International
LONDON — Events firm Brockwell Live have confirmed that a series of festivals set to take place in south London’s Brockwell Park will go ahead as planned.
On Friday (May 16), a high court in the capital ruled against Lambeth Council’s decision to approve events including Field Day and Mighty Hoopla over planning permission concerns.
The legal case originated with local residents group Protect Brockwell Park, which challenged regulations stipulating that festivals can only use public parks for 28 days annually without additional planning permission. Campaign leader Rebekah Shaman argued that the planned Brockwell Live events would occupy the park for 37 days in 2025.
Protect Brockwell Park raised over £40,000 ($53,589) last month for a judicial review of the approvals they called “unlawful.” They contended that yearly festivals keep the park closed for too long. They also called for “full public consultations, evidence-based impact assessments and proper evaluation of the long-term impact on the park.” The campaign was also backed by Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance.On Monday (May 19), however, Brockwell Live announced that the festivals will take place, insisting that the aforementioned ruling only dealt with “a particular point of law and whether an administrative process had been carried out correctly.”
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Wide Awake, the first event in the Brixton park this year, is scheduled for Friday (May 23). In a statement posted to Instagram, Brockwell Live said: “We wish to make it clear that no event will be cancelled as a result of the High Court’s decision.
“We take our stewardship of Brockwell Park seriously. As we prepare to deliver these much-loved, culturally significant events, we remain fully committed to its care, upkeep, and long-term wellbeing. With setup nearly complete, we look forward to opening the gates and welcoming festival goers later this week.”
In a further update this morning, Lambeth Council explained that an application for a new certificate of lawfulness had been submitted following the High Court ruling. A spokesperson said: “Summer Events Limited has applied to Lambeth Council for a new certificate of lawfulness, for 24 days, following the High Court ruling last week on the previous certificate. The council is urgently considering that application. That consideration does not stop the events proceeding.” Summer Events Limited manage the Lambeth County show, using infrastructure from Brockwell Live.
Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap will headline Wide Awake, before the program of events continues with electronic festival Field Day on May 24. Cross The Tracks, City Splash and Brockwell Bounce take place on May 25, 26 and 28 respectively.
Mighty Hoopla will take place over the weekend of May 31 and June 1, with Ciara, Kesha and JADE booked to perform. The Lambeth Country Show will round out the programme, with the festival taking place from June 7 until June 8.
Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest winner with “Wasted Love,” a song that combines operatic, multi-octave vocals with a techno twist. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturday’s (May 17) grand final in the Swiss city of Basel.
Israel’s Yuval Raphael came second at an exuberant celebration of music and unity that was shadowed by the Gaza war and ruffled by discord over Israel’s participation.
JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was Austria’s first winner since bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014. JJ, who sings with the Vienna State Opera, has called Wurst a mentor. It was Austria’s third victory overall in Eurovision.
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“This is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s crazy,” said the singer after being handed the microphone-shaped glass Eurovision trophy.
JJ won after a nail-biting final that saw Raphael scoop up a massive public vote from her many fans for her anthemic “New Day Will Rise.” But she also faced protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel to be kicked out of the contest over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza.
Estonia’s Tommy Cash came third with “Espresso Macchiato,” and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode “Bara Bada Bastu,” came fourth.
The world’s largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland, that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas.
Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent’s pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had three minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner.
The show offered a celebration of Europe’s eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraine’s Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the U.K.’s Remember Monday offered country pop.
Italy’s Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvia’s six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies.
There were divas aplenty, including Spain’s Melody, Poland‘s Justyna Steczkowska — participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with “GAJA” — and Malta’s outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed “Serving,” a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers, on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips.
Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese.
“In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English,” he said. But “in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn’t succeeded.”
“An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days,” said Vuletic.
This year’s contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel’s participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerland’s Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country’s participation.
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year’s event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member.
Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Boycott Israel.”
Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basel’s cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that “Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland,” Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said.
She said that “it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism,” if Raphael won.
“This is supposed to be about music, not about hate,” she said.
The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest’s code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision’s values of “universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity” and its political neutrality.
After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country’s flag.
Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers’ goal was to ”re-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world.”
“All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably,” he said.
In just a few years, Toronto-born rapper and actor Connor Price has built a global audience and over 2 billion streams entirely on his own terms.
