaining events for RodeoHouston tour postponement, explaining, “We have have been banned in San Jose, and events in have been cancelled. The Houston Livestock been through a lot as a band over the past downtown San Francisco including major Show and Rodeo runs from March 3-22. 30 years and we did not make this decision concerts and conferences have been shut Kane Brown was scheduled to perform lightly. Our team worked tirelessly to see down.” March 11, with additional country sets by if we could keep the tour going. It became Under order from the Colombian of- Dierks Bentley on March 15 and Keith clear by Monday afternoon that we would ficials banning gatherings of 1,000 or more, Urban on March 16. not be able to – in good conscience – head Juanes postponed a planned Para Todos The latest festival to cancel in the wake out on the road. Even though our gear was show on March 14 in Bogota. of the virus — which has spread to 38 states already en route and our crew was on the They Might Be Giants have pushed Page 20 of 34

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all March and April shows in New York, Bushfire Relief concert, due to concerns March 9 - Madonna’s Madame X Tour Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to the relating to the coronavirus outbreak. Lil Nas has come to an abrupt halt due to new end of the year. “It is our hope the 4.30 X, The Veronicas and Seb Fontaine were restrictions on public gatherings imple- Boston show and May shows can proceed also booked for the now-canceled concert, mented in France amid the COVID-19 as planned, but only time will tell,” they told originally scheduled for Friday (March 13) virus spread.”Following official notification fans. in Melbourne. from the Office of the Police this morn- Boise, Idaho’s Treefort Music Fest post- RuPaul’s DragCon LA announced that ing prohibiting all events with an audi- poned this year’s event from March 25-29 the planned convention set to take place on ence attendance of over 1000, Live Nation until Sept. 23-27. “With support from The May 1, 2 and 3 has been canceled. In a state- regrets to announce the final two Madame City of Boise and Central District Health, ment posted on their website, DragCon X performances previously re-scheduled postponing the festival is the best option made clear that the cancellation was due di- to 10-March and 11-March are forced to be for the Treasure Valley, the far-reaching rectly to the outbreak of COVID-19, and that cancelled,” reads a note on Madonna’s site. Treefort community and the individuals and the “health and safety” of fans and queens Pearl Jam was scheduled to kick off its organizations that support Treefort Music must come first. North American tour on March 18, but Fest,” the fest wrote. Among the acts on Pentatonix announced that their world the four-month long run is postponed amid this year’s lineup are: Japanese Breakfast, tour, scheduled to kick off on March 16 coronavirus fears. Chromatics, Grouplove, Tennis, Calexico in Warsaw, Poland, will no longer happen. The 2020 editions of Coachella and Stage- and Built to Spill. “Despite our best efforts and intentions, coach will need to be moved to later this TMZ reported that the final live auditions it is, simply, no longer possible for us to year, or canceled altogether, admit organiz- in Charlotte on Friday (March 13) and New execute this tour the way we want to: safely, ers Goldenvoice. York on March 21 for the reboot of Making confidently and completely,” their statement Though they are forging ahead with their the Band have been canceled. “As a precau- read. The group went on to note that they End of the Road tour, Kiss manager Doc tionary measure to ensure the health of our are working on rescheduling dates. McGhee tells Blabbermouth that the band’s production crew, talent and aspiring artists, Zac Brown Band announced via Insta- members have been advised to temporar- all public auditions for MTV’s Making the gram that they are postponing The Owl tour. ily scrap all fan backstage meet-and-greet Band in Charlotte, NC on March 13-14 and “This was an extremely difficult decision, events. New York City on March 21-22 have been but the well-being of our fans is always our Poison singer Bret Michaels, 56, has canceled,” read a statement. “Safety remains top priority,” they wrote. pulled out of The 80s Cruise, on which our utmost priority, and we’re continuing Carlos Santana, who was ready to launch he was slated to play on March 13 and 14. to defer to health officials and the CDC for his Miraculous 2020 world tour on March “As of Sunday March 8, 2020 it has been guidance.” The show is still accepting audi- 17 in Krakow, Poland, postponed his tour advised by the Centers for Disease Control tions online. dates. that cruise ship travel be deferred for those Reunited riot grrrl band Bikini Kill have Planned Parenthood of Greater New York with compromised immune systems,” read postponed their planned tour of the the was scheduled to join The Feminist Institute a statement on the singer’s site. “Bret Mi- northwest, which was slated to kick off on in a “Bans Off My Body” benefit concert chaels, a lifelong type 1 Diabetic, falls under Friday (March 13) with a two-night stand in on March 14, for gender equality and access the category of those that run the extreme Olympia, Washington. “We take the health to sexual and reproductive health care. high risk of contracting this illness. Even if and safety of our supporters, crew and However, due to the rapid spread of the this illness is not contracted by Bret, he runs opening bands very seriously, and given the coronavirus, the event has been canceled. the risk of being quarantined on the ship situation in Seattle as well as the lack of in- READ MORE with fellow music fans that might fall ill.” formation about the actual infection rate of It’s Official: Coachella & Stagecoach Have Marc Anthony and Henry Cárdenas’s the surrounding areas, it doesn’t make sense Been Rescheduled annual Maestro Cares fundraising gala has for us to go forward with any of the shows in Though they didn’t mention COVID-19, been postponed. The “Changing Lives, the region,” the band tweeted. Though the EDM duo Disclosure announced the post- Building Dreams” gala, which was celebrat- shows will not go on for now, the band asked ponement of their intimate U.S. DJ tour ing its ninth annual event March 12 in New fans to donate to the Interfaith Works just two days after rolling out the dates due York City, has been postponed. A new date is Emergency Overnight Shelter, which was to “unforeseen circumstances.” “We feel it’s expected to be announced soon. to be the beneficiary of their Olympia shows. for the best to reschedule all of these club The American Society of Composers, Au- Niall Horan’s Helpful Honda Sound- sets when we can play them all properly,” thors and Publishers has canceled this year’s Space show performance on Friday (March they wrote. 15th annual ASCAP Experience music 13) has been canceled. Sammy Hagar posts a video message conference over concerns about the spread- March 10 - Miley Cyrus canceled to fans announcing the cancelation of his ing coronavirus. “Out of consideration for her trip to Australia for the World Tour South American tour with The Circle. the health and safety of our members and Page 21 of 34

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all other participants, and due to rising con- statement according to the Associated Press. March 4 - Ultra Music Festival’s flag- cerns about the spread of COVID-19 (coro- “I am disappointed I won’t be able to return ship Miami festival scheduled for March navirus), the determination has been made this month to the place where I was born, 20-22 has been called off, according to city to cancel the 2020 ASCAP Experience,” said Ft. Hood Texas, and put on the amazing officials. the organization in a statement. show we had planned.” The show is now Slipknot postponed a planned Asian Ultra Abu Dhabi — the Middle Eastern slated to take place later this year. tour slated to kick off on March 20 with edition of the Miami-based festival — has Country band Old Dominion pulled out the two-night Knotfest, while fellow hard been canceled. It was set to happen March of their planned appearances at the Country rockers Whitesnake, Sons of Apollo and the 5-6. Country festivals in the UK. “After much Michael Schenker Fest all canceled dates Mariah Carey has postponed her consideration, we have decided to withdraw too. Honolulu date until November. “I was so from our upcoming performances as part As a result of Apple pulling out of this excited to come back to Hawaii on my ‘an- of the @c2cfestival in Berlin, Amsterdam, year’s SXSW festival — along with Twit- niversary month’ but evolving international Dublin, London, and Glasgow,” the band ter, Amazon, TikTok, Facebook and other travel restrictions force us to consider ev- wrote. “We are so sorry to disappoint our major companies — Spike Jonze’s Beastie eryone’s safety and well being,” Carey wrote fans overseas; however, with the growing Boys Story documentary is not slated to on Instagram. uncertainty and unpredictable nature of premiere at the event. Nine Inch Nails British singer Yungblud called off a tour the virus that is spreading throughout the has also dropped out of the film portion of slated to kick off in South Korea, as well world, the safety and security of our entire the annual fest in Austin, Texas, tweeting, as shows in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philip- team is the top priority.” “We’re sorry we won’t be giving our Watch- pines and Singapore, according to NME. “At March 6 - In a major blow to the Austin, men keynote at SXSW this year (because we first I was going to say, ‘F—k it’ and come, Texas music community, the 2020 SXSW had some surprises in store!) However, it but we have been advised again to seriously festival hascanceled its entire event. The was the right decision.” not,” the singer reportedly explained in an loss of the interactive, film and music events March 3 - Maluma has postponed his Instagram story. with an estimated $356 million economic upcoming concert in Milan amid the out- March 8 - Richard Marx rescheduled impact on the city comes after Austin’s break in Italy. his first European tour in nearly a decade, Mayor, Steve Adler, declared a local disaster March 2 - Wolf Parade canceled Euro- pushing it from the spring to the fall due to due to COVID-19 fears. It marks the first pean and U.K. dates for the tour support- the global health crisis. “We all decided that cancelation of the entire event in its 34-year ing their latest album, Thin Mind. The it was for everyone’s own good, it was for history. first show was scheduled for Mar. 2 in the the best interest of the health of everyone March 5 - Louis Tomlinson tweeted Netherlands. I’m counting on to come see me play,” he to fans that the President of the Council Lacuna Coil canceled their tour of Asia said in a video announcing the news. “I’m of Ministers had decreed that his March and Australia. “Our home region of Lom- super bummed, selfishly. I was really, really 11 show at the Fabrique in Milan has been bardia, Italy, is in the midst of a coronavirus excited about this tour…Every show was called off. outbreak,” a statement reads. “Everyone’s sold out. I haven’t played in Europe in eight Queen and Adam Lambert notified fans health and safety must come first and this or nine years at least. The fact you guys sup- that the group’s planned May 26 show at includes our fans.” ported this tour the way you did made me the AccorHotels Arena in Paris has been The National canceled their March 17 even more excited to play.” postponed “following a government decree and 18 shows in Tokyo for “the interest of March 7 - 1980s “Take On Me” band A-ha in France to cancel all indoor events over public safety.” In an online statement, The canceled its Japanese tour, saying it will 5,000 capacity in France until 31st May in an National said, “We look forward to returning be rescheduled at a later date. “We were effort to contain the spread of Coronavirus.” in the future and performing for our friends really looking forward to seeing our fans & The band said they are working with the in Japan.” The group was set to see support friends in Asia, but the safety of our fans has promoter to reschedule the date and will from Phoebe Bridgers. to come first of course,”they write. The announce a new one soon. March 1 - Set It Off called off dates in affected dates include early March gigs in Organizers of Tomorrowland Winter in Asia on Sunday, “due to unforeseen circum- Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya. France announced that they have canceled stances and for everyone’s safety.” The band Ciara postponed a performance at the the 2020 winter edition of the electronic also canceled their opening slots for Jimmy USO Fort Hood slated for March 19. The dance music festival due to health concerns Eat World on March 12 and 13 in Manilla 34-year-old singer, who is pregnant, said, connected with the spread of COVID-19, the and Singapore, respectively. “With the continued spread of the coro- respiratory illness caused by the coronavi- Cancellations Announced in February navirus throughout the U.S., as a pregnant rus. Tomorrowland Winter 2020 was set Feb. 29 - Avril Lavigne was set to begin woman, my doctors have advised me to to run March 14-21 at the French alpine ski the Asian leg of her Head Above Water limit travel and large group gatherings,” in a resort of Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski. World Tour in Shenzhen, China, on April Page 22 of 34

