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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 20, 2021 Page 1 of 31

INSIDE Eurovision’s Massive Audience Is

• Triller & Universal Finally Getting Labels’ Attention Music Group Sign Licensing Deal, BY RICHARD SMIRKE Resolving Dispute Over Royalties — For years television viewers in the sion final. Despite songs performed in languages other and have dismissed than English typically doing poorly in the competi- • Deezer Appoints the as a kitsch joke that was tion, , president of Warner Music Jeronimo Folgueira Guillermo Gonzalez as New CEO better known for earnest power ballads, Iberia says the label is “aiming to open new markets costumes and contestants receiving nul points (no and for Blas’ music to travel everywhere.” He adds, • Inside ’s points), than a potential road to international stardom. “This is a great opportunity for him and for us to suc- First-Ever ‘ Study’ But lately the song contest — most famous for in- ceed in other territories.” Revealing Data & troducing ABBA to the world in 1974 — has started to As the music business grows increasingly global Best Practices become attractive to major record labels. That’s thanks to streaming, Warner is not alone in looking • In 2021, How in no small part thanks to the decline of viewership of to capitalize on Eurovision’s profile and audience. Do We Define an the Grammys and the MTV Video Music Awards, the Among this year’s favorites to win is Italian rock ‘Indie’ Publisher? massive audience of 180 million viewers that Euro- band Måneskin, signed to , whose (Guest Column) vision commands — and last year’s hit movie star- Eurovision entry “” (Shut up and behave) • CEO of TikTok ring . has earned more than 20 million combined views on Owner ByteDance Take the case of Blas Cantó, ’s entry in YouTube since March 3. (The group’s official Eurovi- Stepping Down Eurovision’s 65th edition, which wraps up Saturday. sion video has 2.5 million views.) Already an established star in his country, Måneskin is one of Sony acts taking part in Cantó, 29, is a former member of boyband who this year’s competition. Others include Maltese MARKET WATCH topped the Spanish charts in 2018 with his debut solo singer Destiny and ’s – the only PAGE 28 Complicado and its hit single “Él No Soy.” contestant who has not travelled to due to Warner Music Spain, Cantó’s label, is confident that COVID-19 safety concerns and will deliver perfor- & PRODUCERS both Cantó and his song “” (I’ll ) mance via pre-recorded video. Universal Music has 10 CHARTS will make a big impression when he takes the stage acts performing, including ’s , PAGES 29 - 31 Saturday in Rotterdam, , for the Eurovi- (continued)

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On June 5th, Billboard will publish its 3rd annual CONTACTS Pride issue honoring culturally moving and Joe Maimone influential people who have contributed to the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] community’s history and its current landscape. Lee Ann Photoglo Year-round Billboard and celebrate 615.376.7931 | [email protected] the LGBTQIA+ community through the lens of music, amplifying the culture of the proud Cynthia Mellow LGBTQIA+ community across our editorial 615.352,0265 | [email protected] channels, including Billboard Pride. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Building on this platform, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be joining together for the entire month Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] of June to celebrate love, acceptance, diversity and what means to be queer in music. All month long, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be the go-to destination for music and entertainment Pride content. Leveraging our iconic voices within music and culture, Billboard and Rolling Stone will curate a mix of engaging video and social content featuring thought-provoking panels, heartfelt performances, and glam tutorials – all fostering a community of consumers and influencers in celebration of LGBTQIA+.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

BB House_Pride_06_042421.indd 1 4/21/21 10:00 AM Page 3 of 31

IN BRIEF

Germany’s Jendrik and Congolese-Swedish contest, which had to be canceled due to ton and , and sang vocals singer . Warner is represented by the COVID-19 pandemic.) The movie, star- on ’s 2018 hit “Therapy” Cantó, Lithuania’s and Romanian ring Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, follows — will perform his latest song, “Embers,” in singer Roxen. two Icelandic singers as they pursue their Rotterdam. Part of the reason for the heightened dream to represent their country at Eurovi- “What the BBC asked us to do is deliver interest from the is Eurovi- sion. It played well with Eurovision fans something that we can be proud of, that was sion’s huge — and consistent — audience. and was the top-streamed item in the U.S. credible and wouldn’t sit amiss alongside Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, on its first weekend. (The film’s other U.K. music, and that’s what we have Israel — the last the event took place soundtrack debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s done,” says Alistair Norbury, president of — was broadcast live in 41 countries and chart and one of its tracks, repertoire and marketing at BMG U.K. “This watched by an audience of 182 million, “Husavik,” is a contender for an Oscar for is the first step in changing the perception making it the world’s biggest live music best .) [of Eurovision] in the U.K. and putting us event, according to the European Broad- The many eyeballs watching Eurovision back to where we were when we used to be casting Union (EBU), which organizes the offer an unrivaled chance to promote artists consistently putting in great entries.” contest. like Cantó internationally and build lasting Norbury says that before putting Newman By comparison, this year’s Grammy careers, says Gonzalez. “This is going to be forward for Eurovision, BMG already was Awards drew 9.2 million viewers, down the most important milestone in his career,” plotting a solo artist career for the singer- 51% from 2020 and the lowest rated show he says. . The competition, the label exec since 2006. Just 6.4 million people watched Since 2016, the United Kingdom, which says, provides a -track to international 2020’s MTV Video Music Awards, the third- last won the competition in 1997, has se- markets through the TV broadcast and ac- lowest rated show of the last seven years. lected its Eurovision entries via a televised companying marketing opportunities that February’s Super Bowl, the biggest U.S. singing competition, in line with many come with it. “I look at the promo schedule television event annually, drew 96.4 million European nations. It changed tack after for James and it’s the sort of first-class plan TV and online viewers — a 14-year low. singer Rice finished last in 2019. that perhaps might on your With a much-hyped guest performance Keen to avoid the same humiliation second album, but he’s getting it on his first from , the 2019 Eurovision nearly again, U.K. broadcaster the BBC asked a few proper single,” Norbury says. doubled that, commanding a 36.7% share of labels to pitch them ideas for 2020. BMG Notable prime-time spots include TV the viewing audience across 40 European won the tender process and put forward interviews on BBC News and popular U.K. territories, the EBU said. what they consider to be a game-changing breakfast shows Good Morning Britain (ITV) Then in 2020, Netflix brought Eurovi- heavyweight entry: BRIT Award-winning and BBC Breakfast, as well as the two Eu- sion to a wider U.S. audience when it and Grammy-nominated singer-songwrit- rovision semi-finals, which are broadcast released the musical comedy film Eurovi- er . globally in the days leading up to the final. sion Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Newman — who has writing credits Newman and Cantó also teamed up for an (It was meant to coincide with the song with , , Toni Brax- English language version of Cantó’s “Voy a

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2 0 2 1 INDIE L A B E L P O W E R P L AY E R S

On June 5th, Billboard will publish CONTACTS its fourth annual Indie Label Power Joe Maimone Players List. This special feature in 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advance of Indie Week (6/14-6/17) and Lee Ann Photoglo the 10th Anniversary will 615.376.7931 | [email protected] profile leading executives at top independent record labels, publishing Cynthia Mellow companies and distribution companies. 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Positioning themselves as the driving force Marcia Olival behind the success of , 786.586.4901 | [email protected] these executives contribute to the independent music sector and to the Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] world of music at large.

Take this opportunity to advertise and congratulate this year’s 2020 Indie Label Power Players.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5OF of 19 31

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

Quedarme,”Albu whichms; was released Brett May 17. Youngskip qualifying. ‘Catc Competitorsh’-es will perform Fifth in announced a new, worldwide licensing That kind of international exposure, front of an audience of 3,500 people inside agreement (May 20). coupled withLea BMG’sder; commitment Travis to the theDenning Ahoy arena as part ofMakes a COVID-19 event History The pact spans recorded music and competition, is starting to have an impact trial by the Dutch government. publishing. It gives users on Triller, which among the label and publisher’s roster “Whatever happens, I feel so grateful to be claims to have 300 million global down- Samof artists Hunt and’s second songwriters, studio full-length, says Norbury. and first in overhere five and years, to have Southside the opportunity sales (up 21%) to perform in the tracking loads, week. the On abilityCountry to Airplay, soundtrack it hops their18-15 (11.9video mil - (MCA“We’re Nashville/Universal already seeing people Music Group coming Nashville), out of debutsbefore at No. everybody 1 on Billboard and’s justlion to audience be in something impressions, clipsup 16%). with UMG’s full catalog of music — Topthe Countrywoodwork, indicating chart dated that April they 18. would In its first soweek beautiful,” (ending April Cantó 9), ittells Billboard. including record labels like Republic and earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingbe interested to Nielsen [next Music/MRC year],” he Data. says. “I think “What’s important isand not total finishing Country No.Airplay No.Def 1 as Jam “Catch” and superstars(Big Machine like Label Justin Group) Bieber, ascends theSouthside appetite marks within Hunt’s the industry second No. will 1 onnow , it’s the quality of the performance and Ariana2-1, increasing Grande 13% and to Billie 36.6 millionEilish —impressions. as well chartgrow and for fourththis.” top 10. It follows freshman LP the quality of the song and the quality of as musicYoung’s from first the of songwriterssix chart entries, and “Sleep catalogs With - MontevalloOne potential, which stumblingarrived at the block summit could in Nobe - the artist,” says Warner Music’s Gonzalez. representedout You,” reached by Universal No. 2 in MusicDecember Publishing 2016. He vemberthe voting 2014 peculiarities and reigned for of nine Eurovision, weeks. To wheredate, “Once you have been in front of 200 Groupfollowed (UMPG). with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionthe winner in album is determined sales. by a mixture of million people, that’s probably the best You”“We’re (three, pleased January to 2018), have “Mercy”a deal with (two, Triller August viewerMontevallo phone-in has spent votes 267 and weeks music on the experts list, tying , right?” that2018) embraces and “Here the Tonight” importance (two, April of compen 2019). - Lukefrom Bryan each ’sof Crash the 39 My countries Party as the taking sixth-longest- part. In sating“Catch” our artists, completes especially his longest given journey the totre No.- 1, runningpractice, titles that in tends the chart’s to mean 56-year that history. countries mendoushaving taken value 46 music weeks generatesto reach the across apex. Ittheir out- voteOn based the all-genre on who Billboard their political, 200, Southside military ar -or platform,”paces the 30-weeksaid UMG climb executive of “Here vp, Tonight.” digital rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 Triller & Universal On , “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG aftercultural the No. allies 3-peaking are at theMontevallo time, no. matter how businessa new high. development & strategy Jonathan goodHunt an first individual released songthe EP orX2C performance., which debuted Music Group Sign Dworkin. “With this agreement, UMG andGiven peaked the tensions at No. 5 onbetween Top Country the U.K. Albums and in August 2014. Following COMBS ‘DOES’ IT AGAIN Lukecontinues Combs ’to “Does expand to Me” the (River universe House/Columbia of licensed MontevalloEurope due, Between to Brexit, the BMGPines: saysAcoustic it is Mixtapenot startedLicensing at its No. 7 high in Nashville),Deal, featuring Eric Churchsocial, mediaascends platforms 11-8 on Country that allow Airplay, fans up 10%to to Novemberanticipating 2015. victory for Newman and would 24.7 million in audience. Thelegitimately song is Combs’ create eighth and straight share content, career-opening while 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:consider “Leave finishing the Night in the On,” top “Take half Yourof the Time,” “HouseResolving Party” and “Make promotedDispute No. 1 singles. also growing an important new source of Youscoreboard Miss Me.” a “Breaksuccessful Up in outcome. a ” peaked at No. 2. Church adds his 15th Countryrevenue Airplay for topour 10. artists.” HuntAs one co-penned of the so-called all 12 songs ‘big on five’ Southside countries, including Over “Body Like Royalties a Back Added Triller chairman Bobby Sar- Road,”participating, which was Spain released goes in straight 2017. The through smash hit ruled for THAT TOOK QUITE ‘A FEW’nevesht MONTHS: “We Travis are Denning pleased shatters to announce the record our for threeto the weeks grand and final the airplay-,on Saturday, streaming- where and Cantó sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has takenrenewed to penetrate agreement the Country with Airplay UMG top and 10 ouras “After new chart for a then-record 34 frames. It ranks second onlyBY toTATIANA CIRISANO and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridawill perform Georgia “Voy Line a’s Quedarme,” “Meant to Be” an (50 weeks- atop the latter list in 2017-18). lion in radio reach. pact with UMPG. Triller has become one tive“Downtown’s Spanish-language Dead,” which ballad is co-written also on the new set, reached Nos.hree 14 andmonths 15 afterThe Universal song surpasses two tracksof the that most took important 50 weeks platforms each to enter in themusic top 10: onby Hotthe Countrysinger. Other Songs andcountries Country who Airplay, qualify respectively, in June Music2018. “Kin Group- abruptly Easton Corbinpulled’s “A its Girl Liketoday, You,” and which these reached agreements No. 10 in ensure January that 2018 art be-- folks”automatically led Country for Airplay the final on Feb.include 29, becoming the U.K., Hunt’s seventhcatalog No. 1. It fromhit short-formfore peaking video at No. app6 that February,ists and and songwriters Aaron Watson across’s “Outta Universal Style,” Music which No.France, 3 on Hot Country and Songs. Italy. The Nether- Triller, claimingachieved the app its withheldNo. 10 high in DecemberGroup have 2017. full access to the global Triller Latest single “ to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker lands, as host and reigning champions, also payments to its artists, the two companies ecosystem.” T ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY eighth 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. 2021 GERARDO ORTIZ 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Gerardo Ortiz is one of ’s most defining artists of CONTACTS the last decade, scoring a total of ten No. 1s on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart, over 22.3 Million followers on Marcia Olival social media, and an astounding ONE BILLION and counting 786.586.4901 | [email protected] views on . The two-time GRAMMY ® nominee and one- time Latin GRAMMY®, is one of the architects of the alternative Joe Maimone corrido movement and one of the most award-winning 201.301.5933 | [email protected] singers of Regional Mexican music in the past years. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] In recent years, Ortiz has winning a number of awards including twenty seven Billboard Latin Music Awards, twelve Cynthia Mellow Premios Lo Nuestro, earning four Platinum records and five 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Gold records as certified by the RIAA, and selling out festivals, dance halls, and arenas across the United States and . Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] He breaks schemes with each production, after his successful 9th studio album, "Más Caro Que Ayer" was released in February 2020 he placed at #1 on ’s "Mexican Music" chart. His first single titled popular charts followed by the hit single "Otra Borrachera", version that reached #1 on México's Monitor Latino “Popular” chart, and #1 on the Billboard’s "Regional Mexican Airplay" chart. Starting a new decade and commemorating his 10th career anniversary, Gerardo Ortiz celebrates with the debut of his production "Décimo Aniversario" (10th studio album.)

