bbnews
Page: 270
Billie Eilish, who turns 21 on Sunday (Dec. 18), achieved more before reaching legal age than, well, just about anybody. She set records at awards shows and on the Billboard charts that are likely to stand for many years.
Eilish was just 15 in November 2017 when she entered the Billboard 200 for the first time with Dont Smile at Me. The EP debuted at an unimpressive No. 185, but it ultimately cracked the top 15. It has logged 246 weeks on the chart, longer than any other Eilish title.
Eilish was 16 in June 2018 when she hit the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with “Lovely,” a collab with another talented young artist, Khalid (then 20).
Eilish’s success has truly been global. Both of her first two albums reached No. 1 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Holland, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.
Eilish has won seven Grammys and an Oscar, which means she was halfway to an EGOT before she was legally able to buy a drink.
Eilish deserves credit for keeping her head on straight during the past few years of nearly unprecedented attention, acclaim and accolades. That may not sound like it would be so hard to take, but it’s a lot – and young people sometimes want nothing more than to blend in. By virtue of her talent and accomplishments, Eilish was destined to stand out.
Take a look at this sampling of her accomplishments so far – and just think of what she can achieve going forward if she, you know, sticks with this music thing.
—Assistance in preparing this report by Gary Trust and Keith Caulfield
Related Images:
First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Paula Cendejas & Marc Seguí, “a tu manera” (Warner Music Spain)
Spanish artists Paula Cendejas and Marc Seguí join forces this week for a breezy pop song about a modern love story. The faces of a new generation of artists coming out of Spain, the pair trade verses in “a tu manera” about loving each other their own way and in their own terms. “Just to see if it’s true that this time around it’ll work,” they sing in the chorus. “How do I explain to you that I want to leave and then come back?” — GRISELDA FLORES
Quevedo, Myke Towers, “Playa Del Inglés” (Taste the Floor Records/Warner Music Spain)
Following his breakthrough hit, the Bizarrap-assisted “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” Quevedo teams up with Myke Towers on “Playa del Inglés.” On the Ovy on the Drums-produced electro-dancehall track, the Spanish artist and Puerto Rican rapper sing about a memorable fling that happened at the Canary Islands beach resorts. “You weren’t the first one not you’re the last one but how I wish you were the only one/ Who I present to my family and people/ Come to the party so that you’re in another vibe,” the Spanish newcomer chants. Meanwhile, Towers’ vocals assure: “Every time I see you, I remember of that time, the perreo at the plaza in Playa del Ingles/ I don’t want to be your ex.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Héctor Montaner, “Dale, Dale” (Hecho A Mano Music)
Ten years after releasing “Apariencias,” his last single, Héctor Montaner takes the mic once again for “Dale, Dale.” Written by himself as the theme song for the Disney+ series about his famous family, Los Montaner, “Dale, Dale” is a contagious cumbia tune that’s also perfect for the holidays. “We spend the whole year like Christmas/ There is always a good reason to celebrate/ Always putting God first to start/ We are better off, we are better off”, the artist sings in Spanish. Perhaps best known for the 2004 hit “Amor del Bueno,” Hector never really strayed from music — he’s been producing and writing songs for artists including Thalía, Leslie Grace and his father, Ricardo. But “Dale, Dale” is a welcomed return to his role as a talented vocalist, with a joyous video starring the entire Montaner clan. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Jowell & Randy feat. Wisin & Yandel, “Si Te Pillo” (Rimas Entertainment)
Jowell y Randy are closing off the year with a super collaboration alongside Wisin y Yandel. In their second collaborative effort — the first in more than a decade — the two iconic reggaetón duos join forces on “Si Te Pillo,” which loosely translates to “if I catch you.” Co-written by Jowell y Randy, Rios, and Yartzi, and co-produced by Georgie Milliano and Nesty, the infectious reggaetón-meshed-with-perreo track has saucy lyrics about a man who’s after the girl of his dreams. “Baby if I catch you, I’m not going to let go,” goes part of the chorus. Notably, the four artists boast signature vocals that have stood the test of time, resulting in the ultimate union of “two of the strongest names in the urban movement,” as Wisin states at the beginning and end of the track. — J.R.
