Madonna is reflecting on her growth since the health scare last summer that led to the Queen of Pop being induced into a coma for 48 hours in the ICU.
”Happy 4th of July,” the superstar wrote alongside a series of gorgeous selfies and snaps from her glitzy NYC celebration with friends. For the festivities, Madonna opted for a silky red gown, paired with matching fingerless gloves and layers of silver jewelry.
”A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life threatening illness, I could barely stand in my backyard holding one sparkler,” she continued in the caption. “I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you God. Life is beautiful!”
In June of 2023, Madonna spent several days in the hospital due to a bacterial infection. The hospitalization forced the star to put her massive, career-spanning Celebration tour on pause, though the rescheduled dates began in the fall and continued through the spring earlier this year.
Madonna released her first statement after her hospitalization in July, thanking fans for their positive energy and assuring that she’s feeling better. “I have felt your love. I’m on the road to recovery and incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life,” wrote the singer.
The six-month Celebration Tour closed with $225.4 million and 1.1 million tickets sold over 80 shows, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore.
The Celebration Tour is Madonna’s sixth trek to gross more than $100 million. The only other acts to achieve this are the Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and U2, making her the sole woman in this elite group.
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Cardi B (born Belcalis Almanzar) has been sued for copyright infringement by Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar, who make up producer duo Kemika1956, alleging that the Grammy-winning rapper used their “Greasy Frybread” track without permission in her hit single “Enough (Miami).”
According to court documents filed in Texas federal court on Wednesday (July 3), Fraustro and Aguilar released “Greasy Frybread” featuring Punkin’ Lusty on Nov. 9, 2021, via Tattoo Musik Group Studios. The complaint adds that the track later gained recognition on streaming services and was used in the FX series Reservation Dogs.
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In addition to Cardi B, “Enough (Miami)” producers OG Parker (Joshia Parker) and DJ SwanQo (James Steed) are named as defendants in the lawsuit, along with Celebrity Booking Agency, Cardi B’s label Atlantic Records and its parent company, Warner Music Group.
“Enough (Miami)” was released on March 15, 2024, through Atlantic Records. The single peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and currently boasts more than 46 million streams on Spotify alone.
The plaintiffs are requesting statutory damages; a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent further infringement, followed by a permanent injunction; a court order requiring the defendants to recall and destroy all infringing copies of the work; and declaratory relief establishing the plaintiffs’ alleged ownership of the copyrighted material in question.
Cardi B, Warner Music Group/Atlantic Records, OG Parker, DJ SwanQo and Celebrity Booking Agency did not immediately respond to Billboard‘s requests for comment.
Cardi B is no stranger to copyright litigation. In August, the Bronx native and her “WAP” collaborator Megan Thee Stalliontook a legal victory when they won a copyright lawsuit that had been filed against them over the track. In that case, a Manhattan federal judge tossed the lawsuit after ruling that the lyrics Cardi and Meg were accused of copying — “p—- so wet” and “n—– wild’n” — weren’t original enough to be covered by copyright law.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-05 19:53:392024-07-05 19:53:39Cardi B Sued by Producer Duo Who Claim She Used Their Song in ‘Enough (Miami)’ Without Permission
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.
It’s the Minions collaboration that BTS fans have been waiting for, and maybe the cutest BTS collab yet. Funko is releasing a collectible set inspired by Despicable Me 4, and all seven BTS members get transformed into adorable Minions.
The exclusive seven-pack features Pop! versions of RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. And yes, they’re sporting the signature Minion goggles, but no overalls. The BTS Minions come decked out in outfits inspired by the K-pop group’s 2021 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Permission to Dance.”
The Funko Pop! release is part of a larger collaboration between Illumination, Universal and BTS’ label Big Hit, which includes a limited collection of T-shirts, hoodies, sweats, tote bags and more priced from $30-$60. The merch collection is available at the WeVerse U.S. shop from June 19-July 1.
Fans can also shop the apparel and accessories collection at retail pop-ups in Seoul and Tokyo (the Los Angeles pop-up ended on July 3). Additionally, the BTS x Despicable Me 4 collection will soon be available at Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters stores and online.
