The 2024 Latin American Music Awards (Latin AMAs) are set to be a star-studded affair, bringing together the biggest names in Latin music once again. The ceremony will take place on April 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will air on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión at 7 p.m. ET/PT. This year’s theme is “We Speak Música,” and the list of performers and nominees continues to grow.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill that could potentially ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok in the United States. The bill, which was part of a larger $95 billion package providing aid to Ukraine and Israel, would give TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app or face a ban. This legislation has sparked concern within the music industry, as TikTok has become a major platform for music discovery and marketing.
Matty Healy, the outspoken frontman of The 1975, is reportedly working on the band’s sixth album, and insiders say he may not hold back when it comes to his brief fling with Taylor Swift. Healy, who was referenced in several songs on Swift’s new album, has not signed a non-disclosure agreement and could use his music to share his own perspective on their relationship.
Despite the looming threat of a ban, TikTok’s industry partners remain steadfast in their support for the platform. Citing its massive popularity and cultural influence, advertising executives and music industry professionals express their continued commitment to TikTok until its potential demise. Even Universal Music, once at odds with TikTok, has resumed negotiations, recognizing the platform’s significance. TikTok’s influence extends beyond entertainment, becoming a significant music discovery source for teens and surpassing YouTube in this regard. The company’s confident legal challenge to the ban underscores its determination to stay afloat. Meanwhile, rival platforms, such as YouTube, actively pursue TikTok’s users and advertising revenue, with short-form video content emerging as a key focus.
The UK government has rejected the recommendations suggested by the Misogyny In Music report to improve gender equality in the music industry, much to the disappointment of music industry figures. The report, published in January, found that women were underrepresented in key roles across the industry, that sexual harassment and abuse was common, and that many women did not report the incidents as they worried about the detrimental impact on their careers.
The Canadian R&B superstar’s 11-date ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour, originally scheduled for November and December 2023, has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Live Nation, the tour’s producer, is still exploring rescheduled dates, but ticket holders for the current tour will receive full refunds. Despite the cancellation, The Weeknd continues to achieve musical success, with recent chart-topping collaborations and a growing catalog of hits.
Max Bell, a legendary music journalist and industry insider, shares his insights on the folk music scene, the transformative power of psychedelics, and the tumultuous career of Chuck Berry. Bell’s personal experiences and anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the changing landscape of rock and roll during the 1960s and 1970s.
Barry Manilow initially doubted the success of his iconic song ‘Copacabana,’ co-written with Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman. The song, inspired by the legendary New York nightclub, was released on Manilow’s 1978 album ‘Even Now.’ Manilow and his co-producer Ron Dante questioned its airplay potential due to its novelty nature. However, after playing it at a disco and witnessing its enthusiastic reception, they realized they might have something special. ‘Copacabana’ became Manilow’s first certified gold single and won him his first and only Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1979. The song’s success led to a 1985 musical TV movie and a stage musical titled ‘Copacabana.’ Manilow credits his love for creating music as his driving force, even if not all songs become hits.
Queen’s University is offering a law course centered around Taylor Swift’s legal experiences. The course, titled Law (Taylor’s Version), will examine case studies from the pop star’s career, including copyright lawsuits and contractual disputes. Professor Mohamed Khimji, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, will teach the course, highlighting the impact of Swift’s actions on record deals and the music industry. Despite being a senior elective, the course has generated buzz among students, with some considering extending their studies to take it. The course aims to blend pop culture with academia, showcasing how current events shape the future of law.
In an exclusive interview, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes recounts her first encounter with Taylor Swift before the superstar’s rise to fame. Swift visited Rhimes’ office in 2008 and performed her hit ‘Love Story,’ leaving a lasting impression on the producer. Grey’s Anatomy executive producer Betsy Beers also recalls Swift’s visit, praising her talent and charm. Rhimes highlights Swift’s remarkable musical journey and the impact her songs have had on a generation, including their incorporation into Grey’s Anatomy.
