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Days after Kathryn Frazier lost her Altadena home in January’s Los Angeles wildfires, she returned to survey what was left. “On my property, I had four little sheds and [one] was a healing room. There was a 300-pound citrine crystal in the middle and a Reiki table,” she says. “When I drove up there, the entire street was gone. Everything on my property was gone — except for that healing shed.”
Frazier has worn many music industry hats across her 30-plus year career. In 1996, she founded the publicity firm Biz 3, which has staffers working remotely in several states. Its roster of 200-plus clients, who are primarily in the music business, includes The Weeknd, Lil Yachty, Chappell Roan and Victoria Monét, as well as known figures in film, TV, sports and comedy. In 2011, Frazier co-founded independent label OWSLA with Skrillex and others. And in 2018, she became an International Coaching Federation-designated Professional Certified Coach, enabling her to guide clients on professional and, if they choose, personal matters. She also teaches at the University of California, Los Angeles, is a certified reiki master and authored an upcoming book about co-parenting.
“All of the tools, routines and perspective that I’ve been cultivating for the last 30 years literally felt like I had the world’s biggest, best insurance policy for emotional and mental health when something devastating or tragic happens,” Frazier says, reflecting on the fires. “And it saved me.”
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Frazier used those tools to keep working despite the personal devastation she had suffered. The fires had upended clients’ plans and her expertise was needed to, for example, help deal with the cancellation of The Weeknd’s Los Angeles show and postponement of his sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
“A lot of times, you have to keep going because it’s your livelihood,” she says. “And of course all my camps were so loving and like, ‘Please take what you need.’ But there was a certain drive in me [to be] of service to others, whether it’s in a philanthropic way or [the way] I’ve dedicated myself to helping [their] art. It does take you out of yourself in a healthy way. It’s like walking on a tightrope, but because of all the years I’ve been doing this, my tightrope is a wider path, almost like a bridge.”
How have you coped these last few months?
I’ve done a lot of surrendering, a lot of acceptance. For the first month, did I [use] all my tools? No, I was waking up every day in fight-or-flight [mode], just trying to emotionally process. Grieve. Get my family set up so we have somewhere to live. You’re really, truly kind of starting over. And then also taking care of business. The day I woke up from the fires, I had the launch of The Weeknd’s album campaign with a magazine cover. And I just didn’t stop. It was a really big test of how I operate or show up when shit hits the fan. And all the tools absolutely served me.
Why did coaching feel like a necessary next step in your career?
I was becoming very disenchanted with the industry and felt really empty. Then I started to see a lot of people suffer — and not even people I work with. A lot of addiction, a lot of mental health stuff, a lot of just being worn. Resentment, anxiety, depression, all of it. I had a bigger calling, and why not be able to help people [spread their] art? Whether it’s me doing their press or marketing or getting someone into a better headspace. That’s why labels and managers want me to see their artists. And I always encourage people to have [their artists] see me when they’re just beginning so that they don’t go off the rails. Versus bringing me someone who’s totally at the bottom and struggling and now has to cancel a hundred-date tour or something. It’s preventative medicine.
How big is your coaching client list?
I have a waitlist that I operate from. But because my coaching clients travel so much, I can always get people on the list. I coach a lot of large artists. I coach [senior] executives. And I also coach people who have nothing to do with any of that. The one thing I find is it doesn’t matter who they are or what their position is in life. The inner self-talk tends to be the same. The obstacles tend to be the same.
Since you’ve started coaching, have you seen a shift in how the music industry supports the wellbeing and mental health of its artists and executives?
I still constantly hear of people or see people being pushed and propped up, and I don’t think the music industry is negligent. It’s more that people don’t know where to go or they don’t have the resources. They don’t know what to do with a drug-addicted client. Like, “Who do I call? Do you know any sober coaches?” Often, it’s not knowing how to have the hard conversations when you see someone struggling. Many times over the years, I have gone up to artists — and again, a lot of them are not people I rep — when I can tell they’re struggling, in particular with addiction, or when I hear that they’re canceling a lot of tours and shows, I’ll be like, “Sweetie, tell me what’s happening. I can see you’re struggling.” And almost every time, they literally fall into my arms. They want to talk. They want help.
How are you working to broaden a community that can help?
