This week in dance music: A new album by Sophie, overseen by the late producer’s brother, is coming in September. Kygo, the human music producer, met a terminally ill dog also named Kygo at the former Kygo’s Palm Tree Music Festival in the Hamptons. Las Vegas’ Life Is Beautiful announced a new name, a new format and a September lineup with LCD Soundystem, Peggy Gou and Justice. We took a look at how the the Grammys’ new rule tweaks affect the dance/electronic categories and why DJs are playing so many dance covers. Deadmau5 expressed his displeasure over recent comments by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, Diplo was hit with a new “revenge porn” lawsuit and ADE 2024 added execs from Empire, Spotify, SoundCloud and more to the program for its event this October.

And last but never least, these are the best new dance tracks of the week.

Channel Tres, Head Rush

“The new music I’m making now is just on another level,” Channel Tres told Billboard last year about the output that would become his debut album. And in fact, he was right — with the release of his Head Rush project demonstrating all the inventiveness and easy cool we’ve come to know, love and respect about the Los Angeles-based artist since he broke through circa 2018. Deftly folding in influences from gospel (“Joyful Noise”) to funk (“Candy Paint”) to industrial (“Berghain”), the 17-track album feels like Channel Tres throughout, and features a cool kid assemblage of collaborators including Toro y Moi, Ty Dolla $ign, Estelle, Ravyn Lenae, Thundercat, Teezo Touchdown and Barney Bones.

Out through RCA Records, it comes ahead of summer/fall festival performances at events including HARD Summer, Outside Lands, All Points East and III Points. “A lot of emotion went into this one,” Tres wrote about the LP release. “From it being my first album and then fighting the feelings of imposter syndrome. We here, I’m with you, ill be dancing on tour soon much love.”

LP Giobbi, “Bittersweet”

LP Giobbi’s latest release “Bittersweet” is as it sounds, with the brightness of the vocals (sung by Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley) met with a current of melancholy played out in the simultaneously lush-yet-restrained production. Combined the track gives the feeling of dancing through the tears — especially following the key change in the track’s jammy final third. “Bittersweet” is the first taste of Giobbi’s just-announced second album Dotr, coming this October via Ninja Tune, and written through (and about) the waves of grief the producer experienced after the loss of her mother in law, her longtime piano teacher and a close family friend. Named for the way the producer used sign notes to her parents, Dotr will feature collabs with Brittany Howard, Danielle Ponder, Panama and more artists.

“This album is a lot about what it is to be a daughter, have a daughter and love a daughter, as well as a way of honoring some of the most important women in my life,” the producer says in a statement. “There are also a lot of themes tied to home (the ones we create or the ones we were born into) which, for me, are reflected through my identity as a daughter.”

Isoxo, Knock2 & RL Grime, “Smack Talk”

It makes perfect sense for bass Jedi RL Grime to collaborate with genre phenoms Knock2 and IsoXo, with their long-awaited collab “Smack Talk” also being perfectly executed and predictably large. Together, the three SoCal-based artists raise an army of sound, with hip-hop influences, a church choir, air horns and straightforward headbanding drops altogether taking shape into the heavy, cinematic style that’s generating so much excitement around IsoXo and Knock2, and which has defined much of Grimes’ catalog.

Tycho, “Phantom”

Low-key legend Tycho returns with the lead single from the forthcoming Infinite Health, the oufit’s sixth studio album. “Phantom” gives ’80s synth pop filtered through a lens of AM radio, hitting the clean, cerebral vibe that’s defined so much of Tycho’s work, but with a slightly darker edge.

“I wanted ‘Phantom’ to feel like a blend of lights in a nightclub with some unknown entity; a moving and shifting intelligence that served as a conduit to a deeper understanding of what’s beneath the surface of existence,” says Tycho leader Scott Hansen. “It’s also about coming to terms with mortality, with the phantom being the ever-present specter. I spent more hours on this song than any other on the record.” Coming August 30 via Mom+Pop, Infinite Health will see the first North American tour from Tycho in five years.

Folamour, “Pressure Makes Diamonds”

On the tenth anniversary of the project, French producer Folamour offers a treatise about the challenges of a career in music, with the song’s title also functioning as its thesis statement. “Pressure Makes Diamonds” is cut from the same sonic cloth as previous tracks like “Poundland Anthem,” with the track made from layers and layers of bright synth, piano stabs, a swell of percussion and the artist’s own vocals, purred with a thick French accent.

In a debut that has set new records for the K-pop industry, ILLIT emerged as a new pop titan upon its March start this year, earning its place as an undeniable new artist to watch — and as Billboard‘s first-ever K-Pop Rookie of the Month, for June 2024. The five-member act of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha formed through HYBE’s reality show R U Next? has rewritten K-pop’s global expectations with an explosive, addictive entrance into the international music scene.

