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A trio of in-depth environmental impact reports are set to be presented for the first time each at next week’s Music Sustainability Summit in Los Angeles.
Representatives from MIT will be at the event to present their Live Music Emissions in the UK and US report, a comprehensive study of the live music industry’s carbon footprint.
The report aims to create a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between live music and climate change, identify primary areas where the industry and concert goers can make tangible improvements to reduce emissions and provide analysis of the latest developments in green technology and sustainable practices. This study has been co-funded and supported by Warner Music Group, Live Nation and Coldplay.
Additionally, Madeline Weir, director of impact at REVERB will present the longstanding organization’s Concert Travel Study, which highlights concert travel — one of the largest sources of live music-related emissions — and shows how the broad music community can address it through collective action. This report is based on insights from more than 35,000 fans at over 400 shows and offers practical, scalable solutions to create more sustainable concerts.
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Finally, representatives from sustainability programs at Columbia University will present a report analyzing current practices, surveying the regulatory landscape and identifying challenges and opportunities related to implementing sustainability practices in venues. An accompanying toolkit will offer tips on how venues can integrate sustainability into their business operations. This report was done in partnership with the Music Sustainability Alliance, with support from OVG and AEG.
The second annual Music Sustainability Summit happens on April 15 at Solotech Studios in Los Angeles. The day-long gathering will offer a robust schedule featuring talks, panel discussions, networking opportunities, performances and more. See the complete program here.
Passes for the Summit are available here. Billboard is the official media sponsor of the event.
“Providing a platform for our partners to present their research at MSS25 is about turning knowledge into momentum,” says Amy Morrison, CEO and Co-founder of the Music Sustainability Alliance. “Whether it’s fan travel, venue operations, or the emissions footprint of live music, these studies help identify where the biggest challenges and the greatest opportunities exist. At MSA, we’re here to ensure the industry has the tools and insights it needs to lead on climate.”
Four-time ACM Awards nominee and three-time CMA Triple Play winner Ernest has teamed with rap superstar Snoop Dogg for the new song “Gettin’ Gone.”
The song marks the first release from an upcoming project on Ernest’s newly-minted DeVille Records, which he launched in partnership with Big Loud Records. “Gettin’ Gone” was written by Ernest, Snoop Dogg, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and Mark Holman, with production by Jacob Durrett.
The song embodies a hybrid of captivating melodic hooks and a solidly driving, folk-rock honky-tonk sound, creating the preview for what fans can expect from the expansive sounds on Ernest’s upcoming Cadillac Sessions mixtape-style compilation, out May 9. The set will highlight two new original songs and a cover song from DeVille Records artists Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford.
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Leaning into the song’s good-time vibes, the video for “Gettin’ Gone” highlights the camaraderie between the two creative forces, featuring Snoop Dogg and Ernest driving around Nashville in Ernest’s Cadillac DeVille, as well as footage of the pair outside of Williamson County, Tennessee’s Castle Recording Studios, where “Gettin’ Gone” was produced.
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Over the past few years, Ernest has steadily been forging a reputation as a multi-faceted hitmaker and industry kingpin, notching his own hit songs such as “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls” (both featuring Morgan Wallen), as well as his work penning hits for artists including Wallen, Post Malone, Kane Brown, Diplo, Chris Lane and Florida Georgia Line. He also launched the music publishing venture ERN’s Cadillac Music in 2023.
This isn’t Snoop’s first time in the country space — the rap legend recently teamed with rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll for “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” which flips the Tom Petty classic “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” The pair introduced the song last year during Jelly Roll’s headlining show at Bridgestone Arena. Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg made a surprise performance at Nashville venue Losers Bar and Grill, and more recently made his own imprint on downtown Nashville with the the new bar, Still G.I.N. Lounge by Dre and Snoop, on 2nd Avenue in Nashville.
Check out the video for “Gettin’ Gone” below:
The Association of Independent Music Publishers celebrated the work, successes and creativity of Nashville’s independent music publishers and songwriters on Tuesday evening (April 8) during the AIMP Nashville Country Awards held at Marathon Music Works. The evening awarded winners in eight categories.
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Hosted by media personality Storme Warren, the event saw many of Nashville’s songwriting and publishing elites gather to fete top songs, songwriters, artists and publishers. Rising artist-writer of the year and artist of the year nominees and winners, both past and present, paid homage to various tunes that have previously won the song of the year category.
2025 AIMP Nashville Awards
Kayla Schoen
HARDY performed the Little Big Town-recorded “Girl Crush,” Jordan Davis sang Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Hailey Whitters offered a rendition of Midland’s “Drinkin’ Problem” and Carly Pearce performed Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow.” Lee Brice performed the Maren Morris hit “The Bones,” while Jackson Dean performed Brice’s “One of Them Girls.” Old Dominion sang Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in My Boots,” while Ashley McBryde sang Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave.” Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne teamed up to perform Davis’s hit “Next Thing You Know.”
