Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 20, 2021 Page 1 of 20

INSIDE Executive of the Week: Billie Eilish

• Spotify Announces Co-Managers Danny Rukasin and Another Stock Buyback of Up to $1 Brandon Goodman Billion BY LYNDSEY HAVENS • Tems, Elaine & More: Why African R&B/Soul Artists Are For an artist like Billie Eilish, who has topped Ever holds strong at No. 1 — becoming only the second Poised ‘To Claim Our the Billboard charts, swept the Grammys and broken album released this year to spend its first two weeks Spot’ countless records along the way, a title such as Hap- at the peak. Helping Eilish come out on top once again pier Than Ever seemed fitting for her second album has earned her co-managers, Best Friends’ • BTS Cancels Danny Ru- World Tour Due — even in spite of the single tear descending the pop kasin and Brandon Goodman, the title of Billboard’s to COVID-19 star’s face on the project’s cover. Executive of the Week. Complications When the album debuted atop the Billboard 200 Here, the two discuss the parallels between Eilish’s last week — following in the footsteps of her acclaimed two rollout campaigns thus far and why physical for- • R. Kelly Accuser Says in Tearful 2019 debut, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We mat of vinyl worked so seamlessly with the superstar’s Testimony She Was Go? — Eilish had even more cause for celebration. Hap- current “golden-era aesthetic.” ‘Trained’ to Please pier Than Ever racked up 238,000 equivalent album Both of Billie’s full-length albums have now Singer as a Teen units in the U.S. in the week ending Aug. 5, according debuted atop the Billboard 200. What strategies • R. Kelly’s Former to MRC Data, 153,000 of which were album sales, with from her debut campaign did you utilize again Assistant Testifies: physical sales comprising a whopping 129,000. with Happier Than Ever? ‘It Was Almost Like a The breakdown gets even more impressive. Of Brandon Goodman: Billie leads the way with her Twilight Zone’ those physical sales, 73,000 were vinyl — a stat so music and the narrative she wants to tell in every • Aaliyah’s 1996 large that Happier Than Ever would have topped the aspect of her art, and it’s our job — alongside our Album ‘One in a Billboard 200 based on vinyl sales alone. (The album incredible partners at Darkroom/Interscope and Million’ Finally was pressed on eight color variants available across Billie’s publicist, Alexandra Baker — to help bring Arrives on Streaming independent record stores as well as big-box retailers those ideas and her vision to life in a meaningful and Services: Listen like Target and Walmart.) impactful way. The same as we did for her debut al- Now, in its second week on the chart, Happier Than (continued)

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IN BRIEF

bum, we worked with all the digital service Rukasin: We all recognized how the album from an artist at Billie’s level, where providers to help create content and experi- timeless, golden-era aesthetic Billie created expectations are high from fans and more ences to ensure the fans connect to Billie in and intended for this album would work re- casual audiences are diving back with new ways that are special and important to them. ally well in the tangible form of vinyl, so the music, you have to execute it even more The goal was to reach as many people as key decision was understanding time frames carefully. possible. on vinyl production and having the luxury What has been the biggest challenge Danny Rukasin: I think the biggest thing of time to plan well ahead to offer various about being a manager through a pan- we all learned from the first album is how colored vinyl to serve many different sets of demic? we truly leaned in and worked with every fans through various distribution options. Rukasin: Not being able to tour and per- partner we have that generally can help con- Cassettes also had a strong showing, form in front of fans on a larger scale is the nect Billie’s music with her fans and extend with 10,000 in sales. Why is it important biggest challenge. Billie has such an incred- the world she created around the music. to embrace physical formats in an album ible relationship with and cares for her fans. Whether that’s with the DSPs or physical rollout today? It’s one thing when she and her fans are retail, press outlets, radio or any other part- Rukasin: Moreso than vinyl, cassettes are home and connecting via social media, but ner, the goal is always to understand how we truly collectibles and do mean something to it’s a very different and beautiful thing to see can work together with each [project] and fans. when she can be in the same space in real utilize their strengths — or build something What lessons or strategies from this life, perform the music and share a special new — to shine the largest but most authen- rollout and campaign did you learn or try experience with them. The fact she sold out tic light on the album. that you will apply to future projects? her 2022 world arena tour in hours is a clear Working with the Disney team [on the Rukasin: I think the lesson we learned indication of the appetite her fans have to be concert film Happier Than Ever: A Love was while the concept and motif of an under the same roof with Billie again. Letter to Los Angeles, out on Disney+ Sept. album visually can be specific and expand- Goodman: Artists can put out tons of 3] has been wonderful; they are one of, if not able in many ways, we also want to be sure music, release supporting content and even the, biggest brands in the world and their it doesn’t pigeonhole the album and create host livestreams, but there is nothing as ex- reach is enormous on a global scale. They any misconceptions or pre-conceived ideas citing for both an artist and their fans as the also know how to cultivate a “universe,” on the music on the album as we roll out connection they feel during a live concert. which makes them the perfect partner to singles and videos. This album is incredible Aside from Billie’s chart-topping sec- work with on a film of this caliber while em- in its full form and as deep as a body of work ond album, what are some other recent bracing and understanding who Billie is, and can be. The music is modern and forward- wins you guys have had? how connective her performances are. leaning, while the visuals have a throwback, Goodman: We were very pleased with the With vinyl sales of 73,000 in its first timeless, classic feel and are high-concept. reception of the RJ Cutler-directed docu- week, that figure alone was enough to get Telling the story and explaining more as mentary, Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little the album to No. 1. What key decision did the campaign goes along was key. We saw Blurry. It humanized Billie and reminded you play in making that happen? that on her first album, but with this second viewers and fans that although what she is

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ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country goingA throughlbu isms; quite rare, Brett she still experi Y-oungthird quarter ‘Catc of this year,h the’-es company Fifth an- opening Airplay of trading today, up nearly 10% to ences the same challenges and emotions nounced today (Aug. 20). $215.07 as of press time. that other teensLea experience.der; I think Travis it was DenningAccording to a press release,Makes the compa History- especially important for her fans and their ny’s board of directors authorized the repur- parents to see that. chase program through April 21, 2026, and Tems, Elaine SamRukasin: Hunt’s second I think studio being full-length, able to announce and first in overnoted five that years, the Southside “timing andsales actual (up 21%) number in the trackingof week. On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCAand sell Nashville/Universal out a headline arenaMusic Grouptour in Nashville), North debutsshares at No. repurchased 1 on Billboard’s will lion depend audience on a impressions, variety &up 16%). More: Why TopAmerica, Country the Albums U.K. and chart Europe, dated April especially 18. In its first ofweek factors, (ending including April 9), it price, general busi- earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingduring toa pandemic, Nielsen Music/MRC is a major Data. win. Every- ness and market conditions,and total and Country alternative Airplay No.African 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine R&B/Soul Label Group) ascends oneSouthside had a slew marks of challengesHunt’s second last No. year 1 on when the investment opportunities.” 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. charteverything and fourth shut top down, 10. It but follows we were freshman three LP This buyback period follows a similar ArtistsYoung’s first ofAre six chart entries,Poised “Sleep With - Montevalloshows into, whichher first arrived arena at the tour summit and had in No to - program announced in November 2018, out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He vemberpostpone, 2014 then and reignedeventually for nine cancel weeks. everything. To date, which set the same share and price ranges. followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 ‘ToDidn’t Know”Claim (two weeks, OurJune 2017), “Like I Loved millionIt was devastatingin album sales. to everyone, especially That program expired on April 21, 2021. You” (three, January 2018), “Mercy” (two, August Billie,Montevallo so to be has able spent to 267 come weeks back on the and list, be tying able “This announcement demonstrates our Spot’2018) and “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). Luketo do Bryan it again’s Crash is incredible. My Party as the sixth-longest- confidence in Spotify’s business and the “Catch” completes his longest journey to No. 1, running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. having taken 46 weeks to reach the apex. It out- growth opportunities we see over the long BY LYNDSEY HAVENS AND DAN RYS On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” term,” Spotify’s chief financial officer Paul rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterSpotify the No. 3-peaking Montevallo. Vogel said in a statement. “We believe this is a newt’s high. early evening in South Africa Hunt first released the EPX2C , which debuted an attractive use of capital, and based on the and Elaine isn’t fully packed yet. The andAnnounces peaked at No. 5 on Top Country Albums in Auguststrength 2014. of Following our balance sheet,COMBS we ‘DOES’ continue IT AGAIN Luke Combsrising’ “Does 22-year-old to Me” (River R&B/soul House/Columbia singer Montevallo, Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape startedto see at itsample No. 7 opportunity high in Nashville), to invest featuring and grow Eric Church,is ascends preparing 11-8 onfor Country her big Airplay, move toup Los 10% to NovemberAnother 2015. Stock our business.” 24.7 million in audience. TheIAngeles song is — Combs’ a literal eighth step straight in solidifying career-opening her Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay: “Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “HouseLast Party” month, and “Make Spotify releasedpromoted its No.Q2 1 singles. global crossover. YouBuyback Miss Me.” “Break Up of in a Small Up Town” to peaked at No.earnings 2. report, which showedChurch thatadds paidhis 15th CountryGrowing Airplay uptop in 10. Pretoria, South Africa, Hunt co-penned all 12 songs on Southside, includingsubscribers “Body Like grew a Back to 165 million around the Elaine (born Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli) Road,”$1 Billionwhich was released in 2017. The smash hit ruledglobe Country and revenueAirplay for climbed THAT 23% TOOK to $2.75 QUITE ‘A FEW’cites MONTHS artists Travis like Miriam Denning Makeba shatters the, Caiphus record for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After billion. But the news was met with a nega- Semenya, Brenda Fassie and Lebo Ma- 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 - FloridaBY DAN Georgia RYS Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks atop thetive latter reaction list in 2017-18). by stockholders,lion in radiowhich reach. sent thosa as examples of her predecessors who “Downtown’s Dead,” which is also on the new set, reachedthe stock Nos. down 14 and 10% 15 the dayThe of song the earnsurpasses- two tracks“did a that lot fortook artists 50 weeks like each myself to enter to be the able top to10: on Hot Countrypotify Songs will instituteand Country a stock Airplay, buy respectively,- ings in announce. June 2018. “KinAt the- beginningEaston Corbin of trading’s “A Girl Likeeven You,” be whichconsidered reached international No. 10 in January artists 2018 ... be A- folks” led Countryback program Airplay of on up Feb. to 29,10 becomingmillion of Hunt’s yesterday seventh (Aug.No. 1. It19), hit Spotify’s fore peaking stock hitat No. a 52- 6 that February,lot of them and Aaron were stayingWatson in’s “Outta New York Style,” and which in No. 3 on Hotthe Country company’s Songs. shares, to the tune week low of $202.11, accordingachieved to its Market No. 10 high- in DecemberCalifornia, 2017. so looking back at the history of 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 of up to $1 billion, beginning in the watch. But the stock price rebounded at the how far African artists have come and how eighthS top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