It’s what I’m teaching. My course at UCLA is about the music industry, and it has become really popular. The kids call it “the manifestation class.” It’s half “What do you need to do to move forward in music?” Almost all of them are musicians, as well as people who want to be in the industry working. It’s also [half] “How do you navigate your own inner voice?” The negative self-talk, the imposter syndrome, the scarcity mindset, the indecision, compare-and-despair. And then, “How do you navigate and handle the outer voice?” The media voice, the public voice.
Your partner Dana Meyerson represents Chappell Roan. How did you feel about Chappell’s Grammys speech regarding the industry supporting artists’ mental and physical health?
I got tears in my eyes immediately and I had a resounding “Fuck yes” come through me. Because we do need to take care of the people who are actually creating the business of this entire business. And I so applaud anyone with a platform using it in service of helping other humans, especially with their mental and emotional health. It made me very proud that [Chappell is] a part of Biz 3. It made me so proud that I have a business partner in Dana that can recognize amazing talent and also have artists that say something on our roster. Dana has truly done the come-up in this industry and now is the reigning queen of PR, in my opinion. She finds the best, most amazing artists and builds them up to massive success.
Have you thought about helping other music companies establish career and wellness coaching?
That would be my dream. The main thing that would require is a budget. If even the smallest amount of earnings could go into hiring a couple of [personal and professional] coaches that could help your staff and your artists for 45 to 50 minutes every other week, you would have such a different company culture. When I quote unquote retire, it’ll just mean I’m fully coaching, writing books and teaching. And maybe that’s me trying to spearhead coaching divisions at companies.
How has the role of a publicist expanded over the years?
All the big press stuff is still there, but there’s also a lot of paid media. That’s been the most disheartening part for me. I’m afraid for it to go too far because then we stop having editorial, we stop having curatorial voices, we stop having people who are truly discovering what is amazing out there versus what got paid for. So I’m really hoping that doesn’t usurp the true editorial and curatorial.
We’re also seeing an uptick in influencer-based media. How does that affect your approach to publicity?
It changed the scope. There are more conversations with YouTubers that review or do music or certain shows [on] TikTok. I am 1,000% a glass-half-full person — I’m a recovered cynic. I’m like, “All right, what new opportunities are there for us?” There might be some magazines shuttering, but what other interesting way can you get good art out to the masses? Like, I’m not going down with the ship. Let’s keep it moving.
Maren Morris has announced the release date for her anticipated fourth studio album, Dreamsicle. The 14-track LP is slated to drop on May 9, with the first single, “Carry Me Through,” slated for release on Thursday morning (March 27). Morris has been doing a slow reveal of the new album on her newly wiped Instagram […]
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Sexyy Red recently made headlines after claiming she is the “most hated female rapper” in the game.
During an interview on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, the St. Louis rapper was asked if she noticed the negativity directed at her. “Your personality is contagious, but do you see the hate too?” Big Boy asked. Sexyy Red responded by acknowledging that while she receives plenty of love, the criticism against her is growing. “I feel like the hate is getting bigger. I feel like I’m the most hated female rapper, they hate on me the most,” she said.
Despite the criticism, Sexyy Red continues to rise in the rap industry with her unfiltered lyrics, catchy beats, and unapologetic personality. She first gained a bunch of clout online with her viral hit “Pound Town” in 2023, followed by her debut mixtape “Hood Hottest Princess”, which featured tracks like “SkeeYee” and “Hellcats SRT’s.” Sexyy’s energetic style and raw delivery have earned her both a loyal fanbase and industry co-signs from artists like Nicki Minaj and Drake.
Sexyy Red has also stayed consistent with new music. She recently dropped several singles and collaborations, solidifying her presence in the industry. With her bold persona and ability to create viral hits, she continues to push forward despite the hate. Whether people love or criticize her, one thing is clear, Sexyy Red is making a lasting impact in the rap game.
Check out the full interview with Sexyy Red at Big Boy’s Neighborhood below:
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Earlier this month, former En Vogue singer Dawn Robinson revealed that she’d be living out of her car for the past three years and while many assumed that she was going through hard times and was unhoused, she says that’s not the case at all.
