Chappell Roan
Vol 40 - It almost killed me, I had to read the news
Warner shake-up 😵💫, Spotify exodus ↗️, Beyoncé makes history 🤠 & Bieber is saving lives 😇
Happy Friday,
Warner shake-up 😵💫, Spotify exodus ↗️, Beyoncé makes history 🤠 & Bieber is saving lives 😇
Have thoughts on this week’s news? Just hit reply.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Metro Boomin, Reneé Rapp, Hayley Williams, Sam Barber, Sofia Kourtesis, Yeat, Danny Ocean, Anne Wilson…
♪ Notable singles from Chappell Roan, Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Del Water Gap, Eddie Benjamin, Demi Lovato, Zach Top, LANY, Geese…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - After first performing the song during festival appearances in 2024, Chappell Roan finally releases ‘The Subway,’ co-written with Dan Nigro.
#3 - Reneé Rapp releases new album BITE ME, featuring NMF track ‘Shy.’
#5 - Hayley Williams drops 17 new singles, including NMF feature ‘Glum.’
#9 - Demi Lovato releases her 1st single of the year with ‘Fast.’
#12 - Fresh off his work on Bieber’s SWAG, Eddie Benjamin is now ‘DRIVING’ on his own project with an album due out in the next few months.
#18 - Ciara + Latto + Jazze Pha = ‘This Right Here,’ with callbacks to ‘One, Two Step’ and ‘Goodies’ thanks to Jazze Pha’s production ahead of upcoming album CiCi.
#23 - Bailey Zimmerman is back with ‘Chevy Silverado,’ written with Ilsey Juber.
#31 - Boyband LANY release ‘Know You Naked’ — their first new music since 2023.
#36 - In a confusing move on the bylines, Geese’s debut single from 2017 ‘Trinidad’ gets a re-release (??) via Partisan / Play It Again Sam.
#55 - horsegiirL (the artist/DJ - not the band) land their single ‘Seasalt & Teardrops’ via Three Six Zero Recordings.
#63 - pencil frontman Kamran Khan taps The Japanese House for his debut single ‘Personally.’
#79 - ‘Live Without’ is the collab we needed this week from Colbie Caillat and Maddie & Tae.
#81 - R&R client Hether returns with new music after 2 years with ‘Falling For The Feeling.’
#84 - Viral TikTok sensation Ley Soul releases ‘Love, Bomb.’
⭐ #93 - NYC’s Frost Children drop their 3rd single of the year, ‘WHAT IS FOREVER FOR’ — album dropping soon?
#96 - BETWEEN FRIENDS release their 4th album WOW! with ‘Chevron’ landing on the playlist.
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
mgk, JID, Ethel Cain, Ghostface Killah, The Black Keys, Amaarae, Roc Marciano, BABYMETAL, Jonas Brothers, Good Charlotte, Charley Crockett & Bailey Zimmerman all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Bryson Tiller, Silvana Estrada, HARDY, The Antlers, Dying Wish, Zach Williams & HUNNY all announced new albums this week.
Warner Music restructured their marketing department; Atlantic Music Group launched a new country arm: Atlantic Outpost. HYBE’s headquarters were raided 2x in one week. Artists Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music from Spotify after Daniek Ek invested in a defense company focused on AI-powered military drones. Noel and Liam Gallagher’s older brother was accused of rape and other sexual offenses. Diddy’s lawyers asked for his release from jail. Dr. Dre’s SSL 4000 G+ mixing console was auctioned for $165,000; the console was used on albums by Eminem, Kendrick, Mary J. Blige and more. Over 6,000 fans signed a petition to name a Chipotle burrito after Ozzy Osbourne. Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment was sued for allegedly clearing a sample used in ‘Alien Superstar’ with the wrong people.
Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free launched a new global creative agency called ‘Project 3.’ After a California congressman questioned the dispersal of funds from FireAid, the charitable organization hired a law firm to do an internal review. Miley Cyrus teased a special celebration for the upcoming 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Justin Timberlake revealed his Lyme Disease diagnosis. Kelly Clarkson sold a stake in her music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners. The man suspected of orchestrating Tupac’s murder asked the Nevada Supreme Court to throw out the charges. Adam Levine was sued for an Instagram post from 2019 asking for donations for Hurricane Dorian victims. Tyla was sued by collaborators on her track ‘Water.’
Justin Bieber’s ‘GO BABY’ could help save a life…
Travis Barker is the latest celebrity to get into running 5Ks. Busta Rhymes will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. Luke Bryan was hit in the face by an object during a recent show. J.Lo experienced a wardrobe malfunction at a recent show in Poland. Lucinda Williams opened a honky-tonk venue in New York’s East Village. The Jonas Brothers will livestream five of their upcoming shows for free exclusively on Samsung TV Plus. Tyrese’s ex-wife accused him of owing almost $500K in attorney fees.
Spotify Q2 results: subscribers up, profits down
Angry Mob Music launches creative sync division, AM2
Live Nation expands its presence in Latin America
Atlantic Music Group launches Country music imprint, Atlantic Outpost
SoundCloud partners with copyright protection platform Cosynd
EVEN partners with Secretly Distribution to power direct fan revenue
Round Hill acquires Kiss songwriter Vini Poncia’s catalog
Live Nation moves into New Zeland with Electric Avenue acquisition
TikTok’s ‘Add to Music App’ it’s now linked with YouTube Music
TikTok teams up with iHeartRadio on live music contest for artists with 50K+ followers
Create Music Group’s Flighthouse launches sports-focused Fieldhouse
AEG, Because, and Combat form strategic partnership for Paris festival We Love Green
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
is this some sick joke? I just want the news 😒
If only there were an alternative…
Results from last week's poll:
What will happen to HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ The chaebol will get him off but hold onto the most damning evidence as blackmail (33%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Trump's America (22%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Putin's Russia (0)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Start dating Emma Chamberlain (44%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Nothing the BTS army will have his back (0)
Stern Management made moves this week into the UK with Andrew Mishko and day-to-day Jill Irvine leading the company’s expansion across the pond. Mishko brings over clients such as EKKSTACY, Witch Post, Alaska Reid & more.
Managers Katie Vinten & Zach Lund formally announced their new Nashville-based management company Wild Child Music. Originally founded last year in partnership with Eclipse Music Group, their roster includes Delacey, Cece Coakley, Hayden Blount & others.
Country star Tucker Wetmore has joined the Red Light Management roster alongside manager Autumn Ledgin. The singer is in the midst of his North American Tour supporting Thomas Rhett.
Keith Hagan has re-launched his company Skylark Artist Management based in NYC. The current roster includes Cymande, Robert Finley, Braxton Cook, The Afghan Whigs & others.
London-based rapper Jeshi, who recently emerged out of the DIY grime scene, signed his first-ever worldwide publishing deal with OTM.
+175 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Erykah Badu, Thundercat, SEVENTEEN, Junior H, Whiskey Myers
Beyoncé officially has the highest grossing country tour in history. The tour grossed >$400M with 1.6M tickets sold across 32 shows in just 9 cities.
For the second year, Lollapalooza’s mainstage will be powered by a hybrid battery system. The project is a joint collaboration between the festival organizers and sustainability nonprofit REVERB.
Earlier this week, some believed Tomorrowland was teasing an expansion into Melbourne. However, the festival’s spokesperson clarified the organizers were looking into possibilities of bringing its CORE stage to Australia, rather than the whole festival.
Koe Wetzel & more will host “Stronger Together,” a benefit concert for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in Texas next week.
❌ Cancellations:
Pantera cancelled a number of shows to mourn Ozzy Osbourne, who the band called both a “mentor” and “brother.” Pantera performed at Ozzy’s benefit concert earlier this month, which also marked his last performance
Drake postponed his show in Manchester, citing travel logistics surrounding an unforeseen ferry schedule. [I’m sure there’s a joke to make here, fire off in the comments my dedicated Live World readers.]