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long we’ve actually tried to bridge the gap, That dynamic is currently manifesting last fall, while YouTube included her in its it really does prove to me that it’s a legacy itself on the Billboard Hot 100, where Wiz- burgeoning artist Foundry program last that’s been started by so many other iconic kid’s single “Essence,” featuring Tems, May; Elaine was included in Apple Music’s artists.” has steadily climbed to reach No. 44 on the New Artist Spotlight shortly after the initial After launching her own music career in Hot 100 this week, making consistent jumps independent release of Elements. Apple 2019 with her independently released EP El- over the past six weeks. Tems, the Nige- Music is now in 37 countries on the conti- ements — which she finished while study- rian singer, songwriter and producer who nent, YouTube is widely available, while in ing law at the University of Witwatersrand broke through on the continent with her February, Spotify expanded to 80 addi- — Elaine signed a recording contract with debut EP For Broken Ears last fall, knock- tional territories around the world — with Columbia in early 2020, with the label re- ing Burna Boy from the top of the iTunes a particular focus on growing its footprint releasing Elements shortly after. Her deal Nigeria charts, is now carving out her own in Africa. And Audiomack, which has long signified something greater than her own career, too. She’s been fielding major label been available in all of the continent’s 54 success: a wave of African R&B artists and offers and landing on festival lineups from countries, opened a new office in Nigeria in soul singers like Tems, Simi, Amaarae and Lost In Riddim in Sacramento to Afropunk July 2020, expanding its local footprint sister duo VanJess were beginning to see in Atlanta in recent months; “Essence” has beyond sponsorships with festival brands stateside momentum as well. “It really been streamed 68.5 million times to date in like Afrochella and Afronation. In May, the made me understand the magnitude of the the U.S., according to MRC Data. service hosted its Hometown Heroes Nige- responsibility I have for young girls, young “There’s definitely an advancement of ria virtual festival, with Tems among the big African Black girls, and the example and African music; I think the world is get- names to grace the bill. standard that I’ve set for R&B music coming ting more attuned to it every day,” Tems “The more resources that are going over out of my country,” says Elaine of her U.S. tells Billboard. “With how much easier it is to Africa, the more infrastructure that is major label deal. to get access to so many different kinds of there, these artists are only gonna get big- Following the U.S. explosion of rappers, music, I think it’s only a matter of time be- ger — and they are the next generation of afrobeat and afrobeats artists from Africa fore people discover more and more African superstars,” says Audiomack vp marketing over the last decade — including chart- music.” and brand strategy Jason Johnson about topping Wizkid, Grammy-winning Burna The type of music that these artists the new wave of singers emerging from the Boy and record-breaking Davido, to name are bringing to the forefront is not easily continent. “The world doesn’t even know a few — the Western-based music industry definable by typical genre standards; Tems Elaine or Tems yet — they’re just getting has snapped its attention to the continent. describes it as “soulful, it’s rhythm, it’s started. Can you imagine seeing some of Over the past several years, labels have been Afro, it’s reggae, it’s everything. It’s soul, it’s these people on tour? Us, as a company, we launching new local offices throughout spirit.” Even so, Elaine says that the music is want to make sure that the world knows Africa and streaming services have staffed finally beginning to get a similar kind of rec- about this music.” up and increased access in dozens of African ognition as other styles from the continent. Okumu says the global success of African countries, boosting marketing spend and “It’s definitely not at the pace of afrobeats or afrobeat and afrobeats artists now followed highlighting local acts on international play- any other genre, but I do believe it’s getting by the growing success of African R&B/ lists. And as the biz eyes what will be next to there,” she says. “I think there’s a collective soul artists is even more impressive when break through, the continent’s R&B and soul effort for us to really claim our spot.” considering that “Africa in general is mostly singers have become front-runners for that Spotify, for one, has lent a helping hand an indie game. Major labels are present, of next wave of success. for artists like Elaine to break out globally course, and they’re doing what they do to “The big story for Africa in the last 10 with its Radar Program. “When she came to influence the ecosystem, but for the most years has been the rise of afrobeats, and I our program, she was completely indepen- part the majority share of music from Africa think that’s very much also been the launch dent,” says Okumu. “Not to claim her suc- comes from independent labels who are not pad for other sub-genres that are start- cess at all — she did it herself — but we very necessarily going to have the same machin- ing to pop through,” says Phiona Okumu, early identified that she was somebody who ery that [a major label] would have — they’re Spotify’s head of music, Sub-Saharan Africa. was going to go somewhere because she not going to have the same engine.” “One thing that’s interesting about the way sounded in South Africa like what an Ella Still, both Okumu and Elaine point to that the West receives African music is that Mai would sound like or what a Summer Tems as a prime example of how far an Af- it often tends to be one thing at a time, right? Walker would do, and that’s made her the rican artist making music loosely classified So of course we will know about Wizkid and top streaming South African female artist of as R&B/soul can go right now. For Broken Burna Boy and Davido — household names 2020, for example.” Ears has racked up 14.6 million on-demand — but it doesn’t mean that’s the only style Spotify isn’t the only service leaning streams in the U.S. to date, according to of music developing on the urban front [in into the continent: Apple Music included MRC Data, and her profile has grown Africa].” Tems as part of its Africa Rising program exponentially as “Essence” has blossomed Page 8 of 20

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stateside — leading to a remix with Justin Delta variant now the dominant strain in the Bieber, released Aug. 13, which already BTS Cancels country. After six weeks of stringent social has more than 4 million views on YouTube distancing rules and a ban on gatherings of alone in its first seven days. World Tour Due more than two people after 6 p.m., daily case “You can’t talk about the song without loads are hovering around record highs of talking about what Tems did on the record,” to COVID-19 2,000 per day. says Tunji Balogun, executive vp of A&R South Korea has administered 48.3 per- at RCA, Wizkid’s label home, who was just Complications cent of its population of 52 million at least named the incoming CEO of Def Jam. “It’s one vaccine dose, but just 21.6 percent are a combination of all the groundwork that BY PATRICK BRZESKI fully vaccinated. The country aims to fully Wiz put in to get into the position that he’s vaccinate 70 percent of the populace by in, and just the mix of those two styles, the -pop supergroup BTS has October. way that on the second verse they go back scrapped their upcoming Map of and forth so seamlessly.” the Soul world tour because of The mixing of styles has certainly brought insurmountable logistical diffi- R. Kelly Accuser more eyes and attention to some of these Kculties related to the coronavirus pandemic. artists emerging from the continent, just “Our company has worked hard to re- Says in Tearful as Drake’s 2016 single “One Dance” feat. sume preparations for the BTS Map of the Wizkid made the latter the first Nigerian Soul Tour, knowing that all fans have been Testimony She artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot 100 and waiting eagerly and long for the tour,” the became the No. 1 digital song globally of band’s label Big Hit Music said in a state- Was ‘Trained’ to 2016, according to the IFPI. But it is also ment released Friday. one thing over which Elaine has been par- “Due to changing circumstances be- Please Singer ticularly cautious. yond our control, it has become difficult to “The minute there’s a sensation or sen- resume performances at the same scale and as a Teen sational style that becomes the ‘it’ sound, it timeline as previously planned,” it added. becomes a defining sound,” she says. “That’s “Therefore we must announce the cancella- BY NEENA ROUHANI why it was so difficult for me to put [my tion of the BTS Map of the Soul Tour.” project] together because every producer BTS has been trying to tour in support of key witness in the federal rack- I’d go to would want to push me towards an their fourth album, Map of the Soul: 7, since eteering and sex trafficking trial afrobeats or house or amapiano direction. Spring 2020, but pandemic-related delays against R. Kelly, Jerhonda Pace, It happens all the time; the industry focuses have stretched on indefinitely. The group’s continued her testimony against on what’s booming and what’s happening, original tour plans included a series of dates theA R&B singer at the Eastern District which does make it a bit difficult because beginning in Seoul in April 2020, followed of New York courthouse in Brooklyn on you get tugged in so many different direc- by 39 shows in 18 countries spanning North Thursday (Aug. 19), detailing allegations of tions. I’m just trying to establish myself as America, Europe and Asia. aggressive physical and sexual abuse when an R&B artist internationally before I can Instead, BTS has pivoted to ticketed on- she was a minor. explore other genres — which I will, but [it’s line concerts. The group’s label said Friday Pace wore a maroon T-shirt and black about] timing.” that live shows may be rescheduled for the bottoms, nestling her pregnant belly while It’s a strategy that proves to be working fall, while also intimating that a return to remaining composed for the duration of As- so far. At this year’s BET Awards, Elaine virtual performance might be required. No sistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez’s was nominated for best new international specifics were supplied, however. questioning and defense attorney Deveraux act — alongside Tems. “Once again, please allow us to offer our Cannick’s cross-examination. After two days “I’d be lying if I said that African R&B and sincere apology to all fans who have waited of testimony, however, Pace finally reached soul singers are not starting to get the lime- for the BTS Map of the Soul Tour to re- her breaking point. light and the recognition that they deserve,” sume,” Big Hit concluded. “We are working Melendez asked Pace to read a journal en- Elaine says. “I just hope that everybody to prepare a viable schedule and perfor- try dated January 23, 2010, the last day Pace grasps this moment and takes it head on — mance format that can meet your expecta- says she had a sexual encounter with Kelly. because it’s happening.” tions, and we will provide updated notices As she held the paper in hand, Pace began — Additional reporting by Heran Mamo as soon as possible.” to softly cry. She quickly composed herself, South Korea is currently weathering wiping her face with Kleenex, and read the its fourth, and worst, wave of COVID-19 entry aloud to the court. infection to date, with the more contagious “I went to Rob’s house and Rob called me Page 9 of 20