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23, but the “Sk8er Boi” singer announced Bay Strikes Back show at the Trezzo Live Feb. 5 - The Philharmonic Society of the 12-date trek would not be happening. Club in Milan, Italy has been scrapped due Orange County in Southern California can- “Please everybody take care of yourselves concerns over the coronavirus outbreak. celed its Feb. 5 Chinese New Year Celebra- and stay healthy,” she wrote. “You’re in my “Regarding the epidemic situation, our per- tion concert by the Shanghai Chinese Or- thoughts and prayers and we are hoping to sonal conviction is that the infection does chestra in light of the coronavirus epidemic announce rescheduled shows soon.” not stop by stopping only the entertainment, citing “concerns expressed by community Feb. 28 - Green Day postponed their sport and culture, instead leaving free access members.” tour of Asia “due to the health + travel to shopping centers, supermarkets, shops, Feb. 4 - Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai concerns with coronavirus,” a statement banks, public transport and offices,” statea - postponed her show March 7 performance from the band reads. The Bay Area trio vow ment read. “It is a virus that has reached in China. to announce new dates soon. every corner of the globe and is transmitted The National Symphony Orchestra called Ben Harper and the Innocent Crimi- even just by walking, but which fortunately off shows in Beijing on March 13 and 14, and nals took to social media to announce the has a very limited incidence of danger.” one in Shanghai on March 17. cancellation of their March 2-5 tour dates Feb. 23 – English singer Mabel canceled The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orches- in Japan. Harper took to Twitter to say, her Feb. 24 concert at the Magazzini Gener- tra’s tour to Japan and Korea has also been “Most importantly we are wishing well to all ali venue in Milan. Mabel took to social me- postponed. The tour was originally sched- those affected. We apologize to our fans in dia on Feb. 23 to state “Due to recent events uled to run between March 5-13 with stops Japan for this inconvenience and we hope to concerning the Coronavirus in Italy, we’ve at Osaka Symphony Hall, Tokyo Suntory reschedule soon.” been advised by the Minister of Health and Hall, Deajeon Arts Center, Seoul Arts Cen- Feb. 27 - BTS canceled several concerts the President of the Lombardy region not to ter, Chuncheon Culture & Art Center, and planned in Korea due to the global coro- go ahead with tomorrow’s show in Milan.” Gwangju Culture & Art Center. navirus outbreak, according to a post on the Feb. 20 - Australian pop artist Ruel post- Feb. 2 – South Korean girl group GFriend group’s mobile fan platform Weverse (via poned the Asian leg of his Free Time World decided to hold their Feb. 3 showcase with- Twitter). “It is unavoidable that the concert Tour to September 2020 “as a result of the out an audience due to concerns about coro- must be canceled without further delay,” coronavirus,” reads a statement posted to his navirus. The event was instead streamed for reads the post, which was originally written social media accounts. fans on Feb. 3. in Korean and translated by Variety. “Please Feb. 18 - Promoter Live Nation Japan Agency YG Entertainment announced the understand that this decision was made announced that Ari Lennox needed to cancellation of both WINNER’s Feb. 8 con- after extensive and careful consideration.” cancel her March 3 performance at WWW cert in Singapore and AKMU’s Feb. 8 and 9 The National Symphony Orchestra can- X Tokyo due to travel restrictions in several concert dates in Changwon. celed the five remaining performances in Asian countries. Cancellations Announced in January Japan of its Asian tour, originally scheduled Feb. 14 – R&B artist Khalid postponed Jan. 31 - Three stops on GOT7’s world to run to eight dates. his Asian tour dates citing concerns for tour “Keep Spinning” tour were postponed Feb. 26 - New Order scrapped shows “the safety of Khalid’s fans, his team and including their concerts in Bangkok planned in Tokyo and Osaka. “With the ongoing everyone who has been working on these for Feb. 15 and 16 at Rajamangala National coronavirus outbreak, we are concerned concerts.” Khalid was set to perform in Stadium and a concert in Singapore planned about the potential quarantine we may face Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala for Feb. 22. affecting further shows and appearances,” Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Mumbai and Banga- K-pop group TWICE’s Tokyo fan signing a statement from the British band reads. lore between March 24- April 14. events set to be held on Feb. 1 and 2 were “We would also hate to risk our fan’s health Feb. 13 - U.K. grime rapper Stormzy canceled. or the of risk spreading the virus on our announced on Feb. 13 that he would be post- The inaugural C.E.A. (Charming Eastern return.” poning a scheduled Asian tour due to fears Awakening) Fest at Joy Park in Chengdu in Feb. 25 - The Korea Times Music Festival over the coronavirus. The rapper had been China scheduled for April 18-19 is canceled. announced that its concert scheduled for scheduled to perform in Japan, China and The event was set to headlining perfor- April 25 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los An- Korea between March 27-29. mances from Martin Garrix and Dimitri geles “has provisionally been postponed due Feb. 9 - Seventeen’s high-profile Ode to Vegas & Like Mike. to the increasing uncertainty threat of coro- You world tour has canceled all of its up- Jan. 30 – NCT Dream’s promoter One navirus.” The annual musical festival, which coming dates in February and March. Production announced the cancellation of is in its 18th year, had already announced Feb. 6 - K-pop superstar Taeyeon can- the group’s two shows in Macau, China, the likes of K-pop girl group MOMOLAND, celed two concerts in Bangkok over health on Feb. 7 and 8 and their Feb. 15 concert in solo singer and former Wanna One member concerns. Taeyeon had been set to perform Singapore. Ha Sungwoon and rock band No Brain. at Thunder Dome Muang Thong Thani The Boston Symphony Orchestra an- Testament, Exodus and Death Angel’s The between Feb 22-23. nounced the cancellation of its Asia tour. Page 23 of 34