The BTS x Despicable Me 4 collaboration celebrates Poppy Prescott, a new character from the movie who identifies as BTS Army. Fans were quick to spot clues pointing to Poppy being a BTS fan in a clip from the movie.
BTS first teased the Despicable Me 4 collaboration last week on social media.
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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.
Embrace the laid-back summer vibe with a classic pair of jean shorts. Whether you’re hitting the beach or lounging in your backyard, these versatile shorts are must-have for every occasion. From high waisted shorts to mid-rise jean shorts, there is something for everyone.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Dad Short
If you’re looking for a lightweight yet form-fitting option, you might want to add these Abercrombie & Fitch Dad shorts. With its curve-hugging features, you won’t want to take it off. One A&F customer said, “Obsessed. I think this is the only pair of denim shorts that I’ve owned in my adult life that I actually like. They aren’t too tight on my thighs! What a win! I never thought I could feel so good in shorts!”
For those looking for an affordable yet comfortable and stylish option, consider these Mini Jean Shorts from Walmart. With its butt-lifting design, these shorts not only enhance your curves but also provide a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
Sidefeel High Waisted Button Fly Stretchy Summer Denim Shorts with Pockets
Change up your denim shorts style with these Sidefeel Highwasted Stretchy Summer Shorts. These shorts feature a button-fly design, making them stylish and easy to pair with anything.
If you are looking to expand your collection of stylish shorts, consider adding these Levi Strauss Signature Women’s Shorts to your wardrobe. Crafted from stretchy denim, they offer extra length while keeping you cool all summer.
For those looking for a high-rise fitted jean shorts, consider these Levi’s shorts from Target. These are perfect for relaxing weekend or running errands anytime anywhere. It comes in all sizes and colors, varying from black to different shades of blue.
If you are looking to diversify your jean shorts style, consider this Old Navy High-Waisted Jean Shorts. With its flattering design, you’ll be able to wear these anywhere you’d like. Its distinctive button fly and front and back patch pockets will make you stand out from the rest.
Vintage shorts can add a unique style to your look in seconds. These Mila Vintage High Rise Shorts are made out of organic cotton. Its distinctive contoured fit, subtle curve, and frayed hemline help accentuate your natural waistline. Get the casual and laid-back vibe, offering a little extra length compared to shorter styles.
Elevate your look with these High-Rise Easy Cutoff Jean shorts, which are currently 30 percent off! Achieve the perfect edgy shorts look and pair it up with any shirt of your choice.
Mix up your shorts selection with this Stella High Rise Short. It’s a great option for those seeking longer shorts as well as adding variety to your closet. This relaxed fit lets you to move freely and helps you achieve ultimate comfort. You can get this style in pink, black, and different shades of blue.
Black shorts are a wardrobe essential, so if you don’t already have a pair, consider these Universal Thread High-Rise Jean Shorts. Hurry though, the medium wash color is currently out of stock, but you can still get it in black. These versatile, lightweight, and formfitting shorts are a must-have.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-05 19:36:282024-07-05 19:36:28Top 10 Must-Have Jean Shorts For Summer: Shop Now
In the eighth episode of Billboard Unfiltered, Billboard staffers Carl Lamarre, Trevor Anderson & Damien Scott run through Megan Thee Stallion’s new album, Camila Cabello’s C,XOXO and what they thought of Drake’s features. Additionally, the trio breaks down the highlights from the 2024 BET Awards, including Usher’s tribute and Will Smith’s first performance, along with other standout moments.
Damien Scott: If this was just a 10-track album, it would have been like a…
Trevor Anderson: It would have been a 10/10? Album of the year?
Damien Scott: Classic record.
Carl Lamarre: It killed me knowing that you got two Drake records and they kind of were somewhat of a dud and then you come with a heater.
Trevor Anderson: I’m hoping we can take this and can continue going forward, build off this year and keep it going back.
Carl Lamarre: It’s been quite some time.
Damien Scott: Hey, hey!
Carl Lamarre: Just a little bit, everybody was doing their thing. Little vacays.
Trevor Anderson: Yeah. It’s that time of year.
