NEAR TRUTHS: WITCHING HOUR
It's not easy being green. (11/21a)
AN AWARD-WINNING CMA GALLERY
Cowboy hats and funny caps (11/21a)
GRAMMY CHEW: RUMINATING ON THE BIG 4 NOMS
80% is a lot better than usual. (11/15a)
NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
1
WICKED: Box office looks Oz-some for Universal Pictures musical smash as Ari, Cyn and company soar and Verve/Republic ST casts a spell. Messrs. Lipman and Krents have the best view in Emerald City, and Spanky’s about to be very “Popular.”
2
ATEEZ: It’s a Golden moment for KQ/RCA/ HELLO82 K-pop group, which barnstorms to a #1 chart bow. Fans love the ATEEZ.
3
COACHELLA: Indio megafest’s 2025 lineup led by Gaga, Green Day, Posty, with Travis Scott “designing the desert” as AEG and Goldenvoice kick up some sand. Never was cactus cooler.
4
MAX LOUSADA: Industry vet considering partners for new venture as top-tier players circle. And no, he’s not holding meetings at an Ibiza foam party.
5
MERCK MERCURIADIS: He’s baaack—or will be in ’25, with a whole new game plan. Roll up for a ringside seat.
6
TAYLOR LINDSEY: Longtime A&R hitter ascends to CEO at Sony Music Nashville—meaning all three Music City majors are now led by women. It’s about dang time.
7
RAUW ALEJANDRO: Sony Latin star scores top global debut, inks with UTA ahead of major tour plans for 2025. Talk about Rauw power.
8
BRADY BEDARD: Biz veteran said to take promo reins at Atlantic after stellar stretch under Peter Gray’s tutelage at Columbia. The Elliot bunch is thrilled.
9
KEVIN LIPSON: Chalk one up to Corps competencies as data whisperer is anointed REPUBLIC Corps’ chief revenue officer. Monte, Avery and Roppo say this move is right on the money.
10
CMAs: Morgan wins his first Entertainer of the Year, Megan Moroney is New Artist, Stapleton takes Male Artist, Single and Song and Lainey snags Female Artist as Nashville trophyfest shines with starry telecast. There’s a tear in our champagne.