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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE APRIL 14, 2020 Page 1 of 17

INSIDE Fans Are Ready for Once

• iHeartMedia Pandemic Ends, Though Timing and a Signals Furloughs, Cost Savings Amid Vaccine Are Top of Mind: Survey Coronavirus Crisis

• Pandemic BY GLENN PEOPLES Complicates Nashville’s Already With nearly all U.S. states under shelter-at-home going to work, attending school, opening retail stores, Fragile Studio orders and venues sitting empty, music fans all with social distancing guidelines. But large gather- Business: ‘We’re show little hesitation to experiencing live music again. ings such as music concerts and sports events might Dealing In This Unknown’ A survey by MRC Data found 59% of respondents not be allowed. are willing to attend a live event again within two In contrast to a youthful, “you only live once” at- • Paradigm Extends months after the pandemic ends or a vaccine or treat- titude, younger consumers were more likely than the Deadline for ment becomes available. general population to indicate they will attend a Temporarily Laid Among the survey’s findings: live event — 7% of teens and 3% of millennials. Off Employee Fund Applications • 29% of respondents would attend a live event less But teens are also the most eager to attend live than one month after the pandemic passes or a vac- events, with 53% saying they would attend a live event • Neumos in Seattle, cine or treatment is available. within a month compared to 25% of millennials and in a Pandemic: ‘We’re • 21% of people would return to live events after 29% of the general population. And 38% of teens are So Forgotten, It Is Fascinating’ or more months. willing to attend an event with 500 or more people. In • 2% of respondents would never again attend a live contrast, 49% of millennials prefer crowds under 100 • Liberty Media event. people. CEO’s 2019 Pay Soars A vaccine “that can be used in a mass vaccination MRC Data — formerly known as Nielsen Music 118% to campaign” would take 12- to develop but an until acquired by Billboard’s parent company, Valence $44 Million experimental vaccine safe for limited trials could be Media — surveyed 945 people aged 13 and over who ready within months, Marian Wentworth, presi- had attended a live event in the previous 12 months. dent and CEO of Management Sciences for Health, MRC Data carried out the survey from March 25 recently told . People could return to a through March 29. level of normalcy before a vaccine is widely available: (continued)

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At , 65% of respondents had available, an infected concertgoer would self-isolated to their homes and surround- still need medical treatment, a problematic iHeartMedia ing areas and 70% had maintained distance outcome given many people will be unem- from others. ployed, uninsured or both. And short of Signals Furloughs, MRC Data’s inquiry can be approached requiring proof of vaccination for admission from a different angle: how many people to a venue, a would have no way of Cost Savings would attend a live event before a vaccine knowing which concertgoers pose a is available. A new survey by Seton Hall to others. Amid Coronavirus University found 72% of Americans said The U.S. could look at China as a model they would not attend games without a vac- for “the new normal,” Bill Gates said in an Crisis cination. Only 13% of respondents said they April 7 interview with PBS Newshour. would feel safe attending a game as they did “They are sending people back to work, but BY ETAN VLESSING before the pandemic. they’re wearing masks. They’re checking An 18-month timeline isn’t unthinkable. temperatures. They’re not doing large sport- adio and audio giant iHeartMedia Zeke Emanuel, vice provost for global ing events. And so they have been able to has begun to cut senior manage- initiatives and director of the Healthcare avoid a large rebound.” ment pay and furloughed “non- Transformation Institute at the University But the thrust of the survey’s findings re- essential” staff as it eyes around of Pennsylvania, told The New York Times main: nearly all people — to the tune of 98% R$250 million in cost savings this year amid Magazine that large-scale gatherings such — are willing to their homes when this the coronavirus pandemic. as concerts and sporting events would not is over and trade their computer speakers The news comes as entertainment compa- return until “fall 2021 at the earliest.” for a booming P.A. system. nies have been looking to preserve cash Of course, nobody can when a pan- Read the full report. and reduce expenses, in some cases also via demic ends. Social distancing practices layoffs, to manage the uncertain fallout from could remain well after shelter-in-place the virus crisis. orders are lifted. Experts believe a second “We moved quickly to respond to the wave of infections is likely to happen when economic downturn resulting from the social distancing restrictions are eventually COVID-19 pandemic in order to mitigate lifted. What’s more, some experts believe some of the business impact and to better the U.S. will have rolling shelter-in-place position ourselves to take advantage of an rules for the next 18 months. eventual recovery when normalized demand And concerts could quicken additional returns,” said Bob Pittman, iHeart’s chair- outbreaks: just because a vaccine is available man and CEO, in a statement. doesn’t mean all concert attendees would John Malone’s Liberty Media, via audio be vaccinated. Even if a treatment were entertainment giant SiriusXM, owns a 4.8

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IN BRIEF

percent stake in iHeartMedia. The measures Pandemic had tested positive for COVID-19 after at- taken include reducing compensation for tending a 15-minute meeting at Black River’s “senior management and other employees,” Complicates nonstudio wing. In short order, the company furloughing other staff considered “non- canned a program that allowed tourists to essential,” suspending new hiring, travel Nashville’s view live recording dates, and Black River and entertainment expenses and cutting sessions went dormant on March 17. discretionary expenses. Already Fragile Ocean Way — which has counted Garth iHeartMedia on March 26 first withdrew Brooks, and 5 Seconds of its 2020 financial guidance and said it had Studio Business: among its clients — held one final shored up its liquidity by $350 million by session on March 16, keeping the place tapping into a revolving credit facility to ‘We’re Dealing In open to accommodate a two-and-a-half- boost its financial flexibility. “iHeartMedia hour commercial session for ad executives believes that the major actions announced This Unknown’ who flew in from out of town. Bassist Mike today - in combination with the company’s Brignardello and keyboardist Steve Nathan highly resilient structure — will BY TOM ROLAND brought in sanitizer to safeguard their work substantially expand the company’s finan- areas, director of operations Pat McMakin cial flexibility, provide sufficient liquidity f you’re looking for peace and quiet, recalls. to operate effectively even in an extended the best place to find it The closure has been brutal. Built in a period of economic weakness, and position might be at a Nashville recording converted church, Ocean Way’s Studio A is the company for a solid growth trajectory studio. a former sanctuary, ideal for orchestras, and when advertising demand returns to normal IThere are no pounding kick drums, no April and May are key months for recording levels,” the radio giant added. screeching solos and no singers belt- the to video games that will be An advertising recession has cut national, ing out the high notes. The mics are turned released in the fall. The studio lost weeks local and network revenues, iHeartMedia off, the rooms are empty, and is of business, and McMakin doesn’t believe reported, while political advertising revenue in hibernation, waiting for the COVID-19 those video-game sessions can be replaced. in 2020 is “expected to remain consistent pandemic to pass over. That said, the safety of musicians is a with prior election years,” and increase in Some of the city’s largest studios closed higher priority than revenue, and an orches- the second half of the year. their doors even before Nashville shut down tral session is ripe for the spread of germs. The company is also looking to offset nonessential businesses with a safer-at- Maintaining safe conditions had already reduced traditional radio station revenues home order that took effect March 23. And grown difficult before the closure. with podcasting and digital revenues. most are likely to remain quiet until June at “We had one person whose full-time job This article originally published by the earliest, though the lack of a concrete was cleaning any surface that somebody . national plan has left owners and studio would touch on their break,” says McMakin. managers in an uncomfortable limbo. “You might have 50 people in the room at “The worst part is not knowing,” says the same time, and they all take a break. A Blackbird Studio owner John McBride, coffee maker, a coffeepot, every door where whose facility has hosted sessions for the there’s a push panel, every restroom — we likes of , and just had people kind of constantly sanitizing . “, it’s not in any of our to do our best to keep the environment as control, and that’s frustrating, you know. clean as we could.” Normally, you feel like you have of The closures quite possibly saved a few control over what’s in your life.” lives. The coronavirus has Blackbird locked its doors on March 12 or claimed and , and 13 as the virus’ impact began to take over the artists such as Kalie Shorr, Asleep at the public consciousness across the globe. Over- Wheel’s Ray Benson and former Lost Trail- seas clients, nervous about contracting the ers vocalist Stokes Nielson have contracted novel coronavirus on airplane flights or in it too. hotel rooms, had begun canceling sessions. After initial reports that the coronavi- At the Black River studios — which have rus was likely to fall quickly to surfaces, held sessions for , George researchers are suggesting it can also be Strait and Dan + Shay – numerous players transmitted through breathing or speaking. called nervously the morning after Music The threat is compounded in studios by the Row discovered that a prominent manager deep breaths associated with singing. That Page 6 of 17