Join Billboard in congratulating Gerardo Ortiz on his remarkable career over the past 10 years.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27 Page 7 of 31

IN BRIEF

When the two companies clashed back Jdate, and Zoosk among others. During his in early February, UMG claimed that it had tenure, Folgueira quadrupled the - Inside Spotify’s sent multiple warnings to Triller over al- based company’s annual revenue to 250 leged unpaid royalties, and that Triller had million euros ($304 million) in 2019, before First-Ever ‘Fan cut off negotiations for a new music licens- stepping down. ing deal. At the time, then-Triller CEO Mike Albrecht says Deezer has grown its reve- Study’ Revealing Lu denied Triller’s claims, saying that he nue by more than 300% in the last five years, first learned about UMG’s catalog removal and the platform now averages over 600 Data & Best in the press. monthly streams per active user. “With the “UMPG’s mission is to support songwrit- support of all shareholders and partners, a Practices ers,” added UMPG chief counsel David passionate team of 600 people have built the Kokakis. “By licensing new platforms like fourth largest global audio streaming service BY TATIANA CIRISANO Triller, we ensure writers are fairly com- in the world,” Albrecht said in a statement. pensated and we are strategically delivering “We have a clear strategy in place to deliver atin America discovers the most growth to the overall publishing business.” long-term, sustainable growth and value for new music, and fans of electronic shareholders, artists and users.” and are most likely The French streaming service, largely to buy hats at the merch booth. Deezer Appoints popular in Europe, has 16 million monthly LThese are among the nuggets of information active users and is available in 180 countries Spotify is releasing today (May 20) as part of Jeronimo around the world. Owned by Len Blavat- its first-ever “Fan Study,” a collection of 15 nik’s Access Industries (which also owns insights about global Spotify listeners with Folgueira as New ), Deezer was one of an actionable recommendation artists can the earliest services to embrace high-fidelity take for each one. CEO streaming, launching its high-fidelity tier The study launches as a public micro- in September 2014, long before the current site today (May 20) and is divided into four BY MICAH SINGLETON rush to promote better sound quality began. chapters: Reaching new listeners, engaging Deezer cut the price of its hi-fi tier from existing fans, best practices around new eezer has hired Jeronimo Fol- $20 a month to $15 after Music HD releases and merchandise strategy. The gueira to be its new CEO, the launched at the lower price in September project is intended to further empower art- company tells Billboard. Hans- 2019, but with the recent price decreases ists on the platform by democratizing access Holger Albrecht, who has led to $10 a month for hi-fi streaming by Ama- to fan data. DDeezer since 2015, will step down and join zon and Apple Music, Folgueira will have “We believe that access to data and trends Deezer’s board of directors. Albrecht will to determine whether to match the rate in the music industry shouldn’t be limited to remain CEO through of June, with offered by a pair of trillion-dollar companies artists and labels that have giant data teams Folgueira taking over the position on July 1. and aim for scale or attempt to maintain or streaming departments,” Spotify head of “I couldn’t be more excited to join Deezer’s margins at a less competitive price creator brand and product marketing Sam Deezer,” Folgueira said in a statement. point. Duboff tells Billboard. “With the Fan Study, “They hold a unique place in our hearts and With Spotify preparing its own hi-defi- we thought about how we can get some of Deezer’s team has built a service that is the nition service that will arrive in the coming the biggest trends and insights that we’re perfect companion to people’s daily lives. months, an era of increased competition seeing into the hands of not just a few artists Deezer is a key player and contributor to among music streaming services awaits or a few labels, but all artists and all labels the fast growth of music streaming around Folgueira in his new role. across the globe.” the world. We have a highly competitive Duboff says the project has been in devel- platform with unique features that listen- opment since January. It began as a way to ers love. That means we’re in a great place respond to the many questions Spotify gets to accelerate our growth and capture many from the more than 1 million artists, labels new opportunities, which will benefit both and managers who use Spotify for Artists artists and music fans. I look forward to get- every month. “They’re often asking what ting to know the team and writing the next trends Spotify is seeing across the industry chapter in the company’s history together.” overall, to better inform their strategies and From 2015 to 2019, Folgueira was the approaches, and we found there was a lot of CEO of Spark Networks, the online dating consistency in the topics artists and labels conglomerate that owns Christian Mingle, wanted to know about,” Duboff says. 2021 COUNTRY POWER PLAYERS

Billboard’s eighth annual Country Power Players CONTACTS issue will profile the people who have driven Joe Maimone another solid year for the country music industry, 201.301.5933 | [email protected] generating billions in sales, streaming and Lee Ann Photoglo publishing. This special feature will highlight the top 615.376.7931 | [email protected] executives, artists and changemakers who kept the music playing during an incredibly challenging Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] year, as well as coverage of the changing face of country music. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Advertise in Billboard’s Country Power Players Ryan O’Donnell issue to congratulate this year’s honorees while +447843437176 | [email protected] reaching key decision-makers who are driving the music business.

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 Page 9 of 31

IN BRIEF

After collecting “millions” of data points, the most of a specific kind of merch, and the team narrowed the findings down to tailor what inventory they bring on the road In 2021, How Do those that felt most actionable, “so that we accordingly. (Another fun merch finding? aren’t just sharing empty insights,” Duboff Vinyl is a now “young person’s game,” the We Define an adds, “but new trends that you can change site reads, since no one sells more vinyl than your strategy around.” artists who have released music from the ‘Indie’ Publisher? Among the findings, Spotify broke down 2000s onward.) the overlap between fans of different genres, “Artists are already planning their first (Guest Column) noting that, for example, 66% of metal fans post-COVID tours, which is amazing,” are also pop fans. (Spotify’s recommenda- Duboff says. “We know some of the mer- BY MICHAEL EAMES tion? Tag your new tracks with multiple chant touring datasets they are using might genres when applicable.) be a year old now, so we tried to provide he Association of Independent Spotify also found that fans are com- [data] to help.” Music Publishers (AIMP) was ing to the streaming service from a variety At least some of the Fan Study findings formed in back in of emerging platforms. For example, chat are things savvy artists and their teams 1977, as the music industry was app Discord sent over 800,000 listeners to likely already know, making the site seem Tgoing through a major wave of consolida- Spotify in one recent month, and between most useful to the DIY and emerging artist tion that ultimately resulted in the “Big Six” May 2020 and April 2021, inbound traffic community. The Fan Study also uses its — Warner Music Group, EMI, CBS Records from Discord to Spotify grew 54%. Inbound suggested actions mostly to promote Spotify (now Sony), RCA (BMG), MCA Music traffic from exercise tracker Runkeeper Pro products, including free tools like Canvas, (Universal), and Polygram. Indie publishers during that same time period grew 167%, which lets artists create short video loops needed a forum to share information and which Duboff thinks is in part due to artists as album and single art, but also ones that educate each other about industry trends, partnering with the platform on playlists require payment, like Marquee, the spon- with a “non-major” point of view. and other promotional content. sored recommendation tool that critics Since then, the AIMP has expanded and “We were trying to inspire artists to have argued walks too fine a line between become a multi-chapter organization with think about the types of communities that advertising and pay-for-play. The launch of international presence. Participants from you might not think of as music communi- Fan Study follows Loud & Clear, the website any sector and any company in the industry ties, but that music can permeate,” Spotify launched in March to explain how are welcome as members; we run elections Duboff says. “Hopefully it inspires artists to the streaming service pays rightsholders. every two years for each chapter’s volunteer, show their other interests and hobbies to Duboff says that Fan Study will become a unpaid board positions. While any member their fan bases.” regular franchise, with more data to come — can run for the board, each chapter’s presi- The findings also support some common- including, potentially, best practices around dent and vice president roles must be held ly-held industry beliefs, like the fact that playlisting. His team will source additional by an independent . superfans account for the vast majority of questions from artists on social media, But what is “indie,” really? From 2015- activity around an artist. Spotify found that which will help form the basis of the next 2018 when I was serving as president of the on average across genres, the top 5% of an study. AIMP, I worked with a team to come up artist’s fans are listening six times more “We build tools and resources for the art- with a definition of what made a publisher than the rest. There are also helpful findings ist community is because we want them to “independent.” We came up with the fol- for release strategies, such as the fact that have a say and a voice. Instead of uploading lowing definition, which was included in 53% of new releases reach peak listenership a track into a sea of noise and hoping that a the first major revision of the AIMP by-laws more than a week after the release — mean- playlist editor or a music industry executive in forty years, which were voted upon and ing that artists should continue promoting notices them, these tools give artists agency adopted by the AIMP membership in De- all week — and that catalog streams get a over their careers,” Duboff says. “This is part cember 2018: 15-20% lift on new release day. of our broader effort to try to democratize “An Independent Music Publisher shall Finally, Spotify also released data around the music industry by giving artists and be a music publisher which supports com- merchandise purchased through its partner- their teams this control.” posers and songwriters in the protection ship with the online marketplace Merchbar. Peruse the full study here. and exploitation of their works through a The top finding was that merch preferences variety of means in the United States and vary by genre, and on the Fan Study site, is neither (a) a publicly traded corporation, artists can look at the percentage of fans nor (b) operating with the direct investor of each genre likely to buy purchase vinyl, funding of a publicly traded corporation shirts, CDs and more. Artists can also use (i.e. non-investor public financing such as Fan Study to see which major cities buy a bank is permitted); nor (c) affiliated with Page 10 of 31

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any firm, company or other entity which is many financing options as possible? Should cil (IPAC) of the National Music Publishers a substantial licensee of rights in musical our members not be able to diversify and Association (NMPA) and the Unclaimed Roy- compositions (a “Major Licensee”). A com- offer more services? Affiliate with a “major” alties Oversight Committee for the Mechanical pany shall be deemed to be so affiliated with for some services? Should we look at some- Licensing Collective (MLC). Michael wrote the a Major Licensee if the Chapter Board shall thing like marketshare calculations? If so, music publishing section of the Hal Leonard/ determine that such director is an officer, whose should we use? With the “big six” Rowman & Littlefield-published book entitled director, proprietor, partner or employee of now the “big three” (Sony, Universal, War- Five Star Music Makeover: The Independent any Major Licensee, or of a firm, company ner), what is the likelihood that there will Artist’s Guide for Singers, Songwriters, Bands, or other entity which controls, is controlled be that much change in the top three to five Producers and Self Publishers (2016) and is by or is under common control with any companies in the foreseeable ? And co-author (with Bobby Borg) of the upcom- Major Licensee. Any ambiguity or dispute conversely, what is a “major”? Concord just ing book Introduction To Music Publishing with respect to a Director’s failure to qualify acquired Downtown’s owned publishing as- For Musicians to be published by Rowman & as an Independent Music Publisher shall be sets for a reported almost $400 million and Littlefield in July 2021. He is a frequent guest resolved by the Executive Committee…” the same day Blackstone acquired the eOne speaker in both real and virtual classrooms Currently, the AIMP executive officers for music assets for $385 million. Where should and panel discussions worldwide and co- the 2020-2021 term across the 3 chapters the line between ‘independent’ and ‘major’ teaches (with Borg) the online UCLA Exten- are Teri Nelson-Carpenter (Reel Muzik be drawn? sion class “Music Publishing: A Creative And Werks), Marc Caruso (Angry Mob Mu- We are currently setting up a structured Business Perspective.” sic), Michael Lau (Imachew Music), Deb- way to dive into these questions, starting bie Rose (Kokopelli Music Group), Ree with a session at the AIMP Global Music Guyer (Wrensong Music), and John Publishing Summit on June 8. We plan to CEO of TikTok Ozier (Reservoir Media). And therein lies have additional forums in the subsequent the rub. As you’ve likely read in these pages, months to get input from our membership Owner ByteDance Reservoir has taken the first step toward an to help us shape any proposed changes, as IPO in a rather interesting way, via reverse any alteration or amendment to the by-laws Stepping Down merger with a special purpose acquisi- requires AIMP to give its members time to tion company (SPAC). Reservoir could be suggest changes before the final proposal BY PATRICK BRZESKI listed on the NASDAQ as early as July. The goes to out for a vote. existing shareholders are all rolling over The music publishing industry has always hang Yiming, the co-founder of their equity, keeping majority control of the been more fragmented than the recorded Chinese tech giant ByteDance, company. music side of the business, given the nature parent company of TikTok, is step- John Ozier has offered to resign once the of multi-writer works, catalog ownership, ping down from his role as chief transaction goes through; at this time, the and other factors. The investment and finan- Zexecutive. He will be succeeded by Liang other members of the executive commit- cial community has realized the opportunity Rubo, a fellow co-founder and current head tee have asked him to remain in his role as and value in music publishing and song- of human resources. Zhang announced the Nashville chapter president and National writer rights. With all the current technolo- leadership change in an internal memo to Chair. And as a proud AIMP member I gies and financing options available, this staff Thursday. support that. However, putting individuals could now potentially drive a reversal of the The leadership shakeup marks the most aside, this situation raises a larger ques- consolidation trend. So how should we de- significant change at ByteDance since its tion — is this what we had in mind when fine “indie” in a way that preserves its spirit founding in 2012. During that time, the firm we defined “what is an indie” in 2018? We yet doesn’t constrain opportunity to better has grown to become ’s most success- thought the above-mentioned definition was serve our songwriters and ? I ful consumer-facing technology company, a straightforward way to draw the line, but look forward to our collective discussion in disrupting the U.S. social media landscape in just over two short years, the landscape the months to come. with its innovative and irresistible approach has already radically changed. Michael Eames is the President and co- to short-form video. To that end, the executive committee has founder of independent publisher PEN Music Zhang told the company’s employees asked me as an independent, non-incumbent Group, which has been in operation for just that he was stepping back from his leader- voice to facilitate this discussion with the over 25 years. He served on the AIMP Los ship position to focus on the firm’s long- AIMP community. If our intention is to have Angeles chapter board for many years, elected term strategy. “After handing over my role a diverse community of independent music national vice president from January 2013-De- as C.E.O., and removing myself from the publishers that offer songwriters and rights cember 2014, and then as national president responsibilities of daily management, I holders more options, do we not want our through December 2018. He currently serves will have the space to explore long-term members to be able to avail themselves of as on the Independent Publishers Advisory Coun- strategies, organizational culture and social Page 11 of 31

