News
Lizzo, Lionel Richie and more ask Trump to help Music Industry survive COVID-19
The letter, sent today, was also signed by Anderson .Paak, Gwen Stefani, and Tim McGraw.
Story Highlights
- The letter was also signed by Diplo, Gwen Stefan, Tim McGraw and others
- Estimations state that $146m in income has already been lost (that number is expected to rise)
As each industry scrambles to find solutions to get through this uncharted territory caused by the spread of coronavirus, a group of prominent musicians are leaning on the United States government to lend support to help the music industry survive this epidemic. Today, the Music Artist Coalition (founded by industry veterans Irving Azoff and Dave Matthews) sent a letter addressed to the Trump Administration, asking for some sort of relief for the “hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the live music business“. The letter was co-signed by a wide range of successful mainstream artists, including Lizzo, Lionel Richie, Gwen Stefani, Anderson .Paak, Tim McGraw, Diplo – and countless others.
The mandatory cancelations of major live music events as a result of government restrictions has not only seen events like Coachella and SXSW rescheduled or canceled – but it has also had significant impact on the wider touring industry as a whole. Ranging from musicians, to dancers, background vocalists, audio / visual / stage production professionals, tour managers and beyond – there are countless people who solely depend on the live music industry to earn a normal living. To make a comparison of just how crucial the world of live music is – 2018 revenues for recorded music stood at $19.1bn, whereas live revenues brought in $27bn that same year. Much of that income goes to supporting those above-mentioned individuals who will essentially be out of work until this pandemic dies down.
Concerts are not just about the headliner
This was reiterated in the letter to congress, stating: Concerts are not just about the headliner”.
“The foundation of live music are the touring musicians, truck and bus drivers, stagehands, production teams, crews who handle lighting, sound, equipment, security, and so many others, who do not have any option for work as there are no live events for the foreseeable future.” it wrote.
They go on to mention that the people in the music are “one of the groups most in need of government assistance” as they have had their business removed “without warning or a safety net“.
Whilst the U.S. government has yet to respond to this request, a number of music organizations and companies have offered financial relief to the music community – including The Recording Academy and Sound Royalties.
Internationally, Australian website ilostmygig.net.au has been setup exclusively for those across Australia and New Zealand who have and will be out of a salary due to touring cancelations. The website claims that $146m in income has been already lost – affecting over 470,000 people.
Trump has stated that there are plans to offer financial relief to affected Americans, but is yet to provide any details on a plan to distribute funds – or confirm who exactly they’ll be going to.
You can read the letter to the U.S. congress in full below:
Dear President Trump and Secretary Mnuchin,
The Music Artists Coalition (MAC) appreciates the bipartisan efforts underway to address the severe economic impact on millions of Americans because of COVID-19. As economic relief efforts are finalized, MAC believes it is essential that support is reserved for the hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the live music business.
In compliance with CDC guidelines, all concerts and events have been canceled indefinitely. As a result, the concert business is as drastically and negatively impacted as the airlines and the hospitality industries, despite a lack of media attention. The men and women who work tirelessly to bring live music to fans are unable to work from home and have no alternative means of supporting themselves and their families.
The cancellation of concerts, tours, and festivals means that the musicians and crews who make every concert a special experience for music fans are now out of a job and have no other way to pay rent or put food on the table. Concerts are not just about the headliner: the foundation of live music are the touring musicians, truck and bus drivers, stagehands, production teams, crews who handle lighting, sound, equipment, security, and so many others do not have any option for work as there are no live events for the foreseeable future.
The cancellation of concerts, festivals, and tours has brought an abrupt end to income for hundreds of thousands of people. For these dedicated individuals, it is not an unwillingness, but an inability, to work, when all concerts, tours, and recording sessions are canceled or indefinitely postponed. While some concerts will be rescheduled, it is inevitable that many will be canceled and unable to find a venue in which to perform when this crisis has passed.