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makes microphones — particularly ones The Black River studios have only two with foam windscreens — a real danger to full-time employees, and though Autry is Paradigm Extends the creative community, especially for sing- attempting to find extra work for some of ers who prefer to close to the mic. the freelance engineers he uses, plenty of Deadline for “Those things are nasty,” says Black River artists have put a overdubs or mix- studios general manager Nick Autry, adding ing sessions since their own incomes are up Temporarily Laid that in current conditions, metal wind- in the air. screens are preferable: “We have several of By the time studios unlock their doors, Off Employee those, and they’re easy. You can just take a the recording business could be bustling, Clorox cloth or a Lysol wipe and you can since postponed sessions from April, May Fund Applications wipe them down when you’re done, and and possibly June will have to be sand- they don’t hold the moisture or whatever wiched into the regular run of bookings. BY BROOKS comes out of people’s mouth.” Ocean Way, owned by Belmont University, The shutdown came at an already uneasy expects some additional bills when it re- aradigm extended a deadline on time for studios. With the spread of cheaper opens; the increased traffic will come with Monday (April 13) that will allow technology, most producers, artists and heightened expectations of cleanliness. temporarily laid off employees musicians have the ability to record at home, “We’re dealing in this unknown as far more time to opt in to a relief particularly for vocal work or overdub ses- as when to reopen, and then when we do Pfund the agency created to support its more sions that only require one or two players. reopen, when is it safe to have 50 people in than 200 employees laid off on March 20. In recent months, two studios that had the room?” asks McMakin rhetorically. “So This follows growing concerns that accept- long held a spot on Music Row closed: the I’m looking at air-duct cleaning, I’m looking ing money from the program could make Warner Bros. studio (where Antebel- at UV sanitizing [devices], I’m looking at any affected employees ineligible for unemploy- lum cut “Need You Now”) and The Track- option I can find to sort of sterilize the room ment benefits. ing Room (, ). The other on a regular basis to give people a sense of Two weeks after implementing temporary large Nashville recording sites, such as RCA comfort when they do return. Because I layoffs and pay cuts in a company-wide call, Studio A and Starstruck, are likely to pick up think when we start returning, all of us are agency chairman and CEO Sam Gores an- extra bookings because of it, but losing those going to be a little freaked out.” nounced last week that he was setting up a two created additional concern about the For now, the studios are unusually peace- $1.1 million relief fund for those affected. future of the studio business, which is key to ful, but it’s a quiet engulfed by the uncer- The deadline for laid off employees to Nashville’s growth as a music capital. tainty of the COVID-19 era. How does the decide whether or not to accept the money “I’m not nervous about large studios expensive studio business, already under was originally Monday, but fearing that tak- going away,” says Autry of the shuttering siege from cheap technology, navigate the ing the approximately $4,400 set aside for of the Warner Bros. studio and The Track- temporary sound of silence? each employee might make them ineligible ing Room. “I think we’re finally finding the “Do you look at a three-month window or for unemployment benefits, employees balance of home studio versus commercial do you look at a six-month window?” says asked for an extension and were granted one studio. But it’s hard for me to even talk McBride. “Those are two different things.” . about it, to be honest with you. It makes me This article first appeared in the weekly Paradigm employees now have until April emotional because I’ve made friends with Billboard Country Update newsletter. Click 28 to accept the funds and determine if ac- these people for a dozen years and then they here to subscribe for free. cepting the money will impact their ability don’t have a job anymore. And I’m not going to receive benefits. to have The Tracking Room to run down “This is a real tragedy for assistants and and get a cable, or help him if he needs entry-level employees who are running something. For years, I’ve been trading here out of money and are panicking,” said one with these people.” former employee. Paradigm did not offer The economic toll of the coronavirus- severance pay when it enacted the layoffs induced shutdown is large. McBride was and initially only provided health insurance filling out applications for the federal gov- through the end of April before extending ernment’s small-business bailout program coverage through June. when he talked to Billboard, hoping to A Paradigm spokesperson issued the keep all the employees for Blackbird and following statement to Billboard: “Based its adjunct educational program, Blackbird on feedback from our temporarily laid off Academy, on a payroll that exceeds $1.5 mil- employees who have been unable to quickly lion annually. confirm their eligibility to receive Employee Page 7 of 17