“Staying independent means ownership, creative control and being able to do things my own way,” says Price. “I can put out music when I want. I can say what I want. I can work with who I want. I can market it how I want. I don’t have to wait for a label.”
That mindset has already helped him carve out a career many would envy. Using social media, online savvy, and some help from his family and friends, Price has found a way to reach a wide fan base all over the world. It’s a 21st-century DIY rise. Build the fanbase first, then go out on the road. Release 110 songs, then record your debut album.
Connor Price stars on Billboard Canada’s new Indie Issue digital cover — a look at artists making it work without a label. In the story, he talks about going from a career as an actor into music and content creation, and the viral Spin The Globe project that has resulted in millions of streams not just for him but for independent artists all over the world.
“Being on the independent side and working so closely with my wife [Breanna, his manager], I have to know how the business side works,” he says. “Some artists might be in a label situation with a big team where all they have to do is focus on the music, which is great, all the power to them. But I actually have a lot of pride and enjoyment in both the business side and the creative side.”
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It’s every starry-eyed artist’s dream to sign a record deal — or so the conventional wisdom goes.
The recorded music industry has been built on the label model from its earliest days, with record companies providing funding to artists in exchange for rights to the music.
As recording has become cheaper and more accessible, though, the whole paradigm is shifting. Now, many artists are choosing to remain independent — or, in the case of major Canadian breakouts like The Beaches and Nemahsis, seeing success as independent artists after leaving a label roster.
That dynamic has been changing for decades, with strong independent streaks in DIY-minded genres like punk and hip-hop, but the internet has upended the industry to such an extent that artists across all genres are weighing the benefits of independence.
When you don’t have a label fronting funds or tapping into established release strategies and promotional networks, you need to make sure you’ve got a strong community around.
Ontario indie artist Ruby Waters knows that firsthand. She’s become a major breakout Canadian indie rock act in the last five years, with two Juno nominations, international tours and millions of streams under her belt.
“The main force to my independence as an artist really comes down to the love and support I’ve had from my day one homies and fans throughout my whole musical journey starting from back when I was singing on the street,” she says in another Billboard Canada Indie Issue feature.
Read the whole feature, which looks at the tools artists have without label support, here.
Billboard Summit Brings Global Talent to Toronto This Summer
A major global initiative is coming to Canada.
The inaugural Billboard Summit will bring some of the world’s biggest artists to Toronto’s NXNE Festival for a series of dynamic, artist-led conversations in June.
The full-day event will go beyond industry panel conversations to centre musicians talking about what they’re most passionate about: their processes, collaborations and breakthroughs.
Charlotte Cardin is the first artist announced to join the summit. The Montreal-based singer and songwriter has had an international breakout over the last few years, charting on multiple Billboard charts and touring throughout Canada, Europe and the Middle East.
Her global rise led from Billboard Canada Women in Music, where she was named Woman of the Year in 2024, to the global Billboard Women in Music stage in Los Angeles this past March, where she represented Canada as Global Woman of the Year.
Cardin will speak on the topic of Breaking Through Barriers by sharing experiences and moments that have defined her career and offering inspiration to anyone striving to push boundaries.
Other soon-to-be-announced names will include artists from around the world — from trailblazing Canadians who’ve built influential brands that have resonated across borders to international artists who’ve set chart and live music records throughout the globe.
Stay tuned for the full programming announcement, featuring an exciting lineup of diverse voices and thought-provoking speakers.
More info here.
PUP Chart on Billboard Canadian Albums for the Fourth Straight Time with ‘Who Will Look After The Dogs?’
Punk is back on the charts this week.
Toronto band PUP have debuted their newest album Who Will Look After The Dogs? on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart this week, dated May 17. The album enters at No. 72 and marks the band’s fourth consecutive album on the chart since its sophomore effort, The Dream Is Over, first landed at No. 48 in 2016.
The album is fun and self-deprecating in ways we’ve come to expect from PUP, but also reflects the band’s major life changes: members got married or had kids, one expanded his home studio, and singer Stefan Babcock ended a decade-long relationship.
