Music News

13 Oct 2023

 The HighKey Ent. List: Top 5 Artists of 2023

This article was created in partnership with Highkey Enterprises.

Music fills our souls with hope, inspiration, and comfort. Highkey Enterprises Top Artists of 2023 exemplify these traits and have conquered the music world by rising above all the noise and rejection.

This article is created celebrate the visionary artists who have fearlessly carved their own path in this tightly competitive industry, propelling them to the forefront of the music world in 2023. Join us as we explore the stories of these extraordinary individuals who have dared to be different, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape and inspiring generations to come.

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GhostLuv Me

GhostLuvMe can trace his musical journey back to two pivotal moments from his childhood when he was 10 years old. The first was when he started learning to play the flamenco guitar, eventually leading him to create his music. The second moment was a tragic one, where he lost his mother and two sisters to gun violence. This event gave him a unique perspective on life, a source of inspiration for his rap name, and an insurance claim that helped finance his music career.

Born and raised in Broward County, Florida, GhostLuvMe moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue his music career. However, he soon realized the city was geared more toward established artists than those trying to make a name for themselves. Nevertheless, his time in L.A. allowed him to work with renowned producer Scott Storch on developing his sound.

After his brief stint in L.A., GhostLuvMe moved back to the East Coast, this time to Atlanta. It was here that he achieved a significant milestone in his career with the release of the Ghosttoven tape, a collaborative effort with Zaytoven. Since then, he has collaborated with several artists, including Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah.

As a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, GhostLuvMe is highly proficient at playing anything with strings, piano, and drums. He is a prolific music creator, with thousands of songs to his name. While he can assemble, play, and produce his music, he enjoys collaborating with outside producers to add variety to his style. In 2023, he is set to release two tapes, Bohunk and Popstar Degenerate, produced by Brandon Finessin and Tragic, respectively.

Liam McDonald

Liam McDonald, known by his stage name OPLIAM, is a dynamic solo artist and the charismatic frontman of a three-piece rock band out of Chicago. Born and raised amidst the landscapes of Minnesota, Liam was deeply influenced by the region’s rich tradition of Indigenous activism, which ignited his passion for music and social change.

From a young age, Liam set the stage ablaze with his electrifying performances. He made his debut at numerous grassroots Native American environmental events across Minnesota.

Immersing himself in the vibrant Indigenous music scene, Liam had the privilege of sharing stages with renowned bands across the nation, including Grammy award winners Portugal The Man, Gogol Bordello, and The Halluci Nation. He has solidified his presence within the alternative rock community with a unique fusion of blues rock, alternative rock, and reggae influences.

Liam’s music acts as a powerful conduit for his dedication to Indigenous rights and environmentalism. One of his notable compositions, “Land Back,” serves as an anthem for the repatriation of native lands and highlights the connection between Indigenous people and their environment.

Liam has received well-deserved acclaim for his activism efforts. Penguin Random House even approached him to contribute to the esteemed “True History” literary series by writing an Indigenous history book. This opportunity allowed Liam to further amplify Indigenous voices and enlighten readers about the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and struggles. Liam’s book, “Indigenous America,” received critical acclaim from the coveted “Starred Review” of The School Library Journal.

He’s not stopping there. Liam has just released his 3rd big project entitled “All Roads Are Good.” Wrote while on the road, the new album features a mixture of rock ballads and experimental and acoustic tracks. Recorded during quarantine, the project paints a painful yet beautiful representation of our current times. With each new artistic endeavor, Liam is changing the way we listen to music.

Robbie Tripp

Few artists this year have matched the creative output of viral rapper and internet personality Robbie Tripp. The polarizing Las Vegas artist has been on an impressive run of releases, adding an array of star-studded co-signs and collaborators to his projects.

Tripp made his mainstream debut with his single, “Chubby Sexy,” a catchy body-positive anthem that GQ Magazine crowned a “Moment of the Year” in its annual “Men of the Year” issue. Robbie’s next single, “Luka Doncic,” became a favorite of billionaire Mark Cuban at Dallas Mavericks games. Tripp—a former college basketball dropout—performed the song during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.

Robbie Tripp’s true breakout moment as an artist arrived last summer when his Tik Tok viral track “Big Girl Banger” started a global trend of dance trend on the app. The official music video for “Big Girl Banger”—directed and produced by Tripp through his independent media production company, Desert Money—led Flaunt Magazine to refer to Tripp as “the wholesome Post Malone of body positivity.”

