djfrosty

22 Feb 2023

Pink Talks ‘Trustfall,’ Trauma and Making It In The Music Industry

Pink is back in business with Trustfall, an album that’s at or en route to the top of the charts around the globe. And when she hits the road in support of it, you’ll know about it.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Everything in Alecia Moore’s world, it seems, is shiny and large, colorful. Pink, even. The Philly native is a total drawcard.

Her ninth and latest album, however, explores some of the tougher angles of life.

On Tuesday night (Feb. 21), Pink stopped by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, for an exploration of her music, family, courage and more.

Of her new LP and its title, she explains: “I feel like all of us are walking around sort of with this low level of trauma in our bodies and it takes a lot of trust to be human being these days, to get out of bed in the morning, go to work, and drop your kids off at school, and go to public places and participate in elections and have a vagina. It just takes a lot of trust.”

Not everything is shiny and colorful. “I know a lot of teenagers, also, I think a lot of people have anxiety, a lot of kids have anxiety, and a lot of us feel like we’re falling backwards. And we don’t know where the ground is now,” she says. “That’s a trustfall…you have to ask yourself, what’s worth falling for and who’s supposed to catch you, can you catch yourself.”

The pop superstar also discussed reuniting with Chris Stapleton on “Just Say I’m Sorry” (“it sounds dumb, but I just called him up. I am a fan”), collaborating with her own kids (no, they don’t want to follow her lead into showbiz), and the music industry (“I hate people who gave advice”).

And she shared her origin tale of the music biz, which began in the 1990s when Moore signed as a 16-year-old as part of an “absolutely terrible” group. The band was eventually shelved, but the fearless singer stepped up and out, signed a new contract at 17 and eventually released her own music to the world at age 20. “The business is very different now,” she explains.

Pink also performed “When I Get There,” lifted from Trustfall (Feb. 17), which dropped last Friday through RCA. Her Summer Carnival 2023 jaunt kicking off in late July followed by the TRUSTFALL arena tour starting Oct. 12 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.

Watch below:

21 Feb 2023

Stray Kids Release New Japanese Album ‘The Sound’: Stream It Now

After two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 in the last 10 months, Stray Kids have delivered another new project focused on the Japanese market.

Released the morning of Feb. 21 (Feb. 22 local time in Japan), The Sound marks Stray Kids’ first original Japanese full-length album. The 10-track record follows up two previous EPs that the boy band packaged for Japan with Circus from 2022 and All In from 2020. While those earlier EPs consisted of half or more remakes of their K-pop material, The Sound is a majority of original music.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Ahead of the full album today, several singles previewed the LP including “Scars” and “Thunderous (Japanese Version),” which were both originally released in 2021, “Case 143 (Japanese Version)” from 2022, and the rip-roaring title track “The Sound” from January, and rhythmic ballad “There” from Feb. 15, ahead of the full album today.

Demonstrating fan anticipation for the LP, the Kids took over the top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, powered by Twitter, dated Jan. 28, with the title track at No. 1, and the cuts “DLMLU,” “Novel,” “Battle Ground” and “Lost Me” at Nos. 2-5, respectively.

Two tracks from The Sound are on the Japan Hot 100 chart dated Feb. 18, 2023. After peaking at No. 14 last year, “Case 143” is at No. 78 for its 19th week on the chart. Meanwhile, “The Sound” is at No. 96 after debuting at No. 34 last week. So far, SKZ peaked at No. 2 on the Japan Hot 100 with “Scars” in 2021.

While Stray Kids’ most recent Korean albums have been able to top the Billboard 200 thanks to their wide availability in retail stores after signing with Republic Records, there’s no current indication that The Sound or any of the band’s other J-pop material will be made available in retail stores or via physical albums like other Korean bands (such as BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER) have previously done.

Looking ahead, Stray Kids will return stateside next month to make up the previously-postponed dates in Atlanta and Fort Worth as part of their Maniac World Tour, and hold their first-ever arena concerts in the U.S. for a pair of shows at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium on March 31 and April 2.

Stream Stray Kids’ The Sound here.

21 Feb 2023

KCON Sets 2023 Dates for U.S., Japan & Thailand: See Which Cities the K-Pop Festival Visits

After 2022 marked KCON’s in-person return following two years online, the world’s biggest K-pop festival has set 2023 dates for events in the U.S., Japan and Thailand in the coming months.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Once again, KCON will hold its flagship event in California with KCON 2023 Los Angeles between Aug. 18-20 at the Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center. Barring 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the West Coast iteration of the festival has been held throughout the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) and LA Convention Center since 2015, with 2023 marking its 10th time in the city’s famous L.A. Live campus.

