Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JULY 30, 2021 Page 1 of 19

INSIDE Executive of the Week:

• Reservoir Media S10 Entertainment Founder/CEO Stock Stumbles on First Day of Trading Brandon Silverstein • Foo Fighters’ ‘Hail BY DAN RYS Satin’ Leads Record Store Day 2021 Second Drop as Vinyl Normani certainly knows how to make a splash. after partnering with Roc Nation, S10 just launched a Sales Jump 75% When the multi-talented former Fifth Harmony star new publishing division, which Silverstein describes released her latest single, “Wild Side” featuring Cardi as “a long-term play.” Here, he discusses the rollout • Spotify Launches , it was accompanied by a of “Wild Side,” the strategy he’s used to help support Weekly ‘Noteable B blockbuster music Releases’ Playlist as video that had fans and fellow artists alike fawn- Normani’s career and what he sees as the opportuni- a Songwriter’s New ing on social media — and helped the track debut at ties in the future in his company’s new division. “We Music Friday No. 14 on the Hot 100 this week, the highest debut in get to bring in some of today’s most exciting songwrit- Normani’s career. ers and support their work, while also building real • Amazon Hits $7.8B in Profit Under New It was also the latest installment in a shrewd cam- catalog for the company.” CEO, But Sales Fall paign to build a solo career after stratospheric success “Wild Side” debuted at No. 14 on the Hot 100 Below Expectations with the girl group, one that has included a measured, this week, the highest debut of Normani’s career. patient approach of releasing singles far apart, and • VNUE to Acquire What key decision did you make to help make this StageIt to Expand teaming up with other stars — Sam Smith, Kha- happen? Set.fm Offerings lid, Megan Thee Stallion and others — to reach new The key decision that continues to pay off is to audiences and expand her fan base. And it’s helped trust in Normani and her vision. She is an artist in • A Powerful her manager, S10 Entertainment founder/CEO the truest sense. She doesn’t jump on trends or rush Alliance: DC Set Bran- Group Acquires don Silverstein, earn the title of Billboard’s Executive out music. She takes her time and is intentional about Stake in Move of the Week. exploring who she is as an artist. And each time, we Concerts Brazil The success of Normani’s latest single isn’t the only see her deliver in a big way. At that point, my job is to recent win for Silverstein: he also manages Anitta, fight to execute the vision, to pull together the various whose “Girl In Rio” track continues to get spins on drivers — streaming, video, social, radio, press — that mainstream and rhythmic radio while, three years (continued)

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On August 28th, Billboard will publish its annual 40 CONTACTS : Under 40 Issue, celebrating the next generation of leaders in the music industry. This issue will profile Joe Maimone | 201.301.5933 40 power players who are making their mark in music, [email protected] touring and live entertainment. Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 These progressive young leaders’ innovation and [email protected] creativity will continue to create excitement in the music business. Cynthia Mellow | 615.352,0265 Advertise in this issue to reach the music industry’s [email protected] most influential and affluent - from the young disrupters to the seasoned veterans - who paved Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 the way. [email protected] ON SALE : 8/28 | +447843437176 Issue Close: 8/18 Ryan O’Donnell Materials Due: 8/19 [email protected] Page 3 of 19

IN BRIEF

create a hit. And both Normani and Cardi’s ally exciting performers. While she’s doing ing thing to be able to work with your idols. fans have been incredible. Songs like these that, she’s reaching people who previously S10 launched a new publishing wing don’t happen because of one decision, it’s may not have known who she was. This this year. Why now, and what advantages putting the entire team on one path, every- means that we’ve been able to create a situ- does that provide for your company? one working in unison, that creates this kind ation where I can call John Ivey at iHeart S10 is a full-service creative entertain- of cultural moment. or Scott Greenstein and Alex Tear at ment company and launching a publishing “Wild Side” was also helped in its first SiriusXM or Eric Bradley 97.1 L.A./B96 division has just allowed us to create more. week by its music video, which received Chicago and they all jump on the record. We built a really gorgeous studio for our wide acclaim and high praise. What did We’re working this single now at Urban, at writers, a place that’s now become a song- you do to maximize the video’s impact? Rhythmic and at Top 40 at the same time. writing hub, somewhere artists actually like Most of the meaningful decisions that That’s what aligning with other great artists to hang out. Publishing is a long-term play led to the success of the video prior to its does. for me; we’re in it for the long haul. I guess release included securing the budget along- “Wild Side” is also Normani’s first the advantage is that we get to bring in some side Normani — that’s necessary to create a single in more than a year. Why the break of today’s most exciting songwriters and work of this kind. Then, it was making sure — and how do you use that scarcity to support their work, while also building real we had an incredibly strong visual — and your advantage? catalog for the company. obviously Tanu Muino and Sean Bank- If scarcity helps, that’s great. But that’s head completely understood Normani’s not necessarily what we were trying to do vision. From there, it was about making sure — we’re focused on creating great music. Reservoir Media that all our partners had the tools they need- Normani has a very strong vision and it’s ed to support our efforts. And, of course, the worth waiting for the right thing, rather Stock Stumbles livestream with Normani and Cardi helped than rushing the wrong thing. Certainly, the kick the whole thing off and bring those two pandemic forced us to make some changes on First Day of audiences together. to the timeline, but mostly it was about Almost all of Normani’s singles to date being patient, staying focused and allowing Trading have included a feature. How does that Normani to do Normani and create. help boost a song, and benefit her career? It’s been three years since you’ve BY GLENN PEOPLES Cardi wasn’t really a “feature” for Nor- partnered with Roc Nation. What has the mani, they legitimately love each other and association allowed you to do? eservoir Media shares slipped they enjoy being able to work together. In Aligning with Jay [Brown] and JAY- 4.9% on Thursday (July 29), the a more general sense, creating these hit Z and Desiree [Perez] has opened so many publishing music rights com- singles with other great artists is really doors for me as an executive, they’re won- pany’s first day of trading on the about Normani exploring her sound, build- derful partners. And Jay Brown has taught RNasdaq stock exchange, opening at $9.49 ing her audience and aligning with other re- me so much. It’s a really unusual and excit- and closing at $9.03.

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2 0 2 1 PHOTO FINISH RECORDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo Finish Records is an independent record label CONTACTS boasting a diverse roster including Alternative Rock, Indie Pop, Electro Pop, and Hip Hop that has amassed billions of Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] streams and over 40 million tracks sold. Lee Ann Photoglo The New York City-based label was created and founded 615.376.7931 | [email protected] by Matt Galle and 2021 will celebrate its fifteenth year of success. As the label grew and developed, Matt brought in Cynthia Mellow his business partner Mike Marquis to co-run the label with 615.352,0265 | [email protected] him. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Photo Finish has forged a well-deserved reputation for developing and breaking an eclectic roster of artists Ryan O’Donnell including 3OH!3, SHAED, The Maine, Marian Hill, Mister- +447843437176 | [email protected] Wives, ROZES, The Mowgli's, and new signings Ross Copperman, CAL, Elliot Lee, Lakeview, guardin, and joan.

Photo Finish Records is distributed through Virgin Music Artist & Label Services. The team along with Matt and Mike includes Drew Kaklamanos, Gerardo Cueva, Michael Collin, Taylor Flynn, and Shane Friedman.

ISSUE DATE 8/28 | AD CLOSE 8/18 | MATERIALS DUE 8/19 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5OF of 1919