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Relief Funds with their local unemployment whole thing falls apart. So bands are staying office, Paradigm has made the decision at Neumos in home. the request of its employees to delay dis- I haven’t even looked at my businesses bursement of payments from its $1.1 million Seattle, in a to have an idea of what I should be doing fund until May 1, 2020. This delay should to help [the venues] get T-shirts made and give any temporarily laid off employee the Pandemic: ‘We’re sold. I haven’t even had a chance to do any opportunity to make the decision that is of that, because it has been so focused on right for them. So Forgotten, It Is the advocacy part of it. Now that there is “Paradigm has and will continue to this pot of money [the federal government’s consult with outside legal and accounting Fascinating’ CARE Act stimulus package], we need that. counsel on this matter. Unfortunately, it was There is that we need that or we told there is no precedent for what employ- BY TAYLOR MIMS don’t survive. ers are currently experiencing with respect What kind of advocacy are you work- to this pandemic and thus, there no guar- s owner of Seattle’s popular ing on? antees. Each state has different rules and in independent venue Neumos in A week ago we launched an organiza- some states, the rules vary by each indi- Capitol Hill, Steven Severin has tion called Washington Nightlife and Music vidual’s situation. Paradigm’s HR team will been a staple in the Seattle music Association. It is a collective of 25 or 30 continue to be available to assist employees, industryA for more than 20 years. Roughly venues, mostly independent, in Washington. as they can.” 10 years ago, he helped create the Seattle We have gotten together and we have been Because employees are temporarily laid Nightlife and Music Association to bring lobbying our government, mostly federal. off and still technically employed, several together the area’s live event insiders, and What we are asking our senators and our have been advised that the relief fund mon- for the past 16 years has run Neumos with U.S. representatives is that if we are going ey could be seen as income and violate state its sister club Barboza and the accompany- to come back as a live music industry in unemployment law. When employees asked ing bar. Washington, we are going to need cash as- Paradigm for clarity on how their state As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover sistance and grants, not loans. People can’t would view the payments, they were sent a the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts take loans. The PPP [Paycheck Protection list of phone numbers and websites and told on the music industry, we will be speaking Program] was set up as a one-size-fits-all to contact their state’s unemployment office with Severin each week to chronicle his and it doesn’t fit a lot of people. It doesn’t for more information. experience throughout the crisis. fit the venues that I know. We have no idea “Giving employees a list of phone num- Washington was the first state seri- when we are going to open again and we bers to call is not enough,” says San Fran- ously hit by the coronavirus and first to have no idea what it is going to be like when cisco attorney Michael Seville with the mandate social distancing — what has it we open again. Neumos is a 650-capacity law firm Seville Briggs, which specializes in been like as a venue owner since those or- room, are they going to say on July 1 that employment and criminal law. “Employers ders went into effect on March 11? 650 people can come back? No. They are go- have resources their employees don’t and the first to get closed and we are ing to parse it out. They will slowly, slowly they need to make the process as easy as going to be the last to reopen. That’s how it roll it out. possible.” is. We shut down before we got mandated Is your advocacy on the federal level to shut down because they said we could only or locally as well? only have 250 people in the room and we A few days ago we focusing locally weren’t going to sit there and make people because we were watching a King County stand six feet away from each other. There is Council meeting — which are very bor- an at a show and if I am ing, it’s like watching paint dry — but there worrying about standing six feet away from is some arts money that is in there that I somebody, that’s not it. think is coming budgeted from the tourism What measures have you taken since industry and maybe hotels. I know that shutdown to help your business? tourism industry is going to take a huge hit The way venues our size are set up, we because music venues and bars and stuff are book six, nine months, even a year out and a lot of the reason why people come to Se- all these tours are going away. Most festivals attle. We are a music and arts city. They have are gone for 2020 and so many bands are a pocket of money that they are considering looking at 2021. If you’ve got to route a going to music venues. 30-to-45-date tour, you’re not going to take We have been lobbying our county coun- a chance to have just seven dates before the cilors to make sure that they understand Page 8 of 17

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why for-profit companies like live music and that is just beer. If we go away, if music ing of analysts. venues need this money or 90% of us won’t venues go away across the country, it is go- This article was originally published by be there when this is all said and done. The ing to have a massive ripple effect. We are The Hollywood Reporter. ones that are going to make it are corporate already seeing it. Everybody is touched by owned or non-profits. The rest of us, there is this disaster. no way. It is not feasible even with deferred Spotlight: How loans. You have to pay that later and we are already on razor thin margins as it is. Liberty Media Craft Recordings’ Are the venue owners doing the lob- bying yourselves or has the association CEO’s 2019 Pay Michele Smith hired someone with experience? Everyone is doing the lobbying on their Soars 118% to Protects & own. As a group we have a Slack channel and we are sharing all our information with $44 Million Preserves Artist each other. It is the most open I have ever seen music venues be with each other. We BY GEORG SZALAI Legacies are sharing everything. I am part of a na- tional coalition called Independent Venues ohn Malone’s Liberty Media, which BY GAIL MITCHELL Week, which is 100 or some odd venue own- owns audio entertainment giant ers and folks across the country. SiriusXM, the Atlanta Braves baseball ery few people can say they’ve I have talked with a few friends of mine team and the Formula One racing sat with legendary who are lobbyists and they haven given me a Jcircuit, disclosed that president and CEO founder Jim Stewart at his lot of great free information that has helped. Gregory Maffei’s 2019 compensation kitchen table. Let alone listened But there is some talk of making that more amounted to $44 million, compared with toV the 89-year-old recount stories about of a real thing and bringing them on paid. $20.2 million in 2018. the venerable Memphis label and its iconic The same thing is happening nationally. In That was an increase of 118 percent. roster of creatives and executives, includ- the last stimulus bill, the John F. Kennedy He made $19.8 million in 2017 and $16.9 ing Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, The Staple Center [for Performing Arts in Washington, million in 2016. Singers, William Bell, David D.C.] got $25 million direct for the arts. In His compensation for last year jumped Porter (Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man”), long- the wording, they were allowed to use that thanks to a new employment contract that time director of publicity/former Soulsville money for deep cleaning. I have laid off all boosted his option awards from $8.8 million Foundation CEO Deanie Parker and the la- of my employees, every single one. I just laid to $27.8 million. “In December 2019, we bel’s former co-owner Al Bell. But Michele off the last two last night. I wanted to keep entered into the 2019 Maffei Employment Smith can — and on multiple occasions. them on because they need it and they are so Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Maffei “Every time I go to Memphis, I’m blessed important to my business that we were just has agreed to serve as our chief executive to sit with Mr. Stewart and his daughter Lori reaching into our pockets and paying. But officer and president for a five-year period for several hours and ask questions,” Smith the Kennedy Center can get their carpets ... ending December 31, 2024,” the company says. “And when you get him and Ms. Parker cleaned. That fucking pisses me off. It’s be- said in a regulatory filing. together... They talk about people like Bettye cause we don’t have lobbyists. We don’t have Maffei also got a $2.2 million bonus in Crutcher. She was a single mom of two sons people in there that are playing that game. 2019 after not getting one in at least the two and one of the few black female How do you emphasize the importance previous years. in the ‘60s. So imagine writing a song like of independent music venues when so Liberty Media in the filing also disclosed ’s ‘Who’s Making Love,’ a many businesses are seeking aid? the annual pay for chairman Malone. He taboo subject . That’s why it’s such We’re so forgotten, it is fascinating. We made $1.4 million, up 27 percent from $1.1 a to hear the stories between the employ so many people and the ripple effect million in 2018. He had made $797,082 in lines of history.” is massive. At Neumos, we sell the most 2017 and $747,156 in 2016. Smith’s front-row seat has come over 13 Pabst Ribbon in the entire state and we Maffei late last year warned that Hol- years at Concord, currently vp estate and have for about the last 10 years. It is absurd. lywood’s escalating and costly streaming legacy brand management for the com- The effect that I think of is the farmer that wars would eventually undermine the pay pany’s Craft Recordings catalog division is making the hops isn’t going to be able to TV industry. “OTT will drain linear TV — including the estates of Billie Holiday sell as much hops as they did at one point first, but OTT players will drain each other and Tammy Wynette — and Stax Records. because of all the cases that we sell a year. in a circular squad, in our judgment,” Among other projects that Smith is working Then there is every step in between that he told his company’s investor day gather- on is The Stax Musical. She works alongside Page 9 of 17

