Florida Power & Light plans to eliminate carbon emissions from its electricity generation by 2045 through expanding solar energy and other technology, company officials announced Tuesday. The plan, part of … Click to Continue »
DETROIT — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has offered Oxford Community Schools the use of a dog trained to detect explosives and firearms along with a handler at the high … Click to Continue »
DEL Records CEO Angel del Villar was arrested by FBI agents on Tuesday (June 14) and is being charged with “conspiring to violate the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act,” according to an official statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Luca Scalisi, CFO of DEL Entertainment, was also arrested.
According to the U.S. Attorney, del Villar and Scalisi were charged for “conducting business with a Guadalajara-based concert promoter with ties to Mexican drug cartels.” A third defendant named in the complaint is Mexican music promoter Jesus Perez Alvear, who leads Gallistica Diamente (Ticket Premier) and until March 2019 promoted concerts in Mexico for DEL Entertainment.
Perez and Gallistica Diamante are listed as “Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers” under the Kingpin Act, “which prevents people in the United States from conducting business with the two entities,” according the information released by the Department of Justice.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 19, 2018, FBI agents approached a “well-known musician” who in the complaint is referred to as Individual A. “[Agents] explicitly told Individual A about Perez’s designation under the Kingpin Act and how that prohibited him from conducting business with Perez and performing concerts that Perez promoted.” Ten days later, Individual A performed at a concert organized by Perez where Del Villar’s credit card was used to pay for a private jet that took the musician from Van Nuys Airport to the performance in Aguascalientes, Mexico, according to the complaint.
Del Villar and Scalisi made appearances at the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday (June 14) where del Villar was ordered released on $100,000 bond and Scalisi was ordered released on $35,000 bond. Arraignments have been scheduled for July 20. If either are convicted of violating the Kingpin Act, they could face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Perez would also face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Del Villar’a arrest comes two years after FBI agents conducted a raid at DEL Records’ headquarters after the label — home to chart-topping artists Eslabon Armado and Lenin Ramirez — was sued by former signee Gerardo Ortiz for alleged fraudulent conduct, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and violation of the Talent Agencies Act.
DEL Records did not respond to a request for comment at time of publishing.
The Weeknd’s Dawn FM, Arcade Fire’s WE and Orville Peck’s Bronco are on the preliminary long list of 40 contenders for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize. The award, which originated in 2006, is given to what a group of writers, programmers and broadcasters deems to be Canada’s best album of the year. According to a statement, a 197-member jury considered 223 albums before whittling the list down to these 40.
Arcade Fire won the award in 2011 with The Suburbs (which also won both a Grammy and a Juno Award for album of the year). The Suburbs is the only album to win both the Polaris Music Prize and the Juno for album of the year.
Three other past winners of the Polaris Music Prize are on this year’s long list with their latest albums – Tanya Tagaq (the 2014 winner for Animism), Haviah Mighty (the 2019 winner for 13th Floor) and Backxwash (the 2020 winner for the exquisitely titled God Has Nothing to Do with This, Leave Him Out of It). If any of these acts win, they’ll become the first repeat winners of the Polaris Music Prize.
Several acts that have won the Polaris Music Prize have gone on to make noise in the U.S., including Caribou, which won the 2008 award for Andorra; Kaytranada, the 2016 winner for 99.9%; and Lido Pimienta, the 2017 winner for La Papessa.
Other Polaris winners had already made their mark in the U.S., including Feist, the 2012 winner for Metals, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, the 2015 winner for Power in the Blood.
A short list will be published next month. The winner, to be announced in September, will receive a $50,000 prize.
Here are all the albums on the Polaris Music Prize 2022 long list:
Ada Lea – One Hand on the Steering Wheel the Other Sewing a Garden
Adria Kain – When Flowers Bloom
Ahi – Prospect
Arcade Fire – WE
Backxwash – I Lie Here Buried With My Rings and My Dresses
BadBadNotGood – Talk Memory
Basia Bulat – The Garden
Cedric Noel – Hang Time
Charlotte Day Wilson – Alpha
Chiiild – Hope for Sale
Destroyer – Labyrinthitis
The Garrys – Get Thee to a Nunnery
The Halluci Nation – One More Saturday Night
Haviah Mighty – Stock Exchange
Hubert Lenoir – Pictura de Ipse : Musique Directe
Jean-Michel Blais – Aubades
Joyful Joyful – Joyful Joyful
Julie Doiron – I Thought of You
Kelly McMichael – Waves
Les Louanges – Crash
Lisa Leblanc – Chiac Disco
Loony – soft thing
Luna Li – Duality
Lydia Képinski – Depuis
Men I Trust – Untourable Album
Myst Milano – Shapeshyfter
Ombiigizi – Sewn Back Together
Orville Peck – Bronco
Ouri – Frame of a Fauna
Pierre Kwenders – José Louis and the Paradox of Love
P’tit Belliveau – Un homme et son piano
PUP – The Unraveling of PUPTheBand
Sate – The Fool
Shad – Tao
Sister Ray – Communion
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Life After
Stars – From Capelton Hill
Tanika Charles – Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly
Tanya Tagaq – Tongues
The Weeknd – Dawn FM
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Miranda Lambert debuted her new Wanda June Home collection on Tuesday (June 14). The collection is designed to help create a “warm, comfortable, casual gathering place where everyone can feel at home” and available exclusively at Walmart.com.
