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Ed Sheeran processes love and loss, and crushes it into a pop pill for “Eyes Closed,” the first single from his forthcoming album – (pronounced Subtract).
Arriving at the stroke of midnight, “Eyes Closed” has percolated over several years. Sheeran originally imagined it as a break-up song, before “Eyes Closed” evolved when Sheeran “suffered heartbreaking loss,” which led him to revisit the track, according to a statement accompanying the new single and music video.
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Directed by Mia Barnes, the music video traces Sheeran as he’s followed by a blue monster, an allegory for grief — always there, constantly lurking.
“This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together,” Sheeran explains.
“You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it.”
When considering concepts for the music video, the 1950 classic Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary giant rabbit as a friend, sprung to mind.
“There’s also a book I read my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature,” he continues. “Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”
Despite those struggles, the superstar British singer is rolling in a purple patch.
He’s just completed a lap of Australia, where he smashed the national record for most tickets sold for a concert, with more than 100,000 one night at the Melbourne Cricket Group. He broke the record again the following night.
That national trek, and the others that came before it, was produced by Frontier Touring, the Melbourne-based concerts giant, part of the Mushroom Group, founded by Sheeran’s bestie Michael Gudinski.
The Australian entrepreneur died in 2021, leaving Sheeran and many others wounded. Sheeran made the long haul for the Victorian capital to perform at the state memorial for Gudinski, where he debuted a song in his honor, “Visiting Hours,” which appeared on Sheeran’s most recent album, 2021’s = (equals).
This week, Sheeran appeared in a special promo video for Mushroom Group’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which will roll out this year, led by the company’s CEO Matt Gudinski.
Sheeran’s forthcoming album will drop May 5 via Asylum and Atlantic Records. It’s said to be a “soul-bearing” collection, written “against a backdrop of grief and hope,” during which time he processed Gudinski’s death, his wife Cherry Seaborn‘s tumor diagnosis and the loss of his close pal Jamal Edwards.
The Englishman wrote the 14-track record with Aaron Dessner of The National in February 2022.
He’s a perfect five No. 1s on the U.K. and Australian album charts.
Lana Del Rey has some strike rate.
With Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, her latest album release, the alternative pop siren has a ninth full-length studio album in just 14 years.
With the exception of her self-titled debut EP from 2010 (which peaked at No. 20), every one of them has cracked the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with two of them hitting the summit (Ultraviolence from 2014 and Lust for Life from 2017).
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Ocean Blvd should keep that streak alive.
Co-produced by Del Rey alongside Mike Hermosa, Jack Antonoff, Drew Erickson, Zach Dawes, and Benji, Ocean Blvd dropped at the stroke of midnight, and carries the previously-released singles “A&W,” “The Grants” and the title track.
The Angelino is the reigning Visionary Award winner at Billboard Women in Music. Speaking at the annual ceremony earlier this month in her hometown, she admitted to being happy with how it’s all going.
“I don’t exactly have a long-term vision at all, but if you were curious, I am very, very happy,” she said during her speech. “When I released my first album 14 years ago, the waters were not quite as warm. I’m really happy for everyone who feels like it’s a wonderful time in the culture to be themselves and express themselves. It didn’t feel that way in 2008.”
She continued, “I feel like being happy is the ultimate goal, so I did it.”
Her fans will be happy too, with a new album arriving just in time for the weekend.
Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Father John Misty, Judah Smith, Tommy Genesis, and SYML are guests on Ocean Blvd, which spans 16 songs and can be streamed in full below.
Coi Leray has a new player on her hit song — Busta Rhymes.
The veteran rapper jumps on board “Players,” and injects some of his special sauce — and a new verse –into the remix.
Busta brings his energy and flow to the fresh cut, which dropped in the small hours, and busts out the lyric, “It never ends, the way we doing it and how we fucking them up again/ Look how we got them, DJ Saige killing them with the blend.”
It’s something of a full-circle moment, as “Players” already enjoyed a blast from a handful of remixes, including DJ Saige’s mashup of Busta Rhymes’ 1997 classic “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”.
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Powered by TikTok virality and its epic sample of Grandmaster Flash’s seminal 1982 hip-hop track “The Message,” “Players” is Leray’s fourth entry on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. It’s currently sitting at No. 12, as of March 25, 2023, and is a top 10 hit in both the U.K. and Australia.
With “Players” working its way up charts around the globe, Leray’s career is on the rise, too.
Earlier this year she summited the Emerging Artists Chart for the first time, thanks to the hit, released in November via Uptown/Republic Records, and she present SZA with Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women In Music Awards 2023.