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The orchestra had been scheduled to go on a four-city tour that included Seoul in South Demi Lovato’s Spotlight: Kim Korea, Taipei in Taiwan and Shanghai and Hong Kong in China from Feb. 6 to 16. ‘I Love Me’ Is Kaupe’s Superfan Jan. 28 – Cantopop singer Leon Lai post- poned his two shows in Macau, China. Lai’s the Week’s Top- Company Is Leon Metro Live 2.0 concerts were origi- nally slated for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Studio Selling Song Turning Music City Event Centre. Promoter Live Nation announced the BY GARY TRUST Merch Into Must- postponement of Miriam Yeung’s Feb. 8 concert in Singapore. The show, which was emi Lovato’s “I Love Me” de- Have Collectables slated to take place at the Singapore Indoor buts at No. 18 on the Billboard Stadium, is postponed indefinitely, due to Hot 100 (dated March 21), arriv- BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN the travel and freight conditions in China. ing as the week’s top-selling American rock band X Ambassadors Dsong. n 2015, Kim Kaupe — co-founder and took to social media to announce that The track starts at No. 1 on the Digital CEO of The Superfan Company, an their Feb. 14 and 15 shows in Shanghai and Song Sales chart, with 38,000 sold in its agency that specializes in supercharg- Chengdu, respectively, were canceled. first week, ending March 12, according to ing fan engagement for artists, music Jan. 27 – Japanese rock group Suchmos Nielsen Music/MRC Data, following its Ifestivals, record labels and more — appeared canceled a slate of dates in China that were March 6 release. It also drew 14.2 million on an episode of the long-running ABC real- scheduled between Feb. 7-11. The group said U.S. streams in the week ending March 12, ity series Shark Tank with her business part- that they hoped to play dates in China as as it enters Streaming Songs at No. 36, and ner Brittany Hodak. With an already-prof- soon as possible. 15.9 million in all-format radio audience in itable business and impressive client list, the Jan. 26 - Canto-pop singer Andy Lau the week ending March 15. two made a strong impression and became canceled 12 concerts scheduled throughout Lovato lands her second Digital Song the subject of a bidding war, ultimately February at the Hong Kong Coliseum. The Sales No. 1, with both leaders achieved con- walking away with an offer of $725,000 for My Love Andy Lau World Tour Hong Kong secutively: “Anyone” opened atop the Feb. 17.5% of their business (then called ZinePak) 2020 was scheduled to start on Feb. 15 and 8-dated chart. “I Love Me” is also her 12th from “sharks” Laurie Greiner and Robert end on Feb. 28. Lau said in a statement, top 10 on the ranking. Herjavec. And then the cameras stopped “Sorry about this. I wish that everyone will On the Hot 100, Lovato adds her 31st ca- rolling. remain healthy. And that we get through this reer entry. She has debuted at higher ranks “So many people when they see the show, difficulty together.” According to theSouth than the starting position of “I Love Me” just automatically assume that it’s a done China Morning Post, more than 100,000 fans with just three songs, led by “Skyscraper,” deal…but that’s not the case,” Kaupe says. will be impacted by the cancellations. which soared in at No. 10 in July 2011. “After the show airs, you actually go do Jan. 24 - The Chinese government has The Hot 100 (which blends all-genre U.S. months and months…of due diligence and closed the Mercedes-Benz Arena indefinite- streaming, radio airplay and sales data), talks and lawyers and everybody trying to ly. The venue’s promoter and its joint-ven- Digital Song Sales and all other charts dated get on the same page.” ture partner, a media group owned by the March 21 will update on Billboard.com Though the deal ultimately fell through, Shanghai government, have postponed over tomorrow (March 17). Kaupe and Hodak (who is no longer in- a dozen shows until the virus is contained. volved with the company) still walked away with a win. Not only did Greiner and Herja- vec end up hiring them to work on their per- sonal brands and projects, but their Shark Tank episode continues airing in reruns on MSNBC every few months. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” says Kaupe of the show. “Even though that episode aired five years ago, I still get people either emailing me or direct messaging me [about the business].” Today, The Superfan Company is a thriv- ing business with a large and impressive client list across the music industry and Page 24 of 34

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beyond, with their work spanning popular ZinePak (the name was changed to The photography-ready aspect of it, but also festivals (Stagecoach, Lost Lands, Bos- Superfan Company in June 2018), leverag- thinking of functionality. How do we make ton Calling), A-list artists (Taylor Swift, ing Hodak’s contacts in the music business sure that no security sees this package and Shawn Mendes, Selena Gomez, Mary J. — she had previously worked for over three says, ‘Absolutely not.’?” Blige) and major record labels (Capitol, years at Sony’s RED Distribution — and As Kaupe suggests, the eye-catching Interscope, Warner Brothers, Big Machine), Kaupe’s in publishing to wrangle their first Happy Snacks also achieved another pri- among others. For the record, Kaupe is as clients. mary objective: Creating a social media- surprised as anyone about the company’s The Superfan Company, which runs a friendly showpiece. That focus on creating success. lean operation with just four employees “Instagrammable” items marks a pivot in “I call myself an accidental entrepre- including Kaupe, has worked in large part how the company — which launched in the neur,” she says. “So many people are born thanks to its creative approach to tradi- days before social media really took hold of entrepreneurs. They were selling candy in tional merchandising and ticket packages. the marketing landscape — conceptualizes the back of the bus and had a lawn-mowing (“Slapping a logo on a notebook,” says its products. conglomerate…I had a corporate job- and I Kaupe, is the “antithesis of what we do.”) “When we first started the company, it freaking loved it.” But the inventive products churned out by was more along the lines of, ‘How do we Kaupe’s early career path couldn’t have the company — which handles distribution make this collectible? How do we make this been much more traditional. Moving to New and shipping for clients who need it — also rare? How do we make this something that’s York City after graduating from the Univer- require a bigger lift than your traditional more of a one-on-one experience between sity of Florida in 2008 with her sights set T-shirt, baseball cap or rubber bracelet. the product and the fan?’” says Kaupe. Now, on the publishing industry, she ultimately For The Wombats’ 2018 U.S. tour, Kaupe she says, the name of the game is shareabil- nabbed a job with Conde Nast’s Brides and her team undertook the creation of a ity. magazine just before the financial crash 16-page activity book containing “tongue- “It obviously has to be cool for the fan,” hit. Though she held onto her job, frugality in-cheek” puzzles and games inspired by the she continues, “but instead of having it be a became the name of the game virtually over- band’s last album. For Phil Collins’ 2017-19 one-on-one experience, how do I not only night, fostering a mindset that would serve Not Dead Yet tour, they created a travel kit make it a one on one experience, but make it her well later on. with themed eye mask, neck pillow and cus- something that’s so shareable, so Instagram- “It was like, ‘By the way, we have to do all tom blanket. And for VIP guests of idiosyn- mable, people are going to get this and not the same events and all the same activations, cratic (and marijuana-loving) hip-hop group only say, ‘I’m obsessed, this is so great,’ but, but now you have a fraction of the budget... Flatbush Zombies’ summer tour, the com- ‘I’m obsessed, and in the next 45 seconds, Make it work,’” she says. “It was sort of this pany created Happy Snacks, a “dystopian” I’m going to pull out my phone and put this like MacGyver attitude.” Happy Meal-esque box containing branded on Snapchat or TikTok or Instagram.’” The Superfan Company formed in Janu- animal crackers, mints, water bottle and This grassroots marketing approach has ary 2011 during a turning point for Kaupe. PopSocket. As Kaupe will tell you, an item resulted in a number of highly successful After making a move from publishing to like Happy Snacks represents not only a campaigns for the company. For the 2019 advertising following two-and-a-half years creative challenge — to get it right, the team Stagecoach country music festival, Kaupe at Conde Nast, she fell into momentary de- actually went to McDonald’s and bought a and her team designed pop-up Tinker Tin spair upon realizing her new industry didn’t Happy Meal that was then reconstructed by Trailers that were sent out in a ticket pack- suit her. their vendor — but a logistical one. For start- age along with attendee wristbands. The “About a week and a half into the job, I ers, they had to figure out how to ship the idea worked exactly as designed: After just realized I was not Don Draper,” she says Happy Snacks flat while also making them 12 days, the highly-shareable items garnered jokingly. But as gloomy as it looked then, security-friendly. They accomplished this over 350,000 impressions on Facebook and Kaupe’s short-lived career switch proved challenge in part by sourcing a collapsible Instagram. fortuitous in one very important way. water bottle for the band’s so-called “zom- The Superfan Company’s work on Mum- “The girl who sat next to me at the ad bie juice,” a workaround that not only made ford & Son’s 2013 Gentlemen of the Road agency ... ended up becoming my co-found- the boxes cheaper and easier to ship but got Stopover Festival represents one of the best er,” she says of Hodak, who pitched Kaupe a thumbs-up from security. examples of the company’s multi-faceted on the startup idea after Kaupe confided “A lot of security in a lot of venues will not approach to fan engagement. After design- she was preparing to “grovel” for her old job let you put A) liquid or B) anything that’s ing so-called “passports” for ticket buyers, back at Conde Nast. heavy in a water bottle shape because it Kaupe and her team actually helped boost “She said, ‘Well, before you do that, let’s becomes a projectile, and they don’t want ticket sales when the booklets garnered get drinks and let me tell you about this idea anybody throwing things at other fans, at 10,000 social media impressions in just 48 I had,’” Kaupe recalls. A short time later, the artist, et cetera,” says Kaupe. “So again, hours. That led to a surge of interest in the the two pooled their savings and launched not only thinking about the cool, awesome, tour, which makes stops in small towns and Page 25 of 34