In 2023, Tripp shook the hip-hop world with the release of “Basic Bro,” a fiercely energetic single and music video that garnered millions of views across Tripp’s global platforms and spawned viral reactions on popular rap blogs WorldstarHipHop and No Jumper. Tripp followed up with “They Said” featuring BlocBoy JB, securing a massive co-sign from the Memphis rap star known for his song “Look Alive” with Drake, which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Las Vegas creator is currently riding the wave of his latest release, highly-anticipated single “I Wanna Have Fun…” produced by Andrew Dawson, a three-time Grammy-award winner and longtime mixing engineer for Kanye West’s best-selling albums.

Tripp tells Billboard: “I’m charged up on a dream!”

Youngest Flexer Alive

Youngest Flexer Alive is a rising music artist from Canada, now based in the vibrant city of Miami, where sunshine and blue skies fuel his creative energy. At 19 years old, this young prodigy is making waves in the music industry with his undeniable talent.

Born and raised in Toronto, Youngest Flexer Alive’s journey to success has been shaped by his passion for music from an early age.

Youngest Flexer Alive’s music resonates with audiences of all ages, capturing hearts with his unique blend of infectious beats and relatable lyrics. His upcoming debut single promises to be a compelling showcase of his talents, and his fans eagerly await its release. Committed to authenticity, he infuses each song with youthful energy and an honest reflection of his life experiences, ensuring a genuine connection with his growing fan base.

As an artist, Youngest Flexer Alive takes immense pride in his independence and creative control. He has actively collaborated with top-notch producers and fellow artists, channeling his vision into a captivating musical journey. The studio has become his sanctuary, where he refines his craft and unleashes his boundless creativity to push the boundaries of his musical expression.

Beyond his musical pursuits, The Youngest Flexer Alive is also focused on building his brand and expanding his reach. Recognizing the significance of connecting with his audience, he has skillfully utilized social media platforms to engage with fans and share glimpses of his artistic process. His presence on Spotify and other online platforms reflects his commitment to making a lasting impact in the music industry.

With unwavering determination and an unwavering drive to succeed, The Youngest Flexer Alive is destined for greatness. As he prepares to release his highly anticipated debut single, excitement and anticipation mount as his infectious energy and innovative approach promise to propel him toward a bright and promising future as an artist and young trailblazer. With the world at his feet, The Youngest Flexer Alive is ready to conquer the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide and leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Elyrix

Broken dreams can be rebuilt, no matter how shattered. The proof? The person whose work enchanted the masses and earned him a place on this list: the ingenious and incredible musician called Elyrix.

By 17, he’d pocketed his first million, vibing to Rick Ross daily with his friends. But the high-rolling lifestyle of gambling, exclusive clubs, and endless nights out took its toll, draining every dollar. Yet, when many would’ve crumbled, Elyrix dug deep. Fueled by sleepless nights of coding and the beats of Rick Ross’ anthems, he hustled harder than ever. Through it all, the rhythm of music remained his anchor.

His early music provided a raw, unfiltered reflection of his journey. By the third album, collaborations with industry giants took center stage: beats with Atl Jacob, a track alongside Lil Baby, and a powerful feature with the very inspiration for his first million, Rick Ross. With other big-name features peppered throughout, the album showcased Elyrix’s undeniable pull in the music world. And as we await his fourth art piece at the end of the year, it’s evident: Elyrix isn’t just a name on a playlist. He’s an atmosphere, an emotion, a movement.

His fearless exploration across genres keeps listeners on their toes, always anticipating his next move. Each track is a fresh experience, a testament to his innovative spirit.

From Montreal to global stages, Elyrix’s story isn’t just about music. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion. Dive into his sound, and you’ll get it: Elyrix isn’t just making music; he’s crafting memories.

13 Oct 2023

Bad Bunny Debuts New Album at Massive Listening Party in Puerto Rico

Can an album listening party with 16,000 guests feel cozy? Special? Evidently, yes. Bad Bunny made that happen on Thursday (Oct. 12) as he debuted his new LP, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. 

Held at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (aka El Choli) in San Juan, the event’s itinerary was a mystery when announced. Would Bad Bunny show up? Or would fans simply hear the album track by track without him? Nobody knew. Still, tickets sold out within two hours of going on sale. 