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

Reservoir’sAlbu publicms; listing Brett follows a merger Young songs released ‘Catc since 2000,h’-es includes Fifthshares according Airplay to MRC Data (up 74.5% compared with Roth CH Acquisition II Co, a special of Post Malone’s “Rockstar,” Childish Gam- to the previous week: 653,000). It’s the purpose acquisitionLea der;company that Travis raised bino’sDenning “This is America” Makes and Black Eyed Historyeighth time vinyl album sales have exceeded $115 million in an initial public offering and Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.” Among its older clas- 1 million copies in a single week since MRC a private placement in December 2020. The sics are Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and Data began electronically tracking sales in Samcompanies’ Hunt’s secondcombination studio full-length,was approved and firstby in overMadonna’s five years, “Papa Southside Don’t salesPreach.” (up 21%) Reservoir in the tracking 1991, week. and On all Country of the Airplay, million-selling it hops 18-15 weeks (11.9 mil- (MCAthe SPAC’s Nashville/Universal shareholders Music on Tuesday Group Nashville), and debutsalso at No.owns 1 on over Billboard 26,000’s soundlion audience recording impressions, haveup 16%). happened since 2019. Topvalues Country RSVR Albums at $788 chart million. dated April 18. In its first copyrightsweek (ending from April 9),such it artists as The Isley The disco-tastic Hail Satin by Dee Gees, earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingRoth to CH Nielsen Acquisition Music/MRC II shares Data. had a $10 Brothers, Sinead O’Connorand totaland NakedCountry Eyes. Airplay No.aka 1 asFoo “Catch” Fighters (Big Machine, was the Label top-selling Group) ascends IPOSouthside price and marks briefly Hunt’s exceeded second No.$11 1in on Febru the - Editor’s Note (7/30): An earlier version Record2-1, increasing Store Day 13% album to 36.6 releasemillion impressions. of the chartary. Since and fourth then, top investors 10. It follows have showedfreshman less LP of this article referred to DaBaby’s “Rock- week,Young’s with first12,000 of sixvinyl chart LPs entries, sold (plus“Sleep With- Montevalloenthusiasm, which and with arrived few at exceptionsthe summit inhave No - star” as being part of Reservoir’s songwriting anotherout You,” 3,000 reached in downloads No. 2 in December following 2016. He vembertraded 2014below and $10 reigned since for mid-May. nine weeks. To date, catalog. In fact, it is Post Malone’s song of the itsfollowed wide digital with the release multiweek on July No. 19).1s “In The Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionReservoir, in album which sales. had revenue estimated same name. firstYou” five(three, tracks January on 2018),the 10-song “Mercy” album (two, August are at Montevallo$64 million has for spent its 267 fiscal weeks year on theended list, tying covers2018) andof Bee “Here Gees Tonight”-penned (two, songs, April 2019).includ- LukeMarch Bryan 31, ’sis Crash now theMy Party fourth as thepublicly sixth-longest- traded ing four “Catch”Billboard completes Hot his 100longest No. journey 1 hits: to Bee No. 1, runningcompany titles that in focusesthe chart’s on 56-year music history. rights ac- Foo Fighters’ Gees’having “You taken Should 46 weeks Be Dancing,” to reach the “Night apex. It out- On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” quisitions — Hipgnosis Songs Royalty Fund, Fever” and “Tragedy,” and Andy Gibb’s rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterRound the Hill No. 3-peakingMusic Royalty Montevallo Fund. and One ‘Hail Satin’ Leads “Shadowa new high. Dancing.” The second five songs MediaHunt iPfirst Group released are the listed EPX2C on ,the which London debuted on the Hail Satin project are live versions of andStock peaked Exchange. at No. It 5 onis the Top first Country to trade Albums in the in AugustRecord 2014. Following Store COMBS ‘DOES’ Day IT AGAIN Luketracks Combs from’ “Does Foo Fighters’ to Me” (River most House/Columbia recent studio MontevalloU.S. and the, Between first led the by Pines: a female, Acoustic CEO Mixtape and started at its No. 7 high in Nashville), featuring Eric Churchalbum, , ascendsMedicine 11-8 at on Midnight Country Airplay,. up 10% to Novemberfounder Golnar 2015. Khosrowshahi. 24.7 million in audience. The Recordsong is Combs’ Store Day, eighth the straight annual career-opening indie music Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit 2021the pinnacle ofSecond Country top 10, following Drop a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:“This “Leave entry theinto Night the publicOn,” “Take markets Your isTime,” a “House Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles. retailer celebration, was staged over two Youtestament Miss Me.” to “Breakthe growth Up in anda Small bright Town” fu- peaked at No.as 2. Vinyl SalesChurch adds his 15th Countrydays Airplayin 2021 top — June10. 12 and July 17 — ow- tureHunt that co-penned lies ahead all within 12 songs the on industry,” Southside , including “Body Like a Back ing to complications caused by the ongoing Road,”Khosrowshahi which was said released in a statement in 2017. The Thursday. smash hit ruledJump Country Airplay 75% for THAT TOOK QUITE ‘A FEW’COVID-19 MONTHS Travispandemic. Denning Traditionally, shatters the recordRecord for three“As we weeks focus and on the our airplay-, growth, streaming- our listing and on sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has takenStore to penetrate Day is theheld Country on one Airplay Saturday top 10in asthe “After chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - FloridaNasdaq Georgia provides Line us’s the “Meant resources to Be” (50to execute weeks atop theBY latterKEITH list in CAULFIELD 2017-18). lion in radio reach. springtime. In 2019, it was held on April 13. on“Downtown’s our penetration Dead,” into which emerging is also onmarkets the new set, reached Nos. 14 and 15 The song surpasses two tracksIn 2020, that Record took 50 Storeweeks Day each was to enter meant the topto 10: onand Hot continue Country rapidly Songs and with Country our strategic Airplay, respectively, in June 2018.ecord “Kin Store- DayEaston 2021’s Corbin second’s “A Girl Likebe You,” held whichon April reached 18 but No. was 10 insplit January into 2018three be - folks”acquisitions.” led Country Airplay on Feb. 29, becoming Hunt’s seventh No.drop 1. It(on hit July fore 17) peaking fueled at1.140 No. 6 that February,separate and drops: Aaron Aug. Watson 26, Sept.’s “Outta 26 andStyle,” Oct. which 24. No.Reservoir’s 3 on Hot Country songwriting Songs. catalog, which million in vinylachieved album its sales No. 10in highthe in DecemberAmong 2017. the albums initially released for Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker receives 62% of net publisher share from U.S. in the week ending July 22, Record Store Day 2021’s second drop, aside eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streamsR (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

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FOR SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: MARCIA OLIVAL, [email protected] | MIKE VAN, [email protected] Page 7 of 19

IN BRIEF

from Hail Satin, were the vinyl release of sales: 202,000 – up 20.3% compared to 2. Fleet Foxes featuring Resistance Revival Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Deja Vu: previous week (168,000) Chorus, Can I Believe You / Wading in Alternates (alternative versions of songs Independent store vinyl album Waist-High Water from the group’s 1970 Billboard 200 No. sales: 811,000 – up 140.5% compared to 3. St. Vincent, Piggy / Sad But True 1 album Deja Vu), a clear vinyl pressing previous week (337,000) 4. Bob Dylan, Jokerman / I and I (Remixes) of Beastie Boys’ 1995 rock album Aglio e 71% of all vinyl albums sold in the U.S. 5. Karen O & Willie Nelson, Under Pressure Olio, and the vinyl debut of Amy Wine- in the week ending July 22 were sold via 6. Dio, God Hates Heavy Metal house’s Remixes (on double LP – one blue, independent record stores: 811,000 of 7. Denzel Curry & Robert Glasper, So In- one yellow). 1.140 million credible / This Changes Everything (Live Meanwhile, Pearl Jam issued its classic Top Record Store Day exclusive albums from Leimert Park) single “Alive” on both 12-inch vinyl and cas- at independent record stores: 8. ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Beat on the Brat sette, along with rare B-sides, and was the Rank, Artist, Title 9. Jxdn, Angels & Demons / Drivers License top-selling RSD single release of the week. 1. Dee Gees / Foo Fighters, Hail Satin 10. The Dirty Knobs, Humdinger / Feelin’ “Alive” was the band’s first single to chart 2. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Deja Vu: High on a Billboard tally, debuting on the Main- Alternates Source: MRC Data, for the week ending stream Rock Airplay chart dated Jan. 4, 3. Beastie Boys, Aglio e Olio July 22, 2021 1992. It would peak at No. 16 on that chart, 4. Amy Winehouse, Remixes and also at No. 18 on Alternative Airplay. 5. Miles Davis, Champions: Rare Miles From Here are some facts on Record Store the Complete Jack Johnson Sessions Spotify Launches Day 2021’s second drop and its impact, 6. Cat Stevens, Harold & Maude: The Songs plus a look at the top-selling Record From the Original Movie (Soundtrack) Weekly ‘Noteable Store Day-exclusive albums and singles 7. The Rolling Stones, Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (all data is for the week ending July 22, 2021, 8. Allman Brothers Band, The Final Note: Releases’ Playlist in the U.S.): Painters Mill Music Fair, Owings Mills, MD Total album sales across all formats 10-17-71 as a Songwriter’s (physical [including CD, vinyl, cassettes, 9. John Prine, Live: At the Other End, Dec. etc.] and digital downloads): 2.316 mil- 1975 New Music Friday lion – up 32.1% compared to previous week 10. The Ramones, Triple J Live at the Wire- (1.753 million) less: Capital Theatre, Sydney, Australia, July BY KRISTIN ROBINSON Physical album sales (CD, vinyl, cas- 8, 1980 sette, etc.): 1.842 million – up 40.3% com- 11. The Cure, Wild Mood Swings potify has launched the inaugural pared to previous week (1.313 million) 12. Aretha Franklin, Oh Me Oh My: Aretha edition of their serialized playl- CD album sales: 692,000 – up 6.2% com- Live in Philly, 1972 ist “Noteable Releases.” The new pared to previous week (652,000) 13. Czarface, Czar Noir playlist is the latest addition of Vinyl album sales: 1.140 million – up 14. Sisters of Mercy, BBC Sessions 1982-1984 Sthe DSP’s Noteable initiative, designed to 74.5% compared to previous week (653,000). 15. Cro-Mags, The Age of Quarrel highlight the songwriters behind the world’s It’s only the eighth week that vinyl album 16. The Clash, If Music Could Talk greatest hits and will act as a quasi-New sales have exceeded 1 million since MRC 17. Bill Evans, Behind the Dikes: The 1969 Music Friday for the publishing world, shar- Data began electronically tracking sales in Netherlands Recordings ing the hottest new tracks (and its songwrit- 1991. It’s also the second-largest vinyl sales 18. Lamb of God, As the Palaces Burn ers) every Friday. week of 2021, trailing only the week ending 19. Queen + Adam Lambert, Live Around the To kick off its first week, Spotify’s June 17, which included Record Store Day World EP Songwriter and Publishing Relations 2021’s first drop (1.279 million). 20. Fear, The Record team hand-picked key power players from 49% of all albums sold in the U.S. in 21. Donna Summer, Bad Girls across genres and disciplines, like Finneas the week ending July 22 were vinyl al- 22. Daryl Hall John Oates, Voices O’Connell, Jack Antonoff, Autumn bums: 1.140 million of 2.315 million 23. John Prine, Stay Independent: The Oh Rowe, Zaytoven, and Madi Yanofsky, to 62% of all physical albums sold in the Boy Years introduce their featured creations on the U.S. in the week ending July 22 were vi- 24. Dr. John, The Sun, Moon and Herbs playlist, using Spotify Clips. nyl: 1.140 million of 1.842 million 25. Ultravox, Vienna For Jules Parker, the head of Spotify’s Independent store album sales: 1.014 Top Record Store Day Exclusive songwriter & publishing relations team, million – up 100.4% compared to previous Singles at Independent Record Stores the Noteable Releases playlist is part of week (506,000) Rank, Artist, Title the team’s goal to “provide more context” Independent store CD album 1. Pearl Jam, Alive and education, and to also inspire new O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