Connecticut festival Soundside cancelled due to “circumstances beyond [their] control.” Organizers confirmed full refunds would be issued. The Killers, Weezer, Hozier & Vampire Weekend were set to headline
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
mgk, T-Pain & ZEDD will headline outside the Sphere at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this November
Recently announced Australian country festival Strummingbird shared Jelly Roll & Shaboozey will headline in October
We Belong Here’s debut Brooklyn edition will feature performances from Gordo, Elderbrook, Carl Cox & more
Untold Festival, Romania’s largest dance music festival, announced Martin Garrix, Anyma, Dom Dolla & more will headline for the 10th anniversary
Arizona’s NYE festival Decadence announced a stacked lineup including ZEDD, Knock2, Kaskade, Sara Landry amongst others
Jamey Johnson will headline the inaugural Red, White & Bourbon Bash in Tennessee this September
Warner Records has restructured its marketing department, promoting Dalia Ganz to EVP and Head of Digital & Marketing, with GM Mike Chester now leading the division- see more promotions here. Akando Music, the radio promotion arm of Triple Tigers Records adds Christina Kosters and Greg Raneiri as their new regional directors. SMACKSongs promotes Sam Sarno to Sr. Creative Director of Publishing. CMA has made several leadership and team updates, promoting Emily Evans to SVP, Business Strategy and Ops and adding Jenny Methling as Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships, among others. Dick Clark Productions has appointed Mike Chuthakieo as its first-ever Chief Commercial Officer.
Chris Crawford joins Activated Events as GM to oversee the execution and ops of the org’s portfolio of festivals, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam & more. Christian Conant has been promoted to Sr. Director, A&R at Prescription Songs, continuing to lead a dynamic roster from the company’s Nash office. Jenny Huynh steps into the role of Director of Media at Big Loud Rock, the rock imprint of Big Loud Records. Rob Segal, who served as Partner and President of the Partnerships division at The Feldman Agency, appears to have left the firm in June (per his LinkedIn) and has since launched his own venture, Segal Entertainment. UMG confirmed that Cyrille Bolloré has stepped down from its Board of Directors, effective immediately. After 28 years leading the Nashville Symphony, President & CEO Alan D. Valentine has announced he will retire following the 2025-26 season.
Sr. Day-to-Day Manager at Buena Artists + Projects in Los Angeles
VP, Business & Legal Affairs at UMG in Nashville
Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Strategy (Management) at Roc Nation in NY
Director, Sync & Catalog at Ten Ten Music Group in Nashville
Project Manager at Handsome Tours in Sydney
↗ Find these and 285+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
Happy Friday,
Warner shake-up 😵💫, Spotify exodus ↗️, Beyoncé makes history 🤠 & Bieber is saving lives 😇
Have thoughts on this week’s news? Just hit reply.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Metro Boomin, Reneé Rapp, Hayley Williams, Sam Barber, Sofia Kourtesis, Yeat, Danny Ocean, Anne Wilson…
♪ Notable singles from Chappell Roan, Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Del Water Gap, Eddie Benjamin, Demi Lovato, Zach Top, LANY, Geese…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - After first performing the song during festival appearances in 2024, Chappell Roan finally releases ‘The Subway,’ co-written with Dan Nigro.
#3 - Reneé Rapp releases new album BITE ME, featuring NMF track ‘Shy.’
#5 - Hayley Williams drops 17 new singles, including NMF feature ‘Glum.’
#9 - Demi Lovato releases her 1st single of the year with ‘Fast.’
#12 - Fresh off his work on Bieber’s SWAG, Eddie Benjamin is now ‘DRIVING’ on his own project with an album due out in the next few months.
#18 - Ciara + Latto + Jazze Pha = ‘This Right Here,’ with callbacks to ‘One, Two Step’ and ‘Goodies’ thanks to Jazze Pha’s production ahead of upcoming album CiCi.
#23 - Bailey Zimmerman is back with ‘Chevy Silverado,’ written with Ilsey Juber.
