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Signed: Sara Evans Moves to Melody Place, Petey Leans Into Capitol

Sara Evans signed with Nashville-based label Melody Place, which she joins in partnership with her own imprint, Born to Fly Records. The country singer is slated to return to the recording studio in October to work on new music, with an expected album release in 2024. It will be her first album of original material in seven years. “When the Melody Place team approached me about working together and expanding all the things I’d already been doing with my own label — Born To Fly Records, it became clear that they share the same passion and excitement about trying new and innovative things to connect fans with music,” said Evans in a statement. Evans is represented by manager Craig Dunn at One Spark Entertainment and agents Doug Neff and Becky Gardenhire at WME.

Independent artist Petey (“Don’t Tell the Boys,” “Lean Into Life”) signed with Capitol Records, which will release his new single, “I’ll Wait,” on July 7. He’s represented by managers Ethan Silverman and William Crane and agent Tor Breon at WME. He was previously signed to Terrible Records.

Bronx rapper Scar Lip (“Glizzy Gobbler,” “This Is New York”) signed with Epic Records, which will be releasing new music from the spitter “very soon.”

Singer-songwriter Vera Sola signed to City Slang Records, which released her new single, “Desire Path,” on June 28. It’s her first new release since 2019. Sola is represented by manager Jim Martin at XXVII Arts and agent Will Church at ATC.

Country singer/songwriter and rapper C’ing Jerome (“Barn Don’t Close”) signed a record deal with Average Joes Entertainment. The label released his latest single, “Average Joe,” on June 16.

Page 1 Management added London-based songwriter/producer Tommy Sanders and songwriter/producer David Kerckhoff to its roster. Sanders will work with Rob Turnham out of Page 1’s London office and Kerckhoff will work with Nina Musolino out of Page 1’s Nashville office.

Boston band Final Gasp signed with Relapse Records, which will release the group’s debut album, Mourning Moon, on September 22. The group’s 2021 EP, Haunting Whisper, was released by Triple B Records.

MNRK Music Group signed English “tech metal” band Turin to its heavy metal and hard rock imprint MNRK Heavy.

Nothing But Thieves Lead Midweek U.K. Chart With ‘Dead Club City’

Nothing But Thieves are about to steal the U.K. chart title.

The five-piece indie rock band from Essex, England leads the midweek chart with Dead Club City, their fourth LP.

Whatever happens between now and when the chart is published this Friday, July 7, Dead Club City should give the act their fourth consecutive top 10 appearance, following 2015’s self-titled debut (peaking at No. 7), 2017’s Broken Machine (No. 2) and 2020’s Moral Panic (No. 3).

Coming in at No. 2 on the Official Chart Update is Grian Chatten’s debut solo album Chaos For The Fly (via Partisan). As frontman of Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C., Chatten has enjoyed top 10s with each of their three albums: 2019’s Dogrel (No. 9), 2020’s A Hero’s Death (No. 2) and a chart title for 2022’s Skinty Fia.

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Closing out the top three on the midweek tally Elton John’s Diamonds (Mercury/UMC). The Rocket Man’s career retrospective is at No. 3, and still flying after his spectacular finale at Glastonbury Festival 2023.

Close behind at No. 4 on the chart blast is Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape. If it holds its position, it’ll give the U.S. rapper his second U.K. top 5, following 2020’s Eternal Atake, which peaked at No. 3.

Also poised for a top 10 debut is British alt-pop newcomer Olivia Dean with Messy. It’s new at No. 8 on the midweek tally, and could earn the artist her first U.K. top 10.

Following news of her health problems, Madonna’s latest hits collection, Finally Enough Love (Rhino), is set to reenter the top 10, roaring 96-9 on the chart update. The Queen of Pop reportedly spent several days in the ICU after she developed a serious bacterial infection on June 24. Though she’s said to be on the mend, Madonna’s massive, career-spanning Celebration tour has been put on pause for the time being. Finally Enough Love originally peaked at No. 3 in the U.K. following its release in 2022.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is published Friday.

IMPALA Honors [PIAS] Co-Founders Michel Lambot and Kenny Gates With Outstanding Contribution Award

International independent pioneers Michel Lambot and Kenny Gates received IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution award to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the [PIAS] group. The award was announced on Tuesday (July 4).

Over the last four decades, [PIAS] has grown from a vinyl record importer on behalf of UK independent record labels into a key European and global recording, marketing and distribution outlet. [PIAS] currently has 19 offices and 280 employees active globally.

Lambot and Gatesalso founded IMPALA in 2000 to develop a single voice for the independent music sector in Europe. They were instrumental in creating Merlin as well as Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), with a view to supporting and expanding the independent music ecosystem internationally.

