Music news

• Taylor Swift Donates $30,000 to 18-Year-Old Student to Help Pay Her Tuition

  20-08-2020 23:57
  
  Vitoria Mario is a self-described “young Black 18 year old with a dream” on her GoFundMe page, in which she sought help to pay her university tuition. Luckily, Taylor Swift was there to help out her fan in need.
  “I have received a conditional offer to study Mathematics (MMath) at the prestigious University of Warwick,” Mario wrote, before noting that she is “in a position of uncertainty as I may not be able to attend university due to my circumstances.”
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• ‘Drag Race’ Stars Mourn the Loss of Chi Chi DeVayne: ‘Rest Well, Sister’

  20-08-2020 23:38
  
  On Thursday (August 20), news broke that fan-favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on season 8 of the show and on season three of the show’s All Stars spin-off series, had died at age 34 following a battle with pneumonia.
  In her two appearances on Drag Race, DeVayne (born Zavion Davenport) charmed audiences everywhere with her stellar lip syncing skills, along with her homemade couture. Following her fourth place finish in season 8,
  
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• What’s Your Favorite Demi Lovato Hit? Vote!

  20-08-2020 23:04
  
  Demi Lovato was “Made in the USA” 28 years ago today, Aug. 20, and to ring in her birthday, Billboard wants to know which of her Hot 100 hits is your favorite!
  She’s spent over a decade on the chart, with her career-first entry being the Camp Rock highlight “This is Me” with Joe Jonas, who played Shane Gray in the 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie while Lovato portrayed the main character Mitchie Torres. The song went all the way to No. 9.
  But a
  
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• Offset’s Daughter Kulture Is a Total ‘Daddy’s Girl’ in Sweet New Pic

  20-08-2020 23:02
  
  Sure, Kulture might look exactly like her mama Cardi B, but at heart, she’s all about her father Offset.
  The Migos rapper took to Instagram on Wednesday (Aug. 19) to share a sweet photo with his two-year-old daughter. Offset is seen sitting on a pool chair, reaching out to Kulture as she runs around. “Daddy’s Girl,” he captioned the snap (See it here).
  “My wife and I make sure we’re always around our daughter,” Offset told People of his relationship
  
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• On This Day in Billboard Dance History: Sheila E. Led ‘The Glamorous Life’

  20-08-2020 22:43
  
  Although she’d been playing music all her life — first with her father the percussionist Pete Escovedo and then as part of The George Duke Band and then alongside Prince as a member of his ensemble — Sheila E.’s career changed dramatically in June of 1984 when she released her debut solo album, The Glamorous Life.
  The album’s brassy, sassy title track was a global smash, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October of 1984. 35 years ago today, on August 2
  
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• Darius Rucker Says He’ll Do Another Hootie Reunion Tour — One of These Years

  20-08-2020 22:42 via rollingstone.com
  
  He's focused on his new song "Beers and Sunshine" and finishing his first country album in three years
  
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• ‘Drag Race’ Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead at 34

  20-08-2020 22:40
  
  Chi Chi DeVayne, a fan favorite drag queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, has died at age 34, according to multiple reports.
  Born Zavion Davenport in Shreveport, Louisiana, DeVayne shot to national drag prominence thanks to his ineffable personality and memorable performances on the smash hit series. Despite limited financial resources that affected the costumes he was able to bring to the reality show, DeVayne finished fourth on the season, besting Thorgy
  
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• Laura Marano Shows Fans a Day in Quarantine in Billboard’s ‘That Life’: Exclusive

  20-08-2020 22:32
  
  Laura Marano took over Billboard’s IGTV on Thursday (Aug. 20) to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life in quarantine in the latest edition of “That Life.”
  In the clip, the singer-songwriter starts her day off with a run, rehearses an acoustic rendition of her latest single “Honest With You,” and even questions whether she needs to go to urgent care after burning her finger while getting ready.
  “My incredible, lovely boyfriend Tom Macken has not only b
  
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• NLE Choppa & Amine Score First Top 10s on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums

  20-08-2020 22:30
  
  NLE Choppa and Amine, two of hip-hop’s breakout stars in recent years, can cross off a key milestone on their commercial success checklists as each earns his first top 10 album on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
  NLE Choppa’s promoted debut full-length album, Top Shotta, starts at No. 6 on the list dated Aug. 22 with 36,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Aug. 13, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, while Amine’s sophomore effort, Limbo, beg
  
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• 10 Raw Moments From Katy Perry’s ‘Smile’ Interview With Zane Lowe

