Music
Page: 254
U2’s next album could be something of another sonic left turn, if comments from founding guitarist The Edge are to be believed.
The veteran guitarist spoke to BBC Radio 2‘s Jo Whiley on Monday (Nov. 25) to discuss the recent release of How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb, a 20th anniversary collection of unreleased tracks and rarities from the band’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
During the discussion, The Edge turned his attention to recent creative endeavors from the Irish outfit, explaining that he and frontman Bono and had recently in the studio with ambient pioneer (and previous collaborator) Brian Eno, working on some “crazy new music”.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“Bono and I are working on some crazy kind of sci-fi Irish folk music,” he explained. “Which could end up becoming a part of the new U2 album. We’re not sure yet, we’ll see.”
Trending on Billboard
“Part of our kind of process is to go so widely away from, off track, and the sort of the process of bringing things back on track is kind of how you get sort of unique sounding music.”
Adding that “a bunch [of] beautiful, Irish musicians” could also be involved in the process, the guitarist’s comments indicate a vast change in the band’s sound when compared to what has come recently. Their latest album of new material, Songs of Experience, arrived in 2017, with 2023’s Songs of Surrender arriving as a follow-up despite consisting of new recordings of previously-released songs.
However, in 2023, Bono explained that a “noisy, uncompromising, unreasonable” rock album would be their next project, ostensibly replacing the apparently-shelved Songs of Ascent, which had been teased for more than a decade.
“I don’t think the world is waiting on the next U2 album,” Bono told Mojo. “I think we have to give them a reason to be interested in it. I just want to write great tunes because that’s where U2 started – with big choruses, clear ideas. And let’s go back there, but do it with some petrol and some matches.”
Elsewhere in his discussion with the BBC, The Edge also turned his attention to the return of drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who missed U2’s 40-date residency at Sphere in Las Vegas from 2023 to 2024 while recovering from surgery.
“We’re at that great phase where we don’t have to overthink it, we’re just making music and loving that process,” The Edge noted. “And then we’ll figure out where things belong afterwards so there’s a couple of different projects.
“Definitely U2, with Larry which is wonderful, we’ve got him in the studio,” he continues. “He’s good, he’s taking it easy but he’s back in the saddle on the drums still doing some recording with us and so we’ll be doing a bit more of that before the end of the year.”
Warner Music Group’s Australasian head has expanded his role, the company has announced.
Dan Rosen, who currently serves as President of Warner Music Australasia, has now expanded his role to encompass Warner Chappell Music, lengthening his job title to President, Records And Publishing, Australasia.
Per a press release, the move underscores WMG’s commitment to creating a “new, all-encompassing home for artists and songwriters in Australasia” while still preserving each division’s distinct identities.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
As part of his expanded role, Rosen will report to both Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, and Simon Robson, President of EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG, who is currently also overseeing the recorded music business in APAC.
Rosen, who himself began in the music industry on the artistic side as a founding member of the band Second Dan, is described by WMG as an “executive with an outstanding skillset, flexible approach and natural curiosity”. Alongside his intimate knowledge of the publishing business, his newly expanded role will see him growing Warner Chappell Music Australasia’s business as he fosters “a new level of collaboration between the two divisions, and create new opportunities for both artists and songwriters”.
Trending on Billboard
“I am incredibly excited to take on this expanded role and it is a privilege to passionately and innovatively serve our incredible roster of recording artists and songwriters,” Rosen said of his expanded position. “We are building a truly unique creative powerhouse for the music community in Australasia, by fostering an environment where artists and songwriters are celebrated and empowered to elevate their work to new heights both locally and globally.
“The rosters of songwriters at Warner Chappell Music is exceptional, and I look forward to expanding its repertoire and reach across Australasia, positioning it for exciting new growth and opportunities.”
Outside of music, Rosen is also a qualified lawyer and policy expert who previously served as a senior advisor to the Australian Government and pursued post-graduate studies on a Fulbright Scholarship at New York University. Returning to Australia in 2010, Dan served as CEO of the Australian recording industry’s peak bodies ARIA and PPCA.
Taking on the role of Warner Music Australasia President in 2021, his tenure at the company has resulted in significant growth in its domestic and international revenues. Alongside deals with names such as Brad Cox and James Johnson, and championing the careers of Budjerah, Kita Alexander and Oliver Cronin, Rosen has also showcases his dedication to breaking international acts such as Benson Boone, Charli XCX, Fred again.. and Teddy Swims within the region.