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responsibility, with a more objective per- ment over two festivals the promoters had hard line against DWP, AEG’s chief oper- spective on the company,” he wrote. co-promoted for more than a decade. ating officer and general counsel Shawn Zhang is expected to retain his role as Two-and-a-half years after AEG ac- Trell allegedly responded, “Because we’re ByteDance’s chairman. The executive said cused Danny Wimmer’s company of “steal- AEG. We’ll never give you equal rights.” that his decision to step back from day- ing” the Rock on the Range and Carolina Re- Billboard reached out to AEG for com- to-day operations came after months of bellion festivals in a 25-count lawsuit, DWP ment, and the company declined for this personal reflection. is sharing its side of the story. Attorneys for story. “The truth is, I lack some of the skills that DWP argue that it was forced to walk away “With no three-year-deal in place, both make an ideal manager. I’m more interested after AEG spent years trying to force the in- sides agreed to continue co-promoting the in analyzing organizational and market die to impossible terms and allege festival tvia one-year co-promotion exten- principles, and leveraging these theories to that after the split, AEG tried to sabotage sions. After the 2017 festival wrapped, further reduce management work, rather their new festivals. They are countersuing DWP chief executive Danny Hayes met than actually managing people,” he wrote. for breach of fiduciary duty and intentional with Ted Fikre, chief legal officer for AEG “Similarly, I’m not very social, preferring interference. to discuss a path forward, but a deal could solitary activities like being online, reading, AEG’s attorneys claim that Wimmer and not be reached. listening to music, and contemplating what company chief executive Danny Hares “re- The parties did not enter into any written may be possible,” he added. lied upon deceit and fraud to achieve its agreements for the 2018 festival season, The leadership changes at ByteDance’s goal” to create duplicate events, saying the but they co-promoted four events in 2018, Beijing headquarters come less than a 2019 Epicenter festival at Rockingham Festi- White explains — Northern Invasion in month after ByteDance named its chief val Grounds was a carbon copy of the Caro- Somerset, Wisconsin, Fort Rock in Fort financial officer Shouzi Chew, based in lina Rebellion festival, while Sonic Temple Lauderdale, and Carolina Rebellion , as CEO of TikTok. at MAPRE stadium in Columbus was an al- and Rock on the Range. ByteDance has sought a lower-profile in leged knock off of Rock on the Range which In 2019, DWP prepared to break out on geopolitical affairs following a tumultuous had taken place at the same facility. their own and “was open with AEG about its period during the Trump Administration, Both Epicenter and Sonic Temple lost intention to proceed with the promotion of when the former president singled out the money in their launch, and if AEG really festivals in and North Carolina in 2019 firm as a potential national security threat, believes they have ownership in the events, with or without AEG,” White wrote. “DWP ordering that it divest control of TikTok, and they should help cover the losses, DWP At- confidentially provided AEG with the names U.S. consumers’ data, to an American firm torney Johnny White wrote. Problems with of the artists that DWP was contracting to or face a ban in the U.S. A hastily assembled the partnership popped up in 2015 when perform at the 2019 festivals as well as the deal for Oracle and to AEG to commit to the event more financial terms.” of TikTok’s American business has since than a year in advance. AEG allegedly countered with an offer to unraveled, however. But LA-based DWP says they launched buy out any interest DWP had in the festi- This article was originally published the competing events after reaching an vals in exchange for a five-year non-compete by . impasse with AEG, which was hell bent on clause “that would have stretched across taking control of the two festivals the two 13, states,” White wrote, effectively putting had operated together for 11 years. DWP out of business. When DWP declined, Danny Wimmer “For DWP, a smaller promoter AEG apparently contacted the same artists than AEG and the major creative force playing DWP’s 2019 festivals and told their Presents Files behind the festivals, the uncertainty of this camps that “AEG would be promoting its was unsatisfactory and made it own event in Columbus, Ohio to compete Counterclaim difficult to plan for the future. AEG, on the with DWP’s event on the same weekend.” other hand, saw the uncertainty as a means Both Sonic Temple and Epicenter had to Against AEG in of maintaining more power over DWP by be partially evacuated due to the inclem- wielding the threat of shutting down a festi- ent weather, White says, prompting Trell Festival Dispute val at any time,” White wrote in a five count to allegedly send an email to one of DWP’s cross-complaint filed Monday. representatives, stating: “Big time karma for BY BROOKS AEG would only agree to sign a master you and your guys. Bad guys. All of you.” co-promotion pact if DWP consented to In April, the judge in the case ruled ttorneys for Danny Wimmer never sell its share of the festival to AEG’s against a demurrer motion filed by DWP to Presents filed a cross-complaint biggest competitors — Live Nation or Irving have the case dismissed. will be against AEG Presents on Monday Azoff and Tim Leiweke’s Oak View Group. back in court later this month for hear- A as part a long-standing disagree- When asked why AEG was taking such a ings on several motions including whether Page 12 of 31

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a move by AEG to begin communications rejuvenated. that sometimes if we are execut- with Joe Litvag, who previously worked at A lot of my personal mental balance ing the best possible product because we AEG and now works for DWP. comes from my spirituality. I’m a Christian. don’t always prioritize time. The pandemic I spend time every morning listening to taught us, way more than ever, the value of praise and worship music, being grateful the pause. How Does and centering thankfulness. It is a privilege If we’re going to keep it 100% real and to be able to live every day doing my dreams. 100% above, I wish I showed up that way Geojam CMO That is not everyone’s reality. every time. This is where the human nature A part of wellness is also responsibil- comes in. When I’m dealing with high Noelle Chestnut ity and accountability and acknowledging stress situations, 98% of the time I’m my where you are. I acknowledge and I recog- cool, calm, collected self. There is that 2% Whitmore Stay nize I need to do better with my workouts of the time, given the circumstances, I may and my physical body. I try to be intentional not show up as the best version of myself. Mindful? with my diet and make sure that I taking I’ve had many emotional breakdowns and care of myself, but the best ways I take care someone has had to support me and give BY TAYLOR MIMS of myself are spirituality and sleep. me a pep talk. I’ve had to just step away And communication. A lot of mental sometimes and ask myself, “Why am I doing n recognition of Mental Health Aware- health and wellness comes from communi- this?” What I’ve learned about myself is that ness Month, Billboard has partnered cation and setting boundaries. I am really I over-analyze. I am extremely self-aware. with Ian Davis and Brandon Hol- good at being realistic with myself and So I pay attention to how I am feeling, man of The Mindful Creative on a whoever I have to deliver something [to]. So what I’m feeling and why I’m feeling that. I Iseries of conversations with music artists and it’s, “Hey, here’s my bandwidth. Here’s the do this all the time throughout my day. I’ve executives about the self-care practices they reality of how long this will take,” and set- gotten in the practice of understanding why use to keep themselves on track, both during ting those protections around myself. I feel the way I feel. If I can’t pinpoint it the pandemic and beyond. As a supervisor, I am responsible for immediately, I kind of give myself therapy in Today’s installment is with Noelle Chest- other people’s mental health and stresses. the sense of, “Ok, Noelle. You feel this. What nut Whitmore, the chief marketing officer for priority as a manager it tied to? Is it a trigger? Are you stressed? music discovery app Geojam. For nearly two understanding their process, understanding Oh, you talked to your mom. Are you misdi- decades, Chesnut Whitmore has channeled what they need in order to thrive in their recting the burden from that call with your her love for music and cultural experiences role. At the end of the day, our success and mom? Do you need to go eat some candy?” I into a fulfilling career with some of the big- scalability has to do with how quickly we ask myself these questions to try to find the gest names in the industry. She has worked can execute on things. So it is pushing to the solution to why I am way. I have with , AEG, Abrams point of greatness and challenging yourself, to offer myself some grace. As perfection- Artists Agency and Goldenvoice, where she not pushing it so much to where you suffer ists, we feel like we have to show up and be served as festival marketing manager for in the areas of mental and physical wellness. superhuman. You still need water and you Coachella, Stagecoach and more. During her For any of the things that I work on, I need to sleep. You need Vines and you time at the company, she co-produced Kanye usually start with asking questions. I try to still need Somoas. Eat one box. Don’t eat all West’s Sunday Service at Coachella 2019. be intentional from the jump. What does 12 boxes. Chesnut Whitmore’s personal venture More this person have going on? I try to center The same way that companies prioritize In Music aims to educate individuals about the human and who you are as a person meetings about finances and where they’ve the various career pathways in the industry. first. If you’re only thinking about the title grown year over year, I’d like to see that When I think about wellness and mental of people, you completely strip away their energy matched for the well-being and goals health, I think about finding a balance. That identity of who they are. I communicate, of their teams. Companies need to realize balance of being centered and grounded “Here’s the expectation. We have to deliver how much one’s mental health is tied to in peace and joy, and some of that is work X,Y, and Z by this date.” I explain what is their performance and success overall. I stuff. I am very thankful and very grateful coming down the pipeline and give people am going to be very sad if we as an industry that I get to do something that I truly love. enough time to prepare. don’t learn anything from the experience of When you start thinking about some of the So much of what we do as creatives starts this past year. I think we’ve learned a lot of demands that our jobs have, it can cause you in our brain first. People might need days to lessons about what it means to and to be off center which can have an effect on just ideate and think and draw inspiration how important it is for us to work together. your body physically and mentally. Wellness and motivation. I don’t know that our in- As told to Taylor Mims, Ian Davis and means being in tune with how I am feeling dustry understands or values that process so Brandon Holman. and giving myself the necessary pause to be much. We are so quick to churn things out Page 13 of 31

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Two) and (Weekend to One). Here’s How “Music is coming back strong to the Live Headline Austin Music Capital of the World,” said Austin ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Mayor Steve Adler. “The return of Austin City Limits 2021 City Limits as an in-person festival cel- Version)’ ebrates that our efforts as a community to With , become vaccinated are working. Health and Performed in safety remain our top priority, and we will & work closely with the organizers and Austin Its Fifth Week Public Health to ensure ACL Fest is in line More with our health standards. We must con- Compared to tinue to get everyone vaccinated and keep BY DAVE BROOKS up our success.” ’s ACL Fest organizers are in regular com- ll his exes may still live in , munication with local health and public Original ‘Fearless’ but that is not stopping George safety officials and will follow current rec- Strait from returning to the ommendations and guidelines at the time of BY JASON LIPSHUTZ Lone Star State to headline two the festival. As the weekends approach, ACL weekendsA of the Austin City Limits festival, Fest patrons will receive regular updates n its fifth chart frame, Fearless Oct 1-3 and Oct 8-10 at Zilker Park. with important information regarding safety (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift’s re- ACL will be George Strait policies and procedures before entering recording of her 2008 sophomore al- headlines a major multi-genre festival Zilker Park. ACL Fest will partner with the bum, remains in the top 20 of the Bill- and was booked after his exclusive pro- City of Austin and Austin Public Health to Iboard 200 chart. Meanwhile, we’re still moter Louis Messina visited the festival in encourage vaccination in the months prior keeping track of how the unprecedented 2019 and the idea past C3 global festival to the festival. No. 1 album — the first chart- buyer Lobl and C3 partner Charles “Austin City Limits 2021 is a result of topper that’s a re-recorded version of an Attal. successful vaccine efforts and more than a existing album — is performing as compared “I told George I thought playing the festi- year’s worth of protection measures,” said to the original version of Fearless, in terms val would be ‘a very cool look for you’ and he Austin-Travis County Interim Health Au- of weekly listenership. responded ‘You don’t think Im cool enough thority Dr. Mark Escott. “Taking the shot In its latest week on the Billboard now?’” Messina tells Billboard. “I thought is our shot at getting things back to normal 200, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) comes in that was so funny.” and we envision this happening before Oc- at No. 19, down four spots from last week’s Also headlining this year’s two-weekend tober if we stay the course as a community.” tally. The album earns 20,000 equivalent al- festival are pop legend in the making Bil- Zilker Park has been the home of the bum units for the chart week dated May 22, lie Eilish and legendary performer Ste- Austin City Limits for two according to MRC Data, down from 24,000 vie Nicks, with Miley Cyrus, Rüfüs Du decades. Since 2006, ACL Festival, in part- equivalent album units in the previous chart Sol, DaBaby, , Megan Thee nership with Austin Parks Foundation, has week. Stallion, and slated generated more than $41 million towards The original Fearless, meanwhile, earns for top billing honors at ACL Fest 2021. improvements to Zilker Park and parks 5,000 equivalent album units during the Three-day tickets are on sale now at aclfes- across . In 2019, through a percent- latest chart week — the same equivalent tival.com. age of ticket sales, fans of ACL Fest contrib- album units figure as its three previous This year’s lineup features standout uted $6 million to improving Austin’s public chart frames. Here’s a visual comparison of talent including Modest Mouse, Phoe- parks, trails and green spaces. how Fearless and Fearless (Taylor’s Ver- be Bridgers, , Jon See the full lineup below: sion) have performed over the past five chart Pardi, Finneas, Chet Faker (Week- weeks, in equivalent album units: end One), Dermot Kennedy, Tierra As previously noted, Fearless (Taylor’s Whack, (Weekend One), Version) has received a boost thanks to fan Omar Apollo, (Weekend Two) interest in the new project, as well as the and much more. Homegrown Texans in- six previously unreleased “From The Vault” clude St. Vincent (Weekend One), Marc Re- songs on its track list, which have contrib- billet, Surfaces, Dayglow, Missio, Charley uted to its equivalent album units totals. Crockett, Heartless Bastards (Weekend “Mr. Perfectly Fine” has been the highest- Page 14 of 31