  20-08-2020 22:28
  
  Katy Perry, 35 weeks pregnant, sat across the screen from Apple Music’s Zane Lowe for an in-depth interview today (Aug. 20) about how finding her Smile, the title of her upcoming album, isn’t a one-and-done process.
  While KatyCats anticipate the album’s release on Aug. 28 after its postponement due to production delays, she’s anticipating the arrival of her baby daughter with fiancé Orlando Bloom. But having been a pop star long before bec
  
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• You Won’t Believe How Long Black Eyed Peas Have Waited to Perform at the MTV Video Music Awards

  20-08-2020 22:23
  
  The Black Eyed Peas will make their long-awaited first performance on the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 30, when they perform their new single “Vida Loca.” The Peas performed “Where Is the Love?” on the VMAs pre-show at Radio City Music Hall 17 years ago, but never made it to the main show until now.
  Red-hot rapper DaBaby will also perform on the show for the first time. He is expected to join Roddy Ricch to perform their smash “Rockstar,” which logged seven
  
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• What Was the Most Powerful DNC Performance So Far? Vote!

  20-08-2020 22:18
  
  The Democratic National Convention has been rocking throughout the week, with a mix of prominent politicians and superstar musicians taking the (virtual) stage to celebrate the official nominations of Joe Biden and his vice presidential pick, Sen. Kamala Harris.
  On night one, Leon Bridges hoped for a “Sweeter” future with a touching performance in honor of George Floyd and the countless other lives lost to racial profiling and police brutality. Maggie Rogers appeared to per
  
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• Yungblud, Arlo Parks, Biffy Clyro and more all set for Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month

  20-08-2020 22:00 via nme.com
  
  Yungblud, Arlo Parks and Biffy Clyro are among the names set for BBC Radio 1’s annual Live Lounge Month.
  The annual celebration takes place throughout next month, beginning on September 1 and running through to the 30th of the month.Read more: Live Lounge Month: Clara Amfo on Radio 1’s annual celebration and her favourite ever performancesSpeaking of his involvement in the series, Yungblud said: “Playing the Live Lounge was always a massive dream of mine – I used to have
  
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• Lenier Inks Deal With Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records: Exclusive

  20-08-2020 22:00
  
  Singer-songwriter, Lenier, has signed a deal with Mr. 305 Records, Billboard can exclusively reveal today (Aug. 20).
  The multifaceted artist, known for lacing Latin pop with rhythmic beats, as heard in his songs “Que Nochecita” and “Te Quiero Sin Querer,” becomes the first Cuban artist and composer to join the music label, founded by Pitbull in 2009.
  For Pitbull, who dubs his new artist as “a superstar in the making,” according to an official statement, Lenier
  
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• Why The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Was the Right Song at the Right Time to Make Radio History

  20-08-2020 21:52
  
  It might not be as recognizable a Billboard chart record as Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men setting the then-Billboard Hot 100 endurance mark in the mid-’90s with the 16-week reign of “One Sweet Day” — but the Goo Goo Dolls’ 18-week record run atop the Radio Songs tally with “Iris” in 1998 was just as impressive, and lasted for nearly as long.
  After 22 years, though, the historic radio dominance of the Goos’ City of Angels soundtrack single&
  
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• Culture Secretary says performers can get back on stage “without extra social distancing” following new study

  20-08-2020 21:48 via nme.com
  
  Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has said performers no longer need to have “extra social distancing” on stage following the results of a new study.Read more: Crew members call on government to save future of live music industry: “You wouldn’t re-open a hospital without doctors”As first reported on the BBC, the government and Public Health England backed study looked at the amount of aerosols and droplets generated by performe
  
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• See Metallica Crush ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ With San Francisco Symphony

  20-08-2020 21:42 via rollingstone.com
  
  Song will appear on upcoming S&M2 release
  
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• Megan Thee Stallion Becomes First Woman to Hit No. 1 on Rap Songwriters Chart

  20-08-2020 21:34
  
  Megan Thee Stallion hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Songwriters chart (dated Aug. 22), thanks to three songwriting credits on the latest Hot Rap Songs ranking.
  Notably, she becomes the first woman to lead Rap Songwriters, dating to its inception in June 2019.
  “WAP,” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, blasts in at the Hot Rock Songs summit with 93 million U.S. streams, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data, the largest total ever for a song in its first week of release. The s
  
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• Max Ehrich Celebrates ‘Angel’ Demi Lovato’s Birthday With Sweet Post