#31 - Boyband LANY release ‘Know You Naked’ — their first new music since 2023.
#36 - In a confusing move on the bylines, Geese’s debut single from 2017 ‘Trinidad’ gets a re-release (??) via Partisan / Play It Again Sam.
#55 - horsegiirL (the artist/DJ - not the band) land their single ‘Seasalt & Teardrops’ via Three Six Zero Recordings.
#63 - pencil frontman Kamran Khan taps The Japanese House for his debut single ‘Personally.’
#79 - ‘Live Without’ is the collab we needed this week from Colbie Caillat and Maddie & Tae.
#81 - R&R client Hether returns with new music after 2 years with ‘Falling For The Feeling.’
#84 - Viral TikTok sensation Ley Soul releases ‘Love, Bomb.’
⭐ #93 - NYC’s Frost Children drop their 3rd single of the year, ‘WHAT IS FOREVER FOR’ — album dropping soon?
#96 - BETWEEN FRIENDS release their 4th album WOW! with ‘Chevron’ landing on the playlist.
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
mgk, JID, Ethel Cain, Ghostface Killah, The Black Keys, Amaarae, Roc Marciano, BABYMETAL, Jonas Brothers, Good Charlotte, Charley Crockett & Bailey Zimmerman all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Bryson Tiller, Silvana Estrada, HARDY, The Antlers, Dying Wish, Zach Williams & HUNNY all announced new albums this week.
Warner Music restructured their marketing department; Atlantic Music Group launched a new country arm: Atlantic Outpost. HYBE’s headquarters were raided 2x in one week. Artists Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music from Spotify after Daniek Ek invested in a defense company focused on AI-powered military drones. Noel and Liam Gallagher’s older brother was accused of rape and other sexual offenses. Diddy’s lawyers asked for his release from jail. Dr. Dre’s SSL 4000 G+ mixing console was auctioned for $165,000; the console was used on albums by Eminem, Kendrick, Mary J. Blige and more. Over 6,000 fans signed a petition to name a Chipotle burrito after Ozzy Osbourne. Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment was sued for allegedly clearing a sample used in ‘Alien Superstar’ with the wrong people.
Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free launched a new global creative agency called ‘Project 3.’ After a California congressman questioned the dispersal of funds from FireAid, the charitable organization hired a law firm to do an internal review. Miley Cyrus teased a special celebration for the upcoming 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Justin Timberlake revealed his Lyme Disease diagnosis. Kelly Clarkson sold a stake in her music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners. The man suspected of orchestrating Tupac’s murder asked the Nevada Supreme Court to throw out the charges. Adam Levine was sued for an Instagram post from 2019 asking for donations for Hurricane Dorian victims. Tyla was sued by collaborators on her track ‘Water.’
Justin Bieber’s ‘GO BABY’ could help save a life…
Travis Barker is the latest celebrity to get into running 5Ks. Busta Rhymes will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. Luke Bryan was hit in the face by an object during a recent show. J.Lo experienced a wardrobe malfunction at a recent show in Poland. Lucinda Williams opened a honky-tonk venue in New York’s East Village. The Jonas Brothers will livestream five of their upcoming shows for free exclusively on Samsung TV Plus. Tyrese’s ex-wife accused him of owing almost $500K in attorney fees.
Spotify Q2 results: subscribers up, profits down
Angry Mob Music launches creative sync division, AM2
Live Nation expands its presence in Latin America
Atlantic Music Group launches Country music imprint, Atlantic Outpost
SoundCloud partners with copyright protection platform Cosynd
EVEN partners with Secretly Distribution to power direct fan revenue
Round Hill acquires Kiss songwriter Vini Poncia’s catalog
Live Nation moves into New Zeland with Electric Avenue acquisition
TikTok’s ‘Add to Music App’ it’s now linked with YouTube Music
TikTok teams up with iHeartRadio on live music contest for artists with 50K+ followers
Create Music Group’s Flighthouse launches sports-focused Fieldhouse
AEG, Because, and Combat form strategic partnership for Paris festival We Love Green
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
is this some sick joke? I just want the news 😒
If only there were an alternative…
Results from last week's poll:
What will happen to HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ The chaebol will get him off but hold onto the most damning evidence as blackmail (33%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Trump's America (22%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Putin's Russia (0)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Start dating Emma Chamberlain (44%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Nothing the BTS army will have his back (0)
Stern Management made moves this week into the UK with Andrew Mishko and day-to-day Jill Irvine leading the company’s expansion across the pond. Mishko brings over clients such as EKKSTACY, Witch Post, Alaska Reid & more.