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‘a silly bitch.’ Rob slapped me three times Kelly’s history of sexually transmitted previous meetings with the government, the and said if I lied to him again it’s not going infections and testified that he was “100%” memories resurfaced during his testimony. to be an open hand next time,” she read. “He certain that the “Step In the Name of Love” After his time working for Kelly, Navarro spit in my face and in my mouth. He choked singer had genital herpes and prescribed filed a lawsuit against the singer, on the me during an argument. I had sex with him treatment in 2007, supporting the prosecu- basis of unpaid overtime wages. He also — oral sex with him. I became fed up with tion’s charge Kelly knowingly transmitted said that Kelly “fined” him for breaking a him and I went home and confessed.” the infection to women without their con- rule, that Navarro referred to as “something Immediately after reading the the entry, sent — including Pace. stupid that didn’t make any sense.” Pace tearfully asked for a “bathroom break.” Kelly is facing charges including rack- When Becker asked Navarro about Kelly’s As the trial against Kelly entered its sec- eteering, sexual exploitation of a child, literacy, Navarro confirmed that he was ond day, at the prosecution’s request Pace bribery, kidnapping and forced labor. If told the famed songwriter could not read, detailed Kelly’s demands during their sexual convicted on all counts, he will face 10 years but wasn’t sure about his writing abilities. encounters, at which time Pace was 16. “He to life in prison. Throughout their cross-examination, the wanted me to put my hair up in pigtails and defense was determined to prove Kelly was dress like a Girl Scout,” she said. According not withholding food or access to a bath- to Pace, now 28, Kelly would record their R. Kelly’s Former room from his “guests” and was not hold- encounters with his iPhone or a Canon ing them against their will. Becker asked camera set up on a tripod. In her testimony Assistant Testifies: Navarro about the number of bathrooms and the day before, Pace explained that on one stocked fridges throughout Kelly’s Olym- occasion Kelly told her to come to his tour ‘It Was Almost pia Fields mansion and basement studio, bus parked outside of his Olympia Fields referred to as “The Chocolate Factory.” mansion to be “trained” to “please” him by Like a Twilight While monitoring the security cameras, another woman. Navarro testified to seeing two females During Pace’s cross-examination, Cannick Zone’ jumping the gate of Kelly’s home, who attempted to uncover inconsistencies in Navarro said looked “really young,” like her story and paint her as a “superfan.” He BY NEENA ROUHANI “mid-aged teenagers.” He went on to outline accused Pace of “stalking” Kelly and lying some of the “rules” Kelly set, including no about her age at first sexual encounter after . Kelly’s former assistant testified talking with his female guests. Navarro said she claimed to have met Kelly when she was during the singer’s racketeering he once transported a “girlfriend” of Kelly 14 on April 1, 2008, during his child pornog- trial in the Eastern District of from Alabama to Georgia, and did not speak raphy trial that was going on at the time. New York courthouse in Brook- to her at all during the drive, which lasted Pace said their first sexual encounter was 13 Rlyn on Friday (Aug. 20), detailing his bizarre over three hours. months later, when she was 16. experience of being under Kelly’s employ- On Navarro’s recording studio website, it “So you advanced two years in one year ment. says he “took a leap of faith” accepting a gig and one month?” Cannick confidently as- Anthony Navarro, has worked with other working for Kelly, where he “learned from serted in an attempted “gotcha” moment. artists including Jay-Z, Kanye West and Tay- the best engineers and producers in the Pace’s birthday, it turns out, is April 19, and lor Swift and now owns his own recording industry.” she turned 15 only two weeks after her first studio, said that no other employment expe- Throughout the testimony, Kelly was meeting with Kelly. rience was quite like working for Kelly. seated in a grey suit, with his neck tattoo Cannick continued to press Pace for “It was a weird time for me. The things peeking out of the collar. He remained com- answers regarding her reasoning for waiting you had to do were just a bit uncomfort- posed and motionless, aside from leaning outside of Kelly’s home, previous meetings able,” said Navarro. “It was almost like a over to make a comment to Becker, seated at with the prosecution lasting over five hours twilight zone. You went into the gate and his side. and talk show interviews she has given it was like a different world. It was this about her relationship with Kelly. Many strange place.” of these questions were met with “I don’t During his testimony, Navarro appeared recall,” from Pace. nervous, fidgeting with his face mask held in Two other witnesses took the stand on his hand and often taking long pauses before Thursday: police officer Garrick Amschl, delivering responses. He went on to say dur- who answered a missing juvenile call ing cross-examination by defense attorney regarding Gardner that led him to Kelly’s Nicole Blank Becker that he witnessed Kelly home; and Kelly’s primary physician of 25 verbally abuse employees. While Navarro years, Dr. Kris McGrath. McGrath detailed never told prosecutors about the abuse in Page 10 of 20

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third go-round in Douglass Park, with A$AP Aaliyah’s 1996 The Summer Rocky, Lil Baby, and Lil Uzi Vert headlining the three-day festival. And this year is set to Album ‘One Smash 2021: How be its most ambitious undertaking — not just creatively and visually, but philanthropi- in a Million’ Cole Bennett cally. Bennett is aiming to uplift Black and Finally Arrives & Berto Solorio Brown youth, not only on the surrounding Westside neighborhoods, but across the on Streaming Saved Their Chicago area through community service and launching new apprenticeship pro- Services: Listen Chicago Festival grams to create a new pipeline for creatives who want to work in music — All while BY HERAN MAMO BY MARK BRABOY making sure that fans are as safe as possible from COVID-19’s growing variants. early 25 years after its re- ast year, as plans were underway For the 25-year-old Bennett, finding the lease, Aaliyah’s sophomore for Lyrical Lemonade’s 2020 edi- balance between creating unique visuals for album One in a Million finally tion of The Summer Smash, Cole rap’s biggest stars and plotting the festival arrived on all streaming services Bennett and Summer Smash co- throughout the pandemic depended on NFriday (Aug. 20). Lfounder Berto Solorio verged on unprec- finding a firm hold of the constantly moving One in a Million was first released Aug. edented territory when they were forced parts of his personal and professional life. 27, 1996, via Blackground and Atlantic to shut down the premier hip-hop music Managing “15 things going on at one time” Records. Produced by Timbaland and Mis- festival in the Midwest in the wake of the required a knack for organization and com- sy Elliott — who are also credited as COVID-19 pandemic. The award-winning munication. featured artists on the album along- video director/entrepreneur recalls the pair “I might be shooting a video one day in side Treach and Slick Rick — the multi- sitting in their office, not too long after news Chicago, then you might have a festival platinum project spans 17 tracks, including broke about major festivals like Coachella meeting,” he explains. “And then we might singles “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “Got to and SXSW canceling. do community work, or whatever it may be. Give It Up” and the Billboard Hot 100 No. 9 “I remember talking to Berto, and we And then the next day, I need to leave town hit “The One I Gave My Heart To.” were like, ‘There’s no way, like — a pandem- for a week and then come back for a couple Aaliyah’s uncle and Blackground Records ic?’ It’s something that’s just such a crazy of days. I’m back for a month. They’re so founder Barry Hankerson recently told Bill- concept. You really don’t even know how many different moving parts at all times, so board about how he secured a new partner- to crack it, especially if you’ve never went it’s really about finding balance within the ship with EMPIRE, which will allow the through anything like it,” says Bennett, dur- madness.” late R&B songstress’ catalog to be available ing a joint call with Solorio at his Westside As Bennett watched friends and fam- on streaming for the first time ever. Much of Chicago headquarters. ily members either catch the virus or lose Aaliyah’s music has been left off digital ser- As the two spent every day gathering their jobs due to the pandemic, he pushed vice providers for more than a decade fol- more information to determine whether or forward with other creative projects, such lowing her death in a plane accident on Aug. not the show would go on during the height as his forthcoming book to be released in 25, 2001, when she was only 22 years old. of the pandemic, the grim reality soon set 2022 and building out the Summer Smash One in a Million — which peaked at No. 2 in: the festival would have to be shut down. for 2021, after a failed attempt to set up an on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Al- By Solorio’s account, it was “eight to ten event for last fall. “When the pandemic hit bums chart and hit No. 18 on the Billboard months of work down the drain.” in March, we were already trying to work 200 — is the first album to be released as “I remember the day it happened: we just on something for the fall, thinking, if things part of the new partnership; her 1994 debut looked at each other and we’re like, ‘You turn around for the better, at least we’ll have album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number is know, there’s not much we can do. We need something ready to go,” says Solorio. “And the only album remaining in circulation to buckle down, reset and recalibrate for then obviously, the fall came around, noth- since its masters are owned by Jive. the coming years, and [make] the next mo- ing changed. So we just kept doing the same Spotify will be updating its “This is ment that much bigger and better,’” Bennett thing ... We felt like we had never stopped Aaliyah” playlist to reflect the late artist’s recalls. the work, it was just more so rescheduling catalog finally finding a home on streaming Throughout a year of rescheduling and everything, over and over and over again.” services, including her top hits and deep re-salvaging plans, on Friday (Aug. 20), The Inspired by UFOs, space, and even ele- cuts.. Summer Smash returns to Chicago for its ments from his video repertoire like Juice Page 11 of 20