  20-08-2020 21:23
  
  Happy birthday, Demi Lovato!
  The superstar turned 28 on Thursday (Aug. 20), and her fiancé Max Ehrich showered her with love via social media on her big day.
  “words fall short baby,” he wrote alongside a series of sweet photos of the happy couple. “you light up this world & i am the luckiest man alive to call you my fiancé. i keep falling more in love with you & your pure heart & soul every moment. can’t wait to make endless memories with u &
  
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• The Fall Ready ‘The Frenz Experiment’ Reissue

  20-08-2020 21:22 via rollingstone.com
  
  Expanded edition of 1988 album features non-LP singles, rarities, BBC sessions, B-sides and more
  
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• Taylor Swift Starts Frenzy at Indie Record Stores With Surprise Signed ‘Folklore’ CDs

  20-08-2020 21:13 via rollingstone.com
  
  The Folklore rollout remains nontraditional, as Taylor Swift forgoes her usual Target/Walmart play to support small businesses
  
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• Selena Gomez Shows Off Her ‘Selena + Chef’ Cooking Skills to ‘Proud’ BFF Taylor Swift

  20-08-2020 21:05
  
  Selena Gomez has been dipping her spoon into the cooking world, sharpening her chef skills in her new HBO Max at-home cooking show Selena + Chef.
  In one of the new episodes, Gomez learned how to make a delicious-looking Korean BBQ Texas breakfast taco. Stunned at her new skills, she immediately asked master chef Roy Choi if she could FaceTime a “friend” to show off her new dish.
  That “friend” ended up being none other than Gomez’ superstar BFF Taylor Swift
  
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• 100 Gecs Pit Mushroom, Mouse Against Each Other in ‘Hand Crushed By a Mallet’ Remix Video

  20-08-2020 21:00 via rollingstone.com
  
  Reworked 1000 Gecs track features Fall Out Boy, Craig Owens, Nicole Dollanganger
  
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• Metallica share ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ from upcoming ‘S&M2’ live album

  20-08-2020 20:57 via nme.com
  
  Metallica have shared another preview of their upcoming ‘S&M2’ live album – hear their version of ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ below.
  The forthcoming live album/concert, which lands later this month (August 28) was recorded at two shows that took place in 2019 to mark the 20th anniversary of the metal band’s seminal live album ‘S&M’.
  So far, the band have shared renditions of ‘Nothing Else Matters’, ‘All Within My Hands&rsquo
  
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• 20 Questions With Diljit Dosanjh: How Quarantine Pushed His Music to a New Peak

  20-08-2020 20:47
  
  Diljit Dosanjh has dominated just about every stage in the entertainment industry, from his nearly two decade-spanning music career to a mass of Bollywood film credits, and he’s taking his show to an even more elite level in 2020 with his eleventh album G.O.A.T.
  Released in July, the Punjabi powerhouse’s latest record has created some of the biggest noise of his career, evidenced by his debut on the Social 50 chart, dated August 8 and the 52 million views and counting accrued on just
  
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• Edwin Luna Y La Trakalosa De Monterrey’s ‘Me Hubieras Avisado’ Hits No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay

  20-08-2020 20:29
  
  Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa de Monterrey earn their second single on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Me Hubieras Avisado” jumps 2-1 on the Aug. 22 survey. It’s the second No. 1 in a row, and total, for the act, following “Dormida,” which spent three weeks at No. 1 in April.
  “We are extremely happy and thankful,” Edwin Luna tells Billboard. “Thankful with the people because it’s them who place us where we are and happy beca
  
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• Beggars Group CEO to swim English Channel to raise money for struggling musicians

  20-08-2020 20:29 via nme.com
  
  The CEO of the Beggars Group is set to swim the English Channel to raise money for musicians struggling because of the coronavirus.
  Paul Redding will embark on the challenge in September, and hopes to raise £200,000, which will be split between the PRS Foundation (UK) and the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund (USA).
  The fundraising page (which has already received nearly £30,000 in donations), says that Beggars themselves will donate £1,000 for every mile that Redding swims, and an e
  
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• Hear First Single From Soundtrack to Janelle Monáe’s ‘Antebellum’

  20-08-2020 20:18 via rollingstone.com
  
  Horror film will be released September 18th on VOD
  
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• DaBaby And Black Eyed Peas Will Bring The Heat Performing At The 2020 VMAs

  20-08-2020 20:01
  
  DaBaby and Black Eyed Peas will perform at the 2020 VMAs, joining Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and so many more in a packed lineup.
  