Carl Lamarre: Yeah, BET.
Damien Scott: Skin tan, hair long. Smell like a vacation.
Carl Lamarre: I love that. You got a little tan on you, pop.
Damien Scott: A little bit.
Carl Lamarre: Alright!
Trevor Anderson: Oh, yeah. I forgot! Yeah! Well I know you were out in L.A. last week, obviously.
Carl Lamarre: Yeah I was in L.A. for BET.
Trevor Anderson: You can see…. I’m thinking of that Sexyy Red video with the…
Carl Lamarre: Oh she made it rain on me.
Trevor Anderson: Go check this out, if you haven’t seen Carl on the Billboard hip-hop social because what’s was the line?
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-05 19:36:272024-07-05 19:36:27Rating the ‘Megan’ Album — And Are Drake’s Features On Camila’s ‘C,XOXO’ Redemption? | Billboard Unfiltered
The first week of July has been lit up with firework displays and, as usual, a shimmering batch of new music releases from several different artists.
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Leading the charge is Zach Bryan, whose highly anticipated new album The Great American Bar Scene dropped Thursday (July 4), fittingly timed for the United States’ most patriotic day of pub drinking. The rootsy, 19-track effort features collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer as well as previously released singles “Pink Skies,” “Purple Gas,” “Better Days” and “Memphis; The Blues” feat. John Moreland.
Also taking advantage of the Independence Day theme is Kesha, who aptly dropped her first song as an independent artist — as in, free from her contract with Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records — on the Fourth. “Joyride” — a topsy-turvy, summer-ready dance track — finds the California native embracing the signature sound that made her a star in the late 2000s.
The week was also marked by a couple all-star collaborations, with Lana Del Rey and Quavo releasing their much-teased duet “Tough” — along with a dreamy music video — and Eminem hyping fans up for his fast-approaching new album The Death of Slim Shady by teaming up with Big Sean and BabyTron on “Tobey.” Plus, Morgan Wallen shared new single “Lies Lies Lies” to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his record One Thing at a Time, while Childish Gambino dropped “Lithonia” ahead of his upcoming final album, Bando Stone & the New World, which arrives July 19.
Whether you reside in the Land of the Free or elsewhere, you have the right to vote for your favorite piece of new music released this week. Tell us your pick by casting your ballot below.
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As the United States celebrated Independence Day on July 4, across the pond, one of country music’s reigning luminaries, Morgan Wallen, showcased his global appeal before 50,000 fans for his debut headlining show at BST’s Hyde Park in London. This marks the largest country concert ever held in the United Kingdom.
Among the throngs of attendees were celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, as well as Kansas City Chiefs player Patrick Mahomes and retired soccer player Brittany Mahomes. “Country concert in London, count me in,” Brittany wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the couple at Wallen’s concert.
Wallen’s July 4 show expanded upon the singer-songwriter’s previous sold-out headlining set at London’s O2 Arena in December 2023. His lengthy set at BST’s Hyde Park was highlighted by a solo rendition of his Post Malone collaboration, “I Had Some Help” (which reigned for six weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100 chart), as well as an acoustic rendering of his song “Lies Lies Lies.” He wrapped the show by throwing it back to his breakthrough 2018 hit “The Way I Talk,” from his If I Know Me debut project.
Wallen also made a surprise release of the U.K. exclusive “Lies Lies Lies” physical CD, while the official recorded version of the song is also available on all streaming platforms. The release follows 2023’s Abbey Road Sessions, which featured a performance of “Lies Lies Lies” and was recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios.
Stateside, Wallen’s One Night at a Time Tour has been a concert juggernaut, often selling out multiple stadium shows in various cities, such as his three-night, sold-out stint at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium earlier this year. Wallen’s global recognition has been steadily ascending, too, with his blend of country, rock and hip-hop elements proving that his stardom expands beyond geographical or genre perimeters. Wallen’s international impact was on display in recent weeks when “I Had Some Help” topped Billboard’s Global 200 chart. The success illustrates Wallen’s steady growth, as the 11-time Billboard Music Awards winner previously notched a top 5 on the Global 200 with 2023’s “Last Night,” and had top 10 hits on the Global 200 chart with 2022’s “Don’t Think Jesus” and 2021’s “Wasted on You.”