Although they have previously reached higher peaks on the chart, the band has some serious momentum. Following a stint playing arenas opening for Sum 41 on the band’s farewell tour, they’re now currently on tour in Europe and will also celebrate the record with a citywide summer tour in Toronto. The Mega-City Madness Tour is set to kick off in July, with dates at six venues in PUP’s hometown.
Elsewhere on the chart, legendary British rock band Pink Floyd earns this week’s top debut on the chart with Pink Floyd At Pompeii: MCMLXXII, which lands at No. 45. It is the first-ever soundtrack album for the band’s 1972 concert film Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, which was recently remastered in 4K and re-released in theatres. It is the only other debut on the May 17 chart.
Check out the whole Canadian Albums chart breakdown here. – Stefano Rebuli
For the Italian public, he is now an artist who needs no introduction. His surprising climb to second place at the Sanremo Festival 2025 with the song “Volevo Essere un Duro” (“I Wanted to Be a Tough Guy”) made him famous thanks to its mix of tenderness, irony and aesthetic and musical references to glam rock – reinterpreted in his own way. However, for the international public of Eurovision 2025, Lucio Corsi is an artist who is still to be discovered.
Italy’s presence among the “Big Five” guarantees him direct access to the final, but will he be able to replicate his unexpected success of Sanremo? He openly does not aim for victory: “Music for me is not a competition. It would make no sense: how can you compete in music? It’s not a sport,” he says, sounding sincere.
However, everyone’s eyes and ears are focused on the Saturday (May 17) final, where the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest winner will be decided. Billboard Italy interviewed the “anti-hero” songwriter after his performance in the first semifinal to gather his thoughts and impressions before the final.
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What was your first impression of Eurovision?
It was interesting to see how many rehearsals there are before the performance. They are repeated several times a day and there is great attention to every little detail. There is also great readiness to improve the shots and the sound. It is a fortune to be able to invent what we want on stage.
What are the similarities and differences between Sanremo and Eurovision?
In Sanremo everything is very concentrated: from morning to evening there are interviews, rehearsals, performances. Here, instead, everything is more dilated in time and there are fewer things on your schedule. In Sanremo you continuously breathe the atmosphere of the festival, here you can also isolate yourself: in some moments you don’t even feel like you are at Eurovision. It is also interesting to be able to encounter other types of musical expression, from other countries and with other conceptions of the songs.
You said that you particularly like Napa, the Portuguese band. Have you had the chance to meet other Eurovision artists in person?
Yes, I met Go-Jo, the Australian artist. I first met him by chance while walking in Rome: we turned a corner and found ourselves face to face. It’s a small world…. Then I met [Estonian artist] Tommy Cash here in the hotel. These encounters are among the nice things of these experiences.
After your performance, many people appreciated your reference to a glam rock sound and aesthetic. Is it an element you are counting on to appeal to an international audience?
I have always tried to find my own way of being inspired by that type of sound. I have always liked it, since adolescence. It is not something aimed at making an impression: it just interests me on the level of composition, sound, research. However, I like many types of music, from folk to prog rock. In the future, I would like to delve into other things as well. This is just a snapshot of this period of mine.
How was your “anti-hero” style received by those who didn’t know you before?
I’m very happy that the English subtitles to the lyrics did their job. I’m happy to see that foreign journalists understood the meaning of the song. I hope that can happen in the final, too. The English translation we did is the simplest possible, because it has to reach non-native speakers as well. We didn’t need a sophisticated translation but a clear, immediate text.
Your collaboration with Tommaso Ottomano, who is with you on stage, is very close: tell us about the human and professional relationship that binds you guys.
He’s like a brother. We’ve known each other since we were kids and we’ve invented everything together, from songs to music videos [Ottomano is also a director, ed.]. We both come from Tuscan, in particular from Maremma, which is a sort of Italian Wild West. Music took us away from the boredom of the province, which is also wonderful because it’s very similar to peace. Learning to deal with such boredom as kids gave us the opportunity to find escapes in music. Also, the stories of people from the provinces are very epic: since the places are “small,” these stories have to be in some way gigantic. This inspires me a lot.
Lucio Corsi
Francis Delacroix/Billboard Italy
As Korea’s most popular virtual idol group, PLAVE is sometimes misunderstood as an AI-generated illusion. But the artists behind the animated band members are real, as are the videographers, engineers, graphic designers, animators and retouchers who bring their imagery to life.For the latest edition of Billboard Artist, Billboard Korea spoke to the characters who power PLAVE. Here are highlights from the conversation.
