Taylor Swift Receives Flowers (And a Request) From U2 As The Eras Tour Hits Dublin

Taylor Swift is gearing up to play three shows in Dublin as part of The Eras Tour, and she’s getting some love from Ireland’s most famous rockers as she plays their hometown.

On Friday (June 28), Swift shared on her Instagram Stories a photo of the flowers and a sweet note that she received from iconic rock band U2.

Alongside a bouquet of white, pink and purple roses and lilies was a card that read, “Dear Taylor, welcome back to our hometown…leave some of it standing?!!!!”

The note was signed, “Your Irish fan club, Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry.”

On her Instagram Stories, Swift responded by captioning her post with “Already feeling that Irish hospitality!! @u2, thanks for always being the classiest & coolest.” Swift also included an Irish flag emoji.

The note came as Swift is set to perform three shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on June 28-30. Paramore will open each of the shows.

Swift has seen numerous artists and celebrities in attendance at her The Eras Tour shows. Beatles legend Paul McCartney recently danced with fans at one of Swift’s concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium, while others who have attended The Eras Tour include Shania Twain, Haim, Diplo, Selena Gomez, Billy Joel, Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman and Maren Morris.

Following her Ireland concerts, Swift’s tour itinerary through the rest of 2024 includes stops in Amsterdam, Milan, Munich, London, Toronto and Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department spends its ninth week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album marks her 14th project to top the Billboard 200.

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LISA Spotlights Three Trans Influencers in Her ‘Rockstar’ Music Video: Fans React

With a boistrous new singe under her belt, LISA of BLACKPINK is proudly stepping out on her own — and she’s bringing a few Thai influencers with her.

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Eagle-eyed fans noticed three transgender influencers — Chinnawat Promsri, Bruze Kachi-sarah and Aëffy — featured throughout the clip. Alongside shots of LISA dancing her way through Bangkok, the three influencers appear throughout the video to pose for the camera dressed in their best evening wear.

Chinnawat Promsri — known to her fans as Chinni — is best known for sharing viral videos of herself speaking about her experience as a trans woman living in Thailand. Bruze Kachi-sarah, meanwhile, recently earned the title of first runner-up in Miss Tiffany 2024, a long-running beauty pageant in Thailand for trans women. Finally, Aëffy works with Thai media organization GMMTV, and regularly posts photos from the GMMTV set on her Instagram. All three posted clips of the “Rockstar” video to Instagram Stories after the video’s release.

Fans were quick to point out the excellent timing of LISA’s new music video — earlier this month, Thailand’s senate passed a landmark piece of legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first Southeast Asian country to do so. “Lisa putting the spotlight on the LGBTQ community & her home is so so special to me,” one fan wrote on X. Another added: “THE LGBTQIA+ REPRESENTATION????????? SHE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO DO SUCH S–T IN THE KPOP WORLD. LISA THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE.”

The new video and song arrives after LISA signed a blockbuster solo deal with RCA Records back in April. “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family, and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career,” she said in a statement at the time. “Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”

Check out LISA’s new music video for “Rockstar,” as well as fans’ reactions to her LGBTQ+ inclusion, below.

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Pharrell Williams & Louis Vuitton Sued Over ‘Pocket Socks’ by Small Company With Same Name

Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton are facing a lawsuit over their launch of a high-end line of “Pocket Socks,” filed by a California company that says it’s been using that same name for more than a decade on a similar product.

In a case filed last week in Los Angeles federal court, Pocket Socks Inc. says the luxury brand’s product — a literal sock-with-a-pocket that launched at Paris Fashion Week last year and sells for the whopping price of $530 — infringes its existing trademark rights to the name.

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“Much attention and publicity has been generated for Louis Vuitton’s ‘Pocket Socks,’ including defendants, the press, and consumers using the name ‘Pocket Socks’ for their product which irreparably injures Pocket Socks’ longstanding brand and trademark rights,” the company’s lawyers write in the June 20 complaint.

