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13 Apr 2023

Lady Gaga Named Co-Chair of President Biden’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

The White House announced on Thursday (April 13) that President Joe Biden has tapped Lady Gaga to co-chair his Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Mother Monster will share her position as co-chair of the committee with Hollywood producer and Oscar winner Bruce Cohen, while the likes of Kerry Washington, Jon Batiste, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Troy Kotsur, Shonda Rhimes, Marta Kauffman and more will join them as committee members.

“Welcome newly appointed members of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, led by @BruceCohen83 and @ladygaga!” the official committee Twitter account shared. “We look forward to partnering to positively impact the arts, libraries, museums, and humanities work across the country.”

Gaga retweeted the news of her appointment, writing, “Thank you @POTUS @PCAHgov,” and her Little Monsters’ reactions ranged from patriotic and proud to hilariously confused. “President Stefani Germanotta,” one tweeted alongside a photo of the singer making her grand entrance at President Biden’s inauguration, where she sang the national anthem. Meanwhile, another gleefully admitted, “I don’t know what this means but slay.”

The PCAH was created by executive order in 1982 and, according to a release, functions to “advise the President on cultural policy” in order to “enhance federal support for the arts, humanities, and museum and library services.”

Read the announcement from the White House and Gaga’s reaction below.

13 Apr 2023

Carrie Underwood, Tyler Hubbard & More Lead With Empathy at Covenant School Memorial Concert

Just over two weeks after the Nashville community was shaken by a school shooting at The Covenant School that took the lives of three children and three school staff members, several from Nashville’s music community gathered for an evening of healing through music at “A Night of Joy: Celebrating The Covenant School”

Hosted by author Annie F. Downs, the event was held on Wednesday (April 12) at Belmont University’s The Fisher Center, with all proceeds benefitting The Covenant School’s staff, students and families.

Carrie Underwood was one of many artists who gathered that night to support and love The Covenant School community, and contributed a pitch-perfect rendition of her Grammy-winning hit “Something in the Water.”

“I’m Carrie and I had no idea what I was going to sing tonight, but it is a night of joy and I wanted [one of the] most joyful songs I had,” Underwood told the crowd. “If you know it, sing along, and if you don’t, sing something and make a joyful noise.”

Belmont University alumnus Tyler Hubbard performed “Real Life Heroes,” a song he had written three weeks ago, just days prior to the school shooting. The song is a tribute to all kinds of everyday heroes, from military members to farmers to teachers. As soon as Hubbard finished the first chorus with the line, “There are some real-life heroes in this town,” the crowd became fervent in its agreement.

Hubbard dedicated the song to “staff, teachers, first responders, parents, friends, family — anyone who has played a part in healing. There are a lot of heroes in this room tonight.”

Husband and wife duo The War and Treaty earned the first standing ovation of the evening. With only the accompaniment of a piano, Michael and Tanya Trotter wowed the crowd with their superb vocals on “Up Yonder,” while Tanya’s powerful, elegant rendering of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” ushered the crowd to their feet.

Another thunderous standing ovation quickly followed when Downs told the crowd that there were first responders in attendance.

During their performance, Caleb and Will Chapman of Nashville-based rock band Colony House revealed that they were both former students of the late Katherine Koonce, Covenant’s head of school who was one of the six victims killed in the shooting.

“She encouraged us to tell our story,” said lead singer Caleb, before introducing the song “Moving Forward.” “This was written during a heavy time for our family,” he said. He soon welcomed the brothers’ father, CCM luminary Steven Curtis Chapman, to the stage. As Chapman acknowledged the evening as “a night we wish was not happening,” he also spoke of Koonce’s kindness, courage and love, before performing his 1997 release, “Not Home Yet.”