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WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams,” Bennett set out is simply part of his long-standing responsi- ists, and 50 of his own under the Fania label to give fans what they call a “visual and bility to the Westside community. Through- and other subsidiary labels.” intangible” experience across the festival out the summer, Lyrical Lemonade has been Affectionately known as “El Judío Mara- grounds. The three-day fest will include continuing their Community Clean-Up villoso” (The Marvelous Jew), Harlow had over 70 mainstream and underground acts Days at Douglass Park leading up to the no Latin ancestry, but he was madly pas- like City Girls, Lil Yachty, Coi Leray, Benny festival, and Bennett plans to launch the sionate about Latin music, studying in Cuba, the Butcher, Don Toliver, Saba, Gunna, Earl Lyrical Lemonade apprenticeship program living in Mexico, and becoming a near-fluent Sweatshirt, Lil Tecca and Ski Mask the by bringing in fifteen different students from Spanish speaker, albeit with an accent. Slump God. And to honor the late Juice- all across Chicago, prioritizing kids of color. His affinity for Latin music came from the WRLD, who headlined The Summer Smash The program will be introducing youth streets of New York — where he was born in 2019, DJ Mike P will perform a special members interested in the music industry to — and from his parents. Rose Sherman was tribute set on Sunday. a wide range of career fields such as produc- an opera singer, and his father, Buddy Kahn, For Bennett and Solorio, having the tion, audio, media, merchandise and artist led the house band at Lou Walter’s famous beloved “Robbery” artist perform his last relations. Latin Quarter club. major festival in his hometown was a “Right now, our main focus is to build out Harlow not only played salsa and other moment they will never forget, as it was [Lyrical Lemonade] in the Midwest and in genres of Latin music, but made it his life nearly canceled over a lengthy rain delay Chicago and take a moment and build this purpose. In the early 1970s, he became that pushed the show off-schedule. “We up here,” says Bennett. “Having the big- the first Academy governor from the Latin somehow managed to get everyone that gest hip-hop festival in the Midwest is very, music world and spearheaded the campaign missed their sets from the rain delay back on very special. And we hold that close to our that would result in the first-ever Latin stage, even if they had to shorten their sets,” hearts. So, we want to keep building this category at the Grammys. remembers Bennett, who ended up having out and seeing where it can go and what the One of the earliest signings to Johnny to negotiate with the fire marshal for more possibilities are.” Pacheco and Jerry Masucci’s legendary time. “Everyone still got to perform, which Fania Records in the 1960s, Harlow would was a miracle in itself.” go on to produce or record more than 200 Meanwhile, festivals and concerts in Chi- Larry Harlow, albums during his career — including four cago have been forced to adapt to the ram- by brother and flutist Andy Harlow— and pant spread of the virus with new cases ris- ‘El Judío wrote around 100 songs, according to Her- ing; The Summer Smash comes on the heels man Rodríguez-Bajandas, who administers of Lollapalooza, which was linked to 203 Maravilloso,’ Dies his publishing catalog. He was also a pro- newly reported cases among the hundreds ducer on the 1972 documentary “Our Latin of thousands who attended. Bennett says at 82 Thing,” which documented the fabled Fania that they have maintained communications All Stars concert at New York’s Cheetah with Chicago’s Department of Health, and BY LEILA COBO nightclub. have recently met with the City of Chicago Known for his “electrifying sounds” along with other festival organizers, to arry Harlow, the legendary pia- because he also played the clarinet and discuss how to keep the outdoor festival safe nist and bandleader who helped Rhodes, Harlow earned the nickname “El for its 25,000 - 30,000 attendees. shape the sound of salsa in the Judío Maravillo” after he produced Tributo Lyrical Lemonade had officially announced 1960s and 1970s in New York, died a Arsenio Rodríguez, the tribute album for that all attendees are required to show proof LFriday (Aug. 20) of complications from the fabled Cuban musician who was known of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test kidney disease, according to his son Myles as “El Ciego Maravilloso” (The Wonderful result taken 72 hours before the festival, Harlow Kahn. The artist, who was one of Blind Man). with on-site vaccinations for attendees and the first signed to Fania Records, was 82 “Dad was larger than life in so many community members in partnership with the years old. ways,” wrote son Myles on social media, Illinois Department of Health. While Lyrical “It is with deep sadness that we re- recalling a man known for his love of good Lemonade will be partnering with the Il- gret sharing the passing of Larry Harlow, food and good art. “I cannot even begin to linois Department of Health to provide Pfizer producer, arranger, pianist extraordinaire, summarize the effect he has had on me be- and Moderna vaccines to non-vaccinated and Fania All Star member,” Fania Records ing both Dad and El Judió Maravilloso, both patrons and community residents, they are shared in a Facebook post. “Harlow, also publicly and privately. One thing he passed confident that the majority of the attendees known as El Judio Maravilloso, made a on to me was passion. Be passionate about will present valid cards. name for himself with his dexterity on the whatever you do, or don’t bother doing it.” For Bennett, the safety of the North piano, organ, flute, and bass. He went off to Harlow was awarded a Latin Grammy for Lawndale residents and out-of-town visitors record more than 106 albums by various art- Lifetime Achievement in 2008 and con- Page 12 of 20

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tinued to record and perform long after he bring live music back soon.” for 10 years, between 1993 and 2003 at what stopped recording for Fania, almost up until Last November, in the midst of the pan- was then BMG and recalls a boss who was the pandemic hit. Recent shows included demic, FGL and Live Nation signed a long- “tough and demanding,” but who allowed concerts alongside his mentee, Marlow term touring deal. Though FGL had utilized his executives to make their own decisions Rosado, with whom he recorded the al- the promoting giant before, the new multi- and take risks. bum Harlow Marlow in 2016. year pact made Live Nation their exclusive “Those years made me the executive I am He is survived by son Myles, his grand- promoter in North America. At the time, the today,” says Barbat, noting that every Friday, daughter Haiby, and his wife, María del hope was the duo would be back on the road the team met at a nearby pub after work, Carmen Harlow Kahn. by this summer. where Cámara had his drink of choice, Prior to the concert shutdown caused by Cointreau, and regaled them with stories. the pandemic, FGL were a touring jugger- “He professed such an admiration and Florida Georgia naut. Their total gross reported to Billboard respect for the artists. We had to go to every Boxscore during the aughts for 319 shows is concert, every appearance. He said it was Line Cancels $191 million. More than a quarter of that tally the way to show we were part of their family came from 2019’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Coun- and their team, and that we couldn’t know Fall Tour Citing try tour, which grossed $50.7 million from an artist if we didn’t see them perform,” he 727,739 tickets sold over 41 shows, making it says. COVID-19 the group’s highest-earning tour yet. In his final years, Cámara started a third Refunds will be automatically reissued act as a producer of theatrical musicals, but Concerns for the 29-date tour. The opening acts were he was still widely seen as an industry lead- Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina and Red- er and reference point. When Subterfuge BY MELINDA NEWMAN ferrin. Radio in Madrid launched its podcast Sim- patía por la industria, devoted to industry lorida Georgia Line, who were executives, in 2019, its first interview was primed to start their Love My José María with Cámara. Country arena and amphitheater On Twitter, singer Ana Belén called Cá- tour Sept. 24 at Cellairis Amphi- Cámara, Iconic mara an “indispensable figure in the music Ftheater in Atlanta, have become the latest industry,” while pop group La Oreja de Van act to cancel their outing, citing COVID-19. Record Executive Gogh said he crushed the cliches of what a They follow Garth Brooks, Stevie Nicks and music executive should be: “Passionate, re- Nine Inch Nails, all of whom have canceled in Spain, Dies spectful with artistry and affectionate like a tours or appearances over the past two good father. You were essential to our story, weeks. at 74 four riend.” “There is nothing better than seeing all of your faces from the stage, feeling your good BY LEILA COBO energy, and making memories together,” said FGL’s Tyler Hubbard in a statement. osé María Cámara, the former record “We were hopeful we could get back on the executive from Spain who headed CBS road this fall, and are so bummed to have to Records, BMG Ariola and Sony Music cancel this tour, but we know in our hearts Spain and who was instrumental in that we still have to make sure we’re keeping Jthe success of legendary acts like Meca- our fans and crew safe. It’s unfortunate that no and Joaquín Sabina, has died at age 74. we have to cancel but we hope y’all under- The cause was a brain tumor, according to stand. We love our fans and can’t wait to be published reports. back out when the time is right.” Cámara rose from his role as an accoun- “Although we’ve been able to see some of tant at the newly-launched Discos CBS in y’all at shows recently, everyone’s contin- 1970 to become a towering figure in Spain’s ued safety has been weighing heavy on us,” musical scene. Following Sony’s merger added FGL’s Brian Kelley. “To our fans, with BMG, Cámara became president of band, crew, and all of the venues around the Sony Music Spain in 2002 and was later country, thank you for your love and sup- upped to chairman. port! We couldn’t do what we do without Jose María Barbat, the current president you, and we hope we can all do our part to of Sony Music Spain, worked under Cámara Page 13 of 20