Louis Vuitton announced in February 2023 that Williams would serve as the company’s men’s creative director, and he debuted his first line for the company later that year at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

One of the items apparently rolled out at last year’s event was the Pocket Socks — a pair of knitted socks that feature a pocket adorned with a pearl. The socks received some notoriety in January when Jermaine Dupri was razzed on social media for wearing them during his Super Bowl halftime performance. Though currently unavailable for purchase, the socks are listed on Louis Vuitton’s UK website for £420 — roughly $530 in U.S. dollars.

Louis Vuitton’s new product didn’t sit well with Pocket Socks Inc., which says it’s been using that exact same name since 2012 for its own line of socks that feature a zippered pocket sewn into each pair. In its lawsuit, the company says it owns several federal trademark registrations for the brand and that the new product clearly infringes those rights.

In a statement announcing the new lawsuit, Pocket Socks Inc. claims Louis Vuitton’s new line “threatens to undermine the hard work and dedication” that has gone into building the brand: “This massive luxury brand and their designer Pharrell Williams should know better and behave within the law,” said CEO Evan Papel.

In technical terms, the lawsuit accuses Williams and Louis Vuitton of infringing both the trademark to the name as well as the so-called “trade dress” — meaning the actual look of the product. The sale of similar-looking socks under the same name is “likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers,” the lawsuit claims.

As the case moves forward, one possible defense argument from Williams and Louis Vuitton could be that the name Pocket Socks is too “descriptive” to serve as a trademark. Under U.S. trademark law, terms that merely describe the goods or services being sold cannot be locked up as an exclusive brand name.

Neither a rep Williams nor Louis Vuitton immediately returned requests for comment.

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Ethel Cain Pauses Central Park Concert to Help Multiple Fans In Need of Assistance

Ethel Cain‘s performance in Central Park as part of SummerStage’s concert series largely went off without a hitch Thursday evening (June 28), with the 26-year-old musician performing a slew of mellow tracks and closing with a rousing encore of “American Teenager” and a cover of the Kim Carnes’ version of “Bette Davis Eyes.” But there was one bizarre moment that occurred midway through, with four to five people requiring medical assistance within a few minutes of each other during the same song.

Just before launching into her ambient, unreleased song “Amber Waves,” Cain asked her audience to close their eyes and stand still to feel the energy of the song rippling through them. Some concertgoers may have taken her instructions too seriously, though, and locked their knees while listening, as a few appeared to pass out and/or suddenly require help all at once across several different spots in the crowd.

Other relevant factors: the temperature of the outdoor event was somewhere in the high 70s, according to National Weather Service, though drinks were available at concession stands. The sold-out space was fully packed as well, with a staff member instructing concertgoers before the show began to refrain from sitting down on the ground in order to make sure everyone could fit.

When she noticed people needing aid, Cain stopped her performance in its tracks and directed medics to the spots they were needed. She also called on SummerStage workers to hand out waters, which they obliged, and at least one person was walked out of the venue by staff.

“Does anybody else need water?” the Florida native asked her audience patiently before starting “Amber Waves” from the top. “Is everyone good, is anyone feeling faint?”

Billboard has reached out to SummerStage’s rep for comment.

Cain is currently slated to tour throughout the end of September, when she’ll return to New York for the All Things Go music festival. Her debut record, Preacher’s Daughter, was one of Billboard‘s top 50 albums of 2022.

The rapid-fire incidents at Cain’s show are just the latest examples in what seems to be an upward trend of people fainting since live performances returned post-pandemic. Last year, fellow folk-rock star Maggie Rogers issued a PSA to fans about the importance of staying hydrated at concerts, noting in a TikTok video, “Something is happening on this tour that we have never ever experienced before, which is that we’re seeing more people than ever either pass out or have panic attacks in the audience.”