Last year, KCON LA reported 90,000 fans attending across its three days of convention, panels, workshops meet-and-greets and concert activities headlined by artists like Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ITZY, The Boyz, Kep1er, TO1 and more.

After visiting Tokyo in October, KCON also revealed that it will return with its KCON 2023 Japan between May 18-20 at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba. The fest last visited the city for its two-day KCON Premiere Chiba event last year where K-pop boy band TO1 performed alongside J-pop acts like JO1 and INI. KCON 2022 Japan was held at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena with TO1, ATEEZ, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, fromis_9, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, Monsta X‘s Kihyun and more K-pop and J-pop acts performing.

KCON Los Angeles and Japan join the preciously announced KCON Thailand, taking place next month at the IMPACT Arena and IMPACT Exhibition Center throughout March 18-19 in Bangkok’s northern suburb of Muang Thong Thani. The festival has TO1, ATEEZ, Kep1er, JO1, BamBam, iKON,(G)I-DLE and more K-pop and J-pop acts scheduled to visit.

KCON followed up in a press release that each location would have “signature programming as well as content tailored for each region” and that KCON will be live streamed globally without regional limitations.

Despite increasing competition from new K-pop festival startups like last year’s KAMP and the upcoming We Bridge Music Festival & Expo, as well as more Korean artists appearing on long-running U.S. music fests like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Governor’s Ball, KCON has managed to keep its attendance and audience engagement strong for more than a decade now.

“KCON, which started out with an audience of 10,000 in 2012, has now grown into the world’s biggest K-culture festival,” said Kim Hyun-soo, Head of Live Entertainment Business at CJ ENM, in a statement. “This year, KCON will meet global fans in Thailand, Japan and the U.S., advancing the spread of K-pop and K-culture around the world.”

21 Feb 2023

Alejandro Fernández Showcases Mexican Pride With Back-to-Back Hits: Highlights From His Viña del Mar Set

Alejandro Fernández took the stage Tuesday (Feb. 21) at the Quinta Vergara for his highly anticipated performance at Chile’s Viña del Mar International Song Festival.

Accompanied by a live band that included mariachi and norteño musicians, the ranchera superstar — who wore an elegant black and gold charro suit — delivered an impressive performance where he belted out anthems such as “Tantita Pena,” “Estuve,” “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti” and “Mátalas.” Fernández received silver and gold gaviota trophies for his riveting 90-minute set. “Let’s celebrate, campeones (champs),” he said.

Here are some highlights from his Feb. 21 headlining set at Viña del Mar:

EL POTRILLO RETURNS TO VIÑA

“Chile, Viña,” he said at the beginning, vividly emotional as he made his return to Viña del Mar after last performing there in 2015. “Ahí te va charrito (here you go, charrito),” he added as he walked toward one side of a stage to give a little fan in the audience — who wore a charro outfit — a part of his very own suit. “I always feel great excitement to be on this stage, from the very first time I had the opportunity to be part of this important festival to this day. I promise to leave my soul and heart here. Let music always unite us. Viva Chile! Viva México!”

A SWOON-WORTHY PERFORMANCE

After more urban-leaning sets by Karol G and Tini on the first two days of Viña, Fernández brought romanticism to the festival. Occasionally blowing kisses to his fans — who would scream at the top of their lungs after one of his many charming gestures toward them — the charro sang the classics, or as he called them “viejitas pero bonitas,” that made it seem like the entire Quinta Vergara was either in love or going through a heartbreak that night. The crowd sang along in unison to “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti,” “Si Tu Supieras,” “Te Voy a Perder,” “Qué Voy a Hacer Con Mi Amor,” “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella,” “Me Dediqué a Perderte” and “Canta Corazón.”

NEW MATERIAL

The last time Fernández performed at Viña del Mar was eight years ago. “Every single time, the response from the Chile audience only gets bigger,” he said mid-set when he received the silver gaviota. Since he last performed there, he’s released new albums and new singles and he took this opportunity to play his new material, which included “Hecho En México,” “Caballero,” “Decepciones” and “Inexperto En Olvidarte.”

A TRIBUTE TO VICENTE FERNÁNDEZ

One of the most special moments of the night, and definitely a highlight, was when El Potrillo paid tribute to his father, the Mexican icon Vicente Fernández, who died in December 2021. “My father would be so happy to see the response I’ve gotten at Viña this year,” he said. “But, you know, I think he’s here with me. I feel him, he’s probably here on my shoulder.” He went on to perform a medley of Chente’s greatest hits, including “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” “Mujeres Divinas,” “Las Llaves de Mi Alma,” “De Qué Manera Te Olvido” and “El Rey.”

