Vol 34 - I thought I told you time and time again, this news won't stop
BTS out of the army, GRAMMYs get a shakeup, “Indie” Week happenings & Range vs. CAA - choose your fighter.
Happy Friday,
BTS out of the army, GRAMMYs get a shakeup, “Indie” Week happenings & Range vs. CAA - choose your fighter.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Lil Tecca, CKay, Annahstasia, Smiley, iann dior, EST Gee, King Isis, Jahnah Camille, KARABA, Brandee Younger…
♪ Notable singles from Gunna, Kehlani, Kane Brown, Tanner Adell, Hannah Jadagu, Leon Bridges, KIRBY, Amaria, Jenevieve…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#6 - Kane Brown returns with ‘2 Pair’ - referencing Nelly’s ‘Air Force Ones’ (2002).
#7 - Beyoncé collaborator and country artist Tanner Adell drops ‘Snakeskin.’
#9 - Hannah Jadagu drops ‘My Love,’ her first release since 2023.
#14 - Leon Bridges finally releases ‘Hold On,’ a track written over a decade ago during his Coming Home era.
#26 - Drake reunites with OVO artist Smiley for the first time in 4 years for ‘2 Mazza.’
#43 - Outer Banks star Madison Bailey drops ‘Raincheck’ with KAIRO.
#49 - BAMBII and BEAM collab on dancehall track ‘NSYNC.’
⭐ #52 - Rising Irish R&B singer MOIO releases his first single in 2 years with ‘Figures On The Wall.’
#97 - Producer Nick Sylvester & songwriter Eva Honey team up with BAYLI on ‘all of that’ via +1 Records
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Benson Boone, HAIM, midwxst, Loyle Carter, YUNGBLUD, Karol G, Badflower, Dro Kenji, Yaya Bey, Hotline TNT, Aitch, Keke Palmer, Florence Road & Sam Austins all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler Childers, Karol G, David Byrne, Margo Price, Zach Top & The Barr Brothers all announced new albums this week.
Legendary funk musician Sly Stone passed away at 82 this week, as did the Beach Boys’ genius Brian Wilson, also 82. Bonnaroo co-founder and concert promoter Jonathan Mayers passed away at 51. Co-founder and owner of NYC venue Baby’s All Right Billy Jones passed away at 45.
UMG’s MCA label laid off about 20 employees this week. CAA accused Range Media Partners of illegally accessing CAA databases and stealing trade secrets in their lawsuit against the rival firm. TikTok’s potential ban deadline in the US will likely be pushed past the current one of June 19. A US federal appeals court rejected Apple’s application to suspend an order forcing the tech giant to change its App Store payment system. HYBE launched two talent searches aimed at promoting Spanish-language music content. Taylor Swift obtained a temporary restraining order against an LA man who showed up at her home multiple times in the last year claiming she is the mother of his child. The GRAMMYs are set to take place February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in LA with nominations being released on November 7, 2025; click for changes to the categories.
BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook were the latest and last members of BTS to be discharged from South Korean mandatory military service. Scooter Braun was subpoenaed by Blake Lively’s team in her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Country singer Conner Smith was behind the wheel of a truck that hit and killed a pedestrian in Nashville earlier this week; the investigation is ongoing. R. Kelly’s team filed an emergency motion for his immediate release from federal custody, claiming they have evidence that government officials solicited an inmate to murder him.
Música Mexicana artist Codiciado sued his old record label and former bandmates, claiming they ripped off his trademarks. Kendrick Lamar won four at the BET Awards on Monday night, SZA won best female R&B artist and Doechii won best female hip-hop artist. Fans have been dressing up as Mr. 305 himself (sunglasses and bald cap included) at his recent shows and he’s loving it. Dua Lipa confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner. Ice Spice was recently cast in an upcoming SpongeBob Squarepants movie and will record a new original song for the movie. Paris Hilton’s 11:11 company will release an “Infinite Icon” documentary in early 2026.
‘Outer Banks’ star Jonathan Daviss will star as Snoop Dogg in an upcoming biopic from Universal Pictures. Eyewear company Revo launched new line NRGY with creative director J Balvin. Aston Martin teamed up with the Rolling Stones, Dom Dolla and Dave to bring in a new fanbase to F1. Bob Dylan lent his voice to narrate the trailer for MGK’s upcoming album. Christian Musician Michael Tait confessed to drug use and making unwanted sexual advances after being accused of sexual assault by three men. Lil Durk was denied bail in his murder-for-hire case; he is considered a flight risk. Rapper Silentó was sentenced to 30 years_ in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his cousin.
