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Richard Vega and Stephen Schulcz have been promoted to partners in the music divison at WME.
Vega is based out of Miami, where he relocated in 2024 as part of WMEâs continued global expansion of the agencyâs Latin business. His clients at the agency include Alvaro Diaz, Becky G, CafĂŠ Tacvba, Humbe, Kevin Kaarl, LP, Saiko, Tainy, Will Smith and Xavi. Vega has worked with super producer TAINY since 2018 and has been one of the main strategists in shifting him into the live space, culminating last year with his first ever sold-out arena show in Puerto Rico to more than 17,000 fans, according to the agency. He has also worked with indie regional Mexican sensation Ivan Cornejo since 2022, taking him from clubs to arenas in a matter of years, and was an early believer in the corridos tumbados movement out of Mexico, signing top acts like Natanael Cano.
Vega began his career playing drums for various bands in Bogota, Colombia, and over time transitioned to the business side of the industry. After seven years in Colombia, he relocated to Nashville, where he graduated from Belmont University. After interning for a year at WME, Vega would go on to work for the agency in Nashville and Los Angeles.
Richard has played a major role in expanding the visibility of Argentine artists in North America and Europe. His client Khea performed across 11 countries in Europe in 2019, while two of his other clients, Bizarrap and Nicki Nicole, have both had major moments at Coachella.
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Schulcz, who is head of domestic festivals for the agency, oversees a roster that includes GivÄon, Weezer, Kid Cudi, Swae Lee, Macklemore, Sam Fender, Livingston, Coheed and Cambria, Oliver Tree, ian, Nicki Nicole, Mike Campbell, Mark Ambor, Montell Fish, David Kushner, The Avalanches, Passion Pit and Jean Dawson. He has worked with Teddy Swims since 2020, helping propel his career from clubs to arenas in a matter of years. He also helped orchestrate Victoria MonĂŠtâs sold-out Jaguar tour.
Schulcz was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from the UCLA. He has been with the agency for more than a decade, starting right out of college in the mailroom.
Reunited thrash metal icons Slayer announced a run of 2025 shows in the North America and Europe on Tuesday (March 4), with the gigs representing the bandâs first U.K. and Canadian concerts in six years. As previously announced, the group â bassist/singer Tom Araya, guitarist Kerry King, drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt â will also make an appearance at Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbathâs final show on July 5.
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The run of shows will kick off on July 3 when Slayer hit the 35,000-capacity Blackweir Fields in Cardiff, Wales, with a line-up featuring support acts Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Mastodon, Hatebreed and Neckbreakker.
Their next stop will be the Back to the Beginning show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in the Osbourne-led groupâs hometown of Birmingham, where Slayer will join a galaxy of stars saluting the pioneering metal band that will include: Metallica, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon and a supergroup featuring Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ân Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wolfgang Van Halen and Zakk Wylde.
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âI am a Sabbath fan, and doing this show is an honor,â said Araya in a statement. âI was hanging out with my brother and his friends during my junior year in high school, and we would play Sabbath all the time, so I am a big fan. Black Sabbath were the originators, people call them âthe godfathers of metal music.â I think itâs going to be an amazing experience, from the beginning to the end. Iâm really, really honored to be a part of this, itâs going to be great.â
King added, âI remember when we played with Black Sabbath at Ozzfest in 2004. It was when Rob Halford came back to Judas Priest and we were third on the bill. You couldnât give me a better bill, Iâll never forget that. As it stands now, Slayer plays a handful of gigs a year. But thatâs how important this Sabbath date is, and itâs great we will get to play a longer set for our fans in Cardiff and London on this visit too. Being on the Sabbath bill means the world to me, because these are my uber-heroes. And to know that their camp thinks enough of us to offer us a spot is flattering and humbling.âÂ
Following the Sabbath celebration, Slayer will move on to the 45,000-capacity Finsbury Park in London with the same roster of support acts before moving on to the Quebec Festival dâĂŠtĂŠ in QuĂŠbec City, Quebec with Mastodon on July 11. The final announced stop will be a Sept. 18 gig at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY, where they will share the stage with Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Down, The Story So Far, Cannibal Corpse, Cavalera, Neck Deep, Exodus and Atreyu, among others.
Green Day were forced to cancel the final Australian stop on their global Saviors stadium tour on Wednesday (March 5) due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As citizens hunkered down in anticipation of imminent landfall, the veteran punk band informed fans that the show at CBUS Super Stadium had been called off amid severe weather warnings for Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
âHey Australia, unfortunately due to circumstances out of our control, tomorrowâs Gold Coast show has been cancelled,â they wrote on their Instagram Stories. âWith Cyclone Alfred bringing some seriously nasty weather, itâs just not possible to go ahead safely. We know this is a huge disappointment, as weâre just as bummed as you are. Stay safe out there!â
In a series of statements, the venue first warned ticket holders on Monday that they were monitoring forecasts calling for âwindy and rainyâ conditions, encouraging fans to keep an eye on the weather in the coming days. The bad news arrived on Tuesday evening (Australian time), when the venue wrote on X, âCBS Super Stadium has been advised that the the Green Day Saviors concert has been cancelled, due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.â
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It continued, âWe know how excited fans were for the concert and we share your disappointment. Concert organisers explored every opportunity to go ahead with the event, but the safety and travel certainty of concert goers, performers and staff cannot be ensured under current conditions.â
Promoter Live Nation also posted about the showâs cancellation, writing, âWe understand the immense disappointment surrounding the cancellation of tomorrowâs Green Day show on the Gold Coast due to Cyclone Alfred. This decision was made in close consultation with local authorities and with Green Day, prioritising the safety of all involved.â
LN also explained why the show was called off instead of postponed. âDue to Green Dayâs international touring schedule it will not be possible to reschedule the Gold Coast show to a later date,â LN added, with ticket holders promised a full refund. Green Day â who last visited Australia in 2017 on their Revolution Radio tour â are slated to play Lollapalooza India on Sunday (March 9).
Cyclone Alfred is expected to be the first extreme storm to impact the Queensland area in more than half a century, with expected wind speeds exceeding 80 m.p.h. and up to 17 inches of rainfall over the next three days.
Youâd get nervous too if you were singing one of the most iconic movie songs of all time on the Oscars stage in front of a room packed with the most famous actors on the planet. So cut Doja Cat a break, will ya? That was the message from the rapper on Monday (March 3) […]
At once soft and hard, fiery and vulnerable, Lola Youngâs precise, revelatory songs thrive in their multi-facetedness. The introspective but musically adventurous This Wasnât Meant For You Anyway â the south Londonerâs first full-length album, which dropped last June â served as an uncompromising portrait of inner turmoil, detailed with 808s and scratchy guitars that […]
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Sam Gellaitry is stepping out from behind the boards and in front of the camera as the new face of Stone Islandâs latest campaign.
The Scottish DJ and producer sports a hooded jacket made from recycled Gore-Tex and âBIONICâ polyester as part of the STONE ISLAND STELLINA SS â25 campaign, which continues the brandâs commitment to blending function and performance with its fashion-forward aesthetic.
Stone Island says the collection features âactive pieces designed to be layered, mixed and matched,â with a focus on hi-tech materials and innovative construction â think stretchy hoodies with âergonomic cuts,â chest pockets that can be removed and stored away, and new fabrics that are completely biodegradable. The looks, meantime, seamlessly blend sportswear and streetwear in contemporary colorways and novel silhouettes.
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Gellaitry says it was a thrill to front the campaign, adding that Stone Island was the first brand that got him into clothing and fashion. âI love the quality and dedication to detail mixed with the collectability of the pieces as well as the cultural relevance it has,â he tells Billboard.
Though Stone Island is now seen everywhere from the runway to the office, the new pieces are designed to be packable for travel, and built to withstand the elements for serious adventurers. Gellaitry says itâs ideal for his on-the-go lifestyle, which has taken him to now-favorite places like Norway and India over the last few years.
âI love tactile and functional clothing,â he replies, when asked about how he packs for travel. âIâm very into lots of pockets everywhere and definitely have too many jackets for my own good,â he says, adding that âIâm very particular with what suits me, so it takes a lot for me to be sold on something. That makes it rewarding when I find something that suits and fits right.â
Gellaitry has collaborated with everyone from PinkPantheress to Kaytranada, but the artist is gearing up to release his first solo album this year, telling Billboard that heâs currently âwrapping upâ the final touches on the tracklist. âItâs my debut album, which is crazy since Iâve been releasing music for over 12 years now,â he says. â[Itâs]Â nerve wracking, but fun.â
Did he pick up any inspiration from working with Stone Island? âThe team made me feel super comfortable and it was inspiring seeing how efficient they were at operating the shoot,â Gellaitry says. âIt was my first campaign too, so Iâm delighted it was with my favorite brand.â
Shop Stone Island online at StoneIsland.com, and sites like SSENSE, Mr. Porter and Nordstrom. And see more from Gellaitryâs STONE ISLAND STELLINA campaign below.
Billboard U.K. will head to The Great Escape in Brighton, England, for its inaugural Billboard Live event May 14-17.Â
Mercury Prize winners English Teacher will headline the The Beach stage at the new music festival as part of the Billboard U.K. Live takeover. Additional names will be added to the stageâs bill in the coming weeks.
The takeover marks the inaugural Billboard U.K. Live event, and will precede the launch of the upcoming U.K. Power Players list and in-person event at SXSW London in June.
Speaking on the announcement, Mo Ghoneim, president of Billboard U.K., says, âThe Great Escape has long been a launchpad for breakthrough artists, making it the perfect partner for Billboard U.K. Liveâs debut. With Billboard Live, weâre creating immersive experiences that connect fans with the artists shaping the future of music. English Teacher are leading this new wave, and weâre excited to have them headline our stage as we bring Billboard U.K. Live to one of the U.K.âs most essential festivals.â
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English Teacherâs debut LP This Could Be Texas (Island) was the recipient of the 2024 Mercury Music prize, which recognises an outstanding album from the U.K. and Ireland. The judging panel â which includes Billboard U.K. staff writer Sophie Williams â said that the LP âstands out for its originality and character. A winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.â
Thomas Smith, editor of Billboard U.K., adds, âEnglish Teacher are one of the U.K.âs most exciting young bands right now. Over the last few years theyâve developed their craft and live show, leading to a well-deserved victory at the Mercury Prize last year. Theyâre a testament to the talent and determination of the grassroots scene in the U.K. and an example of why we must fully back and support artists like them.âÂ
The Great Escape festival is held on an annual basis every May in the seaside city of Brighton, and spotlights emerging and rising talent from the U.K. and Ireland as well international newcomers. Across four days, an array of artists perform live at the cityâs vast network of independent venues. Thereâs also industry panels, networking opportunities and more in its extensive programme. Tickets are on sale now from the festivalâs official website.
This yearâs lineup will feature appearances by Pete Doherty, Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Adetunji, Chloe Slater and more. Previous performers at the festival include Adele, Charli XCX, Stormzy, Fontaines D.C., Sam Fender, Billie Eilish and more.
Stay tuned for further announcements related to the Billboard U.K. Live stage and The Great Escape.
English Teacher
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Jay Ammo, a 29-year-old singer from Clarksville, Tenn., earned the final four-chair turn of The Voice Season 27 after delivering an emotional performance of Ed Sheeranâs âThe A Team.â
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The Blind Auditions wrapped up with Ammo securing interest from all four coachesâJohn Legend, Adam Levine, Kelsea Ballerini, and Michael BublĂŠâbefore ultimately choosing Team Legend.
John Legend was the first to turn for Ammoâs performance, praising his vocal tone and delivery. âWhat a lovely voice you have. It was floating through the room. I was almost thinking you were from Africa because I could hear an Afrobeat kind of vibe. Is that the music you listen to?â
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Ammo, originally from Georgetown, Guyana, revealed that Sheeranâs song resonated deeply with him due to his time serving in the U.S. military in Afghanistan. âYes, my calm-down song was yours.â
Legend replied, âWe have a strong connection musically. Letâs just remember the musical connection that we have, and I would love to coach you.â
Levine, who has landed the most four-chair turns this season, described Ammoâs performance as âethereal.â âYou are very special and magical and singular in that nobody else in this competition is doing that. It gives you this really unique window, which is what this is all about.â
Ballerini also made a strong case for Ammo to join her team, calling him a âcreative force.â âYou kept the integrity of that song, but you also kept just the right amount of you in it, and thatâs artistry.â
The country star was surprised when Ammo revealed he had previously covered her song âBetter Luck Next Time.â âDid you now? I didnât expect that. Now I feel taller and more powerful.â
BublĂŠ, the last to turn, acknowledged some early pitch issues but praised Ammoâs ability to recover. âThe second those other chairs turned, your pitch issues subsided. You have a beautiful tone, and you tell a story really well.â
When it came time to make his decision, Ammo selected Team Legend. âJayâs voice is so cool. He has this kind of lilt to his voice. I really think that Jay has got an interesting musical tableau that heâs working with. Weâre going to have a lot of fun picking songs together.â
With the Blind Auditions now complete, The Voice Season 27 will move into the Battle Rounds, where Ammo will compete for a spot in the Knockouts.
Brand New have announced their first public performances in several years, marking the bandâs official return to the stage.
The band, led by Jesse Lacey, had previously played a secret âFriends and Familyâ show in Nashville in December to benefit Make Life Skate Life. Now, fans will finally get the chance to see Brand New on stage again, in their first publicly ticketed concerts since 2017.
Though the bandâs social media profiles have remained mostly inactiveâwith their last Instagram post dating back to October 2017âfans began sharing screenshots of emails they received on March 3, containing presale information for the newly announced concerts, as per LambGoat. The bandâs official website also lists the dates and presale details, confirming their long-speculated return.
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The trio of shows will kick off March 26 in Dallas, Texas, before heading to Newport, Kentucky, on March 28, and wrapping up in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 29.
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Lacey, who previously addressed the sexual misconduct allegations against him, admitted in 2017 that he had caused âpain and harm to a number of people.â
The fallout led to Brand New canceling all remaining tour dates, and the band largely disappeared from public view.
During a solo performance at Eastside Bowl in Nashville on March 2, Lacey also publicly spoke for the first time about the passing of his stepson Miles, who died in 2021. The intimate set featured a mix of Brand New tracks and solo material, including a new song titled âDeath.â
âIâm not gonna talk too much about this, but me and my wife Andrea lost our son three years ago. His name was Miles, and it was as hard as you can imagine,â he told the crowd. âGrief is a very hard thing to navigate, and I have found that for me, music lessens the poison of it.â
The moment was met with quiet support from the audience, as Lacey expressed gratitude to those who have helped carry the weight of his grief.
In the wake of their loss, Jesse and Andrea Lacey also founded Moms Skate Club, a charity dedicated to supporting mothers in the skateboarding community. Donations to the organization can be made here.
While no word has been given on whether new music is in the works, Brand Newâs upcoming shows suggest that the band is testing the waters for a more significant return. With their influence still felt across the alternative and emo scenes, their live comeback is certain to be a major talking point in the months ahead.
Back in 2017, Brand New scored their first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, displacing Keshaâs Rainbow. The groupâs Science Fiction, their first new album in eight years.
Garth Brooks will release The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years, the latest installment in his hardbound anthology series, on April 4. Each part covers a specific era of Brooksâ career with the Part V focused on his return to the stage in 2014 after taking off more than a dozen years […]