ILLIT’s debut single “Magnetic” made chart history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 91, a feat unprecedented for a K-pop group’s first song. Their Super Real Me EP also impacted the Billboard 200, with a No. 93 debut, and hasn’t left the World Albums chart since it first entered the listing, notching 13 weeks so far. The group’s international appeal was further cemented as “Magnetic” secured spots in the top 10 of the Global 200 and Global 200 Excl US charts, and still remains on both tallies as of the chart dated June 29.

“We couldn’t believe our eyes,” Wonhee says. “We’ve never dreamt of seeing ‘Magnetic’ on the Billboard chart.”

Moving from reality show contestants to chart-topping artists has been a whirlwind. While ILLIT’s road to debut wasn’t without some minor challenges (a last-minute lineup change saw the departure of Youngseo, originally slated to be the sixth member), the quintet dove into dance rehearsals, vocal training, language lessons and fitness routines, with Yunah mentioning that a pre-debut appearance at Paris Fashion Week in February for Acne Studios also required practice to ensure their chicest walks and poses. Initially announced to the world with the name I’ll-It, changing to ILLIT was not only more visually pleasing and accessible, but was designed to better “emphasize the meaning behind the name of ‘I Will ( ) It,’ to represent the potential for infinite possibilities,” its management home HYBE shared.

While partially attributed to its association with an industry powerhouse like HYBE, their label BELIFT LAB (which also houses ENHYPEN) and the visibility from R U Next?, ILLIT’s breakthrough goes beyond mere circumstance. An addictive blend of sugary-sweet vocals, ready-to-go-viral choreography, and, well, magnetic personalities that viewers fell in love with during their show all struck a chord with a global audience, one hungry for the next K-pop breakout.

With an all-star team including HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, longtime BTS and TXT producer Slow Rabbit and singer-songwriter Salem Ilese all assisting on Super Real Me, the set’s four tracks point to ILLIT’s promising range, demonstrating where the five members could take their future pop stylings.

Get to know Billboard‘s K-Pop Rookie of the Month better below, with the ILLIT members sharing most of their personal and group stories, and previewing what’s to come next.

Congratulations on your debut, ILLIT! You’ve started so strong with both your debut single and EP entering high on Korea’s charts, as well as on Billboard‘s U.S. and global charts. How did it feel to earn such a strong reaction?

MOKA: It was mind-blowing how so many people loved “Magnetic.” We are very happy that it’s enjoyed and loved by numerous listeners. We’ll try our best to show a better version of ourselves. Thank you!

WONHEE: We couldn’t believe our eyes! We’ve never dreamt of seeing “Magnetic” on the Billboard chart. We’re super happy that so many people are loving “Magnetic.”

While R U Next? and coming from a beloved company can help, do you have any theories as to why your debut resonated so strongly with fans worldwide?

YUNAH: I think the cute, bubbly and hip vibe of our songs represents the charms of K-pop and pop combined well, capturing the audience’s ears and hearts.

MINJU: I can’t believe all the love our global fans are showing us and I’m very grateful. I think they recognize and appreciate the efforts we put into the performances.

Can you explain the meaning of ILLIT to you, and your first reactions to the unique group name?

IROHA: When I first heard the name, I thought the meaning behind it was wonderful. It means “we can be anything,” and that we have infinite potential to become whatever we want to be as a team.

WONHEE: What I loved was how it has such a beautiful meaning to the name. I was so happy to know that we’ve got a name that’s solely ours.

What were the months between the finale of R U Next? and debut like?

IROHA: After R U Next? we moved into the dormitory together and took dance, vocal and language lessons.

YUNAH: Yes! We are dorming together right now. Immediately after the show, I spent time taking lessons and exercising, preparing for the debut. As for the fashion week, we focused on practicing walking and posing in front of the press wall.

When did you find out that “Magnetic” was your debut single and what was your reaction?

MOKA: I think we found out sometime in the winter!! I remember how everyone was excited about the song, and I personally thought the song would be perfect for ILLIT.

WONHEE: I vividly remember how all of us were in awe and shouted “Woah!” Because it was that good!

What other songs are your favorites on the album?

WONHEE: I love “Midnight Fiction” the most, because it has its own aura of warmth that’s delivered with cute and whimsical lyrics.

IROHA: I love all of our tracks, but I have to say it’s “Lucky Girl Syndrome” because my heart gets filled with happiness and I truly feel like a lucky girl whenever I perform for it.

Are any or all of you interested in songwriting, composing or production?

MOKA: We actually haven’t tried [those] yet, but our imagined dreams were reflected in “Midnight Fiction.” It was very interesting to see our stories turn into the lyrics. I’d love to work on lyric writing whenever I have the chance.

Can U.S. fans expect to see you anytime soon?

IROHA: I’ve never been to the U.S. before, but I can’t wait to visit and meet our fans there!

There is inevitable pressure and scrutiny that comes being a public figure. How are you remaining mentally and emotionally strong? Do you have advice or tips for those who might also be going through challenging times?

MOKA: I picture myself achieving my goal, which I find very comforting and nurturing. So I’d recommend this method.

WONHEE: I still sometimes have some difficulties controlling my nervousness, but my tip is to take a deep breath right before I say something. This helps me relax a bit.

