business
Jazmine Sullivan On Self-Confidence Struggles and Empowering Women In R&B
You followed an earlier three-year recording break with a five-year interlude. Are these breaks intentional or happenstance? As far as length of time, it’s not really intentional. I’ll just chill for a second and then a little break turns into a longer break. But as long as it turns out to be, I do feel breaks are necessary. Taking breaks when you’re younger, it feels different than when you’re older. For one thing, getting yourself back into the swing of things is different, both physically and vocally. I’m starting to understand that now. It’s a different kind of building back up as you get older … even things like getting up earlier and doing interviews. How has the pandemic inspired and challenged your singing and songwriting? I’m amazed people are telling me I sound stronger and...
China possibly committed ‘genocide’ against Xinjiang Muslims
The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) said on Thursday that new evidence had emerged in the past year that “crimes against humanity – and possibly genocide – are occurring”. The CECC also accused China of harassing Uighurs in the US. China has been widely condemned for setting up complexes in Xinjiang that it describes as “vocational training centres” to stamp out “extremism” and give people new skills, but others have called them concentration camps. The United Nations says at least one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang. Faith leaders, activist groups and others have said crimes against humanity, including genocide, are taking place there. Beijing denies abuse accusations. The CECC report called for a formal US “determination on whether atro...
Yung Bleu Manifested a Drake Feature, Now He’s Ready For a Joint EP
Bleu’s most prominent manifestation came last year when he declared that he would work with Drake. As fate would have it, Bleu’s dream became a reality when NBA star DeMarcus Cousins first listened to his EP Love Scars and fell in love with Bleu’s melodious single “You’re Mines Still.” Cousins texted Bleu and vowed to get Drake on the record. A week later, Bleu received an Instagram DM from the 6 God himself, gushing about the song’s potential and his desire to collaborate. Two weeks after “You’re Mines Still” was released, Bleu and Drake’s remix quickly followed. The love-drunk single swept through social media and ballooned into a massive hit for Bleu. Peaking at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, “You&...
Carleen Donovan Launches The Oriel Company With Chloë Walsh and Jen Appel
“Collectively, Chloë, Jen, and myself share so many great memories and an incredible 20 plus year history of collaborating together,” Donovan said. “We also share the same philosophy regarding our clients. By teaming up, we wanted to leverage the reach of a larger agency with the concentration of a boutique. The Oriel Company presents the opportunity to do just that and deliver the gold standard in commitment to our roster and projects.” Walsh and Appel will join The Oriel Company from Grandstand Media where they worked with Meghan Helsel, Kate Jackson, Dana Erickson and Lisa Gottheil, who they said provided “expert support,” telling Billboard, “We feel lucky to be a part of such a strong female-led community of entertainment executives and lo...
A Dolly Parton Statue In Nashville? There’s a Bill for That
The proposed statue would be financed by gifts, grants and other donations, and handled via the Dolly Parton Fund, a separate account within the state’s general fund, according to the House Bill 135. Should it get the go-ahead, the statue would be located on the Capitol grounds, facing in the direction of Ryman Auditorium. More than 25,000 people signed a Change.org petition to replace one of the many statues of Confederate officers littering the state with one immortalizing a “true Tennessee hero,” Dolly Parton. “Aside from her beautiful music, which has touched the hearts and lives of millions of Americans, Dolly Parton’s philanthropic heart has unquestionably changed the world for the better,” wrote Alex Parsons, who started the petition. “From the Dollywood foundation...
US slaps sanctions on two foundations linked to Iranian supreme leader
The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Iranian foundations controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and their subsidiaries, saying the institutions enabled Iran’s elite to sustain a “corrupt” system of ownership over large parts of the economy. The designations announced by the US Department of the Treasury target Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), their leaders and subsidiaries. These are the latest actions to reinforce the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran pursued by US President Donald Trump’s administration. “These institutions enable Iran’s corrupt leaders to exploit a system of ownership over a wide range of sectors of Iran’s economy,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. US-Iranian tensions have risen since T...