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singer’s conservatorship, which has had indication from the court filings that when Britney control of her life and career for the last 13 Warner Bros. learned of the Netflix series, it years, and replace him with Jason Rubin. objected and soon achieved a settlement. Spears Under Jamie agreed to step down from his role as In any event, L.A. Superior Court judge conservator of her estate last week. Maurice Leiter has now ruled that Esparza’s Investigation for contract claim against the Quintanilla family has sufficient merit to overcome a motion Battery After ‘Selena’ Producer aimed at quickly defeating plaintiff’s claim. The judge also accepts claims of breach of Alleged Fight Allowed to Move fiduciary duty, breach of fair dealing, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation With Staffer Forward With Suit and fraudulent concealment. The family is at least successful in getting BY HERAN MAMO Against Selena the judge to nix claims of tortious interfer- ence and misappropriation of publicity ritney Spears is currently under Quintanilla’s rights. investigation for battery follow- The judge’s ruling on those unsuccessful ing an alleged physical dispute Family claims (read in full here) is likely a positive with one of her staffers in her development for Netflix, which for now BCalifornia home. BY ERIQ GARDNER remains a co-defendant but is also challeng- Page Six first reported that on Monday, ing the basis of claims since it was hardly a the 39-year-old pop superstar allegedly elena producer Moctesuma Es- party to dealmaking in the 1990s and insists swiped a cell phone from one of her employ- parza has established a prima facie every right to make a “highly transforma- ees. case that the father and sister of tive, biographical television series that Captain Eric Buschow of the Ventura the late Tejano superstar Selena involves a matter of public interest.” County Sheriff’s Office issued the following SQuintanilla violated a contract by licens- This article was originally published statement to Billboard on Thursday (Aug. ing the singer’s life rights to Netflix. That’s by The Hollywood Reporter. 19): “On Monday, at about 10:25 in the morn- according to a ruling out on Thursday (Aug. ing, there was a dispute between Ms. Spears 19) in Los Angeles Superior Court. and one of her staff members that occurred In 1997, two years after Selena died of Executive at Ms Spears’ home in Thousand Oaks. a gunshot at the age of 23, Warner Bros. The staff member alleges that during that released Selena in theaters. In the nearly Turntable: ADA dispute, Ms. Spears battered her. Deputies quarter-century since, she has remained conducted an investigation … and ultimately popular. In fact, she’s one of the best-selling ‘Godfather’ Steps their reports will be forwarded to the Dis- artists in Latin music history. In 2020, Netf- trict Attorney’s Office for consideration of lix released Selena: The Series, which looked Down; Disney filing misdemeanor battery charges against at the singer’s early life. That series starring Ms. Spears.” Christian Serratos has prompted litigation. Star’s Manager Bushow classified the incident as a “very According to Esparza, he and Selena’s minor misdemeanor,” saying there were no father Abraham established a joint venture Forms Company injuries, but it is ultimately up to the D.A.’s in 1995 that would be assigned movie and office to file charges against the singer. television rights to Selena’s stories. The BY HANNAH DAILEY Spears’ recently appointed attorney following year, that venture made deals with Mathew Rosengart tells Billboard in a state- Warner Bros., which produced a film star- he Alternative Distribution ment, “This is overblown sensational tabloid ring Jennifer Lopez as the title character. Alliance’s “godfather” David fodder — nothing more than a manufactured Esparza alleges that the joint venture Orleans celebrated his 28th ‘he said she said’ regarding a cell phone, was to hold onto rights until the expira- anniversary with the company with no striking and obviously no injury tion of the copyright of the movie while Tlast Friday (Aug. 13) — just as he’s stepping whatsoever. Anyone can make an accusation Selena’s family has insisted that a contract down as president and assuming a new role but this should have been closed immedi- amendment had rights reverting back to as chairman emeritus. The well-loved ex- ately.” the family. There appears to be a dispute ecutive — referred to as the “heart and soul” Last month, Rosengart filed a petition to over whether Warner Bros. had to consent of the company in the press release — will remove her father Jamie Spears from the to the reversion. Interestingly, there’s some continue being actively involved as an advi- Page 14 of 20

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sor for the company. from the Spanish verb ‘volar,’ or ‘to fly,’” and he’s forged strong partnership with our Orleans was one of the first hires back in Genzink said in a statement. “At Volara, we international affiliates through his decisive 1993 when ADA launched and is credited believe artists are meant to soar, and we’re leadership and strategic thinking,” said with helping build the company from the here to guide them on their journey.” Capitol Records general manager and CMG ground up. He started out as a sales man- Genzink started out at The Firm, a man- executive vp Larry Mattera. “He consistent- ager and through time, rose to the rank of agement company where she later secured ly develops innovative methods for breaking President. “It’s impossible to overstate the a full-time position working on a roster artists on a global level as well as enhancing central role that David has played in making including Audioslave, Phantom Planet, and the careers of established superstars. His ADA what it is today, and what his passion Pete Yorn. She then moved to Azoff Music contributions to CMG’s success make him and support has meant to the independent Management, signing Fifth Harmony imme- the ideal executive to lead our International label community,” said Cat Kreidich, ADA diately after their departure from X Factor. endeavors.” head, in a memo. “He’s forged invaluable re- Since then, she’s worked with Lea Michele Famed Los Angeles rock venue the Trou- lationships, proving time and time again the and Sabrina Carpenter. “I’m not scared of badour has a new talent booker: Jordan value that a major music company can bring taking the long road,” Genzink said. “I don’t Anderson. She’ll serve as the sole booker to launching and amplifying the careers of sign artists very often, but when I do, I’m for the venue, once owned by Doug Weston, indie artists.” committing to the whole journey, to being and is “known for being a fierce supporter The company will soon have news as to there alongside them every step of the way.” of live and recorded music,”the press release who might fill the leadership role left by Or- Kieran Thurgood has been promoted reads. leans, whose approach was “let’s do amaz- to senior vp of global marketing at Capi- Anderson, previously based in Nashville, ing things and have fun while we’re doing tol Music Group, where he will lead the has worked for Exit/In and Marathon Music them,” according to Kreidich. Andy Allen, label’s international department and oversee Works in Nashville, and AEG Presents. head of ADA from 1994 to 2008, stated in global marketing and promotion strategy for There, she oversaw marketing efforts for the memo how impressed he was with his CMG’s labels: Capitol, Blue Note, Capitol Brandi Carlile’s six night, sold-out run at passion for indie music and enthusiasm for Christian Music Group and more. Ryman Auditorium and Elton John’s final the company’s future. Thurgood had been vp of International tour in the Southeast. She’s also a founding “Anchoring our West Coast office, he Marketing for the label group since 2017, editor of Cool Stuff Music, an A&R playl- quickly developed relationships with both and has been with the company since 2013. ist on Spotify. She’s bought and marketed of our customer groups – the retail com- He’s credited with overseeing the global shows as well as signed and shepareded munity and the music makers,” Allen said. campaigns of artists such as Halsey, Katy artists for much of her decade-long career in “David built a strong team around him and Perry, Paul McCartney, Niall Horan, Calum the industry. led by example, challenging his staff to work Scott, Migos, Lil Baby, Troye Sivan, Mag- “After the past year of feeling like I had as hard as he did. I also need to mention he’s gie Rogers, Fletcher, NE-YO, Mary J. Blige, lost a piece of my identity due to COVID-19’s one funny bastard, offsetting his intensity Banks, Alesso, Beck, Norah Jones, Avenged impact on the live music industry, I am for the job with a wicked sense of humor.” Sevenfold and NF. absolutely honored to have earned the op- Janelle Lopez Genzink has launched a “Our ambition moving forward is clear: to portunity to book the most iconic club in the woman-fronted, artist-first management expand CMG’s global reach & cultural im- world,” Anderson said. “I am also excited company called Volara, founded on the pact, while fostering a nurturing & creative to be able to represent a changing South by “premise that a character-driven team of environment where our artists can thrive,” holding such a legendary position, and hope women can work from a place of shared Thurgood said. “I’m also hugely thankful to reflect some of that in what you see on understanding with clients, embracing their to all of our world-class Universal Music the calendar.” innate ability to lead with strength, compas- Group teams globally and even more so to Pat Paxton, chief programming officer sion, and empathy,” the press release reads. our phenomenal artists who entrust me of Audacy, is stepping down from his role Its client list includes Disney star Sabrina each day to champion them and their art and leaving Audacy after being involved Carpenter as well as Carmen DeLeon, a around the world.” with the company for 21 years. The news rising Latin artist, and Riah, an indie song- Some of the recent hallmark moments of comes just as Jeff Sottolano is promoted to writer. his career are overseeing the global strat- executive vp, head of Programming. Volara will begin with a small, hand- egy for Katy Perry since the release of her During his time at Audacy, Paxton spear- picked group of executives on the team, 2013 multi-platinum album Prism, work- headed programming and played a critical which will grow in tangent with its clientele. ing to double the overseas sales of Migos role in build some of the industry’s most “My commitment will remain steadfast to over the last 18 months, and expanding the prominent brands. According to a memo forging solid, lasting relationships with the international footprint of Lil Baby. “Kieran sent by the company, “Pat’s steady, decisive kind artists who align with the vision and has a passion for music that has helped him leadership and thoughtful insights have ethos of the company, which draws its name develop deep relationships with our artists, made him a valuable and trusted voice on Page 15 of 20