His work as a prominent industry figure has also seen Rosen named on Billboard’s prestigious International Power Players List for three consecutively across 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“Dan’s passion for music, his deep understanding of the industry and his experience across law, policy and artist advocacy, as well as his career as a songwriter, give him a unique skill set to lead both strong, distinctive divisions of recorded music and publishing,” Moot added in a statement.
“The Australasian music industry is both dynamic and diverse, and over the last few years we’ve worked hard to grow a frontline roster from scratch – I’m delighted Dan will be building on this with his holistic vision for the region.”
“Dan has been an exceptional leader for Warner Music Australasia, constantly pushing the envelope and championing the careers of artists and songwriters,” echoed Robson. “This expanded role will enable him to strengthen our entire proposition in the region and set a new standard for how we serve the creative community.”
Turn around, bright eyes, because Jason Kelce put his spin on a 1983 classic. In a now-viral TikTok with 1.3 million views at the time of publication, the former Philadelphia Eagles center is seen at an Appalachian State University tailgate, standing in a circle of students performing karaoke. His song of choice was Bonnie Tyler’s […]
The 2024 edition of Bésame Mucho in Los Angeles will not move forward, the festival announced on social media on Monday (Nov. 25).
The third annual iteration of the one-day event was supposed to take place Dec. 21 at Dodger Stadium and headlined by acts like Shakira, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias and Los Tigres del Norte. The news comes a month after headliner Shakira announced she was updating her U.S. arena tour to stadiums, and moving her dates to next year.
According to an official statement, Bésame Mucho was canceled “due to circumstances beyond our control.” Adding, “We take great pride in our annual celebration of exceptional music and culture, connecting generations in a way no other event can. After working tirelessly all year to bring you another unforgettable show in December, we are deeply disappointed to share this news.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The first-ever Bésame Mucho, produced by Frias Entertainment, was received with much fanfare, offering fans a lineup that showcased the best of the ’90s-’00s Latin pop, rock, banda, norteño, cumbia and merengue acts. Then, tickets to the inaugural 2022 event sold out in 12 minutes. Last year, after a successful run in Los Angeles, Bésame Mucho expanded to Austin, Texas.
Trending on Billboard
While the Los Angeles edition may be cancelled, Bésame Mucho confirmed that event set for April 5 in Austin is still taking place. That edition’s lineup includes Carín León, Peso Pluma, Banda MS, Pepe Aguilar, Tito Double P and Bronco, among many others. (See the complete lineup here.)
Read Bésame Mucho’s official statement below:
Kelly Clarkson is going to keep dancing at the “Pink Pony Club,” taking on the Chappell Roan hit for her latest Kellyoke cover during her daytime talk show on Monday afternoon (Nov. 25). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Dressed in a pink sweater dress, Clarkson belted […]
Before Kendrick dropped his new video for “squabble up” and news hit that Drake was suing UMG and Spotify, Rap Twitter was affixed on Snoop Dogg‘s appearance on Kai Cenat “Mafiathon 2” stream. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The West Coast legend visited Cenat on Sunday (Nov. […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Anyway you spin it, Drake is looking funny in the light. The 6 God’s lawyers have reportedly filed a motion against Universal Music Group, accusing their client’s own record label of inflating Kendrick Lamar’s streaming numbers.
“Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group and Spotify over allegations that the two companies conspired to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us.’”https://t.co/DW4Ti6C7kh pic.twitter.com/VEM8dzlrNT
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 25, 2024
Before we get started, yes, Drake’s people are suing the same people responsible for promoting his own music. And yes, social media took this as essentially Drake asking to speak to the manager or even calling the cops after Kendrick Lamar hit him with the lyrical fade that is “Not Like Us,” which is up for a Grammy Awards.
Yes, there are Drake fans who still believe it was the Toronto rapper who actually won the battle. We just can’t take said acolytes seriously, respectfully.
As for that lawsuit, Drake claimg UMG and Spotify conspired by using bots to inflate the “Not Like Us” plays. Reports the UK’s Independent.
In an eyepopping court filing obtained by The Independent, Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, says Universal Music Group (UMG) used a network of bots, in conjunction with a so-called pay-to-play scheme, to “manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves” with Lamar’s smash hit song “Not Like Us,” all to Drake’s detriment.