2021 NEW & R ENOVATED VENUES

On September 18th Billboard will provide CONTACT readers with an exclusive backstage Cynthia Mellow | 615.352.0265 pass into the newest and latest renovated [email protected] venues around the world. This special Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 feature will assess the architecture, [email protected] production capabilities, sound, capacity Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 level, fan amenities, and more that entice [email protected] talent to these highly anticipated venues. Ryan O’Donnell | +447843437176 Take this opportunity to advertise your venue [email protected] and reach key touring industry decision- makers as they plan tour schedules and map Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 out must-play venues. [email protected]

O N S A L E 9 / 1 8 | I SSU E C L O S E 9 / 7 | M A T E R I A L S D U E 9 / 8

Editorial content subject to change Page 9 of 19

IN BRIEF

pathways to music discovery. “This playl- greater emphasis on scaling pre-existing forward plans to transform their businesses ist is somewhere you can go to discover the tools for songwriters and producer and and move to the cloud.” behind the scenes creators that you may growing the presence of behind the scenes Jassy, like his predecessor Jeff Bezos, did not otherwise have known, and hopefully, music makers across all Spotify initiatives. not participate in the Thursday earnings use it to find music in a new and interesting “We want to make sure, in whatever we are call. way,” adds Michelle Fantus, songwriter & doing, there’s an element of songwriter, pro- This article was originally published publishing relations manager. ducer, publisher in there,” explains Parker. by The Hollywood Reporter. Creating thoughtful and effective op- Check out the playlist here. portunities to spotlight publishing talents has long been a pain point for digital service VNUE to Acquire providers like Spotify and its competitors in Amazon Hits $7.8B the streaming space. Although the Swedish StageIt to Expand company led as the first audio-only stream- in Profit Under ing service to implement public credits in Set.fm Offerings 2018, Spotify’s Noteable initiative, which New CEO, But launched in February of this year, has vastly BY DAVE BROOKS expanded the company’s efforts to high- Sales Fall Below light songwriters. New features include the NUE, a small technology compa- Noteable hub itself, social media education, Expectations ny traded on the OTC markets, is “Written By” playlists for producers and acquiring livestreaming plat- writers, and “Created By Women,” a serial- BY J. CLARA CHAN form StageIt, it was announced ized playlist under the Noteable umbrella, ThursdayV (July 29). featuring women behind the music. mazon reported $7.8 billion in Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and The trick with building Noteable as a profit during the second quarter, it’s not clear how VNUE is going to finance successful initiative is trying to appease but its sales numbers — $113.1 the acquisition. A recent prospectus filed the desires of both regular consumers and billion — fell slightly below Wall with the Securities and Exchange Commis- industry folks at the same time. “We want to StreetA expectations. sion shows that VNUE only had $57,000 on be able to program these things in a way that The Q2 performance represents a 50 its balance sheet at the end of March, but makes sense to not just industry, but con- percent increase in profit compared to the it also noted CEO Zach Bair has lined up a sumers and listeners who might not even be previous quarter and a 27 percent increase number of purchase agreements worth as aware of what a songwriter really is,” says in sales for the company, which is now led much as $9 million for institutional inves- Parker. Other challenges? “It’s also the most by new CEO Andy Jassy. But investors had tors to buy up shares of VNUE traded on the creative and the most technical side of the expected sales for the quarter to surpass OTC market, often referred to as the pink industry all at once,” he explains, “there’s so $115 billion, especially since Amazon Prime sheets. many talented people out there to highlight Day occurred in June, and Amazon said in VNUE is considered a penny stock, due too.” its earnings report that sales growth is ex- to its value being below $5 per share. As of Though this balancing act will be ongoing pected to decline during the third quarter. Thursday VNUE shares were trading for for those working on the ever-expanding Amazon also revealed that its streaming $.0126 apiece. universe of Spotify’s Noteable, its new Note- TV ads and Twitch now reach 120 million According to a press release announc- able Releases playlist proves to be a step monthly viewers across the U.S., but the ing the acquisition, StageIt will add over $9 towards inclusion for songwriters on the company did not reveal specific metrics for million in revenue to VNUE’s books, which platform and an educational resource for its its Prime Video service. The earnings report per the SEC only generated $22,404 in 2020 users. also did not mention the company’s $8.45 and $2,261 in the first quarter of 2021, likely This week’s inaugural tracklist includes: billion acquisition of MGM that was an- because of the halt to touring during the “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish, “Stop nounced in May. pandemic. Making This Hurt” by Bleachers, “Talk “Over the past 18 months, our consumer VNUE describes itself as a “music Big” by Michi, “back to back” by Wrabel business has been called on to deliver an technology company that utilizes our and Duncan Laurence, “I Need You” by Jon unprecedented number of items,” Jassy said platforms to record live concerts, and then Batiste, and more. in announcing the results. “At the same time, sell that content to consumers.” VNUE Moving forward, the songwriter & pub- [Amazon Web Services] has helped so many makes the content it records available for lishing relations team says to expect “a lot of businesses and governments maintain busi- $15-$25 average payment after a live show writing camps” to take place as COVID-19 ness continuity, and we’ve seen AWS growth is finished through its two platforms Set. restrictions are lifted. There will also be reaccelerate as more companies bring fm and Soundstr. The Set.fm consumer app Page 10 of 19