Expectations were varied among the concertgoers, many of whom were giving Renaissance vibes in cowboy hats and boots and sparkly fringe tops and skirts. (Of course, Bad Bunny’s new signature, the blue L.A. Dodgers hat, was seen throughout the crowd, too.) Some fans were just happy to hear the album among friends and with top-notch sound. However, others hoped for more.

“Espero que Bad Bunny salga — en un caballo (I hope Bad Bunny comes out on a horse),” Dariana Cruz, 33, joked to Billboard. “He doesn’t have to sing, but he should come out at least.”

Cruz didn’t get her wish of him coming out on a horse, but Bad Bunny did show up — and in spectacular fashion. In the center of the arena floor, surrounded by clamoring fans, a souped-up vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow — the same car used in the video for “Where She Goes” and in his 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards performance — slowly lowered from the ceiling. Fans screamed. Bad Bunny was in the driver’s seat. 

Encircling the car below were a dozen or so dancers, all of them clad in black with faces totally covered by something akin to a balaclava, but with eyes sealed for an alien-like look. Bad Bunny wore the same, with a checkered handkerchief resting atop his head. 

The album kicked off with tracks playing in chronological order, beginning with “Nadie Sabe.” El Conejo nodded along subtly, matching the pensive tone of the song, in which he reflects on his trajectory. He started making music as a young teen 10 years ago, and today he’s almost 30, with five full-length albums and heaps of EPs and singles. In the song, Bad Bunny seems to grapple with his continuously spiking celebrity and the corresponding loneliness it apparently brings. 

That first number was crucial in setting the tone for the night. This is how Bad Bunny made thousands feel close to him, despite being some 20-feet above them in a luxury car 99% of his fans could never afford. There were moments during “Nadie Sabe,” and again throughout the night, when he seemed to look to the crowd, to truly look for individual faces, in search of feedback or approval.

Positive reactions from fans garnered gratitude from Bad Bunny in the form of prayer hands and a heartfelt head bow.

The energy ramped up as the night progressed, with trap-heavy tracks (he gave the people what they wanted) and perreo-ready jams. A surprising number, though, was the patiently paced “VOU 787,” which samples the wispy synth instrumentation of Madonna’s “Vogue.” 

Bad Bunny had an assist from a handful of album guests who climbed up into tiered rows on a giant hay-covered VIP area, situated in a corner of the venue floor. In attendance was Young Miko, Feid, Bryant Meyers, Arcángel and Tainy. Altogether, some 50 extra-special guests stood and danced on the Western-style edifice. 

Bad Bunny eschewed the mask a few songs in, and the suited singer began to dance outside the car. Little by little, the vehicle was lowering, and eventually, he hopped off the platform and headed into the crowd. He signed his signature sneakers, the shoes folks had waited in line for hours ahead of the show to buy. One concertgoer didn’t seem to have a marker at the ready, and Bad Bunny instead decorated the top of the shoe with a burgundy lip gloss that was handed to him. 

Bad Bunny then made his way into the VIP section. Unhurried, he greeted every single person in its six rows. Yet somehow, Bad Bunny maintained a certain choreography to his rounds, reaching several collaborators just as their songs began to play. To the crowd’s audible delight, he sang side-by-side with Feid for his feature “Perro Negro” and Arcángel’s “Acho PR.” 

The previously released “Un Preview” — dropped late in September as an album teaser, as the name implies — is the final track on Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, and as such, it capped the night. But Bad Bunny wasn’t finished surprising fans: Rather than simply play the song, he performed it. 

Bad Bunny sang from the VIP area, his collaborators and friends rooting him on. But he made his way down the makeshift haystack, closer to fans, who sang-screamed the lyrics back to him as they danced. Blasts of fog shot up around Benito as he thumped his fist to his chest and declared, “Puerto Rico, los quiero, puñeta.”

13 Oct 2023

‘Deadpool 3’ Director Compares Taylor Swift’s Camera Skills to Steven Spielberg’s: ‘Generational Voice and Creative Force’

Deadpool 3 director Shawn Levy has seen Taylor Swift‘s directing skills up close and he thinks the singer has the makings of a movie mogul. Swift, who has directed (or co-directed) the videos for her songs including “The Man,” “Me!” and the 10-minute mini-movie for the “All Too Well” has already said that she has a feature film in mind for her next trick, and Levy is here for it.