The filing accuses UMG, which has deals with both performers, of paying Spotify to recommend “Not Like Us” to users “who are searching for other unrelated songs and artists,” claiming the label also paid Apple to have Siri “purposely misdirect” users requesting songs from Drake’s catalog, serving up “Not Like Us” in its place. UMG’s ploy, the filing argues, created “the false impression that the Song was more popular than it was in reality.” Making matters even stickier, Drake says in the filing that UMG has tried to hide its alleged propping up of Lamar at Drake’s expense “by terminating employees associated with or perceived as having loyalty to Drake.”
Reportedly, UMG has refusing to entertain Drake’s claims, going as fas as saying his beef is with K. Dot, so he should sue the Compton rapper.
Welp.
Since the suit went public, a Drake “source” has told the media that Drake is mad with UMG’s business practices, and not Kendrick Lamar. Yeah, well, the damage has already been done, and social media is frying Drizzy for acting like a Hip-Hop Karen, allegedly.
Peep some of the more obtuse reactions in the gallery.
6.
The BRIT Awards has announced the three shortlisted artists for its Rising Star Award. Elmiene (Polydor/Def Jam US), Good Neighbours (Polydor) and Myles Smith (RCA) comprise the all-male field of contenders. The winner will be announced on Dec. 5 on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show With Jack Saunders.
This is only the second time that the field of contenders has consisted entirely of male artists or groups. James Bay, George the Poet and Years & Years were the 2015 finalists.
The award is voted on by a panel of music journalists, heads of music at radio and music TV stations, songwriters, producers and live bookers. The award is open to British artists who have not yet achieved a top 20 placement on the Official Albums Chart, or achieved more than one top 20 single on the Official Singles Chart before Oct. 31 of this year.
Trending on Billboard
The Rising Star Award (previously called Critics’ Choice) originated in 2008 and was most recently collected by baroque-pop group The Last Dinner Party. Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Sam Fender, Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine, Griff and FLO, while Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Cat Burns, Michael Kiwanuka, Mabel and Years & Years have also all been finalists.
Elmiene released his most recent EP, Anyway I Can, in October, fusing his love of R&B, jazz and pop. He has performed at Glastonbury and collaborated with Stormzy, Syd, Sampha, BADBADNOTGOOD, A$AP Ferg and more, and recently headlined a 3,000-capacity show at London’s Troxy.
Speaking on his nomination, Elmiene said, “If I could put the feeling of being nominated into words, I would say it’s like being completely satisfied with a meal you bought and then finding out it comes with dessert and a drink. Didn’t know it could get any better.”
Myles Smith’s single “Stargazing” has had considerable success in the U.K. and abroad this year. The pop song, first released in May, peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart and reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith recently released his second EP, A Minute…, and had a debut U.S. TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In a press release, Smith said, “Growing up in Luton, I started playing pubs and open mic nights when I was just 12 and music quickly became my way of understanding the world and connecting with others. This recognition feels like a reflection of that journey – the highs, the challenges and the incredible people who’ve supported me along the way.”
Indie-pop duo Good Neighbours have had a triumphant year following their TikTok hit “Home,” which has topped 322 million streams on Spotify alone. The song peaked at No. 26 in the U.K., and rode the Hot 100 for 11 weeks, reaching No. 77.
The pair said of the nomination: “The BRITs have always been a huge dream for both of us growing up. We started Good Neighbours purely for the fun of it, so to be up for an actual BRIT award at this stage in our career is the biggest honour. Thank you.”
The winner will be recognised at the BRITs ceremony on March 1 at London’s O2 Arena. The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV and ITV X.
Rauw Alejandro has much to celebrate this week as Cosa Nuestra, his fifth studio album, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts (dated Nov. 30). The set also launches at No. 6 on the overall Billboard 200, marking his highest charting set, and first top 10, among five career entries. Plus, the complete set pours onto the Hot Latin Songs chart.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Cosa Nuestra was released Nov. 15 via Duars/Sony Music Latin. The 18-track effort, an amalgam of Latin rhythmic, salsa and pop songs, invites big names into the mix, with Pharrell Williams, Romeo Santos, Laura Pausini and Bad Bunny, while Timbaland is one of six producers on the James Brown-sampling “Sexxxmachine.”