More on Diddy:
A judge scolded him for making facial expressions at jurors
His motion for a mistrial was denied.
Sony Music files_ lawsuit against LiveOne for $2.6M in unpaid licensing fees
Apple Music adds_ lyric translation and pronunciation features
Tencent Music expands_ podcasting business with Ximalaya deal
Secretly Group teams up_ with Merge Records in latest indie consolidation
UMG and Coca-Cola launch_ label for emerging artists
Australian indie label Biordi joins_ forces with ONErpm in global partnership
Wyclef Jean and 88rising’s Jaeson Ma launch_ OpenWav app allowing artists to sell merch, tickets, and exclusive content directly to fans
Sony Corporation makes_ 360 virtual mixing audio tech available to music creators
Firebird-backed Mick Management forms strategic alliance_ with UK management company Hunger Management
Sony Music teams up_ with LuxuryKSA to nurture Saudi talent
Catalogues buyer HarbourView secures_ $500M in debt financing
Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) launches_ online coaching services for tour health and welfare
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
What came first, the power players list featuring the A2IM GM or the partnership between A2IM & Billboard’s sister Luminate?
Credit: Prep School Street Team
Best thing about indie week in NY
No 20-something Silver Lake A&Rs (they all work for majors)
Billboard journalists acting like they care about indies
Skipping any panel where gamma. execs are speaking
"Indie" label presence whose funding comes from a major
Don't have to make small talk with agents
What are you hoping Elon doesn't leak about you?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ How many artists I've poached in the last year (4%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I almost left my job to work for Wasserman (4%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I don't actually care for Chappell Roan (43%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Country music is my favorite genre (I work at MAC Agency) (17%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ My boss only got me Noisemakers b/c I didn't get a raise (30%)
Christmas came early - Mariah Carey signed a multi-album deal with Larry Jackson's gamma.. L.A. Reid, who worked with Carey closely for her multi-platinum album The Emancipation of Mimi, is expected to executive produce her next album.
The high priestess of neo-soul Erykah Badu is releasing her next album independently via her own label Control FREAQ Records. This marks the end of a near 20-year run with Motown & her first single under the new venture is expected soon.
After releasing three albums independently via Secretly Canadian, singer-songwriter Faye Webster is joining the major label family at Columbia Records. According to a new profile from Billboard, she states 'It comes back to that initial gut, that initial intuition. [Columbia] feels like where I belong right now and that’s where I’m supposed to exist.'
Country artist Orville Peck, known for his baritone voice & masked appearance, signed with Bernie Cahill, Chris Ruff, Karly Brecher & Emma Gartenstein of ACTIVIST for management. He was also cast in the new live-action film Street Fighter alongside Jason Momoa.
Colombian star Ryan Castro joined Juan Toro's touring roster at Wasserman Music. The reggaeton singer just dropped his newest album SENDÉ last month.
After wrapping up his deal with Columbia, rapper Cochise has now landed with ONErpm for distribution. This will be his first time being independent and owning his masters.
Ilsey Juber, the Grammy-nominated writer behind hits for Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Rita Ora & more, signed with PULSE Music Group for publishing.
+115 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Disclosure, MARINA, David Byrne, Clipse, Jessie J, Marc Rebillet, Faye Webster
Pusha T and No Malice’s The Clipse are returning for their first U.S. tour in 15 years, which will be paired with their first album release since 2009.
Similarly, alongside announcing his first solo album in 7 years, David Byrne revealed he will embark on a massive 68-date world tour.
Kendrick Lamar extended his Grand National Tour with two headlining dates in Australia this December.
Miley Cyrus will play Spotify’s second Billions Club Live show in Paris next week. The Weeknd first played his roster of songs that have surpassed a billion Spotify streams in Los Angeles last December.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Doja Cat, Tems & J Balvin will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in July.
Furthermore, New Jersey’s Liberty State Park will be home to the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ_ in 2026. With 8 FIFA World Cup games to be hosted at MetLife, the Live Nation-produced festival expects thousands of fans during the 39-day tournament, and will offer concerts, soccer challenges, fan activations & more.