Wallen’s concerts have showcased his numerous record-breaking songs and albums (such as his One Thing at a Time album, which earlier this year broke the record for the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album on the Billboard 200 chart) while simultaneously supporting the mission of The Morgan Wallen Foundation, which helps provide children with resources to thrive through sports and music, with a portion of every concert ticket purchased supporting that goal. That aim continued in London, with the Morgan Wallen Foundation earmarking $20,000 to support London Youth Choirs, which gives disadvantaged young people access to music, singing and performance.
The Hyde Park show served as an early taste of what U.K. fans can expect later this year, when Wallen further builds upon his international success with an overseas return on Aug. 28 with a show in Stockholm, Sweden, to launch his first European headlining tour. The seven-concert trek will also feature stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Glasgow, U.K. and more before wrapping with two back-to-back nights in Dublin, Ireland.
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Glastonbury Festival took place at Worthy Farm in Somerset in South West England this past weekend (June 28-30), headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA. The festival is inarguably the pinnacle of the U.K.’s festival season as 200,000 fans head to the British countryside for a varied lineup. SEVENTEEN, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain all performed on the bill, alongside emerging names like The Last Dinner Party, Kneecap, English Teacher and more.
Talk has already turned to next year’s edition. Festival boss Emily Eavis has confirmed that she’s already in conversation with artists for next year’s lineup, and that they’ll take their traditional fallow year in 2026. These are the acts that are potentially in contention to headline the 2025 edition.
Oasis
Talk of the Gallagher brothers reuniting is now a fixture in the chatter around potential headliners. The group – helmed by brothers Noel and Liam – headlined once (in 2004) prior to their acrimonious split in 2009, though there’s a sense of unfinished business. Both have performed at the festival in recent years: Noel warmed up the crowd for Paul McCartney before his epic 2022 slot, while Liam took a similar slot in 2019. This summer, Liam embarked on a sold-out U.K. tour for the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ debut album, Definitely Maybe. The pair recently denied a report that suggested shows were imminent, but it’s the rumor that just won’t go away.
Taylor Swift
Similarly, it feels as if Taylor Swift is at some point destined to headline the Pyramid Stage. Swift was due to take top billing in 2020 alongside Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar before COVID put touring on hold. Post-pandemic, Swift returned with her blockbuster The Eras Tour. Given that the festival’s fees are famously low, and that the Eras run concludes in December 2024, a return could be tricky to negotiate.
Harry Styles
It’s perhaps a shock to learn that Harry Styles hasn’t topped the bill for Glastonbury yet. His former band One Direction never got the invite and, as it stands, the 30-year-old has yet to perform at Worthy Farm. That could change, though: a new album is reportedly in production, his first since 2022’s Billboard 200-topping Harry’s House. There were rumors he would make an appearance during Shania Twain’s Legends slot in 2024, but perhaps he’s holding out for next year….
Sam Fender
For the past decade, opportunities for British artists to ascend to headliner status at Glastonbury have been slim. If there’s a queue forming, however, Sam Fender would be at the front of it. The Newcastle-born musician’s second album Seventeen Going Under went to No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Album Charts, and last summer he played a huge show at St. James Park, his home city’s soccer stadium. In 2022, he played before headliner Billie Eilish on the Pyramid Stage. With album three due later this year, this could be the moment.
Raye
Similarly, only a handful of women – Florence + The Machine, Adele, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and SZA – have headlined the festival in recent history, something Eavis is keen to rectify. Raye is a perfect option. The British artist had a global hit in 2023 with “Escapism,” feat. 070 Shake, which landed at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 — and she scooped up a record-breaking six Brit Awards in February 2024. She headlined her first festival at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May and the trajectory suggests Glasto could be next.
Madonna
Madonna was heavily rumored to take the Sunday headline slot in 2024 until negotiations reportedly broke down over a performance fee. The Celebration Tour – which grossed a remarkable $225.4 million, per Billboard Boxscore – wrapped in May 2024, but a show out of her touring cycle may be more manageable and achievable.