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charting “From The Vault” track, peaking at more projects in the works for 2021. age and maintain show inventory, as well as No. 30 on the Hot 100. “We are thrilled to welcome Rob onto comprehensive marketing suite with API Last week, Swift — who is hard at the NoCap team,” Adler says. “His years of feeds to handle website updates, a newslet- work on her next re-recorded album experience and relationships are invaluable ter and email system, and tools to help grow — earned the global icon trophy at and we look forward to all he can bring to and diversify their local fan base. the 2021 . Her acceptance NoCap and this new frontier in entertain- “Every artist begins their live career in made fans believe that they already ment.” small clubs like the Knitting Factory, and know which of her first six albums will the ultimate goal of Clubs is next get the re-recorded treatment to fol- to help venue owners get even more fans low Fearless. Ticketmaster through their doors to enjoy the acts they have on stage each night,” said Ticketmaster Extends Clubs and TicketWeb vp Todd Kasten in Former AEG Exec a release. “We provided the analytics and Partnership With tools that allow venue owners to amplify Rob Owens Joins their gut instinct in really powerful ways.” Knitting Factory Ticketmaster Clubs is also providing NoCap Shows as clients with tools to return to live music Entertainment following the pandemic. The company has VP of Talent most recently developed their ‘SmartEvent’ BY TAYLOR MIMS technology - a suite of solutions to support a BY DAVE BROOKS safe return to live, including tools for timed nitting Factory Entertainment entry, contactless box office and more. ntertainment industry veteran Rob is sticking with Ticketmaster. “Ticketmaster Clubs and TicketWeb Owens has joined NoCap Shows The two entities have been in a has stood behind our company during the as vice president of talent, where partnership since 2013 and have pandemic as a partner helping us in multiple he will book and promote NoCap’s Kagreed to extend their agreement for an areas and working with us to make strategic Einnovative digital and headline undisclosed period. decision for our future as we begin to open performances, connecting artists and their The agreement includes the Knitting Fac- back up,” Margolis added. fans around the world. tory’s namesake venues in Boise, Brooklyn Previously director of global and Spokane, as well as Federal Bar in North touring for AEG Presents, Owens has also Hollywood, and Big Sky Amphitheater in ABBA’s Björn served as director of booking and opera- Missoula, . tions for Netherlander Concerts where he “We’ve seen year over year exponential Ulvaeus Says worked for 15 years and booked the historic growth with the Ticketmaster Clubs and Greek Theatre in LA. Owens will bring his TicketWeb platforms as well as a steady Royalties Allowed expertise in the industry to NoCap’s innova- expansion in marketing tool utilization that tive streaming services and extensive range helps our venues sell tickets while making Him to Write of artist and venue partnerships. it easier for the teams to build shows,” said “I am beyond excited to be joining the Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO and ‘From 9 to 5’ amazing team at NoCap shows. NoCap is president Morgan Margolis in a release. on the forefront of innovation in the digital “There’s been a long productive partnership BY HERAN MAMO PPV event space,” Owens tells Billboard. with Ticketmaster through the years and “The opportunities I will be able to bring to the positive momentum continues to build, jörn Ulvaeus, co-founder of artists, agents, and managers on this plat- their team is always on point, fantastic Swedish music group ABBA, dis- form are unlimited.” engagement and on performance with cussed copyright buyouts for TV NoCap is a one-of-a-kind “digital their system. We look forward to a contin- series and streaming services and experience” platform that helps artists ued mutually beneficial relationship.” Bhow royalties allowed him to write “from 9 put on can’t-miss online events for global The Ticketmaster Clubs offerings will to 5” with Billboard in a new interview. audiences. Founded by musicians Cisco continue to provide Knitting Factory En- The Swedish songwriter, musician, Adler and Donavon Frankenreiter, tertainment venues with support including singer, and producer has sold NoCap has powered events for Jimmy booking tools to hold dates, send offers, and more than 400 million records worldwide. Buffett, Machine GunKelly, Foo Fight- manage calendars. The deal also includes a His advocacy for authors’ rights fuels his ers, , among others with full-service ticketing platform to build, man- role as the president of the International Page 15 of 31

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Confederation of Societies of Authors cause all of their money stems from the song European Union countries, as well as Swit- and Composers (CISAC), which protects itself. And with the COVID-19 pandemic zerland, Israel, , the Middle the rights and promotes the interests of the halting live performances and closing down East, , and 80 other territories more than 4 million creators around the restaurants, shops and bars that play and around the world. world it represents. He discussed creators’ sell music, streaming has become the prime Since 2008, when Spotify launched its rights and the future of songwriting in an source of songwriters’ income but leaves streaming service and signed its first agree- interview with Billboard deputy editorial them with pittance. An illustrative model in ment with the Sacem, it has continued to director Robert Levine and CISAC director the “Rebalancing the Song Economy” study grow and evolve, turning music streaming general Gadi Oron on for the Bill- that determines streaming growth by mea- into a vital, mainstream mode of consump- board Pro Spotlight series, “Creators and suring actual income growth for the label, tion. Copyright,” which examines some of the the artist, the publisher and the songwriter Bolstered by its expertise in the man- urgent issues in copyright domestically in proves the songwriter does not prevail and, agement of authors’ rights in the digital the United States and internationally. much like the artist, can only measure their sphere, Sacem has consolidated its position Copyright buyouts for streaming services growth in hundreds of dollars, compared to as a leader in collective management by allow companies like Netflix to buy all the the label and publisher’s millions. regularly renegotiating its agreement with rights to a composition, with the songwrit- “It’s more tempting now because the Spotify over the years in order to guarantee ers collecting the money upfront and by- copyright money was much more for more its members the fairest possible remunera- passing any royalties on the backend. “It’s of people, and streaming has, of course, made a tion for the use of their works. course up to the individual songwriter and huge difference. So I think it’s easier now to Together, Sacem and Spotify will continue the situation that he’s in personally when he do that,” he continued. “You’re so unsecure to explore this ever-changing and strategic allows a buyout or not,” Ulvaeus says, add- and you don’t know if someone is paying market for the entire music ecosystem. ing that CISAC offers advice for songwrit- you money straight away or something, you signed a world- ers who are contemplating whether to give don’t know what’s going to happen to it. The wide publishing agreement with multi- their rights away or not. But from Ulvaeus’ competition is fierce, and it’s much platinum . He’s personal experience, he wouldn’t recom- fiercer than it was during the ‘70s when become a go-to producer for numerous stars mend it. and I could afford to write like , , , Ri- “Being a songwriter myself and know- from 9 to 5 because of royalties.” hanna and many more. ing what copyright has done for me and the Watch the full interview above, and find “I couldn’t be happier to be reunited sense of pride I have in owning my rights, more on Billboard Pro’s Spotlight on Cre- with Vinylz. We’ve had a great, longstand- I would tell any songwriter, ‘Please don’t ators and Copyright. ing successful relationship spanning many do it unless you really, really have to,’” he years,” said Rich Christina, Warner Chap- suggested. pell Music svp of A&R. “His production Ulvaeus’ compositions extends beyond his Publishing Briefs: is truly special and standout. He expertly work with ABBA: He co-wrote the lyrics for blends old and new styles, marrying ‘90s rap the musicals Mamma Mia!, and Kris- Sacem and beats with contemporary R&B. We’re really tina från Duvemåla and co-composed the looking forward to working with him across music for the first two with his fellow ABBA Spotify Extend all genres in this next chapter at Warner member and songwriting ace Benny Anders- Chappell.” son. Ulvaeus and Andersson also worked Contract; WCM Born Anderson Hernandez, Vinylz together on both of the Mamma Mia! films worked under the wing of Boi-1da early in based on ABBA’s pop hits, which the two Signs Vinylz his career before co-producing Grammy- co-wrote starting in the . But the com- nominated albums and hits in the R&B and petition for songwriters to get paid has only BY CYDNEY LEE hip-hop genres. He most recently contrib- grown “fiercer,” he notes, over the decades. uted to two songs on Bieber’s surprise Free- On April 16, the 76-year-old hitmaker s it addresses challenges related dom EP and songwriter ’s debut commissioned a study done by MIDiA to the platform’s launch of new album The Longest Interlude. Research, which has expertise in the music offerings and expansion into new “I’m really excited to join the Warner and digital media businesses, called “Re- territories, Sacem announced Chappell family and am looking forward to balancing the Song Economy.” The study theA signing of a new contract with Spotify. the next chapter of my career,” said Vinylz. argues that songwriters, despite their many This new multi-territory agreement cov- “There’s a lot of amazing music on the way revenue streams of performance, sync, me- ers mechanical reproduction and public per- that I’ve been focused on and I’m grateful chanicals and streaming royalties, have less formance rights for all of Spotify’s offerings: for the team for believing in my vision.” diverse income than performing artists be- duo, student, family, etc. It covers all of the Grammy-nominated and platinum pro- Page 16 of 31

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ducer London Cyr signed to WondaGurl’s complishment for everyone here. Lee could includes a full range of creative, synch, and label imprint Wonderchild, a joint venture obviously have his pick of publishers, so administration services for their catalog and with and Travis we’re thrilled he chose to sign with peermu- future works. Scott’s Cactus Publishing. sic,” said Kathy Spanberger, president and Seeb is widely known for their monster Cyr earned his first major placement on COO of peermusic. hit in 2016 with a of Mike Posner’s Scott’s Grammy-nominated hit “Can’t Say.” “It’s important to me to have a publisher “I Took A Pill In Ibiza.” The Norwegian duo After forging a relationship with Wondagurl, who will support my music and help me has also released two EPs and are featured the producer has since worked with Don continue to share it with the world, and on a great deal of tracks. Toliver, , , Shy Gl- after getting to know Kathy, Michael and “Seeb is as creative as they’re technically izzy and many more. their team I know that they will. peermu- skilled. They’ve raised the bar for Reservoir announced the signing of sic has a long history with country music and created ground-breaking original platinum-selling songwriter and art- and I’m glad to now be a part of it,” added tracks,” said Johan Ekelund, managing di- ist BRELAND to a worldwide publishing Greenwood. rector of Nordics of Kobalt. “Their ability to deal. The signing, which includes his full Universal Music Publishing Nash- source co-creators for collaborations makes catalog, breakout hit “My Truck,” and future ville signed Logan Turner to an exclusive, them endlessly exciting. I consider Seeb as works, marks his first-ever publishing deal. worldwide publishing agreement. He is one a perfect fit with Kobalt and I’m delighted In May 2020, BRELAND released his half of the duo Bexar (pronounced ‘bear’) they’ve chosen to work with us.” debut self-titled EP, which crossed genres alongside Chris Ryan. Chumba Music announced its partner- of country, hip-hop, R&B and pop. The EP “Logan is the complete package as a ship with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) to included “My Truck” plus a remix with Sam songwriter/artist/musician/producer. I’m provide its services to Chumba’s world-class Hunt and five other standout co-writes, constantly blown away by his work ethic roster of songwriters and producers. including “Hot Sauce.” Following the suc- and versatility,” said Missy Roberts, senior Founded in 2015 by Grammy nominated cess of his EP, BRELAND released a two- director of A&R. “He transitions seamlessly producer-songwriter , the song compilation in honor of Juneteenth from writing for Bexar, to a 100% song company is a boutique music publishing called Rage & Sorrow. He also collaborated for other artists, to a hit pop song for his and production company that specializes in on ’s The Speed of Now Part 1, brother, artist Mills Turner. He’s a creative developing new talent and supporting estab- co-writing and featuring on single “Out The machine and we couldn’t be more proud to lished creators with a hands-on approach. It Cage” alongside and co-writ- welcome him to the UMPG family.” also tapped Aaron Sander ing “ Food.” Sony Music Publishing UK announced as head of A&R. “I’m a genreless songwriter that wants it has signed hit songwriter, producer, and “We are thrilled to welcome Chumba Mu- to blur the lines between cultures with my multi-instrumentalist Ben Jackson-Cook to sic to Sony Music Publishing,” said Amanda pen, and I’ve been looking for a team of a worldwide deal. Hill, svp of creative at SMP. “Jason has built people that would know how to take what Jackson-Cook has recently gained noto- an incredible roster, and the success of Gian I’m doing to the next level,” says BRELAND. riety as Rag’n’Bone Man’s musical director Stone’s career is a testament to his passion “I think the Reservoir team embodies that and primary collaborator, co-writing and for uplifting creators. We look forward to genrelessness in a really exciting and pro- co-producing his forthcoming album Life By working with the Chumba team to further gressive way.” Misadventure in its entirety, including his support their songwriters and drive new “BRELAND is a signing that really excites brand new single “Crossfire.” opportunities for their music.” us,” added John Ozier Reservoir evp of “Ben is an exceptional talent. I love that “I’ve known Amanda for twenty years, creative. “Not only is he creating some great he is instinctive, taking time with artists and between her insight and experience, country crossover songs, but he exudes such to dig deeper,” said Sarah Lockhart, SMP Jon Platt’s unique leadership, and the Sony an inspiring energy that we know he’s going head of A&R, UK. “I am thrilled that we are team’s hands-on approach, I knew it was to be fantastic to work with.” a part of this creative journey with him.” the right place for Chumba,” added Evigan. peermusic Nashville signed legendary “Felix, David, Tim and Sarah have been “Their global reach is unmatched, and, artist and songwriter Lee Greenwood to overwhelmingly welcoming and praising most importantly, they love music. I’m also an exclusive global music publishing deal. of my work,” added Jackson-Cook. “I can thrilled to have Aaron join the team – his Through the deal, peermusic will adminis- tell they share the of songs that I background in publishing and records ter some of his most iconic songs, including do and we’re definitely going to make some combined with his passion for breaking new the classic “God Bless The U.S.A.” great things happen together. Felix is a force talent makes him the perfect fit.” “peermusic has had a special relationship to be reckoned with and I’m honored to be Round Hill Royalty Fund Limited, the with country music since it was founded, on the journey with him and Sony.” alternative investment vehicle created by so adding a songwriter of Lee Greenwood’s Kobalt today announced the signing Round Hill Music, closed on its purchase of stature to our roster is a truly special ac- of Seeb to a global publishing deal. The deal the 29.14% share of Carlin Holdings owned Page 17 of 31