Busta most recently appeared as lead-man on 2023’s “Murda” featuring Bilal, and a string of singles before that, including 2022’s “Slap,” with Big Daddy Kane and Conway the Machine.
“Players (Busta Rhymes Remix)” follows the David Guetta remix, which was released last week.
Stream it below.
Luke Combs dove deep into songcraft on his newly-released album, Gettin’ Old, which released Friday (March 24), as the counterpart to his 2022 LP Growin’ Up. The new 18-track album features 15 Combs co-writes, as well as a cover of the 1980s Tracy Chapman classic “Fast Car.”
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“This album is about the stage of life I’m in right now, one that I’m sure a lot of us are in, have been through, or will go through,” Combs said via social media when announcing the record back in January.
He added, “It’s about coming of age, loving where life is now but at the same time missing how it used to be, continuing to fall for the one you love and loving them no matter what, living in the moment but still wondering how much time you have left, family, friends, being thankful, and leaving a legacy. Me and so many others have poured their hearts and souls into this record and I hope you love it as much as we do.”
Of the two songs on the project that Combs didn’t write, Eric Church is a co-writer on “My Song Will Never Die,” alongside Travis Meadows and Jonathan Singleton, while Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull co-wrote the song “Where the Wild Things Are.”
Combs currently resides at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart for a second week with “Going, Going, Gone,” from his Growin’ Up set. Combs is gearing up to embark on a world tour, which launches March 25 in Arlington, Texas. In addition to stateside shows, the trek includes stops in Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France and Switzerland. Combs also recently announced that he and wife Nicole are expecting baby number two.
See the full tracklist for Gettin’ Old below:
“Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” (Luke Combs, Rob Snyder, Channing Wilson)
“Hannah Ford Road” (Luke Combs, Jamie Davis)
“Back 40 Back” (Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Jeff Hyde, Driver Williams)
“You Found Yours” (Luke Combs, Thomas Archer, Dan Isbell, James McNair)
“The Beer, The Band, and The Barstool” (Luke Combs, Rob Williford, Reid Isbell)
“Still” (Luke Combs, Jamie Davis, Ray Fulcher, Dan Isbell, Dustin Nunley)
“See Me Now” (Luke Combs, Kenton Bryant, Ray Fulcher, James McNair)
“Joe” (Luke Combs, Erik Dylan, James Slater)
“A Song Was Born” (Luke Combs, Casey Beathard, Dan Isbell, Reid Isbell)
“My Song Will Never Die” (Eric Church, Travis Meadows, Jonathan Singleton)
“Where the Wild Things Are” (Randy Montana, Dave Turnbull)
“Love You Anyway” (Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Dan Isbell)
“Take You With Me” (Luke Combs, James McNair, Rob Williford)
“Fast Car” (Tracy Chapman)
“Tattoo on a Sunburn” (Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell)
“5 Leaf Clover” (Luke Combs, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill)
“Fox in the Henhouse” (Luke Combs, Jamie Davis, Dan Isbell, Dustin Nunley)
“The Part” (Luke Combs, Kenton Bryant, Ray Fulcher)
Listen to the album in full below:
Coi Leray claims her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart as “Players” advances to the summit of the list dated March 25. The song jumps from No. 3 as it simultaneously strengthens its radio airplay reach and maintains its steady hand in the streaming sector.
As “Players” tops Hot Rap Songs, it dislodges Nicki Minaj’s “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” after the latter’s one week in charge. With the replacement, Nicki Minaj and Coi Leray combine to give two women rappers successive No. 1s on the chart for the first time since 2014, when Minaj’s “Anaconda” yielded to Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow,” featuring Rita Ora, on Oct. 18, 2014. (Between the eight-year gap, the switch occurred twice involving a featured artist, with the same pair of songs: On the chart dated Oct. 10, 2020, Travis Scott’s “Franchise,” featuring Young Thug and British rapper M.I.A., ousted Cardi B’s “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion; the latter rebounded the next week.)
“Players” conquers Hot Rap Songs, which blends streaming, radio airplay and sales into its rankings, with 10.2 million official U.S. streams in the week ending March 16, according to Luminate, a 2% slip from the prior week. Still, the song recovers 7-6 on the Rap Streaming Songs chart, where it previously peaked at No. 4 in February. On the Rap Digital Song Sales chart, “Players” climbs 4-3 despite a 9% weekly drop in sales to 4,000 in the latest tracking week. The track has posted seven weeks at No. 1 on Rap Digital Song Sales since its release – one of only five songs since Jan. 1, 2020, to lead for as long.