“Obviously, it’s been a really long time since we’ve been in crowds, and concerts may not be the most natural space after a couple of years we’ve spent in the pandemic,” she added at the time. “If you’re coming to a show, please stay hydrated, try not to lock your knees if you’re standing for a really long time, take some breaks, and just do everything you can to keep everyone safe and healthy around you.”

Watch Cain handle the pauses in her show below.

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In Canada: Avril Lavigne Appointed to Order of Canada

One of Canada’s biggest stars is getting one of the country’s highest honours. Pop-rock star Avril Lavigne has been named to the Order of Canada, a civilian honour that recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the country. Lavigne was announced by Governor General Mary Simon yesterday, amongst a list of 83 new appointees that includes scientists, economists, poets and activists.

Lavigne’s appointment highlights her impressive commercial and artistic achievements, as well as her charity work. “With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, she paved the way for female-driven punk-rock music and continues to do so today,” the notice reads, going on to mention her support of individuals living with disabilities and serious illnesses through the Avril Lavigne Foundation.

The Order of Canada appointment comes as Lavigne is celebrating her successes with Greatest Hits, a new compilation released June 21 featuring platinum singles like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi” as well as her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Girlfriend.” Lavigne is one of Canada’s best selling artists.

The Canadian icon is also taking her hits on the road with a major tour, which kicked off in Vancouver in May and begins its second leg in Toronto on Aug. 12 with a sold-out Scotiabank Arena show.

Beyond the charts, Lavigne helped pave the way for a punk-inspired vision of girlhood in the early 2000s, when most female pop stars were embracing a more traditionally feminine image. Lavigne’s brash attitude and white tank top and tie combo cemented her as an icon for a generation of Canadian kids.

Lavigne wasn’t the only musician recognized by the Order of Canada this week. Montreal singer-songwriter Daniel Lavoie was named an Officer of the Order, as were percussionist Beverley Johnston and conductor Kent Nagano. -Rosie Long Decter

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Mustafa’s ‘Name Of God’ Named Best Canadian Music Video of the Year, Winning 2024 Prism Prize

Mustafa has become the first two-time winner of the Prism Prize, the award that celebrates the best in Canadian music videos. He has won the 2024 Grand Prize for video of the year for “Name of God.” 

Mustafa, also known as Mustafa Ahmed and Mustafa The Poet, also took home the award in 2022 for “Ali.” Both of his winning videos are self-directed. Mustafa’s win comes with a $20,000 prize, the largest monetary award for music videos worldwide.

Mustafa released “Name of God” last year days after penning a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to speak for Palestine. The song and video touch on violence and grief as well as the power of community and tradition.

Mustafa isn’t this year’s only winner. Nemahsis has won the fan-voted Audience Award, winning “i wanna be your right hand.” That $2,500 prize goes to both artist Nemahsis and directors Norman Wong and Amy Gardner. The video takes the Palestinian-Canadian artist in a choreographed dance through a restaurant kitchen and into a showstopping empty-room dining hall performance.

Mustafa and Nemahsis beat out a strong shortlist of videos, including clips from The Beaches, Feist, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and more. See the whole list here and check out the four other special award winners here. -Kerry Doole

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k.d. lang To Be Inducted Into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024

k.d. lang will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024 by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). The induction will take place at Country Music Week 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, September 11–14 leading to the CCMA Awards.

“I am beyond thrilled, and frankly pleasantly surprised to be honored in this way,” says lang, who was born in Edmonton. “My love for the prairies, the people and our culture underscore every ounce of my inspiration. Not without its complexities, I might add. Such is life. I am so stoked to be coming to Edmonton to bask in this celebration… with deepest gratitude.”

Emerging in the 1980s as part of a then-burgeoning “cowpunk” scene, lang has had one of the most powerful and beautiful voices in country music and beyond. A queer icon and activist in many spheres, she’s expanded the boundary of the genre and pioneered within and beyond it.