Inspired by three generations of warm and sassy Southern hospitality, Wanda June Home by Lambert is named after the “If I Was a Cowboy” singer’s mother Beverly June Lambert and her grandma Wanda Louise Coker, who taught her everything she knows about entertaining and welcoming guests. From three generations of warm, Southern hospitality, Wanda June is a brand inspired by memories.
“Wanda June Home is named after the two most influential women in my life, my mom Beverly June Lambert and my grandma Wanda Louise Coker, a.k.a. Nonny. They both taught me everything I know about being a woman and how to make a warm home full of laughter, love and memories. That’s really the heart of my Wanda June Home brand,” says Lambert. “The products are a physical representation of a long line of beautiful memories with amazing women. I am thrilled to launch Wanda June Home with Walmart where my grandpa was a greeter back in the day and where I’ve shopped all my life.”
Wanda June Home features more than 80 kitchen, bar, tabletop and home décor items priced from $12.97-$170, although most of the pieces are under $30. This inaugural collection is designed to mix, match and collect, featuring tabletop essentials inspired by Lambert’s own Southwestern retro farm kitchen, such as the Vintage Stripe Porcelain Dish Set ($39.97), fun and feisty barware, including the Saucy Sippers Stainless Steel Stemless Set ($20.98), and home décor that features Lambert’s take on Southern charm.
Shop items from the collection directly through the links below.
.
Vintage Stripe 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware
A mix of trendy and nostalgic, the Wanda June Home by Miranda Lambert Vintage Stripe 12-piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set is a head-turner. It’s made from porcelain and features hand-painted, vintage-inspired patterns that add a ‘70s mod style to your tabletop. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.
.
Wanda June Home Where Dreams Are Made Blue 2.3-Quart Stoneware Casserole Dish
Serve up a signature chili dish, mama’s casserole, and more! The 2.3-quart casserole dish with a matching glass lid bakes and browns evenly, it’s dishwasher and microwave safe and oven safe up to 450 degrees (350 degrees with lid). This stoneware baker is a charming, oven-to-table piece with country-style designs making an easy-going but impressive statement.
.
Wanda June Home Novelty Porcelain Pedestal Cake Stand
Let them eat cake! This durable, 10-inch porcelain cake stand is made for everyday baking and special celebrations. Available in blue and orange, this vibrant confection item features a flat top decorated with a sassy surprise that reveals itself after the last slice is gone.
.
Wanda June Home Novelty Porcelain Pedestal Cake Stand
For baking delicious casseroles, creamy potatoes, lasagnas, cakes and more, the Big Mistake Orange 11-inch Stoneware Baker Dish gets the job done. It features a thick stoneware build ensuring lasting durability to bake delectable dishes for years.
.
Wanda June Home Game On Assorted 18-ounce Stoneware Camper Mugs
The Game On 18-ounce mug set are kitchen must-haves that can perk up any mood, any time. Each durable mug features a wide mouth for convenient sipping and a sturdy handle for a safe and comfortable grip when drinking.
.
Wanda June Home Textured Zig Zag Pillow
Add an eye-catching pattern and an extra-comfy accent to your bedroom, living room or another space. The 18-inch x 18-inch pillow features a richly textured, cotton-blend with contrasting zig-zag design on the face and a smooth solid fabric on the back.
.
Wanda June Home Persian Shag with Fringe Area Rug
This Persian Shag with Fringe Area Rug offers a stylish and modern update on a traditional motif, with a plush shag construction that delivers cozy softness under your feet and an inviting feel for any space.
Vanessa Picken has been named chair and CEO of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand, the company announced Tuesday (June 14). Picken will start in the role in September, reporting to Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer.
In her new role, Picken will oversee all operations, artist signings, marketing and business partnerships out of the company’s Sydney office. She will also be responsible for striking new partnerships for artists with other Sony companies and identifying opportunities for artists across various entertainment mediums including music, TV, film, podcasting and gaming.