Lambot and Gates were presented with their awards by Helen Smith, executive chair of IMPALA, at their BXL CENTRAL – CHEZ [PIAS] record shop and office located on Rue Saint Laurent in Brussels.

“Michel and Kenny’s story is an inspiration to all emerging independents starting out in the sector,” Smith said in a statement. “The contribution of [PIAS] to the European music sector is totally unique. [Their] amazing 40th-anniversary re-releases speak for the artists and great music, and IMPALA, Merlin and WIN speak for their approach on collaboration making everyone stronger.”

“Back some 25 years ago, we had the idea to combine forces of a handful of independent companies to increase our market leverage and playing field,” Lambot said in a statement. “That sounded crazy and naive: trying to unify independent companies owned and run by people fiercely independent was antinomic… And now getting an award by IMPALA which has become a kind of institution makes me feel so proud and so happy. The recognition by our peers of what we did all these years and are still doing, Kenny and myself, as [PIAS] on one hand, and for the independent world on the other hand, is very moving”.

Gates, who serves as CEO of [PIAS] added: “Our goal at [PIAS] has always been to expand our dreams by creating a company of holistic values that reflects a pan-European diversity. It’s been an incredible journey of constant adaptation, and we couldn’t receive this award without thanking all our staff and friends.”

IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution Award is designed to put a spotlight on European independent music and those who drive it, as well as initiatives that deserve particular recognition. Previous recipients include Tony Duckworth, Didier Gosset, FONO, Kees Van Weijen, Keith Harris OBE, Tom Deakin, Love Record Stores, Music Declares Emergency, Markus Tobiassen and newspaper Dagens Næringsliv, Jonas Sjöström, Plus 1  Refugees welcome!, Alison Wenham, Label Love, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Sabine Verheyen MEP, Armada Music/Armin van Buuren, Martin Mills OBE, Mary Moneyball MEP, Charles Caldas and Mario Pacheco.

Lambot and Gates previously received the Indie Champion award at the AIM Music Awards 2022 in London.

Late British media journalist Juliana Koranteng previously invited Lambot and Gates to share their story on her 20MinutesWith podcast. In this episode, the two executives talked about their ambitions, successes and challenges in growing the [PIAS] network over the years. (Sadly, it turned out to the last episode Koranteng recorded. The journalist died in February at age 64.)

IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents nearly 6,000 independent music companies. The organization’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change and increase access to finance.

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Vampire’ Set For Top Debut on U.K. Chart

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” is striking fear in its U.K. chart rivals.

The U.S. pop phenomenon’s latest release starts at No. 2 on the midweek singlessurvey, and is challenging Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” (Live Yours/Neighbourhood) for the crown.

“Vampire” is the first official release from Rodrigo’s sophomore album Guts, the followup to her record-breaking 2021 debut Sour.

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With Sour and its single “Good 4 U,” Rodrigo became, at 18 years and three months, the youngest solo artist in history to snag the Official U.K. Chart double.

The Grammy Award winner’s debut also broke the U.K. record for most first-week streams ever for a debut album, and she’s the first female solo artist to bag three simultaneous U.K. top 5 singles with “Good 4 U,” “Deja Vu” and “Traitor” (Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” also went to No. 1).

“Vampire” should give Rodrigo her fifth U.K. top 10.

“Sprinter” is racing to a fifth consecutive week at No. 1, while the midweek podium is completed by J Hus and Drake’s “Who Told You” (Black Butter/OVO/Republic). The rap collab appears to have missed its chance to hit the summit, dipping 2-3 in its fourth week on the Official Chart Update.

Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam” (BMG) is on the rise, and appears set for a No. 8 spot, a new peak.

Also on the climb is Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” (EMI), which is on the verge of its first stint in the top 10. The Lover track lifts 13-9 on the Official Chart Update, and could net Swift her 22nd top 10.

The next highest new entry on the chart should be a homegrown hip-hop number, “Pakistan,” by rap collective D-Block Europe and Londoner Clavish. It’s new at No. 11 on the midweek tally.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published Friday, July 7.

10 Songs To Celebrate (Black) Independence This July 4th

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Black people’s relationship with America has never been without struggle. But as with most things in life, the Black community has found a way to turn tragedy into triumph.

Hip-Hop has often been a vehicle for folks to celebrate their joys and acknowledge their losses. In light of Independence Day, check out these Hip-Hop hits that honor and encourage the peace and liberation that Black folks deserve.

“This Is America”- Childish Gambino



Gambino’s 2018 track highlights many of the complexities that come with being Black in America, while reminding folks to do what grandma said: “Get your money, black man.”

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Rufus Wainwright Opens Up on Being One of the First Openly Gay Major-Label Artists, His New Album & More | Billboard News

Rufus Wainwright opens up about being one of the first openly gay major-label artists to succeed, the thinking behind his new album ‘Folkocracy’ and more!