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Grammy-nominated producer and Craft ent voices and eyes to tell these stories from myself as a person. I love how I get to use senior vp A&R Mason Williams, with both other angles.” my frontline marketing/project manage- reporting to Craft president Sig Sigworth. Billie, an in-depth documentary about ment experience, skills and expertise in “What we consider history are these art- iconic vocalist Billie Holiday, was this role while stepping outside of what’s ists’ lives,” Smith notes of her post, which originally slated for a June 12 theatrical considered traditional marketing. It allows Concord created 18 months ago. “And that’s release. Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, me to discover new business avenues or what I love about my job: the preservation Billie will now be released in theaters na- opportunities that a traditional marketing and protection of legacies. But it’s also about tionwide later this year. Directed by James person may not have access to. I get to work finding creative ways to expose this music to Erskine, the project features never-before- on dynamic digital and physical catalog younger generations while keeping original heard interviews with Tony Bennett and campaigns; work with teams to develop fans intrigued.” Count Basie, among others, and premiered online and social media content to continu- Smith’s game plan keeps time with the last fall at the Telluride Film Festival. Smith ously engage or reach new fans; seek licens- company’s slogan: “Crafting the future says Craft is also pursuing various theatrical, ing and merchandise opportunities to find from the past.” The most current campaign film, television and licensing opportunities new ways to expose our legacies and work is a tribute to Stax imprint Gospel Truth for both the Holiday and Wynette estates. on theatrical musical, TV and film projects Records. Launched March 13 and running The daughter of West Indian parents, based on the amazing artists I oversee. through Aug. 28, the weekly marks Smith arrived at her post by way of a Virgin What’s tough is that we’re still having the first-ever digital release of 25 Records internship in Los Angeles while the same conversations about racial and from the venerable label’s catalog. These in- completing her college degree in com- gender inequality, injustice and the lack of clude projects by , munications and marketing. After her first tolerance in today’s society. Billie Holiday, Maceo Woods and the Christian Tabernacle formal gig working in rock A&R at Charisma Tammy Wynette and the artists at Stax Choir, Louise McCord and Rev. Jesse Jack- Records, Smith segued into marketing at Records lived through and dealt with situa- son’s People’s Choir of Operation PUSH. Perspective Records then back to Virgin. tions that treated them as less than. I know Then on Sept. 4, in celebration of Gospel During a six-year stint there, she advanced that they’d hoped that what they faced Heritage Month, Craft will release a Gospel from associate director of marketing to would have ended during their lifetimes Truth compilation available in vinyl, CD and senior director in that department. Subse- and that future generations wouldn’t have digital versions. quent posts at MCA as director of video and to deal with the same issues. But in 2020, so The Staples Singers’ Come Go With Me: broadcast promotion and Hidden Beach much has changed while nothing has really The Stax Collection preceded the Gospel Records as director of marketing culminated changed. Truth tribute in February. The seven-LP in her joining Concord Records in 2007 as a It’s good to have mentors or grounded box set spans the group’s six studio releases project manager for frontline releases. Also people in your life who believe in your tal- issued between 1968-1974 and encompasses serving as brand manager for Stax, Smith ent, skills and . But they’re also will- hits such as “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect was promoted to senior director of project ing to be truly honest with you and sharpen Yourself” and “If You’re Ready (Come Go management several years later. you to be a better executive. My mentors With Me).” The package’s seventh Smith is currently in the midst of review- come from various facets of life. I’m grateful features the Staples’ memorable perfor- ing new designs for merchandise sold for the time, energy, truth and trust that mance at the 1972 festival. Last through Craft’s online store, while serving they have poured into me. November, in partnership with Memphis as Concord’s representative on the Souls- My big break occurred when I moved Tourism and Memphis Record Pressing, ville Foundation board that oversees opera- from my home in Edmonton, Alberta, Craft kicked off another deep dive —The tion of the Stax Museum of American Soul Canada to intern for Virgin Records. I ar- Memphis Masters. The multi-part YouTube Music, The Stax Music Academy and The rived five days before the Los Angeles riots video series celebrated various albums in Soulsville Charter School. and I never looked back. I worked about the Stax catalog complemented by inter- “I’ve learned a lot in the past 18 months,” 50 hours a week in two departments (A&R views with label legends like Booker T. says Smith. “But it’s also fun because this and publicity). After 30 days of interning, Jones and Steve Cropper as well as con- isn’t just a traditional record company job. I was offered two positions (one in each temporary Stax fans including ’s It’s looking at the big picture over time; department). I couldn’t accept either one as Robert Trujillo, and Walshy seeing the vision when others perhaps don’t. I was on a student visa. But after finishing Fire. And it’s not only about selling music. It’s -month internship and earning my “We’re in a digital world where the about preservation and respect for the art- university degree, I got my first job working consumption of content is so voracious that ists that are under our care.” in rock A&R at Charisma Records in L.A. you’re continually feeding the beast,” Smith SPOTLIGHT: That’s why I like speaking to our interns at says. “So in addition to seeking new ways to I am learning something new every day. Concord because you never know where an create content, we’re also looking for differ- Whether it’s in regard to my job or about internship can lead you. Page 10 of 17