“Today, we are excited to announce the incomparable k.d. Lang as our 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Artist inductee,” says Amy Jeninga, president of CCMA. “A true Canadian icon and trailblazer in country music and beyond, k.d. embraced the genre with unparalleled passion, and her extraordinary talents have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of our nation. We proudly honour her incredible legacy and outstanding contributions, and can’t wait to celebrate her induction in Edmonton this September.”

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is housed at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary. A new exhibition celebrating new and historic inductees will open September 11, 2024, with more details still to be announced. -Richard Trapunski

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Country Label MDM Recordings Inks Global Deal With Warner Music Canada’s ADA CANADA

Country music is big business in Canada right now, and one of the nation’s major labels has made a new deal to reflect that.

ADA CANADA, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Canada, has announced a new exclusive global distribution deal with MDM Recordings. Founded by Canadian music industry veteran Mike Denney in 2008, MDM Recordings describes itself as “a full service independent label and management company specializing in country music.”

MDM has an impressive track record, especially with up-and-coming country acts. Its roster has included such notable Canadian country musicians as Chad Brownlee, Tyler Joe Miller, Bobby Wills and Don Amero, and music released on the label has earned over 450 million global streams, and more than 500,000 physical units sold. Artists currently on the MDM roster include Jess Moskaluke (a platinum-selling artist and Juno and CCMA Award winner), Charlie Major, Amero, and The Redhill Valleys, alongside promising newcomers Savannah Jade and Josh Stumpf.

MDM Recordings has twice been awarded record label of the year at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards. Mike Denney has been honoured with the record company person of the year title three times and has overseen seven CCMA Award wins for their artists.

“MDM Recordings has always been about fostering incredible talent and sharing their music with the world,” says Denney. “This partnership with ADA Canada marks an exciting new chapter for us. We are thrilled to leverage ADA’s extensive global network to bring our artists’ music to an even broader audience.”

Greg Morris, VP of ADA Canada, says: “Mike Denney had a vision 16 years ago to create MDM Recordings, and he has done incredible work building it into what it is today. It has an excellent track record of discovering and developing country artists, and has regularly been recognized as one of the best country labels in Canada. I’m proud that Mike has entrusted ADA Canada to support and grow his business, and am excited to work with him and his team to grow his artists’ success, and help them connect with their fans around the world.” -Kerry Doole

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Diddy Day in Miami Beach Is No More

The Sean “Diddy” Combs fallout continues in wake of the leaked Cassie assault footage and mounting sexual misconduct lawsuits against him. Diddy has maintained complete innocence in the sexual misconduct and sexual assault lawsuits against him, and he continues to deny all of the allegations.

According to the Miami Herald, the Miami Beach Commission revoked the Diddy Day recognition dedicated to the Bad Boy mogul on Oct. 13. He received the honor courtesy of Mayor Philip Levine at a REVOLT conference in 2016.

The decision to rescind the recognition was made on Wednesday (June 26) “without discussion.” Diddy has been a staple of the Miami Beach Star Island community where he owns a mansion, which was raided by federal agents alongside his L.A. estate in March.

Earlier in June, Diddy returned his key to New York City after a request from Mayor Eric Adams. Combs sent the key back to Adams’ offices after the mayor received letters asking for it to be sent back to City Hall, and Diddy obliged on June 10.

“I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” Adams wrote at the time in the letters.

Howard University also rescinded an honorary degree that was awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name following the release of the disturbing video involving Cassie. CNN released surveillance footage in May of Diddy physically abusing Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel outside an elevator bank from March 2016.

Diddy apologized for his behavior, which he says he was “disgusted” by, but ended up deleting the video when clearing his Instagram account last week.

“I was f—ed up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses,” he said in the since-deleted clip. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.”

Cassie and Diddy dated on-and-off for over a decade from about 2007 through 2018 before calling it quits for good.