Danny Ocean, “amor tonight” (Atlantic Recording Corp)
After releasing part one and part two of his album @dannocean, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Danny Ocean is back with new music. This time, he’s gifted fans a feel-good Spanglish anthem that’s all about living in the moment and embracing a newfound love. “You’re a surprise, you’re super nice, amor tonight, one love one life,” he sings over a hypnotic electronic beat. — G.F.
Alvaro Diaz, “SUPRA 94TRO” (UMG Recordings)
Alvaro Diaz has unleashed a new track, which surprisingly enough marks his first reggaetón song as a solo act. Produced by Jotarosa, Oceanvi, and Caleb Calloway, “SUPRA 94TRO” is an edgy futuristic reggaetón track that references the classic 1994 Toyota Supra while narrating the story of the ultimate power couple. “She has a couple of men behind her who think they are gangsters/ If when they see us together they feel the pressure, then hold on,” goes part of the track. “SUPRA 94TRO” will appear on Diaz’s upcoming studio album Sayonará, set to drop in 2023. “In the video, I’m wearing the signature look that I’ve worn on my US tour which is inspired by some of my favorite movies like Blade, Matrix, and Fight Club,” the Puerto Rican artist says in a statement. — J.R.
Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera, “Bebe Dame” (Rancho Humilde/Sony Music Latin)
All eyes have been on Grupo Frontera since the local McAllen band skyrocketed to virality (and the Billboard charts) with their cover of Morat’s “No Se Va.” Now moving away from their innovative covers and tapping into original music, most of them helmed by Edgar Barrera, Grupo Frontera teams up with Fuerza Regida for “Bebe Dame.” Produced by Regida’s frontman Jesus Ortiz Paz, the track is a romantic cumbia-grupera song about an unforgettable special person. “Bebe Dame” marks Regida and Frontera’s second collaborative effort this year, and follow’s Frontera’s latest single “Que Vuelvas” alongside Carin León. — J.R.
DEKKO, Totoy & El Frio, “Antes De Que Muera” (Interscope Records)
Manifesting nothing but good vibes and a successful year, rising Colombian acts Dekko and Totoy El Frío team up this week for “Antes de que muera.” Written and produced by Dekko himself (real name: Daniel Esquiaqui Lecompte), the acoustic corrido tumbado-inspired track sheds light on a bucket list they wish to accomplish before passing away, starting with “becoming a millionaire” and “owning the world.” “The life that I have led was not the one that mommy wanted/ I became more badass, that I guarantee/ And they criticize me because I do what I want/ But they need to know that ‘He who does not risk does not win,’” goes part of the motivational lyrics. — J.R.
The Recording Academy is celebrating a “major global victory” for music as the PEACE For Music Diplomacy Act passes through the House and the Senate as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The Senate voted Thursday (Dec. 15) to approve the massive defense bill, which includes The PEACE (Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange) Act. This follows the House’s bipartisan passage of the paperwork last week.
The Recording Academy has thrown its advocacy efforts behind the bill since it was first introduced January in the House by 2022 Grammys on the Hill honorees Rep. Michael McCaul and former Rep. Ted Deutch.
The act, it has been said, would use music and music-related global exchange programs as a tool to build cross-cultural understanding.
Specifically, the Recording Academy notes, the bill leverages partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing its music-related exchange programs, and authorizes music-related exchanges that “advance peace abroad.”
At October’s District Advocate Day, almost 2,000 Recording Academy members met with Congressional reps to discuss pending legislation affecting creators, including the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act.
The behind-the-scenes advocacy work and passage of the bipartisan $858 billion defense bill is a reminder of “the power of music and its capacity to increase understanding between diverse cultures and people around the world,” comments Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.
The legislation is now on President Joe Biden’s desk awaiting his signature.
“The Recording Academy is grateful to Rep. McCaul, former Rep. Deutch, and Senators Leahy and Tillis for their support of this important legislation, and we look forward to championing future cross-sector partnerships that will allow music creators to promote peace across the globe.”
Read more here on the NDAA.
It’s a long way from Nantucket to the Northern Territory. Just ask Meghan Trainor. She knows all about it.
The “All About That Bass” singer made the long haul for the forthcoming season of Australia Idol, in which she steps into judging duties for the first time.
There’s now town like Alice in the Australian outback, a place so remote, you would need to drive for more than a day to reach Perth, 1,550 miles to the west, or to Sydney, 1,722 miles east.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
It’s in woop woop, as the locals would say. The middle of nowhere.