Looking ahead, what’s next for ILLIT? Any chance you’re already planning your first comeback?

YUNAH: We are all working hard for what’s to come — which I want to spoil so badly, but I shouldn’t! [Laughs.]

IROHA: Like YUNAH said, we’re working very hard on it, so please stay tuned!

Anything else you’d like to add at this time?

MINJU: I’m forever grateful for all the love we received for our debut track “Magnetic.” We’re working hard to come back with better music and performances, so please stay tuned!

YUNAH: I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for the love our fans have been showing us. And thank you Billboard for letting us share our stories!

On June 13, the Chinese video platform Bilibili officially launched the “New Generation Musicians Program – Original Season.” This program features a large-scale music creation and musician selection contest for singer/songwriters. It will also provide a 5 million RMB (renminbi) fund, along with diverse exposure opportunities for participants.

The initiative aims to empower musicians to make choices, with a focus on “Musicians helping musicians,” garnering industry support. Eight artists, including Chen Chusheng, Chen Li, Penny Tai, Han Hong, Hua Chenyu, David Tao, Wang Sulong and Tia Ray, are collaborating with the contestants. Sony Music will handle album production, while Billboard China will provide comprehensive coverage of the event. Sixteen acclaimed music critics will assist in promotion through online media, and 13 record labels will offer performance and collaboration opportunities to the contestants.

In 2023, Bilibili introduced the “New Generation Musicians Program – Girls Season” to showcase female musicians, achieving significant success. Industry insiders anticipate that this year’s event will unveil more rising stars in the Chinese music scene.

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The Black Music Month celebration continues! Billboard is celebrating the month-long event, which honors the contributions of Black artists in music, by highlighting a collection of memorabilia to shop from artists such as Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Jimi Hendrix, Notorious B.I.G. and Bob Marley.

Billboard teamed back up with talkshoplive to share a roundup of collectibles to shop starting on Friday (June 27). Billboard’s Tetris Kelly and Cat Johnson dropped by the historic Guitar Center location on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles to give fans a first-hand look at some of the memorabilia at a budget-friendly price.  

What’s on the shop list for Black Music Month? From Tupac and Snoop Dogg Funko figurines to apparel and music books, the collection has a mix of cool products for fans to buy.

A poster of Tupac in a prayer pose and a Funko version of the late rapper honoring his debut album 2Pacalypse Now are featured among the list of items. There’s also a jumbo Funko Pop! edition of Snoop Dogg from the “Drop It Likes It’s Hot” music video. Uncle Snoop’s Funko stands 10-inches tall – almost double the size of your average Funko Pop!

Hip-hop fans can grab coffee (or tea) in the Notorious B.I.G. ceramic mug featuring the “It was all a dream” lyric from Biggie’s “Juicy” single and a baby photo of the late rapper from his Ready to Die album.

And there’s even more to shop, like this mini-replica of the Jimi Hendrix Monterey Fender Stratocaster guitar, a Hendrix mural T-shirt, and a Bob Marley music book that teaches you how to play “No Woman, No Cry” “Could You Be Loved” and other Marley songs on a Ukulele.

Check out the video above to shop Billboard’s picks for Black Music Month.

It’s been four years since Lady Gaga unveiled her last solo studio album Chromatica — but according to a recent interview, the superstar says that the drought is set to end soon.

Speaking to Drag Race star Sasha Velour in an interview posted to the HBO Max YouTube account which has since been deleted (Max hosts Gaga’s concert documentary Gaga Chromatica Ball), the “Rain on Me” singer revealed that she has been making time for music lately. “I have just been in the studio all the time, and I’m making a lot of music,” Gaga told Velour. “It’s just this incredibly vast experience that I just feel so lucky that I get to have. I’m excited for Monsters to hear where I am now, and to be connecting on that level again.”

Billboard has reached out to representatives for Gaga, Velour and HBO Max for comment.

It’s another bit of recent good news about new music for Little Monsters. At the end of the new film (which gives an exclusive look at Gaga’s sold-out Dodger Stadium stop on the Chromatica Ball tour in September 2022), a message flashed across the screen stating “LG7 GAGA RETURNS,” referring to Gaga’s long-awaited seventh studio album.

Elsewhere in the interview, Velour took a moment to thank Gaga for putting out her new documentary. “I want to thank you so much for making this film, for making music that we can dance to, and cry to, and connect with people over,” she said. “It has saved my life and so many others. Please keep creating, and we will be here to cheer you on.” 

The new tease comes shortly after Gaga responded to rumors that she was pregnant. Going on her TikTok, Gaga paraphrased a lyric from fellow pop superstar Taylor Swift and wrote “Not pregnant – just down bad cryin at the gym.” Taking notice, Swift criticized fans speculating on Gaga’s health in a comment. “Can we all agree that its invasive & irresponsible to comment on a woman’s body,” Swift wrote. “Gaga doesn’t owe anyone an explanation & neither does any woman.”