The music industry is facing an existential threat that is unprecedented – the touring business as we know it has disappeared without warning and without a safety net for hundreds of thousands of people. MAC believes the impacted people in the music industry are one of the groups most in need of government assistance.
Thank you for leading the fight to ensure Americans are able to pay their bills and survive these trying times.
Sincerely,
Adam Dorn
Adrianne Duncan
Alex Sugarman
Ali Harnell
Alicia Spillias
Aloe Blacc
Amy Lee (Evanescence)
Anderson .Paak
Anthony Rossomando
Anthony Russo
Ari Herstand
August Roads
BANKS
Ben Rector
Bernie Taupin
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Bloque
Boombox Cartel
Brandon Robert Young
Brian Lee
Burt Bacharach
Charli XCX
Chloe Flower
Clare Bowen
Cody Tarpley
Cold War Kids
Coran Capshaw
Crywolf
Danica Pinner
Danny Parker
Dark Water
Dave Matthews
David Brownstein
David Murillo
Def Leppard
Deva Mahal
Diplo
Don Henley
Drew Holcomb
Dustin O’Halloran
Elizabeth Crbe
Elliot Grofman
FIDLA
Gabe Rosales
Garrett Edson
George Ritter
Grady
Gwen Stefani
Harlan Silverman
Idina Menzel
Irving Azoff
J Ross Parrelli
Jack Quinn
JC Dwyer
JD Souther
Jean-Pierre Durand
Jeff Russo
Jeffrey Rivera
Jennifer Nettles
Jeremy Silver
Jerrod Bettis (p/k/a “Skins”)
Jim Cicconi
Joe Walsh
John Mayer
John Silva
Jon Levine
Jonny Pierce (p/k/a “The Drums”)
Jordan Bromley
Jordan Davis
Jordan Palmer
Julian Casablancas
Karen Fairchild
Kat Dahlia
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
Kenny Loggins
Kerry Brown
Kimber Kristy
Kito
Kristen Foster
Kristian Bush
KSHMR
Kyler England
Larkin Poe
Leslie Odom Jr
Lincoln Jesser
Linda Perry
Lionel Andie
Lionel Richie
Little Big Town
Lizzo
Lostboycrow
Louis Bell
Louis Schoorl
Lucie Silvas
Lucy Levinsohn
Lunchmoney Lewis
MAG
Mandy Dickson
Maren Morris
Mark Ronson
MAX
Meghan Trainor
Michelle Lewis
Mitch Allan
Moana Avvenenti
Morgan Kibby/White Sea
M-Phazes
Nancy Kuo
Nick Seeley
Niia
NoMBe
ODESZA
Omar Waqor
Pat Monahan
Paul Stanley
Pepe Aguilar
Pussy Riot
Randy Belculfine
Robert Longoria
Rory Andrew (p/k/a “Wynne”)
Saint Astonia
Sam Martin
Sammy Witte
Sara Bareilles
Shane McAnally
Sheryl Crow
Showtek
Sirah
Slash
Slightly Stoopid
Spoon
Steve Jordan
Steve Miller
Steve Perry
Stevie Nicks
Stint
Stone Temple Pilots
Susan Genco
T Collar
The Doobie Brothers
The White Buffalo
Tim Lillis
Tim McGraw
Tom Meredith
Troye Sivan
Verdine White
Walk Off The Earth
Zach Dawes
Zach Sutton
MBN Staff
Entertainment
2021 Grammy Awards: Winners List
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards took place at LA’s Convention Center, with no live audience. Beyoncé now holds the record for the most Grammy wins by any singer and any female artist in history.
Story Highlights
- The 63rd annual award show took place at LA’s Convention Center, with no live audience
- Beyoncé now holds the record for the most Grammy wins by any singer and any female artist in history
After postponing the event from January 31st to March 14th due to COVID-19, the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards took place this past Sunday night. Telecasting live from Downtown Los Angeles on CBS, the event mostly took place outdoors at the LA Convention Center, allowing them to use the Staples Center (the GRAMMYs’ usual venue) as a visual backdrop. Despite there being no live audience and viewership hitting a record-low, the night still ended up being historical on a number of levels.
