Dance
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This week in dance music: The dance world roared back to life after the relative calm of the holidays, with CRSSD dropping its spring 2024 lineup and Bonnaroo and Hangout Fest both including a load of dance artists on their bills — including headlining sets from Pretty Lights and Fred again.. at Bonnaroo.
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Meanwhile, Kraftwerk announced a nine-show residency at Disney Hall in Los Angeles this May, Alesso was announced as a performer for a big Super Bowl party in Las Vegas next month and New York City’s Teksupport announced an 18-show boat party series settling sail in May.
As part of Billboard‘s “future of genre” series, we spoke with extremely of-the-moment producers Odetari and 6arelyhuman; “Strangers” phenom Kenya Grace signed a global publishing admin deal with Warner Chappell, and Beatport made two key promotions and claimed over $100 million in revenue for 2023.
In sadder news, Black Coffee was injured in a flight accident in Argentina, but is reported to be “optimistic and doing well.” And the world lost a legend, the BBC Radio 1 presenter Annie Nightingale — the stations first-ever female presenter — dying this week at age 83.
And along with all this, we have 2024’s first week of heavy dance music releases. These are the best new dance tracks of the week.
Jamie xx, “It’s So Good”
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The Label: Young
The Spiel: The sole lyrics on the latest from Jamie xx function as self-fulfilling prophesy, with a childlike voice reiterating “It’s so good!” over a complex, percussion-forward production that incorporates Brazilian funk and loads of fun (but also cerebral) bells and whistles, as well as the breathing room that makes them all pop. The song soundtracks a new Chanel ad campaign and is also xx’s first new music since the absolute bangers “KILL DEM” and “Let’s Do It Again” from 2022. More music from this year from the perpetual fav would, indeed, be so good.
Camelphat, “Running Man”
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The Label: Mahool Records
The Spiel: In the Camelphat arsenal since 2023 and (finally) getting an official release this week, “Running Man” is a punchy, wind-up toy of a melodic house track, with the urgently blinking synth at the fore building to a nearly hectic place before releasing, then rising again. The track is out on Mahool Records, the label from Saudi Arabian dance company MDLBEAST, marking the imprint’s third-ever release. Camelphat’s spring tour dates include L.A.’s Skyline, EDC Mexico, Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Awakenings in The Netherlands.
Gorgon City feat. Bbyafricka, “Biggest Regret”
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The Label: Astralwerks
The Spiel: You think you’ve got Gorgon City’s latest figured out, until the 30-second mark, when a thunder of bass enters the production like a gamma ray, leaving as quickly as it came as the song returns to a spare beat that gradually grows lusher with a swirl of piano stabs and the hypnotic voice of Los Angeles-based singer BbyAfricka, before booming in once more. The track is the first new music from the duo since their excellent 2023 album Salvation. Their 2024 tour schedule thus far includes festival dates at M3F, We Are FSTVL, Forbidden Forest and Hideout.
Logic1000 feat. DJ Plead and MJ Nebreda, “Every Lil”
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The Label: Therapy
The Spiel: The third single from Logic1000’s forthcoming debut album Mother, coming March 22, slinks into your ears like a curl of fire smoke through a crowded dance floor. A collaboration between the Berlin-based producer, Australia’s DJ Plead and Miami-based MJ Nebreda, “Every Lil” is seductive and transportive, lifting us from the late afternoon mid-winter darkness to an all-night beachside party in some tropical locale, a vibe created especially by this one’s emphasis on hand percussion. The song comes ahead of Logic1000’s new podcast Logic1000 & Helena Star Present: Therapy, which will feature conversations about motherhood, mental health and the music industry.
Four Tet, “Loved”
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The Label: Text Records
The Spiel: The first track on Four Tet’s forthcoming album — the producer’s twelfth studio LP, the title and release date for which have not been announced — is quintessential, with Kieren Hebden finding the same sort of shuffling, gently swaggering beat that’s been a defining element of much of his studio output. Over it, he layers a gently glowing synth and, midway through, some light cacophony in the form of what sounds like a pair of baking trays being banged together. The four-minute track then returns to its soothing low simmer, playing like a salve for the nervous system — which is, appropriately, also the effect that feeling loved has.
New York City dance promoter Teksupport is taking the party to the New York City harbor. The company is unveiled on Friday (Jan. 12) a partnership with the Cornucopia Majesty, a 30,000-square foot private yacht that provides luxury cruises past the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks. The boat’s observation […]
Annie Nightingale, the pioneering BBC Radio 1 DJ, has died at 83. A statement shared Friday (Jan. 12) and attributed to her family says she “passed away yesterday at her home in London after a short illness.”
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Nightingale was the first female DJ on BBC Radio 1, where she started in 1970, ultimately becoming the station’s longest serving DJ. In 2010, Nightingale entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest serving female radio presenter, a record she still holds. Her last broadcast was in late December 2023.
“Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many,” her family’s statement continues. “Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.”
“Never underestimate the role model she became,” the statement went on. “Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard. Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock n’ roll.”
BBC Radio 1 also reflected on Nightingale’s career and her impact. “Annie was a world class DJ, broadcaster and journalist, and throughout her entire career was a champion of new music and new artists,” Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, said in a statement posted to BBC Radio 1’s Instagram account. “She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and over her 50 years on the station was a pioneer for women in the industry and in dance music. We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”
Born near London in 1940, Nightingale began her career as a journalist and television presenter, later launching a line of clothing shops. She first came on the BBC Radio 1 airwaves in February 1970.
Nightingale is being widely celebrated, with BBC Radio 1’s other famous Annie, Annie Mac, writing on Instagram, “What a devastating loss. Annie Nightingale was a trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job. This is the woman who changed the face and sound of British TV and Radio broadcasting forever. You can’t underestimate it.”
Radio 1’s Pete Tong also commemorated Nightingale, recalling that “Annie was a pioneer, a trailblazer and a role model, who possessed a relentless passion to discover and champion new & groundbreaking music. During her career Annie championed everything from prog rock and punk to acid house, techno, big beat, breakbeat, dubstep and grime.
“Annie’s always been a massive inspiration for me in the sense that she carved out the path at Radio 1,” Tong continued, “proving you could have a career in radio by just staying in your lane and specializing in championing new and exciting artists. Play what you love. She wrote the book on what music radio could be.”
Alesso‘s caught a gig. The Swedish DJ and music producer is set to perform at Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl party on Jan. 10 in Las Vegas, Billboard can exclusively report. The “Words” artist joins previously announced headliners Lil Wayne and T-Pain.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this legendary lineup of performers with Lil Wayne and T-Pain at the Michelob ULTRA Country Club in Las Vegas next month,” Alesso tells Billboard. “Michelob ULTRA always throws one of the biggest Super Bowl parties every year, so you won’t want to miss it.”
Billboard can also announce that the event will be hosted by soccer player Alex Morgan and former NFL quarterback Dan Marino. The shindig — called the Michelob Ultra Country Club — will be held at the Topgolf in Sin City, and goes from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The party will combine — what else! — golf, entertainment, and food and drinks. In addition to live performances by Alesso, Lil Wayne and T-Pain across two stages, the Country Club will feature an “all-star celebrity golf shoot-out,” giveaways and appearances by celebrities and athletes.
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“We’re thrilled to bring the much-anticipated Michelob ULTRA Country Club to Topgolf Las Vegas during the biggest weekend of the year,” Ricardo Marques, Michelob ULTRA’s VP of marketing, previously said in a statement. “By combining the perfect setting with an incredible line-up of artists, hosts and special guest appearances, we’ll create what will truly be a unique experience that seamlessly blends being active with enjoyment, which is something only Michelob ULTRA could deliver.”
All-inclusive “Early Birdie” tickets to the event — which include food and beverages — are on sale now for $269 via Michelob Ultra’s website. Advance and regular tickets will go on sale “soon,” according to the website. VIP table service tickets are also available now, with prices ranging from $7,500 to $15,000.
While the teams for Super Bowl 2024 have not yet been determined, the halftime show performer has been set. Usher will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show presented by Apple Music on Jan. 11 from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.
“When I got the call, I was like, ‘Man, I’ve been working really hard my entire career,’” he told Extra in November of his upcoming gig for the big game. “The preparation didn’t start within the last two years of performing in Las Vegas. It really started 30 years ago, and my commitment to it and the journey that I’ve taken musically is why I think I’m given that moment.”
Warner Chappell Music has signed Kenya Grace to a global publishing administration agreement. Known best for her breakout single “Strangers,” she was the first to top Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart for a song written, produced and performed by a woman.
A self-taught talent, Grace was born in South Africa and raised in Southampton, England. In 2022, she released her first singles, including “Oranges,” “Afterparty Lover” and “Meteor,” and signed a deal with Warner Record’s dance label, Major Recordings. “Strangers” was her major label debut.
“I’m delighted to be working with Warner Chappell Music,” said Grace in a statement. “Songwriting is the most important part of my creativity, and I’m obsessed with great songs. The process of writing is my joy, art, and at times, therapy. There is so much I want to achieve as a writer, and with the Warner Chappell team behind me, I feel like I can achieve so much.”
Warner Chappell’s Gabz Landman, vp of A&R, and Xavier Champagne, senior director of urban A&R, added, “Kenya has set a remarkable path for herself, writing and producing her own music in its entirety. To be a record-breaking female producer, songwriter, artist, and DJ is a special and rare achievement. Her music is honest and true, and we couldn’t be more excited to join her on this journey.”
“Kenya is an incredible talent — highlighted by her global hit ‘Strangers,’” says Amber Davis, senior vp at Warner Chappell Music UK. “She is a special artist and has enjoyed a brilliant year breaking in the UK and around the world. We’re delighted to be working with her at Warner Chappell Music as we help her continue to develop into a leading songwriter.”
