Livestreams, How Music Is Being Promoted & More News This Week

The latest on the impact of COVID-19 on the music business.

Welcome to the This Week in Billboard News podcast, where Jordyn Rolling, Billboard News host and producer, and Gary Trust, Billboard senior director of charts, dive into the week’s biggest music news stories.

This week, Jordyn and Gary delve into the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the music business, with special guests Dave Brooks, Billboard senior director of touring/live entertainment, and Melinda Newman, Billboard executive editor, West Coast/Nashville.

Among the topics covered: live music events that have been canceled or postponed; the financial impact of the coronavirus on the music industry; the burst of live-streams by artists including Coldplay, Dropkick Murphys and John Legend (and, Luke Combs, above), with certain artists connecting with fans (who are likewise at home) from the comfort of their own kitchens or living rooms; artists with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses; and artists’ and labels’ mindsets about how and when to release new music.

Plus, in a bit of comforting normalcy, get your latest fix on all things Billboard charts, including Drake’s historic week on the Billboard Hot 100; Gabby Barrett and Ingrid Andress’ milestone week for women on Country Airplay; and Lil Uzi Vert’s new No. 1 album on the Billboard 200.

Hear the latest episode below.


Listen to the latest This Week in Billboard News podcast and check back for additional upcoming episodes. And, to receive every episode automatically in your inbox, subscribe to (and rate) the podcast on Apple Music and listen on Spotify, Google Play, Simplecast and more.