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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 13, 2020 Page 1 of 22

INSIDE Sony’s Music Operations Post

• Reps. Pascrell and Nearly 40% Gain in Operating Porter: Ticketmaster Needs to Do More to Income as Streaming Revenue Surges Refund Fans

• Brands Seeking BY ED CHRISTMAN ‘Comfort Food’ Songs for Ad Synchs During Sony Corp.’s music segment saw a strong rebound said, according to a transcript posted on the com- Pandemic in operating income to ¥30.34 billion yen ($278.3 pany’s website of its conference call with Wall Street million) for its fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, analysts. “The impact of the delays in new music is • Eventbrite Posts Big Losses in First which represented a 39.3% gain from the ¥21.79 bil- limited at this time in countries like the U.S. where the COVID-Impacted lion yen ($197.52 million) posted in the corresponding proportion of music that is streamed is high. But in Earnings Report, period in the company’s fiscal 2018 year. countries like Japan and Germany where the propor- Reveals Three-Tiered With the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in most tion of music that is streamed is relatively low, sales Refund Plan countries in March, it appears to have had little of CDs and other packaged media sales are decreasing • How We Work impact on the fourth quarter performance of Sony’s due to restrictions on going outside.” Now: Big Beat music operations. For the full year, the company Inching Towards $2 Billion Records Senior VP/ estimated that music operations might have lost 1% in Music revenue was down slightly (0.6%) to ¥208 GM Gina Tucci revenue due to the pandemic. billion yen ($1.94 billion) from ¥212.8 billion yen • Tencent Music But looking ahead, the company says that physical ($1.93 billion), but that was due to weak performance Revenue Hit New titles and merchandising have been weakened in its in the visual medium/platform segment, which is Highs in Q1 as second quarter by the pandemic, while also saying mainly mobile gaming revenue and some tertiary Coronavirus Spread new releases had been delayed; and that music licens- music income. The latter segment experienced lower Through China ing revenue would probably be off due to a reduction sales in its Fate/Grand Order gaming application. • SiriusXM CFO in advertising spends and curtailed production of film, Without the visual medium/platform piece, music Says Satellite Radio TV and commercials. operations actually grew 12.4% to ¥157.12 billion Faces Uncertain “The release of new music is being delayed primar- yen ($1.441 billion) versus ¥139.8 billion yen ($1.27 Coronavirus Impact ily because some artists are unable to record songs billion), largely on the strength of a 26% surge in and music videos,” Sony Corp. CFO Hiroki Totoki (continued)

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streaming revenue. But even through it didn’t forecast 2020’s the dollar for the fourth quarter of 2018, as Sony’s music segment consists of Sony music revenue, its filings included a para- denoted in Sony’s financial results. For the Music Entertainment, Sony Music Japan, graph that appeared to estimate that music full year, the exchange rate used is 108.7 yen Sony/ATV Music Publishing and the afore- operating income this year will be off about to the dollar for 2019 and 110.9 yen to the mentioned visual medium/platform. 25% to 40% from its 2019 results due to the dollar for 2018. During the fourth quarter, the company downturn. Panning Out to View the Full Year cited strong activity from Harry Styles’ Fine Breaking out the music operations, the For the full year, Sony’s music segment Line, Future’s Future Releases, Doja Cat’s company said recorded music garnered produced ¥142.35 billion yen ($1.31 billion) Hot Pink, Jackboys’ self-titled release, Ozzy revenue of ¥117.05 billion yen ($1.44 billion), in operating income on revenues of ¥838.35 Osbourne’s Ordinary Man, Lil Nas X’s 7 EP, a 12.1% increase over the ¥104.4 billion yen billion yen ($7.82 billion). While that Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD, Luke Combs’ ($946.3 million) the company tallied in the represents a 5.3% increase in revenue from What You See Is What You Get, Camila Ca- fourth quarter of 2018; while music publish- the prior year’s total of ¥807.5 billion yen bello’s Romance, Khalid’s Free Spirit, and in ing posted revenue of ¥40.07 billion yen ($7.3 billion), operating income was down Japan King Gnu’s Ceremony and a few titles ($367.6 million), a 13.2% increase over the 38.8% from ¥232.5 billion yen ($2.1 billion) from Nogizaka46. ¥35.4 billion ($320.9 million) accumulated but that was due to an extraordinary gain in Getting back to its operating income, in the year-earlier period. fiscal 2018 from the EMI Music Publishing that performance means that the segment’s Within recorded music, streaming grew acquisition. operating margin improved more than nearly 26% to ¥69.95 billion yen ($641.7 Without the gain from the consolidation four percentage points to 14.6% of revenue, million), but physical also grew to ¥21.4 bil- of the EMI acquisition, operating income in as compared with the 10.3% the segment lion yen ($196.3 million) from ¥19.5 billion 2018 would have been ¥127.2 billion yen. So tallied in 2018’s fourth quarter. Moreover, yen ($177 million), a 9.6% gain. Meanwhile, when compared to 2019’s operating income 2019’s performance brings the music unit downloads were down 4% to ¥8.63 billion of ¥142.35 billion yen, that produced a 23% back to 2017 levels when it had 30.91 billion yen ($79 million) from almost ¥9 billion yen gain. So when compared to 2020’s operating ($285.13 billion) in operating income, or a ($81.5 million) and other income streams income of ¥142.35 billion yen, that produced 15% operating margin. like synchronization and merchandising fell a 11.9% gain. A Stormy Forecast nearly 16% to ¥17.1 billion yen ($157 million) As a percentage of income, that means the Looking ahead, Sony didn’t forecast its from ¥20.3 billion yen ($184 million). company’s music segment produced an op- fiscal guidance for music’s sales and operat- As a percentage of revenue, that breaks erating margin of 17% for 2018, which is up ing income for 2020, as it usually does at out to 59.8% for streaming and 7.4% for from 2018’s 14.3% operating margin — again year-end. Instead, it will probably do so at downloads, which means digital totals not counting the gain from the full EMI the end of the fiscal second quarter after 67.1%; while physical is at 18.3% and other is acquisition in operating results. its operations have had more experience in now 14.6%. As in its quarterly results, the visual dealing with the economic recession caused This story uses ¥109 yen to the dollar for media/platform dragged down the music by the pandemic. the fourth quarter of 2019 and 110.3 yen to segment’s performance. Without that opera-

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tion, music revenue would have totaled Meanwhile, the parent Sony Corp. didn’t Congress has moved swiftly to provide 624.63 billion yen $5.75 billion, a 17.1% fare as well as the music operation. For the checks directly to families and small busi- increase over the prior year’s total of 533.59 year, the company produced net income nesses to help them stay afloat, but we know billion yen ($4.81 billion). of ¥582.2 billion yen ($5.36 billion). That that these programs are not enough. The Breaking out results by operation, record- compares with fiscal 2018 when net income coming months will present brutal financial ed music totaled ¥467.15 billion yen ($4.3 totaled ¥916.3 billion yen, ($8.26 billion). decisions for many Americans. billion), a 9.4% increase over the ¥426.93 While the company declined to give an Faced with these dire choices, millions billion ($3.85 billion) in the prior year; while outlook for the current fiscal year, Totoki of Americans were puzzled by the refusal the music publishing operations produced said, “we cannot reasonably predict the of Ticketmaster to offer refunds. A New ¥157.5 billion yen ($1.45 billion). Drawing impact of the spread of the coronavirus dis- York Times investigation showed that as a comparison to the prior year is meaning- ease, including when it will diminish.” the pandemic forced strong public health less because Sony didn’t own 100% of EMI guidelines, Ticketmaster stealthily altered Music Publishing for all of 2018, only part of the refund policy on its webpage, removing the year, so the company’s publishing opera- Reps. Pascrell a guarantee that fans could receive a refund tion only booked ¥106.7 billion yen ($962 for any postponed events. million) in revenue in fiscal 2018. and Porter: When we learned of this policy change, Looking at recorded music by channel, we wrote to executives from Ticketmaster, physical formats were flat at about ¥89 Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, and billion yen ($822 million), while downloads demanded an explanation. We called on fell 11.8% to ¥34.65 billion yen ($329 mil- Needs to Do More them to stop refusing refunds and to revert lion) from ¥70.6 billion yen ($636 million); to their longstanding policy. Ticketmaster’s and other revenue, which includes mer- to Refund Fans characterized the changes to its refund chandising and synchronization among policy as merely providing “clarity” and also other income streams, totaled ¥67.1 billion BY REPS. BILL PASCRELL, JR. AND pointed the finger at others, saying that its yen ($617.5 million) down 14.4% from ¥70.6 KATIE PORTER failure to give consumers their money back billion yen ($636.5 million). was the fault of individual event organizers. That means streaming now comprises he following letter was submitted Given the company’s unchallenged power 59.1% of recorded music revenue and down- to Billboard by U.S. Representa- over the live events market, these claims loads 7.4%, leaving digital with 66.5% in tives Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Katie insulted Americans’ intelligence – and we total; while physical is now 19.1%, and other Porter (D-CA). Representative told Ticketmaster executives just that. categories, 14.4%. TPascrell is the a co-sponsor of the BOSS ACT The former CEO of Ticketmaster’s par- Moreover, Sony’s total music results which would regulate parts of the ticketing ent Live Nation, Irving Azoff, is one of the only includes part of the revenue from the business and create greater transparency for most influential figures in entertainment. Orchard, its independent music distribution consumers. He scoffed at our objections to the bad operation, because Sony uses the agency The coronavirus pandemic has indefi- behavior by the behemoth that he helped model when accounting for that operation. nitely postponed nearly all concerts, sports create, labeling complaints about refunds as That means it only count the fees the Or- games, and large group gatherings. Thou- shameful. chard’s independent label clients pay to the sands of Americans who purchased tickets A decade ago, Ticketmaster, the nation’s company, not the total revenue it collects for these events are now in a financial limbo: largest live events ticket seller, was allowed from retail accounts and digital services. unable to attend and simultaneously unable to merge with Live Nation, the nation’s larg- Billboard estimates that in 2019 the Or- to secure a refund because of anti-consumer est events promoter. Despite promises that chard’s revenue was about $700 million; and policies at the country’s largest ticket sales the merger would be good for consumers, after subtracting about $160 million in fees, company: Ticketmaster. the exact opposite has come true. Ticket- that leaves another $540 million in revenue. The consequences of coronavirus are master-Live Nation has squeezed customers When that is added in, that means Sony’s widespread, causing unbearable economic for endless fees, stifled the marketplace, and total music operation collected about $6.3 hardships. At least 26 million working crushed competition. Ticketmaster’s refusal billion in revenue in 2019. Americans have filed for unemployment to issue full refunds during a pandemic fits For the full year, in addition to the records assistance, small businesses are shuttered, within a broader pattern of abuse befitting cited for the fourth quarter, Sony also cited and lines at food banks evoke images of of a monopoly that believes itself above Chris Brown’s Indigo, Tool’s Fear Inocu- black-and-white, Depression-era bread- scrutiny. lum, P!nk’s Hurts 2B Human, and Tyler The lines. This national emergency demands an Encountering a tidal wave of populist Creator’s IGOR, as driving revenue for the all-hands-on-deck response – and not only anger from customers on social media, the company. from elected officials. ticketing giant finally moved to reason. On PROMOTION