Rihanna
The Barbadian star has also flirted with a performance at the festival and has been heavily rumored in the past. In 2023, it was reported that she had to withdraw from the lineup due to the impending birth of her second child with husband A$AP Rocky. There were more whispers earlier this year, but with new music seemingly further away from what Navy stans would like to imagine, perhaps 2025 is more likely.
Olivia Rodrigo
The “Drivers License” singer is currently in the midst of her GUTS World Tour, which wraps in Australia this October. It would be a quick turnaround to get back on the road for June 2025 with a new record, but given how successful her last Glastonbury appearance was in 2022, she may well fancy heading back to Worthy Farm sooner rather than later.
Dave
U.K. rap has enjoyed considerable success at the festival in recent years. In 2019, Stormzy became the first from the scene to headline the festival. That same year, Dave went viral when he brought up audience member ‘Alex from Glasto’ for a scene-stealing appearance on the mic. The U.K. artist has enjoyed considerable commercial and critical success with his two records (2019’s Psychodrama and 2021’s We’re All Alone In This Together), and his joint single “Sprinter” with Central Cee is the longest-running rap No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart. If a third album materializes before next summer, consider him a shoo-in.
Fred again..
By the time 2025’s edition rolls around, an electronic act will not have headlined the Pyramid Stage for two decades, stretching back to Basement Jaxx’s slot in 2005. Whether that’s through a lack of viable acts or reluctance from the festival, Fred again..’s popularity suggests a clear path to bring dance music back to the main stage. His 2023 set on The Other Stage drew one of the festival’s biggest ever crowds and his secret sets at the 2024 edition caused areas to be shut down hours in advance. He headlined Coachella’s second weekend with Skrillex and Four Tet in 2023 and performed a solo set at Los Angeles’ 77,500-capacity Coliseum last month, suggesting he’s more than up for the challenge.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-05 19:24:392024-07-05 19:24:39Glastonbury 2025: Who Will Headline Next Year’s Festival?
The U.K. has elected a new government. Following the country’s General Election on Thursday (July 4), Labour won an overwhelming majority with 412 elected MPs, and its leader, Sir Keir Starmer, is the new Prime Minister. The U.K. had been under Conservative rule since 2010, but the Rishi Sunak-led party lost 249 seats, finishing with just 121, the worst result in its history.
This comes as little surprise, as polling consistently put the left-wing party Labour ahead of its rivals. The only real question was how comprehensive the result would be. Starmer’s success rivals previous Prime Minister Tony Blair and his landslide victory with Labour in 1997’s General Election.
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Starmer ran his campaign on a ticket of “Change,” but few knew quite what that meant. There were promises of economic growth and a greater respect for the office, but a final YouGov poll released the day prior to the election found that only 5% of registered voters were choosing Labour MPs for “policy reasons.” Despite the seat majority — 326 elected MPs are required to win in the U.K.’s first-past-the-post electoral system — Labour’s vote share has increased by just 1.5% from the 2019 General Election that it lost comprehensively. It’s been a line of attack hammered repeatedly: What does Labour actually stand for?
It’s a question that the music industry has been asking, too. Between the cost-of-living crisis, the rise in inflation and the long-running impact of Brexit, a perfect storm has been brewing under the Conservatives which, Ed Sheeran suggested earlier this week, did “not value art at all”.
There are positive noises. In its manifesto, Labour says it “will implement our creative industries sector plan as part of our Industrial Strategy, creating good jobs and accelerating growth in film, music, gaming, and other creative sectors.” There are references to assisting performers in touring through the EU, ensuring “new consumer protections on ticket resales” and plans to ban “no fault” evictions which, as NME previously reported, is contributing to the housing crisis felt by creatives and society at large.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), is optimistic that the members he campaigns on behalf of — venues, clubs, bars, performers, workers and more — feel positively towards the new government. Fourty four percent of respondents to the NTIA’s Consumer Insight Survey feel that Labour is supportive of the arts, culture and sport, compared to the Conservatives at just 11%.
