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20 Aug 2024

SOFI TUKKER Chats Fun ‘BREAD’ Album, Working With Heidi Klum, Kygo & More | Billboard News

SOFI TUKKER’s exciting new album, ‘BREAD,’ is set to release this Friday. The duo discusses how embracing sexuality was the main inspiration for the album, the Brazilian influence on their latest work, their collaboration with Heidi Klum, and their upcoming tour sets with Kygo and J Balvin, and more!

Katie Bain:

We are here with SOFI TUKKER. Guys, welcome to the studio. Thank you for coming in. I’m really excited about your new album. I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s fun and it’s playful and it’s sexy and it’s sophisticated, and it’s many things. And I’m wondering when you guys knew that it was time to get back into the studio after the last one that came out in 2022.

SOFI TUKKER:

The truth is, we never stopped going into the studio. So we’re just always baking things, and like for instance, “Woof,” which is one of the songs on ‘BREAD,’ we made before we even finished the last album, ‘Wet Tennis,’ and we just couldn’t figure out, couldn’t figure out, couldn’t figure out. It had so many different versions of the song. And then finally, we got it right for this album. We’re kind of always in the studio, always making things, and then once we feel like the songs are telling a story, or the songs are like, Oh, wait, there’s something cohesive here that feels like they need to belong together. Then we make the album.

What story do you feel like you landed on? And what story does this album tell?

I think this album tells like a return to who we are when we started. Like when we started I had just finished playing basketball. We were in college. Sophie was a jazz musician, playing mostly Brazilian music. I was into house music, playing house parties. 

Keep watching for more!

20 Aug 2024

AEG Presents, Frontier Touring Partner With Australia’s Playbill Group

SYDNEY, Australia — Playbill Group, the venue management business that operates the Hordern Pavilion, a Sydney landmark, has struck a partnership with AEG Presents and Frontier Touring, part of the Mushroom Group.

Going forward, Michael Nebenzahl continues as managing director of Playbill, in a “business as usual” arrangement, reads a joint statement.

Playbill and Frontier, both Australian, family-founded companies proving competitive on the global stage, have much in common, Frontier Touring CEO Dion Brant tells Billboard. “When we met Michael and his team it became obvious that the similarities didn’t stop there. We think very similarly, we have similar values and a similar culture. Both companies care deeply and go the extra mile for their clients, be it a theatrical production, a sporting team, or a music artist. Both go out of their way to treat fans well. And both focus on hiring and developing talented people, care about their people and trust them to deliver day in day out.”

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He adds, “with all the things the companies have in common the partnership feels natural for both.”  

Formed in 1958 by Brian and Jocelyn Nebenzahl, Playbill’s interests include management of the Hordern Pavilion, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary, and will host the ARIA Awards this November for the third-successive year.

From its grand opening in 1924 until 1983 (when the now demolished Sydney Entertainment Centre first opened its doors), the Hordern, with its 5,500-capacity, was the largest indoor venue in the country’s biggest city. Over time, the room has hosted concerts by a who’s who of global superstars, from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, David Bowie, Queen and the Jackson Five.

Playbill also merchandises for theatrical productions including musicals, national theatre and music companies in 12 countries worldwide, and partners with major sporting teams and operates venue concessions across the country and in Asia.

Playbill’s merchandise division has “been a mainstay” of the theater scene in Australia for over 60 years, notes Brant, “and is now a major force” on the world stage. ​ ​ 

“I am delighted to be partnering with AEG Presents and Frontier Touring in this next phase of the Playbill journey,” comments Nebenzahl in a statement. “We have always prided ourselves on serving our customers, whether in musical theatre, sport or as a venue through the Hordern Pavilion. In AEG, we have found a like-minded partner to continue to honor the legacy my parents created when they founded the business.”

Frontier Touring and AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, struck a strategic joint venture in 2019, formalizing a successful 12-year arrangement on tours into these parts. With that agreement, the award-winning Australian concerts specialist stepped into a global family whose portfolio includes venues around the globe, many at the arena-and-stadium level.

AEG has a long-established presence here through its then-named AEG Ogden joint venture, the largest venue management company in Asia Pacific. In 2019, AEG Facilities, the venue management subsidiary of AEG, announced a merger with SMG to create a new management empire called ASM Global, which would collect more than 300 facilities worldwide under a single banner.

“The Hordern and Frontier have a long-standing relationship bringing the best live music to Sydney,” comments Anthony Dunsford, GM Playbill Venues. “We look forward to continuing our role to bring iconic acts to the fans.”

19 Aug 2024

Chappell Roan Shares Thoughts on Her Rise to Fame | Billboard News

Chappell Roan’s sudden rise to fame has thrown her into a whirlwind. Keep watching to see what she has to say about her rapid rise to fame!