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The evening also included a tender video tribute to the late Warner Chappell Music Nashville president/CEO Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.
Wrensong Entertainment’s Ree Guyer said in a statement, “What a magical night celebrating the Nashville independent community of writers and publishers. There was an undeniable sense of community in the room. Thank you to my amazing awards committee, who worked incredibly hard to bring this night to life.”
2025 AIMP Nashville Awards
Kayla Schoen
See the list of this year’s winners and nominees below:
Rising songwriter of the year:
*7 nominees (because of a tie)Abram Dean – Independently published by Concord Music PublishingWINNER: Jon Decious – Independently published by OneRiot, ReservoirLalo Guzman – Independently published by SMACKSongsWyatt McCubbin – Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Tape Room MusicSteve Moakler – Independently published by Creative NationDaniel Ross – Independently published by Big Machine MusicChandler Walters – Independently published by Ern’s Cadillac Music, Big Loud Publishing
Rising artist writer of the year:
George Birge – Independently published by Big Machine MusicLaci Kaye Booth – Independently published by Big Machine MusicDylan Marlowe – Independently published by Play It Again Music, Relative Music GroupVincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music PublishingWINNER: Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob MusicTucker Wetmore – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Artist-writer of the year:
Ashley Cooke – Independently published by Back Blocks Music, Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem EntertainmentJackson Dean – Independently published by Little Louder MusicERNEST – Independently published by Big Loud PublishingHARDY – Independently published by Relative Music GroupCarly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Song champion of the year:
WINNER: Courtney Allen – Sr. Director, A&R, Concord Music PublishingGreg Gallo – VP, Creative, ReservoirShannan Hatch – SVP, Creative, SESACMaryAnn Keen – Director, Creative, BMI NashvilleSara Knabe – SVP, A&R, Big Loud MusicMelissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Publisher pick of the year:“Casseroles” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and James Slater; Independently published by Concord Music PublishingPerformed by Hailey WhittersWINNER: “Hell Is A Dance Floor” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel; Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing Performed by Vincent Mason“Killed A Man” written by Joe Fox, Geoff Warburton, and Jimi Bell; Independently published by Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music Publishing, Worktape Music Performed by Post Malone“Made In The USA” written by Ben Stennis, Emily Falvey, and Adam James; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Kobalt Music Publishing, Young Guns Publishing Performed by Cody Johnson“Midwest Rock & Roll” written by Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, and Randy Montana; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Big Loud Publishing Performed by Ryan Hurd“The Loneliest Girl In The World” written by Laci Kaye Booth, Jon Stark, and Aby Gutierrez; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Dream3 Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Performed by Laci Kaye Booth
Song of the year:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” written by Mark Allen Williams, Joe Kent, Sean Cook, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Nevin Sastry, and Jerell Jones; Independently published by Kobalt Music, Seeker Music, Range Music PublishingPerformed by Shaboozey“Burn It Down” written by Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Parker McCollum; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Creative NationPerformed by Parker McCollum“I Had Some Help” written by Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Walters, Ashley Gorley, Morgan Wallen, Austin Post, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, Ern’s Cadillac Music, Domain Capitol Group Performed by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen“Lies Lies Lies” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Concord Music Publishing, Boom Music GroupPerformed by Morgan WallenWINNER: “The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins; Independently published by Big Machine MusicPerformed by Cody Johnson“Wind Up Missin’ You” written by Tucker Wetmore, Chris LaCorte, and Thomas Archer; Independently published by BackBlocks Music, Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing, Combustion MusicPerformed by Tucker Wetmore
Songwriter of the year:
Rocky Block – Independently published by Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine MusicAshley Gorley – Independently published by Domain Capitol GroupHunter Phelps – Independently published by Tape Room MusicTaylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room MusicJonathan Singleton – Independently published by 50 Egg Music
Top independent music publisher of the year:
Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Big Machine MusicConcord Music PublishingPurple Rabbit Music
Travis Scott and Pop Smoke connected in late 2019 for “GATTI,” and the gritty visual saw the duo riding in style inside a lavish Bugatti Chiron.
Instead of renting the luxury sports cars, Scott wanted to make the video authentic, so he ended up buying the Bugatti Chiron — reportedly worth more than $5 million — off the lot, which he explained to Complex‘s Joe La Puma as part of the publication’s On Display series.
“I remember I was doing the song, and Pop’s like, ‘You know, we gotta bring Bugattis out, man!’ I forgot who was helping us with the video,” Scott recalled. “The guy was like, ‘Yeah, man, I know somebody that can bring some Bugattis out for us.’”