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April 17, Ticketmaster created a 30-day workers singing Bill Withers’ “Lean on window for customers to receive refunds Brands Seeking Me,” as well as the company’s CEO her- beginning May 1. Still facing backlash, this alding the employees as David Bowie’s past week the window was extended to 60 ‘Comfort Food’ “Heroes” played in the background. Both days. songs are part of Universal Music Publish- Ticketmaster’s policy reversal is a wel- Songs for Ad ing Group’s catalog. (UMPG represents come start. But the company can and should “Heroes” co-writer Brian Eno, while Sony/ go further to ensure that every single person Synchs During ATV represents Bowie’s share of the song). is properly notified and able to receive a While much of the landscape is domi- refund. Pandemic nated with commercials featuring seem- We ask that Ticketmaster proactively con- ingly interchangeable, solemn piano-based tact consumers about refunds, using the per- BY MELINDA NEWMAN instrumentals with soothing narration — so sonal data it collects for consumer accounts’ much so that there’s a YouTube supercut such as cell phone numbers and emails s the severity of the coronavi- highlighting the similar ads — many adver- to reach people. With rapidly changing rus became apparent, Madison tisers want songs that stand out instead of circumstances, consumers are overwhelmed Avenue reacted swiftly. Commer- blend in. “Brands want to pass on messages right now. That’s why Congress acted to cials with hard sells were out, of hope and optimism,” says Tom Eaton, extend the tax filing deadline, and many re- whileA soft sells with uplifting messages were UMPG’s senior vp of advertising and TV tailers have extended the period for returns. in. Song publishers quickly pivoted to meet music. “Recognizable songs can immediate- Ticketmaster should give purchasers until the musical needs of their clients’ changing ly create that emotion in the viewers. Music one week before the scheduled event date to messages. can be used as a shorthand and brands are request a refund. “The shift happened pretty quickly,” says looking for that right now.” And regardless of event cancelation or Brian Monaco, Sony/ATV Music Publish- Few songs are as recognizable as those by delay, any customer who wants a refund ing’s president/global chief marketing The Beatles and Sony/ATV saw multiple re- should receive it. Anything less than that is officer. Brands began looking for “songs of quests for Fab Four tunes, including “All You unacceptable and could be subject to even hope, unity, togetherness.” Need Is Love,” an acoustic cover of which more attention from Congress. They also began looking for deals. With began airing on a Facebook Portal ad in late To be sure, COVID-19 has decimated the some brands asking for free usages, publish- April. The deal was closed on a Wednesday live event industry. As lawmakers, we will ers are having to exercise extra scrutiny. and the spot started airing the following continue to fight for the small venues, stage- “We have been overwhelmed by brands Monday. “We’re seeing the ads completed hands, performers, struggling artists, and looking for gratis uses of songs from our cat- in a faster fashion,” Monaco says. “There’s working people hurt by this public health alog, so we do a lot of research to make sure an urgency, plus there are no shoots,” which crisis. But a major corporation like Ticket- the use is related to COVID-19 and hopefully means ad agencies are building spots around master should not hold customers’ money raising money for people on the front lines existing stock, news footage or newly com- hostage, especially during a pandemic. of the pandemic rather than their trying to puter generated images. Americans have enough on their plates as sell their product or use COVID-19 to sell Even with songs with lyrics, advertis- it is. their services,” Monaco says. “We’ve been ers are often looking for a softer tone. For reviewing all of them on a case-by-case basis a Samsung ad using Marc Scibilia’s “How and when we — the publisher and writer/ Bad We Need Each Other,” the brand opted artist — agree to gratis, we often try to agree for the stripped-down demo for the 2016 to no more than a three-month term.” tune instead of the much poppier, slicker Regardless of the price point, the briefs finished version, Monaco says. T-Mobile “tended to lean more heavily on what I used an acoustic instrumental bed of Muse’s think of as [musical] comfort food,” agrees “Something Human,” according to Warner BMG senior vp of creative synch Jonathan Chappell’s senior vp, synch and creative Palmer, who placed Andra Day’s “Rise Up” services Keith D’Arcy. in an Amazon spot, as well as Black Eyed Pricing has also become a major talking Peas’ “One Tribe” for Facebook’s new Mes- point, including many companies ask- senger Desk Top. “Themes of warmth and ing publishers to reduce or totally waive togetherness and confidence and making it licensing fees given the extraordinary times. through” the pandemic are popular, he says. “Brands and agencies are having to find a Within days of people sheltering in place, budget to put together a brand-new and Walmart rolled out ads featuring essential unexpected message due to our current PROMOTION COVID COVERED From festival cancellations to virtual performances, Billboard is the source for up-to-the-minute reports on how the pandemic is affecting music.

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circumstances. However, musically speaking worth of refunds due to defaults. they tend to want or need songs that appeal Eventbrite Posts “As of early May the outstanding balance to the widest audience and those tend to be of advanced payouts stood at approximately well-known songs that command high fees,” Big Losses in $293 million and many of these creators are says Julie Hurwitz, Kobalt Music’s co-head actively working to postpone, reschedule of synch and brand partnerships. “As a First COVID- or refund these events,” Eventbrite’s chief publisher, I want to do deals on behalf of my financial officerLanny Baker said on the writers but also don’t want to undervalue Impacted Earnings company’s May 11 earnings call. their copyrights, so that’s been an interest- In the coming months Eventbrite will ing negotiation.” She adds that to get around Report, Reveals work though a three-tiered approach on the lack of ability to shoot, agencies and refunds, driven by the event creators on its brands have asked to renew licenses from Three-Tiered platform. As events cancel or postpone, they previously run commercials, “in order to re- have the option to push out refunds to fans run these campaigns.” Refund Plan on a show by show basis, issue customized Certain brands, mainly those involving gift cards that allow creators the opportu- tourism, entertainment and sports events, BY DAVE BROOKS nity to exchange ticket sales for credit, set at are shelving ads for now, while brands that their discretion, or donate the dollar value connect people, such as telecommunications ventbrite is carrying about $293 of their ticket purchase to either the venue companies and Facebook, are strong, Eaton million in exposure from advance or a non-profit selected by the creator. says. payouts to the creators on the sys- Hartz also further preview a likely sunset Business is holding relatively steady tem, official with the San Fran- of the company’s Eventbrite Music product, despite the pullback by some companies be- Ecisco-based ticketing company disclosed which it began to develop last year, reposi- cause “a lot of the big brands understand the Monday (May 11) in its Q1 earnings report, tioning the company’s “strategy to deliver a worth of long-term brand building and how sharing new details on plans to refund ticket self-service creator experience with strong to engage their customers, so they’re not go- holders and detailing the impact of the live unit economics.” ing away,” Monaco says. “It really just feels music shut down on their bottom line. In total, “we spent approximately $4 like business as usual, but with this shift in The top line numbers for the quarter million on SSO acquisition in 2019, a figure types of songs that people are asking for,” were brutal as nearly every public event on equal to 2% of SSO revenue last year. Over agrees Tom Foster, UMPG’s London-based its system had to be postponed or canceled, the last two years, the lifetime revenue of European head of film and TV. leading to a $146.5 million net loss for the Self Sign-On creators has exceeded 30 times Publishers are already anticipating the quarter, down 489.66% from the previous their acquisition cost,” Baker said. needs for brands when the country turns quarter, equaling a $1.71 per share loss. The Overall, paid ticket volume was down the corner on the pandemic. “Hopefully, at losses included $113.7 million of charge- 18% year-to-year to $22 million and net some point down the road when we get into backs and reserve increases and a $76.5 mil- revenue prior to the contra-revenue impact the next phase where people can start to go lion increase in reserves “in anticipation of of refunds was down 16% in the quarter. On outside more and there’s a light at the end potential future chargebacks and refunds,” Tuesday, the stock closed at $8.06, down of the tunnel, I predict there will be a new according to the company’s shareholder’s 22% from the market open of $9.74. round of messaging, about cautiously cel- letter. ebrating,” Hurwitz says. “The team and I are The drop comes after chief executive in the process now of anticipating the need Julia Hartz cut more than $100 million in How We Work for those types of songs. Who knows when expenses last month including a 45% staff that will be. At some point, people are going reduction, laying off more than 500 people. Now: Big Beat to be able to share a beer together or go on On Monday Eventbrite announced it had se- vacation on an airplane or visit relatives at cured a new $225 million credit facility with Records Senior Thanksgiving again, so brands are going to an initial $125 million term loan funded in be re-messaging again.” May 2020 with the ability to draw a second VP/GM Gina Tucci Assistance preparing this story provided $100 million beginning December 2020 by Steve Knopper and Chris Eggertsen. until September 2021 subject to certain BY LYNDSEY HAVENS conditions. Eventbrite is still working its way through n a new series amid the coronavirus refunds with event creators having refunded pandemic, Billboard is asking individu- $150 million to ticket buyers while Event- als from all sectors of the music busi- brite has had to cover about $3 million I ness to share stories of how they work PROMOTION