Tetris Kelly:

Chappell Roan has taken over the airwaves, with a Hot 100 Top 10 and an album approaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She sat down with SNL’s Bowen Yang, for Interview Magazine, to talk about what seems like her sudden rise to fame. 

When asked about sharing her struggles on stage, she said, “This is really weird and really hard. In the past, honestly, eight weeks, my entire life has changed. It’s been really emotional because I’m not just singing pop music, it’s automatically political because I’m gay.”

But it is one of the many reasons her fans love her. Over the weekend she gained a couple more famous fans. Folks on the internet discovered that both Ariana Grande and Rihanna followed Chappell on IG. They’re just the latest added to the list of her famous followers. Chappell also told Bowen how fortunate she is to be able to pick and choose which projects she is a part of since she’s so booked and busy now. 

She said “I’ve never been guaranteed money before. That’s the difference. I’ve always been a writer, but I didn’t start making money to pay my rent until last year.” Another perk of her hard earned success is the respect of others. She told Yang, “I’ve never given a fuck about the charts or being on the radio, but it’s so crazy how industry people are taking me more seriously than before. I’m like, ‘I’ve been doing this the whole time, bitch.”

No offense taken on the charts comment, we look forward to seeing Chappell continue to do what she’s done this whole time.

19 Aug 2024

Doja Cat & ‘Stranger Things’ Star Joseph Quinn Spark Dating Rumors | Billboard News

After Doja Cat made it known she was interested in ‘Stranger Things’ actor Joseph Quinn, it looks like the two were spotted together. Keep watching for details.

Tetris Kelly:
Doja Cat and Joseph Quinn? If you believe it, you can achieve it. We’re breaking down how it looks as if Doja Cat may not have given up on nabbing the actor as bae. And she said what she said: She wanted Joseph Quinn. She once tweeted, “joseph quinn fine as sh–.” The pop star also previously DMed Joseph’s ‘Stranger Things’ co-star Noah Schnapp, and said, “Noah can u tell Joseph to hmu…wait no. does he have a gf?” And when instructed to DM him, she responded, “idk his ig or twitter…he doesn’t have a dm to slide in.”

Joseph later told Entertainment Weekly, “That was funny. That whole experience was quite odd, but it’s fantastic. I admire her enormously as an artist.” How much? Because I guess she got in touch. Now Deuxmoi has caught the two allegedly boo’d up and walking the streets of London, so is it official? Billboard has reached out to reps of both for comment.

19 Aug 2024

Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Countdown for Aug. 24, 2024 | Billboard News

Will Billie Eilish make her way to No. 1?

Tetris Kelly:
This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated Aug. 24. “Too Sweet” is still at No. 10, as is “Lose Control” at No. 9, and “Please Please Please” at No. 8. Chappell Roan slips a spot to seven, as “Million Dollar Baby” drops to six. Billie Eilish reaches a new peak at No. 5. “Espresso” is at last week’s No. 4. “Not Like Us” is steady at No. 3. Posty and Morgan are still the duo at two. For the sixth time at No. 1 is Shaboozey with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

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16 Aug 2024

Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland & AJ McLean Team Up on Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’ | Billboard News

Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland & AJ McLean team up for Netflix’s new show ‘Building the Band.’ Keep watching for all the details!

Tetris Kelly:

Liam Payne, AJ McLean, Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger know a thing or two about being in a group. Nicole even had a hand in putting together Liam’s massively successful group One Direction. AJ is set to host the new program, while Nicole will serve as mentor and judge, alongside Kelly and Liam on the judging panel. ‘Building the Band’ will bring together a number of talented singers and task them with forming their own bands without ever seeing each other. Isolated in individual booths, all they’ll have to go on when selecting their bandmates is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit, according to a release. It’s giving ‘X Factor’ meets ‘Love Is Blind.’ The contestants are in good hands: AJ being a member of Backstreet Boys, Liam went through the reality show band-making machine on ‘X Factor,’ while both Kelly, of Destiny’s Child, and Nicole, of the Pussycat Dolls, served as judges on ‘X Factor.’ Nicole knows the other side of the dynamic as well. She was part of WB’s ‘Popstars,’ where they created her first girl group Eden’s Crush. Check out Billboard.com for all the details and the latest on ‘Building the Band.’

16 Aug 2024

Inside Bruno Mars’ Opening Concert at the Intuit Dome | All Access | Billboard News

Bruno Mars is the first person to perform at the Intuit Dome, and he did so with a bang. Keep watching for a look into the night and some special sightings!

Tetris Kelly:

Bruno & Gaga premiere their song, JLo dances the night away and we hang with Meghan Trainor.

Meghan Trainor: 

I’m probably going to cry.