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• Dua Lipa’s ‘Club Future Nostalgia’ Remix Album Samples Stevie Nicks, Jamiroquai

  20-08-2020 19:55 via rollingstone.com
  
  Singer made dance LP in collaboration with the Blessed Madonna
  
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• Deftones reveal tracklisting, artwork and single teaser from upcoming new album, ‘Ohms’

  20-08-2020 19:48 via nme.com
  
  The tracklisting, artwork and a single teaser from the Deftones upcoming new album, ‘Ohms’, has appeared on Apple Music.Read more: “This record embedded in our brains”: the endless power of Deftones’ ‘White Pony’Last week (August 15), the group blacked out all their social media profile pictures, hinting that a new album announcement was on the way.
  Now, the title of the new album, ‘Ohms’, has been shared. The album will be ten-tracks lo
  
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• Dance (And Cry) Along With Aluna Via the Video For Her New Track ‘Envious’

  20-08-2020 19:41
  
  Listen, life is complicated and sometimes you just need to dance it out. And cry it out. At the same damn time.
  In her new single “Envious,” Aluna tackles the experience of grappling with a sticky ball of emotion, singing about being sad, being mad and how’s its been to not make her envious, as she’s cruel when she sees red. Maybe you can relate.
  “I think people really need this song right now because I believe it’s my best ‘cry dance’ song; a styl
  
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• Nordoff Robbins to host Big Busk events in London and Glasgow next month

  20-08-2020 19:36 via nme.com
  
  Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins have announced details of their Big Busk event for 2020.
  The charity will hold two concurrent events in London and Glasgow on September 26, giving unsigned artists the chance to perform as well as raising money for the charity.
  The events will take place in London’s Camden Market and Glasgow’s Republic Bier Halle. Applications for artists are open now, and more details can be found here.
  Sandy Trappitt of Nordoff Robbins says: “After a succ
  
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• Fans Voted & This Is The Lali Song They’re Obsessed With in 2020

  20-08-2020 19:16
  
  Lali’s devoted fans have officially picked the song of hers that they are obsessed with in 2020.
  After a two-week poll made the rounds, highlighting four of her latest bops, her fans ultimately crowned “Lo Que Tengo Yo” as her best track this year (so far) with nearly 32 percent of the votes. Her recent single, “Fascinada,” came at a close second with more than 24 percent.
  The Argentine pop star blessed fans with “Lo Que Tengo Yo” in the midst of the Cor
  
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• Hear Sisqo, Shawn Stockman’s Star-Studded Tribute to Quincy Jones’ ‘The Secret Garden’

  20-08-2020 19:15 via rollingstone.com
  
  Raheem DeVaughn, Omar Wilson also appear on new cover of Back on the Block hit, available on all streaming platforms tomorrow
  
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• Gwen Stefani, Blackpink Will Appear On Dua Lipa & The Blessed Madonna’s ‘Club Future Nostalgia’ Remix LP

  20-08-2020 19:13
  
  Clubs remain closed, but that’s not stopping Dua Lipa and The Blessed Madonna from throwing one hell of a dance party. Today (Aug. 20), the two artists announced the track list for Club Future Nostalgia, a complete remix package of Lipa’s 2020 LP Future Nostalgia.
  The project reimagines the album for the club and includes samples from Gwen Stefani and Blackpink, along with remixes from dance world legends including Masters At Work, Moodymann and more. Th
  
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• Ronnie Wood: The Rolling Stones have some 'lovely music on the back burner'

  20-08-2020 19:03 via music-news.com
  
  Ronnie Wood says The Rolling Stones have some "lovely music on the back burner", and the band hope to return to the stage next summer.
  
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• Katy Perry Explains ‘What Makes a Woman’ in New Song

  20-08-2020 19:03 via rollingstone.com
  
  Perry will release Smile later this month
  
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• Groove Armada announce first album in a decade

  20-08-2020 19:00 via music-news.com
  
  The house legends - comprising of pals Tom Findlay and Andy Cato - have unveiled their long-awaited comeback album
  
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• Demi Lovato’s Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 Hits

  20-08-2020 19:00
  
  Happy Birthday, Demi Lovato! The pop superstar turns 20 today (Aug. 20, 2020).
  In honor of Lovato’s big day, we’re looking at her biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Here’s a ranked look at her smashes, from “Cool For the Summer” to “Sorry Not Sorry.”
  Check them out below.10. “No Promises” (Cheat Codes featuring Demi Lovato)
  Peak date: Oct. 21, 2017Peak position: No. 38
  9. “Skyscraper”
  Peak date: July 30, 2011Pea
  
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• Mark Ronson teases the killer vocals on his Miley Cyrus collaboration ‘High’