The “Me & U” singer filed a sprawling lawsuit against the famed music executive in November accusing him of rape and physical abuse during their time together. The two parties quickly reached a settlement less than 24 hours later. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Find a photo of when Diddy was presented with his own day in Miami Beach here.

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The Future of Hip-Hop: What’s Next, Up & Coming Artists, AI & More | Billboard News

Presented by Lexus, proud supporter of Black Music Month, this episode explores emerging trends in hip-hop and potential future directions for the genre. We will examine how new technologies, cultural shifts, and global influences are shaping the next generation of hip-hop artists including international hip-hop artists Bad Bunny, Central Cee and more.

Yo-Yo:

The future of hip-hop is, “we are taking over.” There’s no saying no to hip-hop.

DDG:

It’s becoming more than just music.

Polo G:

The future hip-hop is artists like myself, of course. 

Laurieann Gibson:

Honestly, it’s in a sensitive time right now.

Yo-Yo:

Hip-hop takes pride in being great. Hip-hop takes pride in being revolutionary. 

Catrise Johnson:

What’s so interesting with hip-hop is how global it is right? It’s an American conceptual thing, but in the U.K. you have Central Cee. You have artists in Africa and Asia and the Philippines and South America even. I mean Peso Pluma just did a song with Rich The Kid. 

Gail Mitchell: 

I’m very excited about all the women who are in the lanes right now like Latto. There’s Rapsody. She’s talking a truth about inner reflections about things that women are going through. 

Yo-Yo:

I’m seeing artists who are finding alternative ways to get their music played in video games, movies.

Catrise Johnson:

Lexus is proud to honor iconic black artists during Black Music Month. Continue watching this exclusive look at hip-hop history on Billboard presented by Lexus.

DDG:

YouTube, for me is a big impact on how you sell your music and how much you can sell. So you got to think about every music video there is on YouTube. It’s really to gain fans, to get people to care about your music for like people who don’t really like it. There are artists out there, there’s 100 times better than me, but he ain’t got as many eyeballs as me. 

Keep watching for more!

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Here’s How to Get Tickets to the Nicky Jam & Luis R Conriquez-Headlined RUMBAZO 2024

Tickets for RUMBAZO 2024 — the two-day event taking place Sept. 13-14 and headlined by Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Arcángel and Codiciado – are now on sale.

Announced earlier this week, the third edition of RUMBAZO, this year in partnership with Billboard, is set to take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where music fans will not only be in for some show-stopping performances but will also get to enjoy food stands, art displays and many other activities. RUMBAZO coincides with the traditional El Grito and Mexican Independence Day weekend, celebrated Sept. 15-16.

“Year three of RUMBAZO is slated to be our best event yet, especially with the addition of our new partner, Billboard,” organizers said in a press release. “Over the past few years, Las Vegas has become the ideal location for El Grito weekend, and RUMBAZO has emerged as a true Mexican Independence Day tradition.”

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Sponsored by Estrella Jalisco, this year’s RUMBAZO lineup reflects the stronghold both regional Mexican and urbano have on Latin music and culture. Reggaetón veterans Nicky Jam and Arcángel bring in decades of hits. Meanwhile, both Conriquez and Codiciado are among the new generation of música mexicana hitmakers forging their own path singing corridos.  

RUMBAZO is open to guests ages 18+. For more information, visit rumbazofest.com or follow the event on social media at @rumbazofestival.

Rumbazo tickets are on-sale here. Use the code Billboard for exclusive discounted pricing. Regular price is just $89 for weekend GA & $129 for weekend VIP – grab them while you can.

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Lana Del Rey Stepped Out In a Beachy $11 Walmart Top (And It’s Almost Sold Out)

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.

When it comes to Lana Del Rey’s style, the singer can often be spotted showcasing a boho, free-spirited look, which includes flowy skirts and crochet styles. And while she showed off a more fantastical look at the 2024 Met Gala, where she appeared as a whimsical forest nymph, Del Rey was back to her signature style on her most recent outing on Wednesday (June 26). Even better? She was spotted in one of her most wallet-friendly looks yet: an $11 top from Walmart.