Managers Katie Vinten & Zach Lund formally announced their new Nashville-based management company Wild Child Music. Originally founded last year in partnership with Eclipse Music Group, their roster includes Delacey, Cece Coakley, Hayden Blount & others.
Country star Tucker Wetmore has joined the Red Light Management roster alongside manager Autumn Ledgin. The singer is in the midst of his North American Tour supporting Thomas Rhett.
Keith Hagan has re-launched his company Skylark Artist Management based in NYC. The current roster includes Cymande, Robert Finley, Braxton Cook, The Afghan Whigs & others.
London-based rapper Jeshi, who recently emerged out of the DIY grime scene, signed his first-ever worldwide publishing deal with OTM.
+175 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Erykah Badu, Thundercat, SEVENTEEN, Junior H, Whiskey Myers
Beyoncé officially has the highest grossing country tour in history. The tour grossed >$400M with 1.6M tickets sold across 32 shows in just 9 cities.
For the second year, Lollapalooza’s mainstage will be powered by a hybrid battery system. The project is a joint collaboration between the festival organizers and sustainability nonprofit REVERB.
Earlier this week, some believed Tomorrowland was teasing an expansion into Melbourne. However, the festival’s spokesperson clarified the organizers were looking into possibilities of bringing its CORE stage to Australia, rather than the whole festival.
Koe Wetzel & more will host “Stronger Together,” a benefit concert for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in Texas next week.
❌ Cancellations:
Pantera cancelled a number of shows to mourn Ozzy Osbourne, who the band called both a “mentor” and “brother.” Pantera performed at Ozzy’s benefit concert earlier this month, which also marked his last performance
Drake postponed his show in Manchester, citing travel logistics surrounding an unforeseen ferry schedule. [I’m sure there’s a joke to make here, fire off in the comments my dedicated Live World readers.]
Connecticut festival Soundside cancelled due to “circumstances beyond [their] control.” Organizers confirmed full refunds would be issued. The Killers, Weezer, Hozier & Vampire Weekend were set to headline
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
mgk, T-Pain & ZEDD will headline outside the Sphere at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this November
Recently announced Australian country festival Strummingbird shared Jelly Roll & Shaboozey will headline in October
We Belong Here’s debut Brooklyn edition will feature performances from Gordo, Elderbrook, Carl Cox & more
Untold Festival, Romania’s largest dance music festival, announced Martin Garrix, Anyma, Dom Dolla & more will headline for the 10th anniversary
Arizona’s NYE festival Decadence announced a stacked lineup including ZEDD, Knock2, Kaskade, Sara Landry amongst others
Jamey Johnson will headline the inaugural Red, White & Bourbon Bash in Tennessee this September
Warner Records has restructured its marketing department, promoting Dalia Ganz to EVP and Head of Digital & Marketing, with GM Mike Chester now leading the division- see more promotions here. Akando Music, the radio promotion arm of Triple Tigers Records adds Christina Kosters and Greg Raneiri as their new regional directors. SMACKSongs promotes Sam Sarno to Sr. Creative Director of Publishing. CMA has made several leadership and team updates, promoting Emily Evans to SVP, Business Strategy and Ops and adding Jenny Methling as Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships, among others. Dick Clark Productions has appointed Mike Chuthakieo as its first-ever Chief Commercial Officer.