IN BRIEF

platform allows customers to download company launched a venue program in 2020 “I have known Dody Sirena and Cicão and purchase audio of live performances and has a significant set of venue partner- Chies for a long time,” said Rodriguez in a on their phone. There are also physical col- ships that include historic venues such as statement. “Over the years we have worked lectible products which are recorded and The Bluebird Cafe in Franklin TN, d.b.a. together on some tours in Brazil and have sold at shows and online through DiscLive in New Orleans, LA, The Great American been friends for decades. I have enormous Network. Soundstr is a music identification Music Hall in San Francisco, CA, and many respect for how they turned their company, and rights management tool in development others.” DC Set, into a powerhouse that covers artist that, when fully deployed, “can accurately With the acquisition, StageIt will become management, venue management, touring, track and audit public performances of mu- a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNUE. publishing, and eSports.” sic, creating a more transparent ecosystem “The partnership with Move Concerts for general music licensing and associated is the result of many years of partnership, royalty payments, which will help ensure A Powerful friendship, and respect,” adds Sirena. “For the correct stakeholders are compensated the group, it is a privilege to announce this through the use of our ‘big data’ collection,” Alliance: DC Set partnership at such an important moment, according to a VNUE filing with the SEC. when major live events are being resumed.” The StageIT product The deal will also en- Group Acquires hance VNUE’s music recognition platform Soundstr. Stake in Move Country’s Neon Acquiring StageIt “brings hundreds of thousands of live music fans and comple- Concerts Brazil Lights Are mentary technology to VNUE’s portfolio in addition to delivering key pioneering BY LEILA COBO Brighter On talent in the Music Recognition Technology (MRT) space to VNUE’s roster,” the press C Set Group, the Brazilian con- Broadway. Yes, release states. Bair did not respond to a cert promoter that manages icon request for comment. Roberto Carlos and has worked THAT Broadway The companies expect to close within 60 with superstars like Michael days pending the completion of due dili- DJackson and Rod Stewart in Brazil, has ac- BY TOM ROLAND gence and a required financial audit. quired a stake in Move Concerts Brazil, the StageIt was launched by musician Evan local arm of indie promoter Move Concerts. ld Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Lowenstein in 2010 with CEO Stephen The acquisition will result in a power- Secor is in discussions to pres- White (formerly president of Gracenote ful domestic entertainment company with ent Hooten Holler at a regional and CEO of Dubset Media Holding) joining many strategic alliances abroad, operating theater in February 2022; Flor- in 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic under the Move Concerts Brazil brand. Oida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley owns a pro- hit, the platform’s popularity grew with Move, based in Miami and with offices duction company developing May We All, a shows from Ramsey Lewis, American also in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, musical featuring over two dozen country Idol star David Archuleta, rock icon Joan Peru and Puerto Rico, is one of the largest hits that will premiere at the Tennessee Jett, international stars Celtic Thunder, fan independent promoters in Latin America, Performing Arts Center in June 2022; song- favorites Devin Townsend and Rhett Miller and has guided the tours of massive inter- writer Marcus Hummon (“Bless the Broken and more. national stars, from Iron Maiden to Shakira. Road,” “Born To Fly”) co-wrote American “The StageIt service is complimentary Led by founder and CEO Phil Rodriguez, Prophet, a musical about civil-rights pio- with VNUE’s set.fm ‘instant live’ mobile Move also long booked Rock in Rio. neer Frederick Douglass that is headed to and web platform, and the company will DC Set, led by partners and co-presi- Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., July 15- add a feature that not only allows fans to dents Cião Chies and Dody Sirena, was Aug. 28, 2022; songwriter-producer Wayne enjoy a livestream but purchase the audio founded in 1979 and is organized in eight Kirkpatrick (“Boondocks,” “Little White of the performance immediately afterwards business verticals that include sports, con- Church”) co-wrote the songs for the musi- and relive the experience over and over,” a ferences, management, concerts and music cal Mrs. Doubtfire, which begins previews at press release announcing the deal explains. festivals. Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre on “StageIt hosted 6,280 shows in 2020 and All partners have long worked together Oct. 21; and Kirkpatrick is also working with paid out over $7M to artists, generating and collaborated in multiple alliances which former Opry Entertainment president Steve more than $9.2M in gross revenues. The eventually led to this new partnership, Buchanan to develop a production that platform has over 58,000 performers and aimed at growing and expanding Move’s centers on Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Addi- over 900,000 users from 135 countries. The business in Brazil. tionally, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles covers Page 11 of 19

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Broadway tunes on her new album, Always such as rap in Hamilton and rock in Rock of remain in institutions like the Grand Ole Like New. Ages. In the process, the theatrical world is Opry and in institutions like the Old Crow Sugarland’s Kristian Bush ups the theatri- increasingly recognizing Nashville’s Music Medicine Show,” says Secor. “There’s dance, cal ante even further: He wrote the music Row as the new version of Tin Pan Alley. there’s jokes — you might cry, you’re sure as and co-wrote the lyrics to Darlin’ Cory, a “People are more likely to acknowledge hell going to laugh, and you’ll probably get production that runs at Atlanta’s Alliance [country] as being more mass appeal and drunk. I mean, that sounds like a night of Theatre Sept. 8-Oct. 3, and worked on a more mainstream,” says Buchanan, not- musical theater to me.” musical about Supreme Court Justice Brett ing its progress from old stereotypes. “And One of the benefits of the experience is Kavanaugh that will likely debut in Miami they’re acknowledging that there is a greater to see the creative filter that gets applied to in February. Bush is also releasing an album sophistication to the songs that are being songs that may take on new meaning in con- of the songs from the 2017 musical Trou- written here.” text with a production’s plot and characters. badour — featuring Kristian and Bran- Buchanan has firsthand experience. He “In a jukebox musical, you already know don Bush, Levi Lowry and Blackberry was a producer for Moonshine: That Hee what’s coming,” says Bush. “But how you Smoke’s Charlie Starr, among others — on Haw Musical, which debuted in Dallas in use it is a skill I did not know was real. For Sept. 3. The first single, “Hunt Dog Hunt,” 2015 with songs by Brandy Clark and Shane instance, when I had to write all this stuff arrives Aug. 13. McAnally. for Troubadour, one of the huge ‘Eurekas!’ “Songs do a beautiful, magical thing,” “One of the things that was really fasci- from me was watching the director use the says Kristian Bush, comparing musicals to nating for some of our creative team was songs in ways that they were not intended.” traditional country platforms. “The theater just how prolific and how quickly Shane and In the end, perhaps the biggest attraction honors that in a different way, but to me, it’s Brandy could turn around a great song,” says is the very intention of the theater. Compos- the exact same magic that happens when I Buchanan. ers are not likely to watch a fan consume hear something on the radio and I’m like, Writing new material daily is not a big an entire album, but they can see an entire ‘Oh, my God. My whole life just changed change from the way songwriting works on theater crowd react to their songs, as Kirk- right now.’ “ Music Row, except that theatrical songs are patrick did with the Tony-nominated 2015 Country and the theater have had some written for a specific vehicle that is actually production Something Rotten! history: Country Music Hall of Fame mem- more difficult to bring to market than an “What’s great about the theater experi- ber Tex Ritter and K.T. Oslin, for example, album. ence is you can’t download it,” he says. “If appeared on Broadway prior to becoming “This is much more of a molasses drip of you want to experience this, you have to buy country stars, while Gary Morris picked up patience,” says Secor. a ticket and go inside.” roles in La Boheme and Les Miserables con- Part of the attraction is that the end This article first appeared in the weekly current with his 1980s hits, and Roger result has a cultural resonance that poten- Billboard Country Update newsletter. Miller was lauded for his work on 1985’s tially lasts for decades and reaches across Click here to subscribe for free. Tony Award-winning Big River. multiple demographics. Most Americans are Still, the interplay between the genres familiar with at least some, if not all, of the has picked up since the turn of the century, songs in The Sound of Music and West Side Silvestre Dangond beginning with Reba McEntire’s appear- Story. But, as with writing for mainstream ance in a Broadway revival of Annie Get country, there are no guarantees. Launches New Your Gun. Songwriter Don Schlitz (“The “You can very easily spend four or five Gambler,” “On the Other Hand”) provided years working on a musical, then it’s re- Label to Help music for The Adventures of Tom Saw- leased, and then it closes in two months,” yer; Billy Ray Cyrus and Nettles had roles in says Kirkpatrick. “So it’s all a gamble.” Propel Vallenato a production of Chicago; songwriter Mike Modern country concerts are typically Reid (“Stranger in My House,” “I Can’t Make music-centered events with a small amount Artists You Love Me”) launched his second musi- of talk and varying levels of visual produc- cal, Ballad of Little Jo; and Steve Earle has tion; they don’t feel particularly related BY GRISELDA FLORES contributed to several productions, includ- to theater pieces. But the early editions ing Coal Country, an off-Broadway produc- of country’s radio barn dances — includ- ilvestre Dangond has launched a tion cut short by the pandemic. ing WSM-AM Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry new label, Music Dreams Records, Productions featuring the music of Elvis and WSM-AM Chicago’s National Barn to help propel the careers of rising Presley, Urban Cowboy, Sun Records, Dolly Dance — balanced music, comedy and danc- and veteran vallenato artists in his Parton and Jimmy Buffett have likewise ing in a manner that isn’t that far removed Snative Colombia, Billboard has learned. been part of a bigger trend in which nontra- from a Broadway musical. The 41-year-old vallenato star has already ditional music has appeared on Broadway, “The vaudeville roots of country music signed six artists to the label, including Ma- Page 12 of 19