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now, with much of the world quarantined at and everyone is super creative and com- home and unable to take in-person meetings, municative and using all the tools that we Tencent Music attend conferences or even go into the office. have between Microsoft Teams or Slack or Submissions for the series can be sent to Webex. We’ve definitely, I think, picked up Revenue Hit [email protected]. Read the momentum and I’m really appreciative for full series here. everyone on the Big Beat team’s motivation New Highs in Q1 This installment is with Gina Tucci, senior and passion for just continuing to work hard vp/GM of Big Beat Records. for our artists. as Coronavirus Gina Tucci: I have a home office, but my Myself and the organization overall has husband also works full time so he uses our stressed work-life balance to everybody Spread Through official office — and the kids’ homeschooling working from home. We’ve stressed creating is in there — and then he built me a cloffice. a routine and calling it at the end of the day, China It’s my closet. I affectionately call it my clof- shutting down and making sure that you fice studio because my clothing makes great move on in the evening to something you BY GLENN PEOPLES sound-proofing and technically decreases love, then start fresh in the morning. When any reverberation and echo of the sound you’re working from home you can obvi- encent Music Entertainment generated in the room. So I have a desk, a ously just go into a black hole. [We’re] also (TME), the Chinese music stream- laptop, a pair of Yamaha HS8 studio moni- really stressing that if you need a day off, ing company with 657 million tors and then a handful of instruments that take a day off — it’s okay. I can’t express that monthly listeners, took a hit I play to keep me sharp. My favorite is my enough: if you need that time out, take it. Tfrom the coronavirus pandemic in the first tuba, I play that to wake up my kids. I think the biggest change is that we can’t quarter but was able to grow both music A&Rs in general are very used to working do in-person writing sessions. I’m finding subscribers and revenue. remotely, because you’re traveling a lot and that because we’re not doing in-person ses- According to the company’s earnings in the studio, so you’re kind of managing sions, a lot of writers are digging up songs report released Monday, Q1 music revenues day-to-day off your laptop and cell phone that they had on their hard drive for a long leapt 27.4% year over year to $288 million anyway. Everything important is on my lap- time and they’re not sure how to finish it while monthly average users grew 0.5%. top; there are just so many precious songs and are reaching out to other people to help Even though the pandemic led people on there. My laptop is like my third child. I them along, and vice-versa. It’s the world of to spend more time with entertainment, have my two daughters and my laptop. collaboration right now, and I think you’re TME’s social media revenue rose just 3.3% I’m finding it really productive when it just going to see that more and more. even though 256 million people, a 13.3% comes to A&R to just be focusing directly Before the quarantine, if I found a new gain, used its social app, WeSing. Still, music with the artists on the phone or virtual artist, I would email them and schedule a is a relatively low earner for TME; social meetings, going through mixes and songs call. But because we’re on all these virtual media delivered an average revenue per and having the quiet privacy of my house meetings, when I see a new artist now I just media revenue per user of $15.65 compared uninterrupted. I have done virtual meet- naturally get on a virtual meeting. I’ve never to a music ARPU of $1.32. ings with all our roster artists. Usually while done virtual meetings from the get-go with a TME’s total revenue increased 10% to A&Ring these projects, there’s a natural flow new artist before, and I love it. It’s one thing $889 million while net income fell 10.1% of who’s on the road and who aggressively is I will definitely continue doing. Sometimes to $125 million. Q2’s results will benefit working in the studio. Now, with everyone you get to see things that you never would, from “a moderate recovery” seen recently home, all our artists are working aggres- like a piece of artwork hanging on the wall, in social media services, said Cussion Pang, sively in the studio. They’re all very eager to and get to know each other in ways that a TME’s CEO. China is returning to normal work, so a lot more records are being made. phone call just does not provide. after much of the country was in lockdown It’s been nonstop. Literally, I was late to this I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the in Q1, causing Q1 gross domestic product to interview because I was talking to Christian relationships that I have built virtually fall 6.8% from Q1 2019, the first decline since [Karlsson] of Galantis about a song that with new artists, writers and producers, the country began reporting GDP figures we’re finishing up. but there’s nothing like meeting a new in 1992. New coronavirus cases virtually Everyone’s wheels are turning right artist you’re interested in and seeing them disappeared in Q2 as businesses reopened now. We’re in a massive test tube of digital perform live in-person. Nothing can really and governments eased social distancing marketing and digital A&Ring, and it’s lev- replace that. restrictions. eled the playing field — there’s just no rule Shares of TME closed up 1.75% on Tues- book right now and all ideas are on the table. day, bringing its year-to-date improvement I’m finding that my staff’s communication to 22%. TME was spun off from Tencent with me has increased and ideas are flowing Corp. in Dec. 2018 and trades on the New Page 12 of 22

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York Stock Exchange. times greater than Tencent Music’s $1.32. listening businesses. Notable product expansions and deals in Spotify’s Q1 revenue was $2.0 billion, 6.9 And sales of new and used cars have Q1: times greater than Tencent Music’s $288 begun to come back as the U.S. economy TME Live, a live streaming model, will million. slowly reopens and are not as bad as Frear launch in June. TME Live had a soft launch feared. But the SiriusXM exec cautioned in Q1 with five concerts. that a question mark remains over how Kugou Changchang, an interactive singing SiriusXM CFO many commuting Americans eventually mobile app for users of Kugou Music. will leave their homes to return to their In March, TME signed a five-year licens- Says Satellite workplaces as the U.S. economy reopens, ing deal with China Literature (also con- especially if there’s a second wave of the trolled by Tencent Corp.) that gives Tencent Radio Faces coronavirus in the fall. Music a global license to create audiobook Frear also pointed to an economic reces- versions of its titles and distribute its exist- Uncertain sion impacting subscriber and advertising ing audiobooks. trends: “Unemployment is stress. And that’s In April, TME invested in Radio Music Coronavirus got to have a knock-on effect for people Warehouse, a Chinese company that pro- spending money. And there’s another wave vides TME’s licensed music to the brick- Impact of this that we haven’t seen yet. But we’re and-mortar locations, such as grocery stores encouraged by the downstroke so far not and music venues, services by Radio Music BY ETAN VLESSING having been as bad as we feared in the Warehouse. beginning.” In May, TME continued its push into ven if people aren’t commuting Frear predicted the hit to SiriusXM spoken word audio by launching Kuwo in their cars as much while they subscriber levels will be felt later this year, Changting, an app dedicated to long-form shelter in their homes during the amid the absence of strong new-car sales. audio (think Audible.com, Amazon’s app for coronavirus pandemic, satellite SiriusXM recently unveiled better-than- audiobooks and podcasts). Kuwo Changting Eradio powerhouse and Pandora owner Siri- expected first-quarter results as Americans costs the equivalent of $0.85 per month. usXM has yet to take a big hit to its bottom listen more to music streaming services TME’s metrics show huge number of line judging by its recently released first- overall amid the pandemic than before it hit listeners, a small number of subscribers and quarter earnings. the U.S. economy in March. a low ARPU: But while listening of Pandora and Frear said weekly active users for Mobile MAUs rose 0.5% to 657 million. SiriusXM offerings is up for stay-at-home SiriusXM are up 30 percent in early May, Music subscribers grew 50.4% to 42.7 consumers, David Frear, senior executive compared with January, as listening in the million. vp and CFO of SiriusXM, warned Tuesday homes via bluetooth speakers and other Average revenue per music subscriber that his industry faces an uncertain future. consumer electronics technology has helped grew 13.3% year-over-year to $1.32 from “I haven’t talked to anybody who has a good mitigate the impact of reduced car listening. $1.17. picture of what the recovery will look like,” The SiriusXM finance chief also ducked TME could have more than 657 million he told the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, a question about company parent Liberty MAUs but it either doesn’t know or will not Media and Communications Conference Media possibly increasing its investment say. It provides only mobile users and leaves during a session that was webcast. in iHeartMedia, which owns internet sta- out use of home devices such as smart TVs. Frear said the COVID-19 crisis has driven tion iHeartRadio. “At SiriusXM, we got our Why Tencent Music matters: new- and used-car sales down sharply, rela- heads down and focused on Pandora prod- TME has the four most popular music tive to year-ago levels, while stay-at-home ucts, SiriusXM products,” he said. “We’re apps in China: QQ Music, Kugou Music, listening to Pandora and SiriusXM has only 100 percent focused on that.” Kuwo Music. partially offset the impact of lower advertis- This article was originally published by China’s recorded music market became ing revenue. The Hollywood Reporter. seventh-largest in the world in 2019 at “People are not commuting as much, but $590.9 million. as they come into the home, they’ve carried China is a streaming-first market that over a lot of those (listening) habits into ranks fourth globally with $537 million in the home,” Frear told the investors confer- 2019. ence. As American workers, including at Tencent Music vs. Spotify in Q1 2020: SiriusXM, increasingly work remotely, the TME’s 657 million MAUs is 2.3 times satellite radio broadcaster has promoted greater than Spotify’s 286 million MAUs. online streaming and introduced promo- Spotify’s average revenue per user was 3.6 tions to build out and sustain its online Page 13 of 22