Radio airplay, however, is where “Players” cements its growth. The single wins a second term at No. 1 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart as the most-played song on U.S. monitored rhythmic radio stations after it gained 7% in plays in the most recent tracking week compared with the previous frame. Leray’s hit also gets a second radio chart crown on Rap Airplay, where it lifts 2-1 for her first career champ there. In addition to those victories, “Players” continues to flex on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, where it repeats at its No. 5 high thus far, but increased 7% in weekly plays at the format and Pop Airplay, with a 16-13 boost thanks to an 11% improvement in weekly plays. Strength at the many formats pushes “Players” 10-8 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. There, it registered 52.5 million in total audience in the last tracking week.
Elsewhere, “Players” rises 6-4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and, notably, matches the chart peak of its sampled tune. “Players” borrows from the hip-hop classic “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, which peaked at No. 4 in September 1982. On the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, the track rallies 24-12 for a new high after having reached No. 16 two weeks ago. The yo-yo of its rise, fall and rise again traces to several high debuts from Morgan Wallen’s, One Thing at a Time album, including five tunes in the top 10 for the country superstar.
From Justin Bieber to Adele, the stars showed up for SZA’s first of two final shows at Los Angeles’ The Forum. Lola Brooke chatted with Billboard News at SXSW and talked about some of her favorite New York slang! Fans are pushing for Cardi & Offset to recreate Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s iconic ‘Scream’ music video. The women of TWICE reveal 9 things you didn’t know about them and more!
Def Jam continues to stockpile their roster with burgeoning talent. Today (March 23), the label announced that New York MC Lady London has signed to High Standardz / Def Jam Recordings.
“There are artists who challenge you to disregard everything you know and just follow them into the future,” Def Jam chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun said in a statement. “Lady London is one of those artists. She’s a force on the microphone, a savvy visionary and just the kind of star we need right now. I’m honored and excited to welcome Lady London to the Def Jam family.”
Over the last two years, London has garnered acclaim for her lyrical prowess and innate storytelling abilities. Last year, she released “Lisa’s Story,” her reimagination of Foxy Brown‘s 1996 single “Get Me Home,” which helped her earn a slot as one of Billboard’s R&B / Hip-Hop Artists to Watch. Her red-hot streak continued when she unleashed her viral freestyle “Pop Ya Sh–” over Baby and Clipse‘s 2002 collaborative anthem “What Happened To That Boy.” “The journey has been a beautiful one,” London said regarding her signing. “Even the obstacles. I stayed true to myself. Did it my way. I’m happy to have a place to call home now.”
High Standardz founder/CEO Jeremy “J Dot” Jones added, “Since the beginning, High Standardz has been cultivating an environment where a certain caliber of artists can find a creative home for expression and growth. Lady London personifies everything that we’re about here. From her unique approach to crafting epic music, how she’s built a massive community of engaged and loyal fans, to the intelligence and elegance with which she carries herself. We are proud and excited to partner with her in bringing her artistic visions to the world.”
Check out London’s post about Def Jam’s newest addition below.
Usher has a date with the Dodgers.
The Grammy-winning singer is confirmed to headline the Blue Diamond Gala, the marquee fundraiser for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Set for June 22 at Dodger Stadium, the gala will be titled “The Party for L.A.” and is presented by the Los Angeles Dodgers Ownership Group.
The whole affair will feature celebrities, Dodger players, alumni, coaches, a blue carpet and pre-show dinner party followed by two hours of entertainment including a DJ set by superstar DJ D-Nice, a post-show party with food trucks and, of course, a mini concert from Usher.
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Said Los Angeles Dodgers owner and LADF board chair Mark Walter: “We are thrilled to have Usher perform this year at ‘The Party for LA’ to raise vital funds allowing us to invest in Angelenos and provide the opportunities that they deserve.”
Proceeds benefit LADF and the org’s programs and initiatives aimed at improving education, health care, homelessness and social justice. LADF was reimagined in 2013 and has since raised over $81 million and is on track to raise $100 million in 2023. In the last decade, LADF has invested more than $50 million in its programs and grants to local organizations and impacted more than 9 million youth.
“The gala honors our partners, community members, and everyday champions as the foundation of our success,” offered LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman. “Our theme, ’10 Years Reimagined,’ reflects our vision to build capacity, train future leaders, and provide equitable opportunities for the remarkable organizations and individuals whom we support. Together, we serve as a shining example of placing humanity first.”
Previous Blue Diamond Gala performers include Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Earth Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, John Legend and Jennifer Lopez. Usher has been making waves as of late thanks to his Las Vegas residency at Park MGM.