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rio Fuscaldo, Beto Urieles, LuisRa Solano, Higher Ground team has been a life-chang- Fund has appointed Lorelei Williams to Rafa Roncallo, Fred Quintero and Roland ing experience,” she said. “President and be the company’s first executive director. Valbuena. Dangond will also manage and Mrs. Obama are inspiring leaders who push Previously, she served as senior vp of Grant produce some of his newly signed artists. all of us to challenge the status quo, to be Programs at Comic Relief U.S. “When soccer players retire, they prepare tenacious and empathic in everything we do, Williams will serve as an employee of to become coaches for other players,” Dan- and to invest in the people we work with as Moore Impact, Blavatnik’s fiscal sponsor, gond — who is signed to Sony Music Latin much as the stories we have the privilege of and will work closely with their board to and will serve as CEO of Music Dreams telling. I am honored to have been a part of “bring to life its vision of building more Records — said in a statement. “That’s how this family and can’t wait to see what stories equitable communities and creating real I feel. I don’t actually plan on retiring soon they tell next.” change in the lives of “historically un- but I do want to help and guide other artists Formerly Special Assistant to the Presi- derserved and marginalized populations and give them that confidence that we all dent at The White House and Deputy Chief through investing in organizations at the need in this industry.” of Staff to the former president, Paulsen has forefront of this work,” the press release After wrapping up his “De Local” resi- worked with the Obamas their campaign in reads. Based in New York, she’ll report to dency in Miami back in May, Dangond also 2007 and oversaw the creation of Higher Yvonne Moore, the organization’s president. announced new rescheduled tour dates in Ground since its inception. “Structural racism, economic inequality Colombia for Las Locuras Tour in support Dan Fierman most recently served as and the COVID-19 pandemic have con- of his latest album Los Locuras Mías, which president of Epic Media in Los Angeles, verged with devastating impact, especially was released last year. leading the media start-up to acquisition by for Black communities in the U.S. and the The trek is set to kick off Sept. 10 and he’ll Vox Media in 2019. Prior to that, he led news African Diaspora,” Williams said. “We have make stops in cities such as Bogotá, Cali, coverage at MTV, was the Editorial Director a powerful opportunity – and obligation – to Medellín, Cartagena, among others. of the pop culture site Grantland and over- radically reimagine and rebuild a more just saw culture and special packages at GQ. He society. In partnership with our dynamic and Holmes oversaw the launch of The Mi- Board, I look forward to building an in- Executive chelle Obama Podcast and Renegades: Born novative Fund that leverages the power of in the USA, the podcast hosted by President culture, advocacy and direct action to create Turntable: New Obama and Bruce Springsteen. real change in the lives of historically under- Mark R. Wright was an executive at served and marginalized populations.” Hires at Obama’s MACRO, where he developed and produced The appointment of Williams follows Juel Taylor’s directorial debut, They Cloned WMG/BFF SJF’s annual report, which gave Media Company Tyrone (Netflix). His slate of projects also an overview of their “intentional grantmak- includes the Oscar-winning film Judas and ing structure, investments, and grantee & Warner’s Social the Black Messiah, Alan Yang’s Tigertail and programming and partnerships during its Birth of Cool. He has produced several short first year,” according to the release. Founded Justice Fund films, including an award-winning science last year after the murder of George Floyd, fiction film, Prototype, which premiered at the foundation invests in organizations that BY HANNAH DAILEY the 2018 American Black Film Festival. help underserved, primarily Black popula- Higher Ground’s upcoming content slate tions. ormer president Barack Obama encompasses a range of fiction, non-fiction During her time at Comic Relief, Williams and Michelle Obama’s media and kids & family across series, feature films launched a grantmaking pillar focused on company Higher Ground has and podcasts. “We started Higher Ground economic empowerment and inaugurated a announced several additions to because we wanted to tell stories that not Youth Advisory Council, composed of eight Fits executive team: Joe Paulsen as head only entertain, but also inform and inspire,” trailblazing young leaders who now inform of Business and Strategy, Dan Fierman as President Obama and Michelle Obama said the strategy for their famous fundraising head of Audio and Anna Holmes as Cre- in a joint statement. “We are so proud of campaign Red Nose Day. Before Comic ative Director, and Mark R. Wright as team the work this team has done in just a few Relief, she served as president of Onira vp of Film and Television. short years. This talented leadership team Global Advisors and worked as a philan- The new executives enter Higher Ground at Higher Ground will continue to bring thropic strategist focusing on the U.S., South just as its co-head of Film and Television, fresh perspectives, compelling characters, America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Priya Swaminathan, leaves. Swaminathan and a healthy dose of inspiration to all of our “We’re thrilled to have Lorelei join us to was the first hire the Obamas made for projects.” help lead our grantmaking strategy, which the company, but will step down later this The Warner Music Group / Blavat- is focused on three guiding pillars – educa- summer. “Working alongside Tonia and the nik Family Foundation Social Justice tion, criminal justice reform, and culture Page 13 of 19

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and the performing arts,” said Mark Baker, team, where she will help program the Vina and curation of the latter,” she said. “The WMG/BFF SJF Board member and senior Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, City multi-hyphenate creatives we represent vp, Public Policy & Government Affairs, National Grove of Anaheim, San Jose Civic, have gifts that can be expressed across the WMG. “Her extensive background in social California Performing Arts Center in San full spectrum of Entertainment and I’m justice philanthropy on a global scale and Jose, Heart Health Park in Sacramento, thrilled to be able to apply my background community development make her a perfect SOMO Concerts in Sonoma Countyand and in talent management and business develop- fit for this role. With her strategic oversight more of Nederlander’s core venues. “I am ment at a company as dynamic as its clients.” and direction, the Board is confident that excited to join the Nederlander Concerts The New York native got her start on it will make a sustained, long-term impact team and look forward to contributing to the Wall Street as an investment banker, later in advancing equity and justice around the growth and success of their touring goals,” shifting to a music-focused executive ca- world.” Guarrieri said. reer. She now represents songwriter and Ingrooves Music Group has named Anne Guarrieri was previously at Live Nation producer Sean Douglas and production duo Sofie Jeremiassen as their new country working as a local talent buyer and national Nova Wav, while acting as an ambassador manager of Ingrooves Denmark, in a move tour director. She’s worked with an artist for Root & Rebound, whose mission is to geared at “expanding the company’s pres- roster spanning the Foo Fighters, Panic! At restore power and resources to families and ence in this Top 20 music market,” the the Disco, Incubus, Sia, Chris Stapleton, minority communities most harmed by mass press release reads. Jeremiassen comes to Bon Iver, Leon Bridges, Avril Lavigne, Ray incarceration through legal advocacy, public Ingrooves following two years teaching and LaMontagne, Massive Attack and Weird education, policy reform and litigation. consulting in the music business. Al. A longtime vet of the live entertainment “Rachel and I have worked in tandem Jeremiassen also previously served as industry, she also garnered some of her with a number of artists and I’ve seen her CEO of an independent record label in Den- expertise while actually on the road with ability first-hand to seamlessly work with mark, ArtPeople Music. There, she guided artists like Fall Out Boy/Paramore, Oddball and maximize opportunity for talent across the company’s 2018 acquisition by Univer- Comedy Tour and Muse. multiple sectors of entertainment,” said sal Music, becoming head of Virgin Music “Kate’s national touring experience is a Range Media Partners’ managing partner Denmark until 2019. “Anne Sofie has built perfect fit to expand our booking depart- Evan Winiker. “Her business development a reputation within Denmark as one of the ment’s efforts,” said Alex Hodges, CEO of background provides her with a strategic most forward-thinking and respected execu- Nederlander Concerts. “As we continue to perspective and acts as a key resource for tives in music,” said Nick Roden, Ingrooves’ add venues, route, and curate tours, it is es- her clients. I’ve also been impressed by how managing director, UK. “Her expert knowl- sential to enhance our team with seasoned adeptly Rachel has navigated the rapidly edge of independent music in the region and professionals, and we are thrilled Kate is evolving arena of music catalog sales. She’s her deeply rooted relationships within the joining our team.” secured and negotiated groundbreaking, industry make her the ideal person to lead Range Media Partners has added Ra- 8-figure deals for her clients and her finan- our business in Denmark.” chel Douglas to their team as a partner in cial acumen makes her a uniquely valuable The addition of Jeremiassen is part of the Music Division. She will be one of the asset for several Range clients in that space.” Ingrooves’ recent global expansion efforts, music partners at the forefront of Range’s The National Museum of African Ameri- which span moves in Mexico, Brazil, Japan, business development and strategy as they can Music (NMAAM) has announced the South Korea, Spain, Turkey, South Africa work to build out their publishing arm and addition of seven new board members under and an increasing presence in Australia/ create connectivity between artist develop- the new leadership of Stacey Garrett Koju. New Zealand. Jeremiassen will be based in ment and the company’s writer/producer The announcement of the new hires comes Copenhagen, meanwhile Ingrooves is head- roster. with the introduction of a podcast series quartered in Los Angeles. The addition of Douglas “signifies another that documents Black music history. “As the “Ingrooves is known in Denmark and major development for the department,” museum rounds out its inaugural year, these throughout the world as having the most ad- which services Mariah Carey, Jack Harlow, updates mark the beginning of a transi- vanced proprietary technology, data-driven Justin Tranter, Wale, PartyNextDoor, MAX, tion from a brick-and-mortar museum to a analytics and tools available to independent WondaGurl, Midland and D Smoke, accord- unique storytelling institution,” the press record labels,” Jeremiassen said. “I look for- ing to the press release. Douglas said in a release reads. ward working with Danish labels and artists statement that she’s excited to join Range’s Koju joins the company as the first to grow their fanbases here in Denmark as “mission to revolutionize the way talent can Black woman to lead a museum’s board, well as working with the Ingrooves’ global be elevated in Music and Entertainment.” according to the release. Her new board team to help Danish artists expand into new “Having worked for multinational media includes Bret R. Babcock, COO and CFO at territories around the world.” companies and bedroom start-ups alike, I’m LOGICFORCE, Vince Gill, recording art- Nederlander Concerts has brought proud to say that Range combines the reach ist, Brett Sweet, Vanderbilt University’s vice on Kate Guarrieri to their talent booking of the former with the sense of community chancellor for Finance and CFO, Jon Platt, Page 14 of 19