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by Round Hill Fund 1, the Fund’s board curated playlists; Records to sus- board charts, and are not chosen by a voting announced on May 4. Round Hill acquired pend his “indefinitely”; committee or membership organization,” Carlin in 2018 using money from its $209 WME to drop him from its roster; and the statement begins. “BBMA finalists and million Fund 1 and $263 million Fund 2. the Academy of Country Music halting his winners are based on key fan interactions In addition, Round Hill set up a revolving potential involvement and eligibility for with music (including album and digital credit facility that allows it to borrow up to the ACM Awards. song sales, streaming, radio airplay, social 25% of the Fund’s net asset value. Wallen posted an apology video on Feb. engagement), tracked by Billboard and its 10, in which he told his fans to stop defend- data partners, including MRC Data. ing him because he needed to “fully accept “With our content reaching millions of any penalties I’m facing” while announcing viewers, dcp and MRC have the privilege his newfound sobriety and meetings with and responsibility to effect change by creat- Performs for First Black leaders where they engaged “in some ing a more inclusive dialogue in our produc- very real and honest conversations.” tions and across the industry. Time Since Racial He later posted an update in April, saying “Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year he has spent the past few months out of the based on charting. As his recent conduct Slur at ’s spotlight to reflect on his various misdeeds does not align with our core values, we will and will use the rest of the year to continue not be including him on the show in any ca- Nashville Bar to work on himself. His announcement also pacity (performing, presenting, accepting). confirmed that Wallen would no longer “It is heartening and encouraging to hear BY HERAN MAMO accompany on the Proud to that Morgan is taking in his anti-racist Be Right Here Tour slated to kick off this journey and starting to do some meaning- organ Wallen hit the stage summer, nor would he headline country ful work. We plan to evaluate his progress at Kid Rock’s Nashville honky music festivals such as the Kicker Country and will consider his participation in future tonk on Wednesday night — Stampede in Kansas and Country Jam USA shows.” marking his first performance in Wisconsin as originally announced. Although Wallen has not yet posted Msince he was caught yelling the N-word on “I’ve found this time away to be very anything on social media about his surprise video in late January. valuable to me in many ways, but I feel like performance at Kid Rock’s bar, he has been Wallen sang “” and I need a little more of it, and therefore will active on his accounts and posted a photo of “Wasted on You,” the latter of which is not be performing tour dates this summer,” himself and fellow country singer Eric from his sophomore project Dangerous: The Wallen’s handwritten note on read. Church fishing. , which spent 10 consecutive “It means I won’t be playing festivals or the weeks atop the Billboard 200 and 12 weeks Luke Bryan tour dates.” at No. 1 on . The sur- The 28-year-old singer has been em- After Two prise performance seems to contradict what broiled in controversies over the last year, the country singer said in an April 13-dated which started almost one year ago to the COVID-19 statement about not hitting the stage this date on May 24, 2020, when he was ar- summer following the video posted Feb. rested on public intoxication and disorderly Cancelations, 2 in which Wallen yelled the N-word and conduct charges following his ejection other expletives, though he specifically from Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville Bluesfest Plots ruled out tour dates and festivals, not all — the very spot he performed on Wednes- performing. day night. October Return “I’m embarrassed and sorry,” Wallen said Wallen is a finalist in five categories at in an apology to TMZ at the time. “I used an the 2021 , but he BY LARS BRANDLE unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur will not appear, present or perform at the that I wish I could take back. There are no awards show that will air live on May 23 on RISBANE, Australia — After excuses to use this type of language, ever. NBC. productions, which pro- enduring two late cancelations I want to sincerely apologize for using the duces the Billboard Music Awards, released due to the health crisis, the team word. I promise to do better.” a statement April 29 to explain why Wallen behind Bluesfest His use of a racial slur caused iHeartMe- remains a BBMA finalist and why he won’t Bhave picked themselves up, brushed off and dia, Entercom and more to pull Wallen’s appear on the show this year. they’re ready for another go. music from hundreds of radio stations; “Unique among awards shows, Bill- Australia’s iconic Bluesfest is plotting streaming services such as Spotify and board Music Awards (BBMA) finalists are a return this October, with a bill featuring Apple Music to remove him from their determined by performance on the Bill- headliners , Paul Kelly, Tash Page 18 of 31

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Sultana and . home at the 300 acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Alan Chartrand told The Globe that It’s a swift and impressive bounce-back Farm, about 6 miles north of Byron Bay. “everything is going to be fine.” Chartrand for an event whose April 2021 event was Its impact can be felt well outside the said he planned to meet with Siegel and scrapped by a Public Health Order less than arts. According to data published in the hoped to resolve the issue. “This isn’t the 24 hours before its gates were due to open, festival’s most recent Economic Impact first time he’s threatened this would be the and due to a single local case of transmis- Report, some 858 full-time equivalent jobs last show,” Chartrand said. sion. were created in the region by the 2019 show In Lovato’s statement announcing their It was successive year CO- and 1,333 in the state of . pronoun change the singer said, “Over VID-19 had sunk Bluesfest’s best-laid plans. Also, the report found that money generated the past year and a half I’ve been doing The most recent was a gut punch for the regionally by the fest tops $163 million ($126 some healing and self-reflective work. And wider music industry, and the local busi- million) each year, and more than $277 mil- through this work, I’ve had the revelation nesses that rely on footfall that’s triggered lion ($214 million) throughout the state. that I identify as nonbinary.” by the five days of festivities. Lovato added that changing their pro- That cancelation “really affected the nouns to they/them “best represents the industry and pulled the last strands of Veteran Boston fluidity I feel in my gender expression and confidence out of everything,” notes veteran allows me to feel most authentic and true concert promoter . Radio Host Told to the person I both know I am and still am Rather than dwell on the negatives, Noble discovering.” and his team have locked-in a lineup and Not to Joke About new dates, Oct. 1-4, for what will be the first major festival to return since the pandemic Demi Lovato, struck. “We’re rising,” Bluesfest director Peter Non-Binary Lil X, Troye Noble told Australian Broadcasting Cor- poration’s Breakfast program Wednesday Announcement, Sivan & More Join (May 19), immediately after the announce- ment of Bluesfest’s return. Quits iHeartMedia’s “We have to do that because the Austra- lian live music industry, we all want to get BY ‘Can’t Cancel back to work safely. And we can do it.” Like its planned Easter 2021 weekend popular Boston radio host who’s Pride’ Concert edition, Bluesfest will be delivered as a been on the air for four de- COVIDsafe event, though pared back from cades abruptly quit Wednesday BY STEPHEN DAW five to four days. All outdoor stages will be morning (May 19) after station fully seated, and ticket holders won’t need managementA told him to stop making jokes ith Pride season officially to wear a mask on site. about singer Demi Lovato’s announce- upon us, queer artists such “If we get another four months of close ment that they identify as non-binary. “I am as Demi Lovato, Lil Nas to zero COVID cases in our community the biggest of all time. And they said ‘Shut X and are who know what we’ll be presenting,” Noble up, Matt. Stop talking.’ Well, I hope you’re gearingW up to make sure that the festivities continues. happy because I just stopped talking. Matty are as fun as possible. Established in 1990, Bluesfest is one of the out,” Matty Siegel, co-host of the “Matty in On Thursday (May 20), iHeartMedia and most decorated of all festivals in these parts. the Morning” show on WXKS-FM radio, P&G announced the second annual “Can’t It’s a five-time winner of best major event said at the conclusion of his rant. Cancel Pride,” a virtual at the NSW Tourism Awards, and a member The show is frequently the top-rated featuring some of the biggest LGBTQ of the NSW Tourism Hall of , as well as morning show in the market. Siegel, 71, told names in music appearing to offer special being nominated nine times as best interna- listeners of the Top 40 station, known as performances, while also raising funds for tional music festival in the Pollstar Awards Kiss108, that he had previously been told to nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping which take place in Los Angeles. stop making jokes about and LGBTQ people around the world. Over the years, its stages have hosted is just trying to be funny. Hosted by and Bebe Rexha, performances from , , “Today I had the exact opposite. I was go- the event will take place on June 4, and will , , Angelique Ki- ing against the ‘woke thing,’ OK? Against the feature appearances and performances from djo, BB King and many more. Demi Lovatos of the world and all that kind Lovato, , Sivan, Rexha, Brothers In 2010, Bluesfest moved to its permanent of stuff,” he said. WXKS general manager Osborne, Busy Phillips, , Jen- Page 19 of 31

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nifer Hudson, JoJo Siwa, , MJ together. We always had such a great blend. kees’ legacy. Rodriguez, Nina West, P!nk, , And we would joke around, even back then, “He was writing and doing incredible Regard and Tate McRae. ‘Hey, one day — the Mike & Micky Show!’” stuff right from the get-go,” Dolenz says, Along with putting on a good show, That became a reality back in 2018, when “Then again he was cast in and iHeartMedia and P&G are also partnering Dolenz and Nesmith — who only performed (the producers) didn’t feel like what he was with Greater Cincinatti Foundation to help intermittently with the Monkees since leav- doing fit. He offered them ‘Different Drum’ distribute the funds raised from the event ing the band in 1970 — joined forces to tour and they told him it wasn’t really a Monkees to six organizations supporting the LGBTQ together. The two are going out on one final tune, so he said OK and gave it to Linda community in 2021, including GLAAD, stretch of dates this year, slated to start in Ronstadt. I know it was very frustrating for SAGE, , the National September. him.” Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink, and The idea for Dolenz Sings Nesmith, mean- With Nesmith giving the album a thumbs- OutRight Action International. while, came about during rehearsals for up, the duo hits the road in September for “As the country is returning back to some Monkees dates several years ago with another Mike & Micky Show run that’s normal and we are slowly starting to gather , after ’ death dur- formally billed as the Monkees Farewell again, LGBTQ+ communities around the ing 2012. “I just said to Nez, ‘I would love Tour. The trek is currently slated to wrap up world are still feeling the devastating effects to do a “Dolenz Sings Nez” album,’” recalls Nov. 14 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, of COVID-19,” iHeartMedia’s chief mar- Dolenz, who was inspired by Harry Nils- and Dolenz — who’s spent his pandemic keting officer Gayle Troberman said in a son’s 1970 release as time taking gourmet cooking classes, fishing statement. “We look forward to once again well as his own 2010 King For a Day tribute and making furniture in his home work- celebrating the incredible voices and allies to . “And (Nesmith) was like, shop — says the decision for a final tour was of the LGBTQ+ community with an amazing ‘That’s a great idea, Mick. Here’s a couple “organic.” night of music that will honor Pride and the ideas for songs,’ and that was it. on “It was really just Mike and I looking at communities’ fight for equal rights, all while tour. each other, ‘How much longer can we do benefiting six remarkable nonprofits that “Then, over a year ago now, 7a (Records) this stuff?’” explains Dolenz, who’s contem- make an everyday positive impact.” was asking me if there was anything I plating another songbook kind of album, “Can’t Cancel Pride” will take place June wanted to do. I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve always had possibly of songs, next. 4th at 9 p.m. ET on iHeartRadio’s TikTok, this idea of “Dolenz Sings Nesmith.” They “It’s not because there isn’t demand, but I YouTube, and Instagram TV said, ‘We like that idea,’ and it just went think it’s just being realistic. I’m 76, Nez is pages, PrideRadio.com and Revry, while from there.” 78; A year or two ago he had health issues also being broadcast on iHeartMedia radio Produced by Nesmith’s oldest son Chris- [quadruple bypass surgery]. I love the stations nationwide and on the iHeartRa- tian, Dolenz Sings Nesmith features his takes singing, but the touring, the traveling, really dio App. Learn more about the upcoming on 13 tunes (14 on the CD), including “Dif- beats you up, even when we do it in a pretty event here. ferent Drum,” a 1967 hit for reasonable, comfortable style like we do. So and the Stone Poneys, but mostly mining it’s just time.” deep tracks from Nesmith’s catalog. Dolenz promises that the shows will “We started with a big, long list and talked continue to feature an array of Monkees about material back and forth,” says Dolenz, favorites and perhaps add some of his Do- Previews the Final who credits Christian Nesmith with “rei- lenz Sings Nesmith songs. And he plans to magining” a number of the tracks. “We did continue performing on his own. “Even this Monkees Tour not want to do just karaoke cover versions of really isn’t even the Monkees, is it? It’s still these tunes, which meant I wasn’t comfort- The Monkees Present the Mike & Micky BY GARY GRAFF able doing certain songs. (The Monkees’) Show,’” he notes. “Mike and I did not feel ‘Listen to the Band’ is so iconic the way it is, comfortable calling it the Monkees with icky Dolenz figures it was we all agreed there was no way you can do only two of us, and we’re certainly not going inevitable that he’d record an that without basically just covering it. We to hire a couple of lookalikes for (the late album of Monkees mate Mike talked about ‘Joanne’ (a Hot 100 hit in 1970), Tork and Jones). There are so many bands Nesmith’s songs. and there’s just no way. What do you do? where there’s only the one remaining mem- M“Even in the old days, back on (The Do you turn ‘Joanne’ into a rap? [Laughs] So ber from the original group — sometimes Monkees) television show, Mike and I had some things were better left untouched, by not even that. So we’ll do more time this great connection,” Dolenz, who re- us at least.” and give the fans what they want, and that’ll leases Dolenz Sings Nesmith on May 14, tells Dolenz does hope that the album shines be it.” Billboard. “We always goofed around and a light on Nesmith’s songwriting and solo had great timing and comedy and sang great work, which is often eclipsed by the Mon- Page 20 of 31