Also among the performers were country trio Lady A (performing “I Run to You”), Matt Maher (“The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours)” and “Lord I Need You”), Thomas Rhett (“Be a Light”), Sixpence None the Richer (“Kiss Me”), Mat Kearney (“Nothing Left to Lose”), Ben Rector (“Thank You”), Dave Barnes (“God Gave Me You”), The Warren Brothers (a rendition of “Anyway,” a hit for Martina McBride) and Chris Tomlin (“Good, Good Father”). Also on the bill were songwriters Sandra McCracken, Luke Laird and Brett Taylor, as well as a performance from Dwan Hill, Jasmine Mullen and Sarah Kroger.

The audience also featured few surprise guests; rock singer Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl took to the stage, offering their support to the Covenant School community, and introduced a performance from Thomas Rhett.

Before Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor performed the group’s 2004 hit “Wagon Wheel,” he told the crowd how Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Acuff’s name was scratched into his violin. He told the crowd that after March 27, he took a pin and scratched in additional names—the names of the Covenant School shooting victims, including Evelyn Dieckhaus, Mike Hill, William Kinney, Koonce, Cynthia Peak and Hallie Scruggs. He then dedicated the song’s third verse to each of the victims and for a few moments, the crowd joined in with a lighthearted, wall-to-wall singalong inside The Fisher Center.

Drew Holcomb and Ellie Holcomb also performed “Family,” as Ellie offered “a reminder that the light is always stronger than the darkness.” Drew added, “We have all been so inspired by how much you love each other and let others into your grief and your story. I’ve never ben so proud to be from Nashville than the past two weeks.”

Singer-songwriter and The Highwomen member Natalie Hemby was joined by fellow singer-songwriter Trent Dabbs. Downs noted that Hemby was among those who organized the “A Night of Joy” event. “She was one of the first ones asking, ‘How can we help?’ Downs said.

Hemby, with Dabbs’ guitar accompaniment, performed a rendition of “Rainbow,” a song recorded by Kacey Musgraves, which Hemby co-wrote with Shane McAnally and Musgraves.

Meanwhile, Hemby spoke of her relationship with Peak, whom Hemby recalled had given her swimming lessons as a child and was also a math tutor. “Cynthia was such an amazing human being…I remember swimming with her and I did the backstroke more than the frontstroke, because I could look up at the sky. I remember her having her hand underneath me, guiding me along and I feel like she was that kind of person, always.”

Hemby added, “When we found out she was gone, I immediately felt sad. But I also felt this incredible peace, because I know where that woman is.”

13 Apr 2023

Charley Pride Joins 3 Other Country Legends in Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk

Ryman Auditorium in Nashville unveiled the latest addition to its Icon Walk on Thursday (April 13) – a bronze statue honoring Charley Pride. Pride’s statue joins likenesses of Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe and Little Jimmy Dickens.

All four artists are in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Monroe, often called the father of bluegrass music, has also been voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an early influence. In 1971, Pride became the first Black artist to win the CMA Award for entertainer of the year. The following year, Lynn became the first woman to win that top award.

The Icon Walk was created as a way to honor those who have made significant contributions to the historic venue and to Nashville.

Rozene Pride, the singer’s widow (they were married for more than 60 years), and their son Dion Pride attended the unveiling.

“He has often been called the Jackie Robinson of country music,” Rozene shared. “The only difference was Jackie Robinson was picked for the role. Pride picked country music because he loved it and that was his life.”

“He loved his fans – in fact, his fans drove him,” Dion added. “All of you drove him. You are the reason why he was the success he was. Everything he did was for you.”

“Charley Pride broke barriers and defied stereotypes, becoming one of the most successful and beloved country music artists of all time,” said Ryman Hospitality Properties executive chairman Colin Reed.

Visitors can find Pride’s statue at the northwest corner of the building next to the likenesses of Lynn and Monroe. Dickens’ statue stands atop the Ryman’s main steps, greeting ticket holders and tour-takers as they arrive. Artist Ben Watts, who created the three previous statues, also did the honors on Pride’s statue.

Charley Pride

A general view of the bronze, life-sized Charley Pride statue at Ryman Auditorium on April 12, 2023 in Nashville.