La Flame continued: “I’m thinking, ‘Bring ’em out for us?’ Nah, f–k that. So I’m like, ‘Naw, I’m just gonna go and get this.’ We was at the shoot, me and Pop. He was like, ‘Man, damn bro. This s–t smells brand new.’ I was like ‘Yeah, bro. I just got it like a week ago.’”
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“GATTI” went on to serve as a standout from Scott and Cactus Jack’s JACKBOYS label compilation project in December 2019. The drill track peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Pop’s first Hot 100 entry. The Brooklyn rapper was killed less than two months later in February 2020 during an armed robbery shooting in L.A.’s Hidden Hills.
Pop Smoke was just 20 at the time of his death, and Scott had envisioned an extremely bright future for his friend as one of the superstars that would change the rap game.
“You one of the illest rappers,” he recalled telling Pop in 2019. “I feel like you changing the whole sound of New York. I don’t even know if you know right now, but from the sound of the beats to the way you putting it together, it’s gonna create an allegiance of sound and the creatives so you gonna have a million [Bugattis].”
Watch the “GATTI” video and Scott’s sit-down with Complex below.
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Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic this week after a popular nightclub saw its roof collapse, leaving at least 124 people dead and scores more injured. Among those hurt in the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse were two former MLB players and at least one U.S. citizen, according to still-developing reports.
NBC News reports that early Tuesday (April 8), the roof of the Jet Set in the Dominican Republic collapsed as attendees were at the venue to see a performance from merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Among the attendees were politicians, former professional athletes, and government officials.
Rubby Pérez was among those who perished as a result of the collapse. Also among those named who perished in the collapse were Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, both of whom played in the United States for Major League Baseball. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Montecristi province, was also killed in the collapse.
“His energy, positivity, and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Dotel’s agent, Dan Horwits, shared in a statement. “We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”
As rescue efforts continue to persist, the number of those injured remains unknown but could number well over 150 as workers scramble to help survivors left under the roof. It isn’t known yet what caused the collapse, and officials say there is video of the incident that will be included in the investigation.
Current MLB analyst and former player Pedro Martinez says that some of his family and friends were at Jet
Set the morning of the accident and says that he’ll remain “strong” as the situation continues to unfold.
Our warmest thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim of this tragedy.
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Photo: FRANCESCO SPOTORNO / Getty
Los Alegres Del Barranco’s “El Del Palenque” debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s LyricFind Global chart dated April 12 following interest in the 2021 song amid the Mexican band’s controversy over a concert during which it showed images of a cartel leader while performing the tune. The LyricFind Global and LyricFind U.S. charts rank the […]
Loyle Carner has shared his first taste of new music in almost three years with the release of new singles “All I Need” and “In My Mind.”
The London-based musician (real name Ben Coyle-Larner) released hugo, his most recent LP, in October 2022. The album hit the No. 3 spot on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.
In the last week, he began teasing new music with photos from the studio on his Instagram, and in an accompanying press release, Carner said that indie acts such as Fontaines D.C., Idles and Big Thief inspired him to write more alternative music after years with his hip-hop-influenced sound.
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On the tour supporting hugo, Carner formed a live band to help elevate his material, and utilised the new set-up for “All I Need” and “In My Mind.” The tour concluded in August 2024 with a show at London’s 35,000-capacity All Points East festival in Victoria Park.
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Carner is yet to confirm the release of what could be his fourth studio album, but in June, he will headline Glastonbury’s Other Stage alongside other huge names across the weekend, including Charli XCX and The Prodigy, and has teased it as “his only show of the summer.” The Pyramid Stage will be headlined by The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts.
Since arriving on the British scene more than a decade ago, the south Londoner has released three studio albums — Yesterday’s Gone (2017), Not Waving, but Drowning (2019) and hugo (2022) — and his material has crossed over 1.1 billion streams throughout his career. In that time, he has sold out historic venues such as London’s Wembley Arena, and collaborated closely with guitarist Tom Misch and jazz group Ezra Collective.
He has been passionate about his love of cooking and raising awareness for people living with ADHD. In 2024, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, and was recently announced to star in his first acting gig in the upcoming BBC series Mint, by BAFTA-nominated Scrapper director Charlotte Regan.
Listen to his two new songs below:
Lucy Dacus and MUNA’s Katie Gavin are on the latest cover of Alternative Press, and the duo paid tribute to an iconic Vanity Fair cover for their photoshoot. In the snap, Dacus is seen in a barber chair with shaving cream on her face, as Gavin gives her a sensual shave while wearing a black […]
J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival returned to Raleigh, North Carolina, for its fifth — and final, at least as we currently know it — edition under the Dreamville banner on April 5-6. Held at Dorothea Dix Park, the sold-out festival drew over 50,000 fans who braved the scorching heat to experience two days of hip-hop, R&B, and unforgettable moments. (See some of our favorite moments from the memorable festival weekend here.)