“Taylor has not consulted me about upcoming directing projects, but I think she has the makings of a hell of a director,” Levy told EW when the mag asked if Swift had asked him for tips about directing a feature after he co-starred as her dad in the “All Too Well” short film. While Levy could not talk about what it was like acting in the Swift-helmed short because of the ongoing Hollywood actor’s strike, he said the singer has an impressive vision behind the lens.

“That list is short. Taylor, the depth of her vision for how she wants a creative piece to be, whether it’s a lyric, a melody, a bridge, a concert tour, a video, it’s profound,” he said in compiling a two-womean roster of artists whose cultural impact is off the charts; the only other name on his list, by the way, is Beyoncé.

“It’s profoundly vivid, and she has the strength of her convictions,” Levy added in dubbing Swift a “generational voice and creative force,” before tying that vision to a philosophy espoused by three-time Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg.

“Spielberg was on the set of a movie he produced that I directed, called Real Steel, and I said to him, ‘How do you know it’s the right shot?’ His answer was, ‘The way you see it, that makes it right,’” Levy explained. “I feel like that’s something Taylor Swift has figured out really well, because that’s about trusting your instinct.”

Swift has won two MTV VMAs for best director, one for the “All Too Well” short film and the other for “The Man” video and in December Searchlight Pictures announced that Taylor is gearing up to direct her first feature-length film based on her original screenplay.

Before she steps behind the camera, Swift is likely to smash box office records this weekend following Thursday night’s opening of her Eras Tour concert movie, which experts predicted could easily soar above $100 million in grosses in its opening frame, instantly making it the highest-grossing music film of all time.

13 Oct 2023

Queen + Adam Lambert Deliver a Rhapsodic Show at Madison Square Garden: 5 Best Moments

The iconic rock group brought high production value, incredible performances and a pristine setlist to their NYC return concert.

Queen + Adam Lambert

Queen + Adam Lambert

Bojan Hohnjec

When a parade of CGI-made, red-eyed robots began marching across the scrim at Madison Square Garden on Thursday (Oct. 12) night, the 20,000 people huddled in attendance let out a rapturous cheer. The far-off voice of late rock icon Freddie Mercury echoed through the cavernous venue, singing the first chorus of “Machines (Or Back to Humans)” as the screen slowly lifted, revealing the three men eager to carry on the legacy of his band that evening.

That is just what Queen + Adam Lambert did during their 2-hour performance at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening. Hardly stopping throughout the madcap evening for so much as a water break, Lambert, Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor gave fans of the iconic rock group an evening to remember, playing through some of their greatest hits as well as a few beloved B-sides.

With Lambert taking the helm as the touring group’s new frontman all the way back in 2012, it’s been officially been over a decade of the trio performing together, a fact that he relished about halfway through the evening. “Can you guys believe that I have gotten to tour with these legends for the last 10 years?” Lambert said to a cheering audience. “It is such a privilege to be singing this music.”

There was a lot to take in throughout the event — between emotional tributes, flashy pyrotechnics and some ridiculously good performances, Queen + Adam Lambert left everything they had on the stage. Below, Billboard takes a look back at 5 of the best moments from Thursday night’s show of the band’s Rhapsody Tour:

13 Oct 2023

Taylor Swift Wraps Brittany Mahomes in a Big Hug While Cheering on Travis Kelce at Chiefs Game

Brittany Mahomes is living every Swiftie’s dream. At the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Denver Broncos Thursday (Oct. 12), Taylor Swift was spotted wrapping the 28-year-old former soccer player in a big hug as the two cheered on their Chiefs boys: Brittany’s husband, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Swift’s rumored boyfriend, tight end Travis Kelce.

The sweet moment came midway through the game’s second quarter, when Kelce caught a perfect pass thrown by Mahomes that set Kansas City up for a first down just a few yards away from the end zone. Seconds after the play was completed, NFL cameras panned up to Swift’s private box suite in Arrowhead Stadium, capturing the pop star as she excitedly embraced Brittany, who banged on the glass supportively.

Thursday’s game marks the third time the pop superstar has shown up to a Chiefs game, having previously earned fanfare for her appearances at the Chiefs-Bears and Jets-Chiefs games this season. And, as NFL broadcasters pointed out at the Broncos face-off, Kansas City hasn’t lost any of the games the “Anti-Hero” singer has been to. (That might not be saying much, though, given that the reigning Super Bowl champions have only lost one game of six so far.)

The pop star and Brittany have been spotted sharing suites at Chiefs games in the recent past, and the two reportedly went out to dinner in New York City along with Blake Lively and Sophie Turner a couple weeks ago. Their budding friendship comes amid rumors that the 12-time Grammy winner is dating Kelce, who’s been open in the past about his crush on Swift.

