djfrosty

24 Jan 2024

‘Wonka’: How to Preorder the Prequel to Watch & Stream Online

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Before Charlie Bucket entered Willy Wonka’s legendary chocolate factory, the famous candymaker had to discover his passion for inventing unique sweets. Warner Bros. delves into the backstory in the new film Wonka, which you can preorder to own digitally through Prime Video and on DVD.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Whether you’ve seen the film in theaters or not, the new movie is expected to be released on VOD Saturday (Jan. 30) and on DVD Feb. 27. But you can still score tickets to see it on the big screen here.

Directed by Paul King, the musical movie provides the origin story of Willy Wonka (played by Timothée Chalamet) from Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The young and poor aspiring chocolatier discovers the candy industry is run by a cartel of greedy businessmen, leading him to take matters into his own hands and invent chocolate and magical tricks that change the world with the help of his friend Oompa-Loompa (Hugh Grant).

Other cast members include Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Sally Hawkins and Mathew Baynton.

Keep reading to learn the streaming options available.

How to Watch Wonka

Can’t wait until the release date? Prime Video has opened preorders for the digital version of Wonka, which you can download in UHD, HD and standard edition for $24.99. You don’t have to be a Prime member in order to download the movie either. Just click “preorder,” and on Jan. 30, the film will automatically be added to your library to watch and stream whenever you want.

Other Ways to Watch Wonka

Max is the official streamer for Warner Bros., which means it’s most likely that the film will be available to stream online through the platform. No official streaming date has been announced, but once it becomes available, subscribers will be able to watch the movie for no additional cost.

Don’t have a Max subscription? The platform doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does come with one of the most affordable plans on the market at $9.99/month. Click here or the button below to start your membership.

With a subscription, you’ll gain access to not only Wonka once it drops on Max, but the entire library, including original and exclusive content such as live sports, Barbie, The Last of Us, Succession, Game of Thrones House of the Dragon, Rap Sh!t, And Just Like That…, Sex and the City, South Park, Love & Death, Gossip Girl, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Our Flag Means Death, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Selena + Chef, The Flight Attendant and more.

If you’re a Prime member, you can also add Max as a premium channel to your subscriptions through the Prime Video channel storefront.

Collectors can also add to their Wonka merch by preordering the physical DVD copy of the movie.

steelbook of wonka dvd

Walmart

‘Wonka’ Walmart Exclusive Steelbook

Walmart’s exclusive edition comes in a special steelbook that includes the 4K edition of the movie, Blu-ray and digital code, so you can enjoy the movie on the go.

DVD cover of Wonka

Amazon

‘Wonka’ (4K Ultra HD + Digital)

You can score Wonka for less than $30, and enjoy it in 4K edition, as well as a digital code you can redeem to watch on your travels.

Watch the trailer for Wonka below.

24 Jan 2024

Spotify Says European Users Will Soon Be Able to Make In-App Purchases Under DMA Law

Spotify has outlined a number of changes it will soon be introducing for European users, including the ability to make in-app purchases, in response to new EU legislation governing how online companies and platforms operate in the region.

Beginning in March, Spotify’s European users will be able to make “seamless and secure” in-app payments for products such as audiobooks on iPhone and Android devices, the Swedish streaming company announced in a blog post on Wednesday (Jan. 24).

Users of Spotify’s free ad-supported service will additionally be able to upgrade to its premium offering through their phone (without leaving the app), while the company says it will begin directly communicating with customers about subscription offerings, upgrades, deals and promotions.

The changes are being implemented as a result of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping piece of legislation designed to curb the dominance of tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google and Meta. The DMA forces tech companies trading within the EU region to open up their services and platforms to other businesses and allow them to operate more freely. For companies like Spotify, the law means that Apple is no longer able to charge them a 30% fee on all purchases made through its App Store — a long-running practice that served as a source of contention between the two companies and which is now prohibited in EU member states (smaller developers pay fees of around 15%).

Although the law officially came into force in November 2022, companies have until Mar. 7 to comply with the regulations. Apple didn’t respond to requests for comment when contacted by Billboard.

“For years, even in our own app, Apple had these rules where we couldn’t tell you about offers, how much something costs, or even where or how to buy it,” Spotify said in the blog post, entitled “The DMA Means a Better Spotify for Artists, Creators, and You.”