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we’ve been doing it for a long time. Our ing to open again. Nirvana did their Never- Neumos in lobbyist says everyone on Capitol Hill is mind release party there. It does everything. talking about us. We have access to people. They had the longest running house DJ Seattle, in a We don’t have money, but we have people. night in the country called Flammable. It’s So we reach out to our lists. been running for over 15 years every Sunday. Pandemic: Have you gotten support from artists as Dina Martina owned it for some time so well? there were a lot of drag shows. They were ‘We Don’t Have There are a lot of artists who are sharing an important part of the community and this. Bon Iver did a post pretty early on and they are done. They may open up in a couple Money, But We that got 30,000 views in three days. Nick of years in a different space, but you can’t Kroll did one on Instagram and it is pictures recreate the magic. And they are friends Have People’ of him with all these rad comedians. There’s of ours. We’re all sitting here thinking the a gang of others that are coming out and of exact same thing could happen to us. BY TAYLOR MIMS course they are. Bon Iver played Neumos. Have there been any positive things hap- He plays stadiums now but he started at pening for venues? s co-owner of Seattle’s popular Neumos. Of course he wants Neumos to We had our county council debate and independent venue Neumos in keep going on, otherwise there is not the preliminary vote last week. I watched five Capitol Hill, Steven Severin has next Bon Iver. You don’t start in giant ven- and a half of the seven hours. It was a Zoom been a staple in the Seattle music ues. You’ve got to learn on smaller stages. call of county council people debating industryA for more than 20 years. A decade We know everybody. It’s 1,500 promot- whether or not they are going to support ago, he helped create the Seattle Nightlife ers and venue owners across the country. this bill [that provides funding for live music and Music Association to bring together the There is not anybody that we don’t have a venues] and they are. It won 7-2 and the of- area’s live event insiders, and for the past connection with. Who knows if U2 or Adele ficial vote is today. [The bill passed unani- 16 years has helped run Neumos with its or the ghost of Jimi Hendrix is going to do mously on Tuesday evening.] We will be sister club Barboza and the accompanying something, but we can ask. the first state in the country that has given Runaway bar. Which state has sent the most letters? money specifically from the government to As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris music venues. We worked our asses off for the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts are number one and two. Dianne Feinstein this. Granted we have a very strong music on the music industry, we will be speaking got a total of 12,346 letters and so did Ka- support from our government already and with Severin each week to chronicle his mala Harris. The next closest was Tammy our King County executive is the one who experience throughout the crisis. (Read last Duckworth and Dick Durbin in Illinois. drove it. week’s installment here and see the full And then North Carolina. It has been a How much money is proposed in the series here.) friendly competition to get your numbers up relief bill? Last week National Independent Venue for your state. It’s not the money. Once you split the Association (NIVA) launched the #SaveO- More than half of states across the coun- money up between all the venues it is not urStages campaign to raise awareness at a try started loosening restrictions as of last the money that is going to make the differ- federal level for COVID-19 relief. How has week, does that seem like a positive step for ence, it is the fact that our government is that gone so far? venues like Neumos? saying that venues are important. That in a It launched on May 5. We did a letter I don’t know the exact numbers but I read pandemic where money is going to the most writing campaign to all of the elected that Texas opened up over the weekend and important fabrics of our city, that music ven- leaders across the 50 states and D.C. We are had over 1,000 new cases three days in a ues fit in there. That’s huge. It is $750,000 at 300,000 which is ridiculous. [Elected of- row. People are talking about how they are total. It is going to help people kick the can ficials] get 300 and they are tripping. There going to have to close back down again. That a little bit further down the road. I think it is are still a lot of people who haven’t sent it is absolutely what we couldn’t do. We could going to buy us time. It is going to get some out to their email lists or their socials. I’m not open and close again. a month or two. Some people, it will give going to get on some people, because it Why is it better to stay closed than to them a couple of weeks. It will get us further would be rad to get 500,000 people. Plus, we open back up and shut down again? and, as we see, everything is changing every just got to keep hammering people because Because I think it is going to take that day. We will have that to leap off from and they are not fucking getting it. How are they much longer for us to get open again. There go raise more money. not getting it? is a venue that has been in Seattle for 30 So the next step will be fundraising? NIVA is now at 1,500 [members]. It is years called the Re-Bar and they called it Our county executive has said he is going really getting noticed. We are all promot- over the weekend. It just sucks. They’ve to lead the charge on taking that money and ers. That’s what we do. We push shows and been around for 30 years and they aren’t go- making more. We’re going to start fund- Page 14 of 22

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raising. That’s our only shot of making it Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a federal through this. There is no way the venues judge’s dismissal of this case. NAV, Kehlani, can withstand not making any income at The suit was brought by Soul’d Out Pro- all for months and months on end, if not ductions, the promoter of a music festival Lil Durk & Bad over a year. We are game planning now how in Portland, Oregon, who objected to to go raise money, which is something we so-called “radius clauses.” The case chal- Bunny Aiming don’t do. I have done dozens and dozens of lenged a common feature of the live music fundraisers, raised hundreds of thousands business — territorial exclusivity — but got for High Debuts of dollars for people over the years. But we rejected because the district court ruled have never asked for anything for ourselves. Soul’d Out had no standing to assert claims on Billboard 200 Our county executive is going to help and since the plaintiff was not a party to those talk to some of the bigger companies and say objectionable Coachella contracts. Albums Chart ‘this is important.’ In a memorandum Tuesday, a three-judge We have been working with the council appellate panel concludes that Soul’d Out BY KEITH CAULFIELD to try to get this money, which has been so should be able to move forward on its tor- much work. Organizing all of these people tious interference and unlawful competition ext week’s Billboard 200 albums and talking with our reps and begging them claims. chart could see as many as four to give us 20 minutes of their time to listen “To the extent the district court dismissed new titles debut in the top 10, to us even though they have to listen to those claims for lack of standing, we think led by NAV’s latest effort,Good hundreds of other constituents that are all in the court erred,” states the opinion. “Soul’d NIntentions. Industry forecasters suggest the same boat. And now we have to go raise Out’s allegations satisfy the Article III re- the album will earn over 80,000 equivalent money. You’ve got to be kidding me. We’re quirements for standing: Soul’d Out alleged album units in the week ending May 14. If not at the finish line? We’re at the starting a concrete and particularized injury, namely it enters at No. 1, it will secure the rapper- line. This has just been training. You have the loss of lucrative performance contracts singer his second leader, following his last to dig down and find it because the other with artists under contract with AEG; release, 2019’s Bad Habits, which launched option is just giving up. When you’ve done Soul’d Out also alleged that AEG’s wrongful at No. 1 with 82,000 units in its first week, something for a decade plus, you can’t just conduct caused that injury; and a judgment according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. decide to give up because it is hard. in Soul’d Out’s favor could, either through Also on tap for possible top 10 debuts: damages or injunctive relief, redress the Kehlani’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t (per- harm. Although Soul’d Out is not a party haps 75,000 units), Lil Durk’s Just Cause Appeals Court to the artists’ contracts with AEG, we have Y’all Waited 2 (50,000) and Bad Bunny’s previously determined that an injured party surprise release Las Que No Iban a Salir Revives Lawsuit may assert tort claims predicated on a con- (over 40,000). tract’s alleged invalidity, despite not being a The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most Over Coachella’s party to the contract.” popular albums of the week based on multi- The appeals court adds that Soul’d Out “is metric consumption, which comprises tradi- Radius Clause seeking to vindicate its own rights — namely tional album sales, track equivalent albums its alleged right to enter into contracts with (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums Restrictions artists free from AEG’s wrongful interfer- (SEA). The top 10 of the May 23-dated ence. No plaintiff is better suited to assert Billboard 200 chart (where Good Intentions BY ERIQ GARDNER the tort claims alleged here, and there is could launch at No. 1), is scheduled to be therefore no prudential reason to deny revealed on Billboard’s website on Sunday, hen it comes to personal Soul’d Out standing.” May 17. space, the live music Here’s the full opinion. The 18-track Good Intentions album was industry has problems that This article was originally published by released on May 8 via XO/Republic Records go beyond the COVID-19 The Hollywood Reporter. and boasts guests such as Young Thug, pandemic.W In a lawsuit filed two years ago, Travis Scott, Future and Lil Uzi Vert. Then, AEG was accused of anti-competitive be- on May 10, NAV dropped a deluxe reissue havior because the concert giant insisted in of the album, adding 14 new cuts, including contracts that artists who sign up for AEG’s tracks featuring Quavo and Lil Duke. Most Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival of Good Intentions’ units for the week will couldn’t play other big events on the West be earned via streaming activity, though it Coast. On Tuesday (May 12), the Ninth will also generate sales via more than 60 Page 15 of 22