The Chiefs-Broncos game (which Kansas City won 19-8) came less than 24 hours after the world premiere of Swift’s Eras Tour concert film in Los Angeles. The musician hit the red carpet solo, posed for pictures and greeted fans, joined at the event by stars such as Beyoncé, Maren Morris, Simu Liu, Mariska Hargitay and more.

Watch Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes cheer on the Chiefs below.

13 Oct 2023

Friday Music Guide: New Music From Bad Bunny, Offset, Ice Spice & Rema and More

Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond. 

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This week, Bad Bunny returns sooner than expected, Offset corrals his famous friends and Ice Spice links up with Rema for a new hit. Check out all of this week’s picks below:

Bad Bunny, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana 

Thought you had to wait until 2024 for Bad Bunny’s next opus, which would follow last year’s enormous Un Verano Sin Ti? A lot of us did — there’s a reason why his new semi-surprise project is titled Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (“Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow”), considering how widespread the belief was that the Puerto Rican superstar would sit patiently until the calendar flipped. Instead, Bad Bunny has gifted another 80 minutes of dynamic solo material: zero guests are credited on Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, and while some are sprinkled throughout, there’s clearly been a conscious decision to delineate between the summer-ready opulence of Un Verano Sin Ti and his captivating next phase. Bad Bunny’s latest requires due diligence before a snap judgment, but needless to say, it’s good to have him back sooner than anticipated.

Offset, Set It Off 

The cover of new Offset solo album finds the rap star falling away from the world as it explodes away from him, the sky and ground inverted; after Quavo’s somber Rocket Power, which reflected on Takeoff’s untimely death throughout its track list, Offset’s new artwork could be construed as a reaction to his fellow Migos member’s passing. While Set It Off does contemplate grief and unspoken words (see the late highlight “Upside Down”), Offset’s latest also revels in blockbuster-rap elegance — especially in its first half, which includes guest spots from Travis Scott, Don Toliver and Offset’s wife, Cardi B.

Ice Spice feat. Rema, “Pretty Girl” 

During her meteoric rise, Ice Spice has never compromised her style or relaxed her flow to fit in with mainstream expectations — but on crackling new single “Pretty Girl,” featuring Nigerian superstar Rema, the rapper showcases her ability to translate her effortless rhyming into a traditional pop structure, and scores one of the most likable singles of her career. “Pretty Girl” benefits from an Afrobeats-adjacent thump and the melodic charisma that Rema flaunted on “Calm Down,” but Ice Spice dominates the track, each of her bars a dart that hits its mark.

Troye Sivan, Something to Give Each Other 

Troye Sivan has always possessed a distinct pop voice — both literally, with his warm, richly developed tone, and figuratively, as a former YouTuber making fundamentally sound and unabashedly queer pop music. Yet “Rush,” the thrilling lead single to third album Something to Give Each Other, hinted that his song construction had leveled up, and the full-length has confirmed as much: not every song on his new project carries the tempo of “Rush,” but from the robo-fantasia of “One of Your Girls” to the clap-along lullaby of “Can’t Go Back, Baby,” Something to Give Each Other gives Sivan the sonic depth required to help his voice fully soar.

Boygenius, The Rest 

Prior to a breakout 2023 in which they released their debut full-length and headlined arenas, Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker conjured magic with a six-song EP in 2018, unveiling Boygenius as a collaborative project and slowly winning over thousands of listeners. The Rest, a new four-song EP, arrives in very different circumstances for the group yet feels just as intimate, a short, moving songwriting showcase defined by sparse arrangements and overlapping voices; the closer “Power,” in particular, feels like a summation for this phase of Boygenius, with Baker singing about “a crooked little trajectory” before being joined by her best friends.

Editor’s Pick: Fred again.. feat. Jozzy, “Ten” 

As he caps off a string of shows in New York and Los Angeles, effectively putting an exclamation point on a professional period during which he ascended to dance’s A-list, Fred again.. has also unveiled one of the more satisfying grooves of his career: “Ten,” a new single with Jozzy, plays with space and vocal pitches, but that percussive hook is as wonderfully woozy as Fred hoped it would be, and Jozzy makes his presence felt in a short amount of time. “Ten” begs to be presented to and bopped with a crowd of thousands — lucky for those with Fred again.. tickets this month.