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I knew I was committed to music when December and January when “All I Want as a student at Simon Fraser University, I’d for Christmas Is You” topped the chart, Charts drive four hours round trip from Vancouver, 25 years after its original release. The song British Columbia to Seattle to buy cassettes. became her 19th No. 1, the most among all Eight Songs From At that time, it took a while to get new mu- soloists. sic in Canada, especially R&B/. ranks second among all acts with ‘Pray 4 Love’ I didn’t know anything about the 60 total weeks atop the Hot 100, via 14 No. artists that I was choosing so I would ask 1s, while The Beatles place third with 59 Album on Hot 100 the cashier behind the counter if he could first-place frames, thanks to their overall- recommend some new music. Or frequently record 20 No. 1s. BY XANDER ZELLNER I’d pick an album based on the . equals Boyz II Men for the fourth- I knew I wanted a career in the music indus- most weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, as the s Rod Wave celebrates the debut try and to be at the center of where it all vocal group has accrued its total through its of his new sophomore LP Pray happens. I wanted to spearhead digital and five leaders. 4 Love, which opens at No. physical marketing campaigns and projects Here is an updated look at the acts with the (dated April that would impact global markets and ap- the most weeks spent at the Hot 100’s most 18)A with 72,000 equivalent album units, peal to fans nothing about the coveted rank, through the chart dated April according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, the music or artists that they were buying. 18, 2020. rapper-singer also sports nine songs on the Spotlight is a Billboard Business series that Most Weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 songs chart. aims to highlight those in the music business 82, Eight of the nine songs are on Pray 4 Love making innovative or creative moves, or who 60, Rihanna and debut on the Hot 100, while his break- are succeeding in behind-the-scenes or under- 59, The Beatles through single, “ On Ice,” rises to a the-radar roles. For submissions for the series, 50, Boyz II Men new peak at No. 25. The track is on both Rod please contact [email protected]. 50, Drake Wave’s 2019 mixtape PTSD and 2019 debut 47, studio album , which reached 41, Beyoncé No. 10 on the Billboard 200 in November. Drake Is First Solo 37, Here’s a look at all nine of Rod Wave’s 34, songs on the Hot 100: Male With 50 33, Rank, Title 33, Katy Perry No. 25, “Heart On Ice” (up from No. 30) Career Weeks at Drake’s landmark 50th week atop the No. 64, “Fuck the World” Hot 100 is one of numerous honors that he No. 67, “Pray 4 Love” No. 1 on Billboard earns with the coronation of “.” No. 74, “Thief in the Night” As previously reported, the track is his third No. 77, “I Remember” Hot 100 leader to debut at No. 1, making him the first No. 78, “The Greatest” solo male to achieve the feat, and second No. 84, “Ribbon in the Sky” BY GARY TRUST artist overall after Carey. It also bows as his No. 95, “Thug Life” 20th No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, No. 99, “No Weakness” rake becomes the first solo male tying him with and Stevie Prior to this week, Rod Wave charted two artist to have spent a cumula- Wonder for the most in the chart’s history. songs on the Hot 100: “Ice” and the Kevin tive 50 weeks at No. 1 on the Click here for a recap of all of Drake’s lat- Gates collab “Cuban Links,” which reached Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, est chart achievements. No. 92 in December. Das his new single, “Toosie Slide,” launches With nine songs appearing on the Hot 100 atop the list dated April 18. this year, Rod Wave is one of 10 artists with Now with seven career Hot 100 No. 1s, at least that many. leads with 34 Drake pushes further ahead of Usher for the entries so far in 2020. most time on top among solo males, with the latter having banked 47 weeks in the lead. Michael Jackson ranks third in the category with 37 total weeks at No. 1. Mariah Carey leads all acts with 82 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, having added her three latest frames at the pinnacle in Page 11 of 17

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17, James Brown Drake Is Now Tied 16, Janet Jackson Green Day Breaks 15, The Temptations for Most No. 1s 13, Marvin Gaye Record For 13, Michael Jackson Ever on the Hot 13, Usher Longest Span of 11, R&B/Hip-Hop 11, R. Kelly Alternative Songs The Queen of Soul, fittingly, became the Songs Chart first act to reach 20 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop No. 1s With ‘Oh Songs chart-toppers, over a span of 18 years, BY TREVOR ANDERSON four months and , from her maiden Yeah!’ champ, 1967’s “I Never Loved a Man (The rake’s “Toosie Slide” soars in Way I Love You),” through her last, 1985’s BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD with a No. 1 debut on Billboard’s “.” Wonder, who began Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart his journey with 1963’s “Fingertips Pt. 2,” reen Day rewrites the record dated April 18, granting the pro- equaled Franklin’s mark in 1988, thanks to for the longest span of No. 1s Dlific hitmaker his 20th leader on the list and “You Will Know” that March, marking a No. in the three-decade history of a share of a historic mark, as he ties Aretha 1 span of 24 years, seven months and two Billboard’s Alternative Songs Franklin and for the most days. Gairplay chart, as “Oh Yeah!” rises 2-1 on the No. 1s in the chart’s history. Drake’s 20th No. 1 arrives in nearly half April 18-dated tally. “Slide” enters at the summit largely the time of those two icons, as “Slide” reigns The song, Green Day’s 12th No. 1, expands thanks to its 55.5 million U.S. streams regis- 10 years, nine months and 22 days after his the trio’s run of leaders to 25 years, 10 tered in the week ending April 9, according first visit to the penthouse, with “Best I Ever months and one week, dating to its first to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, easily opening Had” on June 27, 2009. The superstar has week on top with the prophetically titled at No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming benefited from the collaborative nature of “Longview,” its first entry on the chart, in Songs chart. The track also debuts at No. 3 hip-hop, with 10 of his 20 No. 1s achieved June 1994. on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales through featured credits; Franklin and Won- Green Day bests Red Hot Chili Peppers, chart with 25,000 downloads sold in the der led the chart only with credited lead or whose span of Alternative Songs No. 1s cov- same period. co-lead roles. ers 24 years, nine months and two weeks, Radio reception is also off to an impres- In addition to its No. 1 status on Hot R&B/ from October 1991 through August 2016. sive start, as “Slide” darts 22-12 in its second Hip-Hop Songs, “Slide” makes a chart- Beck ranks third, as he’s stretched his lead- frame on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay as it topping arrival on to ers over 23 years, 11 months and two weeks, pulled 14.6 million in audience in its first full Drake his record-extending 21st leader on from February 1994 through January 2018. tracking week, ending April 12 (following its the ranking. Green Day nears the Chili Peppers’ record April 3 release). The debut position on the As previously reported, the track for the most total Alternative Songs No. 1s radio ranking brought Drake his fourth-best launches as Drake’s seventh No. 1 (and since the chart began in 1988. bow of his 119 career entries and second- record-tying third to begin at the summit) Most No. 1s, Alternative Songs strongest as a lead act: “Slide” follows on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. 13, Red Hot Chili Peppers only the No. 15 bows of Rihanna’s 2016 hit 12, Green Day “Work,” featuring Drake, and “God’s Plan” 11, Linkin Park from 2018 and ’s “No Guid- 10, Foo Fighters ance,” also featuring Drake, began at No. 17 9, last June on its way to a record 27 weeks at 8, U2 No. 1. 6, R.E.M. With Drake now sharing valedictorian 6, Twenty One Pilots status on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, here’s “Oh Yeah!” is Green Day’s first Alternative an updated list of the acts with the most No. Songs No. 1 since “Still Breathing,” which 1s on the chart (which began as an all-en- reigned for five weeks starting in February compassing genre songs chart in 1958): 2017. 20, Aretha Franklin Concurrently, “Oh Yeah!” rules the 20, Drake all-rock-format Rock Airplay chart for a 20, Stevie Wonder second week, with 8.8 million audience im- Page 12 of 17