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merchandise/album bundles sold via NAV’s with streamers, that, according to Apple lent itself really well for me personally and official website. Music, it became the first Latin album to in my career, because I’m not just like a one Kehlani, meanwhile, could capture her reach the top of Apple Music’s Top Albums track mind,” she says. During her time in At- highest charting album, and best week tally. Apple Music’s Top Albums ranking lanta, Kader worked in fashion as a personal in terms of units earned, with her latest ranks the most streamed albums within the stylist and at boutiques owned by Big Boi’s release, if It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. It service at any given point in time. wife and Bow Wow’s mom before managing could bow at No. 2 with maybe 75,000 units Bad Bunny’s previous album, YHLQM- artists such as Bosco. earned. Kehlani’s new album is supported DLG, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard One of the earliest signs that Kader had by a small range of merchandise/album 200 earlier this year – marking the highest- an understanding of digital marketing came bundles. charting all-Spanish-language album in the in 2005 when she launched her popular Presently, her highest charting set is history of the chart. The set has yet to de- Broke and Boujee parties in Atlanta. The SweetSexySavage, which debuted and part the top 10 of the chart since its release misspelling of “bougie” is popular now peaked at No. 3 in 2017 with 58,000 first- 10 weeks ago. On the current chart, it fell thanks to the Migos hit “Bad and Boujee,” week units (her biggest week, in terms of from No. 7 to No. 10. but back then Kader says she purposely mis- volume). spelled the word in order to keep an eye on Drake’s Dark Lane Demo Tapes, which online engagement. “At the time, on Face- debuted at No. 2 on the current Billboard Spotlight: Fadia book and Myspace, there was no such thing 200 chart, could come in at either Nos. 2 or as hashtags. That was a way that I could 3 on next week’s tally. It may earn around Kader Is the search the engines to see who was posting 75,000 units. it and repost them” she says. Kader eventu- Rapper Lil Durk should see his new Woman Boosting ally transitioned into brand partnerships, album Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 start in the working as an “industry dot connector” — as top 10 with over 50,000 units, mostly driven Instagram’s she puts it — at companies such as Complex, by streaming activity. If it bows in the top 10, Twitter and Def Jam. it will secure the artist his second visit to the ‘Verzuz’ Battles & In her current role at Instagram, Kader region, following 2019’s No. 4-peaking Love says she gave up trying to keep track of Songs 4 the Streets 2. More Viral Music how many artists the Instagram music Finally, Bad Bunny’s surprise-release Las team is working with at any given time Que No Iban a Salir could tally over 40,000 Moments but, if there’s a viral celebrity Live stream, units in an abbreviated week. The set chances are she’s behind it. In the midst of dropped without warning in the mid-after- BY JEWEL WICKER the COVID-19 pandemic, Swizz Beatz and noon on Sunday, May 10, so it will only have Timbaland launched the Verzuz series about four and a half days of activity before s the strategic partnerships lead where artists, songwriters and producers the tracking week’s end on May 14. (Most of music at Instagram, Fadia battle each other with their biggest hits on new releases tend to drop on Friday each Kader is usually at work behind Instagram. When the highly anticipated week, the first day of the tracking week. the scenes of many of the app’s battle between Teddy Riley and Babyface Bad Bunny has bucked this trend repeatedly viralA music moments. Before the COVID-19 had technical difficulties on April 20, Riley’s with his earlier albums, opting to release pandemic, this meant working with artists team could be heard asking Kader for help them at varying times of the week.) such as Billie Eilish, Tierra Whack and troubleshooting. Bad Bunny’s 10-track album is effectively Taylor Swift, sharing best practices and “With such a high demand in that mo- a compilation of previously unfinished identifying rising talent both on and off the ment, along with some other updates that songs. The album title translates to: “the app. Now, the Instagram music team — a we’re making, it was like the perfect storm,” one’s that weren’t going to be released.” small group of three, including Kader — is says Kader, who received a shoutout from The set includes, amusingly, simple-named working remotely to make sure artists are Swizz Beatz and Timbaland in a subsequent songs like “Canción Con Yandel” (transla- connecting with fans as effectively as pos- Live. By the time Jill Scott logged on to tion: “Song With Yandel”) with Yandel, and sible while we’re all stuck at home. Instagram Live for the first time to battle “Bad Con Nicky” (“Bad With Nicky”) with Kader was born in Kuwait and grew up in Erykah Badu on May 9, things were run- Nicky Jam. Jordan, Nashville and Atlanta following her ning much smoother. The pair went live for Most of the first-week activity for Bad mother’s death when she was 6 years old. about three uninterrupted hours before Bunny’s album will come via streaming She credits her upbringing by various family Badu’s iPad died. Their viewership peaked services. (There are no merchandise/album members and in various cities with influenc- at more than 700,000. bundles in play as of May 12.) The album ing her approach to work. “Living all over With some of the limitations of Instagram has proven to be so popular out of the gate the world [has] made me a dabbler. That has Live, including an hourlong time limit for Page 16 of 22

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some users, some artists have contemplated moving content to other apps — such as Cat’s Out of the Megan Thee Twitch — where they could earn revenue. But plenty of others, and their fans, seem to Bag: Find Out Stallion & enjoy how easily accessible the free Insta- gram Live streams are. “I think artists, pub- When Katy Perry’s Beyonce’s ‘Savage’ lic figures and creators in general are really smart in knowing that this is where their New Album Is Nabs Streaming audiences are,” Kader says, noting that the Facebook-owned company doesn’t discour- Dropping Songs Chart No. 1 age using other platforms. “It’s in their best interest to keep the quality content happen- BY GLENN ROWLEY BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD ing on Instagram.” SPOTLIGHT: aty Perry announced the egan Thee Stallion scores The best advice I ever received was release date of her long-awaited her first No. 1 onBillboard ’s you don’t always get to choose what you’re fifth album on Wednesday (May Streaming Songs chart good at. It chooses you. I’m very private. 13), with a little help from Ama- thanks to “Savage,” featur- I’m actually such a homebody. I don’t go Kzon’s Alexa. Ming Beyonce, which jumps 3-1 on the May out to parties. I host a lot at my house. So, In a clip posted to Twitter by a fan page, 16-dated tally. the irony that I would start a party and the digital assistant can be heard saying, “Savage” zooms 53% in U.S. streams to be in such a nightlife scene and the music “Katy asked me to let you know that her 41.2 million streams in the tracking wee industry [which is] extremely social is just new album will be released on August 14.” ending May 7, according to Nielsen Music/ an oxymoron. (Billboard can confirm that the LP is slated MRC Data. The rise is mostly attributed I knew I was committed to music when for release on Aug. 14 via Capitol Records.) to the first full tracking week for a April I’m really trying to pin down a specific mo- Preceded by lead single “Daisies,” which 29-released remix of the track that added ment but music has been the soundtrack is set to drop Friday (May 15), the studio set Beyonce. of my life since I was little. It was my safe will be the pop star’s first full-length LP in With the No. 1 ascent of “Savage,” Megan space from the minute my mother died. Mu- over three years, serving as a follow-up to Thee Stallion nabs her first Streaming Songs sic has saved my life because it has created 2017’s Witness. leader, exceeding the No. 6 debut and peak a very lovely and comfortable life for me, In the interim, the American Idol judge of “Hot Girl Summer,” with Nicki Minaj but I’ve been committed to it from the day I released a string of well-received standalone and Ty Dolla $ign, in August 2019. For could feel anything or remember anything. singles throughout 2019, including “Never Beyonce, it’s her third leader, following Ed Something most people don’t under- Really Over” — which peaked at No. 15 on Sheeran’s “Perfect” in January 2018 and her stand is I, too, only have 24 hours in a day. I the Hot 100 last summer — as well as “Small own “Drunk in Love,” featuring Jay-Z, in really, really, really put emphasis on balanc- Talk,” “Harleys in Hawaii” and “Never Worn April 2014. ing my personal and my professional life. White.” Megan Thee Stallion is the first solo That’s really important to me. A lot of times You can “Ask Alexa” to hear the big reveal woman to lead Streaming Songs as the lead people don’t understand that because they for yourself. artist since Mariah Carey, whose “All I allow those two to intertwine. Want for Christmas Is You” last ruled for What’s next is to continue being on this four straight weeks between Dec. 14, 2019, train that’s constantly moving. That’s what and Jan. 4, 2020. I love about working at Instagram. I’m on a “Savage,” also posts gains in sales and moving train and laying down tracks as we airplay and ends up at No. 2 on the multi- go along. We work in real time. I don’t know metric Billboard Hot 100. where the train is taking me, but my intu- ition is strong. And, I’m here for a reason. The easiest thing about what I do is the privilege of building like really strong com- munities around me. I hear horror stories in the industry, but I am just so grateful that I’ve managed to build the kind of relationships that are foundationally strong. Page 17 of 22