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Audacy’s leadership team.” work toward their success.” Brittain, former project coordinator at “Pat has left an outstanding legacy at Au- Heather VanDyke is stepping down from Turner Sports, Kaetlin Fehl, former Digital dacy which will stand the test of time,” the her general counsel position at SXSW LLC, Marketing coordinator at Vector Manage- memo read. “We deeply appreciate his many the company behind the South by Southwest ment, Milan Nolen, previously at TikTok important contributions to our success and media conference/music festival, due to and Wayne Leeloy, former CSO at CAN- everything he has meant to this company.” personal reasons. “After a lot of agonizing, VAS. In his new role, Sottolano will be re- I’ve made the incredibly tough decision to Concord has promoted Kayle Kiener to sponsible for the content strategy and step down from my role as GC of SXSW so vp of recorded music royalties. Formerly performance of Audacy’s local brands in all I can focus on trying to start a family, which director of Artists Royalties, Kiener will be formats across both broadcast and digital hasn’t come easily for me,” she wrote in an based in Concord’s Nashville headquarters distribution platforms. He will oversee the update on her LinkedIn profile. “SXSW has and report to the general manager of the programming leadership team and work been an amazing ride and is such a phenom- company’s Global Administration depart- closely with the Music Initiatives and Live enal organization.” ment, Jeff Van Driel. Events team. Hired in 2015, VanDyke will remain as an In his new role, Kiener will manage Andreas Katsambas has been named employee for South by Southwest providing Concord’s initiative to incorporate leading- president of strategy, marketing and opera- legal advisory in a less involved role. SXSW edge technology to data ingestion, analysis tions at Chartmetric, a data analytics and is currently on the hunt for her replace- and reporting tools, allowing the Company business intelligence resource serving the ment, telling Bloomberg Law that they are to facilitate ongoing growth and improved entertainment industry founded in 2015. finalizing the interview process with a few visibility for its artists. “I had the pleasure Katsambas most recently served as an candidates. The next SXSW conference is of working with Kayle in a previous lifetime executive vp leading developments in Latin scheduled for March 11-20, 2022. and am so pleased to have him now heading America and Canada at BMG, where he The news follows SXSW’s agreement in up Concord’s Recorded Music Royalties,” worked since 2017. April to sell a 50% stake to P-MRC Hold- Van Driel said. “He has shown remarkable “We are thrilled to welcome Andreas ings LLC, an affiliate of Penske Media Corp. adaptability, leadership and innovation in to our team,” said Chartmetric founder & VanDyke, who is also an adjunct professor the short time he has been at Concord and CEO Sung Cho. “He is joining the company at the University of Texas School of Law, is I look forward to continued success as we at a pivotal moment, as we scale and grow. credited with leading an outside legal team prioritize reporting and paying our valued Andreas brings to Chartmetric his extensive advising the company on that transaction. partners in the artist and songwriting com- industry experience, a vast network, humil- Nashville-based content director Rachel munities.” ity, and a great work ethic—also making him Reynolds has joined FlyteVu as a producer The now-executive started his career a great role model for our employees.” at a time when the company’s staff is see- in the industry as a professional musician, In 2000, Katsambas founded The End ing immense growth. Formerly the senior then eventually ended up at Warner Music Records, an independent New York-based, director of the Creative Content Production Group’s newly created Center of Excel- rock and indie-focused record label that Department at Concord, where she oversaw lence in downtown Nashville. There, Kiener signed and developed Lemonheads, Badly the creation and execution of content for trained and supervised a 16-person team Drawn Boy and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame multiple record labels, Reynolds has spent while working with other departments inductees The Zombies. It was acquired by over a decade working in radio, PR, journal- to streamline the information flow from BMG in 2016, and Katsambas transitioned to ism, storytelling and content creation. Business Affairs, A&R Administration and an executive role at BMG while maintaining Reynolds is one of many new hires for Contract Administration. his CEO position with The End. FlyteVu, whose latest boom of hires resulted “Concord’s ability to manage a diverse “Earlier in my career, we always looked in a 36% staff growth for the agency. These catalog and promote an incredible corpo- for the best options to develop their careers include Chris Simmons, head of Talent and rate culture is unrivaled and I am proud on a global scale through as many medi- Influencers, Ellen Prinzi, Integrated Media to be a member of its team,” Kiener said. ums as possible,” Katsambas said. “Many Director, McKenna Monk, digital strate- “The department is made up of some of the of the opportunities came through data gist, Sara McCauley, account manager, most talented and dedicated people in the that helped us pinpoint the best areas to Lauren Miller, senior account manager business and I am lucky and excited to work tackle for quick results, but Chartmetric and Hannah Sandfeld, talent strategist. alongside them.” has developed the best process for putting In a move aimed at showcasing FlyteVu’s data together. It has lately been my go-to innovation, the entertainment market- app, so I’m very excited to be joining such ing company hosted a “first-of-its-kind” a great organization. With new Chartmet- hiring session on the drop-in audio app, ric features in the works, I look forward to Clubhouse. From this event, FlyteVu bringing more value to artists and those who found and hired five new people — Rachel Page 16 of 20

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Curly Putman. The ACM Honors ceremony Friday’s pool party at Encore Beach Club. Academy of will also celebrate the 55th ACM Awards Bieber’s activation will take over on the final Industry and Studio Recording Award day, with Saturday filled with his favorite Country Music winners, alongside the newly announced food and drink pop-ups, a half pipe and winners of the studio recording awards for skate park, and a show headlined by the man Sets New the 56th ACM Awards, as well as songwriter himself at XS. of the year winner Hillary Lindsey. TroyBoi and Eddie Benjamin are also COVID-19 This year’s Party for a Cause performers added to phase one of the lineup, as more include Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Mickey special guests will be announced. Bieber Protocols for ACM Guyton, Sam Hunt, Ryan Hurd, Maren was seen mentoring Benjamin, a 19-year-old Morris and Old Dominion, as well as special Australian-born American singer-songwrit- Honors & Party for guests Tenille Townes, Keith Urban and Tri- er, on his Next Chapter YouTube documen- sha Yearwood. The evening raises money for tary from last year. a Cause ACM’s philanthropic arm, Lifting Lives. He previously brought out LAROI On Thursday, the academy also an- during his three-show blitz in 24 hours BY JESSICA NICHOLSON nounced that next year’s 57th Academy of for the opening of Delilah at Wynn Las Country Music Awards ceremony will move Vegas in July, where they performed their s the Academy of Country Music from CBS to Amazon Prime Video. now-Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Stay “ at prepares for next Wednesday’s Encore Theater and again at Delilah. Bieber ACM Honors at Nashville’s Ry- also performed at the XS Nightclub during man Auditorium, it announced Justin Bieber show No. 2 of the Bieber blitz, with guest DJ aA change in protocol Thursday (Aug. 19) to Diplo. better keep attendees safe. Invites The Kid Smith and Kehlani, who are included in The 14th annual ACM Honors, which the Weekender lineup and are respectively recognize ACM Awards winners in non- LAROI, Jaden featured on his latest two albums Justice televised categories, will now require proof (Triple Chucks Deluxe) and Changes, were of full vaccination (with documentation Smith, Kehlani originally meant to open for Bieber’s Jus- showing at least two weeks post-second tice world tour, but their names do not dose) or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 & More for His appear on the rescheduled jaunt that starts hours of venue entry for all attendees. Addi- in early 2022. tionally, masks will be strongly encouraged, 3-Day Vegas All packages, which include access to the though not required. three-day-and-night festivities as well as a The evening prior to the ACM Honors, Weekender COVID-19 Money Back Guarantee, begin the academy will host the ACM Party for a at $1,099. Learn more details about the Cause at Ascend Amphitheater, marking the BY HERAN MAMO Justin Bieber & Friends, The Vegas Week- event’s first time being hosted in Nashville. ender here. Passes for the event go on sale The ACM will also require proof of full ustin Bieber revealed Thursday (Aug. Friday at noon PT. vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to 19) that he’ll be bringing The Kid See his lineup announcement below. gain entry to the outdoor venue. Similarly, LAROI, Jaden Smith, Kehlani, David masks will be strongly encouraged, though Guetta and more along for his upcom- not required. Jing three-day Las Vegas experience. Carly Pearce is set to host this year’s The pop superstar announced at the ACM Honors, which will feature perfor- beginning of this month that the event, mances from Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, titled Justin Bieber & Friends, The Vegas Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Pearce Weekender in partnership with Pollen herself, Keith Urban, Lee Ann Womack and Presents, will be held Oct. 7-10 at Wynn more. Las Vegas’ XS Nightclub and Encore Beach This year’s Special Awards recipients Club. The “Peaches” singer curated the will include Ken Burns’ Country Mu- getaway experience himself, replete with a sic documentary, producer RAC Clark, Luke jam-packed itinerary filled with his favorite Combs, Ross Copperman, Dan + Shay, Ras- activities. cal Flatts, Joe Galante, Toby Keith, Lady A, The festivities kick off Thursday night Loretta Lynn, Gretchen Peters and the late with an opening party at XS, followed by Page 17 of 20

