Oakland, CA — Things are constantly changing in the music industry and it’s important to stay on top of trends and news updates, especially as an independent artist. We’ve got you covered with a weekly recap of the top stories you need to know.
SXSW’S NOTORIOUS FADER FORT GOING VIRTUAL
Last week, SXSW and The Fader got creative by taking their famous Fader Fort show that happens every year at SXSW and adjusting it to be corona-friendly. The show was broadcast all day on the Fader’s website and featured over 40 artists, not only performing but getting creative in different, entertaining ways. And to top it off, not only did the live broadcast give fans at home some solid entertainment, but it also doubled as a fundraiser to raise money for charities helping with coronavirus relief.
CORONA CANCELS ROLLING LOUD MIAMI
Unfortunately yet another Rolling Loud date has been canceled, due to COVID-19. Rolling Loud Miami would've taken place May 8-10th, with headliners like Travis Scott, Post Malone and A$AP Rocky. We hope when all this is over we get to reschedule these epic shows!
JUSTIN BIEBER’S CHANGES TOUR POSTPONED
In more canceled-show news, Justin Bieber just announced he’s 86ing his 2020 Changes tour due to, you guessed it, CORONAVIRUS. It was going to begin May 14 in Seattle, Washington with the last show set for September 26th in New Jersey. Sorry Bieber fans, the new dates are unknown, but Bieber's team says to hold on to your tickets as they will be honored.
iHEART'S LIVINGROOM CONCERT BRINGS IN $8M IN CORONAVIRUS DONATIONS
"The iHeart Living Room Concert for America" presented by Fox and iHeartMedia has raised over $8 million for First Responder's Children Foundation and Feeding America to help end the spread of COVID-19. This event, broadcast on Fox, pulled in 4.5 million viewers and featured some of your favorite artists like Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys and Sam Smith. Even Mariah Carey and H.E.R participated and the notorious Elton John hosted. The concert is now available on YouTube so go check it out!
TEKASHI GRANTED COMPASSIONATE RELEASE
In a bizarre turn of events, controversial rapper Tekashi69 has been granted an early release from the NY prison he has been serving two years in. A judge ruled in favor of him being released into home incarceration, so he will be spending the next four months on house arrest. Looks like money and fame can get you just about anywhere these days.