  20-08-2020 18:59 via music-news.com
  
  The pop star previously teased that there will be two or three songs with the studio wizard - who she hooked up with on mega-hit
  
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• James Chance launches GoFundMe for help with “personal health issues and the COVID situation”

  20-08-2020 18:58 via nme.com
  
  The family of no-wave legend James Chance have launched a new GoFundMe page to help the musician through “personal health issues and the COVID situation”.
  According to the new fundraising page, Chance and his partner Judy Taylor are hoping to raise $50,000 (£40,000).
  The GoFundMe reads: “James and Judy currently live in New York and have both been severely affected by personal health issues and the COVID situation. James had to cut short his European tour last year due to
  
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• August Alsina Explains Why He Broke Silence on Jada Pinkett Smith Affair

  20-08-2020 18:57
  
  If it was up to August Alsina he would keep his private life private. But after Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith spilled the tea about Jada’s “entanglement” with Alsina during a particularly rough time in her marriage to the rapper/movie star, Alsina responded last month in a series of cryptic tweets.
  Now, he’s getting more detailed about why he chose to keep the dalliance secret in the first place. In an interview with People magazine, Alsina, 27, described himself as a
  
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• Brother of Bomber Who Attacked Manchester Ariana Grande Concert Sentenced to 55 Years

  20-08-2020 18:53
  
  The brother of the suicide bomber who set off an explosion at a 2017 Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds, was sentenced Thursday (Aug. 20) to a minimum of 55 years in prison.
  Hashem Abedi, 23, had denied helping plan the attack at Manchester Arena but was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and conspiring to cause explosions. His sentencing had been postponed due to travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
  His elder brother Salma
  
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• Miley Cyrus confirms title of new collaboration with Mark Ronson

  20-08-2020 18:44 via nme.com
  Miley Cyrus has confirmed the title of a new collaboration with Mark Ronson on her next project.Read More: Mark Ronson interview: working with Miley Cyrus, turning divorce into disco, and his new album of ‘sad bangers’Speaking to Zane Lowe on the first episode of Apple Music’s ‘Essential Radio’ yesterday (August 19), Cyrus confirmed one of their new collaborations will be called ‘High’.
  Speaking about the track, Cyrus said: “I have a song on my rec
  
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• Carla Morrison, Zoé & More Lead Benefit Concert to Help Tech Crews Impacted By Coronavirus

  20-08-2020 18:41
  
  Carla Morrison, Zoé, Julieta Venegas, Café Tacvba, Leonel García, and Esteman, among others, are banding together to help raise funds for 300 Mexican concert industry workers impacted by the cancellation of live events and have been out of a job since the COVID-19 outbreak.
  On Aug. 28, the aforementioned artists will headline the ¡Va por el crew! virtual festival, an initiative propelled by Zoé’s frontman León Larregui and Café Tacvba’s
  
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• Freestyle Love Supreme Members Teach ‘Freestyle 101’

  20-08-2020 18:37 via rollingstone.com
  
  Aneesa Folds and Anthony Veneziale share beatboxing, rapping and improv tips and techniques
  
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• Five Key Insights From MRC Data’s COVID-19 Entertainment Tracker – Vol. 6

  20-08-2020 18:35
  
  Today (Aug. 20), Billboard launched the Billboard Pro Spotlight Live Industry Virtual Event. The mini-conference features a handful of different interviews and discussions surrounding the effects of COVID-19 on the live music business, including a Livestreaming Data Deep Dive with Fabrice Sargent from Bandsintown and Vita Molis from Nielsen Music/MRC Data.
  In advance of the data-focused panel, MRC Data released the sixth installment, or Wave 6, of their COVID-19 Entertainment Tracker. They colle
  
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• Five Key Insights From Bandsintown’s Live Streaming Data

  20-08-2020 18:34
  
  Today (Aug. 20), Billboard launched the Billboard Pro Spotlight series – Live Music Streaming: The Future is Now. The mini-conference features a handful of different interviews and discussions surrounding the effects of COVID-19 on the live music business, including a Livestreaming Data Deep Dive with Vita Molis from Nielsen Music/MRC Data and Fabrice Sargent from Bandsintown.
  In advance of the data-focused panel, Bandsintown conducted their own consumer research with a survey of 450 fans
  
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• Keke Palmer Celebrates True Jackson’s Influence On An Entire Generation

  20-08-2020 18:30
  
  2020 VMA host Keke Palmer tells MTV News why she resurrected her beloved character True Jackson to announce her nabbing the awards-show gig. She also muses on how essential it is to follow her creativity.
  
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