This article originally appeared in THR.com.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Mushroom Group, the mighty, Melbourne based-independent music company, sends-out the invitations to its 50th birthday party, an occasion that will include a “once-in-a-lifetime” all-star concert.
A raft of releases, both musical, visual and branded merchandise, will drop in the lead-up to the major live event, set for November.
The action starts from today (March 23) with the release of The Temper Trap’s interpretation of The Church’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Under The Milky Way,” the first in a collection of starry covers of classic Mushroom songs.
In the weeks ahead Missy Higgins, Bliss n Eso, Paul Kelly and others will share their contributions, which, ultimately, will form a Mushroom 50 compilation album.
Founded in 1972 by a then 21-year-old Michael Gudinski, the Mushroom brand has shaped Australia’s music culture ever since.
Today, the group is a two-dozen-strong collection of affiliates active in every conceivable area of the music and entertainment industries, from touring to booking agencies, publishing, merch and marketing services, venues, exhibition and events production, neighboring rights, branding, labels, talent management and more.
Matt Gudinski is now at the helm of the group, as CEO, following the passing of his father Michael in 2021.
The Mushroom 50 concert, says Matt Gudinski “will feature a huge line-up of sensational artists, celebrating some of Australia’s most iconic songs – this will be a once in a lifetime event.”
He continues, “We’ve teamed up with some of the best artists in the world to deliver these reimagined Mushroom hits. Each artist is bringing their own distinct sound and vision to their cover. I’m sure you’ll love them.”
A snapshot of the Mushroom Group story is told in a 90-second promo, which carries the strapline “50 Years of Making Noise.” Keep an eye out for cameos from the likes of Missy Higgins, Jimmy Barnes and Ed Sheeran, whose most recent tour of Australia, produced by Mushroom Group’s Frontier Touring company, was a record-smasher.
The celebration continues with the release later this year of a feature documentary on Michael Gudinski, a legendary character whose death was mourned by many of the giants he worked with, from Paul McCartney to Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl and his bestie, Ed Sheeran. The film project, which traces MG’s remarkable life and career, was green-lit last year and will premiere in cinemas across the country.
Also, a limited-edition range of Mushroom 50 merch is now available on mushroom50.com.
“This news is just the beginning,” reads a statement, “expect more exciting announcements to come in the months ahead.” The line-up, venue and ticket details for the anniversary concert will be revealed in due course.
An ‘80s TV star had to jump as The Masked Singer went country on Wednesday night (March 22).
Holly Robinson Peete, the author, singer and actress who made her name on 21 Jump Street, alongside a young Johnny Depp, was one of two celebrities unmasked on “Country Night”.
Dressed to impress as Fairy, the multi-hyphenate performed “Angel of Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt, then engaged in a head-to-head “Battle Royale” with Macaw on Shania Twain’s hit “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
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Sadly, for Robinson Peete, one had to go home.
“How did you not know it was me,” she questioned Nick Cannon and the four panelists. No hard feelings.
“I’ve so enjoyed this,” she enthused. “This was a lot of fun.”
So why do the show? “I’ve always been sort of a closet singer.” It turns out, she sang the theme for 21 Jump Street, and gave an impromptu example for the cameras.
This isn’t her first rodeo. Robinson Peete won “Sesame Street Night,” and her dad, we learned, is Matt Robinson, the original Gordon from the beloved kids show. Dad used to talk to Oscar the Grouch, daughter got to sing to the trash dude. “Talk about a full circle moment,” she remarked.
Earlier, Axolotl performed Leann Rimes’ “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”.
She couldn’t fight the unmasking, though. Under the helmet was five-time WWE women’s champion Alexa Bliss.
Despite crunching rivals on the canvas for a living, singing for an audience is well-outside her comfort zone. “This was something that was personal for me because I have actually crippling stage-fright when it comes to singing,” she explained.
“I actually cried backstage before coming out here because I was just so nervous. But I am just so proud of myself because I conquered my fears. And y’all were so great.”
Bliss added, “I deal with anxiety and this was something that I wanted to show I can make myself proud.” And for those of us with fears, some advice: “Do something every day that scares you because I did that today and it was so fun.”
Robinson Peete and Bliss join a growing group of unmasked celebrities in this season nine of Fox’s wacky hit. Others include Malin Akerman (Squirrel), Lele Pons (Jackalope), Michael Bolton (Wolf), Grandmaster Flash (Polar Bear), Debbie Gibson (Night Owl), Howie Mandel (Rock Lobster), Sara Evans (Mustang) and Dick Van Dyke (Gnome).