Days after performing her one-night-only show at Boston’s Fenway Park on June 20, the “Summertime Sadness” singer was photographed in South Carolina wearing a floral tube top from the brand No Boundaries, according to Lana Del Rey fashion blogger Anna Hocking (known on Instagram as @lanadelreysclosets). The shirt is available on sale right now on Walmart. Keep reading to shop the tube top below.

blue floral crochet tube top from walmart

No Boundaries Juniors Crochet Bra Top

Buy Now on walmart $10.98

No Boundaries’ Crochet Bra Top is ready to bring a boho Y2K vibe to all of your summer outfits. The design has a fitted bodice that flares out into an asymmetrical hem decorated with a blue floral crochet pattern. In the center of the bodice are tie strings that you can tie into a bow for a more flirty appearance.

Walmart’s crochet top comes in four different patterns, but sizes for the exact blue floral shade seen on the Del Rey are already selling out, which means you’ll want to add it to your cart fast if you plan on channeling her summer look.

The “Young and Beautiful” singer chose a more casual route and paired the crochet top with ripped jean shorts and white sneakers, which can be seen in a photo slide posted by the fan account @lanadelreypictures on Instagram.

Rey has previously stated that she’s feeling more playful as she gears up to drop her first-ever country album. Her style always embodies individuality, and this wallet-friendly top only further proves her free-spirit energy towards everything from her music to fashion.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best slip dresses, denim jumpsuits and knee-high boots.

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Aaron Frazer on Avoiding ‘Whiplash’ With New Eclectic Album: ‘I Am Still Me in Every Context’

Over three years into his solo career, Aaron Frazer is about to embark on his first headlining tour. Frazer – the drummer and vocalist for soul outfit Durand Jones & The Indications – released his first solo album Introducing… in January of 2021 when touring options were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions and only managed to fit in a few opening gigs with fellow retro-enthusiasts Black Pumas. 

For his sophomore set Into the Blue (out today via Dead Oceans), Frazer will support the new record across nearly 30 dates and multiple countries – a challenge he’s nervous, but ready to accept.  

“At this point in people’s careers, if they’re the front person up there without an instrument in their hands they have probably been doing it since they were a kid,” Frazer tells Billboard. “And I’ve spent a lot of time on my butt … behind a drum kit.” 

But Frazer isn’t entirely untested as a headliner. His booking team floated the idea of a one-off show at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles (the city he now calls home) for February and, within minutes of onsale, it was sold out. The team added two more nights around the city including The Lodge Room and The Paramount in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, both of which also sold out.  

“It moved really quick, which was cool, man,” says Frazer. “I don’t think anywhere in the world has my back the way L.A. has my back.” 

Tonight, he’ll celebrate the release of Into the Blue at The Wiltern, which has a larger capacity than his Threepeat run combined, and will formally introduce his loyal audience to the 10-track collection that showcases an even wider range of Frazer’s talents. Following his heavily soul-focused debut, Into the Blue takes the listener from 1950s pop of “Perfect Strangers” to the ‘90s R&B-styled “Fly Away,” along with boleros-inspired Spanish-language track “Dime.” While the genres sound disparate, Frazer and co-producer Alex Goose manage to ground the album in Frazer’s slick drumming and signature falsetto.  

Billboard caught up with Frazer prior to his album release gig to discuss growing into a frontman, his love for hip-hop and how he manages to create cohesion as a “genre-agnostic” artist. 

Into the Blue takes you into even more genres than before with ‘90s R&B, 1950s/1960s rock’n’roll and, of course, soul. How do you make all these genres sound cohesive on one album? 