13 Oct 2023

Ed Sheeran Scores Sixth No. 1 on Top Album Sales Chart With ‘Autumn Variations’

Ed Sheeran notches his sixth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (dated Oct. 14), as his latest studio effort, Autumn Variations, debuts atop the list. It sold 46,500 copies sold in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 5, according to Luminate.

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With the No. 1 bow of Autumn Variations, Sheeran is the only artist to earn at least two new No. 1s on Top Album Sales in 2023. Autumn’s arrival comes just five months after Sheeran last hit No. 1, when his previous studio set, – (Subtract), launched at No. 1 on the May 20-dated tally, spending a week in charge. Only one other act has had two albums at No. 1 in 2023, but they did so with a carryover title that first hit No. 1 in 2022: Taylor Swift. Her Midnights album had 14 weeks at No. 1 nonconsecutively from Nov. 5, 2022, through June 10, 2023, while her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) debuted at No. 1 on the July 22, 2023, chart, logging two weeks at No. 1.

Autumn Variations was announced on Aug. 24, a little over a month before the album was released on Sept. 29.

Also in the top 10 of the new Top Album Sales chart: titles from NCT, Joe Hisaishi and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Wilco, Grateful Dead, Lil Peep all debut in the top 10, while Green Day’s Dookie re-enters the chart in the top 10 after its 30th anniversary reissue, and Jason Isbell’s Southeastern surges back onto the chart following its 10th anniversary reissue.

Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Of Autumn Variations’ 46,500 first-week sales, physical sales comprise 33,500 (17,500 on CD and 16,000 on vinyl – his largest week ever on vinyl) and digital downloads comprise a little over 13,000. The set also launches at No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart, marking his fourth No. 1 on the 12-year-old tally. The album’s debut-week sales were bolstered by its availability across five vinyl variants, a signed CD and a deluxe digital edition of the album with live versions of each of the album’s songs.

Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts falls 1-2 on Top Album Sales with nearly 16,000 sold (down 31%). NCT’s Golden Age: The 4th Album debuts at No. 3 with 13,000 sold, marking the third top 10-charting effort for the Korean pop ensemble.

Joe Hisaishi and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s A Symphonic Celebration: Music From the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki bows at No. 4, following its vinyl release on Sept. 29. The set was initially released via digital download and CD on June 30. In the week ending Oct. 5, the Celebration album sold 12,500 copies – with 12,000 of that sum on vinyl, marking the single biggest sales week for a classical album on vinyl since Luminate began electronically tracking music sales in 1991. (Its vinyl sales were enhanced by its availability in five vinyl variants.)

With 12,500 overall copies sold, Celebration logs the second-largest sales week for a classical album released in 2023, following Def Leppard’s Drastic Symphonies (15,000; June 3-dated chart).

Wilco logs its ninth top 10-charting effort on Top Album Sales as the band’s new studio set, Cousin, debuts at No. 5 with a little over 12,000 copies sold. Green Day’s Dookie re-enters the chart at No. 6 with 11,000 sold (up 1,744%) following its 30th anniversary deluxe reissue. The album peaked at No. 2 in 1995 and hasn’t been in the top 10 since April of that year. Grateful Dead’s Wake of the Flood debuts on Top Album Sales at No. 7 following its 50th anniversary reissue. The set, first released in 1973, sold nearly 10,500 copies in the tracking week (up from a negligible sum the previous week). Jason Isbell also celebrates an anniversary, as his Southeastern album re-enters at No. 8 – a new peak and its first week in the top 10 – with 10,000 sold (up 4,723%) after its 10th anniversary reissue. The album originally peaked at No. 23 in June of 2013.

The physical commercial debut of Lil Peep’s 2016 mixtape Hellboy prompts the album’s debut at No. 9 on Top Album Sales with nearly 10,000 sold. It was released via CD, vinyl and cassette on Sept. 29, but was previously available as a digital download (and via streaming services). It’s the fourth top 10-charting set for the late rapper, who died in 2017. All of his charting efforts on Top Album Sales debuted on the list following his passing.

Closing out the top 10 on Top Album Sales is V’s Layover, which falls 3-10 with 9,000 sold (down 22%).

In the week ending Oct. 5, there were 1.695 million albums sold in the U.S. (up 8.8% compared to the previous week). Of that sum, physical albums (CDs, vinyl LPs, cassettes, etc.) comprised 1.369 million (up 11.1%) and digital albums comprised 327,000 (down 0.1%).