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the SpeakEasy stage, presented by Jack ascent, “Astronaut” evicts ’s “Rap- BeachLife Daniels, which will feature stripped-down star” from the summit after the latter’s four acoustic sets from some very famous SoCal weeks in charge. Festival Returns rockers, surfers, and skaters on a super “Astronaut” reigns for the first time in its intimate level. 13 weeks on the chart as it With Cage “The Speakeasy is going to be the bad- continues to make steady weekly advances lands section of the Festival where fans can in streaming and radio airplay. On the for- the Elephant, hang out with a bunch of salty punk rockers mer front, the single registered 19.9 million and legendary surfers and skaters like Tom U.S. streams in the week ending May 13, Gary Clark Jr. & Curren and Steve Caballero playing acoustic according to MRC Data, up 1% from its pre- sets and talking story,” said Pennywise front- vious week’s sum and a new weekly best for Portugal. The Man man and Southern local Jim the track. Despite the gain, the song back- Lindberg. “There will also be an insane tracks 3-4 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming BY TAYLOR MIMS AND DAVE BROOKS art show provided by & Paint- Songs chart as two high-profile debuts, J. brushes featuring artwork from the festival’s Cole’s “Interlude” and the and os Angeles natives Jane’s musicians and local artists. If you’re looking collaboration “Miss The Rage,” Addiction will be headlin- for the edgier side of the festival - on the blast in at Nos. 1 and 3, respectively. ing BeachLife Festival, Sept. down low - the Speakeasy will be the place In the radio realm, “Astronaut” surges 10-12 in LA’s iconic South you want to be!” 22-16 on the all-genre chart, LBay, marking their first Southern California In an effort to support the local com- whose audience figures power the radio performance since 2017. After having to can- munity and preserve the beaches and component on the Hot Rap Songs chart. cel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, oceans, BeachLife has once again part- There, audience impressions rally to 33.7 the second-year festival launched by Allen nered with local organizations. This million in the week ending May 16, ac- Sanford and co-founder Rob Lissner in year, BeachLife will host an on-site si- cording to MRC Data, an 18% boost from 2019 has booked a strong lineup for its 2021 lent auction benefiting Surfrider Founda- the prior week. Pop and airplay return. tion, Heal the Bay, , Redon- formats account for most of the “Astro- Ziggy and Stephen Marley will head- do Beach Police Foundation, Redondo Beach naut” radio success: It cracks the top 10 on line with a set dedicated to the songs of Education Foundation Walk With Sally, the Pop Airplay chart, which measures the to the festival, which also Rob Machado Foundation and Wyland most-played songs at monitored top 40-ori- includes top line performances by Count- Foundation. ented stations, with a 15-10 jump and an 8% ing Crows, , Gary Clark Tickets are on sale now with three-day increase in plays in the week. On Rhythmic Jr., Portugal. The Man, Fitz and the Tan- general admission passes starting at $349. Airplay, meanwhile, the track enters the top trums, Men at Work, and the Head here for the full lineup. five (6-5) as it added 9% more spins from the Innocent Criminals and , previous tracking week. as well as more than 40 more top-tiered “Astronaut” song downloads, the final artists slated to perform along the pictur- Masked Wolf’s component of the Hot Rap Songs chart, dip esque coastline. That includes performances by 6% to 12,000 in the week ending May 13, from , The Wallflow- ‘Astronaut In the though the song leads the Rap Digital Song ers, CAM, G. Love & Special Sauce, Eng- Sales chart for a sixth week. lish Beat, Fortunate Youth, Sugar Ocean’ Lands at “Astronaut” completes a long journey Ray, Phosphorescent, Save Ferris, Moth- to success for the Australian rapper, born er Hips and Thievery Corporation. No. 1 on Hot Rap Harry Michael. The track first arrived in BeachLife’s SideStage Experience restau- 2019 but was re-released in January follow- rant is returning again this year as well. Sid- Songs Chart ing his signing with label Elektra Records. eStage is an exclusive 50-seat, high-end Its current trajectory also traces partly to its restaurant situated on the festival’s main BY TREVOR ANDERSON use as a soundtrack in TikTok clips. stage. A team of California-based chefs, led Beyond its Hot Rap Songs coronation, by South Bay favorite David LeFevre (Beach ising rapper Masked Wolf’s “Astronaut” pushes 4-3 on the Hot R&B/ Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and The breakout release, “Astronaut Hip-Hop Songs chart and improves 7-6 on Arthur J) will curate menus for the on-stage in the Ocean,” plants its flag at the . Increased activity experience. No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap surrounding the song also helps Masked Wolf BeachLife Festival will be adding a RSongs chart as the single advances from on this week’s Billboard Artist 100, which fourth performance area this year, called No. 2 to lead the list dated May 22. With its ranks artist popularity through four music Page 21 of 31

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consumption metrics – album sales, track chart entry since Rosalía’s in thanks to its popularity on TikTok, which sales, radio airplay, streaming – and social November 2018. helped stir interest on streaming services, media fan interaction. There, he climbs six First Female Act to Lead on Her Own with 3.4 million U.S. streams logged in its spots to a new career peak of No. 26. in Almost a Decade: As “Telepatía” ascends first tracking week (ending in Feb. 18). It 2-1, Uchis becomes the first female soloist surged 10-2 in its second week where it has to reach No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs with a remained since, as it removes Kali Uchis Earns song unaccompanied by another act since and Jhay Cortez’s “Dakiti” from its 27-week 2012. Who did it then? with lead in its 12th try with a 2-1 jump. First Hot Latin “Me Gustas Tanto” (February 2012). Prior Beyond its Hot Latin Songs coronation, to Rubio, took the lead with “Telepatía” lifts 46-40 on the Billboard Songs Chart No. 1 “Hotel Nacional” (January 2012). In fact, the Hot 100 chart, after its No. 39 high (March trio comprises the only three female acts to 13-dated tally). With ‘Telepatía’ achieve the feat in the last two decades. Other women have led the chart in recent BY PAMELA BUSTIOS years as both lead and featured artists, but Doja Cat & SZA they were all through collaborations. In ali Uchis scores her first No. 1 2020, for example, was a co-lead Set to Perform on the Hot Latin Songs chart as on the multi-artist No. 1 “ (One Day),” ”Telepatía” ascends 2-1 on the J.Rey Soul was a co-lead act on the No. 1 ‘’ May 22-dated survey. Uchis is “Mamacita” and and Kthe first female soloist without an accompa- teamed up for the No. 1 “Tusa.” at 2021 Billboard nied act to reach No. 1 since 2012. Notably, Hot Latin Songs has sported only “Thank you, God, my Kuchis and every- a dozen No. 1 titles with female acts on a Music Awards one supporting!” Uchis tells Billboard. “I lead role (with or without an unaccompa- hope this inspires all other artists to never nied act) in the last three decades. Let’s take BY PAUL GREIN compromise. We got this through intuition; a look at the leaderboard: there is nothing else on the radio like it! I’m Date, Artist, Title oja Cat and SZA will perform so honored and proud.” Nov. 6, 2010, Featuring El Cata, “Kiss Me More” at the 2021 The Hot Latin Songs chart blends “Loca” Billboard Music Awards, which airplay, digital sales and streaming data. Jan. 14, 2012, Gloria Estefan, “Hotel Nacio- will broadcast live from the Mi- “Telepatía” nabs the Greatest Gainer/ nal” (debut) Dcrosoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Digital and Airplay honors of the week Feb. 11, 2012, Paulina Rubio, “Me Gustas May 23. It will be the world television debut boosted by increments on both metrics. On Tanto” of the song, which is holding at its No. 5 the former, it generated 1,000 downloads July, 7, 2012, Wisin & Yandel & Jennifer peak (so far) in its fifth week on the Bill- sold in the U.S. in the week ending May 13, Lopez, “Follow The Leader” board Hot 100. The two stars will perform according to MRC Data, extending its reign Nov. 19, 2016, Shakira Featuring , the song from the Xfinity stage. on Latin Digital Song Sales for a seventh “” (debut) Both artists have had multiple top 10 hits week. On the latter, it ascends 6-2 on the May 12, 2018, , , Karol G on the Hot 100. Doja Cat reached No. 1 with all-genre Latin Airplay chart with a 21% Featuring , “” “Say So” (featuring Nicki Minaj) and ap- gain in audience impressions, to 6 million, May 4, 2019, & peared on a remix of ’s “34 earned in the week ending May 16. Featuring , “” + 35” (along with ). Despite a 4% dip in streams (8.5 million Aug. 17, 2019, Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, That smash peaked at No. 2. U.S. streams logged in the week ending May Karol G, Ozuna & , “China” SZA’s previous top 10 hits are “All the 13), “Telepatía” concurrently lifts 44-43 on Nov. 23, 2019, Karol G & Nicki Minaj, “Tusa” Stars” (with , from the and remains at No. 2 on (debut) blockbuster film Black Panther), “Good Latin Streaming Songs for a fifth week after July, 18, 2020, , Ozuna & Days” and ’s “” its 6-week No. 1 high. J.Rey Soul, “Mamacita” (on which she was featured). “Telepatía,” released Nov. 18, 2020, is the August 8, 2020, J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Both artists are BBMA nominees this year. third single from Uchis’ Albums Bunny & Tainy, “Un Dia (One Day)” (debut) Doja Cat is nominated for five awards, this No. 1 set Sin Miedo (Del Amor y Otros De- May 22, 2021, Kali Uchis, “Telepatía” year’s third-highest total for a female artist monios) (March 6-dated tally) — a double “Telepatía” Dethrones “Dakiti”: (behind Gabby Barrett, with nine nods, accolade for the Colombian as she became “Telepatía’s” debut on Hot Latin Songs (No. and Megan Thee Stallion, with seven). SZA the first female solo act to rule with her first 10, chart dated Feb. 27) traced its entrance is nominated for one award this year – top Page 22 of 31

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R&B female artist, a category in which she visit billboardmusicawards.com/vote. Rock & Alternative Songs’ May 22 edi- won three years ago. The 2021 Billboard Music Awards are tion: “All the Good Ones,” at No. 49 with 1.1 Both artists have had a top 10 album on produced by , which million U.S. streams. It was preceded by a the Billboard 200. SZA climbed as high as is owned by MRC; MRC and Penske Media pair of Van Weezer singles, “The End of the No. 3 with her first studio album, Ctrl. Doja are co-parent companies of Billboard. Barry Game” and “Hero,” which peaked at Nos. Cat reached No. 9 with her sophomore Adelman and Robert Deaton are executive 9 and 17 in November 2019 and May 2020, album, Hot Pink. producers. respectively. Both artists have amassed multiple For the latest news on the Billboard Van Weezer is Weezer’s second full-length Grammy nominations, including, in both Music Awards visit billboardmusicawards. released in 2021, following OK Human, cases, nods for best new artist and record of com and www.billboard.com/bbma. which debuted at No. 5 on Alternative the year (“” for SZA; “Say So” The BBMAs will broadcast live from Albums and No. 6 on Top Rock Albums in for Doja Cat). SZA also received an Oscar the Theater in Los Angeles on February. Van Weezer was initially sched- nomination for co-writing “All the Stars.” Sunday, May 23 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on uled for a May 2020 release but was delayed Xfinity also presents a special bonus per- NBC. as the band’s with Green formance by Noah Cyrus, available now on Day and was postponed due to Xfinity’s YouTube channel (watch below). the COVID-19 pandemic. Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex customers can Weezer’s ‘Van say “Billboard Music Awards” into Remote to watch Cyrus’ performance on TV, Weezer’ Debuts Biopic in along with a new interview with the artist, and also take a look back at highlights from at No. 1 on Top the Works From past BBMAs, listen to music from nominat- ed artists and more. Rock, Alternative ‘Mamma Mia!’ This year’s BBMAs will have something for fans of all kinds of music. Albums Charts Producers Hosted by , the show will include performances by (in alphabetical or- BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD BY MIA GALUPPO der by principal performer) AJR, Bad Bunny & Karol G, BTS, DJ Khaled featuring H.E.R. eezer scores its fourth No. her is getting the biopic treatment and , , , 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock thanks to Universal and Oscar- Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis with Sounds Of Albums and Alternative winner Eric Roth. Blackness featuring Ann Nesby, , Albums charts with Van Roth is set to pen the screen- P!nk, and . WeezerW, which bows atop both tallies dated Cplay for a feature film about the life and In addition to performing, P!nk will re- May 22. career of the multi-hyphenate entertainer, ceive the ICON Award. She is the youngest The set starts with 27,000 equivalent whose decades-long career has spanned recipient of that award to date. album units earned in the May 7-13 tracking music, television, fashion and film. It has Drake will receive the Artist of the De- week, according to MRC Data. Of that sum, included multiple studio albums, a comedy cade Award. Trae Tha Truth will receive 23,000 units are from album sales. variety show, and a Las Vegas residency, the Change Maker Award. Weezer first crowned Top Rock Albums, as well as an expansive acting career that Billboard Music Awards finalists and win- which began in 2006, with 2009’s , included Silkwood, Mask, The Witches of ners are based on key fan interactions with followed by 2016’s Weezer (White Album) Eastwick and Moonstruck, the latter of music, including audio and video streaming, and 2019’s Weezer (Teal Album). The same which earned her a best actress Oscar. album and digital song sales, radio airplay, four LPs also led Alternative Albums, which Mamma Mia! producers Judy Craymer and social engagement, tracked by Bill- started in 2007. and Gary Goetzman are set to produce the board and its data partners, including MRC Concurrently, Van Weezer debuts at No. project, having worked with Cher on the Data and Next Big Sound. This year’s awards 1 on Top Album Sales, the band’s first lead- Mamma Mia! sequel, Here We Go Again. are based on the chart period of March 21, er on the list after it previously peaked at Cher, who turns 75 years old today, shared 2020, through April 3, 2021. No. 2 three times (2005’s Make Believe and the news on her Twitter. Fan-voted categories include top social the aforementioned White and Teal albums). The yet-to-be-titled project comes as artist and top collaboration. Voting opened On the Billboard 200, the new set starts at Hollywood is seeing a surge of rock biopics on May 10 at 9 a.m. PT and closes on May 21 No. 11, Weezer’s best rank since Teal reached following ’s Rocketman and Fred- at 11:59 p.m. PT on Twitter and billboard. No. 5. die Mercury’s . The Bee com/bbmasvote. For more information, One song from Van Weezer debuts on Hot Gees, Whitney and Elvis are also Page 23 of 31