Tetris Kelly:

We’re taking you to the brand new Intuit Dome in Billboard All Access. Bruno Mars kicked off the opening of the new Clippers arena at the Intuit Dome. We were at the ribbon cutting before the doors opened for the first time and everybody was excited for the king. What’s your favorite Bruno Mars song?

Meghan Trainor:

Actually my son Riley, who’s three right now

Daryl Sabara:

I was photobombing you guys the whole entire time. 

Tetris Kelly:

We love you, come in. 

Meghan Trainor:

We play “24K,” that’s his favorite. He needs to watch the music video, too. 

He opened the show with that hit. Fans filled the new spot as we watched him dance, watched his vocals soar, and when he sang “Marry You,” JLo couldn’t help but be on her feet. But the moment of the night came when Bruno had Lady Gaga join him to sing their new song. “Die With A Smile.” A legend. Thank you Bruno & Intuit Dome for an epic evening. 

16 Aug 2024

Music Companies Are Running Into Wall Street’s High Expectations

The shine on the music industry, a darling of Wall Street in recent years, appears to have lost a bit of its luster.  

Record label and publisher stocks that boomed in 2023 are mostly down in 2024. Universal Music Group (UMG), riding high until two weeks ago, is down 14.0% through Thursday (Aug. 15). Warner Music Group (WMG) is off 21.0%. Reservoir Media is up 2%, although it has declined 15.0% since July 26. K-pop companies have fallen off a cliff.  

Not that business is bad — far from it. But as companies released earnings results over the last couple weeks, good results have occasionally been overshadowed by a financial metric — namely, subscription growth — that either missed expectations or is headed in the wrong direction. In some cases, the results were simply disappointing.  

Ever since UMG produced weaker-than-expected subscription growth in the second quarter, analysts and investors have been revisiting their forecasts, wondering if they set their expectations too high and trying to figure out if UMG’s results reflect the broader market. The company’s recorded music subscription revenue rose 6.5% in the quarter, about half of analysts’ expectations.  

Although UMG executives warned against reading too much into the results from any one quarter, investors did exactly that. UMG’s share price, which had been among the better performers in its label-publisher peer group in 2024, dropped 24% in a single day despite UMG posting a 10% increase in revenue and better margins than a year earlier.

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Subscription growth isn’t the only facet of the modern music business, but it’s probably the main reason most investors bought into music companies. As Billboard wrote in March, the music business is increasingly reliant — perhaps too much so — on subscription revenue. In the U.S. in 2023, subscription revenue accounted for 59.3% of recorded music revenue, up from 57.8% in 2022 and far above 47.3% in 2018, according to the RIAA. With ad-supported streaming stagnant, subscriptions take on even greater importance. 

Subscription revenue was on everybody’s mind when WMG released earnings a week later. The company’s streaming revenue didn’t show signs of UMG’s slippage, though, which suggested the reaction to UMG’s quarter may have been overblown. WMG’s recorded music subscription revenue was up 7% while ad-supported streaming revenue was unchanged. The streaming market, said CEO Robert Kyncl during the Aug. 7 earnings call, is “diverse,” “healthy’ and has more room for subscriber growth. While analysts’ opinions varied, investors seemed happy enough, as WMG’s share price gained 2% that day.  

Sony Music had similarly positive streaming results in its latest fiscal quarter. Total recorded music streaming revenue improved 6%, suggesting subscription revenue exceeded 6% to compensate for a small decline in ad-supported streaming.  

Often overshadowed by UMG and WMG, Reservoir Media has delivered consistent growth since going public in 2021. The company’s latest earnings results delivered more of the same: Revenue was up 8% and operating income before depreciation and amortization jumped 27%. While there was a decline in recorded music revenue, it couldn’t be attributed to a stubborn streaming market. Rather, Reservoir was riding high a year earlier from the reissue of De La Soul’s catalog, which it picked up in the 2021 acquisition of Tommy Boy Music. Even so, its share price is down 11.9% since its quarterly earnings release while the S&P 500 is up 2% over the same period.

K-pop is a different story altogether. While these South Korean companies are riding the genre’s success to aggressively expand globally through partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions, they’re showing signs of growing pains. Year-to-date through Aug. 15, the four main K-pop companies’ share prices had dropped an average of 35.5%.

Second-quarter results explain part of the decline. Three of those K-pop companies had an average decline in net income of 84%, while the fourth saw its net profit turn into a net loss. At JYP Entertainment, home to Stray Kids and iTZY, revenue dropped 37% and net profit plummeted 95%. SM Entertainment managed a 6% increase in consolidated revenue — the main SM Entertainment segment fared far better than its subsidiaries — but net profit still dropped by 70%. HYBE’s revenue increased 6% and set a quarterly record, but its net profit slipped 86%.  