According to People, Robinson is responding to her fans who worried that the “Hold On” singer was down and out and assuring them that she’s actually fine and is choosing to live life out on the road as a personal journey in growth. In a personal statement to People, Robinson cleared up her current situation saying, “I want to make it clear: I am not homeless. I am temporarily choosing car life as part of my journey of healing and self-discovery.”
While it’s hard for some to comprehend that sometimes people will choose to disconnect with what’s familiar in order to find some balance in their own personal lives (especially when the person is a celebrity), the 58-year-old artist is taking the time to explain herself and also warned people to look out for scammers as some people are looking to exploit her situation for their own financial gain.
Per People:
“I took a risk and jumped headfirst into this lifestyle, and WOW, what a crazy, fun, sometimes scary ride it’s been,” continued Robinson’s statement. “For me, failure is NOT an option. Being vulnerable sucks, but here I GROW. This is about embracing freedom, trusting the process, and finding strength in the unexpected.”
The “Free Your Mind” singer also issued a warning to fans looking to support her. “I’ve been made aware that some individuals may be requesting funds on my behalf through platforms like Cash App, GoFundMe or other means,” she said. “I want to be clear: I have not authorized any fundraising campaigns, and I do not want anyone—especially my loyal fans—to be scammed or taken advantage of.”
As for the outpouring of support and genuine worry that many people expressed when she first announced her situation, Ms. Robinson said if she wanted to she could get herself an apartment, but would rather live life on the road for the time being saying she’s “proud of what I’ve accomplished out here.”
Well, we’re just glad that Ms. Robinson isn’t unhoused, technically, and we totally support whatever steps she feels she needs to take to get the clarity she’s currently searching for.
What do y’all think about Dawn Robinson’s choice to live on the move? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Trina’s other half will have to defend his name in a court of law. He was recently put in jail for battery.
TMZ is reporting that Swurv, born Benjamin Leon Kearse Jr., was arrested on Thursday, March 20. Local authorities say the arrest stems from an incident that took place back in July 2023. According to the paperwork, a man claims he was crossing the street when Swurv suddenly stopped his Dodge Charger at a stop sign. The man says he accidentally struck the trunk of the car—which Swurv presumably took as a sign of disrespect. Trina’s husband is said to have followed the pedestrian all the way back to his home.
Upon arriving at the residence, he proceeded to exit his vehicle and attack the unidentified man. Police say he punched him several times in the face which left the man with a fractured nose. This was apparently proven by surveillance footage taken from security cameras on that block. Swurv was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center for processing; he has since been released.
Swurv and Trina quietly got married last year. The high profile couple have been part of the Love & Hip Hop: Miami.
Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash and musician-producer-label exec Tony Brown have been given country music’s highest honor: They were named as the latest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony held Tuesday (March 25) at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
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CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill revealed this year’s slate of individuals who have been named as the latest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame launched in 1961, and “since then it has been the ultimate recognition of country music excellence,” Trahern told the audience.
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“We honor not just talent, but impact, not just success, but legacy,” Trahern added.
The three inductees will be inducted during the annual Medallion ceremony, set for later this year.
Chesney will be inducted in the modern era artist category. During his career, he’s become known for massive concerts, 33 No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hits, his passionate No Shoes Nation fanbase, and his work ethic. Though Chesney released his debut single in 1993, it wouldn’t be until 1997 that he earned his first No. 1 with “She’s Got It All.” From there, he kept amassing songs that connected with fans, and in 2000, he earned a triple platinum Greatest Hits collection that included songs such as “How Forever Feels,” “That’s Why I’m Here,” “Don’t Happen Twice” and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” He appeared on George Strait’s stadium tours in 1999 and 2000, which sparked his desire to create a career and sound that was solely his. His album No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200, and he soon sold out the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium, while hits such as “There Goes My Life” and “I Go Back” kept coming. He’s now won four entertainer of the year awards from the Country Music Association and an equal number of EOY wins from the Academy of Country Music.
He continues breaking new ground as the first country artist to set a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He’ll release his first book, Heart*Life*Music, later this year.
“I always felt like country music told a lot of truth,” said East Tennessee native Chesney on stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame. “It’s also fueled by a lot of dreams. I had a really big dream that not a lot of people saw coming. My dream started on the shoulders of the dreams of George Jones. It was built on the shoulders of the dreams of Randy, Teddy, Jeff and Mark of Alabama, Conway Twitty, Doc Watson,” he said.
