Billboard and Nielsen announced this week the addition of U.S. YouTube video streaming data to its platforms, which includes an update to the methodology for the Billboard Hot 100, the preeminent singles chart. The YouTube streaming data is now factored into the chart’s ranking, enhancing a formula that includes Nielsen’s digital download track sales and physical singles sales; as well as terrestrial radio airplay, on-demand audio streaming, and online radio streaming, also tracked by Nielsen.

Billboard is now incorporating all official videos on YouTube captured by Nielsen’s streaming measurement, including Vevo on YouTube, and user-generated clips that utilize authorized audio into the Hot 100 and the Hot 100 formula-based genre charts — Hot Country Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B Songs, Rap Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs — to further reflect the divergent platforms for music consumption in today’s world.

“The very definition of what it means to have a hit is ever-changing these days,” says Bill Werde, Billboard’s editorial director. “The Billboard charts are the ultimate measure of success in music, and they constantly evolve to reflect these new music experiences. When the charts launched over 70 years ago, a hit was defined as selling copies of a single or generating airplay. While those avenues are still viable, one needn’t look any further than Cee Lo, Gotye, PSY or now Baauer to know that a song can be a massive hit on YouTube alone.” Read more

Buzz Track: Fallin

December Rose who we profiled last year is back with a new song and video. She found herself at the #1 position on the pop charts in Montreal on Reverbnation. She cites Adele, Michael Bubble, and Amy Winehouse as influences. Check back for upcoming performances.
Contact: rosie_laposta@hotmail.com

Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson has hit out at music legend Clive Davis for ‘spreading false information’ about her in his new tell-all memoir. The 30-year-old star wrote a damming open letter today after the record executive claimed that she broke into ‘hysterical sobbing’ when he demanded that her smash hit ‘Since U Been Gone’ be included on her album, Breakaway. Kelly – whose stellar career was guided by Davis after she won American Idol – lashed out, saying: ‘I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.’ In a lengthy statement posted on Whosay,

Kelly wrote: ‘So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music.  ‘First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up.’ Read more

Buzz Track: Road Rising

The first single ‘Road Rising’ from the band Spiralfire was recently licensed by ESPN and NFL films.  The song was also included on a national compilation by GoGirls Music.  They are currently #1 on Reverbnation’s local rock charts for the Triangle area of NC.
Contact: spiralfiremusic@gmail.com

After their tantalizing one-off gig in 2007, Robert Plant has hinted that he’s open to a Led Zeppelin reunion next year. Speaking to Australia’s version of 60 Minutes, the singer deflected the notion that he’s the reason for Zeppelin’s dormancy. “[Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones] are Capricorns. They don’t say a word. They’re quite contained in their own worlds and they leave it to me,” said Plant. “I’m not the bad guy . . . You need to see the Capricorns – I’ve got nothing to do in 2014.” Read more