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pressions, according to Nielsen Music/MRC song to debut at No. 1 on , ‘AFTER’ QUITE ‘A FEW’ Data. It ranks at No. 2 on the Mainstream also leading all artists. The others to do so: shatters the record for the most weeks taken Rock Songs airplay survey after two weeks “God’s Plan” (February 2018), “Nice for to the top 10, as “After a on top and ascends 26-22 on Adult Alterna- What” (April 2018) and “Nonstop” (July Few” climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to tive Songs. 2018). 21.4 million in radio reach. “Oh Yeah!” is the second single from As previously reported, “Toosie Slide” The song passes two tracks that took 50 Father of All…, Green Day’s 13th studio bows atop the Billboard Hot 100, marking weeks each to enter the Country Airplay top album, after the title track reached No. 3 his seventh No. 1. 10: ’s “A Girl Like You,” which in November. The set debuted atop the reached No. 10 in January 2018 before Top Rock Albums chart dated Feb. 22 with peaking at No. 6 that February; and Aaron 48,000 equivalent album units earned in its No One Can Watson’s “Outta Style,” which seized its No. first week. 10 high in December 2017. ‘Catch’ Him: Brett “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker From Drake Now Has Young Notches Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in Sep- as Many Fifth Country tember 2018. Streaming Songs Airplay No. 1 Lamb of God and

No. 1s as the Next BY JIM ASKER BrewDog Debut

Closest Act rett Young achieves his fifth Ghost Walker consecutive and total No. 1 on BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, Nonalcoholic Beer as “Catch” ascends from the rake’s “Toosie Slide” debuts at Brunner-up spot on the April 18-dated list, BY CHRISTA TITUS No. 1 on Billboard’s Streaming gaining by 13% to 36.6 million impressions, Songs chart dated April 18, giv- according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. roove metal act Lamb of God has ing him twice as many leaders On the airplay-, streaming- and sales- partnered with craft brewery Das his closest competition over the tally’s based chart, “Catch” BrewDog to create Ghost Walker, seven-year history. pushes 7-5 for a new high. a drink that is being touted as “Toosie Slide” bows with 55.5 million U.S. Young’s first of six Country Airplay G“the world’s first nonalcoholic collaboration streams in its first week (ending April 9), ac- entries, “Sleep Without You,” reached No. beer.” cording to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. 2 in December 2016. He followed with four Ghost Walker is described as having “a Drake now has eight No. 1s on Streaming multi-week No. 1s: “In Case You Didn’t hop-forward flavor with less than 0.5% Songs, which began in 2013. The next-clos- Know” (two weeks, June 2017); “Like I alcohol. Tropical aromas harmonize with est act? , with four leaders. Loved You” (three, January 2018); “Mercy” grassy pine notes, all sitting on a solid malt Most No. 1s, Streaming Songs (two, August 2018); and “Here ” baseline.” 8, Drake (two, April 2019). It became available today (April 14) 4, Justin Bieber “Catch” completes Young’s longest through BrewDog’s online shop for global 3, journey to No. 1, having taken 46 weeks to shipping. The beer is named after Lamb of 3, the apex. It outpaces the 30-week climb of God’s song “Ghost Walking” from its 2012 3, “Here Tonight.” album Resolution; vocalist Randy Blythe 3, HE ‘DOES’ IT AGAIN ’ wrote the lyrics at the beginning of his jour- Of Drake’s eight rulers, seven have led “,” featuring , ney to sobriety. with him as the lead artist; only Rihanna’s ascends 11-8 on Country Airplay, up 10% to In a statement, Blythe explained that the “Work” added to his tally via a featured 24.7 million in audience. The song is Combs’ idea of a collaboration sprung from when credit. Each of Drake’s No. 1s have also eighth straight career-opening top 10, fol- he and Lamb of God guitarist Willie Adler reigned in the last four years; “Work,” his lowing a record run of seven consecutive visited a BrewDog bar in Columbus, , first leader, ruled for eight weeks beginning out-of-the-gate, properly promoted No. 1 to sample its nonalcoholic beer with the in March 2016. singles. brewery team. “Toosie Slide” marks Drake’s fourth Church adds his 15th Country Airplay top 10. “Countless bands have done beer collabo- Page 13 of 17

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rations, but ’s first nonalco- entered the Top 10 of Billboard’s World holic one,” said Blythe. “In my not-so-hum- Albums chart back in 2018. Pharrell’s ‘Happy’ ble opinion, this is the best nonalcoholic Thanks to the fan support, Joohoney beer ever made, period. It was conceived, (formerly professionally known as Jooheon) Tops U.K. Most- designed and first tasted while on tour — now makes his solo debut on the drove it into existence. Right now is a Digital Song Sales chart as DWTW track Played List of strange time for everyone, but we’re stoked “Red Carpet” enters at No. 16 for the chart to provide a nonalcoholic option for those dated April 11, 2020. The slick hip-hop cut 2010s who want to have a brew while cranking that showcases Joohoney’s magnetic rap some tunes safely at home.” and singing style has now sold 1,000 copies BY LARS BRANDLE Originally, the announcement was going total in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music/ coincide with the start of Lamb of God’s MRC Data. nother reason for Pharrell Wil- global tour that would have begun In addition to being the only liams to be happy: his signature of March, but the outing has been post- member to bow on World Albums, Joohoney song was the most-played track poned because of the COVID-19 outbreak. is currently the only member to enter World of the decade in the U.K. The band and BrewDog instead launched Digital Song Sales as well. While some of the APharrell’s “Happy” came out on top of a the beer by premiering Lamb of God’s most MX men have released solo mixtape mate- new chart, published this week by the BBC recent live performance of “Ghost Walking,” rial or contributed singles to soundtracks, Radio 2 based on exclusive data from Pho- which was at Chicago’s House of Vans on none have entered the charts yet. nographic Performance Ltd. (PPL), with hits Feb. 14, at lambofgodbeer.com. Earlier this year, Monsta X scored their by and Maroon 5 close behind. Lamb of God intend to serve Ghost first No. 1 on Adele is the only female in the top 10 as Walker at their North American and Euro- with “From Zero.” The track was meant to “,” lifted from her best- pean shows when they return to the road. show support of former member Wonho — selling 2010 album 21, comes in at No. 2 on Tour dates will be announced on both Lamb who produced and wrote on the song — af- the list. of God and BrewDog’s websites when they ter he was cleared of legal charges stemming U.S. artists dominate the top 10 with are finalized. from a spat of online rumors from 2019. “” by Maroon 5 featuring Watch the video below: Now that Joohoney is back in action, the Christina Aguilera at No. 3, ahead of “Get star has a busy few months with loads of Lucky” by French electronic duo Daft Punk new music. On April 14, the new band featuring Pharrell and Chic mastermind Monsta X’s will release their debut album that , and “Can’t Stop ” features a song co-written and co-produced by , respectively. Joohoney Makes by Joohoney (you can preview the track PPL’s Most Played Charts are based on “Jumper” now) while Monsta X will return music usage and airplay data supplied by His Solo Debut to the scene with a new EP titled Fantasia X the organization’s licensees, including music on May 11 (announced just today). both on radio and TV and at all live loca- on World Digital Watch the “Red Carpet” tions including clubs, shops, pubs and other below: premises. Song Sales Chart A deep dive into the top 40 sheds more light on Britons’ music tastes over the past BY JEFF BENJAMIN ten years. For starters, the hits tend to be fresh. Just onsta X fans have once again one of the recordings was released in the taken to the charts to support , Australian singer and actor Natalie the members. Imbruglia’s “Torn” from 1997 (another After member Joohoney track from Imbruglia, “Shiver,” was PPL’s Mannounced a hiatus from the K-pop “most used” track of 2005). group to focus on his mental health in Five of the top 40 were released in the January, the 25-year-old has slowly begun noughts and the rest – 34 in total – were returning to public life these past weeks. To released in the last decade. show a warm welcome in supporting the Adele and are the only art- rapper-singer, Monsta X fans began revisit- ists to appear three times (Mars appearing ing the song “Red Carpet” that was featured twice solo, and once more with British-U.S. on his solo DWTW mixtape that previously producer ). Also, 14 of the Page 14 of 17