For the first time in its more than six-decade history, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival is being livestreamed in the United States, exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard’s YouTube channel, and via Twitter @Billboard. The six-day festival continues with Fito Páez on Feb. 22; Christina Aguilera on Feb. 23; and ending with Camilo on Feb. 24. All headliners will perform at 8 p.m. ET.

Find the rest of the week’s schedule below.

Wednesday, Feb. 22: Fito Páez

Thursday, Feb. 23: Christina Aguilera

Friday, Feb. 24: Camilo

21 Feb 2023

Nicki Minaj Is a Vision in Violet at Trinidad Carnival 2023

One thing about Nicki Minaj, she’s the baddest alive. She proved her “Super Freaky Girl” lyrics true when she rolled up to the 2023 Carnival in her home island of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday (Feb. 21).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In a series of photos posted to Instagram, the “Do We Have a Problem?” rapper wore a curve-hugging purple body suit styled by DiAndre Tristan, complete with beading down the chest in classic Mardi Gras colors. She added to her look with a beaded headpiece, fishnet tights, white sneakers and a huge pair of feathered wings. “Thank you to TRIBE for this gorgeous costume,” she captioned her colorful, celebratory Instagram post.

Last week, Minaj teamed up with Machel Montano and Destra for a remix of their single, “Shake the Place,” in which she reflected on her Caribbean roots. “Trinidad my country, the greatest carnival of all time,” she raps. “I’m reppin’ that red, that white, that black / I’m reppin’ my real flag,” she raps on the track.

“If you f$&@ with ISLAND GIRLS rep your flag for me in the comments. Trinidad CARNIVAL is about to #ShakeThePlace shake up di whole place,” she captioned an Instagram post revealing the remix on Feb. 18.

She followed up by showing off her other stunning looks while spending time down in Trinidad and Tobago, including one in which she’s rocking a tight pink corset with matching knee high boots, denim shorts, long wavy red hair and a blinged-out chain that says “Queen,” of course. See it here.

21 Feb 2023

Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival to Return in 2023 – With a Little Help from Amazon

After a four-year hiatus, long-running Seattle music festival Bumbershoot will return this Labor Day weekend — with help from e-commerce giant Amazon.

As announced Tuesday (Feb. 21) by new Bumbershoot producer New Rising Sun, the festival will return for its 50th edition on Sept. 2-3, 2023, and Amazon has agreed to underwrite presale tickets for this year’s edition to keep it affordable. The e-retailer will sponsor a special early bird $50 single-day ticket and $85 two-day general admission ticket — prices that are 50% lower than when the event was last held in 2019. Amazon has also announced plans to work with arts organization Third Stone to give out 5,000 tickets to area non-profits and community organizations.

First launched in 1971, Bumbershoot faced a double whammy in recent years thanks to declining ticket sales and attendance in the 2010s followed by three years of closure due to the pandemic.

Bumbershoot was previously produced by AEG Presents, which had agreed to produce the festival with Seattle non-profit festival production company One Reel beginning in 2014 to help cover the $1 million in debt One Reel had racked up and restore the event’s financial footing. In 2019, AEG Pacific Northwest vp Rob Thomas announced the company was not renewing its agreement, hinting at financial differences with One Reel. That same year, a barricade collapse at Bumbershoot injured four attendees.

One Reel executives announced plans to stage the festival in 2020, only to be stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, host venue the Seattle Center put out a new request for proposals for the event, with the winning bid going to New Rising Sun, a collective founded by Neumos co-owner Steven Severin, who now serves as Bumbershoot’s co-president & director of music programming; Vital 5 Productions founder Greg Lundgren, who serves as curator; and McCaw Hall general manager Joe Paganelli, who serves as producer.

“We heard from our community and took action — fulfilling our promise of affordability and inclusivity,” Severin said in a statement to Billboard. “When re-imagining our festival for this return, we examined everything through an arts lens and expanded upon what art is and can be. We look forward to sharing our vision this Labor Day weekend.” 

“As ticket prices steadily climb for concerts and events around the globe, we’re excited to support reduced and free ticket prices, creating opportunity for more of our community to enjoy the diversity of Seattle’s creative ecosystem, participate in Bumbershoot’s exciting education programs, and immerse themselves in the arts,” added Amazon senior vp/general counsel/secretary David Zapolsky.