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rural areas that don’t typically see big-name year plan, we didn’t have Instagram and we always too busy balancing work and their acts come through. didn’t have Snapchat and we didn’t have any personal lives, be it kids or partners, which “They had an influx of people going back of this stuff,” she says. “So the plan would is the irony as I’d love to be mentored to be to the website, and emailing in and ask- have been thrown out the window anyways.” better prepared to find that balance between ing, ‘Are tickets really sold out?’ ... ‘Are you SPOTLIGHT: personal and professional. If anyone has gonna release more?’” recalls Kaupe. That When you’re coming up choose your leads — let me know! outpouring of demand led Gentlemen of the boss, not your job. Who is going to mentor The motto I live by: If you’re not the lead Road organizers to reconvene with towns you? Who will give you the most room to dog, the view never changes. and fire departments to discuss adding more spread your wings? Who is going to help you tickets, which ultimately led to an extra $1 expand your network? I know people who million in incremental revenue for the tour. have a “dream job” at “the best company” ‘It’s the End of The Superfan Company’s work with with “an amazing salary” but they absolutely Mumford & Sons is indicative of how the hate their boss and are miserable. Work un- the World as We company has also incorporated data-gath- der someone that inspires you regardless of ering considerations into its products. The the company name or job title. I would take Know It,’ ‘I Will passports in question — versions of which the title, Dobby the House Elf if it meant I have also been used for recent tours by could work under some of my dream men- Survive’ & More Shawn Mendes and Gun N’ Roses, among tors. others — were not only collectible but inter- I’ve learned that your reputation is Songs Surge active. At Gentlemen of the Road, fans who everything. Going for that extra dollar or collected every one of the various stamps cutting corners works in the short term in the Time of scattered around the grounds then had a but this is a long term business based on secret barcode on their passports scanned. relationships. Doing the right thing, every Coronavirus The information contained there not only time, even if you lose money or have to work allowed fans to later receive a surprise in harder or go out of your scope of work, BY XANDER ZELLNER the mail — exclusive posters signed by every people remember those extra efforts and it artist on the tour — but gave Mumford & pays off in the long run. s the world adjusts to life in Sons a wealth of data on their most ardent It was always obvious to me that you self-quarantine while the Coro- supporters. are a product of who you surround yourself navirus (COVID-19) pandemic “They left that activation with the names with. I have the best team at The Superfan has continued to spread, many of I think it was like six or eight thousand… Company and if you’re not surrounded by familiarA songs about the world ending, or, super fans,” says Kaupe. “They knew their people who inspire you and push you, you reversely, humans surviving, have surged in names and their addresses and their emails. are destined to be mediocre. sales and streams. And when they went out on other tours or It’s good to have a supportive base of In the tracking week ending March 12, other things, that was information that they family and friends. Being an entrepreneur is R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We had available.” In that way, she notes that scary, lonely and you’re often left with a sea Know It (And I Feel Fine)” skyrocketed what would normally be a sunk cost — send- of self doubt at the end of the day. Having a 184% to 1,000 downloads sold and 48% in ing out tour wristbands — instead became strong fan base to cheer you on is why I’ve on-demand U.S. streams to 746,000, accord- an “activating cost” to garner valuable infor- been able to stay somewhat sane the last 9 ing to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. mation on Mumford’s most devoted fans. years. The song peaked at No. 16 on Mainstream With a wealth of high-profile clients now A good idea is one that can be executed Rock Songs in 1987 and No. 69 on the Bill- populating the company’s resume, Kaupe from beginning to end. I hear a lot of what board Hot 100 in 1988. and her team continue to expand into other I call “conference room ideas.” Ideas that “World” also re-enters LyricFind’s U.S. areas including sports, awards shows, con- seem great but when you actually start ranking at No. 4. The LyricFind U.S. and ventions and more. As for the future, while getting into the nitty gritty logistics are LyricFind Global charts, whose latest track- Kaupe hopes to expand further into the expensive and a nightmare. It’s the ideas ing week ran March 9-15, rank the fastest- live and experiential realm, but she tends that check every box along the route — from momentum-gaining tracks in lyric-search not to think too far ahead. She says she’d manager to event staff to shipping to fans — queries and usages in the U.S. and globally, rather remain nimble in a rapidly changing that are the big win. respectively, provided by LyricFind. music industry and technological arena that What’s tough is not having female men- That’s not all: R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” continues spawning new and innovative tors. I have amazing male mentors but find- rose 33% in digital song sales and 2% to content-sharing platforms. ing female mentors is extremely hard in this 290,000 streams, and “Losing My Religion” “You know, in 2011, if I had made a five- industry. I’ve tried a few times but they are gained 11% in sales. Page 26 of 34

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While some of the songs below gain for track from Dixie Chicks’ first album since obvious reasons, such as The Minutemen’s Dixie Chicks 2006, due May 1. The track was written “Corona” and Shwayze’s “Corona and Lime,” by the band, which in addition to Maines others increase sparked by viral hand-wash- Score a Sales First includes founding members and sisters ing challenges. Gloria Gaynor jumped on the Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, with trend with the #iwillsurvivechallenge. With Fiery New Jack Antonoff. As the CDC urges people to wash their ‘DANCE’ HIT Meanwhile, Jordan Davis hands for a full 20 seconds, Gaynor sings Single ‘Gaslighter’ earns his third straight career-opening Hot the chorus of her former No. 1 track for 20 Country Songs top 10, as “Slow Dance in a seconds while washing her hands. BY JIM ASKER Parking Lot” steps 11-10. The song lifts 7-6 “My Sharona” also see notable sales and on Country Airplay, up by 6% to 26.6 mil- streaming gains, since “Sharona” rhymes ixie Chicks’ new single “Gas- lion impressions. It also drew 5.3 million with “Corona.” The uptick even translated lighter” grants the trio a chart U.S. streams and sold 2,000 in the tracking to “Weird Al” Yankovic’s parody of the song, first, becoming the act’s first No. week.Davis peaked at No. 4 on Hot Country “My Bologna,” which concurrently sees a 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs with his first two entries: “Singles 16% gain in streams. DSong Sales survey. You Up,” in April 2018, and “Take It From Here’s a look at some other virus-related Released March 4, the song sold 12,000 Me,” in March 2019. The former led Country songs that have gained in sales and stream- downloads in its first full week of tracking Airplay for a week and the latter reached ing over the past week: (March 6-12), according to Nielsen Music/ No. 2. The Knack, “My Sharona” MRC Data, and ascends 2-1 on Country Digi- Up 43% in digital song sales to 1,000 tal Song Sales. Up 18% in total on-demand U.S. streams The group earns its first leader on the list Rolling Stones to 876,000 (dated March 21) among four appearances. “Weird Al” Yankovic, “My Bologna” Taylor Swift’s “Soon You’ll Get Better,” Postpone No Up 16% in total on-demand U.S. streams featuring Dixie Chicks, debuted and peaked to 16,000 at No. 3 last September, marking the band’s Filter Tour Over Gloria Gaynor, “I Will Survive” first top 10. (The chart began in 2010, after Up 22% in digital song sales to 1,000 Dixie Chicks’ run of their biggest hits in Coronavirus Up 3% in on-demand U.S. audio streams 1997-2003.) to 678,000 The single flies 31-20 in its second week Pandemic Joy Division, “Isolation” on sales-, streaming- and airplay- based Up 50% in digital song sales Hot Country Songs chart, also fueled by its BY ANNA CHAN Up 7% in total on-demand U.S. streams to 3.8 million U.S. streams in its first tracking 27,000 frame. he Rolling Stones are putting The Minutemen, “Corona” On Country Airplay, it ranks at No. 51 their tour of North America on Up 70% in digital song sales with 1.4 million audience impressions in hold. Up 26% in total on-demand U.S. streams the March 9-15 tracking week, a decline of The band announced on Tues- to 63,000 55% after it debuted at No. 36 on the March Tday (March 17) that the 15-date No Filter Disturbed, “Down With the Sickness” 14-dated chart. (The fall is typical for songs Tour was postponed due to the global coro- Up 10% in digital song sales to 1,000 following a first week aided by a day’s navirus pandemic. Up 1% in total on-demand U.S. streams to hourly plays on participating iHeartMedia “We’re hugely disappointed to have to 2.6 million radio stations, as “Gaslighter” was.) postpone the tour,” the band said in a state- Bad Religion, “Infected” Dixie Chicks have now posted 28 Hot ment. “We are sorry to all the fans who were Up 4% in total on-demand U.S. streams to Country Songs entries, including six No. 1s looking forward to it as much as we were, 63,000 among 15 top 10s. “Soon You’ll Get Better” but the health and safety of everyone has Shwayze, “Corona and Lime” became the group’s first top 10 since its most to take priority. We will all get through this Up 12% in total on-demand U.S. streams recent No. 1, “Travelin’ Soldier,” in March together — and we’ll see you very soon.” to 117,000 2003. The same month, the group suffered The Rolling Stones had been set to kick fallout following negative comments that off the gigs on May 8 in San Diego, with the lead singer Natalie Maines made about tour ending July 9 in Atlanta. Ticketholders President George W. Bush ahead of the Iraq are advised to hang on to their tickets until War. further information is available. “Gaslighter” is the first offering and title The shows postponed are: Page 27 of 34

