BACK TO BUSINESS

Ten weeks into 2022, the biz is collectively getting its groove back. We’re only a few weeks away from the return of the buzz: Grammys, festivals, arenas and stadiums and superstar releases. Another exclamation point—nearly two years after the pandemic started, many workplaces are asking their employees to return to the office in one form or another, with most engaging in a hybrid remote schedule.

The Grammys, 4/3 in Las Vegas, will reignite the industry with their delayed broadcast. Shortly after that, two weeks of Coachella will finally transpire. Ye, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish will welcome unmasked youth back to the desert for the first time since 2019.

Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Eilish and Bad Bunny will all be on the road this spring, ahead of a summer stadium season that includes outings by Paul McCartney, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and more Bad Bunny. Live music’s blockbuster return is also anchored by sold-out festivals headlined by Kendrick Lamar, Macca, Eilish, Ye, Miley Cyrus and more.

As for releases, which acts will opt to become part of the bounce-back? Lamar is active again, as are Styles and Gaga. Will any big winners at the Grammys have material ready to capitalize on the momentum? Sometimes even non-activity could be a sign of something in the works. It’s been a minute, for instance, since we’ve heard from the über-productive Taylor Swift, who released FOUR albums during the pandemic. And it’s been years since Beyoncé and Rihanna have delivered. Streaming favorites Post Malone, The Kid LAROI and Lil Baby, meanwhile, have teased new projects, and buzz is growing over a new Future album. When will Travis Scott begin his re-emergence?

It's been a long two years. Welcome back.