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music that’s resounding and makes you feel track sales, radio airplay, streaming and Jeremy Stover’s good and uplifts you,” said Murphy. “Red social media fan interaction to provide a Creative absolutely fits perfectly under the weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist Red Creative Re- spirit of what Anthem stands for.” popularity. Red Creative’s roster also includes song- Check out this week’s full Artist 100 Ups With Anthem writer Nathan Spicer, a former road guitar- chart here. ist for Katy Perry and Matt Kearney who Entertainment co-wrote the new Ryan Hurd single “Every Other Memory.” The company coordinates Songwriter Diane BY TOM ROLAND most extensively with Anthem’s Nashville office, headed by division president Tim Warren Signs nthem Entertainment apparently Wipperman. struck gold with Red Creative. This article first appeared in the weekly With BMG Ahead Anthem has extended its agree- Billboard Country Update newsletter. Click ment with the latter entity, here to subscribe for free. of ‘Historic’ New ownedA by songwriter-producer Jeremy Stover (“The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Album Home,” “I Know Somebody”), Billboard has Kenny Chesney Is learned. BY LARS BRANDLE The deal keeps the current Red Creative First Country Act roster — including Kelly Archer (“Sleep MG has signed Diane Warren. Without You,” “For Her”), Adam Hambrick to Rule Artist 100 The music company will (“How Not To,” “Somebody Else Will”) and represent Warren for publishing Travis Denning — in the fold at Anthem, but Chart This Year and recording, and will release a also expands the relationship as the compa- Bcollection of the legendary songwriter’s new nies add a future component that allows for BY XANDER ZELLNER works, performed and recorded by a starry more songwriters to be signed exclusively in lineup of guests, Billboard can confirm. the partnership. enny Chesney re-enters the Under the new arrangements, announced Much of the arrangement focuses on Billboard Artist 100 chart (dated this morning, BMG will administer War- Stover, who signed with Anthem as a writer May 16) at No. 1 to become the ren’s entire songwriting publishing catalog in 2011 when the company was known as ole top musical act in the U.S. for a (excluding the U.S. and Canada) under her music. Red Creative partnered with ole from Ksecond total week, thanks to his new album, Realsongs umbrella and release the album of its inception in 2014. Here and Now. new material, at a date yet to be announced. “He is really determined and driven and The set opens at No. 1 on the Billboard Several other projects are in the planning has the entrepreneurial fire that he is going 200 with 233,000 equivalent album units, phase, a rep tells Billboard. to do what he’s setting out to do,” Toronto- according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, “I’m thrilled with my new deal at BMG. based Anthem CEO Helen Murphy told earning the country superstar his ninth No. I love the BMG team. They have hit the Billboard. “It’s infectious.” 1 and tying him with Garth Brooks for the ground running,” Warren says in a state- A big chunk of Red Creative’s songwriter most among country acts in the chart’s 64- ment. “There is so much already happening roster was built on creatives who have year history. that I know this year is going to be amazing. potential as artists. Denning, whose “After a Chesney first led the Artist 100 dated Nov. To say I’ve never felt so much enthusiasm Few” is No. 5 on Country Airplay, is the best 18, 2017, when his Live in No Shoes Nation and excitement is an understatement. It’s example, though Hambrick and fellow writ- also debuted atop the Billboard 200. great to have a team behind me like this. ers David Fanning, JL and Baker Grissom Notably, Chesney is the first country act This is just the beginning of a fantastic jour- are likewise in various stages of develop- to rule the Artist 100 this year. Luke Combs ney filled with hits.” ment as artists with independent projects. last earned the honor, on Nov. 23, 2019, Warren is among the elite songwriters That fits the mentality at Anthem, which when his LP What You See Is What You Get of her generation. Over the course of her rebranded last year to better emphasize its launched atop the Billboard 200. Combs and career, she has bagged nine No. 1s on the bigger role in the entertainment field. In ad- Thomas Rhett were the only country acts to Billboard Hot 100, 32 top 10 songs on the dition to its publishing origins, the company lead the Artist 100 last year. chart, and has perfected the art of writing now has an Anthem imprint and a heavy The Artist 100, which launched in 2014, power ballads. presence in film and TV rights. measures artist activity across key metrics Few critical awards and honors are not “If you think of what an anthem is, it’s of music consumption, blending album and already in her possession. Warren’s trophy Page 18 of 22

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cabinet includes Grammys, Emmys and events and more. munity too,” reads a statement unveiling the Golden Globe Awards, a prestigious Ivor Joining Piggott at Daydream Nation is a new business. Novello Award, she’s been named ASCAP’s triumvirate of former Secret Sounds/Secret Visit Daydreamnation.co for more. Pop Songwriter of the Year on five occasions Sounds employees in head Of marketing and she’s a four-time Billboard songwriter Alycia Emmerson (former marketing & of the year. communications manager at Secret Sounds); Megan Thee In 2001, Warren was inducted into the senior account director Shari Hindmarsh Songwriters Hall of Fame and she earned a (former senior publicist at Secret Service Stallion & star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Public Relations); and publicist Parisse On the new deal, Thomas Scherer, BMG Toledo (former publicist at Secret Service Beyoncé’s ‘Savage’ executive vp, repertoire & marketing, Los Public Relations). Angeles, described Warren as “one in a mil- Piggott, director of Daydream Nation, Hits No. 1 on Hot lion” and “exactly what a global publisher has 21 years’ experience in PR, including like BMG wants and needs” with a catalog 15 years heading up her own agency, Two Rap Songs Chart “full of evergreen titles written 100% by Fish Out Of Water. In 2014, Two Fish Out herself, a catalog of beautiful and unreleased Of Water merged with Paul Piticco’s Secret BY TREVOR ANDERSON treasures, to pitch to artists around the Service PR, creating the powerhouse public- world for sync at film, TV, and commer- ity agency SSPR. he combined power of two of cials.” Daydream Nation emerges from the em- Houston’s hottest acts fuels a The forthcoming album release will be bers of SSPR, a casualty of the coronavirus Billboard chart-topper as Megan “historic,” notes John Loeffler, BMG execu- pandemic. Thee Stallion’s “Savage,” featur- tive vp, repertoire & marketing, New York. Piggott and her team have worked on Ting Beyoncé, climbs one spot to No. 1 on Warren has “never actually placed her own a staggering lineup of festivals, tours and the Hot Rap Songs list (dated May 16). The name on the cover of an album before,” he campaigns over the years, including The track ascends from No. 3 following the first explains. A “Who’s Who” of top-shelf artists Falls Music & Arts Festival, Yours & Owls full tracking week of the Beyoncé remix, will collaborate on and perform her new Festival, Download Festival, and tours for released on April 29. songs on the album, the “breakthrough re- the likes of Live Nation, Billions, Select Mu- “Savage” marks the first Hot Rap Songs cord she so richly deserves,” he continues. sic, Village Sounds, WME and others. No. 1 for Megan Thee Stallion, whose previ- Warren is the first female non-performing Clients have included Pandora, Billabong, ous best was a No. 5 peak for “Hot Girl songwriter to be named a Laureate of the Po- Jack Daniels, Telstra and Ben Sherman, and Summer,” her 2019 collaboration with Ty lar Music Prize in its 29-year history, and will recording artists Lewis Capaldi, The 1975, Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj. Beyoncé, too, be presented with the honor in 2021. Henry Rollins, Liam Gallagher, Lana Del picks up her first leader, having come closest Rey and Blur, to name a handful. before with a runner-up showing through “We are really excited to bring Daydream a featured turn on “’03 Bonnie and Clyde,” PR Veteran Stacey Nation and our collective creative services with Jay-Z. to the entertainment industry,” says Piggott Streams fuel the “Savage” surge, with 41.2 Piggott Launches in a statement. “We are thrilled to be able to million U.S. clicks in the week ending May offer a team that can roll out comprehensive 7, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, New Agency and cohesive PR and Marketing campaigns up 53% from the previous tracking frame. under the one roof for our clients. Alycia, The single is the week’s most-streamed Daydream Nation Shari and I have been working closely to- track of any genre, resulting in twin No. 1 gether on campaigns for years now, so close ranks on the all-genre Streaming Songs BY LARS BRANDLE we sometimes finish each other’s sentences, and Rap Streaming Songs charts. Megan we know what the other is thinking before Thee Stallion nabs her first champs on both eteran Australian music industry they speak. And Parisse fits perfectly into lists, while Beyoncé collects a first on Rap PR and crisis communications this well-oiled machine.” Streaming Songs and a third on the overall professional Stacey Piggott today Over the years, the team has lent time list, after 2014’s “Drunk in Love,” featuring unveils her new company, Day- and resources to manage pro bono PR and Jay-Z and “Perfect,” with Ed Sheeran in dreamV Nation. marketing strategy for such social justice 2018. Based in Melbourne, the new boutique campaigns and charity events as Wave Aid, Sales, too, played a significant role in the publicity and marketing agency will hone-in SLAM Day, Your Choice, Don’t Kill Live “Savage” coronation, with 50,000 down- on music, entertainment, digital strategy, Music and Make It Rain. loads sold in the week ending May 7, a 90% crisis management, commercial brands, “We all take joy in giving back to our com- upgrade from the prior week. The track Page 19 of 22