Picken arrives at SME Australia and New Zealand from [PIAS] in Los Angeles, where she held the role of managing director and led the growth and restructure of the company’s label group and distribution business. During her time in the role, Picken played a key role in repertoire and campaign development for artists including Arlo Parks, Day Wave, Röyskopp, Lykke Li, Mykki Blanco and Geese. Prior to being elevated to managing director, she ran digital strategy at [PIAS] across America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to her roles at [PIAS], Picken founded digital agency and label services company Comes With Fries, which has provided creative, digital marketing and media services to indie artists, managers, labels, organizations and brands including Powderfinger, Placebo, Support Act, Nettwerk Music Group, Red Bull Records, So Recordings, Jess Mauboy, Strange Talk, The Chats, Confidence Man and Speedy Wunderground. Picken is also the co-curator of Fastforward Sydney, a music technology conference for industry leaders.
Picken kicked off her music industry career in 2006 with a five-year stint at EMI Music Australia, where she worked with the label’s local and international artists.
The new hire comes roughly a year after Pickens’ predecessor in the chair and CEO role, Denis Handlin, stepped down from his post after nearly 40 years of leadership following a bombshell report in The Sydney Morning Herald that detailed allegations of discrimination, bullying and harassment at Sony Music Australia under his leadership. In April that year, SME Australia terminated veteran executive Tony Glover – then serving as the company’s vp of commercial music – after an investigation found that he had engaged in “inappropriate behavior” with staffers.
Handlin’s departure was announced by Stringer, who said at the time, “It is time for a change in leadership. And I will be making further announcements in terms of the new direction of our business in Australia and New Zealand in due course.” It was later reported that Sony Music had hired an Australia-based external counsel to handle ongoing investigations into the company’s workplace culture.
In a statement on Picken’s hire, Stringer noted that the company brought her aboard “after a careful and thorough recruitment process. Her impressive background covers so many areas of the modern music business in Australia and New Zealand and her recent leadership experience in the United States adds a global understanding to those existing skills.”
Added Picken, “I’m delighted to be coming home to join Sony Music Australia and New Zealand to take the company into a transformative next chapter. Our strategies will focus on music, allyship, and innovation, with a global mindset.”
Shares of HYBE fell 27.5% in early trading Wednesday morning following Tuesday’s news the Korean company’s cornerstone act, K-pop superstars BTS, will take time off for its seven members to pursue individual opportunities.
HYBE shares opened at KRW 168,000 on Wednesday after closed at KRW 193,000 on Tuesday. Within the first hour of trading, HYBE fell as far as KRW140,000, knocking off about $1.7 billion of market capitalization, before rebounding to KRW 145,5000. In just one hour, HYBE investors exchanged more than six times the stock’s daily trading average on the Korean Stock Exchange.
Wednesday’s selloff put HYBE’s share price down 59.9% year to date. HYBE wasn’t the only music stock to fall sharply in 2022, however. Record labels and music publishers have not been immune to recent stock market volatility. Through Tuesday, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group are down 16.7% and 36.5% year to date, respectively. Two smaller music companies, Believe and Reservoir Media, are down 51.5% and 23.9%, respectively, through Tuesday.
Companywide, BTS accounted for 27% of HYBE’s U.S. album sales and streams in 2021, according to the company’s fourth quarter 2021 investor presentation. In Japan — the world’s second-biggest music market — BTS accounted for about half of HYBE’s album sales, according to the company’s 2021 earnings. On top of that, BTS likely accounted for nearly all HYBE’s touring income that amounted to 191.1 billion ($148 million) in 2019 and 45.6 billion KRW ($36 million) 2021.
BTS ranked fourth on Billboard Boxscore’s mid-year 2022 list of top tours after selling 458,000 tickets for 11 concerts. Nearly 200,000 of those tickets came from just four shows at Allegient Stadium in Las Vegas. BTS’s four-night stand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last December sold 200,000 tickets and grossed $33.3 million, according to Billboard Box Score — the sixth-highest grossing engagement in Boxscore history.
HYBE’s 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings from Scooter Braun made the company less reliant on BTS to drive revenue. In terms of U.S. music sales and streams, Ithaca Holdings — which includes label and management clients — made up 45% of HYBE’s U.S. album sales in 2021. Big Machine Label Group, led by Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line, accounted for 4.8 million album-equivalent units. Artists managed by SB Projects accounted for 7.5 million album equivalent units in 2021.
HYBE’s Korean artist roster has also become more diversified in recent years. In 2018, BTS accounted for 100% of the company’s U.S. album sales for its Korean artists. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, BTS’ share declined to 78.5%, 70.3% and 49.0%, respectively, as Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together and Enhyphen gained popularity.
This story will update as Wednesday trading continues.
Florida spiny lobster season is about two months away, but the draw of the tasty crustaceans was simply too hard to resist for two men who were arrested in separate … Click to Continue »
An investigative team from the Miami Herald has won one of the top awards in journalism for its deep examination of the factors that contributed to the deadly collapse of … Click to Continue »
Turns out the Five Man Electrical Band was wrong when they sang “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign” — signs aren’t everywhere. Not “For Sale” signs, at least. Some years back, … Click to Continue »