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tracks are sung by women, with 22 sung by Billboard 200, Southside arrives at No. 5, Based on sales and streaming activity men and four featured both male and female awarding Hunt his second top 10, after the from the weekend, the Canadian R&B star’s vocals. No. 3-peaking Montevallo. hit has a lead of 4,000-plus chart units, with PPL’S Most Played Tracks Of The Hunt first released the EPX2C , which ’s “Roses” (the current No. 1 in 2010s – Top 10 debuted and peaked at No. 5 on Top Country Australia) and Drake’s “Toosie Slide” (. “Happy,” Albums in August 2014. Following Monte- U.S. No. 1) among its chief rivals. 2. “Rolling In The Deep,” Adele vallo, : Acoustic Mixtape With “,” (aka 3. “Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5 Feat. started at its No. 7 high in November 2015. Abel Tesfaye) became one of a small handful Christina Aguilera Montevallo produced five singles, four of recording artists to enjoy three separate 4. “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk Feat. Pharrell of which hit the Country Airplay pinnacle: stints at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart, the Williams and Nile Rodgers “,” “Take Your Time,” reports. 5. “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”, Justin Tim- “House Party” and “Make You .” Scottish outfit Skerryvore bagged the berlake “Break Up in a ” peaked at No. 2. most downloads across the weekend with 6. “,” Hunt co-penned all 12 songs on Southside, “Everyday ,” a fundraising song for 7. “Uptown ,” Mark Ronson Feat. including “,” which the National Health Service (NHS) staff, Bruno Mars was released in 2017 and ruled Country volunteers and key workers in the frontline 8. “,” OneRepublic Airplay for three weeks and the airplay-, of the COVID-19 fight. 9. “Forget You,” CeeLo Green streaming- and sales-based Hot Country “Everyday Heroes,” which features a host 10. “,” Songs chart for a then-record 34 frames; it of guest artists, is tracking for a top 40 debut now ranks second only to and when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is pub- Florida Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 lished late Friday. ’s weeks atop the latter list in 2017-18). The midweek U.K. singles and albums “Downtown’s Dead,” also on the new surveys have yet to be published, following ‘Southside’ Debuts set, reached Nos. 14 and 15 on Hot Country the Easter long weekend. Songs and Country Airplay, respectively, in at No. 1 on Top June 2018. “” led Country Airplay on Feb. 29, becoming Hunt’s seventh No. 1. It Violent Soho Country Albums hit No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. Latest single “” jumps 17-9 Blast to No. 1 in Chart on Hot Country Songs, becoming Hunt’s eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million Australia With BY JIM ASKER U.S. streams (up 96 percent) and 5,000 in sales (up 21 percent) in the tracking week. ‘Everything Is am Hunt’s second studio full- On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- length, and first in more than five lion audience impressions, up 16 percent). A-OK’ years, Southside, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s BY LARS BRANDLE Schart dated April 18. The Weeknd’s In its first week, ending April 9, the set ustralian favor- earned 46,000 equivalent album units, in- ‘Blinding Lights’ ites Violent Soho beat a path to cluding 16,000 in album sales, according to the top in their homeland with Nielsen Music/MRC Data. On Target For Everything Is A-OK (I Oh You/ Southside marks Hunt’s second Top Universal),A their fifth studio set. Country Albums No. 1 and fourth top 10. It Another Week at Everything Is A-OK is Violent Soho’s sec- follows his freshman LP, Montevallo, which ond No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and arrived at the summit in November 2014 and No. 1 In U.K. is the followup to Waco from March 2016, reigned for nine weeks. To date, Montevallo their first chart leader.Waco went on to win has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 million BY PAUL SEXTON best group and best rock album at the 2016 in album sales. ARIA Awards. Plus, Montevallo has spent 267 weeks he Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Meanwhile, Dua Lipa’s U.K. chart-topper on the chart, tying ’s Crash My () is firing up (Warner) holds at No. 2 Party as the sixth-longest-running titles in for an eighth week atop the U.K. on the ARIA survey, while Sydney rapper the tally’s 56-year history. On the all-genre T singles chart. Kerser scores his seventh top 10 album with Page 15 of 17

