1. NARM Renames Itself the Music Business Association, Expands Mandate

    October 07, 2013 12:16 PM EDT The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), the trade organization founded in 1958 which represents music retailers, distributors, and others involved in the sale of music and related merchandise, has announced it is restructurin ...

  2. Chart Moves: Elton John's Top Five Feat, Nirvana's 'In Utero' Returns, 'Jon Stewart' Sends Atoms Flying

    October 04, 2013 9:07 PM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Drake led a party of debuts in the top 10, as his "Nothing Was the Same" started with 658,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His launch marked the second-largest sales week of ...

  3. U.K. Music Singles Sales on Track for Record Year

    October 03, 2013 2:58 PM EDT The U.K. is on track to set a new singles sales record in 2013 as a third release of the year is nearing the milestone of a million copies sold, according to the Official Charts Company. Robin Thicke’s "Blurred Lines" feat. TI and Phar ...

  4. Country Music Association Awards 2013 Voter Guide (PDF)

    October 03, 2013 12:00 PM EDT Country Music Association members will receive their third and final CMA Awards ballot on October 10 and will have until Oct. 28 to fill it out. The final results will be revealed during the airing of the 47th annual CMA Awards  -- "Country ...

  5. Lorde on Topping Hot 100: It's 'Like My Birthday, Christmas, Washing My Hair After a Month'

    October 02, 2013 5:30 PM EDT Hey, Lorde, you've just topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "Royals." How does it feel? "It feels like a combination of my birthday, Christmas and washing my hair after a month of not doing so," Lorde beamed to Billboard e ...

  6. Drake Leads Debut-Filled Top 4 on Billboard 200 Followed by Kings of Leon, Cher, Elton John

    October 02, 2013 11:00 AM EDT The Billboard 200's top four albums are all debuts this week, led by Drake's "Nothing Was the Same," which launches at No. 1 with 658,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Last Friday, industry sources forecast that the s ...

  7. New Signings: Warner Music Nabs Ylvis, WME Inks Leah Turner, Maximum Artist Adds Lalah Hathaway, Warner/Chappell Signs Danny Orton

    October 02, 2013 7:45 AM EDT Here’s a look at the latest artist signings across the music industry. Billboard.biz is interested in your company’s new signings. Please send announcements to Mitchell.Peters@billboard.com for inclusion in our regular report. Click here for the ...

  8. Drake's 'Nothing Was the Same' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200

    October 01, 2013 10:05 PM EDT It's official: As expected, Drake's "Nothing Was the Same" has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with the second-largest sales week of 2013. Drake's 'Nothing Was the Same': The Billboard Cove ...

  9. Justin Timberlake Heading for Second No. 1 Album this Year, Lorde Aiming For No. 3 (Updated)

    October 01, 2013 7:16 PM EDT Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience -- 2 of 2" is bound for the top of the Billboard 200, according to industry forecasters. While Billboard has yet to announce this week's top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, we're ...

  10. Nielsen's Acquisition of Arbitron Complete

    October 01, 2013 11:22 AM EDT Nielsen, global provider of information and insight into what consumers watch and buy best known for its television ratings, has completed its acquisition of Arbitron Inc., the marketing and media research firm best known for its U.S. radio rati ...

  11. 'Les Miserables' Soundtrack, Emeli Sande Top Year-to-Date U.K. Album Sales Chart

    October 01, 2013 9:34 AM EDT A 2012 release from Scottish singer Emeli Sande and the soundtrack to Universal Pictures' "Les Miserables" are the best-selling albums in the U.K. year-to-date. The Official Charts Company on Tuesday said that as of the end of the ...

  12. Polly Anthony Remembrances: Jimmy Iovine, Michele Anthony, Doug Morris, Celine Dion, Shakira, Macy Gray, More Pay Tribute

    October 01, 2013 1:30 AM EDT The loss of Polly Anthony this week impacted a large swath of the music industry who responded in droves to the loss of a beloved music executive who helped guide the careers of many successful artists (including, Macy Gray, Shakira, Celine Dio ...

  13. Britney Spears' Las Vegas Residency Director Baz Halpin Reveals Production/Visual Details (Exclusive)

    September 30, 2013 8:56 PM EDT Over the past four months, award-winning touring director Baz Halpin has been working tirelessly on designing the production, visuals and lighting for Britney Spears’ upcoming nightclub-esque residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in ...