Live Nation announced plans to invest $1B in 18 new and renovated venues_ across the U.S. over the next 18 months with the goal of bringing “more big shows to smaller cities across America.” The live corporation owns and operates 150 (just about 4%) of all music venues in the country.
Meanwhile, Live Music Society announced a new round of grants to 26 small non-profit and for profit venues. Grant recipients will cumulatively receive $765,500 to support innovative live programming.
Ocean Conservancy has partnered with sustainability network GOAL to reduce a number of venues’ plastic footprint by deploying a reusable cup program during concerts and sporting events. The “Protect Where We Play Tour”_ will make stops along tours for Coldplay, Billie Eilish, The Lumineers & more.
❌ Cancellations:
Day 2 of Governors Ball faced delays and cancellations due to weather concerns, which caused the festival to start >4 hours late
Hozier postponed two upcoming shows due to an illness
Rod Stewart cancelled four more shows, this time in the U.S., as he recovers from the flu; he is still set to play Glastonbury later this month
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
Arizona’s Goldrush is returning after a 3-year hiatus and will be headlined by ILLENIUM b2b Zeds Dead, Excision & Major Lazer Soundsystem
Brisbane Festival, a 23-day event with >1K+ performances from >2K+ artists, unveiled its program_for 2025
Blake Shelton will headline The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup in New Mexico this August; they take their festival-naming very literally in Albuquerque…
Rolling Loud announced their newest expansion into India with a Mumbai edition - dates and a venue to be announced
Wasserman has promoted Shelley Pisarra to the role of Chief Insights and Innovation Officer. UMPG Nash has promoted Sam Nasr to Manager, A&R. Jack Morlen steps into the role of Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Global, heading up bookings and entertainment partnerships for its top radio brands. Tal Meltzer elevated to COO at Hallwood Media. Make Wake Artists has launched an in-house digital strategy department spearheaded by Jess Keifer as Head of Digital Marketing & Social Strategy and Kyle Jonas as Artist Strategy & Management Coordinator. RockForce expands with new Nash office where Jeremy Young will lead as EVP of Biz Dev. Shane Tobin joins Luminate as VP of Data Partnerships. BMI’s Board of Directors has extended President & CEO Mike O’Neill’s contract through the end of 2029. Christian record label Centricity Music has elevated four team members to VP roles, see who here.
A&R Sr. Director at ONErpm in LA or NY
Head of Royalties at Beatport in LA
Label Manager at Believe in Miami
VP, Marketing & Communications at Wasserman in NY
Manager, Creator Strategy at Nettwerk Music Group in Toronto
↗ Find these and 270+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
Happy Friday,
BTS out of the army, GRAMMYs get a shakeup, “Indie” Week happenings & Range vs. CAA - choose your fighter.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Lil Tecca, CKay, Annahstasia, Smiley, iann dior, EST Gee, King Isis, Jahnah Camille, KARABA, Brandee Younger…
♪ Notable singles from Gunna, Kehlani, Kane Brown, Tanner Adell, Hannah Jadagu, Leon Bridges, KIRBY, Amaria, Jenevieve…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#6 - Kane Brown returns with ‘2 Pair’ - referencing Nelly’s ‘Air Force Ones’ (2002).
#7 - Beyoncé collaborator and country artist Tanner Adell drops ‘Snakeskin.’
#9 - Hannah Jadagu drops ‘My Love,’ her first release since 2023.
#14 - Leon Bridges finally releases ‘Hold On,’ a track written over a decade ago during his Coming Home era.
#26 - Drake reunites with OVO artist Smiley for the first time in 4 years for ‘2 Mazza.’
#43 - Outer Banks star Madison Bailey drops ‘Raincheck’ with KAIRO.
#49 - BAMBII and BEAM collab on dancehall track ‘NSYNC.’
⭐ #52 - Rising Irish R&B singer MOIO releases his first single in 2 years with ‘Figures On The Wall.’
#97 - Producer Nick Sylvester & songwriter Eva Honey team up with BAYLI on ‘all of that’ via +1 Records
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Benson Boone, HAIM, midwxst, Loyle Carter, YUNGBLUD, Karol G, Badflower, Dro Kenji, Yaya Bey, Hotline TNT, Aitch, Keke Palmer, Florence Road & Sam Austins all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler Childers, Karol G, David Byrne, Margo Price, Zach Top & The Barr Brothers all announced new albums this week.