This edition is built around five key elements—earth, fire, water, air and a fifth: the “digital universe,” which represents PLAVE’s origin story. If you had to define one final element that completes the world, what would it be?
Yejun: For me, it’s truth—and being real, always. When you put your real feelings out there, people can feel that. Doesn’t matter where you are or who’s watching—genuine energy just hits different.
Noah: Happiness, 100%. I feel like almost everything we do in life—whether it’s grabbing food, texting a friend, even just taking a nap—is basically us chasing happiness in some form. That’s honestly why I do PLAVE, too. It makes me happy, and I get to run after this wild, exciting dream with the members.
Bamby: Emotion—for real, it’s everything. Like, I don’t think we even start doing anything without some kind of feeling behind it. Even when I’m like, “Okay, time to sing,” there’s always a reason—someone I’m thinking of, some mood I’m in. It’s all driven by emotion. No spark, no move. That’s just how I run.
Eunho: Analog. If PLAVE started in a digital universe, I think the heart of our story still has to feel human. The more high-tech the world gets, the more I feel like people crave something soft, something real. There’s this quiet nostalgia for the imperfect stuff—the human side of things. Maybe that’s why what we do connects. It’s not just the tech. It’s the feeling behind it. So yeah, if I had to name the final element, I’d call it analog warmth.
Hamin: Faith. I feel like everything starts from that. It’s because we believed that PLAVE could exist, and it’s that same belief that lets us love each other—and be loved back.
Like the idea of a flower pushing through tough soil, what’s something meaningful you’ve grown from a hard time?
Bamby: I’m really into growing plants. There’s just something magical about watching life sprout from plain old dirt—seeing it grow, bear fruit, and then return to the soil. That whole cycle is so beautiful to me. It made me realize nature is all about giving and receiving, in this constant loop. And I’m part of that too, right? I think I’m growing a little every day—like a tree, like a flower. I don’t think we’re meant to bloom just one flower or grow one fruit in our whole life. It’s more like—we keep blooming whatever fits that moment. One season, one vibe, one version of ourselves at a time. Performing as PLAVE? That’s one of my flowers. Doing this interview? Another one. It’s not about having a single perfect blossom—it’s about living in a way where you’re always trying to bloom something real. That’s the part I care about most.
Water seems soft, but it’s one of the strongest forces in nature. It cuts through diamonds with speed, shapes stone with patience, and sometimes, all it takes is one tear to move a heart. What’s a quiet strength you carry that people might not see at first—but feel over time?
Yejun: I think I’m like the ocean—quiet, steady, but ready to hold whatever comes my way. I want to be that kind of space for the members, and for PLLIs too. Like a winter sea—calm and still, the kind you can sit beside when you just need to breathe. And like a summer sea—cool, open, and full of light when you’re in a good place. That’s the kind of strength I believe in. Not loud, not flashy—just… always there. If I can be someone you lean on without saying a word, someone who gives you peace just by being around—that, to me, is real power.
Silver hair, red eyes and fire all feel timeless—almost immortal. But they also carry a certain quiet, a sense of solitude, like midnight. Do you see yourself as someone who stands apart? And when you feel that distance, do you lean into it—or try to break through it?
Eunho: I think I do find comfort in solitude. When I’m alone, I get to slow down and think—about where I’m going, how I want to grow. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll quietly celebrate by myself. And if I’m not, I’ll sit with that too, try to unpack it. But I’ve also learned that staying in that space too long isn’t always healthy. It’s easy to sink into it without noticing. That’s why I try to face those feelings—and then step out of them. I think that’s where growth really happens. So yeah, I like being alone. But I never want to get stuck there.
In ancient alchemy, gold wasn’t just treasure—it was the fifth element, the last piece of a perfect world. These days, it’s still the ultimate symbol of excellence. So tell us: are you quietly working your way toward being PLAVE’s golden member? (And no, we’re not just talking about the hair, lol.)