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chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publish- Event marketing software company ​​Audi- Seminole Gaming entertainment venues ing, Tom Curtis, managing director, Tru- ence Republic has a new Chief Revenue Of- include the 7,500-seat Hard Rock Live at ist, Dene Oliver, former Chief Vision Officer ficer in Brian Arnone. He previously served Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hol- (retired), Brookfield Properties and Mo- as patron technology president and CRO at lywood, the 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event nique Idlett-Mosley, president and CEO of Patron Technology. Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Ca- Reign Venture Capital. While at Patron Technology, Arnone led sino Tampa, the 836-seat Seminole Center “With Stacey at the helm of the board, their sales, marketing, and account manage- at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, plus NMAAM is expanding its purpose, vision ment teams and served on the company’s venues at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, and mission from historical documentation senior leadership team, acquiring compa- Seminole Brighton Casino and Seminole to include more active storytelling ventures, nies in the realms of ticketing, mobile apps, Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida. all with the function of elevating Black experiential marketing, logistics software, “Andrew Saunders joins Seminole Gam- stories to wider audiences,” said Henry and cashless RFID. “Audience Republic is ing with a wealth of entertainment experi- Beecher Hicks III, president and CEO at the answer to a question people have been ence and will be instrumental in advancing NMAAM. “Along with the rest of our new asking me my whole career: ‘How are you live events and entertainment opportuni- board members, NMAAM is looking ahead going to help me sell more tickets?’” Arnone ties,” said Keith Sheldon, president of to the future of this museum and how we said. “I’ve had to answer that question more entertainment for Hard Rock International can remain at the cutting edge of Black cul- times than I can count.” and Seminole Gaming. “As our extensive tural preservation and education.” Before joining Patron Technology, Arnone schedule of concerts and events gains even Big Loud Records has announced a new served as president and COO of Pittsburgh- more momentum, Saunders will identify round of hires in its promotion department, based ShowClix, and is credited with grow- additional one-of-a-kind entertainment which will “help drive Big Loud into a ing the company’s revenue by 240% within experiences for our guests.” promising future – while also making them three years through his direction. And as se- Saunders will play a pivotal role in stronger and more resourceful in the here nior vp of Sales for Ticketfly, Arnone played implementing entertainment strategies at and now,” according to the press release. a key role in the company’s successful sale Seminole Gaming venues, including collabo- Stacy Blythe has been promoted to to Pandora in 2015. ration between event venues and ticketing senior vp, Promotion, having previously “We’re thrilled to have Brian onboard,” operations, finance and production partners. served as vp, Promotion. Blythe has been says Audience Republic CEO Jared Kris- He brings more than 10 years of experi- “integral” to Big Loud Records’ fast success, tensen. “With over two decades of experi- ence in negotiating and booking entertain- with achievements like 11 U.S. No. 1s with ence, including leadership roles at Ticketfly, ment events, including relationship manage- gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certi- Showclix and Patron Technology, Brian will ment with talent, agencies and production fications and more than 14 billion global play a critical role in continuing our growth companies. His professional reach extends streams to date in less than six years. She’ll in North America, Europe, United Kingdom, to working with event marketing, ticketing be joined by Ali Matkosky, elevated to the and our other markets globally.” and legal teams. position of vp, Promotion from her role as Saunders most recently held booking national director, Promotion. Working di- positions for AEG at Staples Center and rectly with Blythe and the Big Loud Records Andrew Saunders Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles as a senior lineup, Matkosky is credited with contrib- talent buyer working in tandem with AEG uting to eight chart-toppers and will keep Named VP Presents. He previously worked as director looking to develop more. of booking for Los Angeles’ Venue Coali- Tyler Waugh has also been promoted, Entertainment for tion, a group of more than 70 arenas and 15 with his new position being national direc- theaters in North America. He holds a bach- tor, promotion. Waugh has spent the last few Seminole Gaming elor’s degree in music industry and business years as the director of Southeast Promo- from the University of Southern California, tion, meanwhile Sarah Headley progresses in Florida Los Angeles. to director, southeast promotion from her “I’m excited to continue bringing excep- former role as promotion coordinator. BY DAVE BROOKS tional events and experiences to Hard Rock Other new hires include Delaney Rog- and Seminole Gaming guests as the enter- ers, who will take on the role of executive ndrew Saunders has been tainment industry begins to open its doors assistant for Blythe, and Kelley Brock, now named vp entertainment for to in-person events,” said Saunders. “It’s an the label’s promotion coordinator. Brock Seminole Gaming, with respon- honor to be part of a team that focuses on was previously an on-air radio personality sibility for live entertainment unique guest experiences.” at WKDF – Nashville and WUSY – Chat- programmingA at Seminole Gaming venues Saunders will collaborate with entertain- tanooga. throughout Florida. ment leads at each property, including Dave Page 15 of 19

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Gold, vp entertainment operations and live events, and Steve Minick, director of enter- Rauw Alejandro Too $hort, tainment, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock & Becky G to Raekwon, Hotel & Casino Tampa. Headline Billboard Ghostface Killah & Shakira Should Latin Music More Headlining Face Tax Fraud Showcase in Spain Free Concerts

Trial, Spanish BY JESSICA ROIZ Across NYC

Judge Rules max Group announced Friday BY NEENA ROUHANI (July 30) their highly anticipated BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Billboard Latin Music Showcase, wo days after the U.S. govern- which is to take place in October ment sold the sole copy of their Spanish judge investigating al- Ein Seville, Spain. album Once Upon a Time in leged tax fraud by Colombian The 2021 BillboardLMS event, in alli- Shaolin for rumored millions, musician Shakira recommended ance with Sony Music, Universal Spain, TWu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah on Thursday (July 29) that the Beon Worldwide, Seetickets, and Spor- and Raekwon were announced as headlin- caseA go to trial after concluding there is evi- tandlife, will be headlined by Puerto Rican ers of a free hip-hop concert in New York dence that the pop star could have avoided sensation Rauw Alejandro on Oct. 1, and City, alongside a slew of other local hip-hop her fiscal obligations to the state. Mexican-American superstar Becky G on legends. Judge Marco Juberías wrote that his Oct. 2. Organized by Mayor Bill de Blasio and three-year probe found there existed “suf- They will be joined by Panamanian Universal Hip Hop Museum executive ficient evidence of criminality” for the case newcomer and former Billboard Latin Artist director and president Rocky Bucano, “It’s to go to a trial judge. on the Rise, Boza, as well as other local and Time for Hip Hop in NYC” will include four The decision can be appealed. international artists to be announced in the concerts taking place at outdoor venues Prosecutors charged the singer in Decem- coming days. The two-day showcase will be in The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and ber 2019 with not paying 14.5 million euros held at Parque Vega de Triana in Seville. Queens, from Aug. 16-20. ($16.4 million) in taxes in Spain between “BillboardLMS will not only unite fans “As we celebrate this Summer of New 2012 and 2014, when she lived mostly in the with the biggest names in Latin Music for a York City, we’re proud to partner with country despite having an official residence one-of-a-kind experience but will also mark Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop in Panama. the long-awaited return of live concerts in Museum to bring these momentous concerts Shakira, 44, denied any wrongdoing when Spain,” said German Gonzalez, president of to our boroughs, free of charge,” says de she testified in June 2019. Her public rela- Emax Group, in an official statement. Blasio. Concertgoers must show proof of tions firm said that she had immediately BillboardLMS will have rapid COVID-19 their first dose of an approved COVID-19 paid what she owed once she was informed tests on site and will disinfect all facilities so vaccine as part of New York City’s ongoing of the debt by the Tax Office. that talent, staff, and all attendees will have effort to raise the rate of vaccinations among Shakira faces a possible fine and even pos- a safe and enjoyable experience. young people in the city. Officials hope the sible jail time if found guilty of tax evasion. Tickets are available at www.seetickets. presence of the shows and influx of fans will However, a judge can waive prison time for com. For more information, visit billboard- also drive support for local small businesses, first-time offenders if they are sentenced to lms.com and emaxgroupcorp.com. many of which suffered great losses during less than two years behind bars. the 2020 lockdowns. Other headliners across the four concerts include KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma, Desiigner and George Clinton, in addition to a plethora of other genre pioneers, who will perform throughout the day. “Many of the artists performing in these shows are native New Yorkers hailing from the five boroughs. It’s their talent, creativ- Page 16 of 19