The company goes on to say that the changes it’s implementing will mean “good things for artists, authors, and creators looking to build their audiences of listeners, concert-goers, and audiobook-loving fans.”

Some of the ways Spotify said it will be looking to do that is by allowing creators to download its “Spotify for Artists” and “Spotify for Podcasters” tools directly from its site and alternative app stores.

“It should be this easy for every single Spotify customer everywhere,” stated the company, referencing its well-publicized battles with Apple in the United States and other international markets over transaction fees the tech company charges app developers.

Last week, Spotify accused Apple of “stopping at nothing” to protect its profits after the firm introduced commission fees of up to 27% in the United States for app developers that choose to sell products in places other than its own App Store.

Apple introduced the fees following a long-running legal battle with Fortnite developer Epic Games in U.S. courts. Although Epic lost the case, a California judge ordered Apple to make changes to how its store operates, including allowing links to outside platforms and third-party services. Last week, The Supreme Court rejected appeals from both Apple and Epic Games.   

In Wednesday’s blog post, Spotify said it will “keep fighting” for governments and regulators to pass laws like the DMA “because freedom from gatekeepers means more choice for consumers and positive impact for artists, authors, creators and developers everywhere.”

One front in that fight is taking place in the United States, where Spotify founder/CEO Daniel Ek has actively lobbied Congress and the Biden administration to pass the Open App Markets Act, which would disallow Apple, Google and other app stores with more than 50 million users from forcing app developers to use their payment systems as a condition of distribution. Though the bill never made it to the floor of either chamber, advocates reportedly expect its reintroduction soon.

24 Jan 2024

All the Reasons Why Eminem & Taylor Swift Have Us Dreaming of a Lions vs. Chiefs Super Bowl

From Em hyping the crowd during a “Lose Yourself” Ford Field moment to Taylor’s swag surfin’ with Brittany Mahomes, here’s why a Lions vs. Chiefs Super Bowl would be fun on and off the field.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift celebrates with fans during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The 2024 Super Bowl is just around the corner, with just four teams left competing to go face-to-face for the championship.

With the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions playing against the San Fransisco 49ers in the NFC Championship games on Sunday (Jan. 28), it’s a tough race towards the Super Bowl, which will take place at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on February 11.

While the superstar athletes have been bringing it on the field, some musical superstars have been making headlines from the crowd. Taylor Swift has been spending many of her weekends over the past few months supporting her boyfriend, Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, during his games, often seen bringing her famous friends along and having fun while celebrating the Chiefs’ wins in the team’s suite alongside Kelce’s family and teammates’ families.

Over in D-town, Eminem has been a longtime supporter of his hometown team. The rapper is often spotted at games with his daughter Hailie Jade or with his friends, hyping up his fellow attendees and actively cheering on the team.

From Em hyping the crowd during a “Lose Yourself” Ford Field moment and Taylor’s swag surfin’ with Brittany Mahomes, to the viral “seemingly ranch” dip, see below for all the reasons why we at Billboard think a Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl would be fun on — and off — the field, thanks to two of music’s biggest stars.

24 Jan 2024

Margot Robbie & Her Stylist to Release a Book of Looks From the ‘Barbie’ Press Tour: Pre-Order It Here

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

This Barbie is dropping a coffee table book. Barbie star Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal teamed with fashion photographer Craig McDean to release Barbie: The World Tour, a coffee table book of Barbie-inspired looks from the movie’s press run including never-before-seen photos.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Barbie movie press run was cut short due to the writer’s and actor’s strikes last year, so Robbie and Mukamal came up with the idea to photograph the looks “exactly as they were meant to be curated,” per the book’s description.

“This book was an idea I had in my living room when I started dreaming about Margot’s wardrobe for the Barbie press tour in March 2023. I could have never imagined just a few months later we’d be in the studio shooting this project with the team of our dreams,” Mukamal wrote on Instagram on Monday (Jan. 22). The post goes on to thank Robbie for taking him on “this wild ride” and trusting his vision.

“None of this would have been possible without your unwavering faith and confidence in me and my vision for what I knew would be a project that would change my life,” he wrote. “This book is a labor of love, dedicated to all the Barbie lovers and fashion fans around the world. Hope you enjoy.”

