Wrangler Jeans faced criticism over using Lil Nas X ‘Old Town Road’.  Fans have threatened to boycott the company in what they deem to be “cultural appropriation.” Wrangler responded, “We have a long history of using the platform of popular music to embrace a new generation of fans, while staying true to our Western heritage.”

The world’s oldest record shop, Spiller Records has banned Morrissey albums over his political views. Morrissey released a covers album today ‘California Son’ – which features collaborations with the likes of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Grizzly Bear’s Ed Droste.

A new study claims the smartest people listen to instrumental music. Researcher at Oxford Brookes University claim those who like jazz and classical are smarter than those who prefer lyrics.  I personally like jazz, but I prefer music with lyrics.

Look out for dream pop trio Ok Button. The Scottish act just released the track Grenade and worked with producer Craigie Dodds (Gorillaz, Winehouse).
Press: The Skinny, Clash Mag, Analogue Trash.
Radio: Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio
Festivals: The Great Escape Festival in Brighton
Streams: Over 200k Spotify monthly listeners.
Playlists: New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, New Indie/ Alt

Critics have been wanting to write Madonna off but she could have the last laugh. Her net worth by Forbes is approx. $590 million. She’s one of America’s wealthiest self-made women. Check out her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Whitney Houston estate is launching a touring hologram and album of unreleased music. Primary Wave Music Publishing acquired 50 percent of Whitney’s assets that included song & film royalties and merchandise. Some critics have said Houstons have figured out a way to cash in on Whitney and debase her at the same time.

Ciara is heading to Harvard Business School. On Instagram she said: “I always dreamt of going to college, but by God’s grace, my music career took me on a path that I’m so thankful for,” she said. “This week I got accepted into Harvard! Words cannot describe my excitement!”

Taylor Swift and Panics! Brendon Urie perform their track ME! on The Voice. Anyone else still taking it in that the EMO frontman went full blown pop?

Los Angeles indie-dream pop artist Trace releases a new track All My Friends via Ultra Music. She’s been compared to Lana Del Rey and James Blake.
Press: Pigeons & Planes, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, The 405
Collaborations:  producers/co-writers – Mike Derenzo (EXES, Yoshi Flower), Bram Inscore (Troye Sivan, Allie X, 88 Rising), Noah Breakfast (WET, Ellie Goulding, Alina Baraz).
Spotify: 60 Million + Streams

BEBE REXHA ‘MEANT TO BE’ (FEAT. FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE) – 7x Multi-Platinum

AVA MAX ‘SWEET BUT PSYCHO’ (Atlantic) – Platinum

DAN + SHAY ‘TEQUILA’ (Warner) – 3 million

ALESSIA CARA ‘WILD THINGS’ (Def Jam) – 2 Million

TWENTY ONE PILOTS ‘MY BLOOD’ (Atlantic) – 500k

TOBYMAC ‘I JUST NEED U.’ (Capitol CMG) – 500k

CHARLIE PUTH THE ‘WAY I AM’ (Atlantic) – 500k

BRYCE VINE ‘DREW BARRYMORE’ (Warner Bros.) – Platinum