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ity, and passion for the culture that spread it with the loss of control over their own desti- to attend other The Onsite Foundation from the stoops, parks, and playgrounds to ny,” said Laura Hutfless, FlyteVu co-found- programs including Triumph Over Tragedy, stages worldwide,” says Bucano. “The Uni- er and president of The Onsite Foundation Life After Loss, Support in Service, and versal Hip Hop Museum is proud to welcome board of directors in a statement. “We are so Haven for Healers. them home, back to where it all began.” thankful that MusiCares has stepped up to The weeklong festivities will come to help us meet this overwhelming need with a close with a massive show on Central financial resources.” TikTok Trend Park’s great lawn, featuring performances The workshop will provide tools, re- from Carlos Santana, Polo G, Wyclef Jean sources and educational sessions to guide Spurs Streaming, and more. Tickets will be available to individuals back to a place of wellness. hopeful concertgoers in batches, beginning “As the leading music charity, MusiCares Sales Gains for Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. ET. The shows will stream is dedicated to supporting music people in exclusively on the Twitch channel Behind times of crisis and beyond,” says Laura Se- Greta Van Fleet the Rhyme. gura, MusiCares executive director. “We’re excited to partner with The Onsite Foun- BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD dation and create these important tools as MusiCares & The part of our continued efforts to help music viral TikTok trend featur- people recover and come back stronger after ing Greta Van Fleet’s 2019 Sat- Onsite Foundation the pandemic.” urday Night Live performance An October survey launched by Musi- drives streams and sales for the Partner for Cares found that 51 percent of respondents bandA and sends “You’re the One” back onto had low to very low levels of confidence the Billboard charts dated July 31. Workshop to that they would be able to afford basic living The band’s performance of the song expenses during the pandemic, while 62 on SNL has gone viral, with users mimicking Help Music percent said they experienced moderately frontman Josh Kiszka’s unique mannerisms high to very high levels of financial stress during its third verse. Professionals on a daily basis. Mental health was also se- In the July 16-22 tracking period, Greta verely affected with 26 percent experiencing Van Fleet earned 7.6 million U.S. on-demand Affected by moderate to severe levels of depression, 34.9 streams of its catalog, a boost of 122%, percent seeking counseling for mental issues according to MRC Data. Additionally, the Pandemic and 53.5 percent of the respondents saying rockers racked up 6,000 digital downloads they could not afford to seek counseling. of its songs, up 461%, and 5,000 album sales, BY MELINDA NEWMAN MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s up 86%. philanthropic partner, provides aid to the Leading the way in both song-related he Onsite Foundation and Mu- music community through mental health metrics, “You’re the One” boasts 923,000 siCares have partnered for a and addiction recovery services, financial on-demand streams, leaping 508%. Its sales scholarship-based, three-day assistance for health services, and support count, meanwhile, is 2,000 downloads, a workshop aimed at helping music for basic living expense during periods of 1,955% surge that allows the song to re- Tindustry professionals process the trauma hardship. enter Hard Rock Digital Song Sales at No. and loss of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Onsite Foundation provides trauma 2, a new peak, after previously reaching No. The Key of C seminar will take place Sept. counseling and emotional health education. 5 in February 2019. It also returns to Rock 1-4 at Onsite Workshops in Cumberland Applyhere to attend The Key Of C. Digital Song Sales at No. 5, a new peak that Furnace, Tenn., outside of Nashville and will Admissions criteria includes participants ties the band’s personal best on the chart, be available to musicians, singer/songwrit- must be over 18, agree to 15 days of sobriety previously achieved by “Always There” (No. ers, engineers, touring crews, managers, from alcohol and drugs before the program, 5, September 2019). label executives, agents, venue managers agree to no smoking on campus during the But “You’re the One” isn’t the only song and other creatives and staffers who have workshop and have no current suicidal plan to find success; Greta Van Fleet’s “Highway worked in the music industry and have been or attempt and no self harm. Attendance is Tune” nabs 1,000 downloads to bubble affected by the pandemic. capped at 63 participants. under Hard Rock Digital Song Sales with “The music industry was greatly affected While The Key of C is funded for all at- a 410% gain, while “Heat Above” also hits by COVID, as individuals lost their sense of tendees regardless of ability to pay, Mu- 1,000 downloads, a 62% boost. security and identity, experienced tremen- siCares will also underwrite scholarships “You’re the One” was initially released to dous loss and grief, and struggled to cope for qualifying music industry professionals radio as the second single from Anthem of Page 17 of 19

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the Peaceful Army, Greta Van Fleet’s debut while an arena-sized audience watched the full-length album, in 2018, eventually rising livestream at home. She’s been a constant in- ILLENIUM & to No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay novator and the ‘Echoes Through The Can- chart for two weeks in March 2019. yon’ show is no exception, giving fans access Swedish House Further gains are possible on the Bill- to an incredible amphitheatre experience board charts dated Aug. 7, as streams and regardless of where they’re located,” Joel Mafia Debut, sales have continued to trend upward in the Madden said in a statement. “We’re con- latest tracking week (July 23-29). stantly impressed with what Brandi has Lodato Leads on created on the platform — for her fans, for her crew, and for the other artists that have Dance/Electronic Brandi Carlile been inspired to use the platform to bring people together.” Charts to Livestream The performance comes in advance of the six-time Grammy-winning singer, song- BY GORDON MURRAY ‘Echoes Through writer, performer, producer and New York Times best-selling author’s new album In LLENIUM ignites atop Bill- the Canyon’ These Silent Days, due on Oct. 1. Carlile’s board’s Top Dance/Electronic Al- seventh studio album follows her Gram- bums chart (dated July 31) with Fallen Concert on Veeps my-winning album By the Way, I Forgive Embers. The set earned 14,000 equiva- You from 2018. Ilent album units in its first week, according BY TAYLOR MIMS Last week, Carlile dropped the new al- to MRC Data. bum’s first single “Right on Time” accompa- The release is ILLENIUM’s second No. randi Carlile is making her nied by a music video directed by Courteney 1, after Ascend spent eight frames on top in return to live music. Carlile has Cox. Check it out below. 2019. It’s also only the second set to debut rescheduled her Echoes Through “Never before have the twins and I writ- at the summit this year, following Porter the Canyon concert at the legend- ten an album during a time of such uncer- Robinson’s Nurture in May. Bary Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington with tainty and quiet solitude. I never imagined ILLENIUM additionally impacts the special guests Sheryl Crow and Amythyst that I’d feel so exposed and weird as an multimetric Hot Dance/Electronic Kiah. artist without the armor of a costume, the Songs chart with eight new entries The special event will also be simultane- thrill of an applause and the platform of the from Fallen Embers, including “Blame ously livestreamed via Veeps on Aug. 14. sacred stage,” Carlile said of the new album Myself,” with Tori Kelly, at No. 9. Adding The Echoes Through the Canyon show will in a release. “Despite all this, the songs five tracks that debuted earlier, 13 of the mark the first streamed amphitheater show flowed through—pure and unperformed, album’s 14 songs have hit the chart, and four since Veeps began equipping venues across loud and proud, joyful and mournful. Writ- have reached the top 10: “Nightlight” (No. 8, the country with turnkey livestreaming ten in my barn during a time of deep and October); “Paper Thin,” with Tom DeLonge capabilities. The show will be available to personal reckoning.” and Angels & Airwaves (No. 10, Novem- rewatch through Aug. 28. Tickets are on sale now for both the live ber); “Sideways,” with Valerie Broussard In April, Live Nation and Veeps – the event in Washington and the livestream. and Nurko (No. 10, May); and now “Blame artist-first livestream platform run by Myself.” co-founders Joel and Benji Madden of ILLENIUM’s seventh Hot Dance/Elec- the band Good Charlotte – announced tronic Songs top 10 and Kelly’s first, “Blame they started equipping 60-plus concert Myself” bows with 2.3 million U.S. streams, venues across the United States to offer also good for a No. 15 start on the Dance/ easy-to-use livestreaming. Equipped venues Electronic Streaming Songs chart. With include The Fillmore in San Francisco and sales of 1,000 downloads, “Blame” bounds in Philadelphia, House of Blues in Chicago and at No. 6 on Dance/Electronic Digital Song New Orleans, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, Sales. and a number of amphitheaters, including Further on the Hot Dance/Electronic Shoreline Amphitheater in California and Songs chart, Swedish House Mafia debuts The Gorge in Washington. both of its newly released songs: “It Gets “Back in March, Brandi delivered one Better” (No. 13, 1.3 million streams) and of the very first ever hybrid experiences, “Lifetime,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 070 playing to an intimate crowd at the Ryman Shake (No. 31, 526,000 streams). Page 18 of 19