Legendary funk musician Sly Stone passed away at 82 this week, as did the Beach Boys’ genius Brian Wilson, also 82. Bonnaroo co-founder and concert promoter Jonathan Mayers passed away at 51. Co-founder and owner of NYC venue Baby’s All Right Billy Jones passed away at 45.
UMG’s MCA label laid off about 20 employees this week. CAA accused Range Media Partners of illegally accessing CAA databases and stealing trade secrets in their lawsuit against the rival firm. TikTok’s potential ban deadline in the US will likely be pushed past the current one of June 19. A US federal appeals court rejected Apple’s application to suspend an order forcing the tech giant to change its App Store payment system. HYBE launched two talent searches aimed at promoting Spanish-language music content. Taylor Swift obtained a temporary restraining order against an LA man who showed up at her home multiple times in the last year claiming she is the mother of his child. The GRAMMYs are set to take place February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in LA with nominations being released on November 7, 2025; click for changes to the categories.
BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook were the latest and last members of BTS to be discharged from South Korean mandatory military service. Scooter Braun was subpoenaed by Blake Lively’s team in her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Country singer Conner Smith was behind the wheel of a truck that hit and killed a pedestrian in Nashville earlier this week; the investigation is ongoing. R. Kelly’s team filed an emergency motion for his immediate release from federal custody, claiming they have evidence that government officials solicited an inmate to murder him.
Música Mexicana artist Codiciado sued his old record label and former bandmates, claiming they ripped off his trademarks. Kendrick Lamar won four at the BET Awards on Monday night, SZA won best female R&B artist and Doechii won best female hip-hop artist. Fans have been dressing up as Mr. 305 himself (sunglasses and bald cap included) at his recent shows and he’s loving it. Dua Lipa confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner. Ice Spice was recently cast in an upcoming SpongeBob Squarepants movie and will record a new original song for the movie. Paris Hilton’s 11:11 company will release an “Infinite Icon” documentary in early 2026.
‘Outer Banks’ star Jonathan Daviss will star as Snoop Dogg in an upcoming biopic from Universal Pictures. Eyewear company Revo launched new line NRGY with creative director J Balvin. Aston Martin teamed up with the Rolling Stones, Dom Dolla and Dave to bring in a new fanbase to F1. Bob Dylan lent his voice to narrate the trailer for MGK’s upcoming album. Christian Musician Michael Tait confessed to drug use and making unwanted sexual advances after being accused of sexual assault by three men. Lil Durk was denied bail in his murder-for-hire case; he is considered a flight risk. Rapper Silentó was sentenced to 30 years_ in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his cousin.
More on Diddy:
A judge scolded him for making facial expressions at jurors
His motion for a mistrial was denied.
Sony Music files_ lawsuit against LiveOne for $2.6M in unpaid licensing fees
Apple Music adds_ lyric translation and pronunciation features
Tencent Music expands_ podcasting business with Ximalaya deal
Secretly Group teams up_ with Merge Records in latest indie consolidation
UMG and Coca-Cola launch_ label for emerging artists
Australian indie label Biordi joins_ forces with ONErpm in global partnership
Wyclef Jean and 88rising’s Jaeson Ma launch_ OpenWav app allowing artists to sell merch, tickets, and exclusive content directly to fans
Sony Corporation makes_ 360 virtual mixing audio tech available to music creators
Firebird-backed Mick Management forms strategic alliance_ with UK management company Hunger Management
Sony Music teams up_ with LuxuryKSA to nurture Saudi talent
Catalogues buyer HarbourView secures_ $500M in debt financing
Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) launches_ online coaching services for tour health and welfare
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
What came first, the power players list featuring the A2IM GM or the partnership between A2IM & Billboard’s sister Luminate?
Credit: Prep School Street Team
Best thing about indie week in NY
No 20-something Silver Lake A&Rs (they all work for majors)
Billboard journalists acting like they care about indies
Skipping any panel where gamma. execs are speaking
"Indie" label presence whose funding comes from a major
Don't have to make small talk with agents
What are you hoping Elon doesn't leak about you?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ How many artists I've poached in the last year (4%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I almost left my job to work for Wasserman (4%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I don't actually care for Chappell Roan (43%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Country music is my favorite genre (I work at MAC Agency) (17%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ My boss only got me Noisemakers b/c I didn't get a raise (30%)
Christmas came early - Mariah Carey signed a multi-album deal with Larry Jackson's gamma.. L.A. Reid, who worked with Carey closely for her multi-platinum album The Emancipation of Mimi, is expected to executive produce her next album.