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cally from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. This time versity within the music industry, Dijon says Honey Dijon period — when change seemed to be the that she’s tired of hearing only about queer only constant in LGBTQ history — inspires artists, or “diverse” festival lineups, rather Wants to Be A the transgender icon not only in her choices than seeing diversity permeate the vastness for this collection, but in her music and art, of the music industry itself. ‘Proponent of Joy’ as well. “I always say it’s better to have your name “What really draws me to that is when on the door instead of the invitation,” she In Dark Times fashion and art reflect that social change, in says. “There’s a lot of talk about diversity the end, you have marginalized people cre- in lineups, but that to me is just culture- With New Etsy ating their own music and culture,” she says. washing as far as I’m concerned. Until we “I mean, two generations ago, we lost so have promoters and festival owners and Collection many of the most highly creative people and talent buyers and production crews that are the audience that appreciated these high art reflective of the diversity that everybody is BY STEPHEN DAW forms. So I try to investigate these times, not starting to show in front of the lens, then to in a nostalgic way, but in a critical way, say- me, it’s just lip service.” eing a DJ during a pandemic is a ing, ‘How can we still celebrate these people Honey is quick to point out that the work difficult task, as Honey Di- in a modern way, and celebrate our culture of talented queer artists is what’s still giving jon will attest. When you add a in a modern way?’” her hope and inspiration for the future, tip- near-daily barrage of horrifying It wasn’t just the modern LGBTQ rights ping her proverbial cap to artists like Kiddy Bglobal events on top of that, it becomes easy movement that was born in this era — Smile, Sippin’ T, and most recently, Pose star to lose sight of joy. thanks to genres like disco and electronic Michaela Jaé, whose new song “Something “It’s what’s happening in Afghanistan; it’s music, dance music as we know it came To Say” just dropped last week. what’s happening with natural disasters; it’s from the work and sacrifice of queer Black “I love her and I love the song. The b—-h what happens with governments being over- artists in the ‘70s and ‘80s. So when Dijon came out tight,” she says of Jaé’s new track thrown; it’s happening with white suprem- looks at the modern landscape of the genre with a laugh. “It’s great, because a lot of acy,” Dijon tells Billboard. “I mean, it’s just she works in, she’s disappointed to see a times, our queer brothers and sisters come like every day you open the news, there’s complete lack of representation for her out with something, and it’s not as tight as some bombardment of something that really people. it should be. So, I really am glad that she’s just is giving us a sense of hopelessness and “Dance music started from this commu- out here representing and she’s doing it well powerlessness.” nity. Dance music and disco started from — it’s together, and it’s polished, and it’s pro- So, when the DJ was approached to do a safe places for people — for women to be fessional. I love it.” new collaboration with creative goods mar- women and not be harassed, and for gay It’s for that reason that Dijon decided to ketplace Etsy, she decided it was an oppor- people to be gay and not be harassed,” she work directly with women of color and queer tunity to inject some joy into people’s lives. says. “Dance was the soundtrack to these people when putting together her new Etsy Launched this week, Dijon’s Etsy Creator people’s lives, and it became colonized and collection — the DJ says it’s one thing to Collab, which she curated and co-created, turned and went from culture to entertain- support a community esoterically, but it’s features an array of artistic goods, specifi- ment. So there is still so much work that we another to actually put that support into ac- cally inspired by museum gift shops. From need to do. I mean, let’s face it — how many tion. “I thought that it was really important scarves to incense holders to art prints, trans DJs do you see today?” to show up, and support and give life to these the collection is aimed at providing some Creating safe spaces for her community artists,” she says. “It’s really easy for artists relief at a time when it’s become a limited has been tough with the world on lockdown. like myself to get up here and talk about be- resource. Recently, however, Dijon has begun slowly ing advocates of these cultures. But I think “I love museum gift shops — it’s always returning to the nightlife scene, perform- it’s more important to show engagement and one of my favorite parts of museums. So it ing sets in America and the U.K. where live really support them.” felt right to be doing this kind of a collec- music is returning. Even still, the artist says tion with Etsy, where my collection feels she’s still trying to manage expectations. sort of like an online bazaar,” she says. “I am “It’s been great to play music again, and it’s a proponent of joy, so I hope people bring been great to see people living their lives, these things into their lives that can bring you know, and celebrating again,” she says, them joy and good vibrations and color and before adding with a nervous laugh, “I just vibrancy.” feel like I’m always waiting for the other Throughout the collection, Dijon shoe to drop.” sprinkles queer culture references, specifi- As for the slow-rising tide of calls for di- Page 18 of 20

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Christina Aguilera Cinematic Music Billie Eilish’s to Headline Queer Group’s Hovain ‘Happier Than Brooklyn Music Hylton Tapped Ever’ Steady Festival LadyLand to Teach New at No. 1 on 2021 College Course in Billboard’s Top

BY STEPHEN DAW Brooklyn Album Sales

ride Month may be long over, BY CARL LAMARRE Chart but Christina Aguilera is ready to keep the party going this Sep- his upcoming fall semester, BY KEITH CAULFIELD tember. Hovain Hylton — hip-hop music POn Friday (Aug. 20), the pop superstar manager and president of manage- illie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever is was announced as the headlining performer ment at Cinematic Music Group steady at No. 1 for a second at LadyLand 2021, Ladyfag’s now-annual T— will be hitting the classroom as a profes- week on Billboard’s Top Album queer music festival held in Brooklyn. sor at Kingsborough Community College Sales chart (dated Aug. 21). The Chairlift co-founder Caroline Polachek in Brooklyn. Teaching the “The Business Bset sold 36,000 copies in the U.S. in the week will also perform at the Brooklyn Mirage of Music,” the eight-week course will offer ending Aug. 12 (down 76% from its opening- on Sept. 11, with other LGBTQ artists and students in-depth knowledge on publishing week sales of 153,000). allies set to take the stage, including Drag deals, business positions needed for an art- Happier is ahead of five debuts on the tal- Race season 10 winner Aquaria, Skin, Nina ist’s success, and more. ly at Nos. 2-6 from George Harrison, Bar- Sky, La Goony Chonga and more. “It’s a pleasure to have Hovain as a bra Streisand, Nas, BTS and Chris Young. LadyLand 2021 will be Aguilera’s first professor for this course,” says director of Thus far, Happier has sold 188,000 copies performance in New York City since her programs, Alissa Levine. “The students in the U.S. and ranks as the No. 7 biggest- headlining shows at Radio City Music Hall in will benefit from his industry know-how.” selling album of 2021. Taylor Swift’s Ever- 2018 for her Liberation World Tour. The star Students in the workforce development more is the year’s top-seller, with 408,000 recently made her return to performing live program will have access to Hylton’s classes, copies sold. following the pandemic with two shows at which will take place on Zoom. Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the Hollywood Bowl, wherein she reinvented “It’s an amazing opportunity to come the top-selling albums of the week based many of her biggest hits with the Los Angeles from where I come from and to be asked only on traditional album sales. The chart’s Philharmonic. “It was a performance of a to teach at such a fine institute,” Hylton history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first lifetime,” she told Billboard of the shows. “It tells Billboard. “To share my love for music week Billboard began tabulating charts with was the performance I waited my whole life with the young minds who are looking to electronically monitored piece count infor- to do for so many creative purposes.” learn [will be a great experience].” mation from SoundScan, now MRC Data. The annual festival, curated by New York Hylton has previously helmed projects Pure album sales were the measurement nightlife icon Ladyfag, returns for the first for prominent New York rappers, including solely utilized by the Billboard 200 al- time since 2019, where Russian feminist Cam’ron, Styles P, and Lloyd Banks, who bums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, collective Pussy Riot offered up a rare head- released his newest album, The Course of 2014, after which that chart switched to a lining set, accompanied by performances the Inevitable, last June. Hylton also worked methodology that blends album sales with from stars like DJ Honey Dijon, Drag alongside Jonny Shipes at Cinematic Music track equivalent album units and streaming Race season 11 winner Yvie Oddly and more. Group, piecing together projects for T-Pain equivalent album units. For all chart news, This year’s festival will require all attendees and Flipp Dinero, respectively. follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on to provide proof of full vaccination complet- Classes begin Monday (Aug. 23). both Twitter and Instagram. ed at least two weeks before the event. George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, LadyLand 2021 will take place at the first released in 1970, debuts on the 30-year- Brooklyn Mirage on Sept. 11, from 7:30 p.m. old Top Album Sales chart at No. 2 with to 4 a.m. Tickets go on sale today (Aug. 20) 28,000 copies sold (up 6,426%), following starting at 4 p.m. ET here. the album’s 50th anniversary rerelease on Page 19 of 20