And that’s where we find Trainor in a new promo from the free-to-air Channel 7.
In the sneak peek which can be seen below, the U.S. pop singer hits the trail to meet Naomi Gipey, a promising Indigenous singer and jewelry designer. “I’m here to find the next Australian Idol, so I came all this way to find you,” she tells the 22-year-old hopeful, who’s having a mild freak-out.
“My dream is to be a singer,” Naomi explains to the cameras. Australian Idol album Jessica Mauboy “is my biggest inspiration. Seeing her start on a similar journey and, like, the thought that could be me,” she says, holding back tears.
Gipey gets her audition underway at the sublime Simpsons Gap with a performance of Duffy’s “Mercy”.
Trainor joins artists Amy Shark, Harry Connick Jr. and shock-jock Kyle Sandilands on the series’ judging panel.
Australian Idol 2023 kicks off in January and will be hosted by ARIA Award-nominated singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee, who was discovered on the reality-TV show back in 2004, alongside former E! host Scott Tweedle.
Trainor’s pop career is resurgent with “Made You Look,” which marks her return to doo-wop. The single is gold-certified in Australia, where it currently sits at No. 4 on the ARIA Chart.
Watch the Australian Idol clip below.
The queen of Christmas is crowned on Australia’s chart, while SZA makes her presence felt on both main surveys with her sophomore album and several singles from it.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Nothing can top Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (via Columbia/Sony) at this time of year. The 1994 holiday classic lifts 3-1 on the ARIA Singles Chart, published Dec. 16, ahead of former leaders “Unholy” (Capitol/Universal), by Sam Smith & Kim Petras; and “Anti-Hero” (Universal) by Taylor Swift, respectively.
Carey’s seasonal number finally cracked the summit in 2018. It has returned there each December, like clockwork.
SZA’s long-anticipated second album SOS (RCA/Sony) has been well-received by Aussie fans, as album track “Kill Bill” bows at No. 5 on the singles survey, “Nobody Gets Me” arrives at No. 16, “Blind” drops at No. 27, “Low” appears at No. 34, and “Seek and Destroy” starts at No. 38.
Indeed, the U.S. R&B singer is responsible for the only tracks to debut in the top 40 on the latest cycle.
It’s that most wonderful time of the year, again, and Christmas is the big story on the ARIA Singles Chart, where perennial hits by Wham (“Last Christmas” up 11-6 via RCA/Sony) and Michael Buble (“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” up 13-11 via Reprise/Warner), Brenda Lee (“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” up 15-12 via Universal), Ariana Grande (“Santa Tell Me” up 17-15 via Universal) and Bobby Helms (“Jingle Bell Rock” up 21-19 via Universal) climb the top 20.
SZA’s SOS, meanwhile, enjoys the highest debut on the ARIA Albums Chart at No. 2, behind Swift’s long-reigning Midnights.
The top five on the albums list is rounded out by Songs of Disappearance – Australian Frog Calls (MGM), which stays put at No. 3, and respective former best-sellers from Jimmy Barnes (Blue Christmas via Liberation/Universal) and Harry Styles (Harry’s House via Columbia/Sony).
Finally, Coterie makes a splash with their self-titled debut LP. The four-piece Australian-New Zealand band blasts in at No. 13 on the ARIA Albums Chart with Coterie (Sony), one of just two new releases to crack the top 50, after SZA’s latest LP.
Rosalía and Cardi B join forces for the new “Despechá” remix, which was unleashed Friday (Dec. 16).
After teasing the remix on Wednesday, the Spanish singer-songwriter unveiled a day later that the “WAP” singer would be her collaborator on the new version, which features Cardi rapping over the hypnotizing mambo beat.
“Since long time ago, I wanted to make music with her,” Rosalía said in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music. “And she knows I love her music, and she always supports me too. So I was like, “This song is inspired in Mambo, it’s inspired in música dominicana.” And she’s Dominican, so who else is going to understand this better than her? You know what I mean? Her energy’s super pure and strong. I think that everybody can feel that.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Her first mambo ever, Rosalía dropped “Despechá” back in July, her first single after releasing her Latin Grammy-winning album Motomami. The Chris Jedi and Gaby Music-produced track was first teased in the midst of her Motomami World Tour and quickly gained social media virality.