The album earns Rauw Alejandro his second No. 1 –and seventh straight top 10– on Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, after Vice Versa gave the Puerto Rican a first No. 1 (21,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week in the U.S. in 2021, according to Luminate).
Trending on Billboard
Cosa Nuestra launches with 67,000 equivalent album units in its first week (ending Nov. 21), the artist’s largest week by units earned. Of that sum, traditional album sales contribute 1,000, streaming activity comprises 66,000 units, while the remaining negligible number of units stem from track-equivalent album units.
One unit equals to one album sale, 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams for a song on the album.
Biggest Streaming Week for a Latin Album in 2024: Cosa Nuestra generated 66,000 in streaming equivalent album units in its first week, which equates to 87.7 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs, marking the biggest streaming week for any Latin album in 2024. It surpasses the 87.5 million generated by the first full chart tracking week of Peso Pluma’s Éxodo (July 6 chart).
Second-Largest Week for a Latin Album in 2024: As Cosa Nuestra opens with 67,000 units, it yields the second largest weekly sum for a Latin album in 2024, after Kali Uchis’ Orquídeas opened at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums with 69,000 units.
Third-Highest Charting Latin Album on the Billboard 200 in 2024: Cosa Nuestra marks the third-highest charting Latin album on the overall Billboard 200 this year, following the debut frames of Kali Uchis’ Orquídeas (No. 2 in January) and Peso Pluma’s Éxodo (No. 5 in July). On the Billboard 200, Rauw Alejandro secures his highest charting performance among five career entries. Previously, the Puerto Rican reached a No. 17 high through Vice Versa in 2021.
It’s a Hot Latin Songs Splash: As Cosa Nuestra arrives, the complete album pours onto the Hot Latin Songs chart, which combines streaming data, digital sales and radio airplay into its formula. Out of those, 15 songs debut while three re-enter the multi-metric tally, including leading single “Touching The Sky” at No. 38, after its previous No. 22 high in June.
The album also yields five top 10s debuts with “Que Pasaría…,” with Bad Bunny, leading the pack at No. 2. The latter is also the album’s most-streamed song for the week, with 12 million official U.S. streams, enough for a No. 25 start on the overall Streaming Songs chart and a subsequent No. 2 debut on Latin Streaming Songs. The song likewise becomes the most sold track of the week, with 1,000 downloads sold and a No. 1 debut on Latin Digital Song Sales.
Here’s the full review of those cuts:
No. 2, “Que Pasaría…,” with Bad Bunny (debut)No. 3, “Khe?” with Romeo Santos (debut)No. 6, “Tú Con Él” (debut)No. 7, “Se Fue,” with Laura Pausini (debut)No. 8, “Revolu,” with Feid (debut)No. 11, “Déjame Entrar” (re-entry)No. 12, “Ni Me Conozco” (debut)No. 14, “Baja Pa’ Acé,” with Alexis y Fido (debut)No. 15, “Committed,” with Pharrell Williams (debut)No. 16, “Espresso Martini,” with Marconi Impara & Yan Block (debut)No. 18, “Amar de Nuevo” (debut)No. 20, “Cosa Nuestra” (debut)No. 24, “Mil Mujeres” (debut)No. 26, “IL Capo”No. 29, “2:12 AM,” with Latin MafiaNo. 30, “Pasaporte,” with Mr. Naisgai (re-entry)No. 38, “Touching The Sky” (re-entry)No. 40, “Sexxxmachine”
While “Que Pasaría…,” with Bad Bunny, is the album’s most-sold and streamed track, “Tú Con Él,” a faithful rendition of Frankie Ruiz’s ‘80s gem, stretched globally as Rauw Alejandro performed the song at the Global Citizen Festival.
While the late salsa icon died in 1998, he scored a Billboard chart entry earlier in 2024. Victor Manuelle’s “Otra Noche Más” includes Ruiz’s vocals from his 1989 song “Deseándote,” and gave him featured artist billing. The track reached No. 3 on Tropical Airplay and a No. 15 on the overall Latin Airplay chart.
All charts (dated Nov. 30, 2024) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Nov. 26). For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” notched a record-tying 19th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, claiming the same amount of weeks at the summit as Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus), which previously held the longest reign in the chart’s 66-year history. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and […]