The South Korean companies’ relatively small rosters and lack of diversity help explain a quarter-to-quarter shortfall. JYP Entertainment, for example, was missing its most popular artists from its second-quarter album release schedule — a problem for a K-pop label dependent on fans’ tendency to buy CDs. (albums accounted for 49% of total revenue a year earlier). With an 82% drop last quarter, albums’ share of revenue fell to just 14%.  

There’s plenty of opportunity for companies to regain their luster. UMG CFO Boyd Muir insisted the company will consistently deliver high single-digit revenue growth. WMG’s Kyncl insisted that “streaming dynamics remain healthy” and the company sees “plenty of headroom for subscriber growth” globally. K-pop labels won’t go two successive quarters without priority releases to pad sales figures. Any single quarter may have a hiccup, but the long-term trend lines are still pointing in the right direction. 

16 Aug 2024

‘Cobra Kai’ Rules Top TV Songs Chart With Cyndi Lauper Synch

Following a synch in the latest season of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” claims the top spot of Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart, powered by Tunefind, for July 2024.

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Rankings for the Top TV Songs chart are based on song and show data provided by Tunefind and ranked using a formula blending that data with sales and streaming information tracked by Luminate during the corresponding period of July 2024.

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Lauper’s breakthrough hit (it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1984), was heard in the third episode of the Netflix series’ sixth season, which aired its first five episodes all together on July 18, with the next five to come in November.

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“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” racked up 13.7 million official on-demand U.S. streams and 2,000 downloads in July 2024, according to Luminate.

The song is the sole entry from Cobra Kai on the July 2024 tally; it’s followed by a slew of titles from Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys and Peacock’s U.S. version of Love Island, which take up the remainder of the 10-position list.

Music from the fourth season of The Boys — particularly episodes six, seven and eight, which aired between July 4 and 18 — take up Nos. 2-7 and 10, paced by Christopher Cross‘ “Sailing” at No. 2.

“Sailing,” a No. 1 hit for Cross on the Hot 100 in August 1980, scored a synch in the sixth episode of the series, as did the No. 3 song, Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” (No. 2 on the Hot 100 in June 1978).

“Sailing” earned 6.5 million streams and 2,000 downloads in July 2024, while “Baker Street” contributed 3.1 million streams and 1,000 downloads.

As for Love Island, whose sixth season premiered in June and ran through July, the top-performing track was Chance Pena’s “The Mountain Is You” at No. 8 following its appearance in episode 22 (July 5) via 1.4 million streams.

See the full top 10 below.

Rank, Song, Artist, Show (Network)
1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper, Cobra Kai (Netflix)
2. “Sailing,” Christopher Cross, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
3. “Baker Street,” Gerry Rafferty, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
4. “Heart-Shaped Box,” Nirvana, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
5. “Rosanna,” Toto, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
6. “Steal My Sunshine,” Len, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
7. “Butterfly,” Crazy Town, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
8. “The Mountain Is You,” Chance Pena, Love Island (Peacock)
9. “Sex and Candy,” Unions, Love Island (Peacock)
10. “You Can Do Magic,” America, The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)

16 Aug 2024

KATSEYE On Debut EP ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong),’ Netflix Docuseries ‘Pop Star Academy’ | Billboard News  

The global girl group KATSEYE has debuted and is making waves in the music industry. They discuss their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong), their Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE and performances at KCON and on Good Morning America. KATSEYE also shares insights into their rigorous training, the K-pop methodology for success, and their mission to inspire through individuality and cultural identities.

Tetris Kelly:

Hey this is Tetris with Billboard News, and this is a debut. I’m here with KATSEYE. What’s up? Oh my god, so the last time I was with you guys, was at Dream Academy announcing the group, and you finally arrived. So how’re you feeling?

KATSEYE:

It’s actually crazy. This is such a full circle moment, like the last time we saw you, we were literally falling on stage. You made the group, you made the group, you made the group.

And here is the group. So you have your EP coming out. SIS and I love the title, I gotta say. So tell me what the title means, and how excited are you to put it out?

So ‘SIS’ is ‘Soft Is Strong,’ and I think the whole EP itself is, like, amazing. I’m so excited for everybody to hear it. Each song has a different story, and I hope that our fans and icons can find themselves in each song, the EP just shows a lot of our duality, like soft and strong.

And I mean, I gotta say naming the first song “Debut?” That was good.

You see what we did there. 

I see what you did there. Yeah, and how was that song? How was creating that and why was that the first one you wanted to introduce to the world? 

Oh my god, girl. I mean, that song was like, when we first heard it, we were literally all gagged because it was so fierce. 

Keep watching for more!