Noah: Wait—are you calling me the golden member? That’s wild. Thank you, seriously. Honestly, I think all of us in PLAVE are kind of wired to chase perfection in our own way. But yeah, since I’m one of the older ones along with Yejun, I do feel that extra layer of responsibility. I’m always thinking like, “How can we level up as a team?” “What’s the next version of PLAVE the world hasn’t seen yet?” If we were a car, I’d probably be the one with both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Just trying to steer us forward—safe, strong, and headed somewhere amazing.
In today’s digital world, there’s a growing craving for something real—for that human touch. More and more people feel the need to know what’s real. How do you handle that kind of pressure, and how do you stay grounded in your own truth?
Hamin: Honestly, I don’t really see the point in drawing a hard line between what’s “real” and what’s “virtual.” I think everyone’s just living in the version of reality that feels real to them. And for me? Virtual is real. People are free to see it however they want—I don’t feel the need to push back or prove anything. What actually matters is: can we still connect? Can we understand each other, share something real, even in a digital space? That’s the kind of reality I believe in.
The theme of this edition, QUINTESSENCE, is all about the five elements coming together to represent purity, essence, and ultimate quality. If you had to define the “essence” of each of your fellow members in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Yejun:
Hamin – Maturity. He may be the youngest, but he’s often the most grown-up of us all.
Eunho – Purity. When he’s working on music, you can feel how purely he loves what he does.
Bamby – Nature. He’s probably the most effortlessly natural person I’ve ever met.
Noah – Charm. There’s just something about him—you can’t dislike him. It’s a superpower.
Noah:
Yejun – The blueprint. Total husband material. No notes.
Bamby – Wild card. He’s our 4D king—you never know what’s coming next.
Eunho – Puppy. It just fits, okay?
Hamin – Black cat. And yep, I mean that exactly how it sounds.
Bamby:
Yejun – Soft blue. He’s solid as a leader and sees every little detail in the team.
Noah – Honesty. He’s always showing his true self, to everyone.
Eunho – Fiery red. He brings that bold, energetic passion to PLAVE.
Hamin – Leafy green. Like a strong tree, he quietly keeps the team balanced.
Eunho:
Yejun – The Center. To me, Yejun hyung is the gravitational core of PLAVE. He holds us all together, not just as a leader but as a person. What makes him special is the way he balances warmth with sharp clarity. I’d say he’s 60% cool-headed, 40% soft-hearted.
Noah – The Seasoning. He’s like that one pinch of spice that takes everything from “okay” to “oh dang.” His voice? Total flavor boost. We’ll be working on a track, and the second he hops in—boom, it all makes sense. And on air? He’s the one dropping those chaotic one-liners that make us lose it. What gets me is how he flips between genius-level precision and total goofball energy. You never really know which version you’re getting—and that’s exactly what makes him fun.
Bamby – The Sour Peach. Bamby’s like a tangy peach—sweet, zingy, full of character, and always keeping you guessing. I’ve known him for a while now, and just when I think I’ve got him figured out, he shows me a new side. He lives like he’s the main character in a movie. “Sour peach” might sound funny, but it fits him perfectly.
Hamin – The Bassline. And I mean that literally and emotionally. He plays bass, sure—but more than that, he is the base of PLAVE. He holds us together, gives the group shape. He’s the youngest, but he’s the one checking in on everyone, keeping the vibe grounded whether we’re on or off stage. Quiet, steady, solid—that’s Hamin.
Hamin:
Yejun – Selflessness. He leads by example and always puts others first.
Noah – Sensitivity & humanity. He’s observant, thoughtful, and always there with the right words.
Bamby – Approachability. He vibes with everyone and makes people feel seen. He knows when to lean in and when to lean on.