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May 8: San Diego, UDCCU Stadium “Thoughts?,” he tweeted. In a matter of nice to feel connected to your community May 12: Vancouver, BC Place minutes, Monday’s (March 16) session filled and at least have a moment when you can May 16: Minneapolis, Minn., U.S. Bank to capacity, with 50 people from all over the hang out with people even if it’s just virtu- Stadium world signing up to be part of it. ally and talk about something other than the May 20: Nashville, Nissan Stadium Health and elected officialsare encour- coronavirus. It’s a nice escape from being May 24: Austin, Circuit of The Americas aging people all over the world to stay home stuck [at] home and worrying. For me, we’ve May 29: Dallas, Cotton Bowl Stadium and avoid social gatherings to help prevent done these kinds of things before, sort of June 6: Buffalo, N.Y., New Era Field the spread of COVID-19 — and Krys tells online classes, and this seems like a good June 19: Detroit, Ford Field Billboard he’s doing just that, and making opportunity to just figure out how we can be June 14: Louisville, Ky., Cardinal Stadium the most of it. The sessions, free of cost, will active and pro-active and function in some June 19: Cleveland, FirstEnergy Stadium eventually “evolve,” he tells Billboard a few sort of way. And I hope this will bring other June 23: Pittsburgh, Penn., Heinz Field hours after ending his first virtual hangout. ideas. It’s just a starting point, I’m just trying June 27: St. Louis, The Dome at Amerian’s “We understand that everyone is going to think of ways to remain connected and Center through financial hardships and if there are make music and be useful somehow. That’s July 1: Charlotte, N.C., Bank of America ideas or things people would like to see, to the biggest thing, I think everyone is kind of Stadium put the idea out there cause right now there thinking, ‘What do I do now?’ I’m lucky in July 5: Tampa, Fla., Raymond James are a lot of professionals who are stuck at a sense to be in the middle of projects that Stadium home that could probably take some of the need to get done. But once those things are July 9: Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium ideas and manifest them. People are willing done, I’ll think, ‘Ok, what now? How am Since the coronavirus pandemic began, nu- to donate their time, so let’s take advantage I useful?’ I’m not a doctor or a nurse or a merous musical acts and events have canceled and educate young musicians and young scientist, so how can I be of service to the or postponed performances. Among them professionals.” community right now? A lot of us are sitting are Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, Alanis Moris- Billboard spoke with Krys — who has at home where we have our studio, instru- sette, Jonas Brothers, and many more. Some worked with Latin powerhouses like ments, internet so let’s figure out ways to musicians are instead live streaming perfor- Enrique Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz and La create. mances from their homes and studios. Santa Cecilia and was last year honored Pretty much all concerts, tours and/ for his commitment to philanthropy at the or festivals have been postponed, which BMI Awards — by phone, discussing making isn’t ideal for artists and the industry. Do Producer music in times of coronavirus and how he you think something positive will come hopes musicians take this opportunity to out from all of this? Sebastian Krys create, consciously. I’m really glad to see artists take the How did the first class go and what top- time and do what they know how to do. I Launches Virtual ics did you touch on? watched the Alejandro Sanz and Juanes I had people from Ecuador, Costa Rica, online concert yesterday, I spoke to Juanes Hangouts to ‘Talk Spain and spent some time talking about this morning and told him how great it was. how everyone seems to be stuck and scared. To see that artists are doing what they know Music or Music Spoke a little bit about the industry, pro- how to do, to have them on your screen and duction techniques and what’s next, what knowing that they’re feeling this moment Business’ During should people do — which I wish I had the as well, it gives you a little bit of comfort. I answers. We had some producers, artists, know how much we look forward to certain Coronavirus engineers and songwriters. I think, especial- concerts and performances. I know how ly for engineers, producers and musicians much Juanes was looking forward to per- Isolation who work day-to-day, it’s really daunting, forming in Bogotá, which had to be post- like how will they make a living? There’s poned, and it’s for the health of everyone. BY GRISELDA FLORES no easy answer right now. The answer is This is truly affecting everyone and every- you can’t. I know a bunch of musicians who body is on the same boat. It’s not just people rammy- and Latin Grammy- were on tour and that got canceled, nobody with less resources or more resources. winning music producer knows how they will weather the storm. No Obviously, people with more resources can Sebastian Krys took to social one knows how long it will take. weather the storm better, but everyone will media this morning to propose What mobilized you to launch this have to step up. I think just now we’re fully Ga Skype hangout to “talk music or music virtual music hangout space? understanding the scope of it. business” now that many people are staying I think that we have time, all of a sudden, As a producer, what would your mes- at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. which is something we usually don’t. It’s sage be for artists now who are staying Page 28 of 34

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home and have some time to create? Sanford Fellowship, and she recorded nu- That’s it. You have to create. I think that’s Doriot Anthony merous works before retiring from the BSO exactly what everyone should do. All of a in 1990. After her retirement, she performed sudden, your music and your creations will Dwyer, Boston as a soloist with orchestras and quartets now have a different purpose. Hopefully around the U.S., and taught extensively. they create something and send music files Symphony In 2012, she was inducted into the Roch- to the next person and see what they do ester Music Hall of Fame. with it. That’s my intent. Just start creat- Orchestra Flutist, In addition to her daughter, Dwyer is sur- ing things and passing them around and see vived by a granddaughter. Funeral arrange- what happens. Not with any ambition other Dies at 98 ments and plans for a tribute concert were than, let’s just pass the time and do some- pending. thing fun, as opposed to binge-watching BY ASSOCIATED PRESS another season of some terrible reality television show. We’re musicians, we’re not longtime Boston Symphony New Heartland really useful outside of music. Orchestra flutist and musical Do you think artists will be able to find trailblazer has died, the orchestra Group Adds other sources of revenue to make up for said Monday. Doriot Anthony canceled shows or appearances in music DwyerA was 98. Management, festivals? Dwyer, the second woman ever to win I don’t know. Even established artists a principal chair in a major U.S. orchestra, Signs Danielle whose economy depends on touring will died Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas, the BSO struggle. We’re going to have to figure this said in a statement. A cause of death was not Bradbery out. I don’t have the answer to that, but I given, but her daughter, Arienne Dwyer, said know that we’re all thinking about it. I know she simply died of old age. BY TOM ROLAND the studio musician and the band member Dwyer was the Boston Symphony’s who makes a cut from the shows they do principal flutist for nearly 40 years, first ne of the Nashville music com- and were counting on festival season and studying with her mother before attending munity’s first branding firms is then all of a sudden, it’s gone. Also, estab- the Eastman School of Music in Roches- expanding into management. lished artists who have big infrastructures. ter, New York. She joined the BSO in 1952, The New Heartland Group is I spoke to an artist the other day and they becoming just the second woman to serve Olaunching One Bullet Entertainment, a digi- told me, ‘I have 20 people who depend on as a principal in a prominent orchestra after tal-first division that handles both manage- me and I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ Helen Kotas, who became principal horn of ment and branding partnerships. The first That’s why I say that it weighs heavily on the Chicago Symphony in 1941. One Bullet branding deal matched Luke everybody. A lot of people will need finan- In the late 1950s, as the Cold War be- Bryan and Lipton, a sponsor of his Proud cial support. I know colleagues in Nashville tween the former Soviet Union and the West to Be Right Here Tour. Danielle Bradbery, who just went through the tornado and are intensified, Dwyer accompanied the Boston who previewed new music during the Big now dealing with this. It’s tough times. But orchestra on a tour of Russia and performed Machine Label Group showcase at Country we’ll figure it out. We don’t have any other the long flute solo in Claude Debussy’s Radio Seminar, is One Bullet’s first manage- choice. “Afternoon of a Faun” during a concert in ment client, Billboard Country Update has Moscow. learned exclusively. “The concertgoers were so excited that “Her voice is just jaw-dropping,” says a roar went up from the crowd and they New Heartland founder/CEO Paul carried her on their shoulders out into the Jankowski. “We’re excited about what she streets,” her daughter told The Associated has in the works and what she can poten- Press in a phone interview Monday. tially do.” Born March 6, 1922, in Streator, Illinois, New Heartland was formed to assist a grand-niece of famed suffragist Susan B. artists and companies in reaching a blue- Anthony, Dwyer was an important force in collar segment of the U.S. population that enlarging the flute repertoire. Leonard Ber- is often overlooked. While the market is nstein was among the prominent composers not strictly bound by geographical lines, its who wrote works for her. core stretches roughly across 26 states from Dwyer also was the first orchestra player North Dakota to Virginia on the northern ever awarded Yale University’s prestigious edge and from Texas to Florida at its south- Page 29 of 34