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The tracks are the act’s third and fourth Annabelle Herd. total entries on the list (which began in The Kid Laroi, Love Signs is the followup to Quiet Feroc- January 2013). Two of the group’s heritage ity, which peaked at No. 11 in 2017. hits appeared on the inaugural chart: “Don’t Justin Bieber Finally, British rapper Dave makes his You Worry Child,” featuring John Martin ARIA Top 50 debut with We’re All Alone (No. 2), and “Greyhound” (No. 11). ‘Stay’ at No. 1 in In This Together (Virgin Music Australia/ Elsewhere on the Dance/Electronic Universal), his sophomore album. It’s new Digital Song Sales list, Gloria Gaynor earns Australia at No. 5. Dave also makes his debut ARIA her first leader with the classic “I Will Singles Chart appearance with “Clash,” Survive,” a beneficiary of 69-cent sale- BY LARS BRANDLE the Stormzy-assisted track that impacts at pricing in Apple’s iTunes Store. The anthem, No. 29. a three-week No. 1 on the Billboard Hot he Kid Laroi continues to lord it We’re All Alone In This Together is the 100 in 1979, rides an 870% surge to 3,000 over the singles chart in his home- followup to Psychodrama, which ruled sold for its re-entry atop Dance/Electronic land as “Stay” (Columbia/Sony), the Official U.K. Chart and won the Brit Digital Song Sales (besting its prior No. 4 his collaboration with Justin Award for album of the year. By the week- peak). Only two songs in the history of the TBieber, enters a third week atop the ARIA end, Dave should have a second U.K. No. 1. chart, which began in 2010, took longer than Singles Chart. On the midweek U.K. chart blast , We’re Gaynor’s 80 weeks at reach No. 1: Gorillaz’s The Sydney-raised singer and rapper is a All Alone In This Together had generated “Feel Good Inc” (138 weeks) and Coldplay’s force on both main charts this week as his more sales and streams then the rest of the “A Sky Full of Stars” (130). evolving mixtape F*ck Love lifts 9-3 on the top 5 combined. Looking at the Dance/Mix Show Air- heels of a new deluxe release, F*ck Love play chart, Lodato lifts to his third leader (Over You). with “Neon Lights.” The DJ/producer previ- “Stay” is one of four tracks from F*ck Drake Exec- ously led with “Home” (November 2019) Love making an impression on the Top 50 and “Good Thing,” with Bright Sparks (this this week, as “Not Sober” (No. 8), “Still Producing March). “Neon” is scoring core-dance airplay Chose You” featuring Mustard (No. 26) and across outlets including KMVQ-HD2 San “Over You” (No. 44) all make debuts. Documentary Francisco, Music Choice’s Dance/EDM chan- The highest new entry this week belongs nel and KNHC (C89.5) Seattle. (The Dance/ to Lil Nas X, whose “Industry Baby” (Sony) About Black Mix Show Airplay chart measures radio featuring Jack Harlow, bows at No. 6. It’s airplay on a select group of full-time dance Lil Nas X’s third Top Ten appearance in Hockey Players stations, along with plays during mix shows Australia, and the first single to chart from on nearly 80 top 40-formatted reporters.) his forthcoming album Montero, following With LeBron “’Neon Lights’ was the first song I was “Holiday” (which peaked at No. 42) and able to create an entire theme around,” former leader “Montero (Call Me By Your James Lodato tells Billboard. “From the music Name)”. video taking place in futuristic Las Vegas, Over on the ARIA Albums Chart, The BY ETAN VLESSING where I’m fighting robots and falling in Jungle Giants swing in to top spot with Love love with a hot Cyborg, to the virtual reality Signs (Amplifire/Orchard), for the Brisbane rake, LeBron James and Mav- environment that Tribe XR created with indie pop-rock outfit’s first No. 1. erick Carter are set to executive me, which you can see a glimpse of in the Frontman Sam Hales says it’s a “child- produce Black Ice, a feature background of my cover art, it’s been a hood dream come true.” He continues, “we documentary about the game of blast. You can actually hang out in the sci-fi set the goal to be completely independent in Dhockey’s racial reckoning. Lodato Lounge via an Oculus virtual reality order to make albums we wanna make. It’s The film from Uninterrupted Canada and headset, and DJ on the fully interactive incredible to be sitting here today knowing The SpringHill Company, which was found- virtual Pioneer 3000s.” that our record Love Signs just went No. 1 on ed by James and business partner Carter, is Staying on Dance/Mix Show Air- the ARIA Albums Chart.” about Black hockey players facing systemic play, Sigrid jumps to her first top 10 with Love Signs is the 11th homegrown No. 1 racism in the sport and will be directed by “Mirror” (11-6). It’s her second chart ap- this year and it’s the best-selling vinyl this Oscar nominee Hubert Davis. Black Ice will pearance, after “Don’t Feel Like Crying” week. spotlight the historical marginalization (No. 23, 2019). “It’s a fantastic achievement for the band, of Black hockey players from the early who are also celebrating their tenth an- pioneers of the Colored Hockey League niversary this year,” comments ARIA CEO in Maritimes Canada to today’s National Page 19 of 19

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Hockey League and its paltry number of day morning U.S. time, but NBC’s primetime Black players. Taylor Swift coverage will show (spoiler alert) Lee win- The SpringHill Company, with film ning all-around gold while Carey finishes in credits like Space Jam: A New Legacy, More Narrates & eighth place. Than a Game and The Carter Effect, will Watch the promo below: executive produce along with Drake and Soundtracks Adel “Future” Nur via the duo’s co-venture DreamCrew Entertainment. Uninterrupted Olympics Canada chief content officer Vinay Virmani will produce Black Ice as it pushes hockey Promo Hyping into the cultural conversation for racial justice and diversity. USA Women’s “Despite the hardships and struggles, this story is about resilience and how society Gymnastics views itself today while offering a path forward to a more equitable and inclusive BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD future,” Virmani said in a statement. Direc- tor Hubert Davis is best known for his 2005 ife can surprise you,” Tay- documentary Hardwood and other projects lor Swift says in a brand- like Giants of Africa. new promo for NBC’s “I think it is more important than ever coverage of the Summer before for all generations, particularly young “LOlympics in Tokyo. And as it turns out, your people of colour, to understand and see the favorite pop star can surprise you too. diverse faces who have contributed and Swift narrates the new promo — which shaped one the essential fabrics of our coun- is soundtracked by her title track from try,” Davis said of hockey, Canada’s national 2020’s Evermore album with Bon Iver — and pastime. Black Ice has started production hypes up her fans for the women’s gym- with pro hockey players Zayde Wisdom and nastics individual all-around competition, Wayne Simmonds taking part. airing at 8 p.m. ET Thursday night (July 29) Canadian broadcaster Bell Media will on NBC. Team USA women’s gymnastics has release Black Ice on its TSN, Crave and CTV been grabbing headlines all week because platforms, while Elevation Pictures will do a of Simone Biles pulling out of competition. theatrical release north of the border. A U.S. The new promo references the unexpected distribution deal is understood to be in the pair of Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey leading works. the way for Team USA in Biles’ place, with Uninterrupted Canada is an athlete em- Carey starting the week out as an alternate. powerment brand led by CEO Scott Moore “Life can surprise you. It can humble you. and Virmani, in partnership with Drake and It can test you. It can inspire you,” Swift says is aligned with Uninterrupted, the U.S.- in the promo, over footage of the women based platform. Founded in 2007, SpringHill practicing. “They didn’t expect this to be the has also produced scripted series including story. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse and Netflix’s Self ready for the spotlight. They’ve worked Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. for this. They’ve dreamed about this. They Walker and Top Boy and unscripted and belong here. So don’t be surprised as the documentary projects including NBC’s story takes flight from here, in the women’s game show The Wall, I Promise, More Than a all-around in Tokyo.” Game, Student Athlete, Shut Up and Dribble, The promo ends with “Suni & Jade” flash- What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali and Be- ing across the screen, as the two teammates coming on Disney+. fist-bump in celebration. This article was originally published “Couldn’t have said it better ourselves, @ by The Hollywood Reporter. taylorswift13,” NBC wrote in a tweet sharing the promo, which Swift retweeted. The competition went down early Thurs-