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all getting the feature film treatment. Tha Truth will receive the Billboard 187 Strassenbande at No. 107 and “Elmas” Roth, whose credits include Munich, A Change Maker Award. by Luciano and Lil Zey at No. 199. While Star Is Born and , previously BBMA finalists and winners are based all three acts on the former song hail from worked with Cher on the 1987 thriller Sus- on key fan interactions with music, includ- Germany, the latter track mixes artists pect. He most recently penned ing audio and video streaming, album and from Germany (Luciano) and (Lil for ’s Killers of the Flower digital song sales, radio airplay, and social Zey), with each act in their native Moon, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio engagement, tracked by Billboard and its language. and . data partners, including MRC Data and Next The German/Turkish-language song is This article was originally published Big Sound. just the second multilingual track that does by The Hollywood Reporter. This year’s awards are based on the chart not feature English to appear on the Global period of March 21, 2020 through April 3, Excl. U.S. chart so far. “Djadja” by Aya Naka- 2021. mura featuring Maluma, performed in a mix The 2021 Billboard Music Awards will of French and Spanish, reached No. 32 last broadcast live from the in September. and Marshmello Los Angeles on Sunday, May 23, at 8 p.m. ET Plus, three Japanese-language songs / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. debut on this week’s Global Excl. U.S. chart. Set to Perform ’s “Cry Baby” starts at No. 45 (and No. 115 on the Billboard Global at 2021 Billboard New Around the 200); Yoasobi’s “Mou Sukoshi Dake” launch- es at No. 57 (No. 147 on Global 200); and Music Awards World: , Aimyon’s “Till I Know What Love Is (I’m Never Gonna Die)” enters at No. 113. Addi- BY BILLBOARD STAFF Turkey & tionally, while Fujii Kaze’s “Kirari” debuted on last week’s Global Excl. U.S. ranking, it he 2021 Billboard Music Awards Make Strides on climbs to No. 66 and simultaneously cracks will shine with brotherly love. the Global 200 at No. 154. The Jonas Brothers are the lat- Global Charts est addition to the lineup for the TBBMAs, due to take place Sunday. BY ERIC FRANKENBERG Host Nick Jonas will join siblings Joe and Kevin, along with EDM star Marshmello, nother week, another expanded ‘Roll’s to No. 1 on ’s closing performance. It’ll be reflection of international reach the brothers’ first appearance on the BBMAs on Billboard’s global charts. stage since their explosive 2019 medley. On the May 22-dated Bill- They join a stacked bill that includes BTS, boardA Global Excl. U.S. chart, Thai rappers Airplay Chart Duran Duran, The Weeknd, Migos and DJ Sprite and Guygeegee debut at No. 89 with Khaled featuring H.E.R., and twenty one “Ton,” marking the first acts from Thailand BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD pilots Also, P!nk will both perform and and the first song in the Thai language to receive the Icon Award. crack the survey. he Offspring returns to No. 1 It’s shaping as a huge weekend for the “Ton” makes its chart debut on the back on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock JoBros and Marshmello, whose collabora- of 23.6 million streams and 750 downloads Airplay for the first time since tion “” will drop sold outside the U.S. in the week ending 2015, as “Let the Bad Times Roll” tonight at midnight ET. Just this week, the May 13, according to MRC Data. Trules the ranking dated May 22. bros announced a sprawling massive sum- Sprite is a 15-year-old rapper, quickly on “Roll” is the band’s third No. 1 on the mer “Remember This” tour, scheduled to the rise in Thailand and beyond. Earlier this chart, following “” for a kick off Aug. 20 at the Park Theater in Las year, he contributed to “Trust Again,” a song week in 2015, and “Gone Away” for two Vegas. inspired by the recently released Disney weeks in 1997. As the group did not release The Weeknd leads all BBMAs final- film , alongside another charting single between “Coming” ists with nods in 16 categories, followed Raisa (from ), YonnyBoii (Malay- and “Roll,” its latest leader marks the first by DaBaby (11 nominations), the late Pop ) and Matthaios (). time that The Offspring has strung together Smoke (10) and Gabby Barrett (nine). Elsewhere, two songs sporting German two straight No. 1s. Also on the night, Drake will receive artists debut on the Global Excl. U.S. chart: The Offspring boasts 15 Mainstream Rock the Artist of the Decade Award and Trae “Extasy” by Bonez Mc, Frauenarzt and Airplay top 10s. Page 24 of 31

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On , where “Roll” spent more time at No. 1. in uniquely global fashion. In addition to its rises 21-18, the Dexter Holland-led outfit has Nigro also co-produced Rodrigo’s new around-the-world lyrics, Genius describes notched three No. 1s among 17 top 10s. On release “” with Alexander 23. The “Hot Sauce” as a “hip-hop song influenced the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock song is set to debut on next week’s, May by an Afrobeat sound,” while its official & Alternative Airplay chart, “Roll” lifts 6-5 29-dated Hot 100. video centers the boys at a Mexican-style with 4.2 million audience impressions, up The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and taqueria. 14%, according to MRC Data. It’s the band’s Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total The broad approach worked, as the song first top five on the chart since 2012’s No. points accrued by a songwriter and produc- debuts with 23.5 million streams and 3,200 4-peaking “Days Go By.” er, respectively, for each attributed song that downloads sold worldwide in the week “Roll” is the title-track lead single from appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based ending May 13, according to MRC Data. The Offspring’s 10th studio album. Its first songwriter and producer charts follow the The overwhelming majority of that activ- full-length since 2012, the set debuted at No. same methodology based on correspond- ity comes from outside the U.S. (95% of its 1 on the Alternative Albums tally dated May ing “Hot”-named genre charts. As with streams and 90% of its sales), as is common 1 and has earned 49,000 equivalent album Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or with non-English-language songs, explain- units to date. producers split points for each song equally ing the song’s 45-point spread between its (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- ranks on the Global Excl. U.S. and Global casional ties on rankings). 200 charts. J. Cole Hits No. The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot “Hot Sauce” is the first entry on both 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full global surveys for NCT Dream, and the 1 on Hot 100 genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. third under the larger NCT brand. It follows com/biz. NCT’s “Make a Wish (Birthday Song)” (No. Songwriters 74 Global Excl. U.S. peak; No. 128, Global 200) and NCT U’s “90’s Love” (No. 173, Chart, Thanks to NCT Dream Global Excl. U.S.), making “Hot Sauce” the brand’s highest charting song yet. ‘Interlude’ Celebrates First Bilingual songs are not a rarity on the global charts, or for South Korean acts. BTS BY XANDER ZELLNER Trilingual Hit on and , for example, have each charted with bilingual tracks on their own . Cole leads Billboard’s Hot 100 Song- Global 200 With (“On” and “,” among writers chart (dated May 22) for the others), and with American guests (“Boy first time, thanks to his songwriting ‘Hot Sauce’ With Luv,” featuring Halsey, and “Bet You credit on his new track “Interlude.” Wanna,” featuring ). JThe song, on which he is the sole credited BY ERIC FRANKENBERG But a trilingual song is something else. writer, debuts at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot “Hot Sauce” is the first such title to crack 100 with 26.4 million U.S. streams and 2,900 ince the Billboard Global the Global 200, and the second on the Glob- downloads sold in its opening week, accord- 200 and Billboard Global Excl. al Excl. U.S. chart. K/DA’s “More” peaked at ing to MRC Data. It earns Cole his sixth Hot U.S. chart launched last Septem- No. 93 on the latter list in November 2020, 100 top 10, and first since “” in ber, Billboard has reported on the encompassing English, Korean and Chinese 2019. Sbreadth of international collaborations lyrics. “Interlude” is from J. Cole’s sixth studio and multilingual acts. album The Off-Season, released May 14 and After BTS simultaneously logged three due on next week’s (dated songs — each in different languages (Eng- May 29). lish, Japanese and Korean) — on the Global Over on the Hot 100 Producers chart, Excl. U.S. chart in April, fellow South Ko- Dan Nigro tallies an 11th week at No. 1, rean act NCT Dream debuts at Nos. 51 and thanks to ’s “Drivers License” 96 on the latest, May 22-dated Global Excl. and “Deja Vu.” The songs, which he solo U.S. tally and Global 200, respectively, with produced, place at Nos. 16 and 17 on the Hot “Hot Sauce,” featuring vocals in English, Ko- 100, respectively (the former reigned for rean and Spanish. It is the first song in three eight weeks, while the latter reached No. 8). languages to hit the Global 200. Dating to the chart’s launch in 2019, only The trilingual title track from NCT Louis Bell (17 weeks) and (13) have Dream’s debut studio LP kicks off the album Page 25 of 31

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sic titles on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, After Tawny with others back thanks in large part to Luis Figueroa the iTunes Store’s latest 69-cent sale, led Kitaen’s Death, by ’s “Dreams” at No. 10. Nabs First Top ’s 10 on Tropical Bryan Popin ‘’ Airplay Chart & Tasha Page- Debuts Atop Hot With ‘Hasta El Sol Lockhart Each Songs De Hoy’ Earn First Gospel Chart Airplay No. 1 With BY PAMELA BUSTIOS BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD uis Figueroa earns his first top 10 ‘Beautiful Savior’ on any Billboard airplay chart as ollowing the death of Tawny “Hasta El Sol De Hoy” surges up Kitaen, who starred in the video BY JIM ASKER the list with a nine-spot jump, ris- for Whitesnake’s ‘80s anthem Ling 18-9 on the Tropical Airplay chart (dat- “Here I Go Again,” the track debuts ryan Popin’s “Beautiful Savior,” ed May 22). It ties for the largest positional Fat No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock featuring Tasha Page-Lockhart, jump into the top 10 in 2021, following Vic- Songs chart dated May 22. ascends 2-1 on Billboard’s Gospel tor Manuelle and La India’s “Víctimas Las In the week ending May 13, “Here I Go Airplay chart, dated May 22. In Dos,” which also surged nine positions on Again,” which led the Billboard Hot 100 for Bthe week ending May 16, the song, which the March 6-dated list, vaulting 15-6. a week in October 1987, drew 2.5 million U.S. Popin wrote solo, increased by 20%, accord- “Hasta El Sol De Hoy” pushes up the streams, up 22%, and sold 1,000 downloads, ing to MRC Data. chart with a lofty 108% gain in audience im- up 178%, according to MRC Data. (Older Popin, originally from Middletown, N.J., pressions, to 1.6 million, earned in the week songs are allowed on the Hot 100 and its and currently based in Nashville, earns his ending May 16, according to MRC Data. genre-based charts that use the same meth- first Gospel Airplay leader. Among his six It concurrently takes the week’s Greatest odology if ranking in the lists’ top halves and entries, he’s earned an additional top 10: “I Gainer honor. have meaningful reasons for their resur- Got Out” peaked at No. 4 in 2017. Figueroa’s rework of the 1993 hit “Hasta gences.) “After all the loss, the hurt, pain and even El Sol de Hoy,” written by Oscar Domingo Kitaen died May 7 at age 59. A cause of at times the anger I’ve felt and experienced Derudi and performed by Edgar Joel and death has not yet been announced. during this pandemic year, I have faced his orchestra with Anthony Colón on lead The single’s entrance marks Whitesnake’s many highs and lows,” Popin tells Billboard. vocals, is an homage to Colón, Figueroa’s first visit to Hot Hard Rock Songs, which “Like other artists, all of my tours, live dates uncle. It’s one of 11 songs from his forthcom- began nearly a year ago. It’s also the band’s and events were canceled, and I had to fig- ing album Canciones del Alma, due May 28. first appearance on Hot Rock & Alterna- ure out how to provide for my six kids. But “I am so proud of this new achievement,” tive Songs (which launched in 2009), God … to see how this song has connected the -born Puerto Rican artist where it starts at No. 21. and grown is special. To be called No. 1 is tells Billboard. “It’s an amazing time for me Concurrently, the download count of not only a first, but also humbling.” as I also prepare for the release of my first “Here I Go Again” is enough for it to re- Page-Lockhart likewise lands her first album. We never expected everyone to take enter Hard Rock Digital Song Sales at No. Gospel Airplay No. 1 among two top 10s. so well this rendition. It has been such a 3 and Rock Digital Song Sales at No. 20. “Different,” her first of four entries, reached blessing, as the song is already special to me The song reached Nos. 3 and 8 on the charts, No. 5 in 2014. Formerly known as Natasha and my family because of my uncle. I am respectively, in 2016, when it was featured Marie Page, she came to prominence after very happy to be living this moment right in a Walmart back-to-school ad. “Is This winning the sixth season of BET’s talent now with it.” Love,” another Whitesnake song whose competition Sunday Best in 2013. Figueroa secured his first entry on a Latin video stars Kitaen, also hops back onto Hard airplay chart through his featured role on Rock Digital Song Sales at No. 24, up 173% to Sebastián Yatra’s “Por Perro,” which also 1,000 sold. features Lary Over. It reached the top 20 “Here I Go Again” is one of multiple clas- on Latin Pop Airplay (No. 16, July 2018), his Page 26 of 31