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ern tip. Venezuela, when Waxploitation Records managed to get accomplished considering The company has worked with brands founder Jeff Antebi stumbled upon his mu- how little music he’s been able to create. that include FedEx, Pizza Hut, Children’s sic online in 2016. Antebi was in the middle Whereas other artists and producers can Miracle Hospital Networks, Mountain Dew of a “deep musical dive” and especially curi- work 24/7, 365 days a year, WOST often goes and the George Jones Museum, connecting ous about the underground electronic music for a week or more with no power, internet them with such acts as Jason Aldean, Dierks scene in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. “I was or phone due to the blackouts.” When Ruiz Bentley and Lady Antebellum. One Bullet is listening to SoundCloud in the background,” turned 18, Waxploitation arranged for him primed to apply some of the same data and he recalls, “and a song just kind of popped to get an expedited passport and temporary strategy from those campaigns to grow art- out with a cool moombahton beat.” travel visa out of Venezuela. He now divides ists and their unique brands through plans Antebi promptly emailed expressing his his time between his home country and Co- that encompass both new platforms and admiration, and WOST, born Kelvin Ruiz, lombia, where “there’s better infrastructure established avenues. responded asking if he would like to buy the and it’s a little safer,” says Antebi. “We now have this massive platform, this track outright for $7, as he was trying to save Currently WOST — who cites Diplo and digital platform called social media, and up $200 to buy his own laptop. “It was pain- his group Major Lazer as inspiration, as well it’s incumbent upon us to be very proac- ful for me to see,” says Antebi, who founded as music from Nigeria and the Netherlands tive in how we support that radio journey Los Angeles-based Waxploitation in 1996 — is looking to expand his creative network; by providing this ancillary support,” says (he also managed Danger Mouse from 2004 he has collaborations with Chicago rapper Jankowski. “That’s what we’re really about to 2010). Antebi did WOST one better: He Rockie Fresh and Dominican Republic free- is making sure that we integrate everything smuggled him a laptop and later that year styler Mozart La Para on the way, as well as we can.” Jankowski has authored two books signed the artist-producer to a recording his debut EP. “To be an artist in Venezuela on heartland marketing and expects to and publishing contract. is very difficult,” says Ruiz. “We don’t have publish another focused on research about Soon after, Waxploitation helped WOST a lot of people trying to do music. So the Generation Z. land synchs on Showtime’s The Chi, HBO’s ones that are — like me — are working hard. “Finding the right manager is as impor- Native Son, video game FIFA 20 and an I want to represent all my Venezuelan and tant as finding the right song,” said Bradbery adidas soccer TV ad. Most recently, Pepsi Latino people around the world. That’s my in a statement. “There was no doubt that contacted Antebi asking if he had anything goal.” Paul and his team were the right fit for me, in his catalog for an upcoming campaign. A version of this article originally appeared especially at this important phase of my WOST had just finished the track “Presi- in the March 14, 2020 issue of Billboard. career. I love how they think strategically dente,” a lively fusion of house music and while really understanding me as an artist. reggaetón with vocals from New York- I’m excited to be One Bullet’s first artist.” based R&B singer Ginette Claudette; now, Five Burning it soundtracks “Play Never Stops,” a global TV spot for Pepsi Max that premiered Feb. Questions: Lil Uzi How This 20. The 60-second commercial stars soccer legends Paul Pogba, Leo Messi, Mohamed Vert Dominates Venezuelan Salah and Raheem Sterling and is airing in over 80 countries worldwide. “I haven’t With ‘Eternal Producer’s seen a Venezuelan artist working on a scale like this,” says WOST, now 19. “It’s a big mo- Atake’ Track Ended Up ment for me and my people.” His growing list of achievements are all BY BILLBOARD STAFF Soundtracking a the more impressive when considering the economic and political upheaval engulfing t long last, Lil Uzi Vert has Global Pepsi Max Venezuela, where hyperinflation, shortages returned — and not just with the of food and medicine and constant power long-awaited new album Eternal Campaign outages have plunged the country into crisis. Atake, but with a deluxe edition, Kidnapping is also rife in Venezuela, while LilA Uzi Vert vs. The World 2, that could stand BY LYNDSEY HAVENS Ruiz lives in the knowledge that he could on its own as a fresh full-length from the be forcibly conscripted into the army at any Philly MC. OST was a 15-year-old point. “He’s surrounded by challenges few On this week’s charts, however, it’s bedroom producer living of us can understand, and he’s adapted to it Eternal Atake that rules everything around with his parents in San with grace,” says Antebi. “One thing that is it: Uzi’s album tops the Billboard 200 W Cristóbal, a city in western impressive about WOST is how much he’s chart with 288,000 equivalent album units, Page 30 of 34

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according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. surrounding Eternal Atake, a huge stream- first listen was mildly disappointed that the And with 400 million on-demand streams ing week seemed to be nothing short of a hooks weren’t in the same stratosphere as during its first week of release, Lil Uzi Vert foregone conclusion. Lil Uzi Vert has built “XO Tour Llif3,” “The Way Life Goes” or has notched the biggest streaming week a rabid fan base that consumes music by “Sauce It Up.” But then a few listens later, I for an album since Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter and large through digital service providers, was utterly hooked by the process of hearing V debuted in 2018. In addition, Uzi guides and given that many of them are spending Uzi hopscotch across futuristic beats, his three new songs into the top 10 of the Hot the vast majority of their time at home right cartoon flow a pleasurable constant.Eternal 100 chart: “Baby Pluto” debuts at No. 6, “Lo now, it’s not shocking that the streaming Atake is an album to sink into, and Uzi’s best Mein” at No. 8 and “Silly Watch” at No. 9. numbers benefitted. That said, no matter project to date. How shocking is this massive debut? And the situation, it’s still always a bit surpris- Josh Glicksman: Absolutely. With Eter- how does Eternal Atake stack up to its even ing when an artist out-streams albums from nal Atake, Uzi accomplishes the increas- newer deluxe edition? Billboard staffers the likes of Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and ingly rare feat of delivering a compelling, debate these questions and more below. Post Malone. captivating 18-song project. He’s bouncing 1. Eternal Atake just scored the biggest Trevor Anderson: 2, because 1 is cliché. seamlessly from rap star to pop streaming week for an album since 2018. On People have been craving an Uzi album for star to everything in between over the a scale of 1-10, how surprised are you that Lil years, and given the underlying label drama hour-plus LP, bolstered by standout produc- Uzi Vert was just able to gain more streams of the past years, this album’s eternal tease tion and a track list that successfully rejuve- for an album in a single week than any other (hey!) and, to top it off, a surprise drop, the nates the listener at key points (“Celebration album in all of 2019? intrigue around hit its crescendo. And in a Station,” “Prices”). And in Uzi’s defense, Carl Lamarre: 3. I think everyone knew moment where Lil Baby, Jhene Aiko and “prolonged wait” might be a bit unfair! Sure, Uzi was on the verge of superstardom after others can hit their career highs as well, we the typical timeline between album releases Luv Is Rage 2 in 2017: besides being a crafty should hardly be surprised that an artist has shortened, but we’ve certainly waited hitmaker, his swagger is stitched together with as much hype and backstory as Uzi longer than two-and-a-half years for other with drip and charisma, which are vital at- dominated the streaming sphere. major projects. tributes to have to in this bloodsport. Plus, 2. Now that you’ve had a little over a week Trevor Anderson: Overall, sure. Atake is he kept everyone on their toes when he fired to sit with Eternal Atake, do you think the probably the most anticipated album since away impressive one-offs like “New Patek” album was worth the prolonged wait from Drake’s Views, which, despite its stellar and “Sanguine Paradise.” The hype for EA Uzi? performance on the charts, didn’t stick the was already there. All he needed to do was Carl Lamarre: Definitely. Not only did landing in our hearts. Luckily, Uzi meets the show up and go big. He did both. Uzi gift-wrap us 30-plus tracks in two moment overall. The 18-song track list could Christine Werthman: 6. I’m medium- weeks, but he made sure EA was essentially use a trim, but it never gets stuck in bland level surprised, though maybe I shouldn’t feature-free. We’re in a time where albums territory, with most of the good songs evenly be. Uzi is a rock star — like, a rock star when are guest-friendly, and here, Uzi ventures sprinkled throughout. The production, rock was still relevant on that level. His solo on this 18-track expedition. And for melody, and even time to many more rapid- album would’ve done well whenever he those who were salivating for those gaudy fire raps all get proper shine, and remind dropped it, but the fact that it’s been nearly collaborations, he carted out another 14 us why Uzi is one of the leaders of the pack three years (!) since Luv Is Rage 2, and he songs on the deluxe alongside Young Thug, with this new generation of hip-hop. dropped this album with no warning, sent Lil Baby, Gunna and more. That’s altruism at 3. Eternal Atake was a true surprise the anticipation, and the streams, sky high. its finest. release, dropping with little warning a little Jason Lipshutz: 5. More high-profile Christine Werthman: I’m into it! It has after 10 AM EST on Friday, March 6. In artists than Uzi have dropped new albums a really nice flow, and I like how it comes in 2020, do you still like out-of-nowhere album over the past 18 months, but few have had hot and then mellows out in the latter half. releases, or just want artists sticking to the such a consistent dominance on streaming The melodies are really strong, and I think Thursday-at-midnight model? services with new music, dating back to his attention to that detail sets him apart, as Carl Lamarre: Only a few artists can how well Luv Is Rage 2 performed in 2017. does his wildly innovative, space-age spirit pull off what Uzi did. You have to have a Uzi is a star, and whenever he returned with and his crisp raps. I don’t know how long dedicated fanbase with a voracious appetite Eternal Atake, it was guaranteed a major a good album takes to cook versus an OK to deliver a surprise release. The reason Uzi debut; “biggest streaming week for an album album, but it seems he used the hiatus well, is melting the competition is because of his since 2018” is a surprising achievement, but and I’m quite delighted with the results. supporters. They will fervently war with given the track record, I’m not floored that Jason Lipshutz: What a way to live up to any fan army at the drop of a hat, if neces- it happened. expectations! As a huge fan of Luv Is Rage 2, sary, to protect their Soundcloud ruler. The Josh Glicksman: 4. Given the massive I was anxiously awaiting the release of Eter- only rappers who can win with this kind of — and long-standing — amount of hype nal Atake like a lot of hip-hop fans, and upon blueprint in today’s climate are probably Page 31 of 34