“I wanted to spread as much positive energy as I possibly could. I just want to say thank you. This is beautiful,” Chesney concluded.
June Carter Cash will be inducted in the veteran’s era artist category.
As the daughter of Maybelle Carter (who in 1927 formed The Carter Family along with Sara and A.P. Carter), Virginia native June Carter Cash grew up in show business, teaming with her sisters Anita and Helen, along with Maybelle, to form Mother Maybelle and The Carter Sisters. The Carter Family laid much of the foundation for commercial country music and Carter followed in their musical footsteps, learning to play autoharp by age 10 and appearing on the Carters’ radio broadcasts. She also developed a talent for comedy, developing stage characters such as Aunt Polly Carter. A multi-faceted entertainer, in the 1950s through 1970s, she appeared on Gunsmoke, The Adventures of Jim Bowie and Little House on the Prairie. She was in the 1958 film Country Music Holiday, 1986’s remake of Stagecoach and multiple episodes of hit primetime Western drama Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
The Carter Sisters joined Johnny Cash’s roadshow in 1961, sparking what would become one of music’s most well-known love stories. As a songwriter, Carter Cash wrote with Merle Kilgore what would become Johnny Cash’s 1963 hit “Ring of Fire,” which spent seven weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. Carter and Cash wed in 1968. They won Grammys for their collaborations on “Jackson” and “If I Was a Carpenter.” Carter Cash was also a bedrock of support for Nashville’s greater music community, offering respite for artists at the couple’s Hendersonville, Tenn., home, including artists such as Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Larry Gatlin. She also continued recording her own projects, and her 1999 album Press On won a Grammy for best traditional folk album. Carter Cash died on May 15, 2003, at age 73. Her final album, Wildwood Flower, released posthumously that same year, earned Grammys for best traditional folk album.
Carter Cash’s children, Carlene Carter and John Carter Cash, were on hand to accept the induction news for their mother.
“I can’t tell y’all what this means to us, to our whole family,” Carlene said. “My mom was a force of nature. Everything she did, she did with grace and style and finesse and humor. I was so proud to be her daughter. Anything that Is good about me is because of that woman.”
John Carter added, “You look up here — will the circle be unbroken. Of course that song has ancient origins, but there’s one person who sang that song more than anyone else in her lifetime and that was my mother, June Carter. She was a songwriter, a musical historian, a comedian, but she carried the torch for country music history with her though her lifetime. Millions of people knew Carter Family songs because of my mother … She appreciated the music, but she brought it all together with a laugh. ‘Anchored in love’ is one of her life mottos, and ‘press on.’ But blessed to be here today. She did not know a stranger …she would be so grateful for this.”
June Carter photographed circa 1965.
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Producer, label exec, musician and North Carolina native Tony Brown will be inducted into the non-performer category, which rotates every three years with the songwriter and recording and/or touring musician categories.
Early in his career, Brown spent time playing in bands for the Oak Ridge Boys, Elvis Presley, Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris. He played on Harris’ projects including Blue Kentucky Girl. As a label executive, Brown signed hitmakers including Alabama and Gill. As a producer, he had his first hit with Steve Wariner’s 1983 song “Midnight Fire,” produced with Norro Wilson.
In 1978, he joined RCA’s Free Flight Records; soon after it closed, he transferred to RCA’s Nashville division, signing group Alabama. In After heading back onto the road to tour with Rodney Crowell and Rosanne Cash’s The Cherry Bombs, Brown returned to RCA and to Nashville, signing Gill. Brown moved from RCA to MCA Nashville, helping it become country music’s kingpin label in the 1990s and becoming president of the label. He brought Gill to MCA and signed artists including Patty Loveless and Marty Stuart and developed working relationships with artists including Wynonna Judd, and production relationships with artists including George Strait and Reba McEntire. He also aided numerous Americana artists, signing and producing artists including The Mavericks, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett and Allison Moorer. He left MCA to co-found Universal South Records with Tim Dubois in 2002.
Tony Brown speaks onstage during the Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on March 25, 2025 in Nashville.
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Brown has won six Grammys and is a member of the Gospel Music hall of Fame. His accolades also include Leadership Music’s inaugural Dale Franklin Leadership Award, the ACM’s icon award and the Americana Music Association’s lifetime achievement award. He’s aided record sales of more than 100 million units during his career.
Taking the stage, Brown said, “I’ve had a lot of big things happen in my life and career — this is the biggest. This is cool, I don’t care who you are. I’m totally blown away … never ever imagined that I would be. Thank you to the CMA, the Hall of Fame, Vince Gill, all the people who helped me get here … the engineers, songwriters, song pluggers. This is better than money … this is about making an impact and when it comes down to it, that’s the reason we all get into this business, to make an impact.”
Electronic music producer Anyma has signed a global publishing deal with independent music publishing company Kobalt. The deal encompasses the artist’s catalog (including some of his work as part of the duo Tale of Us), along with future releases. The deal announcement follows the conclusion of Anyma’s buzzy residency at Sphere Las Vegas earlier this […]
Zach Bryan again captures the No. 1 on Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart, powered by Tunefind (a Songtradr company), as “Oklahoma Smokeshow” rules the February 2025 list following a synch in CBS’ Tracker.
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Rankings for the Top TV Songs chart are based on song and show data provided by Tunefind and ranked using a formula blending that data with sales and streaming information tracked by Luminate during the corresponding period of February 2025.
Bryan boasts a previous ruler on Top TV Songs via the November 2022 ranking with “Something in the Orange” from Fire Country, also a CBS property.
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This time, Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” a No. 72-peaking song on the Billboard Hot 100 from 2022’s American Heartbreak, pops up in the Feb. 23 episode of Tracker (the 10th episode of season two), begetting 18 million official on-demand U.S. streams and 1,000 downloads in February 2025 in the process, according to Luminate.
Bryan leads the latest Top TV Songs ranking over a slew of songs from the third season of Showtime’s Yellowjackets, whose first two episodes premiered on Feb. 16, followed by episode three on Feb. 23.
Candlebox’s “Far Behind” leads the charge, debuting at No. 2 thanks to 7.2 million streams and 1,000 downloads in February after an appearance in the second episode, while Bush’s “Glycerine” follows at No. 3 (5.9 million streams, 1,000 downloads) following its synch in the premiere.
The ’90s flavor doesn’t extend to the rest of Yellowjackets’ charting songs, though. The series also represents the 1980s with Tiffany’s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” (No. 8; 2.7 million streams, 1,000 downloads) and the ‘70s with Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” (No. 10; 1.3 million streams, 1,000 downloads).
Of the group, “I Think We’re Alone Now” was a two-week No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1987, though all four reached the top 30.
See the full top 10 of the Top TV Songs chart, also featuring music from Fire Country, Cobra Kai, Suits LA, School Spirits and The White Lotus, below.
Rank, Song, Artist, Show (Network)
“Oklahoma Smokeshow,” Zach Bryan, Tracker (CBS)
“Far Behind,” Candlebox, Yellowjackets (Showtime)
“Glycerine,” Bush, Yellowjacket (Showtime)
“Nobody Knows,” The Lumineers (cover), Fire Country (CBS)
“Silent Lucidity,” Queensryche, Cobra Kai (Netflix)
“Daylight,” Shinedown, Suits LA (NBC)
“Let’s Dance,” David Bowie, School Spirits (Paramount+)
“I Think We’re Alone Now,” Tiffany, Yellowjackets (Showtime)
“Maria Tambien,” Khruangbin, The White Lotus (HBO)
“Morning Has Broken,” Cat Stevens, Yellowjackets (Showtime)
Metro Boomin, Machine Gun Kelly and others will help bring the party to WWE‘s WrestleMania weekend with WrestleMania After Dark, a brand-new late-night event series set to take over LIV and LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. In partnership with entertainment group Medium Rare, WWE announced on Tuesday (March 25) that it’d be bringing its […]
Cazzu’s “Con Otra” has topped Billboard’s latest new Latin music poll published on Friday, March 21. In support of the weekly New Music Latin roundup and playlist, curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors, music fans voted for the Argentine artist’s new track as their favorite music release of the week. Explore Explore See […]