Chris Crawford joins Activated Events as GM to oversee the execution and ops of the org’s portfolio of festivals, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam & more. Christian Conant has been promoted to Sr. Director, A&R at Prescription Songs, continuing to lead a dynamic roster from the company’s Nash office. Jenny Huynh steps into the role of Director of Media at Big Loud Rock, the rock imprint of Big Loud Records. Rob Segal, who served as Partner and President of the Partnerships division at The Feldman Agency, appears to have left the firm in June (per his LinkedIn) and has since launched his own venture, Segal Entertainment. UMG confirmed that Cyrille Bolloré has stepped down from its Board of Directors, effective immediately. After 28 years leading the Nashville Symphony, President & CEO Alan D. Valentine has announced he will retire following the 2025-26 season.
Sr. Day-to-Day Manager at Buena Artists + Projects in Los Angeles
VP, Business & Legal Affairs at UMG in Nashville
Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Strategy (Management) at Roc Nation in NY
Director, Sync & Catalog at Ten Ten Music Group in Nashville
Project Manager at Handsome Tours in Sydney
↗ Find these and 285+ open roles at Jobs by ROSTR
Happy Friday,
Warner shake-up 😵💫, Spotify exodus ↗️, Beyoncé makes history 🤠 & Bieber is saving lives 😇
Have thoughts on this week’s news? Just hit reply.
🎶 New albums and EPs from Metro Boomin, Reneé Rapp, Hayley Williams, Sam Barber, Sofia Kourtesis, Yeat, Danny Ocean, Anne Wilson…
♪ Notable singles from Chappell Roan, Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Del Water Gap, Eddie Benjamin, Demi Lovato, Zach Top, LANY, Geese…
Each week, we go through Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists to highlight releases you should know about…
#1 - After first performing the song during festival appearances in 2024, Chappell Roan finally releases ‘The Subway,’ co-written with Dan Nigro.
#3 - Reneé Rapp releases new album BITE ME, featuring NMF track ‘Shy.’
#5 - Hayley Williams drops 17 new singles, including NMF feature ‘Glum.’
#9 - Demi Lovato releases her 1st single of the year with ‘Fast.’
#12 - Fresh off his work on Bieber’s SWAG, Eddie Benjamin is now ‘DRIVING’ on his own project with an album due out in the next few months.
#18 - Ciara + Latto + Jazze Pha = ‘This Right Here,’ with callbacks to ‘One, Two Step’ and ‘Goodies’ thanks to Jazze Pha’s production ahead of upcoming album CiCi.
#23 - Bailey Zimmerman is back with ‘Chevy Silverado,’ written with Ilsey Juber.
#31 - Boyband LANY release ‘Know You Naked’ — their first new music since 2023.
#36 - In a confusing move on the bylines, Geese’s debut single from 2017 ‘Trinidad’ gets a re-release (??) via Partisan / Play It Again Sam.
#55 - horsegiirL (the artist/DJ - not the band) land their single ‘Seasalt & Teardrops’ via Three Six Zero Recordings.
#63 - pencil frontman Kamran Khan taps The Japanese House for his debut single ‘Personally.’
#79 - ‘Live Without’ is the collab we needed this week from Colbie Caillat and Maddie & Tae.
#81 - R&R client Hether returns with new music after 2 years with ‘Falling For The Feeling.’
#84 - Viral TikTok sensation Ley Soul releases ‘Love, Bomb.’
⭐ #93 - NYC’s Frost Children drop their 3rd single of the year, ‘WHAT IS FOREVER FOR’ — album dropping soon?
#96 - BETWEEN FRIENDS release their 4th album WOW! with ‘Chevron’ landing on the playlist.
⭐ = our pick of the week. Usually an under the radar artist to keep an eye on.
mgk, JID, Ethel Cain, Ghostface Killah, The Black Keys, Amaarae, Roc Marciano, BABYMETAL, Jonas Brothers, Good Charlotte, Charley Crockett & Bailey Zimmerman all have new projects expected to come out next week.
Bryson Tiller, Silvana Estrada, HARDY, The Antlers, Dying Wish, Zach Williams & HUNNY all announced new albums this week.