The most nominated artist of the night was Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, who also ended up scooping the most awards – winning four of her nine nominations. This feat puts Beyoncé top of the list for the most Grammy wins by any singer in history, with a total of 28. She is now only beaten by Hungarian-British Conductor Georg Solti who won 31 during his career – and has tied with Quincy Jones, who also has 28.
View a list of winners and nominees below.
RECORD OF THE YEAR
- “Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish — Winner
- “Black Parade” — Beyoncé
- “Colors” — Black Pumas
- “Rockstar” — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
- “Say So” — Doja Cat
- “Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
- “Circles” — Post Malone
- “Savage” — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- “Folklore” — Taylor Swift — Winner
- “Chilombo” — Jhené Aiko
- “Black Pumas” (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas
- “Everyday Life” — Coldplay
- “Djesse Vol. 3” — Jacob Collier
- “Women in Music Pt. III” — Haim
- “Future Nostalgia” — Dua Lipa
- “Hollywood’s Bleeding” — Post Malone
SONG OF THE YEAR
- “I Can’t Breathe” — H.E.R. — Winner
- “Black Parade” — Beyoncé
- “The Box” — Roddy Ricch
- “Cardigan” — Taylor Swift
- “Circles” — Post Malone
- “Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
- “Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish
- “If the World Was Ending” — JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels
BEST NEW ARTIST
- Megan Thee Stallion — Winner
- Ingrid Andress
- Phoebe Bridgers
- Noah Cyrus
- Chika
- D Smoke
- Doja Cat
- Kaytranada
BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE
- “Watermelon Sugar” — Harry Styles — Winner
- “Yummy” — Justin Bieber
- “Say So” — Doja Cat
- “Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish
- “Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
- “Cardigan” — Taylor Swift
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
- “Future Nostalgia” — Dua Lipa — Winner
- “Changes” — Justin Bieber
- “Chromatica” — Lady Gaga
- “Fine Line” — Harry Styles
- “Folklore” — Taylor Swift
BEST POP/DUO GROUP PERFORMANCE
- “Rain on Me” — Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande — Winner
- “Un Dia (One Day)” — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy
- “Intentions” — Justin Bieber featuring Quavo
- “Dynamite” — BTS
- “Exile” — Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver
BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
- “American Standard” — James Taylor — Winner
- “Blue Umbrella” — Burt Bacharach & Daniel Tashian
- “True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter” — Harry Connick Jr.
- “Unfollow the Rules” — Rufus Wainwright
- “Judy” — Renée Zellweger
BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
- “Black Parade” — Beyoncé — Winner
- “Lightning & Thunder” — Jhené Aiko featuring John Legend
- “All I Need” — Jacob Collier featuring Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign
- “Goat Head” — Brittany Howard
- “See Me” — Emily King
BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE
- “Anything for You” — Ledisi — Winner
- “Sit On Down” — The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor
- “Wonder What She Thinks of Me” — Chloe x Halle
- “Let Me Go” — Mykal Kilgore
- “Distance” — Yebba
BEST R&B SONG
- “Better Than I Imagined” — Robert Glasper featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello — Winner
- “Black Parade” — Beyoncé
- “Collide” — Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG
- “Do It” — Chloe x Halle
- “Slow Down” — Skip Marley & H.E.R.