  14. 'Breaking Bad' Finale's Last Song Surges With 3,000% Sales Gain

    September 30, 2013 4:34 PM EDT Badfinger's "Baby Blue" is suddenly red hot. The song, which closed the finale of AMC's hit series "Breaking Bad" last night (Sept. 29), has suddenly risen into the top 25 on iTunes' top songs list and is poi ...

  15. Chart Moves: Grateful Dead's Highest Charting Album Since 1987, Mumford & Sons' 'Sigh' Hits 3 Million & Josh Groban's TV-Fueled Return

    September 27, 2013 11:59 PM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Jack Johnson scored his fourth No. 1, as "From Here to Now to You" arrived atop the list with 117,000 sold  in its first week (according to Nielsen SoundScan). Also noteworthy was how there ...

  16. Kings of Leon, Cher and Elton John Heading for Top Five on Billboard 200

    September 27, 2013 9:40 PM EDT It will be busy on the Billboard 200 albums chart next week, as a slew of big-name acts are heading for high debuts. As previously reported  on Wednesday, Sept. 25, Drake's new album "Nothing Was the Same" is heading for a very st ...

  17. Drake Heading for 675,000-Plus No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200

    September 25, 2013 8:53 PM EDT Drake is set to rock the Billboard 200 chart next week. The hip-hop star's "Nothing Was the Same" album is on course to earn the second-largest sales week of the year and easily debut at No. 1. Industry sources forecast the effort ...

  18. Alex Pham's Digital Notes: YouTube's Free Tracks, Amazon's Cloud Store, Siemer's Big Prize

    September 25, 2013 8:11 PM EDT YouTube's Free Offerings Google, it would seem, loves giving stuff away. Last week, it was QuickOffice, a suite of productivity apps it purchased in June and is now distributing as a free download. Today, it's more than 150 audio track ...

  19. How The Weeknd Went From Internet Mystery to Billboard 200 No. 2

    September 25, 2013 4:20 PM EDT What does it mean for an artist to succeed on his/her own terms in 2013? The Weeknd -- the 23-year-old, famously elusive R&B singer born Abel Tesfaye -- sold 95,000 copies of his major label debut album "Kiss Land" last week, accor ...

  20. Study: Online Music Sales in Russia to Grow by 158 Percent in 2013

    September 25, 2013 3:52 PM EDT Legitimate online music sales in Russia are to more than double this year, a local research company says, adding that iTunes’ presence in the market has a serious impact. In 2013, Russia’s legitimate online music market is to reach $8 million, a ...

  21. Jack Johnson Scores Fourth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart

    September 25, 2013 10:59 AM EDT Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson claims his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, as "From Here to Now to You" bows atop the list with 117,000 sold in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.   The new effort is his third cons ...

  22. Nirvana’s ‘In Utero’ Turns 20: Ex-Geffen Execs' Remembrances, Anecdotes, Marketing Strategy (How 'Rape Me' Became 'Waif Me')

    September 24, 2013 12:43 PM EDT Nirvana had much to live up to following the release of its groundbreaking 1991 album, “Nevermind.” But, with the weight of the world on them, the grunge trio surprised (and perhaps alienated) many with its raucous and emotionally raw follow-u ...

  23. Gerardo Ortiz, Joan Sebastian to Perform at Billboard Mexican Music Awards

    September 23, 2013 5:15 PM EDT The Billboard Mexican Music Awards 2013 will feature some of the biggest names in the business who will take to the stage including Joan Sebastian, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga, Gerardo Ortiz and Banda Los Recoditos.  The show, airing live ...

  24. John Lennon: The Bermuda Tapes Interactive Album App to Launch

    September 23, 2013 11:25 AM EDT A new interactive album app called "John Lennon: The Bermuda Tapes" will launch Nov. 5, exclusively through the iTunes App Store. Directed by filmmaker Michael Epstein, the app chronicles the legendary singer-songwriter's 1980 soj ...

  25. Apple Says It Sold 9 Million iPhones Since Friday

    September 23, 2013 9:43 AM EDT Apple says shoppers snapped up 9 million of its newest iPhones since the devices were launched Friday, and that demand is exceeding supply. Its shares jumped 6 percent in premarket trading. Apple says the two new models gave it its strongest iPh ...