Tetris Kelly:
What do you want to be remembered as?

Rufus Wainwright:
A great beauty? Hi. This is Rufus Wainwright and you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly:
It’s Tetris with Billboard news. How you doing Rufus? Thanks for hanging out with us.

Rufus Wainwright:
Thank you for having me.

Tetris Kelly:
You got big things to celebrate. It’s been 25 years since you released your self titled debut, man. How’s it feel? 25 years later?

Rufus Wainwright:
It feels awful! No, no, I’m very proud and excited to be alive. And still making music and, and happy. And that first record I made has proven to have lasted and I worked very hard on it. It took me three years to make that first record. It costs a lot of money. It was with DreamWorks Records at the time who had a lot of money to pay for that kind of thing. It’s built to last perhaps.

Tetris Kelly:
You made changes to it. You’re re-releasing it? What’s gonna be different about the rerelease?

Rufus Wainwright:
We remastered it and then we also released some bonus material, other songs I did at the time. I think what’s interesting about the record is that it was made in the mid to late 90s. And it really was part of the last breath of sort of the grand record company/artist relationship where they would sort of just write all the checks and kind of let you do whatever you wanted to do. And they really didn’t expect you to be popular until your third or fourth album.

Watch the full interview above!

Rufus Wainwright Reflects on 25 Years Since Debut Album, Being an Openly Gay Artist in the 1990s

It’s been 25 years since the world was introduced to Rufus Wainwright with his debut self-titled album, which featured songs like “April Fools,” “In My Arms” and many more. To celebrate, the singer-songwriter sat down with Billboard‘s Tetris Kelly to reflect on his career.

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“I feel awful,” he jokes about how it feels to celebrate 25 years since his debut. “No, I’m very proud and excited to be alive and still making music and happy. That first record I made has proven to have lasted, and I worked very hard on it. It took me three years to make that first record. It cost a lot of money.”

As for the 25th anniversary re-issue that came out early this year, Wainwright said that the album was remastered and has some bonus material as well. “What’s interesting about the record is that it was made in the mid to late 90s, and it really was part of the last breath of the grand record company-artist relationship, where they’d sort of write all the checks and then let you do whatever you wanted to do. They really didn’t expect you to be popular until your third or fourth album,” he recalls.

“I wasn’t trying to be a trailblazer or anything,” he continues. “AIDS was still very much — it’s still part of our world today — but at that time, it was killing a lot of people, a lot of gay men, and I just didn’t want to end up in the situation if I did get AIDS at that point, that I would be dying and also have to come out of the closet. I just wanted to avert that tragedy. Thankfully it didn’t happen.”

If his debut album was released in 2023, Wainwright believes “it would be considered very unique and very unusual and very romantic, especially, because we live in such a tough world.”

Watch Billboard‘s full interview with Rufus Wainwright above.

Peso Pluma Earns First No. 1 on a Billboard Album Chart With ‘Génesis’

Peso Pluma continues to make indelible marks across Billboard’s charts. The 24-year-old singer celebrates his first No. 1 on any album ranking as Génesis rises to No. 1 (from No. 35) on the Top Latin Albums chart (dated July 8) after its first full tracking week. It also advances 10-1 on Regional Mexican Albums.

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Génesis’ coronation arrives a week after the album debuted on both lists (dated July 1) with only one day of activity. The original version of the album, comprising 14 tracks, was released on an off-cycle Thursday (June 22), the final day of the June 16-22 tracking week. The new Génesis, containing three bonus tracks, dropped June 30. Both versions of the album have been combined for tracking and charting purposes, while the original version has been removed from platforms.

According to Luminate, Génesis earned 73,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during its first official tracking week ending June 29. It becomes the biggest week by units earned for a regional Mexican album ever, dating back to when the all-genre Billboard 200 chart began ranking by units in December 2014. The previous largest week by total units arrived just less than two months ago, when Eslabon Armado’s Desvelado launched with 44,000 units (May 13-dated list).

An equivalent album unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album (track equivalent album units, TEA), or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album (streaming equivalent album units, SEA).

Largest Streaming Week for a Regional Mexican Album: As is standard among new artists, streaming powers nearly all of Génesis’ first-week totals. Out of its 73,000 units, 72,000 stem from SEA units. That figure equals to 101.18 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs. Traditional album sales contribute just under 1,000 of the remaining balance, with a slice of negligible units deriving from TEA.

With 101.8 million streams, Génesis boasts the largest streaming week ever for a regional Mexican album. Previously, Eslabon Armado’s Desvelado drew the largest, with 63.51 million official U.S. streams (May 13).