Get your flip-flops ready, because the annual beachside Hangout Festival is returning to Gulf Shores, Alabama, this spring with a megawatt lineup. Taking place May 17-19, the festival will feature headliners ODESZA, Lana Del Rey and Zach Bryan. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The genre-spanning lineup […]
Electronic pioneers Kraftwerk this week announced a nine-show residency in Los Angeles that will cover the group’s decade-spanning catalog.
Presented in conjunction with the 50-year anniversary of Kraftwerk’s Autobahn, each show will feature the band playing one of their classic albums, including Autobahn, 1975’s Radio-Activity and 1977’s Trans Europe Express. The final show will span five decades of the Kraftwerk repertoire. See the complete show schedule below.
Hosted by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the residency will happen at downtown Los Angeles’ iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, where the group also performed a celebrated residency in 2013. Happening this May 21-30, the residency will mark Kraftwerk’s first performances in North America since a 2022 run of their 3-D show. Tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. PT.
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Kraftwerk was founded in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider — the latter of whom died of cancer in May 2020 — in Düsseldorf, Germany. By the mid-1970s, Kraftwerk had achieved international recognition for their revolutionary electronic soundscapes and musical experimentation using robotics and other technological innovations, including synthetic voices and computerized rhythms. The group had a major international influence across a range of music genres and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
May 21, 2024: Autobahn
May 22, 2024: Radio-Activity
May 23, 2024: Trans Europe Express
May 24, 2024: The Man-Machine
May 25, 2024: Computer World
May 26, 2024: Techno Pop
May 28, 2024: The Mix
May 29, 2024: Tour de France
May 30, 2024: Finale with compositions from the entire catalogue
South African house producer Black Coffee suffered injuries after being involved in a “severe travel accident” in Argentina. A statement posted Wednesday (Jan. 10) on the artist’s Instagram account says that the situation occurred “on a flight en route to his scheduled show in Mar Del Plata. The incident resulted in unforeseen complications and left […]
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has been churning out disco-pop hits for more than 20 years, but now she’s a Billboard Hot 100-charting hitmaker for the first time, thanks to the viral success of her 2001 song “Murder on the Dancefloor.”
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The song, on Polydor/Republic/UMe, debuts at No. 98 on the Jan. 13-dated Hot 100 with 3.9 million official U.S. streams (up 131%) and 2,000 downloads sold (up 92%) in the Dec. 29-Jan. 4 tracking week, according to Luminate.
“Murder on the Dancefloor” has been surging in popularity in recent weeks thanks to its inclusion in the film Saltburn. The track appears in the final scene of the movie, in which the film’s lead Barry Keoghan dances nude to the song. The scene has resulted in many fans recording their own dances to the track on TikTok.
A portion of the song has soundtracked in more than 200,000 TikTok clips, while a separate version has been used in over 100,000 videos. On Instagram Reels, the song has been used in over 70,000 clips. Ellis-Bextor even hopped on the trend, posting a TikTok of herself dancing to the song on New Year’s Eve, clad in a rainbow-sequined kaftan and wearing a set of antlers.
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Beyond the Hot 100, “Murder on the Dancefloor” rises 7-4 for a new high on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
“It actually feels really magical, and if I’m honest, I don’t think I’ve completely processed it really,” Ellis-Bextor told the BBC last week. “It’s a song I’ve been singing for over 20 years. I still love singing it. I love the way people react when I do it live. But for new people to be discovering it, for it to be making new memories with people, is kind of beautiful.”
“Murder on the Dancefloor,” which Ellis-Bextor co-wrote and co-produced with New Radicals’ Gregg Alexander, was a minor hit in the U.S. in 2002. It reached No. 26 on the Dance Club Songs chart and No. 39 on Hot Singles Sales. In her native U.K., though, the song soared to No. 2 on the Official UK Singles Chart.
Ellis-Bextor has earned two other chart hits in the U.S.: “Not Giving Up on Love” with Armin Van Buuren reached No. 3 on Dance/Mix Show Airplay in 2011, and Guena LG and Amir Amargan’s “Back 2 Paradise,” on which she’s featured, hit No. 25 on Dance Club Songs in 2014.
In the U.K., she has notched six top 10 hits on the Official UK Singles Chart and five top 10 albums on the Official UK Albums tally.
Ellis-Bextor, from Hounslow, London, has released seven studio albums in her career, most recently Hana last June. The set peaked at No. 8 on the Official UK. Albums Chart.
It may be early in the year, but the 2024 festival season is just around the corner. On Monday (Jan. 8) San Diego’s biannual dance festival CRSSD released the official lineup for their upcoming spring event. The house and techno-centric roster includes house legend Black Coffee, Italian duo Tale Of Us, Berlin mainstay Dixon, Detroit […]