  26. Epic Records Names Shalik Berry VP of A&R

    September 20, 2013 9:32 PM EDT Shalik Berry has joined Epic as VP of A&R, Billboard has learned. In his new role, the Los Angeles-based Berry will focus on urban music and report to Epic chairman/CEO L.A. Reid. Billboard Power 100: Antonio "L.A." Reid Berry is c ...

  27. Jack Johnson Set for No. 1 on Billboard 200, Avicii and Chris Young Aiming For Top 10

    September 20, 2013 9:06 PM EDT Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson is on course for his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, while EDM superstar and recent Billboard cover act Avicii is aiming for a top 10 debut with his first album, "True." Industry sources suggest ...

  28. Record Companies Allowed to Pursue Vimeo for Copyright Infringement

    September 20, 2013 12:15 PM EDT A federal judge in New York won't allow user-generated video website Vimeo, owned by Barry Diller's IAC, to dodge a big copyright lawsuit. Capitol Records and other big labels brought the legal action in December, 2009, alleging that ...

  29. Chart Moves: Album Sales Hit New Low; Madonna's 'MDNA World Tour' Debuts; Earth, Wind & Fire Reaches Chart High

    September 20, 2013 9:30 AM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Keith Urban beat out the Weeknd for the No. 1 slot by less than 3,000 copies. Urban's "Fuse" debuted at No. 1 with 98,000 copies, while the Weeknd's "Kiss Land" started w ...

  30. Britney Spears' Las Vegas Residency: Full Details On the Pop Singer’s Two-Year Deal (Q&A)

    September 19, 2013 2:59 PM EDT Beginning in December, Las Vegas will be the only place on earth where you’ll be able to see Britney Spears perform over the next two years. After months of speculation, the pop superstar announced her two-year Las Vegas residency show, titl ...

  31. Jack Johnson, Justin Moore Vying for No. 1 on the Billboard 200

    September 18, 2013 7:52 PM EDT Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson and country singer Justin Moore are heading for the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart next week. At the present, industry sources forecast that Johnson's new album, "From Here to Now to You," mig ...

  32. Keith Urban Edges Out the Weeknd for No. 1 Spot on Billboard 200 By Less Than 3K Copies

    September 18, 2013 11:32 AM EDT Last week's race for the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 between Ariana Grande and Tamar Braxton was nothing compared to the showdown on this week's tally. Country star Keith Urban debuts at No. 1 with "Fuse," edging out t ...

  33. Grammy Nominations Concert Returning to L.A.

    September 18, 2013 10:02 AM EDT After shaking things up in Nashville last year, the Recording Academy is bringing the Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! back to Los Angeles. The hour-long CBS concert special will take place at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Friday, Dec. 6 at 10 ...

  34. Brandle’s Global Bits: Aussie Live Biz Enters Spin Cycle, HMV on the Comeback Trail, Mercury Prize Noms, IMPALA's Board

    September 17, 2013 10:00 PM EDT Trouble in Aussie Live Biz Paradise An unusually turbulent few weeks in Australia’s live biz has observers wondering whether there’s trouble in paradise. A handful of festivals are falling over, one has changed hands, the two biggest events are ...

  35. Gallo's Film/TV Briefs: Diddy’s Revolt Goes Live Oct. 21; ‘Into the Woods’ Starts Filming; ‘Mad Men’ Pours a Holiday Mix

    September 17, 2013 5:40 PM EDT Sean Combs’ Cable Channel Revolt Goes Live Oct. 21 Sean Combs’ cable channel Revolt will go live Oct. 21 on Time Warner cable systems in New York and Los Angeles prior to a national launch in January. Revolt will be made available to customers w ...

  36. Weird Merch: Drake, Miguel, Jay Z Fail Meme Polo Shirts

    September 17, 2013 4:40 PM EDT It's not often that we here at Billboard.biz let our hair down -- we keep our mullets up in a bun between 9 and 5, just like you -- but it's important to keep in mind that this business of music is, more often than not, about enjoyment ...

  37. Britney Spears Announces 2-Year Las Vegas Residency Live on Good Morning America Following Helicopter Ride

    September 17, 2013 4:10 PM EDT After months of rumors and hint-dropping, pop icon Britney Spears revealed what she called her "(not-so-)secret" news - she's heading to Las Vegas. The 31-year-old pop star confirmed a two-year residency at Planet Hollywood Resort ...