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Aug. 6. The album was newly mixed and R&B sector, “Easy” climbs on the R&B/ reissued across a number of formats, and Robin Thicke’s Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which measures most were bolstered with an array of out- audience listenership across both adult- takes, jams and demos from the album’s ‘Look Easy’ Goes oriented and mainstream-leaning stations. recording sessions. All versions of the album There, the single registered a 24% surge to are combined for sales tracking and charting to No. 1 on Adult 11.6 million in audience in the week ending purposes. All Things Must Pass is Harrison’s Aug. 15 to advance 16-13 on the list and give highest-charting album on the 30-year-old R&B Airplay Chart Thicke his best showing in eight years, since Top Album Sales chart. “Blurred Lines” dominated for 12 weeks at Barbra Streisand’s from-the-vaults rarities BY TREVOR ANDERSON No. 1 in 2013. compilation Release Me 2 bows at No. 3 on Top Album Sales with 21,000 copies sold. It’s &B hitmaker Robin Thicke col- the sequel to her 2012 archival effort Release lects his sixth No. 1 on Bill- For King & Me, which debuted and peaked at No. 3. board’s Adult R&B Airplay chart On the Billboard 200, Release Me 2 starts as “Look Easy” advances from Country, Lauren at No. 15. With the debut, she becomes the RNo. 3 to lead the list dated Aug. 21. The only woman with new top 20, or even top single surged by 21% in weekly plays — the Daigle Debut New 40, albums on the Billboard 200 in every largest percentage gain among the chart’s 30 decade from the 1960s through the 2020s. titles — to become the most played-song on Tracks on Hot Nas lands his 15th top 10 on Top Album monitored U.S. adult R&B radio stations in Sales as King’s Disease II arrives at No. the week ending Aug. 15, according to MRC Christian Songs 4 with 19,000 sold. It also starts atop the Data. equivalent album units-based Top R&B/ Thicke’s latest champ arrives at the sum- Chart Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Al- mit in its 26th week on the list. The tune bums charts (his 10th and fifth leaders on debuted on the chart dated Feb. 27 and be- BY JIM ASKER those tallies, respectively). gan a gradual but consistent trek toward the BTS’ Japanese-language hits compila- top slot. Prior to its coronation week, “Easy” or King & Country, the duo of tion album BTS, The Best bows at No. 5 had logged nearly half its chart journey — 12 brothers Joel and Luke Small- with 17,000 sold (following its physical CD weeks — within the top 10. bone, bounds onto Billboard’s release on Aug. 6, after only previously being As Thicke nets his sixth leader, here’s a Aug. 21-dated Hot Christian available to purchase as a digital download). recap of his half-dozen No. 1s on Adult R&B FSongs chart, which blends airplay, sales and It also re-enters the units-based World Airplay: streaming data, with “Relate” at No. 15. Albums chart for its first week at No. 1, giv- Song Title, Artist (if other than Robin The pair claims its 31st entry on the chart, ing the act its 12th chart-topper. The album Thicke), Weeks at No. 1, Date Reached No. 1: a sum that includes 16 top 10s. spent one previous week on the list (No. 15; “Lost Without U,” 15, Feb. 3, 2007 The song, released Aug. 6 and set to be in- June 26 chart) after its initial digital and “Love After War,” three, Feb. 11, 2012 cluded on the act’s upcoming album, hauled streaming release on June 16. “For the Rest of My Life,” five, Jan. 11, 2014 in 1.1 million U.S. streams in the week Chris Young’s new studio album Famous “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. + Pharrell, 17, ending Aug. 12, according to MRC Data, Friends debuts at No. 6 on Top Album Aug. 17, 2013 and opens at No. 22 on Christian Streaming Sales with 14,000 sold. Further, it debuts “That’s What Love Can Do,” three, July 6, Songs. at No. 3 on the units-ranked Top Country 2019 “Relate” also sold 3,300 downloads and Albums chart, his eighth consecutive top “Look Easy,” one (to date), Aug. 21, 2021 enters Christian Digital Song Sales at No. 4. 10 (comprising the entirety of his charting Plus, as “That’s What Love Can Do” and For King & Country adds its 18th top 10 on efforts). “Easy” both surface from Thicke’s On Earth, the tally. Rounding out the new top 10 on Top Al- and in Heaven album, the set, released in On Christian Airplay, “Relate” rises 46-36 bum Sales: Prince’s Welcome 2 America falls February, becomes the first Thicke LP to with 600,000 impressions in the week end- 2-7 in its second week (9,000; down 83%), generate multiple No. 1s on the chart. ing Aug. 15. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours jumps 22-8 (just “Easy” also represents a return to form For King & Country has rolled up nine over 7,000; up 85% following its release for Thicke after his previous single, “When Christian Airplay leaders, among 14 top 10s. on gold colored vinyl at Target on Aug. 6), You Love Somebody,” peaked at No. 15 on “Amen” became the twosome’s ninth No. 1 in Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour slips 7-9 (7,000; down the Adult R&B Airplay chart and broke a run July. It also marked the act’s record-extend- 14%) and Taylor Swift’s Folklore descends of seven consecutive top 10 successes. ing sixth consecutive leader (counting songs 9-10 (nearly 7,000; down 10%). Thanks to growing airplay from the adult promoted to radio). Page 20 of 20

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Daigle debuts: Plus, Lauren Daigle’s on the national survey this year. “Tremble” arrives on Hot Christian Songs In a statement, ARIA CEO Annabelle Karol G Launches at No. 17, marking her 37th entry. She has Herd pays tribute to Hemmings and the notched five No. 1s among 14 top 10s. “immense contribution” he’s made to “the Her Very Own The song is not yet being promoted to Australian music landscape.” radio or an album, although Daigle has Also powering into the top tier this week ‘KG0516’-Inspired regularly performed it in concert. It was is The Killers’ Pressure Machine (Island/ recorded in September 2019 at the Greek Universal). It’s new at No. 6, for the Las Bubble Gum Theatre in Los Angeles. Vegas alternative rock outfit’s ninth appear- “Tremble” starts with 1.2 million streams ance in the Top Ten. Pressure Machine is the BY JESSICA ROIZ and 3,300 downloads sold and bows on followup to Imploding The Mirage, which hit Christian Digital Song Sales at No. 3, grant- No. 1 in Australia just a year ago, in August arol G continues to celebrate ing Daigle her 13th top 10. 2020. her third studio album KG0516, Meanwhile, two Daigle tracks remain Sydney indie rock outfit Polish Club cook releasing her very own bubble inside the Hot Christian Songs top five. Her up their first Top 10 appearance with their gum in Colombia. multi-genre smash “You Say” holds at No. third studio album, Now We’re Cookin’ (Is- KThe Latina superstar has partnered with 2 in its 158th week on the ranking, after land/Universal). It arrives at No. 8. Colombian company Super de Alimen- having spent a record 132 frames at No. 1 British electronic duo Jungle land a tos and brand Oka Loka to create a special starting in July 2018, and “Hold on to Me” new ARIA Chart peak with Loving In Ste- edition “chicle bomba” inspired by her latest ranks at No. 5 after reaching No. 1 in June, reo (AWAL/Inertia), which drops in at No. album, home to hits like “El Makinon,” “Bi- becoming her fifth leader. 10, eclipsing the No. 20 best for their self- chota,” and “200 Copas.” titled debut from 2014. Loving In Stereo is “With the purpose that her music reaches Australia’s best-selling vinyl album for the all corners of her native country in the most 5 Seconds of latest chart cycle. fun and colorful way possible,” said a press Meanwhile, The Kid Laroi and Justin statement about The Karol G gum, which Summer’s Luke Bieber stay at No. 1 with their hit collabora- features colorful packaging that represents tion. “Stay” (Columbia/Sony) enters a sixth Karol’s turquoise blue hair color. The pack- Hemmings Lands week atop the ARIA Singles Chart, holding aging also includes a QR code so that fans off Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” (Atlantic/ can listen to all of her biggest hits. Debut Solo No. 1 Warner). With the release of KG0516, Karol earned The highest new entry on the national her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin In Australia singles survey is a joint effort, as “Cold Albums chart. The climb to the top became Heart” (EMI/Universal) warms up at No 7. the biggest week by a female act in nearly BY LARS BRANDLE Featuring vocals from Elton four years with 24,000 equivalent album John and Dua Lipa, the song incorpo- units earned in the U.S. in the week ending uke Hemmings’ solo career is off rates lines from several classic songs from April 1, 2021. to a blazing start in his homeland. the Rocket Man, mashed-up by Sydney Karol G will headline the 2021 Billboard After scoring four No. 1s with trio Pnau. Elton and Pnau previously col- Latin Music Week, returning to Miami from his 5 Seconds of Summer, the laborated on the remix project Good Morn- Sept. 20 to 24 with a weeklong event that Lsinger snags his first solo leader in Australia ing to the Night, which led the Official U.K. unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers with When Facing The Things We Turn Away Albums Chart in 2012. and executives, and features live perfor- From (Sony). mances and conversations with superstars. “Wow. Debuting No. 1 on the ARIA charts To register, visit www.billboardlatinmu- on my first solo release means more than sicweek.com. I could ever express,” Hemmings says in a Check out the special edition #OkaLoka- statement. “Thank you to my friends, family, KarolG gum below: and my entire team for making this possible and being patient while I changed my mind a million times.” Written and recorded during the 2020 lockdown, When Facing The Things We Turn Away From opens at No. 1 on the ARIA Al- bums Chart, and is the 12th domestic leader