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rebounds 2-1 on Rap Digital Song Sales to via social media video-sharing app TikTok, win its third week at the helm, after leading also rises 16-15 on the Pop Songs airplay It’s No Curse: the April 4 and April 11 charts. chart and 22-20 on Adult Pop Songs. No surprise, then, that the pair’s airplay Surfaces comprises Forrest Frank and Banda MS & reach also makes forward progress. “Sav- Colin Padalecki. age” steps 4-3 on Rap Airplay through a The duo succeeds NCT Dream atop Snoop Dogg’s 17% boost in the week ending May 10. On Emerging Artists, after the K-pop group led a wider front, it lifts 4-2 on R&B/Hip-Hop for one week. ‘Que Maldición’ Airplay and registers 26 million in audi- Among other Emerging Artists chart ence in the same period, a 10% upswing. moves, Giveon debuts at No. 16, thanks to Debuts at No. Growth in the two sectors leads to “Savage” his feature on Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle,” pushing 18-14 rise on the all-genre Radio which debuts at No. 14 on the Hot 100, 4 on Hot Latin Songs chart. There, it records 51.3 million where it’s Giveon’s first career entry. in total audience impressions, a 27% weekly Plus, Chicano Batman enters Emerging Songs Chart improvement. Artists at No. 30 as the psychedelic soul- While “Savage” leads Hot Rap Songs, rock band’s LP Invisible People arrives at No. BY PAMELA BUSTIOS it falls just short of the summit on the 24 on Vinyl Albums with 1,000 copies sold Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip- on vinyl. egional Mexican and rap collide Hop Songs charts after a widely watched The Emerging Artists chart ranks the on the Hot Latin Songs chart’s race against Doja Cat’s “Say So,” featuring most popular developing artists of the top 10 as Banda MS de Sergio Nicki Minaj. Both tunes, armed with recent week, using the same formula as the all- Lizárrga and Snoop Dogg’s remixes from their respective featured acts, encompassing Billboard Artist 100, which R“Que Maldición” debuts at No. 4 on the May posted across-the-board gains in all metrics, measures artist activity across multiple 16 survey. It’s the highest debut for a re- with “Say” taking top status while “Savage” Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, gional Mexican song since Joan Sebastian’s ascended to No. 2 on both lists. Billboard 200 and the Social 50. (The Artist “Me Gusta” arrived at No. 3 on August 2015. 100 lists the most popular acts, overall, each Prior to that, Los Huracanes del Norte took week.) However, the Emerging Artists chart the baton in 2007 with “Volé Muy Alto” (No. Surfaces Hit No. excludes acts that have notched a top 25 4 debut). entry on either the Hot 100 or Billboard 200, Their first collaboration arrives in the 1 on Emerging as well as artists that have achieved two or top tier mainly on the strength of streaming more top 10s on Billboard’s ‘Hot’ song genre activity. “Que Maldición” (which translates Artists Chart, charts and/or consumption-based ‘Top’ to “What a Curse”), earned 5.4 million U.S. album genre rankings. streams in the week ending May 7, according Thanks to Hot 100 Check out this week’s full Emerging Art- to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. ists chart here. “I’ve always been a fan of banda music, Hit ‘Sunday Best’ and the collab just felt right with Banda MS,” Snoop Dog tells Billboard. “I’ve been BY XANDER ZELLNER feeling all the love and positive feedback from around the world. More than ever, the urfaces rise 2-1 on Billboard’s world needs some fun and joy, which this Emerging Artists chart (dated May song brings to everyone.” 16), becoming the top emerging act “It was an organic collaboration,” Alan in the U.S. for the first time thanks Ramirez, one of two Banda MS’ lead vocal- Sto the duo’s breakthrough hit “Sunday Best.” ists, tells Billboard. “It all started when we The track stands at No. 37 on the Bill- received a few videos by Snoop singing our board Hot 100, after reaching a No. 28 high songs. We then realized he liked our music! a week ago, although it gains in all metrics, We first recorded ‘Que Maldición’ in Mazat- logging 24.4 million radio audience impres- lán, Sinaloa, and then sent our part to Snoop sions (up 10%), 10.6 million U.S. streams for his blessing. He loved it and returned the (up 1%) and 5,000 downloads sold (up 3%) song with his built-in magic.” in the tracking week, according to Nielsen “Que Maldición” was released May 1 via Music/MRC Data. Lizos/Sony Music Latin. It was written The single, which first gained attention by Pavel Ocampo, Snoop Dogg, and Omar Page 20 of 22

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Tarazón under the musical supervision of Songs, bullets at its No. 23 high on Pop Sergio Lizárraga, and blends Banda MS’ Twenty One Pilots Songs and lifts 29-27 on the all-format Ra- banda music grounded with a robust horn dio Songs chart with 31.5 million audience section and Snoop Dogg’s signature flow. Score Fifth Rock impressions, up 8%. “The philosophy of Banda MS has always The song is a quarantine-themed (cur- been to take the genre to high places,” Airplay No. 1 With rently) standalone single, following Twenty Oswaldo Silvas, second lead vocalist, adds. One Pilots’ 2018 album Trench. “This is an unprecedented collaboration. ‘Level of Concern’ We are very proud for Banda MS and for the genre in general. Thanks to this song and to BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Drake Returns Snoop, an icon of its kind, a door has been opened. This is the beginning of more fu- n just its fifth week onBillboard ’s to No. 1 on Hot sions and it’s is 100 percent positive.” Rock Airplay chart, Twenty One Pi- “Que Maldición” grants both acts their lots’ “Level of Concern” hits No. 1, ris- 100 Songwriters first top 10 debut on Hot Latin Songs, which ing 2-1 on the May 16-dated ranking. blends airplay, digital sales and streaming IThe song reigns with 9.2 million audience Chart, Thanks to data. For Banda MS, it’s its highest debut impressions, up 10%, in the week ending since “Solo Con Verte” arrived at No. 15 in May 10, according to Nielsen Music/MRC ‘Dark Lane Demo November 2015. Data. Snoop Dogg, meanwhile, secures his The song’s five-week climb to No. 1 marks Tapes’ highest ranking on the tally in more than 13 the quickest since Green Day’s “Father years. Akon’s “I Wanna Love You,” which of All…” also took five weeks to lead in BY XANDER ZELLNER features Snoop Dogg, peaked at No. 16 in October 2019. Before then, Twenty One December 2006 (back when the Hot Latin Pilots’ “Jumpsuit” completed the fastest trip, rake returns to No. 1 on Bill- Songs chart was an airplay-only ranking). reaching No. 1 in its fourth week in August board’s Hot 100 Songwriters While Banda MS’ claims its first entry on 2018. chart (dated May 16) for a fourth Hot Latin Songs with an accompanying act, “Level of Concern” is Twenty One Pilots’ total week on top, thanks to 15 all of Snoop’s entries have been collabora- fifth Rock Airplay leader, all logged since Dcredits on the latest Billboard Hot 100. tions. late 2015, when “Stressed Out” started its 14 of the 15 songs appear on Drake’s Dark Beyond its Hot Latin Songs arrival, “Que seven-week rule. The duo ties Cage the Lane Demo Tapes, which arrives at No. 2 Maldición” also conquers other Latin charts. Elephant for the third-most No. 1s in the on the Billboard 200 albums chart with The song opens at No. 1 on the Latin Digital history of the tally, which began in 2009. 223,000 equivalent album units, according Song Sales chart with 4,000 downloads Foo Fighters and Green Day lead all acts to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. “Toosie Slide,” earned in the week ending May 7. with six No. 1s apiece. which he co-wrote with OZ, leads at No. 4, Elsewhere, the tune debuts at No. 3 on Most Rock Airplay No. 1s followed by “Pain 1993,” which he co-wrote Latin Streaming Songs chart. It earns 6, Foo Fighters with Pi’erre Bourne and Jahmar Carter, new Snoop his first chart entry and marks a re- 6, Green Day at No. 7. turn for Banda MS who last debuted on the 5, Cage the Elephant Here’s a look at all 15 of Drake’s songwrit- chart with “Mejor Me Alejo” in 2018. 5, Twenty One Pilots ing credits on the latest Hot 100: 4, The Black Keys Rank, Artist Billing, Title (songwriters in 4, Imagine Dragons addition to Drake) 3, Linkin Park No. 4, Drake, “Toosie Slide” (OZ) “Level of Concern” also bookends Twenty No. 7, Drake feat. Playboi Carti, “Pain One Pilots’ first set of back-to-back Rock 1993” (Pi’erre Bourne, Jahmar Carter) Airplay No. 1s. Previous single “The Hype” No. 13, Future feat. Drake, “Life Is Good” ruled for five weeks beginning in November. (Future, Darius Hill, OZ, Ambezza) The act’s latest hit spends a second week No. 14, Drake feat. Giveon, “Chicago Free- at No. 1 on the Alternative Songs airplay style” (Noel Cadastre, Rupert Thomas Jr., chart and is bubbling under the Adult Alter- Giveon, Eminem, Jeff Bass, Steven King) native Songs and Mainstream Rock Songs No. 19, Future, Drake & Young Thug, airplay lists. “D4L” (Future) Already a crossover hit on pop formats, No. 25, Drake feat. Chris Brown, “Not You “Level of Concern” rises 13-11 on Adult Pop Too” (Noel Cadastre) Page 21 of 22