The high priestess of neo-soul Erykah Badu is releasing her next album independently via her own label Control FREAQ Records. This marks the end of a near 20-year run with Motown & her first single under the new venture is expected soon.
After releasing three albums independently via Secretly Canadian, singer-songwriter Faye Webster is joining the major label family at Columbia Records. According to a new profile from Billboard, she states 'It comes back to that initial gut, that initial intuition. [Columbia] feels like where I belong right now and that’s where I’m supposed to exist.'
Country artist Orville Peck, known for his baritone voice & masked appearance, signed with Bernie Cahill, Chris Ruff, Karly Brecher & Emma Gartenstein of ACTIVIST for management. He was also cast in the new live-action film Street Fighter alongside Jason Momoa.
Colombian star Ryan Castro joined Juan Toro's touring roster at Wasserman Music. The reggaeton singer just dropped his newest album SENDÉ last month.
After wrapping up his deal with Columbia, rapper Cochise has now landed with ONErpm for distribution. This will be his first time being independent and owning his masters.
Ilsey Juber, the Grammy-nominated writer behind hits for Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Rita Ora & more, signed with PULSE Music Group for publishing.
+115 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Disclosure, MARINA, David Byrne, Clipse, Jessie J, Marc Rebillet, Faye Webster
Pusha T and No Malice’s The Clipse are returning for their first U.S. tour in 15 years, which will be paired with their first album release since 2009.
Similarly, alongside announcing his first solo album in 7 years, David Byrne revealed he will embark on a massive 68-date world tour.
Kendrick Lamar extended his Grand National Tour with two headlining dates in Australia this December.
Miley Cyrus will play Spotify’s second Billions Club Live show in Paris next week. The Weeknd first played his roster of songs that have surpassed a billion Spotify streams in Los Angeles last December.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Doja Cat, Tems & J Balvin will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in July.
Furthermore, New Jersey’s Liberty State Park will be home to the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ_ in 2026. With 8 FIFA World Cup games to be hosted at MetLife, the Live Nation-produced festival expects thousands of fans during the 39-day tournament, and will offer concerts, soccer challenges, fan activations & more.
Live Nation announced plans to invest $1B in 18 new and renovated venues_ across the U.S. over the next 18 months with the goal of bringing “more big shows to smaller cities across America.” The live corporation owns and operates 150 (just about 4%) of all music venues in the country.
Meanwhile, Live Music Society announced a new round of grants to 26 small non-profit and for profit venues. Grant recipients will cumulatively receive $765,500 to support innovative live programming.
Ocean Conservancy has partnered with sustainability network GOAL to reduce a number of venues’ plastic footprint by deploying a reusable cup program during concerts and sporting events. The “Protect Where We Play Tour”_ will make stops along tours for Coldplay, Billie Eilish, The Lumineers & more.
❌ Cancellations:
Day 2 of Governors Ball faced delays and cancellations due to weather concerns, which caused the festival to start >4 hours late
Hozier postponed two upcoming shows due to an illness
Rod Stewart cancelled four more shows, this time in the U.S., as he recovers from the flu; he is still set to play Glastonbury later this month
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
Arizona’s Goldrush is returning after a 3-year hiatus and will be headlined by ILLENIUM b2b Zeds Dead, Excision & Major Lazer Soundsystem
Brisbane Festival, a 23-day event with >1K+ performances from >2K+ artists, unveiled its program_for 2025
Blake Shelton will headline The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup in New Mexico this August; they take their festival-naming very literally in Albuquerque…
Rolling Loud announced their newest expansion into India with a Mumbai edition - dates and a venue to be announced
Wasserman has promoted Shelley Pisarra to the role of Chief Insights and Innovation Officer. UMPG Nash has promoted Sam Nasr to Manager, A&R. Jack Morlen steps into the role of Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Global, heading up bookings and entertainment partnerships for its top radio brands. Tal Meltzer elevated to COO at Hallwood Media. Make Wake Artists has launched an in-house digital strategy department spearheaded by Jess Keifer as Head of Digital Marketing & Social Strategy and Kyle Jonas as Artist Strategy & Management Coordinator. RockForce expands with new Nash office where Jeremy Young will lead as EVP of Biz Dev. Shane Tobin joins Luminate as VP of Data Partnerships. BMI’s Board of Directors has extended President & CEO Mike O’Neill’s contract through the end of 2029. Christian record label Centricity Music has elevated four team members to VP roles, see who here.