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Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Uzi, Travis you foresee being Lil Uzi Vert’s next big hit? you gravitating toward so far? Scott and Post Malone. Everyone else should Carl Lamarre: I adore “Baby Pluto” — Carl Lamarre: I prefer EA because it’s probably keep things traditional and con- that intro bangs so hard — and lyrically Uzi doing all the heavy lifting. This isn’t to tinue to drop Thursdays at midnight. he went off on “You Better Move.” But I’m say his features outshine him on the deluxe Christine Werthman: I love a surprise. going to go with “Celebration Station.” It’s edition, but the original storyline remains Keep ‘em coming. But from a practical such a spacey, celebratory bop. Besides fluid without any glitzy appearances by standpoint, working for Billboard magazine being littered with fun IG quotables about some of Atlanta’s favorite rap heroes in 2020 means that I don’t have to bug out staying hater-free, something tells me that (Future, 21 Savage, and Young Thug). Baby over surprise drops while closing an issue he has another dance in the stash for this Pluto, Renji, and Uzi, himself, to me, are a quite as often! dance-happy jam. formidable gang on any given day. Jason Lipshutz: Who doesn’t want more Christine Werthman: Can I pick some- Christine Werthman: The guests are pleasant surprises in this increasingly dour thing from the deluxe edition? ‘Cause I’m exciting on the deluxe, but the songs on world? While it’s enjoyable perusing all the gonna! I’ll go with “Myron,” the first one Eternal Atake sound tighter. But give me new songs and albums issued on New Music from the deluxe. Fun, steal-your-girl song some more time and maybe that’ll shift. Friday, I’m always in favor of a major artist with a nice little bounce to it. Jason Lipshutz: Lil Uzi Vert vs. The mixing it up and pulling a Beyonce — espe- Jason Lipshutz: “That Way” is lower on World 2 is a rich dessert with unexpected cially if it leads to more communal album this week’s Hot 100 chart than some of the flavors, butEternal Atake is still the main listening experiences, like the one we got on brand new tracks from Eternal Atake, but course. Even if they had been released in re- the morning of March 6. the Backstreet Boys-interpolating single verse order, Eternal Atake is more cohesive, Josh Glicksman: Apologies for ducking seems primed for a spring surge up the tally. singular and definitive in Uzi’s canon. the question, but it really depends on the The song most clearly showcases Uzi’s pop Josh Glicksman: Eternal Atake. It’s Uzi’s artist. As a general rule, I think that if an art- sensibility — BSB homage aside, “That Way” crowning achievement to date in every ist relies more on the big single than the full gets lodged in your head thanks to his rap- sense. Even as someone who nearly always project, don’t go for the surprise release. It’s crooning, and I’m expecting it to be, er, that pushes for a shorter track list and runtime, better in those situations to tease a handful way for months. 18 tracks somehow still left me wanting of singles to build hype rather than risk the Josh Glicksman: I’m going to put the more. potential big hits getting lost in the fold with smart money on “Silly Watch,” since the Trevor Anderson: LUV vs. The World the rest of an album. However, Uzi’s Eternal song debuted at No. 9 on the Hot 100 and, 2 – it’s shorter and a bit more streamlined, Atake has more than enough gas in the tank with its choppy lyrics and menacing, thump- and though it may sacrifice some variation to keep listeners coming back well after the ing beat, has the elements of a hype track in terms of production, inviting a roster of initial shock wears off. that could stick around for some time. But guest stars who each hold their own with Trevor Anderson: Insert the “why not my heart is rooting for “Prices,” which en- Uzi makes up that difference. both?” meme. From a marketing perspec- ters the tally at No. 25. Flipping a sample of tive, I get the midnight model – you want to a well-known hit is always a risky undertak- build that anticipation and have everyone ing, but Uzi’s spin on Travis Scott and Kid Why Stormzy, set that reminder on their calendar that 12-1 Cudi’s “Way Back” breathes new life into AM is reserved for my artist! On a charts the trap-influenced, intergalactic-sounding Pussycat Dolls and level, it works too: if you wanna maximize beat. And it’s not the only time he flips a fa- your debut performance, you need that full miliar song, either: “That Way,” which pulls Weezer Love This tracking week, with not a second missed. from the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That But I enjoy that Uzi surprised us all – par- Way,” is also fun as hell. U.K. Design Duo ticularly with the album that could have Trevor Anderson: “Baby Pluto” – it been condemned to wander in the Detox strikes the right balance of sting with its BY CHRIS PAYNE universe. What that team understands is lyrics and delivery, but keeps an enjoyable, that the Internet and social media will be bouncy beat that won’t make the pop radio ess than a decade ago, a self-de- the best marketers. It’s a risky bet that won’t programmers throw off their headphones in scribed “frustrated punk rocker,” pay off with every act, but “losing out” on disgust. Laugh if you want, but airwaves still Chris “Bronski” Jablonski, and a 10 hours of streams to own the Friday cycle play a significant role in crossover success! sidelined professional dancer, Am- and this year’s best streaming mark? I’d take 5. As if one new album wasn’t enough, Lber Rimell, crossed paths for a second time it. Lil Uzi Vert released a “deluxe edition” of while working on Rita Ora’s then-upcoming 4. Eternal Atake also sent multiple songs Eternal Atake, Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2, tour. Bronski — whose band never took off, from the album into the top 10 of the Hot this past Friday, with 14 new tracks and a lot but who had become an expert in audio, 100 chart. Which song from the album do more guest stars. Which new Uzi project are lighting and onstage visuals — and Rimell — Page 32 of 34

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whose knee injury halted her dance career postponed. the song on streaming services, as well as but drove her to become a choreographer — Though Tawbox had never worked with plenty of other cuts within Ashe’s musical decided to pitch their own creative direc- a rock band before, Weezer (fronted by catalogue. Just a few weeks after To All the tion. Rivers Cuomo) enlisted the duo to serve as Boys came out, the San Jose native made her They say Ora was adamant that they ex- creative directors for its biggest-venue tour first foray onto theHot 100 at No. 71. The ecute it, and in November 2012 they formed to date: 2020’s Hella Mega Tour. The highly track’s parent EP, Moral of the Story: Chapter their own creative studio: Tawbox. Addi- anticipated trek has Weezer promoting its 1, also cracked the top 10 on the Alternative tional work with Ora sustained momentum, hair metal-inspired album, Van Weezer, Albums tally (charts dated March 14). but it wasn’t until Stormzy enlisted Tawbox alongside co-headliners Green Day and Fall Below, Ashe recaps her whirlwind month, for a 2017 tour that the two-person team be- Out Boy at stadium gigs across multiple details her working relationship with came a go-to company for performers in the continents. Bronski — who lists Weezer’s producer FINNEAS and looks forward to United Kingdom. “Stormzy’s 2019 Glaston- Green Album and Red Album among his her The Beach Boys-inspired debut album bury [headline] performance was a huge desert island picks — felt especially pas- while walking around West Hollywood on turning point, with people reaching out and sionate about the project. “I’ve seen Weezer a sunshine-filled Friday afternoon in early wanting to work with us,” says Rimell. Now, many times over the years,” he says. “With March. fresh off directing three of nine performanc- this, they’re definitely stepping outside their Let’s start broadly: tell me about your es at the BRIT Awards in February, Tawbox comfort zone.” last few weeks. is eager to grow its presence outside the This article originally appeared in the [Laughs] They’ve been completely insane! United Kingdom. March 14, 2020 issue of Billboard. My head is fully spinning. I’m waiting for Tawbox recently planned the London- Ashton Kutcher to pop up — I just keep born MC’s biggest tour yet: a worldwide thinking that somebody is punking me. The trek — including three dates at London’s O2 How Ashe’s song has been out for over a year, so for it Arena — that kicked off in February and is to be doing what it’s doing now is pretty in support of his 2019 album, Heavy Is the Divorce Therapy psycho. Head (the tour is currently postponed due Have you had time to sit and fully pro- to the coronavirus). His 2019 Glastonbury Song ‘Moral of cess it at all? gig provided a road map: Bronski and Rimell I feel like it came at good timing. Maybe left open space in Stormzy’s set for sociopo- the Story’ if it happened a year ago, I wouldn’t have litical statements, which included a sampled handled it with as much calm or ease. speech from British Labour Party politician Became a Hit It’s still crazy. Of course I’m going to get David Lammy decrying racism in criminal overwhelmed and be like, “what is hap- justice, and a performance from the London BY JOSH GLICKSMAN pening?!” no matter what, but for the most dance company Ballet Black. “It’s a celebra- part, I wake up early, I grab my coffee, and I tion of how far black British music has ight days after the release of the journal. I take long walks, I go for runs. I’m come,” says Bronski. “We always go far and highly anticipated filmTo All the trying to practice a lot of self-care — mental beyond to prove he is the biggest performer Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, Ashe health is super important to me. of our generation in the U.K.” heard one of her songs on the What does the success of the song When the American girl group decided to Eradio for the first time. She documented it, mean to you? make its long-awaited comeback with a pri- too: as the radio DJ introduces her piano- The biggest takeaway right now is that we metime performance on U.K. TV show The led, emotionally raw “Moral of the Story,” a put this song out a year ago, and it did okay, X Factor: Celebrity in November 2019, Taw- mouth agape quickly turns into free-flowing and it was always the highest performing box took the job on a week’s notice. “Some tears, head in hands. song amongst my fan base. But the fact that of [the members] hadn’t seen each other “When I went into the session to write a it didn’t skyrocket more when we put it out, for 10 years, so it was incredible to see how song about my divorce, I didn’t plan on that we were like, “Oh, maybe we got this one hard they rehearsed,” says Bronski. Rimell song being on the radio,” says the 26-year- wrong. I thought we might have really had adds, “One of the most challenging things old singer-songwriter. “You hope good one here, but we’re not always right.” So, was my idea to have the girls dive off the things happen to your music, but we weren’t this happening now, it almost makes it way side of the platform.” (They practiced with going into that session writing to make a better that it took a year. The achievement a cherry picker and crash mats.) Tawbox is hit.” of being on Billboard Hot 100 is like, “Wow, hoping to translate the TV showcase’s hard- The slow burner soundtracks one of the we weren’t wrong!” We trusted our gut and hitting choreo into the Dolls’ first tour in a most pivotal shifts during the sequel to the people are really relating to this really hon- decade: a run of nine U.K./Ireland concerts critically acclaimed 2018 Netflix romcom, est and kind of heartbreaking experience. still scheduled for April, though likely to be which subsequently led to fans flocking to As you mentioned, the song has been Page 33 of 34