  38. From This Week’s Billboard: Why Target, Whole Foods Are Making a Play For Vinyl

    September 17, 2013 3:12 PM EDT The following article on major retail chains like Whole Foods and Target entering the growing vinyl market is exceprted from in the latest issue of Billboard (Vol. 125 No. 36), to read the full story purchase this issue of Billboard here or su ...

  39. New Apple TV Software Turns iOS Device Into a Portable Remote Control for Your Music

    September 17, 2013 2:56 PM EDT Apple reportedly plans to release new software on Sep. 18 for its popular Apple TV hardware ($99), which lets you listen to music on nice speakers and watch video on a big screen by routing them through your iOS device. The way it works for musi ...

  40. Rough Trade Will Open Flagship U.S. Store Nov. 25 in New York (Exclusive)

    September 17, 2013 7:00 AM EDT Rough Trade, the iconic London music retailer that spawned Rough Trade Records and served as a cradle for post-punk music in the late 1970s, will open its first flagship store in the U.S. in New York on Monday, November 25. The store, a 15,00 ...

  41. Recording Academy's Neil Portnow Extends Contract Through 2019 (Exclusive)

    September 16, 2013 8:00 AM EDT Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow has been contracted to remain in his post through 2019. The Academy’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend Portnow’s contract, which was set to expire in 2015.   "Neil is a dynamic leade ...

  42. P!nk Named Billboard's 2013 Woman of the Year

    September 16, 2013 12:30 AM EDT P!nk has been named Billboard's Woman of the Year and will be honored at the 2013 Billboard Women in Music event on Dec. 10 in New York City sponsored by COVERGIRL and City National Bank. The award honors the achievements of a trailblazi ...

  43. Janelle Monae, Arctic Monkeys and Sheryl Crow Heading For Top 10 on Billboard 200

    September 13, 2013 9:33 PM EDT Here’s a look at next week’s Billboard 200 albms chart: Janelle Monae is set for her first top 10, Arctic Monkeys is making a strong return and Sheryl Crow's aiming for her ninth top 10 set. Monae's "The Electric Lady" should ...

  44. Chart Moves: Bastille's 'Bad Blood' Debuts, Fleetwood Mac's 'Opus' Opens, Little Big Town's 'Tornado' Celebrates Anniversary

    September 13, 2013 9:30 AM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, budding pop princess Ariana Grande claimed her first No. 1. Her debut album, "Yours Truly," has sold 138,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Behind Grande at No. 2, ...

  45. Record Store Day's Adapter Inaugural Prize Winners Include Tame Impala, Postal Service, GZA, Rodriguez

    September 12, 2013 9:38 PM EDT The Record Store Day coalition has named the recipients for its first-ever Adapter prize, so named after specially designed 45 adapters presented to winners. Tame Impala's “Lonerism,” on the Modular and distributed by INgrooves, picked up r ...

  46. Resolution’s Phil Casey on Chris Brown’s Upcoming World Tour, John Singleton Doc, Community Service, and More (Q&A)

    September 12, 2013 12:00 PM EDT Chris Brown is well on his way to becoming the new hardest-working man in show business. In the coming year, the Grammy-winning multiplatinum singer/songwriter will have his hands full with releasing a new studio album, embarking on a world ar ...

  47. Icona Pop Teams With Absolut For Music Video, Ad Campaign (Exclusive)

    September 12, 2013 8:00 AM EDT Icona Pop is about to host a “Paris Is Burning”-esque vogue-off in their latest video for “All Night,” which Billboard exclusively teases below. In the clip, which was filmed in New York and inspired by the city’s “house ballroom” culture, Icona ...

  48. Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' Video Breaks Vevo Record

    September 10, 2013 6:42 PM EDT Miley Cyrus has swung her way to a new 24-hour record for views across Vevo, as her "Wrecking Ball" video racks up 19.3 million views, smashing previous champs One Direction and the 12.3 million views their "Best Song Ever" c ...

  49. 2013 CMA Awards: Full Nominations List

    September 10, 2013 9:29 AM EDT Sheryl Crow and Florida Georgia Line today announced nominees for the 47th Annual Country Music Association Awards. Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift led all nominees with six nominations each, including nods for Female Vocalist of the Year and A ...

  50. What to Expect from Apple's Expected iTunes Radio Announcement

    September 09, 2013 1:50 PM EDT There has been a lot of speculation about iTunes Radio since word first broke last year that Apple had started discussions with record labels. Although opinions won't come until people get actual hands-on experience with the product on T ...

Pages