Jason Davis/GI

Pride amassed 29 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart (now called Hot Country Songs), from “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” in August 1969 to “Night Games” in September 1983. His longest-running No. 1 (five weeks) was 1971’s “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” a crossover hit that helped Pride land back-to-back CMA Awards for male vocalist of the year in 1971 and 1972. Pride is also a three-time Grammy winner and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Pride is credited with helping break color barriers by becoming country music’s first Black superstar. His influence was seen in the ACM Awards nominations, announced today, in which Kane Brown is nominated for entertainer of the year and male artist of the year, and the Americana duo The War & Treaty is nominated for duo of the year.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride received the CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2020.

Barely a month later, on Dec. 12, 2020, Pride died at the age of 86 from complications due to COVID-19. In 2021, CMT celebrated his life and impact with CMT Giants: Charley Pride.

13 Apr 2023

Pete Davidson Unveils Star-Studded ‘Bupkis’ Trailer Featuring Joe Pesci, Machine Gun Kelly & More

Pete Davidson is giving a glimpse into his life as Hollywood’s most normal celebrity (with big d— energy) in his upcoming Peacock series, Bupkis. The comedian joined Charlamagne Tha God on The Breakfast Club on Thursday (April 13) to discuss his new project and unveil the jam-packed trailer.

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“It’s, I guess, a Yiddish or Jewish term meaning whatever or nothing. My grandpa used to say it all the time growing up, so we just thought it was a nice title,” Davidson said of the decision to name the show Bupkis. “He’s a big fan of TV and film, and he got a kick out of it. I also thought it looks cool on a t-shirt.”

The show, which Davidson revealed is three years in the making, features a jaw-dropping cast including Charlamagne himself, Joe Pesci, Machine Gun Kelly, Ray Romano, Edie Falco, Kenan Thompson, Charlie Day, Sebastian Stan, Cam’ron, Jadakiss, John Mulaney, Eli Manning, Steve Buscemi, Method Man and many, many more. Davidson’s real-life girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders also makes an appearance in the upcoming Peacock series.

Pesci, who seems to play Davidson’s mentor in the newly released trailer, was a serendipitous casting thanks to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who is producing Bupkis. “We had an actor attached to play this role, and he backed out at the last second and I didn’t know what to do,” Davidson recalled. “I called Lorne and Lorne’s a wizard and he was like ‘What about Pesci?’ I was like, ‘How? Why would you say it like that?’ The guys only done The Irishman in the last 30 years. He was like, ‘You know, all he’s waiting for is a good part.’ Then, I met with him and we kind of hit it off.”

As for what the show is about, Davidson couldn’t really explain. “My favorite shows are The Sopranos, It’s Always Sunny [in Philadelphia], I love Curb [Your Enthusiasm], I love Everybody Loves Raymond and I tried to mix all those together and I cast half of the people that were in those shows anyway,” he said. “I’m such a fan of the people we got to work with. It’s such a good time.”

Watch the full interview with Davidson below, with the trailer beginning at the 8:15 mark. Bupkis will be available to stream on Peacock starting on May 4, just two days before the comedian returns to Saturday Night Live — this time as host — on May 6.

13 Apr 2023

5SOS Talk Live Album, The Weeknd Teases New Music, Coachella Headliners, & More | Billboard News

The guys of 5 Seconds of Summer chatted with Billboard News’ Rania Aniftos to talk through recording their Royal Albert Hall show, working with their musical idols and more. The Weeknd has been teasing his fans all week on social media with clips of him in the studio with Mike Dean for ‘The Idol’ and a mention of a potential Coachella appearance and more!

13 Apr 2023

How Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Ended Up Composing Their First Score for Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’

Since being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis have logged a few more milestones.

The Grammy Award-winning songwriting/production duo, who got their start in Minneapolis, returned to their former stomping ground to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Minnesota Twins’ home opener on April 7. Jam also pumped out two made-in-Minneapolis hits on the ballpark’s organ: Janet Jackson’s “Escapade” and The Time’s “Jungle Love.” Prior to that, the pair composed their first-ever score for Onyx Collective’s hit Hulu series UnPrisoned. Hollywood Records is releasing the show’s soundtrack on Friday.