In the book, fans will get to see the strapless, trumpet-style Schiaparelli dress that Robbie wore to the Los Angeles Barbie movie premiere. The vintage look was inspired by Solo Spotlight Barbie.

Robbie’s pale pink Vivienne Westwood gown (inspired by Enchanted Evening Barbie) from the London premiere will also be featured in the book along her vintage Chanel jacket that she wore to the airport with matching, pink Streamline luggage and other must-see photos.

The highly anticipated Barbie movie (stream for for free on Max) became the top grossing film of 2023 raking in $1.44 billion at the box office. The Oscar-nominated comedy follows Barbie (Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) on a life-changing journey into the real world.

Robbie and Mukamal poured over some of Barbie’s “most iconic outfits” to recreate looks for the press tour including vintage pieces and custom creations from the likes of Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace and other fashion designers.

Barbie: The World Tour will be released on March 19, but it’s not the only Barbie book coming soon. Barbie: Her Inspiration, History and Legacy, out April 9, is described as a “stunning tribute to the beloved pop culture icon.”

For more Barbie gear, check out the cutest Barbie movie merch to shop, Barbie Crocs and collectible dolls inspired by the movie.

Barbie: The World Tour is available for pre-order at retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound Bookshop and rizzoliusa.com.

Pre-order the book below.

Amazon

24 Jan 2024

Michael Bibi to Play London’s ‘Biggest Electronic Show Ever’ Amid First Tour After Beating Cancer

Following Michael Bibi’s December announcement that he is officially free from cancer, the British producer is celebrating with a comeback tour titled One Life.

The trek will include a July 6 stop at London’s 45,000-capacity Finsbury Park. In a press release the event’s producers, Cream and Festival Republic, are billing this performance as “the biggest electronic show ever to take place in the capital.” Tickets go on sale Friday (Jan. 26.)

“I’m excited to give something back to my hometown after all the support and love I received during my cancer treatment,” Bibi said in a statement. The full lineup for the event will be announced in the coming months, with the rest of the One Life tour dates also forthcoming.

The One Life tour will support cancer charities including The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports the work of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where Bibi received his treatment. Fans can make a donation to the organization while purchasing tickets.

The July show will happen 13 months after Bibi’s team announced that he had been diagnosed with CNS lymphoma, a rare form of brain cancer. The London native was forced to cancel all his shows while receiving treatment. His first performance after entering treatment was in September, when he played a surprise set at DC-10 in Ibiza as part of the closing party for his Solid Grooves label.

“To every person that sent me the support, energy & strength to fight I thank you from the bottom of my heart & to the staff [at the Royal Marsden hospital in London] for literally saving my life I will forever be in your debt,” Bibi’s wrote upon announcing his remission last month. “Thank you so much.. I’m still very tired, I’m on a lot of meds, my body hurts & my hairs all gone….but I’m excited to get home, process, heal & prepare for the future with you all.”

24 Jan 2024

Jay-Z Designs Moncler x Roc Nation Capsule Collection

Jay-Z is a long way from the days of Rocawear but he’s returned to design an appetizing collection for Moncler in collaboration with Roc Nation.

The Roc Nation x Moncler winter-friendly capsule arrived on the designer’s website on Wednesday (Jan. 24), and finds HOV combining the coziness of streetwear with the lavish garments produced by the fashion house.

The upscale collection contains various items that can be part of people’s everyday wardrobe, such as high-quality T-shirts, cream-colored sweatshirts, fuzzy sweaters, sleek puffer jackets and a furry bucket hat courtesy of the Brooklyn rap icon.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Prices range from $345 for the standard graphic T-shirt up to well over $2,000 for the signature Moncler jackets, which have become a staple from the outerwear experts who are now headquartered in Milan, Italy.

Accompanying the collection’s release is a video helmed by the McGloughlin brothers, and they tapped SAINt JHN to serve as the narrator for the clip, which is soundtracked by The Book of Clarence‘s “I Want You Forever.”

“We climb mountains over hard paths. From hard places. Climb above the noise to find your voice. Until there’s only sky above you. Genius is everywhere,” the “Trap” artist says while scenes showcase the Marcy Projects Jay once called home.