“Despechá” is a danceable electro-merengue and mambo fusion about a girl who’s hitting the club with her friends to get over a heartbreak. “There are many ways to be Despechá, in this theme it is from the freeness or the craziness, moving without reservations or regrets,” she previously said in a statement.
In October, the track scored Rosalía her first No. 1 as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other act, on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart. “Despechá” also helped secure the artist her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. On Hot Latin Songs, it peaked at No. 7 on the chart dated Oct. 1.
Listen to “Despechá” remix below:
John Beug, longtime head of creative services at Warner Bros. Records and a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning film and television producer, died Oct. 15 in Northern California after a short illness. He was 75.
Beug was a trailblazer in marrying music and image. An early proponent of music videos, he produced A-ha’s groundbreaking “Take on Me” video, which led to then-Warner Records chairman Mo Ostin hiring Beug. He went on to oversee such iconic videos as Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer,” R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care” and Neil Young’s “This Note’s for You.”
Beug won an Emmy for his work producing the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival for Rhino and won Grammys for producing the all-star tribute to George Harrison, Concert For George, Tom Petty Runnin’ Down A Dream, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, and When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors, directed by Tom DiCillo, which he co-produced with Dick Wolf.
He also was a leader in longform videos and documentaries, producing such pivotal DVDs as Nothing But the Blues, directed by Martin Scorsese, Fleetwood Mac’s The Dance and Eagles: Hell Freezes Over.
The Chicago-born Beug became a talent booker while attending Northwestern University and then began booking Chicago area venues, hiring talent as diverse as Joni Mitchell and Cheech & Chong. He moved to Los Angeles to work for producer Lou Adler’s Ode Records and worked with Adler on the opening of the Sunset Strip’s The Roxy nightclub and the production of Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
In addition to Harrison, Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, Eagles’ Don Henley, and Tom Petty, while at Warner Bros. Records, Beug worked closely with such artists as Steely Dan, Mitchell, Clapton, Van Halen, Seal and R.E.M. He continued working with many of them on film and television projects after he retired from Warner Music Group in 2014.
Most recently, Beug co-produced Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall, the documentary film that captured the group’s April 1970 appearance at the venerable London concert venue, which streamed on Netflix earlier this year.
Beug, who lost his first wife Carolyn Mayer in the 9/11 attacks, is survived by his second wife, Cidney Vinall; his children Nicholas, Lauren and Lindsey, and several other relatives.
A memorial is planned for Beug in February. A fund is being established in his name at Rhode Island School of Design.
Related Images:
Spotify has canceled at least six of its live audio shows as part of the audio giant’s latest round of programming cuts.
Included in the cancelations are Deux Me After Dark, a celebrity gossip show hosted by the anonymous creator known as Deux Moi; Doughboys: Snack Pack, a food show hosted by the comedians Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell; The Movie Buff, a movie review show hosted by the comedian Jon Gabrus; A Gay in the Life, a current events and LGBTQ+ culture show from Teen Beach Movie star Garrett Clayton and writer Blake Knight; Taylor Talk, a Taylor Swift fan show hosted by Ellie Schnitt; and Lorem Life, a music show based on Spotify’s Lorem playlist hosted by Dev Lemons and Max Motley.
The cancelations, two of which were not previously reported, were confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by a Spotify spokesperson.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
At least two deals for the Spotify Live shows were canceled midway through the creators’ contracts, according to a person familiar with the matter. A second source close to the matter said that all the contracts are being paid out in full, despite the cancelations.
The audio giant, which rebranded its live audio offering in April from Spotify Greenroom to Spotify Live, will continue to release live episodes from The Ringer MMA Show and The Fantasy Footballers, the latter of which struck a deal with Spotify earlier this year that included an extension of the show’s partnership with Spotify Live through the next three NFL seasons.
Other creators like Alex Cooper, whose Spotify Live show was promoted as part of the company’s live audio rebrand, have not continued hosting live episodes since launching their shows earlier this year. Cooper’s second and most recent live episode took place in April and was made available for on-demand listening on April 28.
The programming changes, first reported by Bloomberg, are the latest cuts from the audio giant, which recently canceled a total of 11 shows from in-house studios Gimlet and Parcast — 10 of which came to an end last month. The cuts have followed a similar model to cancelations in TV programming for broadcasters and streamers.
This article originally appeared in THR.com.