BEST R&B ALBUM
- “Bigger Love” — John Legend — Winner
- “Happy 2 Be Here” — Ant Clemons
- “Take Time” — Giveon
- “To Feel Love/D” — Luke James
- “All Rise” — Gregory Porter
BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
- “Savage” — Megan thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé — Winner
- “Deep Reverence” — Big Sean featuring Nipsey Hussle
- “Bop” — DaBaby
- “Whats Poppin” — Jack Harlow
- “The Bigger Picture” — Lil Baby
- “Dior” — Pop Smoke
BEST MELODIC RAP PERFORMANCE
- “Lockdown” — Anderson .Paak — Winner
- “Rockstar” — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
- “Laugh Now Cry Later” — Drake featuring Lil Durk
- “The Box” — Roddy Ricch
- “Highest in the Room” — Travis Scott
BEST RAP SONG
- “Savage” — Megan thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé — Winner
- “The Bigger Picture” — Lil Baby
- “The Box” — Roddy Ricch
- “Laugh Now Cry Later” — Drake featuring Lil Durk
- “Rockstar” — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
BEST RAP ALBUM
- “King’s Disease” — Nas — Winner
- “Black Habits” — D Smoke
- “Alfredo” — Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
- “A Written Testimony” — Jay Electronica
- “The Allegory” — Royce da 5’9″
BEST LATIN POP OR URBAN ALBUM
- “YHLQMDLG” — Bad Bunny — Winner
- “Por Primera Vez” — Camilo
- “Mesa Para Dos” — Kany García
- “Pausa” — Ricky Martin
- “3:33” — Debi Nova
BEST LATIN POP OR URBAN ALBUM
- “YHLQMDLG” — Bad Bunny — Winner
- “Por Primera Vez” — Camilo
- “Mesa Para Dos” — Kany García
- “Pausa” — Ricky Martin
- “3:33” — Debi Nova
BEST REGGAE ALBUM
- “Got to Be Tough” — Toots & The Maytals — Winner
- “Upside Down 2020” — Buju Banton
- “Higher Place” — Skip Marley
- “It All Comes Black to Love” — Maxi Priest
- “One World” — The Wailers
BEST GLOBAL MUSIC ALBUM
- “Twice as Tall” — Burna Boy — Winner
- “Fu Chronicles” — Antibalas
- “Agora” — Bebel Gilberto
- “Love Letters” — Anoushka Shankar
- “Amadjar” — Tinariwen
For a full list of this year’s winners and nominees, click here.
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MBN Staff
Entertainment
Grammy Awards Postponed, New Date Revealed
The 2021 Grammy Awards has been rescheduled. Details surrounding the format of the show still remain unclear.
Story Highlights
- March 14, 2021 has been confirmed as the new date for this year’s telecast due to COVID-19.
- Format and structure of the show still unknown.
In a joint statement from Harvey Mason, Jr (Interim President/CEO, The Recording Academy), Jack Sussman (EVP, Live Event, CBS Television), and the show’s Executive Producer Ben Winston, the 63rd Grammy Awards have been officially pushed back to March 14th, 2021. Citing ‘the deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles’ (where the ceremony is scheduled to be held) as the reason for the postponement, the statement confirmed what had already been speculated regarding the upcoming ceremony for some time.
It remains unclear if this pushback means the proposed March date will now include more participants than originally planned nor where or how it will be held or if The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah (below) is still slated to host.
According to Variety, a ‘limited’ show was being planned for the original date of January 31st – with only performers and presenters being allowed on-site (at The Staples Center), meaning nominees and winners would only make remote appearances. However, Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. later stated that the event will be held “in and around Downtown Los Angeles”, and also mentioned plans to work with “independent venues” – which could mean we see it not held at Staples and perhaps take a similar production style to the 2020 BET Awards, where all presenters, performers and acceptance speeches were all pre-recorded and/or remote. The statement sent to Music Biz Nation regarding the new March date did not mention that it would be a live telecast – suggesting this may well be the case.
Top nominees for the 63rd Grammy Awards include Beyonce (leading with a total of 9 noms, with 2 for ‘Record of the Year’), followed by Roddy Ricch, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift – who each have 6. You can view the complete list of nominees here.
Get weekly music biz updates straight to your inbox.
MBN Staff
2021 Grammy Awards: Winners List
Grammy Awards Postponed, New Date Revealed
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