Roc Nation and Moncler have done business before, as the two parties previously partnered for an interactive event surrounding Moncler’s Genius Platform at London Fashion Week in 2023. Jay had fans band together to record a song that eventually became “The Art of All” experience featuring Mike Dean.

“The Art of All is the journey, it is the everyday, it is waking up and using your voice,” Hov said last year. “Genius is everywhere.”

Check out the collection on the Moncler website.

24 Jan 2024

Billy Joel to Perform on 2024 Grammy Awards

Billy Joel has been added to the lineup of the 2024 Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Three days before that, Columbia Records will release Joel’s “Turn the Lights Back On,” the veteran performer’s first new pop song in nearly two decades.

Joel is the seventh performer announced to perform on the Grammy telecast, following Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, Luke Combs and Burna Boy. Joel is the first of the announced performers who isn’t a current Grammy nominee.

Joel is, however, a five-time Grammy winner. He won each of the Big Three awards in a two-year span in 1979-80 – album of the year for 52nd Street and record and song of the year for “Just the Way You Are.” Joel also received a Grammy Legend Award in 1991.

Rodrigo famously name-dropped Joel in her 2022 hit “Déjà Vu” – “I’ll bet that she knows Billy Joel/’Cause you played her ‘Uptown Girl,’” a reference to Joel’s 1983 smash. It is unknown if the Grammy telecast producers will arrange any kind of interaction between the two stars, but it seems too good an opportunity to pass up.

Joel, who has scored 33 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, co-wrote “Turn the Lights Back On” with Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector. Wexler also produced it. It’s Joel’s first song released with words since 2007’s “All My Life,” a lush ballad Joel wrote for his then wife, Katie Lee.  

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is on the tail end of his record-breaking 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden. Joel has played the historic New York City arena once a month since January 2014, and will wrap with his 150th show in July. He continues to tour outside of the residency, including a sold-out stadium show in Tokyo on Thursday (Jan. 25). 

Additional performers for the Grammy telecast will be announced.

Trevor Noah will host the Grammys for the fourth consecutive year. He, too, is a Grammy nominee. He is up for best comedy album for I Wish You Would. He’s the first Grammy host to be nominated for a Grammy that same year since Queen Latifah in 2005. Noah won a Primetime Emmy last week for outstanding talk series for The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 8 to 11:30 p.m. live ET/5 to 8:30 p.m. live PT on CBS, and will stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).

The telecast will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy for the fourth consecutive year. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers.

24 Jan 2024

Singer/Songwriter tuki.’s ‘Bansanka’ Rules Japan Hot 100

tuki.’s “Bansanka” rises 4-1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated Jan. 24, giving the rising singer-songwriter her first No. 1 on the Japan song chart.

“Bansanka” debuted on the Japan Hot 100 at No. 14 on Oct. 11 and stayed in the top 20 for 16 consecutive weeks. The poignant ballad with a title that means “Supper Song” finally reached the top spot this week after streaming climbed 3-1 with 9,760,960 weekly streams (up 9.7%) and downloads 8-5 with 6,629 units (up 41.8%). Total streams in Japan for this track have passed the 100 million mark. This song was popular online since before the actual recording was digitally released, through covers and other secondary uses that continue to be uploaded in droves. This explains the increase in video views (moving 5-4 with 1,980,614 views, up 19%), and karaoke (7-4).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Creepy Nuts jump 27-5 with “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,” the opener for the anime series MASHLE Season 2, after debuting on the chart last week. The rapper/DJ duo’s latest hit broke into the top 10 in three metrics of the chart’s methodology: downloads (11-3 with 6,976 units), streaming (30-4 with 8,944,345 streams), and radio airplay (37-10). This song has been spreading on TikTok mainly in the U.S. and debuted at No. 8 on the Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart released Jan. 18. It’s gaining fans internationally, charting in the top 10 in four countries: U.S., France, U.K., and South Africa.

Mrs. GREEN APPLE charts two songs in the top 10 this week, with “Que Sera Sera” rising 5-4 after streaming increased slightly from the week before. The other track is “Nachtmusik,” which debuts at No. 7 after its digital release Jan. 17. The theme song for the film Silent Love rules downloads with 10,872 units, which is about 28% more than the first-week figures for “Que Sera Sera,” the trio’s previous single. “Nachtmusik” comes in at No. 11 for streaming with 5,480,372 streams, No. 6 for video and No. 14 for radio. 