“We’d been approached numerous times about scoring for television or film, but the stars never quite aligned until this project,” says Jam. “It’s always fun to find things we haven’t done in our careers, and this definitely checks that box.”

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UnPrisoned, which premiered March 10, stars the series’ executive producers Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. A dramedy that unfolds in eight half-hour episodes, the series chronicles the life upheaval that occurs for a messy-but-perfectionist relationship therapist/single mom when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son. Yvette Lee Bowser (TV’s Living Single) serves as the showrunner for UnPrisoned, inspired by the life of the show’s creator and executive producer Tracy McMillan.

Unprisoned

Unprisoned

Hollywood Records

The upcoming UnPrisoned soundtrack features 25 score cues, all written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. In an interview with Billboard, Jam shared a few more sound bites about his and Lewis’ scoring adventure, new recording projects with Yolanda Adams and others, plus the follow-up to the pair’s 2021 debut studio album Jam & Lewis: Volume One.

Why they chose this particular project: In this case, it was who was doing the asking, as much as what the ask was. Our friend Yvette Lee Bowser, who actually cast us in our acting debut on her [2002] TV show Half & Half, was making the ask, so that already was a tentative yes. Then she mentioned that show creator Tracy McMillan was from Minneapolis and wanted the show to have that authentic Minneapolis sound attached. So that was another yes. Then the fact that it starred Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo and was part of the Onyx Collective sealed the deal.

Seeking advice beforehand: Besides Yvette, who always gives us good advice, Dawn Soler, head of music for Disney, literally held our hands and guided us through the process. During the first Zoom we had with the whole music team, someone made the comment, “Just do whatever you guys always do.” We laughed and said, “Actually, we haven’t ever done this.” We also got great help from our music supervisor Morgan Rhodes, who introduced us to great music. Frank Ciampi helped arrange and mix our cues to sonically work in the show and music editor Jessica Harrison made everything fit timing-wise. The entire creative team was a dream team who made our experience great. The very first music you hear on the opening episode is “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” by Janet Jackson featuring Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell, which I believe is the first time it’s ever been licensed for television.

The easiest and most difficult part of transitioning into scoring: Production-wise when we turn a song in for a record, in our minds the song is done. The hardest part of the transition was realizing it’s not done until it works against picture and that less is more. I remember with one of the first cues we scored, we filled it with tons of synths when all it really needed was a beat. The notes from the studio were basically to stay out of the way of the dialogue. We also realized that having musical options to choose from were good. So we would do a few different versions to get feedback on what worked best. The theme was unique in that it’s different in each episode, but it’s really just built on what we call “3 Notes.” The chance to do something musically innovative with rich, deep characters was very attractive. The songwriting was actually very similar to working with a recording artist. The characters inspire the songs and the sonics. For Lindo’s Edwin character, we used a lot of acoustic bass when you see him because it felt very cool like his character. For Washington’s character Paige, we used little girl sonics like a music box and bell sounds. So even though she’s now a grown-up with her own son, you could relate to her as a little girl, which was important in establishing her relationship with her unprisoned dad.

When fans can expect the follow-up to Jam & Lewis: Volume One: We’re currently working on Jam & Lewis: Volume Two as we speak. But we still have a few surprises and releases related to Volume One that we think our fans will enjoy. Continuing the theme of things we hadn’t done yet, Sony Japan just released a new album we produced by a Japanese artist named LMYK titled Desserts. Her current single “Without Love” is the end title to the anime series Vinland Saga, which is currently streaming on Netflix. We just released a new Stokley single from his album Sankofa; “Verbalize: Jeopardy” featuring Snoop Dogg was most added last week. Then we’re finishing up a project with Yolanda Adams that’s incredible, healing and needed with where we’re at in society right now. We’re also big on what we call the “hang factor,” meaning we enjoy the company even if we’re not working. So we’ve been hanging recently with folks like New Edition, SZA and Charlie Puth. We’ll see if anything comes out of it besides the fun that we’re definitely into.