A&R Sr. Director at ONErpm in LA or NY
Head of Royalties at Beatport in LA
Label Manager at Believe in Miami
VP, Marketing & Communications at Wasserman in NY
Manager, Creator Strategy at Nettwerk Music Group in Toronto
↗ Find these and 270+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
Happy Friday,
BTS out of the army, GRAMMYs get a shakeup, “Indie” Week happenings & Range vs. CAA - choose your fighter.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Lil Tecca, CKay, Annahstasia, Smiley, iann dior, EST Gee, King Isis, Jahnah Camille, KARABA, Brandee Younger…
♪ Notable singles from Gunna, Kehlani, Kane Brown, Tanner Adell, Hannah Jadagu, Leon Bridges, KIRBY, Amaria, Jenevieve…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#6 - Kane Brown returns with ‘2 Pair’ - referencing Nelly’s ‘Air Force Ones’ (2002).
#7 - Beyoncé collaborator and country artist Tanner Adell drops ‘Snakeskin.’
#9 - Hannah Jadagu drops ‘My Love,’ her first release since 2023.
#14 - Leon Bridges finally releases ‘Hold On,’ a track written over a decade ago during his Coming Home era.
#26 - Drake reunites with OVO artist Smiley for the first time in 4 years for ‘2 Mazza.’
#43 - Outer Banks star Madison Bailey drops ‘Raincheck’ with KAIRO.
#49 - BAMBII and BEAM collab on dancehall track ‘NSYNC.’
⭐ #52 - Rising Irish R&B singer MOIO releases his first single in 2 years with ‘Figures On The Wall.’
#97 - Producer Nick Sylvester & songwriter Eva Honey team up with BAYLI on ‘all of that’ via +1 Records
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
Benson Boone, HAIM, midwxst, Loyle Carter, YUNGBLUD, Karol G, Badflower, Dro Kenji, Yaya Bey, Hotline TNT, Aitch, Keke Palmer, Florence Road & Sam Austins all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler Childers, Karol G, David Byrne, Margo Price, Zach Top & The Barr Brothers all announced new albums this week.
Legendary funk musician Sly Stone passed away at 82 this week, as did the Beach Boys’ genius Brian Wilson, also 82. Bonnaroo co-founder and concert promoter Jonathan Mayers passed away at 51. Co-founder and owner of NYC venue Baby’s All Right Billy Jones passed away at 45.
UMG’s MCA label laid off about 20 employees this week. CAA accused Range Media Partners of illegally accessing CAA databases and stealing trade secrets in their lawsuit against the rival firm. TikTok’s potential ban deadline in the US will likely be pushed past the current one of June 19. A US federal appeals court rejected Apple’s application to suspend an order forcing the tech giant to change its App Store payment system. HYBE launched two talent searches aimed at promoting Spanish-language music content. Taylor Swift obtained a temporary restraining order against an LA man who showed up at her home multiple times in the last year claiming she is the mother of his child. The GRAMMYs are set to take place February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in LA with nominations being released on November 7, 2025; click for changes to the categories.
BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook were the latest and last members of BTS to be discharged from South Korean mandatory military service. Scooter Braun was subpoenaed by Blake Lively’s team in her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Country singer Conner Smith was behind the wheel of a truck that hit and killed a pedestrian in Nashville earlier this week; the investigation is ongoing. R. Kelly’s team filed an emergency motion for his immediate release from federal custody, claiming they have evidence that government officials solicited an inmate to murder him.
Música Mexicana artist Codiciado sued his old record label and former bandmates, claiming they ripped off his trademarks. Kendrick Lamar won four at the BET Awards on Monday night, SZA won best female R&B artist and Doechii won best female hip-hop artist. Fans have been dressing up as Mr. 305 himself (sunglasses and bald cap included) at his recent shows and he’s loving it. Dua Lipa confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner. Ice Spice was recently cast in an upcoming SpongeBob Squarepants movie and will record a new original song for the movie. Paris Hilton’s 11:11 company will release an “Infinite Icon” documentary in early 2026.