I am extremely eclectic in my listening, but for some people I did want to avoid the feeling of whiplash. Finding these through-lines that you can weave together to make it a more cohesive listening experience. So, like, Italian film score, some of the spaghetti western stuff. Ennio Morricone was a big influence on this record, and David Axelrod. Both Morricone and Axelrod, you have these big operatic background vocals, but then you also have very tough drums – very breakbeat-oriented drums. For me, it is keeping the drums tough throughout.  

For example, the opening track “Thinking of You” — I was listening to a lot of Black Ivory from Harlem when I was writing that. The true period take would be to actually dial back the drums a little bit, but I wanted to push the drums a little bit more forward so that it can also blend with a song like “Dime” which is part Little Beaver and part Kali Uchis. So, yeah, tough drums, the background vocals and I am still me in every context. That is also the tie that binds. 

Speaking of “Dime” featuring Cancamusa, what made you want to add Spanish-language vocals to this track? 

I was working with a Spanish co-writer. I had this beat that I had made in collaboration with Alex Goose, my co-producer, as well as Robin Hannibal from Rhye. We put this track together and it had this smooth, intimate romance to it and Spanish is such a romantic language – it literally is a romance language. It felt like the right context for a Spanish-speaking artist. I wrote the lyrics with a writer named Sofia Lafluente, and she brought the Spanish perspective to that. I love being able to shine a spotlight on other artists, whether it is with my production or if it’s on my own social media. So much of the soul audience that I have is Spanish-speaking, and I wanted to show respect to the culture and bring a Spanish-speaking artist onto the track. 

Your career has been heavily influenced by older soul music. What drew you to that music? 

I’ve always felt genre agnostic. Hip-hop for me has always been at the core of my musical DNA. That’s how I learned soul music in the first place. The first CD I ever owned was Big Willie Style by Will Smith. I wish it was a cooler album. [Laughs] You get what you get when you’re a kid. But on that record there is “Just the Two of Us” which is a Bill Withers interpolation and the “Men in Black” rap which is Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots.”  

From the jump, my introduction to soul music was filtered through hip-hop. It’s always been part of how I’ve understood music. Every hip-hop record draws multiple lines outward to other records across generations. So, here’s a drum break from the ‘60s. Here’s a soul sample from the ‘70s. There’s a jazz piano snippet. That’s the core of my musical philosophy. All these genres and different decades, it’s all just one thing. 

Despite the depth of genres and instruments you introduce on the album, the tracks never sound cluttered. How do accomplish that? 

It definitely takes a lot of work the more elements you put in. A lot of my musical heroes are good at exactly that. Curtis Mayfield builds these huge arrangements but they’re never like, “Whoa! Okay, I get it.” It’s never overbearing. Lee Hazlewood is another one that I come back to a lot. He’s making country music but there’s a toughness to it and his arrangements are just cavernous. A lot of it comes down to the part arranging and being able to see when everything fits. There’s a call and response to create a conversation between the elements. That’s what it is a lot of the times. 

You had a very successful Threepeat run of shows in Los Angeles earlier this year, but now you’re going on a full headlining tour. What can fans expect? 

I have a drummer who signed on for this tour who also sings background and plays percussion. So, when I’m on the kit, he’ll be on percussion and background vocals and then when I go up front, he’ll be on the drums. 

So, unlike previous gigs, you’re going to be even more of a frontman. How does that feel? 

It feels naked. It feels like a fever dream where you walk on stage without your pants on. It is fun, but it is a challenge. It requires a certain amount of bravery. I’m learning as I go, but I’m looking forward to this opportunity to experiment with abandon. That’s something I admire so much about Durand as a front person – his sense of abandon, his freedom on stage.

I also need to figure out who I am as a front person. I don’t come out of the James Brown school of frontmanship. It would be weird if I did. Smokey Robinson had his own kind of stage presence that is more demure. Or Curtis Mayfield, his stage presence was interesting because he held a guitar for a lot of it, which is nice. When I have a guitar in my hand, I’m like, “Okay, I’m safe. I’m good. I have something to do with my limbs.” 

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