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Roll The Dice (ABK Records/Warner), new Ester Dean (Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” Katy sume or reputation to try to live up to. There at No. 3. Perry’s “Firework”). is a generational change. The way songwrit- All of Kerser’s albums since S.C.O.T. (No. 5 Each episode features four aspiring song- ers write now is different than it was when in November 2013) have debuted in the top writers who share their songs with the men- I came up. There’s more a train of thought ten, including his most recent effortLife - tors. McAnally, Tedder and Dean then meet freestyle feeling about it where everything style, which hit No. 2 in March 2019. with the writers in the studio to workshop doesn’t need to feel so linear, so wrapped A pair of former No. 1s close out the top each song before presenting the final prod- up. I love taking that into the writing rooms five inArtists Unite For Fire Fight (Sony) uct to the week’s musical guest. Monday with me and being able to say, “How would and The Weeknd’s After Hours (Universal), night’s episode includes special guests Lady somebody who hasn’t already done this respectively, while last week’s best-seller, 5 Antebellum, who will select one song from 10,000 times do it?” To me, that’s the only Seconds of Summer’s CALM (Interscope/ the four songwriters to record and release way to keep it new, because it does start to Universal), dips 1-6. themselves following the episode. become a bit of muscle memory. Also new to the chart this week is All In an interview with Billboard, McAnally Is there one moment or song that has Time Low’s , Sunshine (Atlantic/ shares his hopes for the series and why he from the first season? Warner), opening at No. 12. It’s the U.S. feels the show was made for him. “This is A song that I always go back to is “Pill for rockers’ sixth top 50 entry in the land Down what I do in my real life,” he tells Billboard This” by Sam DeRosa, which was in our pi- Under. over the phone. “I work with new songwrit- lot episode, which was . First of Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, SAINt ers, young songwriters, and I put them with all, the song was incredible. I still think it’s JHN enters a second week at the summit artists and try to help them figure out ways possibly the best song we’ve ever had on the with “Roses” (Sony) while The Weeknd’s to navigate this business. It is exactly what show, but it wasn’t the song that was chosen. double-platinum hit “Blinding Lights” is we do on the show. It is a pinch-me moment, The reason why was because although it held in second place. because I’m getting to do the easiest job for was an incredible song and everyone did Drake’s “Toosie Slide” (Republic/Univer- me, because it’s what I do every day. I didn’t agree one of the best songs of the entire sal), the latest No. 1 on the Billboard Hot have to change anything. It just takes me show, it wasn’t what Charlie was looking 100, also enjoys the highest debut on the longer to get ready.” for in that moment and he didn’t feel like he ARIA chart. It’s at No. 3, ahead of Dua Lipa’s Below, McAnally discusses . could do the song justice by putting it on a “Don’t Start Now” (down 3-4) and ’s What was the most surprising part of project where it didn’t fit. What that did was “Death Bed,” up (6-5 via Sony). being a part of Songland for you? remind me what we’re doing on the show is The only other new arrivals in the top 50 I think the most surprising part of last not so much looking for or trying to make are ’s “” (War- season was how well they were able to tell the “best song,” we’re trying to make the ner) at No. 35 and DaBaby’s “Find ” the complete stories of where these songs best song for that artist for where they are in (Island/Universal) at No. 47. started and where they ended up within their career. an hour. When we did the show, we would A lot of times the songs are already in spend so much time with these songwriters a state where that wouldn’t work, that it Shane McAnally and working on these songs and the stories would take such an overhaul. The reason I that happened there on set, every episode mentioned “Pill for This” is because I still Calls ‘Songland’ felt like a movie. think that song is such a smash and Sam I’m blown away by how you can just take DeRosa is having success as an artist with Season 2 Premiere a tidbit of one section of being in the studio that song, but I have to remember how and it really cut to the heart of what went amazing that entire episode and story was a ‘Pinch-Me on. I think because of that, [this season] and it didn’t really matter whose song was feels a lot more settled. Ryan and Ester and chosen. It was more about the process and Moment’ I know the way it would unfold and so we the journey. were able to be more concise in what we The show helped you get a OneRepub- BY ANNIE REUTER were doing. lic cut and is opening the doors for you to Is there anything you took away from write in other genres too. hane McAnally will return to NBC Songland that you’ve brought into your That’s right. I got a song recorded by on Monday night (April 13), when own writing sessions? . Ultimately we work on all the second season of Songland When it comes to the songwriters that the songs, all of us do, all of the artists that premieres at 10 p.m. ET. The reign- come on the show, it gives me this incredible we’ve seen. I got a song recorded by John Sing Academy of songwriter chance to live vicariously through the way Legend and got to go in the studio and work of the year serves as a mentor on the show it was for me early on in my career, when I on it with him. These are like the wildest, alongside OneRepublic’s and had nothing to lose and I didn’t have the re- wildest dreams coming true for me. Then Page 16 of 17

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you add the element of a songwriter com- ing on the show who’s at a different place ‘Trolls World Tour’ , in their career and it’s emotional. It really makes me emotional. Scores Record Hillary Clinton, Those opportunities are huge for me and for Ryan and Ester. Then you add the Digital Debut Jimmy Fallon to element of these songwriters who haven’t yet done a lot of the things I’ve gotten to BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Give Graduation do. I am obsessed with watching someone’s dreams come true. I feel like it is the best rolls World Tour became the big- Speeches in way for me to remember the way mine gest digital debut of all time this have, and when IRO from the Macklemore weekend, Universal Pictures said iHeartMedia episode got to play in front of 60,000 people on Monday (April 13). The ani- with Macklemore, I watched that clip and Tmated sequel featuring the voices of Justin Podcast Special just cried my eyes out. Six months before Timberlake and was No. 1 the show, he was busking in a subway in on all the major platforms, including Apple, BY NATALIE JARVEY New York and he had been doing that for 10 and Comcast. FandangoNow also years. So that’s why I want to do something said the release of Trolls World Tour helped he class of 2020 won’t have the like this, is to watch those things happen the service have its best weekend ever. opportunity to don graduation and I’m still working with IRO. In fact, I It was also its most preordered film ever. robes or receive their diplomas in talked to him this morning. Trolls World Tour was the first film from a front of their families and friends, What are your hopes for season 2? major studio to debut on digital platforms Tbut iHeartMedia has assembled a star- For one, I want people to watch it with on the same date as its theatrical release due studded slate of commencement speakers to their family. I love when I hear from people to the coronavirus pandemic. It also played offer up virtual words of wisdom. that it’s something they can watch with in 21 drive-in theaters over the weekend Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, John their whole family. That really matters to that have remained open. Legend and a dozen others are recording me right now. There’s not a lot of things that Most traditional theaters have closed speeches specifically for current seniors we can all sit down as a family and watch … indefinitely, forcing studios to push planned who are missing their graduations due to you’re seeing this transformation of what’s releases back a number of months. Many the coronavirus pandemic. The missives possible. films that had already hit theaters, including will be available May 15 as part of the iHeart I want people to see it for that and to just Universal titles like The Hunt and Emma, podcast special Commencement: Speeches for see, again, dreams coming true for people are now available for digital purchase or the Class of 2020. and that honestly, anything is possible. That rental. Trolls World Tour was an outlier, “Because so many schools and colleges sounds so cliché, but that really happens however, in keeping its release date. Specific have moved to online learning to ensure the every week. For songwriters that have been numbers were not provided. safety of their students, many graduates are doing this for years, to think that they’re missing their commencement ceremonies, gonna walk out and play a song in front of traditionally such significant milestones in Lady Antebellum tonight, Boyz II Men. That their lives,” iHeartPodcast Network presi- just seems like such an impossible goal. You dent Conal Byrne said in a statement. couldn’t that up. I just hope people “High school and college seniors are can see that in it and recognize what it always in need of inspiration, reassurance means to everyone, us included. and life advice as they head into the next chapter of their lives, and that is especially true this year. Speeches for the Class Of 2020 brings together some of the most experi- enced and inspiring people in the country today to celebrate the resilience, strength and accomplishments of this year’s gradu- ates. These are the speakers our graduates would have had at their real-world ceremo- nies if not for current circumstances, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring them together through this podcast.” Page 17 of 17

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Others expected to record speeches specifically for the podcast include cosmet- ics entrepreneur Bobbi Brown, comedian Chelsea Handler, restauranteur David Chang, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, former NFL player Eli Manning, NPR corre- spondent Guy Raz, journalist Katie Couric, TV personality Dr. Oz, Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, actress Sienna Miller, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle and CEO Sylvia Rhone. Several recording artists, including Halsey, , DJ Khaled, Khalid, and Tim McGraw, are also partici- pating. In addition, several iHeart hosts will re- cord speeches, including Ryan Seacrest, En- rique Santos, , Bones, Jake Brennan, Angela Yee and Woody. More speakers are expected to be added. Commencement will be available on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms. The speeches will also be featured on iHeartMedia radio broadcasts. This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.

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