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Jan. 15 to 21, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English Twitter account.

24 Jan 2024

Sofia Vergara Reflects on Portraying a Drug Lord in ‘Griselda’: ‘Everything Was Challenging for Me’

Netflix will premiere its miniseries Griselda starring Sofia Vergara as Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco on Friday (Jan. 25). The series also marks the first time Vergara takes on a more serious role in her 30-plus-year trajectory. 

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Everything was challenging for me,” she tells Billboard. “Mainly the first month because I was trying new things. I had never acted in Spanish or a drama or with prosthetics. The three-hours of hair and makeup were exhausting … It was a lot of different things. I had to wrap my body so it didn’t look like me. I think more than one scene that was difficult was episode five. It was really hard because Griselda was going all the way down and she’s doing drugs, losing her mind a little bit. We were far away from my house in L.A. We were sleeping in tiny hotels. It was difficult. And the mood that Griselda was in was exhausting for me. She was killing, screaming, crying. It was a lot.” 

The series — which captures how Blanco (aka “The Cocaine Godmother”) created one of the most profitable cartels in Miami in the 1970s — was co-created by showrunner Eric Newman (Narcos, Narcos: Mexico), and directed by Andrés Baiz (Narcos), who helmed all six episodes. Vergara also serves as executive producer.  

“This is a tragedy and when you’re telling a story about drug trafficking, as we have with Narcos, and someone who builds an empire and loses it, it’s important that we don’t glorify it and that you see there’s a comeuppance of justice,” Newman says. “What was interesting about this story for us is that she’s that last line of defense for her children, and it made her story for us really about the mother. When you meet her, you’re instantly connected to her, and when you actually watch her build this empire, where the story has to end is where that primary directive of ‘protect my children’ fails. That, for us, became the character’s journey, and it’s all about the character, which Sofia absolutely nailed.” 

Karol G, Griselda

Karol G as Carla, Christian Tappan as Arturo in episode 102 of ‘Griselda.’

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix © 2023

Griselda also features Karol G in her acting debut as “Carla,” one of Griselda’s “mules” who transports drugs to the U.S. For the role, the Colombian superstar spent months in acting and body movement classes, and took in-person and virtual lessons that “totally opened my eyes to a different perspective. They’ve helped my career as an artist and my development onstage,” she previously told Billboard. 

“Working with Karol G was amazing,” notes Baiz. “She was so much fun. She was humble on set and hardworking. Just the energy that she brought to the set and to her character was very authentic. She’s from Medellin, she’s paisa, it’s the way she speaks. She’s a performer, so she had it in her. It was wonderful working with her. When she came to the set, everyone was happy. Very professional. It was fantastic. I wish there was more of Karol G in the show, but it’s just a taste.” 

“We put Bad Bunny in Narcos and that was a great experience as well, but more often than not, when someone who’s a superstar in one world comes into the acting world, you never know what you’re going to get,” Newman adds. “She was great and her character was great, so it was a thrill and a joy to have her.”

Watch the Griselda trailer below:

24 Jan 2024

5 First-Timers on Billboard’s Charts This Week: Michael Marcagi, Zach Top, The Ramona Flowers & More

Billboard has more than 200 different weekly charts, encompassing numerous genres and formats.

While established artists often compete for a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and Billboard 200 albums ranking, which track the most popular songs and albums of the week, respectively, up-and-coming talents typically start off on genre-specific lists.

Here’s a look at five artists who appear on surveys with initial entries on the Jan. 27, 2024-dated charts:

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Michael Marcagi



The singer-songwriter and Cincinnati native arrives on Billboard’s charts with his breakthrough solo single “Scared to Start.” The song, released Jan. 12 on Warner Records, debuts at No. 13 on Hot Alternative Songs, No. 17 on Hot Rock Songs and No. 21 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs with 2.6 million official U.S. streams and 3,000 downloads sold in its first week of release (Jan. 12-18), according to Luminate. Thanks to its sales sum, it also opens at No. 8 on the all-genre Digital Song Sales chart.

