While you were debating the Final Four, the Trump mispronunciation of the day and the Jets' new uniforms, we were busy gathering the 411 on Billie Eilish, the new Grammy chief and the state of the biz in 2018.
Here’s the HITS High 5.
Team Darkroom/Interscope achieved global dominance this week with Billie Eilish’s debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? How did they get it to #1 on iTunes in 60 countries, #1 on Apple Music in 80 countries and land six tracks in the Top 10 on Spotify’s Global chart? She becomes the youngest solo female artist with a #1 album in the U.K. One key player—the Zion Williamson of her team—is Justin Lubliner. Meanwhile, we imagined Billie walking the halls of Interscope.
iHeartMedia has filed for an IPO with an eye toward raising $100m.
Troy Carter is reuniting with longtime collaborator J. Erving for a music/tech startup, Q&A.
The Recording Academy has apparently made its selection on a new chief and contract talks have begun. Is it an insider or someone from outside the biz?
The global music industry grew to $19.1b in 2018, a 9.7% spike, owing in part to a 34% rise in streaming, which now accounts for 47% of global revenues.
Now back to debating who might rap over a remix of “Achy Breaky Heart.”
MUSIC'S MOST BEWILDERING NIGHT
Gauchos got what they'd long deserved, 20 years too late. (12/30a)
PHOTO GALLERY: PICS OF THE WEEK OF THE YEAR (PART TWO)
More weasel photo ops (12/30a)
WALLEN RELEASES BALLAD "SMILE" ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
Country superstar ushers in 2025. (12/31a)
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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.
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