13 Apr 2023

5 Seconds of Summer Talk ‘Immortalizing’ Their Music With Orchestral Live Album, Give Advice to New Bands

5 Seconds of Summer reimagined and brought a heightened sense of emotion to their expansive discography last year, when they performed a number of hits backed by a string orchestra and gospel choir at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London.

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For those who were unable to catch the captivating show in person, the four-piece group gifted fans with the announcement that they will be releasing a studio version of the performance, titled The Feeling of Falling Upwards – Live From the Royal Albert Hall, digitally on Friday (April 14).

“We started out as a live band. Our live performances are the best representation of what we had to offer,” bassist Calum Hood tells Billboard of 5SOS’ decision to release their concert as a live album.

Guitarist Michael Clifford agreed, adding, “We came off stage and we were like, that was probably one of the best shows we’ve ever played in our whole lives. Immortalizing it with this album is going to be special, not only for us but also the people who weren’t there.”

Singer Luke Hemmings, who loved the word “immortalized” for the album concept, joked with a laugh, “5SOS Immortalized: The Live Show is definitely the title here.”

The Feeling of Falling Upwards includes reimagined versions of 17 songs from their decade-long careers, plus new songs from their freshly released fifth studio album 5SOS5. “For some of the older songs, it was a bit emotional,” Hemmings shared, mentioning “Outer Space/Carry On” off the group’s sophomore album, Sounds Good Feels Good. “We’ve played it live before, but not like this […] it really leveled up. That’s a song we don’t ever play live and we probably won’t ever again because we won’t play be able to play it as good as we did at the show.”

While riding the nostalgia wave, 5 Second of Summer also pondered the evolution of bands in today’s music industry, with drummer Ashton Irwin noting that the skillset is the biggest difference between past groups and emerging ones. “I think of bands now as mixed media groups, really,” he explains. “It’s not really a guitar, drummer, bassist, singer. It’s more like graphic designer, marketing guy, dude who is good at business and really good top liner.”

“I’ve never looked at it like that,” Hood replies with a laugh.

Hemmings concluded by giving some advice to up-and-coming rock bands, encouraging them to focus on the “basics” of their musicality. “A group or artist’s career will have ebbs and flows, and I feel like if you can rely on whatever your thing is — whether you’re a singer, keyboard player, writer or producer — being able to fall back on those staple ingredients will get you through anything,” he shares. “That’s always been important for us when we have to figure stuff out. We always have these tools to fall back on.”

The group, who is set to go on tour this summer, also shared their Live From the Royal Albert Hall performance of “Youngblood” exclusively with Billboard, in which they sing a slowed down, cinematic version of their 2018 album’s title track, with a haunting string section amplifying the chorus.

Watch it below.

13 Apr 2023

Tim McGraw Forms Media Company Down Home to Partner With Film/TV Studios & Brands

Singer-songwriter-actor Tim McGraw is expanding his business ventures with a new entertainment, media and marketing company called Down Home. The Nashville-based firm is a collaborative effort between McGraw, his management company EM.Co and social content studio Shareability.

EM.Co’s Brian Kaplan, also a co-founder of Down Home, will serve as chief strategy officer, while Shareability founder and Down Home co-founder Tim Staples will serve as CEO. The venture is aimed at connecting McGraw’s country music audience with Hollywood and brands by producing film, TV and digital media “that focuses on relatable stories that capture the essence and spirit of everyday Americans,” according to a press release.

Down Home has secured a private investment deal with Nashville-based TriScore Entertainment and The Laurel Group, a boutique merchant bank that continues to advise the company.

At launch, Down Home has an investment and first-look deal in place with Skydance Media. Under the agreement, Skydance will develop film and television projects with Down Home, in addition to channeling IP and other material to the company. Down Home currently has two scripted series in development with Skydance, with plans for additional features and animation. Skydance founder/CEO David Ellison will serve on the Down Home board.