The track’s impressive start can be attributed in part to hype generated on TikTok. Marcagi first released a snippet of the song on the platform in November. Since then, it has soundtracked over 70,000 TikTok videos to date. Some independent artists have even begun posting their own covers of the song, some of which Marcagi has shared on his profile.

Marcagi has released only one other solo song on streaming services so far: “The Other Side,” on Dec. 11. He was previously in the band The Heavy Hours, which charted two songs on Adult Alternative Airplay: “Don’t Walk Away” (No. 21 peak in 2020) and “Wildfire” (No. 33 in 2021). He’s slated to release his debut EP in February. On Saturday (Jan. 20), he released a snippet of one unreleased track, “In the Light” on TikTok. He’s currently on the road supporting The Moss on a string of U.S. tour dates.

Zach Top



The Sunnyside, Wash., native landed his first Billboard chart entry with his breakthrough single “Sounds Like the Radio.” Released Jan. 8 via Leo33, the cut debuted at No. 56 on the Jan. 20-dated Country Airplay chart, and jumps to No. 46 on the latest, Jan. 27 survey (up 83% to 1.3 million in airplay audience).

The song is slated to appear on Top’s forthcoming debut LP Cold Beer & Country Music, due April 5. “Creating Cold Beer & Country Music has been an incredible journey,” Top recently shared in a press release. “This album is a labor of love, a reflection of my roots and a celebration of the timeless spirit of country music.”

Top is currently on the road touring with Flatland Cavalry. He has a string of tour dates lined up this spring, including a three-show stretch in April supporting Brothers Osborne, followed by a supporting turn on Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again Tour. He’s also scheduled to perform at several festivals, including Under the Big Sky, St. Pat’s in Five Points and Two Step Inn.

The Ramona Flowers



The U.K.-based group notches its first Billboard chart entry with its breakout hit “Up All Night,” featuring the legendary Nile Rodgers. Released Oct. 22 on Distiller Records, the song debuts at No. 39 on Alternative Airplay (up 20% in plays). The track appears on the new soundtrack to the NBA 2K24 video game, alongside Burna Boy, Ice Spice, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne and more.

The quartet, which began in Bristol, has been recording and releasing music for over a decade, including three LPs: Dismantle and Rebuild (2014), Part Time Spies (2016) and Strangers (2018). The band has also released multiple EPs, most recently the five-track Hey You in May 2023. The Ramona Flowers is comprised of Dave Betts (keys, guitar), Steve Bird (vocals), Sam Dyson (guitar) and Ed Gallimore (drums).

Artemas



The up-and-comer lands his first Billboard chart hit with his viral track “If U Think I’m Pretty.” The song, which he self-released Oct. 24, debuted at No. 24 on the Jan. 20-dated Hot Alternative Songs chart and No. 39 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. On the latest Jan. 27 rankings, it ranks at Nos. 25 and 39, respectively, with 1.8 million streams (up 8%).

The song’s steady gains can be attributed to activity on TikTok, where the song has been used in over 100,000 clips to date. Artemas first released a snippet of the track in an Oct. 13 TikTok, which went viral. Artemas also released a grunge version of the track on Dec. 1, “Prettygrunge.wav,” which has also helped expand the song’s reach.

Artemas self-released his debut album I’m Sorry I’m Like This in 2022. He has released over a dozen songs on streaming services since.

Wilson Fairchild



The duo, comprised of cousins Langdon and Wil Reid, earns its first Billboard chart entry with its new third studio album Statler Made. The set, released Jan. 12 on Gaither Music Group, opens at No. 39 on Top Current Albums with 1,000 copies sold in its opening week. The pair concurrently starts at No. 22 on Emerging Artists.

Notably, Langdon’s father is Don Reid and Wil’s father is Harold Reid, the lead singer and bassist, respectively, of the Statler Brothers. The band has a legendary history on Billboard’s charts, tallying 66 hits on Hot Country Songs, and 39 albums on Top Country Albums. One of its biggest hit singles, “Flowers on the Wall,” reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 in 1966. The Statler Brothers are members of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Before Statler Made, Wilson Fairchild released Country On in 2012 and Songs Our Dads Wrote in 2017. The act originally performed under the name Grandstaff in the 1990s.