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highest ranking there thus far. “Hasta El tive. They are still competing, however, and Sol,” also penetrates the tally with its pop to a recording of one of their dress rehearsals version. The latter, which also makes the will be played instead. tracklisting of Canciones del Alma, moves Perform on Also, the Dutch 2019 winner, Duncan Lau- 20-17 on the current Latin Pop Air- rence, tested positive and will not perform at play chart. Eurovision Song Saturday’s final, organizers announced. “We recorded the pop version of the song first in Miami to include on the album and Contest With San then later we decided to record a salsa ver- Disney+ Conjures sion,” Figueroa adds. “Salsa has been in my Marino’s Senhit blood since I was a child so singing this ver- ‘Hocus Pocus’ sion was only natural for me. The song was BY ASSOCIATED PRESS recorded in Puerto Rico and was produced Sequel For 2022 by Jay Lugo and mixed by Rolando “Rolo” OTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) Alejandro. I produced the vocal arrange- — American rapper Flo Rida will BY AARON COUCH ments and Victor Manuelle helped me by inject extra star power to the writing new soneos for my version. I think second semifinal of the Eurovi- isney+ is officially conjuring up we captured a fresh new take on a nostalgic Rsion Song Contest on Thursday night, when a new Hocus Pocus movie, with classic that now has become my own.” he joins singer Senhit’s perfor- the streaming service announc- Figueroa joins six other acts who have mance. ing the sequel will be released notched their first Tropical Airplay top 10 in “It’s such a good feeling to be back in Din 2022. Disney+ also confirmed that The 2021. Here’s a recap: Europe after so long,” the rapper said in Proposal filmmaker Anne Fletcher is taking Date, Artist, Title comments released by the popular contest’s over directing duties from Adam Shankman, Feb. 6, Camilo, “Bebe,” with El Alfa organizers. “I’m very grateful to be able to who previously was attached to direct and Feb. 6, El Ala, “Bebe,” with Camilo perform once again, and on the biggest stage remains on as an executive producer. Feb. 6, El Tiburon Mayor, “Tus Jefes No Me in the world.” Hocus Pocus 2 is a follow-up to the 1993 Quieren” Tiny San Marino, a city state surrounded feature that starred Bette Midler, Sarah Feb. 27, Kany García, “Búscame,” with Car- by Italy, is one of 17 national acts performing Parker and Kathy Najimy as three los Vives at the Ahoy arena in Rotterdam Thursday witches who were resurrected in Salem, March 27, Luis Vázquez, “Tu Fan” night seeking one of the 10 final berths up , and who are bent on becom- April 24, Manny Cruz, “Las Puertas del for grabs at the musical spectacle that is ing immortal. All three are returning for Cielo” returning after missing 2020 because of the the sequel, which begins production in the May 22, Luis Figueroa, “Hasta El De Hoy” coronavirus pandemic. fall. The sequel sees three young women ac- Elsewhere on the Latin charts, Figueroa Saturday’s grand final features 20 nations cidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back captures his highest Latin Digital Song from the two semifinals along with the so- to modern-day Salem. They must stop the Sales ranking: “Hasta El Sol” ascends 9-7. called big five nations of France, Germany, child-hungry witches from causing a new Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, plus kind of toil and trouble. host nation the Netherlands. “As heartbroken that I won’t be Up to 3,500 fans, who have to show a able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jes- negative COVID-19 test, are allowed to sica and Kathy in what is sure to be noth- attend each dress rehearsal, semifinal and ing short of a major event for Disney+ due final, making the contest one of the biggest to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more live events in Europe since the pandemic pleased to be handing over the reins to upended public life. Anne, who has brought so much laughter The fans are allowed in as part of a Dutch and joy into people’s lives with her previous government-sanctioned test event to evalu- work,” says Shankman, who is in produc- ate how large-scale events can be safely tion on Disenchanted for Disney. “I am still staged as the country gradually emerges grateful and proud to help shepherd this from lockdown. ingenious project as executive producer The coronavirus cost Iceland the chance alongside producer Lynn Harris, whom I of performing in the second semifinal, with have loved and admired as a colleague and band Dadi og Gagnamagnid pulling out friend since she helped get me the job cho- Wednesday after one member tested posi- reographing .” Page 27 of 31

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Fletcher, a longtime friend of Shankman’s dating back to their time working as dancers on the 1990 Oscars telecast, said in her own statement, “Now more than ever, people need to laugh.” “We should be laughing every day, and there is to be had with these three unbelievable women playing deli- cious characters from such a beloved film,” Fletcher continued. “I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special. This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.” Kenny Ortega helmed the first Hocus Pocus, which was viewed as a box office disappointment, earning $39 million, but becoming a cult classic on home entertain- ment. Lynn Harris is serving as producer on Ho- cus Pocus 2. Executive producers include Ralph Winter and David Kirschner. Steven Haft is co-producer. Page 28 of 31

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 21,995,525,000 19,193,243,000 2,802,282,000 1,854,000 502,000 3,778,000 16,236,000 Week* Last 22,095,834,000 19,250,709,000 2,845,125,000 1,914,000 499,000 3,763,000 16,344,000 Week

Change -0.5% -0.3% -1.5% -3.1% 0.5% 0.4% -0.7%

This Week 19,249,328,000 16,324,265,000 2,925,063,000 1,693,000 749,000 5,154,000 13,989,000 Last Year

Change 14.3% 17.6% -4.2% 9.5% -33.1% -26.7% 16.1%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending May 13, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 26m 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE 24m Total On-Demand 402,288,705,000 363,632,507,000 10.6% Streams ALBUM SALES BY AGE 22m Audio On-Demand 349,276,287,000 302,192,994,000 15.6%

Streams 24,866,000 20m Digital Track Sales 73,423,000 94,498,000 -22.3% 18m Album Sales 36,800,000 33,966,000 8.3% 21,014,000 16m Albums 298,234,000 261,262,000 14.2% Consumption Units 14m

12m

ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 10m 2021 2020 Change 12,952,000 8m CD Sales 13,673,000 14,078,000 -2.9% 11,934,000 6m Vinyl Sales 13,476,000 6,866,000 96.3% 4m Digital Sales 9,506,000 12,900,000 -26.3% Catalog Current 2m Other Sales 144,000 122,000 18.5% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 7,342,000 9,450,000 -22.3%

Audio On-Demand 254,092,000 217,846,000 16.6% Equivalent -7.9%  18.3% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA)  sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 29 of 31 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.22.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK J. COLE  1 11 WKS DAN NIGRO  2  2 YC  TIE 3 DAN NIGRO  3 TYRON HAPI  TIE 3 OLIVIA RODRIGO  4 FINNEAS  5  5 JAY JOYCE  6 DAVE BAYLEY  6 OMER FEDI  7 YC  TIE 7  TIE 8 MASKED WOLF  TIE 7 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 8 TYRON HAPI  9 IGOR MAMET  TIE 10 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 10  TIE 10 FINNEAS  TIE 10 D’MILE  12 DABABY  TIE 12 KOZ  13 OMER FEDI  TIE 12 STUART PRICE  14 DRAKE  14 DAMN E  15  15 THE WEEKND  16 DUA LIPA  16 BLAKE SLATKIN  17 ARIANA GRANDE  TIE 17 HARV  18 REALRED  TIE 17 SHNDO  TIE 19  19  TIE 19 DAHEALA  20 REALRED  TIE 19 MAX MARTIN  21 DANN HUFF  TIE 19 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 22 ROGET CHAHAYED  TIE 19 THE WEEKND  TIE 22 YETI BEATS  24  24 IAMTASH  TIE 25 ANDERSON .PAAK  25 SLY  TIE 25 BRODY BROWN  TIE 25 BRUNO MARS  TIE 25 D’MILE 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 6 WKS JAY JOYCE  2 JESSE FRASURE  2 JOEY MOI  3 ZACH CROWELL  3 ZACH CROWELL  4 COREY CROWDER  4 DANN HUFF  5 TAYLOR SWIFT  5 ROSS COPPERMAN  6 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  6 DAVID GARCIA  7 JOSH OSBORNE  7 JORDAN SCHMIDT  8 NICOLLE GALYON  8 JESSE FRASURE  TIE 9 DREW PARKER  9 PAUL DIGIOVANNI  TIE 9  10 DAN SMYERS  TIE 9 ROB WILLIFORD 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS #1 #1 1 7 WKS J. COLE  1 8 WKS YC  2 LIL DURK  2 TYRON HAPI  3 LIL BABY  3 DAMN E  4 YC  4 IGOR MAMET  TIE 5 MASKED WOLF  TIE 5 BRUNO MARS  TIE 5 TYRON HAPI  TIE 5 D’MILE  7 MONEYBAGG YO  TIE 7 HARV  8 DRAKE  TIE 7 SHNDO  9 REALRED  9 REALRED  10 POOH SHIESTY  10 DJ KHALED 

MAY R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS GIVEON  TIE 1 6 WKS BRUNO MARS  22 #1 TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 1 6 WKS D’MILE  2021 TIE 2 BRODY BROWN  TIE 3 HARV  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 SHNDO  TIE 2 D’MILE  5 WOODPECKER  TIE 6 MOOSKI  6 NATE RHOADS  TIE 6 WOODPECKER  7 SEVN THOMAS  8 SEVN THOMAS  8 BLAQ TUXEDO  9 VARREN WADE  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES 10 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 DZL  The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated May 22, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 30 of 31 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.22.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS J. COLE  1 9 WKS YC  2 LIL BABY  2 TYRON HAPI  3 YC  3 IGOR MAMET  TIE 4 MASKED WOLF  4 DAMN E  TIE 4 TYRON HAPI  5 REALRED  6 LIL DURK  TIE 6 EINER BANKZ  7 POOH SHIESTY  TIE 6 SYNCO  TIE 8 MONEYBAGG YO  8 SUPAH MARIO  TIE 8 REALRED  TIE 9 DR. LUKE  10 DRAKE  TIE 9 ROCCO DID IT AGAIN! 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 48 WKS F A L L E N  1 14 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 48 WKS  2 F A L L E N  TIE 3 ANTON RUNDBERG  3 DJ REGARD  TIE 3 JAMES BELL  TIE 4 HIGHTOWER  TIE 3 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 3 TIESTO  TIE 6 BLOODPOP  TIE 7 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 6 BURNS  TIE 7 ON THE BEAT  8 STEVE AOKI  TIE 7 DAVEON JACKSON  9 RITON  TIE 7 KENDRICK LAMAR  10 JOEL CORRY  TIE 7 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TRAVIS SCOTT 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS EDGAR BARRERA  1 80 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 SKY ROMPIENDO  3 MORA  3 EDGAR BARRERA  4 BAD BUNNY  4 MORA  TIE 5 JHAY CORTEZ  5 SUBELO NEO  TIE 5 NYDIA LANER  6 ALBERT HYPE  7 HAZE  7 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  8 SKY ROMPIENDO  8 MANUEL LARA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9  9 KEITYN  10 ALBERT HYPE  TIE 10 ANDRES TORRES  TIE 10 DANDEE 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 15 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  MAY 3 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  22 4  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  2021 TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  6 AARON DESSNER  7 TRAVIS BARKER  7 JOEL LITTLE  8 TYLER JOSEPH  8 RYAN METZGER  9 MACHINE GUN KELLY  9 KBEAZY  TIE 10 BILLY WALSH  10 CAMERON NESBITT  TIE 10 MILEY CYRUS 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 THE KID LAROI  Page 31 of 31 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.22.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 8 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 18 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  5 DAVE BAYLEY  6 TRAVIS BARKER  6 AARON DESSNER  TIE 7 BILLY WALSH  7 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 7 MILEY CYRUS  8 RYAN METZGER  TIE 7 THE KID LAROI  9 KBEAZY  10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  TIE 10 BILL RAHKO  TIE 10 MAX MARTIN  TIE 10 OSCAR HOLTER 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 1 WK BERNIE MARSDEN  1 1 WK KEITH OLSEN  #1 TIE 1 1 WK DAVID COVERDALE  2 GREG KURSTIN  3 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 3  TIE 4 IVAN MOODY  TIE 3 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 4 JASON HOOK  5 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 4 KEVIN CHURKO  6 DREW FULK  TIE 4 ZOLTAN BATHORY  7 JONAS KJELLGREN  TIE 8 JORDAN FISH  8 ROYAL BLOOD  TIE 8 OLIVER SYKES  9 WIZARD OF  TIE 10 MASKED WOLF  10 JOE BARRESI  TIE 10 TYRON HAPI 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 1 WK MICAH KUIPER  1 29 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  TIE 2 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  2 PAUL MABURY  TIE 2 PAUL MABURY  3 MICAH KUIPER  4 STEVEN FURTICK  4 JASON INGRAM  5 PHIL WICKHAM  5 JEFF PARDO  6  6 TEDD T  7 BRIAN JOHNSON  TIE 7 JONATHAN JAY  8 TOBYMAC  TIE 7 TONY BROWN  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 JASON INGRAM  9 WE THE KINGDOM  10 JEFF PARDO  10 JEFF SOJKA 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 1 2 WKS JONATHAN JAY  #1 2 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 1 2 WKS TONY BROWN  MAY 3 BRANDON LAKE  3 CHRIS BROWN  22 4 DANTE BOWE  TIE 4 JASON INGRAM  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  TIE 4 STEVEN FURTICK  6 RAINE  6 KYLE LEE  7 BRYAN POPIN  7 BEN SCHOFIELD  8 JEKALYN CARR  8 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  9 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  9 ALLEN CARR  10 TRAVIS GREENE  10 DANA SOREY  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES