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Orfeón, one of the longest-standing indie labels in Latin America, announced on Thursday (May 22) that it has entered a strategic alliance with label and distribution company ONErpm.
The collaboration aims to “strengthen” the digital presence of Orfeón’s music catalog, made up of seven decades of recordings including more than 300 artists and 150,000 songs ranging from bolero, ranchera, danzón, mambo, tropical pop and rock & roll. Orfeón — previously distributed by Warner Music — has been home to legendary artists including Pedro Infante, Celia Cruz, Agustín Lara, Chavela Vargas, Javier Solís, Lola Beltrán and Toña la Negra.
“In this restructuring of Orfeón, we have sought the best partner today for digital distribution,” Edmundo Monroy, CEO of Fórmula Music Group, tells Billboard. “ONErpm presented us with the best option in technology, the best option in development with streaming platforms, the best analytics, and today it seems, for us, the best company to distribute our music globally. We have been talking for months and now we’re entering a new era to maximize Latin American music around the world.”
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The alliance is more than just a distribution deal. It also includes marketing plans that aim to expand Orfeón’s catalog to new markets and a new generation of music fans, adds Adriaan Glastra, GM of ONErpm Mexico.
“Orfeón has a historic catalog, and being part of Grupo Formula they have an enormous reach, plus they are also launching new artists, we were obviously pursuing this [partnership],” says Glastra. “There is a synergy we have with them, which will lead to growth on both sides. We have a lot of plans to bring this historical catalog, all the stuff they are set to release in the future, to new generations.”
The first release under the new alliance will be a Lupita D’Alessio album recorded with a symphonic orchestra live from the Arena Cuidad de México. It will be out Friday (May 23) with a vinyl component set to be released soon after.
“You said you feel the love, right?” Kendrick Lamar asked SZA after performing their twinkling 2018 hit collab “All the Stars” during the first LA tour stop of their Grand National Tour at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium Wednesday night (May 21). “I think so,” she responded breathlessly. “You feel it?” “I definitely feel it.” The two […]
Kneecap has responded to a member of the group being charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Mo Chara of the Irish-language hip-hop group was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly showing support for militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah in historic videos. Both are proscribed as terror groups according to U.K. law, and considered an offense under the Terrorism Act 2000. Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
“We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves,” Kneecap wrote in a statement posted on their Instagram. “This is political policing,” it continued. “This is a carnival of distraction.” They added: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.”
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“British establishment is focused on us”, Kneecap added. “They profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their ‘crown court’, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury.” Read the full statement below.
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The incident allegedly took place at a show at London’s O2 Forum in November 2024, though the video resurfaced in April following their Coachella sets, in which they displayed a message stating “F–k Israel, Free Palestine.” A number of politicians also criticised the group for allegedly calling for the death of Tory MPs in a performance.
In a follow-up statement, Kneecap denied support for either Hamas or Hezbollah. “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah,” the band wrote. “We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.” They also apologised to the families of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, both of whom were murdered by members of the public in 2016 and 2021, respectively.
Following the band’s sets at Coachella in mid-April the band’s activities has drawn condemnation and support from throughout the music industry. Sharon Osbourne called for the group’s work visas to be rescinded, the band split with their U.S. booking agent, and a number of shows were cancelled in Germany and in the U.K.
A number of high-profile artists including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C. and more signed an open letter denouncing the restriction of free speech for artists. On Friday (May 23), Kneecap are due to play their first show since the furore at London’s Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park.
BTS’ Jin made a triumphant return to U.S. late-night television this week, delivering a stirring performance of his new single “Don’t Say You Love Me” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (aired May 21).
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The appearance marked Jin’s first U.S. promo stop since the release of his sophomore solo album Echo and comes just months after completing his mandatory military service in South Korea.
Taking the stage with signature poise, Jin performed the emotional ballad under soft, moody lighting, accompanied by a live band and backing vocalists. His warm yet melancholic tone filled the studio as he sang the reflective lyrics from “Don’t Say You Love Me,” a track that has quickly become a standout on Echo, which dropped last Friday (May 16).
Before the performance, Jin joined Fallon for a light-hearted interview segment that included a comedic role reversal, with Jin briefly acting as the show’s emcee.
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When asked about his next chapter as a solo artist, Jin shared details about his upcoming Hi-Seokjin fan tour. “You might be expecting my vocal skills, but I hope you’re most excited to see my face up close,” he joked with a smile.
The Hi-Seokjin event series kicks off this Friday in New York City, where Jin will meet with 1,000 fans for an exclusive concert and fan interaction. He’ll then return to South Korea to play two sold-out shows in Goyang on May 28 and 29, with additional Asian dates expected to follow.
Echo has already topped the iTunes charts in over 60 countries and received early critical praise for its blend of tender ballads and experimental production.
“Don’t Say You Love Me” serves as the centerpiece of the project, showcasing Jin’s evolution as a solo vocalist and storyteller.
Jin previously appeared on The Tonight Show in November 2024 to perform “Running Wild,” a track from his debut solo EP. His return signals a strong re-entry into the global spotlight as he prepares to embark on his first official fan tour, while BTS continue to pursue solo activities during their staggered enlistment period.
Mariah Carey and Pitbull are returning to Australia this October as headliners of Fridayz Live 2025, the revived touring festival celebrating R&B, hip-hop and pop.
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Announced Thursday (May 22), the stadium run will also feature sets from Wiz Khalifa, Lil Jon, Eve, Tinie Tempah and Jordin Sparks. It marks Fridayz Live’s first edition since 2023, and organizers MG Live and the Hit Network are calling this year’s return “bigger than ever.”
The four-city tour kicks off Oct. 17 at Brisbane Showgrounds, followed by Sydney’s ENGIE Stadium on Oct. 18, Langley Park in Perth on Oct. 24, and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Oct. 25. Events are all 18+ except for selected licensed all-ages areas in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Carey’s appearance marks her first Australian performance in over a decade, having last toured the country in 2013. The five-time Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper — whose enduring hits include “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together”, and “Touch My Body” — will bring her vocal powerhouse status to a new generation of fans.
Joining her is fellow Billboard icon Pitbull, returning to Australia for the first time since 2012. The Miami rapper — known as “Mr. Worldwide” — boasts over 100 million single sales globally and is behind hits like “Give Me Everything,” “Timber”, and “Hotel Room Service.”
Fridayz Live will also showcase hip-hop heavyweight Wiz Khalifa, who charted 11 Hot 100 entries in 2011 alon, crunk pioneer Lil Jon, known best for anthems like “Turn Down for What,” will also return while Eve — one of the defining female MCs of the 2000s — brings her chart-topping hits and GRAMMY-winning collaborations.
Also joining the bill are UK rapper Tinie Tempah (“Pass Out,” “Written in the Stars”) and pop vocalist Jordin Sparks, whose breakout single “No Air” with Chris Brown peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 2008.
There will be no sideshows or encore dates, with promoters emphasizing that fans will only have one chance to catch this full lineup in each city.
Presales begin May 26 for Telstra Plus members, followed by ANZ Circle pre-sales on May 29, a general Fridayz Live pre-sale on May 30, and general public onsale June 2.
The Modfather himself, Paul Weller, has announced the release of his latest covers record, Find El Dorado.
Set for release on July 25, the 15-track collection of songs sees Weller looking to an eclectic list of artists, including the Bee Gees, The Kinks, Richie Havens, Christy Moore, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and more.
“These are songs I’ve carried with me for years,” Weller said in a statement. “They’ve taken on new shapes over time. And now felt like the moment to share them.”
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Additionally, the album also features a number of talented guest musicians, including the likes of Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. Other guests include Hannah Peel, Declan O’Rourke, Amelia Coburn and Seckou Keita.
Alongside the announcement of the record, Weller has also shared two tracks as a preview of what to expect. The first of these is “Lawdy Rolla,” the 1969 A-side to the only studio release from obscure French outfit The Guerrillas; and “Pinball,” the title track to English multi hyphenate Brian Protheroe’s 1974 debut.
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News of the forthcoming record arrives almost one year to the day since Weller’s last album, 66, which arrived on May 24, 2024 – one day before his 66th birthday. El Dorado is also his first record of covers since 2004’s Studio 150, which featured tracks written by the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Noel Gallagher.
Paul Weller – El Dorado Tracklist:
1. “Handouts in the Rain” (Richie Havens)2. “Small Town Talk” (Bobby Charles)3. “El Dorado” (Eamon Friel)4. “White Line Fever” (The Flying Burrito Brothers)5. “One Last Cold Kiss” (Christy Moore)6. “When You Are a King” (White Plains)7. “Pinball” (Brian Protheroe)8. “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire” (Willie Griffin)9. “I Started a Joke” (Bee Gees)10. “Never the Same” (Lal and Mike Waterson)11. “Lawdy Rolla” (The Guerrillas)12. “Nobody’s Fool” (The Kinks)13. “Journey” (Duncan Browne)14. “Daltry Street” (Jake Fletcher/PP Arnold)15. “Clive’s Song” (Hamish Imlach)
Almost one year to the day since the release of their most recent record, Clancy, Ohio duo Twenty One Pilots have announced the release of their forthcoming seventh album, Breach.
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Sharing news of their new record on social media on Wednesday (May 21), Twenty One Pilots have announced that the album will arrive on an unspecified date in September, with first single “The Contract” to be released on June 12.
The album’s announcement was also paired with the news that it appears to thematically continue the narrative arcs which the band have focused on across the past decade. “Hello Clancy. Hello Blurryface,” they wrote on social media. “Let’s finish this.”
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Referencing the titular characters of their 2024 and 2015 LPs Clancy and Blurryface, respectively, the record will ostensibly wrap up the narratives that have also continued across records such as 2018’s Trench and 2021’s Scaled and Icy.
Composed of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, Twenty One Pilots first formed in 2009 and released a pair of independent records before 2013’s Vessel served as their major label debut and commercial breakthrough, ultimately peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard 200. The group received their first No. 1 with 2015’s Blurryface, with their following records all reaching the top three.
More recently, Twenty One Pilots wrapped their Clancy World Tour with a series of U.K. dates earlier this month. These shows made headliners when, in the final moments of their gig at Manchester’s AO Arena on May 11, a concertgoer was seen grabbing one of Dun’s drums and casually walking away with it.
“I really don’t think you should take that,” one fan can be heard saying in a widely shared video of the alleged theft, as another adds, “Have I just witnessed a crime. Has she actually just stolen that drum? That’s crazy.”
Though the unnamed fan initially appeared to get away with the souvenir unhindered, dedicated fans went into full investigative mode to attempt to track them down. The hours-long search appeared to pay off when Twenty One Pilots’ behind-the-scenes tour videographer Sax posted on Instagram on May 12 that the one-of-a-kind drum had been returned.
Evan Dando, the frontman of alt-rock veterans The Lemonheads, has announced the release his long-awaited memoir, Rumors of My Demise.
The book was initially announced back in late 2020, with Dando reported as co-writing the volume with music writer Jim Ruland at the time. “My life is a muddy river. I thought I should add more dirt,” Dando said upon its initial announcement.
Named for the rumor and innuendo that surrounded Dando’s life at the height of his fame as a ’90s rock heartthrob, the book aims to share “the true story of his band’s tumultuous history and what it was like to be famous in the pre-internet days.”
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Set for release through publishers Gallery Books on Oct. 7, Rumors of My Demise presents as a candid account of Dando’s storied life, ranging from his formative years in the ’80s hardcore scene, his brush with mainstream success, up to his current status, which sees him sober and living in South America while not touring.
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“Reclaiming the purity and exuberance of his early days and encapsulating the spirit of the era, this candid autobiography presents a portrait of an artist who lives wholly for his music, and one that makes no apologies for doing so,” a description of the book reads.
News of Dando’s upcoming memoir follows on from the release of “Deep End,” the lead single from The Lemonheads’ first album of original music since 2006. The track will feature on Love Chant, which is scheduled for a fall release, though specifics have not been shared.
The Lemonheads first formed in Boston in 1986, with a series of independent albums arriving via Taang! before the group signed to Atlantic for 1990’s Lovey.
Writing with Smudge frontman Tom Morgan while in Australia, The Lemonheads found their commercial breakthrough with 1992’s It’s a Shame About Ray, which reached No. 68 on the Billboard 200. Its success was bolstered by a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson,” and helped the group achieve their commercial peak with 1993’s Come on Feel the Lemonheads, which peaked at No. 56.
The Lemonheads initially dissolved in 1997, though Dando reactivated the group in 2005, with a self-titled record arriving the following year. Since then, two cover albums have been released, with Varshons and Varshons 2 being issued in 2009 and 2019, respectively.
Universal Music Group (UMG) and the Beastie Boys have both reached confidential settlements to end lawsuits in which they accused restaurant chain Chili’s of using their music in social media advertisements without permission.
Two court filings on Wednesday (May 21) informed federal judges that Chili’s owner Brinker International agreed to settlements with both UMG and the Beastie Boys during a mediation session two weeks earlier. The terms of the settlements have not been revealed, as is typical in these types of lawsuits.
UMG and the Beastie Boys both sued Brinker in 2024, alleging Chili’s featured their copyrighted music in advertisements on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms without buying so-called “synch” licenses.
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While social media platforms provide huge libraries of licensed music for users to add to their videos, a brand must purchase a special synch license if it wants to include a song in any commercial or promotional content.
The Beastie Boys, who are famously averse to their music appearing in advertisements, claimed in a July lawsuit that Brinker used their iconic 1994 song “Sabotage” in a promotional video without permission.
To add insult to injury, the Beastie Boys said this Chili advertisement also showed three men in “70s-style” wigs, fake mustaches and sunglasses carrying out a “robbery” of food ingredients from a Chili’s. The rap trio claimed these visuals clearly evoked the “Sabotage” music video, which featured Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Michael “Mike D” Diamond and the late Adam “MCA” Yauch in similar attire.
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UMG followed up with its own lawsuit this past October, alleging that dozens of Chili’s social media advertisements used unlicensed music from the label. UMG said the restaurant company’s wrongdoing extended to more than 60 songs by artists including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Lana Del Rey, ABBA, Luke Bryan, Travis Scott, Bruno Mars, Lil Nas X, Earth Wind & Fire and The Weeknd.
According to Wednesday’s court filings, both UMG and the Beastie Boys have reached agreements “in principle” to end their claims against Brinker. The settlement deals are currently being finalized, and both lawsuits are expected to be closed by early July.
A UMG rep declined to comment on the settlement news. Spokespeople for the Beastie Boys and Brinker did not immediately return requests for comment.
Numerous brands have faced lawsuits in recent years from music companies and artists over the use of copyrighted songs in social media ads. All three major labels sued drink maker Bang Energy for this in 2021, leading to closely-watched judgments in favor of UMG and Sony.
In July, Kobalt and other music publishers brought lawsuits against more than a dozen NBA teams over the use of songs in social media videos, leading to a bevy of settlements earlier this year. And just last month, a Detroit-area Ford dealership settled claims that it unlawfully featured Eminem’s “Lose Yourself in TikTok videos.
For his return to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night (May 21), Jin transformed the stage into a giant bed — and Billboard has the exclusive preview photos to prove it. The BTS member made himself at home in Studio 6B, getting extra cozy for his performance of “Don’t Say You Love […]