Down Home additionally plans to establish a social content studio to nurture Nashville’s emerging talent, fostering connections across music, sports, entertainment and brands.

“Country music has always been about storytelling,” McGraw said in a statement. “Our stories are honest vignettes of life and family and community. I think there’s a longing for that. For me, that’s Down Home. That’s how I grew up, those are the stories I like to tell, and that’s what I want our company to be about.”

Ellison added, “Tim McGraw is an outstanding artist and entertainer. He is truly gifted at telling stories across mediums that deeply connect with the audience and has built an unmatched community of fans around the world. We are thrilled to partner with him, Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan, and everyone at Down Home as they have created a dedicated infrastructure to tell stories across film, TV, and music, to fulfill a massive demand for authentic, inspiring stories.”

“From 1883 to Friday Night Lights, or songs like ‘Humble and Kind’, Tim McGraw knows how to connect with this audience in a way that can be really powerful for both Hollywood and brands,” said Staples.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the next chapter in Nashville’s evolution in empowering artists and visionaries to create a new hub for storytelling that combines talent, passion, and innovation,” Kaplan added.

McGraw was represented in the transaction by EM.Co’s Scott Siman and Kelly Clague. He continues his long-time affiliation with CAA.

13 Apr 2023

Lizzo Fans Clap Back at Candace Owens for Body Shaming: ‘Size Has Nothing to Do With Beauty’

Candace Owens took aim at Lizzo‘s appearance this week, and the pop star’s fans stepped in to defend her from the firebrand’s body-shaming commentary.

The drama started when the conservative author blasted Lizzo for posting a nearly nude photo of herself on social media, writing, “If you peep comments on any of Lizzo’s ‘fat acceptance’ photos, you will undoubtedly find a score of batsh– insane women telling her that she looks beautiful. Men do not lie to other men in this way. They do not pretend that clinical obesity is beauty.”

Naturally, Lizzo’s loyal fandom didn’t take kindly to Owens’ inflammatory and unkind rhetoric — in the preceding tweet, she also accused women of “supporting their own eradication via support for ‘trans men’” — and surged onto social media to clap back.

“Not Candace Owens calling Lizzo insecure???!!!!!” one replied while a second wrote, “I was having a good day until this popped up in my feed.”

Others more openly pushed back against Owens’ statements, commenting, “The point is about acceptance and love. Words you seem to have difficulty embracing in your life” and “But size has nothing to do with beauty. Lizzo is beautiful.”

While Lizzo hasn’t directly responded to Owens, she’s currently using her platform in partnership with the Dove Self-Esteem Project to combat the negative impact of harmful beauty standards across social media. “I DONT NEED SOCIAL MEDIA…SOCIAL MEDIA NEEDS ME,” she shared on Twitter and Instagram hours after Owens’ rude remarks went viral.

13 Apr 2023

John Green Found Out His Taylor Swift Album Era & He Doesn’t Agree

Amid Taylor Swift‘s The Eras tour trek, Swifties have been revealing which of the superstar’s album “eras” their lives are reflecting at the moment. Author John Green joined in on the fun this week, when he used a TikTok filter to determine his life’s musical inspiration.

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“So one thing about me is that I know what Taylor Swift era I’m in. It’s something I spent a lot of time thinking about but let’s see if this is correct,” the Fault in Our Stars author says, as the filter ultimately lands on Swift’s 2020 album Folklore.

Green disagreed, noting that he currently relates to Swift’s vengeful, sexy Reputation album. “Right now, I’m in my Reputation era, but when I grow up a little bit, I’d like to get to my Folklore era. That is where I hope I’m headed, but it’s not where I am at now,” he concluded.

Swift’s The Eras tour is taking over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., for three consecutive nights this weekend, before she takes the week off and heads over to Houston, Texas for three more nights next weekend.

See Green’s album eras discussion below.