“There’s been lots of positive rhetoric behind the scenes,” says Kill, but “it still seems very unclear where Labour is from the manifesto.” There will now be additional concern that Thangam Debbonaire, who had been widely expected to become the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sports, failed to win her seat in her Bristol Central constituency; she is one of just two shadow cabinet ministers to not join the party in government.
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The changes that Kill and other industry bodies like the Music Venue Trust (MVT) are calling for are simple. He points to the VAT rate (Value Added Tax) that campaigners like the NTIA and Save Our Scene want reduced to 12.5%, and a reduction of VAT on tickets for music events at grassroots venues. They say these changes would bring them closer to comparative rates in Europe.
In 2022, it was estimated that the nighttime economy generated £136.5 billion, an increase from 2019’s pre-pandemic figure of £121.3 billion, but the NTIA’s report notes that inflation and an increase in operating costs means that any turnover gains will be “essentially wiped out.” Between policy, legislative and financial issues, the live music and hospitality industry is on the back foot.
“We do need to change the attitude in terms of the value we bring,” Kill says. “The nighttime economy needs to start to be perceived as non-burdensome and more value-driven. The worry that we have is that the U.K. is going to lose that status as a real driver of culture.”
There are similarly pressing issues for artists, too. Lily Fontaine, lead singer of indie-rock band English Teacher, which released its critically acclaimed debut album This Could Be Texas on Island Records this year, says artists like themselves are in a dire position. “I’m still not earning. It’s still a struggle for me and my band,” she says. “And it’s even more of a struggle for smaller artists that are trying to make a career.”
When Fontaine gave evidence to the Culture Media & Sport Parliamentary Committee on Grassroots Music Venues in March, she pointed out the “cost-of-touring” crisis and the burden it places on her and her band to keep their tour crew — from technicians to production staff — employed and paid. Though the band received funding from PPL Momentum Accelerator to help record its first single, the sheer cost will lead to a landscape unrepresentative of the U.K.’s diverse music scenes.
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“We didn’t have enough time to maintain full-time jobs to get enough money,” Fontaine says. “It was so hard to create and to enjoy creating [our debut album] when you’ve got to think about earning. Then that creates a homogenised scene because only the people that can afford it would do it.”
Manchester-based musician Chloe Slater — who released her single “Nothing Shines On This Island” earlier this year — is concerned that young people are being priced out of music events that help inspire creativity, and that grassroots music venues are closing at an alarming rate. The MVT says that 125 grassroots venues shut down in 2023, while the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) says that 50 independent music festivals have been canceled, postponed or closed in 2024.
“Grassroots venues and festivals [are] where young musicians hone their craft, and the industry is an ecosystem,” Slater says. “And if you lose those venues, it’s such a massive part of that. I don’t understand where all the new artists are supposed to come from if they’re not there.”
A levy on tickets at larger venues to help support the grassroots venues has been recommended by MPs. Kill welcomes this suggestion but wants to ensure the whole ecosystem is supported, not just music venues. Elsewhere, Labour has suggested a crackdown on secondary ticket touts, but its position on AI is still uncertain, even as it’s become a pressing topic in the music industry and beyond.
The in-tray is bulging and the U.K. music industry is holding its breath, hoping that the incoming Labour government can meet the challenge.
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Benson Boone has become the latest male pop star to enter the scene, and to celebrate his recent success, Billboard is diving into his musical journey in the latest installment of Billboard Explains.
The Monroe, Wash., native discovered his love for music when his friend asked him to join their group for a Battle of the Bands competition. He went on to audition for American Idol, where he received a standing ovation from the judges.
However, he ultimately decided to drop out of the competition to pursue his music career and signed to Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds’ label, Night Street Records.
On the Billboard charts, Boone debuted at No. 33 on the Emerging Artists chart in October 2021. His first Hot 100 track, “Ghost Town,” entered the chart at No. 100.
His biggest hit to date is “Beautiful Things,” which went viral on TikTok and debuted at No. 15 on the Hot 100, and later peaked at No. 2. It topped the Streaming Songs chart and the Pop Airplay chart.
Check out Benson Boone’s full musical journey in the clip above.