Warner Music restructured their marketing department; Atlantic Music Group launched a new country arm: Atlantic Outpost. HYBE’s headquarters were raided 2x in one week. Artists Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pulled their music from Spotify after Daniek Ek invested in a defense company focused on AI-powered military drones. Noel and Liam Gallagher’s older brother was accused of rape and other sexual offenses. Diddy’s lawyers asked for his release from jail. Dr. Dre’s SSL 4000 G+ mixing console was auctioned for $165,000; the console was used on albums by Eminem, Kendrick, Mary J. Blige and more. Over 6,000 fans signed a petition to name a Chipotle burrito after Ozzy Osbourne. Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment was sued for allegedly clearing a sample used in ‘Alien Superstar’ with the wrong people.
Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free launched a new global creative agency called ‘Project 3.’ After a California congressman questioned the dispersal of funds from FireAid, the charitable organization hired a law firm to do an internal review. Miley Cyrus teased a special celebration for the upcoming 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Justin Timberlake revealed his Lyme Disease diagnosis. Kelly Clarkson sold a stake in her music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners. The man suspected of orchestrating Tupac’s murder asked the Nevada Supreme Court to throw out the charges. Adam Levine was sued for an Instagram post from 2019 asking for donations for Hurricane Dorian victims. Tyla was sued by collaborators on her track ‘Water.’
Justin Bieber’s ‘GO BABY’ could help save a life…
Travis Barker is the latest celebrity to get into running 5Ks. Busta Rhymes will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. Luke Bryan was hit in the face by an object during a recent show. J.Lo experienced a wardrobe malfunction at a recent show in Poland. Lucinda Williams opened a honky-tonk venue in New York’s East Village. The Jonas Brothers will livestream five of their upcoming shows for free exclusively on Samsung TV Plus. Tyrese’s ex-wife accused him of owing almost $500K in attorney fees.
Spotify Q2 results: subscribers up, profits down
Angry Mob Music launches creative sync division, AM2
Live Nation expands its presence in Latin America
Atlantic Music Group launches Country music imprint, Atlantic Outpost
SoundCloud partners with copyright protection platform Cosynd
EVEN partners with Secretly Distribution to power direct fan revenue
Round Hill acquires Kiss songwriter Vini Poncia’s catalog
Live Nation moves into New Zeland with Electric Avenue acquisition
TikTok’s ‘Add to Music App’ it’s now linked with YouTube Music
TikTok teams up with iHeartRadio on live music contest for artists with 50K+ followers
Create Music Group’s Flighthouse launches sports-focused Fieldhouse
AEG, Because, and Combat form strategic partnership for Paris festival We Love Green
Group Chat
The section that’ll probably get us in trouble one of these days
is this some sick joke? I just want the news 😒
If only there were an alternative…
Results from last week's poll:
What will happen to HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ The chaebol will get him off but hold onto the most damning evidence as blackmail (33%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Trump's America (22%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Seek refugee status in Putin's Russia (0)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Start dating Emma Chamberlain (44%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Nothing the BTS army will have his back (0)
Stern Management made moves this week into the UK with Andrew Mishko and day-to-day Jill Irvine leading the company’s expansion across the pond. Mishko brings over clients such as EKKSTACY, Witch Post, Alaska Reid & more.
Managers Katie Vinten & Zach Lund formally announced their new Nashville-based management company Wild Child Music. Originally founded last year in partnership with Eclipse Music Group, their roster includes Delacey, Cece Coakley, Hayden Blount & others.
Country star Tucker Wetmore has joined the Red Light Management roster alongside manager Autumn Ledgin. The singer is in the midst of his North American Tour supporting Thomas Rhett.
Keith Hagan has re-launched his company Skylark Artist Management based in NYC. The current roster includes Cymande, Robert Finley, Braxton Cook, The Afghan Whigs & others.
London-based rapper Jeshi, who recently emerged out of the DIY grime scene, signed his first-ever worldwide publishing deal with OTM.