Génesis becomes only the fifth Latin album to garner at least 100 million on-demand streams for its songs in a single week, following multiple weeks by Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, two for Bunny’s YHLQMDLG, one for Bunny’s El Último Tour del Mundo, and one for Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito.

Further, Génesis becomes the fourth regional Mexican effort to lead Top Latin Albums this decade, after Alejandro Fernández’s Hecho en México (one week, Feb. 29, 2020) and two Eslabon Armado albums, Vibras de Noche (one week, Aug. 2020) and Desvelado (one week, May13).

Elsewhere, Génesis launches at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200, his first entry and top 10 there. The set concurrently outpaces the two other regional Mexican albums which have seized a spot in the top 10, both by Eslabon Armado: Nostalgia (No. 9 debut and peak, May 2022) and Desvelado (No. 6 debut and peak, May 13).

The new July 8, 2023-dated charts will be posted in full on Billboard’s website on July 5, one day later than usual due to the Independence Day holiday in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 4. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Score Pieces From Shawn Mendes’ Tommy Hilfiger Collection for 65% Off as Part of New Sale Online

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Shawn Mendes had fans buzzing when he dropped his sultry Tommy Hilfiger campaign earlier this year, and now, Mendes fans and fashion fans alike can score a steep discount on pieces from the collection as part of Tommy Hilfiger’s Fourth of July sale.

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Hilfiger’s “Red, White and Tommy” event gets you 40% off everything on Tommy.com, including men’s and women’s T-shirts, jeans, polos, shoes and accessories. But we spotted pieces from Mendes’ Tommy collection with even bigger discounts, like the varsity jacket the singer sported in the campaign now on sale for 50% off.

Tommy Hilfiger x Shawn Mendes T-shirts, meantime, get a massive 65% discount, taking the price of Mendes’ favorite tees down to just $27 (regularly $80).

shawn mendes varsity jacket tommy

Tommy Hilfiger

Shawn x Tommy Varsity Jacket

$249.50 $499 50% off% OFF

Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with All-American style and the collaboration with Mendes offers up some fresh takes on classic pieces. The varsity jacket is a unisex style that was seen on Mendes and also modeled by his sister, Aaliyah, in the campaign. Regularly $499, it’s on sale for 50% off, taking the price down to just $249.50 on Tommy.com (for reference, the varsity jacket is selling for $476 on Asos.com).

The Shawn x Tommy T-shirts, meantime, are available in three colors — navy, green and white — and on sale for just $27 (regularly $79.50). The shirts are available in sizes XS to XXXL and all sizes are still in stock online as of this writing.

shawn mendes logo t-shirt

Tommy Hilfiger

Shawn x Tommy Logo T-shirt

$27.82 $79.50 65% off% OFF

The classic crewneck tee features the words “Hilfiger” and “Shawn Mendes” embroidered on the front in bold, block lettering. Mendes has been an outspoken advocate for environmental issues and sustainability, and worked with the Tommy Hilfiger team to create these T-shirts from an organic cotton jersey blend. The tees are made with 48% Circulose, a material made from discarded textiles, like worn-out jeans and scrap fabric from the production floor.

The $27 price on Tommy.com is the best deal on these T-shirts — they’re $54.99 on Macys.com. Macy’s does have other Shawn x Tommy pieces on sale though, including the jeans and denim trucker jacket from the collection.

shawn mendes tommy tee

Tommy Hilfiger

Shawn x Tommy Logo T-Shirt

$27.82 $79.50 65% off% OFF

As for Tommy: while Tommy Hilfiger always has a sale section that you can shop here, the brand’s “Red, White and Tommy” sale only runs through the end of July 12. This is also the first time we’re seeing a discount on the Shawn Mendes collection so we recommend adding your favorite pieces to cart while they’re still in stock. Shop online at Tommy.com and see more Fourth of July sales here.

Ariana Grande, Drake, Halsey & More: 25 of BLACKPINK’s Most Famous Fans

Ariana Grande, Drake, Halsey, Harry Styles, Diplo, Kendall Jenner and many more celebs are joining BLACKPINK’s Blink fandom.

BLACKPINK‘s fierce hip-hop/pop combination and powerful group identity have inspired a huge fandom around the world and, now, in Hollywood.

With a major festival moment at Coachella 2019 and 2023, plus a slew of celebrity supporters showing up at their current In Your Area tour, its become common to see a few famous faces supporting the girl group.

Most recently, actor Hugh Grant revealed what a big fan he is after attending BLACKPINK’s BST Hyde Park concert in London Sunday night (July 2). “Very grateful to three eleven year olds for taking me to see @BLACKPINK yesterday,” the Notting Hill actor tweeted after the event. “Am rabid Blink now. Slept with my heart hammer.”

See below for the slew of stars who are outspoken fans of Rosé, Jisoo, Lisa and Jennie.