Eunho – Warmth & light. He lifts me up with compliments and always knows how to make me laugh.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Yejun: I think I’m like the ocean—quiet, steady, but ready to hold whatever comes my way. If I can be someone you lean on without saying a word, someone who gives you peace just by being around—that, to me, is real power.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Noah: Since I’m one of the older ones along with Yejun, I feel that extra layer of responsibility. I’m always thinking like, “How can we level up as a team? What’s the next version of PLAVE the world hasn’t seen yet?” If we were a car, I’d probably be the one with both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Just trying to steer us forward—safe, strong, and headed somewhere amazing.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Bamby: I’m really into growing plants. There’s just something magical about watching life sprout from plain old dirt—seeing it grow, bear fruit, and then return to the soil. That whole cycle is so beautiful to me. It made me realize nature is all about giving and receiving, in this constant loop. And I’m part of that too, right? I think I’m growing a little every day—like a tree, like a flower. I don’t think we’re meant to bloom just one flower or grow one fruit in our whole life. It’s more like—we keep blooming whatever fits that moment.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Hamin: Honestly, I don’t really see the point in drawing a hard line between what’s “real” and what’s “virtual.” I think everyone’s just living in the version of reality that feels real to them. And for me? Virtual is real. People are free to see it however they want—I don’t feel the need to push back or prove anything. What actually matters is: can we still connect? Can we understand each other, share something real, even in a digital space? That’s the kind of reality I believe in.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
Eunho: I think I do find comfort in solitude. When I’m alone, I get to slow down and think—about where I’m going, how I want to grow. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll quietly celebrate by myself. And if I’m not, I’ll sit with that too, try to unpack it. But I’ve also learned that staying in that space too long isn’t always healthy. It’s easy to sink into it without noticing. That’s why I try to face those feelings—and then step out of them. I think that’s where growth really happens. So yeah, I like being alone. But I never want to get stuck there.
Image Credit: Billboard Korea + VLAST
From left: Eunho, Yejun, Noah, Bamby and Hamin of PLAVE.
SACEM collected a record 1.6 billion euros ($1.73 billion) in 2024, up 7.7% from 2023, the French organization announced this week, fueled largely by international expansion. In France, SACEM collected 852 million euros ($922 million, based on the average annual conversion rate for 2024), up about 2%. Internationally, though, it took in 749 million euros ($811), a gain of 15%. That means that almost half of SACEM’s revenue is international, which is significant for a CMO in a market with a strong national repertoire. Royalty distributions were up 12%, to 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion).
For SACEM, like other big European CMOs, it’s a whole new world, thanks to the ability to represent online rights across much of the world (although not the U.S.). As general music business growth slows, mostly due to streaming subscription saturation in big markets, this has allowed SACEM to continue to grow by signing deals with publishers and other CMOs.
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“The strategy we’ve developed over the last years is to convince publishers and other CMOs to join forces with us to be able to better deal with platforms, not from an equal position but one that’s more balanced, and to invest in tools that benefit everyone,” SACEM CEO Cécile Rap-Veber told Billboard at the Music Biz Conference in Atlanta, where she also did a keynote interview. “We’ve secured new mandates to represent more repertoire, so we can take in more money and reduce our costs.”
For most of the history of SACEM, which has operated since the 1850s, before any of its peer societies, the organization did most of its business in France. CMOs remitted money to other CMOs, but the European organizations did not really compete with one another. That changes with a 2014 European Union Directive that generally allowed CMOs to maintain their national monopolies but also to compete for online rights. Competition in the decade since allowed two giant “licensing hubs” to emerge: SACEM and ICE, a joint venture of PRS for Music (the UK CMO), GEMA (the German one) and STIM (Swedish). While direct comparisons are difficult because of the way the different organizations report their results, SACEM has become either the biggest CMO outside the U.S. (based on royalties it collects and distributes) or the biggest in the world (based on the total amount of money it takes in, some of which it passes directly to other organizations for them to distribute).
SACEM now represents 510,000 songwriters and rightsholders worldwide, in 180 territories. Its international royalties, almost all online, have grown 29% since 2023. It signed 16 new deals – mandates is the term used – this year, in addition to the 70 it already had, including with Universal Music Publishing, ASCAP, the Canadian CMO SOCAN, and the Korean CMP KOMCA.
Rap-Veber’s strategy is that this kind of expansion creates a virtuous circle: Increased scale leads to increased revenue, which allows for increased investment, which in turn leads to further increases in scale. That scale also allows for wider scaring of costs, which lets rightsholders take a higher percentage of the money SACEM collects.
The industrywide slowdown in growth is intensifying competition among societies, as limited natural growth means expansion must come from international markets, or at the expense of peer organizations. As fears of economic contraction grow in Europe and the U.S., it is hard to imagine national growth that’s significantly higher than inflation on a sustained basis. That puts the focus on other markets, where the larger international societies can compete. “We have direct license deals now in India, Vietnam and the Philippines,” Rap-Veber says. “With almost 80 partners, we have the weight to be an international player, with more penetration in more countries.”