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No. 27, Drake feat. Future, “Desires” (Fu- The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot placed himself at No. 1. When YHLQMDLG ture, Darius Hill) 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full debuted at No. 1, it bumped X 100PRE from No. 30, Drake, “Time Flies” (OZ) genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. the top. And, when J Balvin and Bad Bunny No. 32, Drake, “Deep Pockets” (40, Plain com. teamed up for the Oasis collaborative album, Pat) it opened at No. 1 on July 13, 2019, replacing No. 34, Drake feat. Fivio Foreign & Sosa X 100PRE. Geek, “Demons” (Maxie Ryles, Jesse Madi- Bad Bunny Bad Bunny’s new 10-track album is effec- son, JB Made It) tively a compilation of previously unfinished No. 35, Drake, “When to Say When” Aiming to Replace songs. The album title translates to: “the (Alonzo Roxx, June James, Anthony Costley ones that weren’t going to be released.” The Jr., Ralph Johnson, Douglas Gibbs) Himself at No. 1 on set includes, amusingly, simple-named songs No. 39, Drake, “Landed” (Dez Washing- like “Canción Con Yandel” (translation: ton, Cardo on the Beat) Top Latin Albums “Song With Yandel”) with Yandel, and “Bad No. 45, Drake, “From Florida With Love” Con Nicky” (“Bad With Nicky”) with Nicky (40, MexikoDro) Chart Jam. No. 51, Drake, “Losses” (Foreign Teck, Most of the first-week activity for Bad Elyas, Rupert Thomas Jr.) BY KEITH CAULFIELD Bunny’s album will come via streaming No. 52, Drake “War” (Manalla Yusuf ) services. (There are no merchandise/album Drake first topped Hot 100 Songwriters ad Bunny is aiming to replace bundles in play as of May 12.) The album on Aug. 17, 2019, when his Care Package re- himself at No. 1, again, on the has proven to be so popular out of the gate lease debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Top Latin Albums chart. His with streamers, that, according to Apple and he logged 10 songs on the Hot 100. surprise release Las Que No Iban Music, it became the first Latin album to Meanwhile, OZ (real name: Ozan Ba Salir, could earn over 40,000 equivalent reach the top of Apple Music’s Top Albums Yildirim) tallies his fifth week at No. 1 on the album units in the week ending May 14, tally. Apple Music’s Top Albums ranking Hot 100 Producers chart, thanks to four pro- according to industry forecasters. If it starts ranks the most streamed albums within the duction credits on the Hot 100, all on songs as projected, then it will bump his own service at any given point in time. performed by Drake. YHLQMDLG from atop the tally next week, OZ solely produced “Toosie Slide” and where it’s held for 10 straight weeks since “Time Flies” (No. 30) and co-produced its debut at No. 1 (chart dated March 14). Michael W. Smith “Life Is Good” (with Darius Hill; No. 13) and The Top Latin Albums chart ranks the “Losses” (with Sevn Thomas, Elyas, Foreign most popular Latin albums of the week Earns First No. Teck; No. 51). based on multi-metric consumption, which OZ has now produced 17 total Hot comprises traditional album sales, track 1 on Christian 100-charting hits, including three No. 1s: equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” (2018) and equivalent albums (SEA). The May 23-dated Airplay Chart “Highest in the Room” (2019) and Drake’s Top Latin Albums chart (where Bad Bunny’s “Toosie Slide.” new album may debut at No. 1), is scheduled With ‘Waymaker’ Last week (on charts dated May 9), OZ to be posted in full to Billboard’s website on became the sixth artist to lead the Hot 100 Tuesday, May 19. BY JIM ASKER Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers surveys Las Que No Iban a Salir dropped without simultaneously. warning in the mid-afternoon on Sunday, ichael W. Smith notches The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and May 10, so it will only have about four-and- his first No. 1 onBillboard ’s Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total a-half days of activity before the tracking Christian Airplay chart (dated points accrued by a songwriter and produc- week’s end on May 14. (Most new releases May 16), as the format icon’s er, respectively, for each attributed song that tend to drop on Friday each week, the first M“Waymaker,” featuring Vanessa Campagna, appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based day of the tracking week. Bad Bunny has climbs 2-1. songwriter and producer charts follow the bucked this trend repeatedly with his earlier In the week ending May 10, “Waymaker” same methodology based on correspond- albums, opting to release them at varying increased by 7% to 12.2 million audience ing “Hot”-named genre charts. As with times of the week.) impressions, according to Nielsen Music/ Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or Assuming Las Que No Iban a Salir starts MRC Data. producers split points for each song equally at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, it will replace “I am so honored and blessed that ‘Way- (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- Bad Bunny’s own YHLQMDLG at the top. It maker’ has reached the No. 1 spot on the casional ties on rankings). would not the first time Bad Bunny has re- Billboard Christian Airplay chart,” Smith Page 22 of 22

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beams of the song, which was written by “The first artist I want to see live in con- Osinachi Okoro. “It is even more meaning- When This Is All cert once we are able to is the band Dr. Dog.” ful knowing that this song is offering people Joshua Bassett, singer/actor comfort and hope during this pandemic. I Over: 12 Famous “I’m spending whatever it takes to see think it really shows how powerful the lyr- Harry Styles live...I probably know his lyrics ics are and how its message is needed now Teens on Who better than his main demographic and I’m more than ever.” proud of it!” Smith scores his first Christian Airplay They Want to See Mxmtoon, singer/Animal Crossing No. 1 following three prior top 10s: “Silver expert Bells,” with Amy Grant and Marc Martel Live in Concert “The first artist I really want to see when (No. 7, 2019); “Christmas Day,” featuring live shows resume is Lizzo! I’ve been trying Mandisa (No. 2, 2008); and the non-holiday First desperately to see her perform for the last track “Healing Rain” (No. 5, 2004). year and I would do anything to witness The Christian Airplay chart launched BY GAB GINSBERG ‘Jerome’ live.” in 2003, long after Smith had established NCT Dream, K-pop stars himself as a format cornerstone. He has also hen This Is All Over is a Haechan: “Shawn Mendes. I also did enjoyed pop crossover success, led by his new Billboard series where a cover of ‘If I Can’t Have You,’ and it’s No. 6 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Place in This we ask folks to weigh in on because I really, really like his vocals and World” in 1991, as well as the top 40 Hot 100 an optimistic topic — basi- songs. I was pretty bummed that I couldn’t hit, and No. 1 Adult Contemporary single, “I cally,W looking ahead to life after quarantine. go to see him when he was on tour here in Will Be Here for You” in 1992. The teens shall inherit the earth, and it’s Seoul, so the next time I get that opportu- Campagna, meanwhile, tops Christian about time someone asked their opinion on nity, I’ll definitely be there.” Airplay with her first entry on the chart. this whole thing. For the first installment of Jaemin: “Billie Eilish. She’s always been It’s noteworthy that Smith’s version of When This Is All Over, we asked 12 of our one of my favorite artists. It’d be so awesome “Waymaker” hits the Christian Airplay favorite under-20 artists, gamers and enter- to hear her sing at a concert, in person.” summit as two other versions reside on tainers about their live show dreams — once Chenle: “I want to see NCT 127 and the chart. Mandisa’s version bumps 38-36 concerts are back on, of course. SuperM live in concert, and see how these (576,000 impressions) and Leeland’s rendi- Here’s who they’ll see, what they’ll wear older (sunbae) groups perform and get tion ranks at No. 40 (499,000), after reach- and who they plan to take to that all-impor- inspired, and receive that powerful energy ing No. 31. tant first show. from them.” Shared hits have occurred at the format Bhad Bhabie, rapper Jisung: “Coldplay! Since I first started before. For instance, Chris Tomlin’s “Good “Young Thug. Because it’s Thug...TF? He’s pursuing my dreams as a singer, I listened to Good Father” led the chart in March 2016 my favorite artist and I know his shows and a lot of Coldplay. Even now, when I listen to and Zealand Worship’s version peaked at new music are gonna be crazy after all this.” Coldplay, my heart kind of skips a beat. I’d No. 24 the same month. Christian Lalama, singer/multi-instru- love to see them play live!” BLOOMING ‘GARDEN’ Worship col- mentalist Payton Moormeier, singer-songwriter/ lective Elevation Worship banks its fifth “I can’t wait to see The Weeknd! As a fel- viral content creator No. 1 on Top Christian Albums, all of which low Canadian, he’s someone whose career “Definitely have to go see Ski Mask the have debuted at the apex, with Graves Into I look up to, and his new album is [fire Slump God after quarantine. I have a lot of Gardens. In its first week, ending May 7, the emoji].” bottled-up energy from being inside all the set earned 16,000 equivalent album units, Emma Chamberlain, YouTuber time that I need to get out!” including 8,000 in album sales. “Once quarantine is over and I’m out of The release is the 11th full-length for the my sweatpant combo — ‘cause this is getting group, which is the musical arm of Elevation old — the first band I’d like to see live would Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. be The Growlers. I would hopefully wear The act had last led in April 2017 when something a little more interesting than this, There Is a Cloud opened with 34,000 units, and it’d be amazing and a dream come true.” its biggest weekly sum. The act notched its FaZe Jarvis, gamer first No. 1 in March 2013 withNothing Is “I want to see Lil Uzi Vert with all the Wasted, followed by Wake Up the Wonder boys. I’m ready to just go out and have a (December 2014) and Here as in Heaven good time with all my friends and enjoy be- (February 2016). ing together again.” Grace VanderWaal, singer-songwriter