+175 signings on ROSTR this week
🎸 Biggest tours announced this week: Erykah Badu, Thundercat, SEVENTEEN, Junior H, Whiskey Myers
Beyoncé officially has the highest grossing country tour in history. The tour grossed >$400M with 1.6M tickets sold across 32 shows in just 9 cities.
For the second year, Lollapalooza’s mainstage will be powered by a hybrid battery system. The project is a joint collaboration between the festival organizers and sustainability nonprofit REVERB.
Earlier this week, some believed Tomorrowland was teasing an expansion into Melbourne. However, the festival’s spokesperson clarified the organizers were looking into possibilities of bringing its CORE stage to Australia, rather than the whole festival.
Koe Wetzel & more will host “Stronger Together,” a benefit concert for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in Texas next week.
❌ Cancellations:
Pantera cancelled a number of shows to mourn Ozzy Osbourne, who the band called both a “mentor” and “brother.” Pantera performed at Ozzy’s benefit concert earlier this month, which also marked his last performance
Drake postponed his show in Manchester, citing travel logistics surrounding an unforeseen ferry schedule. [I’m sure there’s a joke to make here, fire off in the comments my dedicated Live World readers.]
Connecticut festival Soundside cancelled due to “circumstances beyond [their] control.” Organizers confirmed full refunds would be issued. The Killers, Weezer, Hozier & Vampire Weekend were set to headline
🎟️ Festival Headlines:
mgk, T-Pain & ZEDD will headline outside the Sphere at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this November
Recently announced Australian country festival Strummingbird shared Jelly Roll & Shaboozey will headline in October
We Belong Here’s debut Brooklyn edition will feature performances from Gordo, Elderbrook, Carl Cox & more
Untold Festival, Romania’s largest dance music festival, announced Martin Garrix, Anyma, Dom Dolla & more will headline for the 10th anniversary
Arizona’s NYE festival Decadence announced a stacked lineup including ZEDD, Knock2, Kaskade, Sara Landry amongst others
Jamey Johnson will headline the inaugural Red, White & Bourbon Bash in Tennessee this September
Warner Records has restructured its marketing department, promoting Dalia Ganz to EVP and Head of Digital & Marketing, with GM Mike Chester now leading the division- see more promotions here. Akando Music, the radio promotion arm of Triple Tigers Records adds Christina Kosters and Greg Raneiri as their new regional directors. SMACKSongs promotes Sam Sarno to Sr. Creative Director of Publishing. CMA has made several leadership and team updates, promoting Emily Evans to SVP, Business Strategy and Ops and adding Jenny Methling as Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships, among others. Dick Clark Productions has appointed Mike Chuthakieo as its first-ever Chief Commercial Officer.
Chris Crawford joins Activated Events as GM to oversee the execution and ops of the org’s portfolio of festivals, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam & more. Christian Conant has been promoted to Sr. Director, A&R at Prescription Songs, continuing to lead a dynamic roster from the company’s Nash office. Jenny Huynh steps into the role of Director of Media at Big Loud Rock, the rock imprint of Big Loud Records. Rob Segal, who served as Partner and President of the Partnerships division at The Feldman Agency, appears to have left the firm in June (per his LinkedIn) and has since launched his own venture, Segal Entertainment. UMG confirmed that Cyrille Bolloré has stepped down from its Board of Directors, effective immediately. After 28 years leading the Nashville Symphony, President & CEO Alan D. Valentine has announced he will retire following the 2025-26 season.
Sr. Day-to-Day Manager at Buena Artists + Projects in Los Angeles
VP, Business & Legal Affairs at UMG in Nashville
Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Strategy (Management) at Roc Nation in NY
Director, Sync & Catalog at Ten Ten Music Group in Nashville
Project Manager at Handsome Tours in Sydney
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Label Restructuring
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Record-Breaking Tour Revenues
Legal Battles In K-Pop
Major Artists Selling Music Catalogs
Artist Lawsuits and Legal Battles
Executive Moves
Festival & Tour Announcements
Live Event Cancellations
Major Label Investment In Country Music
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New Music Friday
Industry News Roundup
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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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