As SACEM expands globally, it continues to prioritize local cultural investment in France, where it follows a dedicated cultural strategy. With the money it took in from the blank media levy — a copyright fee charged on blank media and computer memory — it put aside 20 million euros ($22 million) for 3,600 cultural projects in France, including 478 festivals and 185 venues.
Universal Music Group has announced the expansion of two of its most storied labels — Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note Records — into greater China, marking a significant move to tap into the country’s rapidly growing classical and jazz music scenes.
“At UMG, we are committed to supporting the development of diverse music cultures around the world,” said Adam Granite, UMG’s executive vice president of market development. “The launch of Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China reflects this vision in action and marks a meaningful step forward in the evolution of our multi-label operations in the market.”
Announced at an event in Shanghai this week, Deutsche Grammophon China will focus on discovering and promoting new classical talent across China, plus provide artists with access to UMG’s global resources, including recording, international promotion and touring. Chinese musicians Lang Lang, Yuja Wang and Long Yu will serve as artistic advisors, guiding the label’s artistic direction.
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DG China’s debut release, Bach: The Cello Suites by acclaimed cellist Jian Wang, is set for May 23. Additionally, DG China will collaborate with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to record and release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies by 2029, celebrating the orchestra’s 150th anniversary.
Dr. Clemens Trautmann, president of Deutsche Grammophon, highlighted the label’s growing presence in China over the past decade and noted that the partnership with Blue Note and the involvement of international artists underscore UMG’s global reach and creative ambition. “We are proud to co-invest in the future generation of outstanding classical performers from Greater China, together with our esteemed colleagues at UMGC to foster the success of amazing new talent across recording, touring and brand partnerships,” Trautmann said.
Stacy Yang, Timothy Xu, Dr Clemens Trautmann and Adam Granite in Shanghai.
Courtesy Photo
Blue Note Records China is set to champion original jazz talent within the country, beginning with its inaugural signing: INNOUT, an avant-garde duo known for fusing improvisation, modern jazz, and experimental soundscapes. This partnership underscores the label’s commitment to bold, boundary-defying artistry.
BNRC is also partnering with JZ Music, a key player in China’s jazz scene, to promote live performances, tours, and festivals.
Don Was, president of Blue Note Records, praised INNOUT’s visionary talent and expressed excitement about launching the label’s Chinese chapter with their music. “Xiao Jun and An Yu are two of the most talented and visionary musicians I’ve ever met,” Was said. “Their music is going to ‘blow people’s minds’ all over the world. It’s a thrill and an honor to be able to launch Blue Note Records China with their music.”
LONDON — A number of vital grassroots music venues in the U.K. are set to come under shared ownership in the second phase of a new community-led project.
The Music Venue Properties, the Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS) created by Music Venue Trust (MVT), seeks to protect grassroots venues by placing them into community ownership and outside of commercial leases with landlords.
Seven grassroots music venue will be included in the next phase of the project: Esquires, Bedford; The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent; The Joiners; Southampton, The Croft, Bristol; Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham; The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle; The Pipeline, Brighton. The community share offer, which will open on May 15, 2025 and close on July 31, 2025.
The first phase of the Own Our Venues initiative ran in 2023, and raised £2.88m ($3.83m) to secure the ownership of a number of venues across the U.K., including The Bunkhouse in Swansea, Wales, and The Snug in Atherton, England.
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An accompanying press release says that the scheme offers a “cultural lease,” that far exceeds the traditional 18 month commercial lease that these venues must operate within. The statement adds, that these cultural leases “ensure fair, sustainable rent, annual contributions toward essential maintenance, and ongoing support in areas such as financial sustainability and operational best practice.”
Ricky Bates, venue operator of The Joiners, Southampton said of the next phase of the program, “We welcome Music Venue Properties’ ownership of our building as the only real solution to securing one of the most important live music venues in the UK. For almost 60 years, The Joiners has been a vital part of the UK touring circuit and a creative cornerstone of Southampton, but today its future is uncertain. Our lease expires this year, our landlord is retiring and, while the venue is rich in history, the building is over 200 years old and in need of care.