‘Outer Banks’ star Jonathan Daviss will star as Snoop Dogg in an upcoming biopic from Universal Pictures. Eyewear company Revo launched new line NRGY with creative director J Balvin. Aston Martin teamed up with the Rolling Stones, Dom Dolla and Dave to bring in a new fanbase to F1. Bob Dylan lent his voice to narrate the trailer for MGK’s upcoming album. Christian Musician Michael Tait confessed to drug use and making unwanted sexual advances after being accused of sexual assault by three men. Lil Durk was denied bail in his murder-for-hire case; he is considered a flight risk. Rapper Silentó was sentenced to 30 years_ in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his cousin.
More on Diddy:
A judge scolded him for making facial expressions at jurors
His motion for a mistrial was denied.
Sony Music files_ lawsuit against LiveOne for $2.6M in unpaid licensing fees
Apple Music adds_ lyric translation and pronunciation features
Tencent Music expands_ podcasting business with Ximalaya deal
Secretly Group teams up_ with Merge Records in latest indie consolidation
UMG and Coca-Cola launch_ label for emerging artists
Australian indie label Biordi joins_ forces with ONErpm in global partnership
Wyclef Jean and 88rising’s Jaeson Ma launch_ OpenWav app allowing artists to sell merch, tickets, and exclusive content directly to fans
Sony Corporation makes_ 360 virtual mixing audio tech available to music creators
Firebird-backed Mick Management forms strategic alliance_ with UK management company Hunger Management
Sony Music teams up_ with LuxuryKSA to nurture Saudi talent
Catalogues buyer HarbourView secures_ $500M in debt financing
Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) launches_ online coaching services for tour health and welfare
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
What came first, the power players list featuring the A2IM GM or the partnership between A2IM & Billboard’s sister Luminate?
Credit: Prep School Street Team
Best thing about indie week in NY
No 20-something Silver Lake A&Rs (they all work for majors)
Billboard journalists acting like they care about indies
Skipping any panel where gamma. execs are speaking
"Indie" label presence whose funding comes from a major
Don't have to make small talk with agents
What are you hoping Elon doesn't leak about you?
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ How many artists I've poached in the last year (4%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I almost left my job to work for Wasserman (4%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I don't actually care for Chappell Roan (43%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Country music is my favorite genre (I work at MAC Agency) (17%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ My boss only got me Noisemakers b/c I didn't get a raise (30%)
Christmas came early - Mariah Carey signed a multi-album deal with Larry Jackson's gamma.. L.A. Reid, who worked with Carey closely for her multi-platinum album The Emancipation of Mimi, is expected to executive produce her next album.
The high priestess of neo-soul Erykah Badu is releasing her next album independently via her own label Control FREAQ Records. This marks the end of a near 20-year run with Motown & her first single under the new venture is expected soon.
After releasing three albums independently via Secretly Canadian, singer-songwriter Faye Webster is joining the major label family at Columbia Records. According to a new profile from Billboard, she states 'It comes back to that initial gut, that initial intuition. [Columbia] feels like where I belong right now and that’s where I’m supposed to exist.'
Country artist Orville Peck, known for his baritone voice & masked appearance, signed with Bernie Cahill, Chris Ruff, Karly Brecher & Emma Gartenstein of ACTIVIST for management. He was also cast in the new live-action film Street Fighter alongside Jason Momoa.
Colombian star Ryan Castro joined Juan Toro's touring roster at Wasserman Music. The reggaeton singer just dropped his newest album SENDÉ last month.
After wrapping up his deal with Columbia, rapper Cochise has now landed with ONErpm for distribution. This will be his first time being independent and owning his masters.
Ilsey Juber, the Grammy-nominated writer behind hits for Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Rita Ora & more, signed with PULSE Music Group for publishing.
+115 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Disclosure, MARINA, David Byrne, Clipse, Jessie J, Marc Rebillet, Faye Webster
Pusha T and No Malice’s The Clipse are returning for their first U.S. tour in 15 years, which will be paired with their first album release since 2009.
Similarly, alongside announcing his first solo album in 7 years, David Byrne revealed he will embark on a massive 68-date world tour.
Kendrick Lamar extended his Grand National Tour with two headlining dates in Australia this December.
Miley Cyrus will play Spotify’s second Billions Club Live show in Paris next week. The Weeknd first played his roster of songs that have surpassed a billion Spotify streams in Los Angeles last December.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Doja Cat, Tems & J Balvin will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in July.