There were 573,000 CD albums sold in the week ending Oct. 5 (up 6.7% week-over-week) and 784,000 vinyl albums sold (up 14.2%). Year-to-date CD album sales stand at 26.160 million (up 0.5% compared to the same time frame a year ago) and year-to-date vinyl album sales total 34.883 million (up 19.4%).

Overall year-to-date album sales total 75.521 million (up 6.0% compared to the same year-to-date time frame a year ago). Year-to-date physical album sales stand at 61.449 million (up 10.4%) and digital album sales total 14.071 million (down 9.7%).

13 Oct 2023

Mariah The Scientist Signs With Epic Ahead of New Album ‘To Be Eaten Alive’

Mariah The Scientist is the newest signee to Epic Records. The singer/songwriter joins a roster that boasts Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Giveon and more. To celebrate, the singer released her newest single, “From a Woman,” released early Friday morning (Oct. 13). 

“I was reluctant to signing any new deal, “Mariah tells Billboard. “But I was excited to find a partner that understands me as an artist and has the infrastructure to support me in the ways I need most.”

Mariah developed traction for her love-drunk singles “Always n Forever” featuring Lil Baby and “Spread Thin.” Produced by London on Da Track, “From a Woman” follows that same trajectory as she sings about finally finding a convincing romance worth her time. I close my eyes and trust your plan / Won’t no one force my hand /You’ve paid the cause for true romance / And you want my love again,” she sings. 

“Mariah is a dynamic creative force with a clear vision for her music and the experience surrounding it.” says Ezekiel Lewis, president of Epic. “She is well equipped to help lead R&B music into the future and we could not be more thrilled to be her partners on that journey.”

“From A Woman” will feature on her third album, To Be Eaten Alive, and will drop on Oct. 27. “Scorpions, like myself, are considered non-social and solitary animals,” says Mariah when describing her upcoming effort. “Interacting only on rare occasion, such as courtship. For the grand and notable lion, the scorpion seems to be a small feat. They are an unpredictable match and yet they establish a mutual respect for each other’s curious differences.”

Listen to “From a Woman” below. Fans can pre-save the album here.

13 Oct 2023

Here’s How Beyoncé’s $580M Renaissance World Tour Stacks Up in the Billboard Boxscore

After repeated monthly triumphs, a series of broken records and 39 cities turned to mute, Beyoncé closed out the Renaissance World Tour on Oct. 1. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the tour grossed $579.8 million and sold 2.8 million tickets across 56 shows in North America and Europe.

In a vacuum, those are massive numbers. And in the context of Boxscore’s nearly 40-year history, they are monumental. The Renaissance World Tour is the highest grossing tour by a woman, by a Black artist and by any American soloist.

Among women and domestic solo acts, Beyoncé passes Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour, which broke ground upon its 2009 finale with $407.7 million. Among Black acts, she replaces herself atop the heap, exceeding The Formation World Tour’s 2016 gross of $256.1 million by a margin of 2.26 to 1. In the interim, The Weeknd’s ongoing After Hours Til Dawn Tour has slid in the middle, with a gross of $305.9 million as of Sept. 30.

Doubling her previous peak – already a towering high that topped Boxscore’s 2016 year-end round-up – and digging deep into the record books, Beyoncé breaks the top 10 highest grossing tours of all time, hitting No. 7. She’s barely blocked by Guns N’ Roses’ Not in This Lifetime… Tour, which earned $584.2 million from 2016-19, and ahead of The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour, which brought in $558 million from 2005-07.

Notably, those tours ran for four years and three years, respectively. In fact, the Renaissance World Tour is the only one among the all-time top 10 to take place within one calendar year. At 56 shows, it played for roughly half the length of all-timers by Coldplay, The Rolling Stones and U2; about one fifth of Ed Sheeran’s The Divide Tour; and one sixth of Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.

Post-pandemic-era ticketing practices such as dynamic pricing and primary market resale have allowed fan demand to push an artist’s market value higher than ever before. The Renaissance World Tour averaged $253 a ticket, allowing grosses to bloom quicker than her fellow all-time leaders.

The next highest one-year earner is Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour, which brought in $345.7 million in 2018. Coincidentally, Beyoncé and Swift have shared a very bright spotlight this year, as their concurrent treks have dominated headlines and boosted economies. Official numbers have yet to be reported for The Eras Tour, but it’ll likely join the Renaissance World Tour in this vaulted space.