From the larger-than-life photo opportunities to the diverse food vendors and the exclusive pop-ups, Dreamville Fest 2025 was more than just a music event — it was a full-fledged cultural experience. The lineup featured legends and rising stars alike, with Lil Wayne (alongside Hot Boys and Big Tymers), 21 Savage, and Ari Lennox performing Saturday (April 5), while Coco Jones, GloRilla, Wale and J. Cole took over Sunday (April 6). Additional performers included Tems, PartyNextDoor, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, Keyshia Cole, BigXThaPlug, J.I.D, Ab-Soul, Lute, Chief Keef, Omen, Young Nudy, Anycia, EARTHGANG, Bas, Cozz, Akia and Kai Ca$h & Niko Brim.
While Dreamville Festival as we know it has come to an end, a similar event will continue under the direction of the city of Raleigh. J. Cole made sure to give fans a proper send-off, running through classics from his discography like “No Role Modelz,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Lights Please,” and “Lost Ones.” As fireworks lit up the sky for the final time, he closed his set — and Dreamville Fest —with “Farewell.”
Billboard captured exclusive behind-the-scenes moments with some of this year’s performers, shot on the Leica Q3. See intimate portraits of Dreamville stars Coco Jones, Wale, Ab-Soul, Lute, Chief Keef, Omen, EARTHGANG and Cozz below.
Coco Jones
Image Credit: Chris Claxton
East Tennessee native and cultural icon Dolly Parton will soon have her inspirational career spotlighted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Museum, when the Hall launches its new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, on May 20. The exhibit will run until September 2026.
Parton, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has forged a multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, actor, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” Parton said in a statement. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
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“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” added Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”
The exhibit will feature costumes, awards, instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics and exclusive interview footage from throughout Parton’s career. In 1978, Parton was named as the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. At 79, her tireless passion for her career is evident, as she continues extending her career’s acclaim with the recent announcements of her upcoming musical and Nashville hotel.
The exhibit will highlight key points in Parton’s career, such as the handwritten lyrics to her No. 1 hit “Jolene,” and the Sony portable cassette tape player recorder she used when she wrote her now-iconic songs including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and the exhibit’s namesake song, “The Seeker.”
Other pieces to be featured include Parton’s Kennedy Center Honors medallion she was presented with in 2006, as well as a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 movie 9 to 5. Also on display will be a Lucy Adams-designed dress Parton wore on appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, as well as the cover of the 1974 album Porter ‘n’ Dolly, which marked the final collaborative project from Parton and Wagoner. Another dress, designed by Steve Summers, features mesh fabric, spikes and breaded fringe, and was worn by Parton in promoting her 2023 album Rockstar.
The exhibit showcases Parton’s generational appeal through her inspirational, rags-to-riches story of growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, in a home with no plumbing or electricity. She inherited from her family both a love of music and an intense work ethic, and by the age of 10, she was performing on radio and television broadcasts in Knoxville, Tenn. She began recording music by the time she was in her teens. She moved to Nashville after finishing high school, and released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 on Monument Records.
Crucially, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will highlight Parton’s determined spirit throughout her career and her unique creative and business vision, such as when, at age 13, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, though only after she and her uncle Bill Owens persuaded Jimmy C. Newman to give her one of his Opry performance timeslots after an Opry manager refused to give her a performance timeslot due to her young age. In 1974, after a seven-year stint on The Porter Wagoner Show, Parton decided to part ways with Wagoner, with whom she had become one of country music’s most popular duos. That decision sparked the beginning of Parton’s rise as one of country music’s most revered and recognized solo artists.
Later on in her career, she opted to work with Los Angeles pop music producer Gary Klein on her 1977 album Here You Come Again, which brought backlash from some in the Nashville music community, who claimed she was abandoning Nashville in favor of pop music success. The album reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s top country albums chart, and the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200, spurred by songs including the title track and “Two Doors Down.” The album was also Parton’s first million-selling album, earned the star her first Grammy award win, and led to her film debut in the movie 9 to 5.
The exhibit also highlights the 10-time Grammy winner’s work as a philanthropist. Among her initiatives, in 1995, she encouraged new generations of children to love reading by founding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Three years later, she launched the Dollywood Foundation, with the Imagination Library as its flagship program. The program is now active in not only all 50 states, but also in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Along with the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, an illustrated and in-depth exhibit book will supplement the information presented in the gallery presentation. The book will highlight Parton’s career triumphs and share stories behind four of her most beloved songs, “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” The book will also be sold in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s store starting May 20. An official exhibit playlist will be available on all major streaming platforms beginning on May 20.