Furthermore, New Jersey’s Liberty State Park will be home to the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ_ in 2026. With 8 FIFA World Cup games to be hosted at MetLife, the Live Nation-produced festival expects thousands of fans during the 39-day tournament, and will offer concerts, soccer challenges, fan activations & more.
Live Nation announced plans to invest $1B in 18 new and renovated venues_ across the U.S. over the next 18 months with the goal of bringing “more big shows to smaller cities across America.” The live corporation owns and operates 150 (just about 4%) of all music venues in the country.
Meanwhile, Live Music Society announced a new round of grants to 26 small non-profit and for profit venues. Grant recipients will cumulatively receive $765,500 to support innovative live programming.
Ocean Conservancy has partnered with sustainability network GOAL to reduce a number of venues’ plastic footprint by deploying a reusable cup program during concerts and sporting events. The “Protect Where We Play Tour”_ will make stops along tours for Coldplay, Billie Eilish, The Lumineers & more.
❌ Cancellations:
Day 2 of Governors Ball faced delays and cancellations due to weather concerns, which caused the festival to start >4 hours late
Hozier postponed two upcoming shows due to an illness
Rod Stewart cancelled four more shows, this time in the U.S., as he recovers from the flu; he is still set to play Glastonbury later this month
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
Arizona’s Goldrush is returning after a 3-year hiatus and will be headlined by ILLENIUM b2b Zeds Dead, Excision & Major Lazer Soundsystem
Brisbane Festival, a 23-day event with >1K+ performances from >2K+ artists, unveiled its program_for 2025
Blake Shelton will headline The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup in New Mexico this August; they take their festival-naming very literally in Albuquerque…
Rolling Loud announced their newest expansion into India with a Mumbai edition - dates and a venue to be announced
Wasserman has promoted Shelley Pisarra to the role of Chief Insights and Innovation Officer. UMPG Nash has promoted Sam Nasr to Manager, A&R. Jack Morlen steps into the role of Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Global, heading up bookings and entertainment partnerships for its top radio brands. Tal Meltzer elevated to COO at Hallwood Media. Make Wake Artists has launched an in-house digital strategy department spearheaded by Jess Keifer as Head of Digital Marketing & Social Strategy and Kyle Jonas as Artist Strategy & Management Coordinator. RockForce expands with new Nash office where Jeremy Young will lead as EVP of Biz Dev. Shane Tobin joins Luminate as VP of Data Partnerships. BMI’s Board of Directors has extended President & CEO Mike O’Neill’s contract through the end of 2029. Christian record label Centricity Music has elevated four team members to VP roles, see who here.
A&R Sr. Director at ONErpm in LA or NY
Head of Royalties at Beatport in LA
Label Manager at Believe in Miami
VP, Marketing & Communications at Wasserman in NY
Manager, Creator Strategy at Nettwerk Music Group in Toronto
↗ Find these and 270+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
Mariah Carey
Range Media Partners
Live Nation
Faye Webster
Columbia Records
BTS
LiveOne
FIFA Club World Cup
Artist Management Signings
Industry Litigation
Festival & Tour Announcements
Executive Moves
Industry Layoffs
Independent Label Partnerships
Brand Music Partnerships
Music Publishing Deals
Venue Development Investment
Artist-Led Tech Ventures
K-Pop Global Dominance
MENA Music Market Entry Strategy
Indian Music Market Expansion
Legal and Litigation Updates
Agency Data Theft Allegations
Sustainable Touring Initiatives
New Music Friday
Industry Tragedy
Litigation
Artist Signings
Record Labels
Artist Management
Brand Partnerships
Venue Development
Executive Appointments
Festival Announcements
Music Publishing
Talent Agencies
Legal & Litigation
Industry News Roundup
Management Partnerships
Label Partnerships
Industry Polls
Criminal Cases
Industry Commentary
United States
United Kingdom
South Korea
Australia
Saudi Arabia
India
Los Angeles, US
New York, US
Nashville, US
Paris, FR
New Jersey, US
Brisbane, AU
Albuquerque, US
Mumbai, IN
Toronto, CA
Miami, US
Sony Music Entertainment (SME)
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This is one of NIF's newsletters. News and other editorial are selected by the team based on which news they think is interesting (or funny) this week.
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