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out for more than a year. Has there been helped me do that.” That’s the coolest thing. you know, it was like, “You must really love a moment that has really stood out to you When you’re writing about such an in- me!” [Laughs] since it has gained such popularity? tensely personal topic, is there still a con- What is the biggest lesson you’ve Other than being Billboard Hot 100? certed effort to make it relatable enough learned from FINNEAS? [Laughs] That was pretty insane for me. where people can connect with it? There’s no one I’ve ever met that trusts It’s my first time ever. But the radio play I think that’s more of a subconscious ef- his gut more. He’s got a really cool way of was pretty unreal. I don’t know if you saw fort because you want people to be able to being like, “No matter what anyone else says the reaction video, but I’m just bawling in relate to what you’re saying, but I think if an or what their opinions are, this is the way my car. Just because it’s like, “Whoa.” You artist is really honest with their story and we’re going to do it. This is what sounds know, when I went into the session to write their human experience, it’s going to cross best.” And it’s just the right amount of confi- a song about my divorce, I didn’t plan on over. You usually don’t have to force fit it dence where he’s still humble, and he’s will- that song being on the radio. You hope good into a cookie cutter mold. Usually, if you’re ing to learn and grow. He has such a heart things happen to your music, but we weren’t just really true to your own story, that hap- of learning, but he’s still like, “No, this is going into that session writing to make a pens naturally because we’re just all human my gut and I’m going to trust it.” And that’s hit. We were just like, “Let’s make a song for beings trying to figure out how to be here on what makes him the genius that he is. therapy.” earth. For instance, with “Moral of the Story,” How long did that songwriting session I’m just living my life and reporting it and both of those EPs, people were a little take? back — I was worried at first when we bit like, “You’re going to write a divorce I had a session planned around Valen- brought up the lawyer line because I was album? You sure?” I’m like, “Yeah! That’s ex- tine’s Day in 2017 in West Hollywood with like, “Is that way too aggressive? High actly what I’m going to do.” That’s definitely Noah Conrad and Casey Smith — who are school kids are going to be listening to this.” a lesson he’s helped me learn: just trust that both phenomenal writers — and I just flung But everyone who hears the song is like, you need to say what you need to say and go open the door and was like, “I just filed for “That’s my favorite line! You have to leave it with it. divorce!” And they’re like, “We’re going to in there.” So, I think it’s important just to tell Tell me about the process that led to write a good song today.” We finished the your story like it is. “Moral of the Story” in To All the Boys: P.S. song in less than three hours. I just de- FINNEAS co-wrote and co-produced I Still Love You. scribed the situation, and Casey was writing the track, as well as the entire parent EP. “Moral of the Story” came out on Val- down what I was saying. It just kind of fell Tell me about how you first met and what entine’s Day 2018, and we got the call in out really quickly. A lot of good songs tend your working relationship is like. May. They alluded to the lead actress [Lana to do that. FINNEAS, Billie Eilish and I all have Condor] possibly lip-synching the lyrics, but You’ve talked before how Carole King’s the same management company [Best they didn’t really tell us how big of a part it Tapestry made you feel like, “Wow, she Friends]. Three years ago, they threw me was going to be in the film. So, you can imag- gets me,” and how you want to create and FINNEAS into a songwriting session to- ine my surprise when I got to the end of the that environment with your own music. gether. And that day we wrote a song called movie, and it’s like three-quarters of the Why was it important to capture that “Wrong Side of Myself,” which came out song. It’s the longest synch in the entire film. feeling with “Moral of the Story,” espe- on my first EPThe Rabbit Hole, and he was When did you watch it for the first cially for listeners that may not be able a really big part of that. We were just like, time? to put their own similar situations into “We’re going to be best friends forever!” We I watched it the morning that the movie words yet? kept in really close contact. He really helped came out. My manager sent the whole clip The first time I heardTapestry ten years me through the whole divorce process, and to me in a text, and I was like, “Bro, back ago, it just felt like she was the only one in he’s four years younger than me — he’s wise off. I’m not going to watch this outside of the world who got me for a second. And beyond his years. the context of the movie.” He totally got in then, re-listening to her album post-filing So, how did he end up helping with trouble. for my divorce — and she was post-divorce “Moral of the Story?” You dropped two EPs last year. Are [when she recorded it] — all those songs hit We met up for coffee in Highland Park [in there any plans for an album? me in a totally new, different way. I felt like Los Angeles], and after, I took him to my car, We’re working on my debut album right she was speaking for me when I couldn’t, and I played him the rough demo of “Moral now, so that’s really exciting. I don’t have a and I felt a little less alone in the world, of the Story” from the day we wrote it. He slated date yet, but I can tell you it’s coming which is the beauty of music. immediately had ideas for the song. At the and I’m really proud of it. It’s going to be That’s what I would hope for people time, he wasn’t a Grammy-award winning amazing, I think. It’s got that vintage, Laurel listening [to “Moral of the Story]. It seems producer yet, but he still had one of the big- Canyon songwriter vibe that I’ve always like the effect of this song has been, “I didn’t gest albums — Billie [Eilish] had long been had, but the primary influence is The Beach know how to say how I was feeling, but you super famous. So, for me to snag this guy, Boys’ Pet Sounds, which is my favorite al- Page 34 of 34

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bum of all-time. I’m no Brian Wilson by any (1972) means, but FINNEAS is the closest person I Only artist to win the CMA Award know to being like him. for entertainer of the year seven times: A version of this article appeared in the Garth Brooks March 14, 2020 issue of Billboard. Only artist to win the ACM Award for album of the year five times: Miranda Lambert (who did it with five consecutive Hey, Frustrated studio albums!) Only composer to win three Oscars in Sports Fans: Here one night: Marvin Hamlisch (1974) Most Oscar nominations by a compos- Are the 20 Best er: John Williams (52—47 for scoring, five for songwriting) Awards Show First African-American songwriter to win an Oscar for best original song: Isaac Stats Hayes for “Theme from Shaft” (1971) First person to receive Oscar nomina- BY PAUL GREIN tions for acting and songwriting in the same year: Mary J. Blige for Mudbound ports fans love obsessing over re- (2018) cords. From an early age, they col- Artist with the most Grammys: the late lect baseball cards and pore over Hungarian-born conductor Georg Solti (31) the sports pages memorizing even Only artists to win back-to-back Gram- Sthe most arcane records. Now, suddenly, mys for record of the year: Roberta Flack their world has gone dark. (1972-73) and U2 (2001-02) I don’t know if awards shows will start First rock artist to win the Grammy for back up again before sporting events do, but album of the year: The Beatles (1968) while we all wait for our respective worlds First country artist to win the Grammy to get back to normal, here are 20 of the for album of the year: Glen Campbell most prized records at awards shows. These (1969) are the equivalent, for music obsessives, of First hip-hop artist to win the Grammy such fabled sports records as Cy Young’s for album of the year: Lauryn Hill (1999) 749 complete games and Wayne Gretzky’s Only artist to win the Grammy for re- 92 goals in a season. cord of the year three times: Paul Simon Only artists to win eight Grammys in (twice with Art Garfunkel, once on his one night: Michael Jackson (1984) and own) Santana (2000) Youngest person to achieve EGOT Only music video to win nine MTV status: Robert Lopez (who clinched it one Video Music Awards: Peter Gabriel’s week after turning 39 in 2014) “Sledgehammer” (1987) Only artist to win the Grammy for album of the year with three consecutive studio albums: Stevie Wonder (1974-75 and 1977) Only artist to sweep the “Big Three” Grammys (album, record and song of the year) twice: Adele (2012 and 2017) Youngest Grammy winner for album of the year: Billie Eilish (18 in 2020) Youngest Grammy winner for best new artist: LeAnn Rimes (14 in 1997) First woman to win the CMA Award for entertainer of the year: Loretta Lynn