In speeding to the all-time top 10, Beyoncé maintained a breathtaking pace from May through October. The Renaissance World Tour earned $141.8 million and sold more than a million tickets from 21 shows in Europe. (Previous reports cited $154 million, but official numbers have since been adjusted.) That evens out to $6.8 million and just under 50,000 tickets (49,873) per show.

Though those averages were already the highest of any leg of any Beyoncé tour, (much) bigger business awaited across the pond. Her 35 Renaissance shows in the U.S. and Canada averaged $12.5 million each night. In all, the North American leg earned $438 million, alone enough to break the global touring records referenced above.

Three shows at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (Los Angeles area), earned $45.5 million and sold 156,000 tickets. That makes it the sixth-highest grossing engagement in Boxscore history. Like the tour it was a part of, it’s the biggest reported Boxscore for a woman, Black artist and American soloist. And like its parent tour, it reaches its all-time status with brevity. The five higher-grossing engagements range from a six-night stay at London’s Wembley Stadium for Coldplay to Harry Styles’ 15-show mini-residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The tour follows Renaissance, Beyoncé’s latest solo LP. The set debuted atop the Billboard 200 last year and spawned two top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Break My Soul,” which became her seventh No. 1 hit, and “Cuff It,” which became her longest-charting song on the tally earlier this year. Renaissance and both singles won Grammy awards at this year’s ceremony, making her the most awarded singer in Grammy history.

And while the Renaissance World Tour has come to a close, its lifespan hasn’t ended just yet. Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé opens in theaters on Dec. 1, distributed directly by AMC Theaters.

Across her 20-year solo career, Beyoncé has grossed more than $1.3 billion and sold 11.6 million tickets, including her portion of co-headline runs with Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott.

13 Oct 2023

DVBBS Release New Single ‘Breathe’ Featuring Jesse Jo Stark

This article was created in partnership with Digital Nod News Desk

DVBBS, the Canadian dance/electronic duo composed of brothers Alexandre and Christopher van den Hoef, is back with a new single that is set to make waves in the music world. The track, titled “Breathe,” features the vocals of Jesse Jo Stark, the heir to the Chrome Hearts empire and a rising star in the rock world. This new single has been created with Spinnin’ Records/Warner and dropped on September 29th.

“Breathe” is a powerful and energetic song that showcases DVBBS’s signature sound of big drops, catchy melodies, and anthemic vocals. The track also highlights Stark’s sultry and soulful voice, which adds a touch of rock and roll flair to the electronic production. The song is a perfect fit for festivals, clubs, and radio, as it delivers a message of living in the moment and enjoying life.

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“Breathe” is the first single from DVBBS’s upcoming album, which is expected to feature more collaborations with some of the hottest artists in the industry. DVBBS has already proven its versatility and talent by working with artists such as Blackbear, Wiz Khalifa, 24kGoldn, Galantis, Quinn XCII, Martin Garrix, Aloe Blacc, Icona Pop, Benny Benassi, Steve Aoki, 2 Chainz, powfu, Alida, Cody Simpson, Johnny Orlando, YBN Nahmir, Roy Woods, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Cheat Codes, Juicy J, and Belly.

In addition to releasing its new single and album, DVBBS has also announced some exciting news for fans and aspiring artists. The duo has finalized a joint venture with a soon-to-be-named major record label as well as launched their independent label, KANARY RECORDS. KANARY RECORDS is a platform that aims to discover and nurture new talent in the music scene and provide creative freedom and support for DVBBS and its collaborators.

DVBBS has been making music since 2012 when the duo debuted with its EP “Initio.” The van de Hoef brothers rose to fame with their smash hit “Tsunami” in 2013, which became a platinum-selling song in nearly a dozen countries and reached over 1 billion streams. The vocal mix of the song “Tsunami (Jump)” featuring Tinie Tempah topped both the UK Singles and UK Dance charts in 2014. Since then, DVBBS has released 12 more platinum singles, including “Tinted Eyes,” “West Coast,” “IDWK,” and “Not Going Home.” It has also performed at some of the world’s top festivals, such as Lollapalooza, Creamfields, Tomorrowland, EDC, and Ultra Music Festival.

DVBBS is one of the most successful and influential acts in the dance/electronic scene today. With its new single “Breathe,” its upcoming joint venture, and the launch of its independent label KANARY RECORDS, DVBBS is ready to take its music to the next level and dominate the music charts for decades to come.