AEG’s Isabel Brougham and More Join Mint Talent Group
According to Mint, the 47-point plan covers everything from marketing asset recommendations, utilizing digital tools and socials to enhance exposure, exploring new opportunities with their list of marketing partners, to new and innovative ways that an agency can help bridge the gap between artists and buyers. “We are extremely excited about welcoming Isabel to the Mint team,” said Mint co-founder Patrick McAuliff in a release. “Her experience, knowledge and passion for the job will help push Mint forward as we continue to reimagine the talent agency and fully service our clients.” In addition to Brougham, Mint has also announced that Amanda Levine will be representing the Mint artist roster and sports properties in the extensive brand community as its...
Shakira Sells Full Song Catalog to Hipgnosis
“Being a songwriter is an accomplishment that I consider equal to and perhaps even greater than being a singer and an artist,” said Shakira in a statement. “At 8 years old — long before I sang — I wrote to make sense of the world. Each song is a reflection of the person I was at the time that I wrote it, but once a song is out in the world, it belongs not only to me but to those who appreciate it as well.” The amount paid for Shakira’s catalog was not disclosed, but the high-profile sale highlights the potential in international catalogs in general and Latin catalogs in particular. Although there have been few major sales of high-profile Latin catalogs, in November Hipgnosis announced that its acquisition of 42 catalogs from Kobalt included hits by Enrique Iglesias, among them ...
The Wiggles Sign Exclusive, Global Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group
To celebrate their third decade of lighting up kids’ faces, The Wiggles kick off a year-long national tour of Australia this April, featuring current members Emma Watkins (The Yellow Wiggle), Lachlan Gillespie (Purple) and Simon Pryce (Red) and co-creator Anthony Field (Blue). “This is going to be such a monumental year for The Wiggles,” Field comments in a statement issued Wednesday, “and we couldn’t be happier to be celebrating it with Universal Music Publishing.” The founding members formed The Wiggles, having met while studying Early Childhood Education at Sydney’s Macquarie University. Field, he later recounted, had the thought of recording an album of children’s music, the idea being that it might help him land a job as a teacher. It turned out to be a bright idea. With a...
Jimi Hendrix’s Brother, Niece Found in Contempt of Court for Violating Trademarks
Tina Hendrix tells Billboard that her family is “devastated and disappointed about the judge’s decision and I strongly feel that it was incorrect and unjust for several reasons.” The contempt ruling against Leon and Tina Hendrix follows a lengthy court battle that began in 2017 when Experience Hendrix LLC — the sole owner of the late rocker’s musical compositions, sound recordings, copyrights and trademarks — and Authentic Hendrix LLC, the licensing arm for Hendrix, filed an infringement case. Experience and Authentic Hendrix sued Leon Hendrix and a business associate for trademark infringement, deceptive acts and false advertising, among other claims. In Oct. 2019, the court entered a permanent injunction against Leon Hendrix and his corporate entities, finding they...
Beyond Save Our Stages: NIVA Director Details Next Steps for Venue Owners
“One of the components of Save Our Stages Act is that should this continue longer than any of us want it to continue — which it already has — but should there be a need for additional funds, it’s part of the language of this program,” said Rev. Moose on the panel, adding that the act takes into account that more funding could be necessary depending on the duration of the pandemic. Rev. Moose continued that while he is not a “political soothsayer,” he does believe the bipartisan appeal of the SOS Act could mean an easier and more efficient path to additional funding if venues are forced to keep their doors shuttered for longer than expected. “I don’t know what the future is going to bring, but I would hope that if there is a need for additional COVID funding, that the government...
Latin Alternative Music Conference Sets Dates for Virtual 2021 Event
The Latin Alternative Music Conference is set to return in virtual form this year with dates scheduled for the week of Cinco de Mayo (May 4-7). Like last year, when it was held online for the first ever due to the novel coronavirus, the 22nd annual LAMC will offer free registration for panels, workshops and showcases. The second edition of the Wonder Women of Latin Music recognitions honoring women making a difference in the Latin music industry is also set to take place this year. Launched in 2020 and presented by Amazon Music, past Wonder Women honorees include Rebeca León (Lionfish Entertainment), Jennifer D’Cunha (Apple Music), Yvonne Drazan (peermusic) and Billboard‘s own Leila Cobo, among others. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are lo...