Tickets go on sale Friday (Feb. 24) at 10:00 a.m. PT via bumbershoot.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as they are expected to sell quickly. A performer lineup will be announced at a later date.

21 Feb 2023

Kelly Clarkson Promises ‘Better Days’ Ahead With Dermot Kennedy Cover

Kelly Clarkson brought her usual positive energy to her eponymous talk show on Tuesday (Feb. 21), this time taking on Dermot Kennedy‘s upbeat ballad “Better Days” for her daily Kellyoke segment.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Backed by her My Band Y’all, the pop superstar performed an emotional rendition of the track, singing in the chorus, “I know you’ve been hurtin’ / Waitin’ on a train that just won’t come / The rain, it ain’t permanent / And soon, we’ll be dancin’ in the sun / We’ll be dancin’ in the sun.”

The track is featured on the 31-year-old Irish singer-songwriter’s 2022 album, Sonder. “I found the word ‘sonder’ a few years ago, the meaning being just the awareness that everybody is living a life just as important and as complex as your own,” he recently told Billboard of his sophomore LP’s title. “At that point, I didn’t really have any part of my life or career to attach it to, so it was just a word that I appreciated and it meant something to me.”

Clarkson’s daily mini-performances have become so popular since The Kelly Clarkson Show first began in 2019, she released an EP featuring recordings of six Kellyoke-ified songs over the summer. Her standout cover of Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night” was one of them, along with Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name” and more.

Watch Kelly Clarkson’s cover of Dermot Kennedy’s “Better Days” below.

21 Feb 2023

Logic ft. Lucy Rose “Wake Up,” Polo G ft. Future “No Time Wasted” & More | Daily Visuals 2.21.23

HipHopWired Featured Video
Wiz Khalifa & Logic Vinyl Verse Summer Tour 2022 - Atlanta, GA

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Last week Logic jumped back into the rap scene with the help of Jay and Silent Bob in his visuals to “Highlife,” and now the rapper from Maryland returns with some new work that’s sure to keep his fans heads boppin.’

Linking up with Lucy Rose for his visuals to “Wake Up,” Logic finds himself sitting in Latino household where a gun is the special prize inside of a cereal box and no one seems to be bothered by the fact that a white man is rapping up a storm in the middle of their living room. They must’ve thought he was taking a Census or something.

Elsewhere Polo G gets to balling and in his Future assisted clip to “No Time Wasted,” Polo takes to the football field to get his Friday Night Lights on as Future rocks a fur bucket hat and does his thing under the bleachers. Interesting hat nonetheless.

Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from Lotto featuring Lu Kala, Rican Da Menace featuring Moneybagg Yo, and more.

LOGIC FT. LUCY ROSE – “WAKE UP”



POLO G FT. FUTURE – “NO TIME WASTED”



LATTO FT. LU KALA – “LOTTERY”



RICAN DA MENACE FT. MONEYBAGG YO – “DUMB”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=1PA5RH1Rsf8&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

TROUBLE – “DA OTHER DAY”



LIL SKIES – “MAKE A TOAST”



IDK – “RADIOACTIVE”



SPIFFIE LUCIANO FT. BOOSIE BADAZZ – “BIGG DOGG”



REMA – “HOLIDAY”



RICH GREEDY – “LEVELING UP”



21 Feb 2023

The Best Wired Headphones for Music & More

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.

Wired headphones are back! Not that they ever truly left, but with so many wireless headphones and earbuds flooding the market, it’s not always easy to go against the grain.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

For the rebellious, nostalgia-loving techies who would trade the convenience of Bluetooth for the comfort of being tethered to a preferred listening device, we’ve rounded up a list of the best wired headphones that you can buy online. The headphones below are great for personal listening sessions, but they’re also useful for listening to podcasts and watching movies, TV and music videos from your smart phone, laptop, notebook or tablet. Below, find a list of seven of the best wired headphones to buy right now.

Amazon

Philips SHP9600 Wired, Over-Ear, Headphones, Comfort Fit, Open-Back 50 mm Neodymium Drivers (SHP9600/00) – Black

$64.99

Exceptional sound at a great price. These Phillips SHP9600 Hi-Fi Wired Headphones serve up a blend of quality and comfort. Outfitted with finely tuned 50mm drivers, these open-back, over-ear headphones deliver powerful sound and exception bass making them perfect for immersing yourself in your favorite songs. The headphones include a detachable cable that measures three meters long.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 559

$99.95 $79.95 -25% off% OFF

With its attractive contemporary design, Sennheiser’s HD 559 wired headphones offer an optimal mix of performance and durability. The HD 500 series headphones features Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology, which includes the “Ergonomic acoustic refinement” (E.A.R.) design that delivers sound directly to your ears. A detachable 3m cable with a 6.3-mm plug are included with the headphones. Sennheiser’s HD 5602 wired headphones are on sale at Best Buy.