“In today’s economy, it simply isn’t viable for us as individuals to purchase the property but, with the support of the Own Our Venues campaign and the wider music community, we can secure The Joiners for the next 60 years and beyond. Be part of this historic moment—get involved and help protect grassroots music for generations to come.”
It’s the latest move by the U.K. music scene in the fightback against closures of independent venues and to support grassroots musicians. On Wednesday (May 14), the team behind The Leadmill in Sheffield, England said that their eviction appeal had been unsuccessful and that they have three months to vacate the premises. The building’s landlord, the Electric Group, runs a number of venues in the U.K. already, including London’s Electric Brixton, Bristol’s SWX and Newcastle’s NX. Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Coldplay are among the legendary artists to play The Leadmill over the years.
LONDON — Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena has teamed up with Adidas and Abbey Road Studios for the launch of a new recording studio inside its premises.
The Adidas Originals Recording Studio is situated inside the U.K.’s largest music arena and has been designed as “a vibrant hub for emerging musical talent and young creative communities.” The studio has been engineered by Abbey Road’s technicians and sound engineers.
The studio in Manchester, England will be available to local musicians from August onwards. The initiative is launched in conjunction with a number of existing schemes, including Abbey Road’s Amplify and Equalise programmes, which hosts a number of panels, workshops and recording opportunities at the iconic London studios each year.
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Factory’s International’s Factory Sounds initiative, which provides financial support and mentorship to underrepresented groups in the Greater Manchester area, is also involved with the project. Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, who was born and raised in Middleton, Manchester, opened the studio with an acoustic live performance and praised the space and the opportunities it may provide: “To have something of this level up here that is a focal point in Manchester opens up the industry and takes it to a wider audience.”
Despite a rocky, delayed opening, the Co-op Live Arena has become a key venue on the U.K.’s touring circuit, with a number of huge acts set to perform there this summer, including Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Massive Attack and more.
Sally Davies, managing director of Abbey Road Studios, said in a statement: “The launch of the adidas Originals Recording Studio is a world-first collaboration creating a new, Abbey Road-engineered recording space beyond the walls of our home in London.”
“We are enormously proud to partner with Adidas, Co-op Live and Factory International to create a new platform for talent in Manchester and the North-West, expanding our mission to enable and empower the global community of music makers and creators, and shape the future of music making.”
LONDON — A new Tube map showcasing the breadth of London’s artists and music venues has been published as part of a campaign championing the capital’s grassroots scene.
The map highlights record shops, nightclubs and historic locations across the city, as well as venues such as XOYO and Electrowerkz to institutions such as the Barbican. London-raised artists including Dua Lipa, Dave and recent Billboard U.K. cover star Loyle Carner also feature.
Each Underground line has been reimagined as a different aspect of the city’s music scene, with the Jubilee line displaying London-made albums, the Metropolitan line showing independent record labels, and the District line listing “25 artists to see in 2025.” The iconic map was designed by Harry Beck and first came into use in 1933.
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London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) joined forces with media leaders to devise the map as part of the London Creates campaign. Over the next month, it will be displayed at digital exhibition space Outernet London in Tottenham Court Road.
In a statement, Khan said: “London’s grassroots music scene is renowned around the world. From providing opportunities for talented aspiring artists to develop their trade, to giving Londoners a great night out, our venues are an essential part of our life at night and provide a huge boost to our economy.
“However, they have faced huge challenges in recent years, which is why we’re joining with partners across the capital to champion all parts of London’s grassroots music scene. This special edition Tube map is a great way to highlight what a huge impact the scene has on our capital, as we continue to do all we can to support venues and build a more prosperous London for everyone.”
Mark Davyd, founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, added: “London is one of the world’s great music cities, constantly reinventing itself with new sounds, new genres, and incredible new artists. The network of grassroots music venues in London are an essential part of what makes the capital’s music thrive, delivering an extraordinary range of music, community and life changing experiences at affordable prices.”
According to City Hall, London is home to 179 grassroots music venues, which in the last year have welcomed more than 4.2m audience members, hosted performances by more than 328,000 artists, employed nearly 7,000 people and contributed £313m ($417m) to the economy.
The map was formally published in the Metro newspaper yesterday (May 13). Further information about the campaign can be found at the newspaper’s official website.