Amazon

Sony MDR1AM2 Wired High Resolution Audio Overhead Headphones, Black (MDR-1AM2/B)

$248.00 $299.99 17% OFF

You can’t miss with Sony. The MDR-1AM2 wired headphones deliver studio-quality, full-precision sound and high-resolution audio. Couple that with a lightweight design and soft cushioned ear pads to listen to music, watch movies and more for hours on end. Want an even cheaper option? Check out the Sony ZX Wired on-Ear Headphones for $10, or the MDR ZX11ONC Over-Ear Headphones ($49.99). If you’re willing to go even pricier, try Sony’s MDR-Z1R Signature Series Premium Over Ear Headphones ($1,549).

Amazon

Amazon

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable

$149.00

You may have spotted Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wearing Audio Technica headphones on And Just Like That.  Equipped with a detachable cable and comfortable ear cushions, the Audio Technica’s M50X wired headphones offer fantastic sound clarity (throughout an extended frequency range) with deep, accurate bass response, and superb sound isolation.

Denon

Denon AH1-D1200

$89.99 $149 40% off% OFF

These artfully designed, wired headphones are similar to options from Sony and Sennheiser, Available in black and white (pictured), Denon’s AH0D-1200 headphones feature an ergonomic construction with memory foam ear cups with a faux leather headband, 50mm drivers and a 5-40,00 Hz frequency response. And if you need more convincing, they’re currently on sale for $99 (regular $150).

Amazon

JVC HAS180 Lightweight Powerful Bass Headphones – Black

$16.90 $27.95 40% OFF

If you’re looking for something ultra–cheap, you can get a decent pair of JVC wired headphones for just $15. These headphones are also good for kids since they’re so affordable. Looking for another budget-friendly alternative at the same price point? Test out these JLab Audio Studio Wired On-Ear Headphones ($15.99).

Walmart

Skullcandy Riff Wired On-Ear Headphones with Mic

$17.99

Skullcandy’s Riff Wired On-Ear Headphones won’t break your budget, plus they come highly recommended according to hundreds of customer reviews. No need to worry about charging of course, the wired headphones are compatible with any device with a 3.5mm audio jack. Lightweight with ultra-soft, padded ear cups, these headphones great for extended listening sessions. And the foldable design means that they’re perfect for traveling. There’ also a one-touch option that lets you switch from listening to music to answering the phone and you can get them in several colors including black, blue and green. If you’d rather have earbuds, Apple’s Earbuds and JLab Audio Neon’s headphones are a safe bet for under $20. If you’re not interested in Apple, check out these Sony Wired Extra Bass in-Ear Headphones, the Phillips Wired Earbuds ($20) or 1More Triple Driver Wired in-Ear Headphones ($79.99).

21 Feb 2023

Los Bukis, Maná, Gloria Trevi & More to Headline Bésame Mucho 2023

Following the inaugural edition of Bésame Mucho in Los Angeles last December, the music festival announced on Tuesday (Feb. 21) the lineup for its second edition.

With headliners Maná, Los Bukis and Gloria Trevi, Bésame will return to Dodger Stadium as a one-day event on Dec. 2. Like last year, it will consist of stages representing different genres. Rock, classics and pop will get their own stage again.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The “Rockero Stage” will feature sets by artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, La Ley, Ska-P, Aterciopelados and Maldita Vecindad. The “Las Clásicas Stage” roster includes Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Conjunto Primavera. Meanwhile, the “Te Gusta El Pop?” stage’s lineup includes Reik, Camila, Belinda, Emmanuel and Jesse & Joy. Returning artists from last year include Café Tacvba, Hombres G, Enanitos Verdes, Ramon Ayala and Banda El Recodo.

Last year, the inaugural Bésame Mucho festival edition sold out in 12 minutes, according to sources, when the 2000s-inspired lineup was announced. At the actual event, thousands of fans had to sprint across the stadium’s parking lot to catch whichever act was on their must-see list. The literal back-to-back sets were 35-50 minutes in length, which fans weren’t too crazy about, especially with technical difficulties that impacted the sound leaving artists to deal with the situation onstage and, ultimately, left them with a shorter set. This year’s lineup isn’t as packed as last year, which could lead to more efficient set transitions and overall production quality.

Tickets for Bésame Mucho 2023 will go on sale Friday, Feb. 24 at 10am PT.