Black Eyed Peas
Over 25 years, Los Angeles trio Black Eyed Peas —will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo—have earned six GRAMMY® Awards and achieved sales of 35 million albums & 120 million singles. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for downloaded tracks,” (Nielsen), landing on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade.” Their 8th studio album, 2020’s TRANSLATION achieved staggering success, featuring collaborations with J Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Shakira, Nicky Jam, & Tyga. The album scored 8 nominations at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, including ‘Crossover Artist of the Year” & “Hot Latin Song of the Year” for “RITMO” and a nomination at the 2021 Latin Music Awards for ‘“Favorite Artists – Crossover”. Singles “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” [feat. J Balvin] & “MAMACITA” [feat. Ozuna and J.Rey Soul] achieved #1 status on three Billboard Charts, numerous award nominations, & gold, platinum, & diamond certifications globally. “GIRL LIKE ME” [feat. Shakira] continued this streak, scooping “Best Latin” award at the MTV VMAs; ‘HIT IT’ with Saweetie & Lele Pons racked up 5.8M global audio streams, 1.1M US audio streams & almost 10M YouTube views in its first week alone. In 2022 the band reunited with Shakira & David Guetta for DON’T YOU WORRY, the first single from 9th studio album ELEVATIONS, swiftly followed by Anitta & El Alfa collab SIMPLY THE BEST, opening up yet another brilliant chapter in the continuing story of the Black Eyed Peas.
Read MoreThe Black Keys
Originally a raw, visceral blues-rock outfit inspired by the likes of such juke joint rockers as Junior Kimbrough, the Black Keys have expanded their purview after mastering their garagey roar with Rubber Factory in 2004. Making the leap to the major-label Nonesuch, the duo of guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney dove into heady psychedelic territory, sometimes assisted by producer Danger Mouse. The band’s collaborations with the adventurous hip-hop producer opened the doors to a variety of sounds, colors, and textures, a broadened palette they’d channel onto sharp songs on their platinum-selling albums Brothers and El Camino, both arriving in the early years of the 2000s. After the trippy 2014 album Turn Blue, the Black Keys took an extended hiatus through the back half of the 2010s, during which time Auerbach set up his Easy Eye Sound studio and label. The duo returned with renewed vigor on 2019’s Let’s Rock, maintaining that momentum with the blues covers album Delta Kream in 2021 and the hard-grooving, guest-heavy Ohio Players in 2024.
Natives of Akron, Ohio, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney formed the Black Keys in 2001. They released their debut, The Big Come Up, in 2002, receiving strong reviews and sales, and leading to a contract with Fat Possum by the end of the year. That label released Thickfreakness, recorded in a 14-hour session, in the spring of 2003, and the Keys supported the album with an opening tour for Sleater-Kinney. Their momentum escalated considerably with their 2004 album Rubber Factory, which not only received strong reviews but some high-profile play, including a video for “10 A.M. Automatic” featuring comedian David Cross. The band’s highly touted live act was documented on a 2005 DVD, released the same year that Chulahoma — an EP of blues covers — appeared.
The Black Keys made the leap to the major labels with 2006’s Magic Potion, a moodier record that continued to build their fan base. The band capitalized on that moodiness with 2008’s Attack & Release, whose production by Danger Mouse signaled that the Keys were hardly just blues-rock purists. Salvaged from sessions intended as a duet set with Ike Turner, who died before the record could be finished, the album was the Black Keys’ biggest to date, debuting in the Billboard Top 15 and earning strong reviews. Following the duo’s second live DVD, they spent 2009 on side projects, with Auerbach releasing his solo album Keep It Hid in the beginning of the year, and Carney forming the band Drummer, in which he played bass. At the end of 2009, Blakroc, a rap-rock collaboration between the Keys and producer Damon Dash, appeared.
Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is a renowned Southern rock group fronted by the talented artist Zac Brown. Over the course of more than a decade, the band has achieved remarkable success with six consecutive albums reaching the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five albums debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. With an impressive track record, the group has received three Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Best New Artist in 2010. Their music has resonated with a vast audience, selling over 30.5 million singles and 9.3 million albums, while also amassing an incredible 11.2 billion catalog streams. Additionally, they have claimed the top spot on the Country and Active Rock formats, showcasing their versatility and wide appeal.
Known for their electrifying live performances, Zac Brown Band has headlined 9 North American Tours, captivating audiences across the continent. Their influence extends beyond typical genre boundaries, as they have been recognized by both critics and fans for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic stage presence. Notably, the band holds a record for the most consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic Fenway Park, solidifying their status as one of the most engaging and captivating acts in the music industry. With 16 #1 radio singles to their name, Zac Brown Band continues to push artistic boundaries and redefine the live music experience for their devoted fan base.
Summer Walker
Summer Walker, the rising R&B star, is captivating audiences around the world with her soulful voice and emotional lyrics. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Summer discovered her passion for music at a young age, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. Her music resonates deeply with listeners, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
With her debut album ‘Over It’ receiving critical acclaim and widespread popularity, Summer Walker has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Her unique sound, blending contemporary R&B with a touch of nostalgia, has garnered her a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Summer remains committed to staying true to her authentic self and using her music as a platform to connect with others on a profound level.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
A Boogie, also known as Artistname, is a talented and versatile musician hailing from New York City. With a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and trap influences, A Boogie has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive sound and captivating lyrics. Born and raised in the Bronx, Artistname’s music reflects the raw energy and authentic experiences of urban life, resonating with fans across diverse backgrounds and demographics.
Drawing inspiration from his personal struggles and triumphs, A Boogie’s music is not only entertaining but also deeply relatable. His introspective lyrics delve into themes of love, heartbreak, success, and perseverance, drawing listeners into his world and allowing them to connect on a profound level. Artistname’s innovative approach to music production and storytelling sets him apart in the industry, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Dylan Scott
Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is a triple threat — a powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; and a family man with a tender heart. The multi-Platinum singer has notched three No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl,” “Nobody” and “New Truck”), as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for “Best New Country Artist” at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinum-certified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. With career streams exceeding 1.8 billion, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act. Livin’ My Best Life, the highly-anticipated follow-up to his chart-topping Nothing To Do Town EP is out now.
Read MoreAvril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne has solidified her place in music history by achieving remarkable milestones and setting new standards in the industry. With nearly 50 million albums sold worldwide, she has garnered eight GRAMMY® Award nominations, showcasing her talent and impact on the music scene. Her accolades include multiple Juno Awards, where she was honored as the “Artist of the Year.” Avril’s discography includes the highly successful albums Let Go, Under My Skin, The Best Damn Thing, Goodbye Lullaby, Avril Lavigne, and Head Above Water, each achieving significant commercial success. Renowned as one of the top-selling artists of the Soundscan era in the U.S. and the third bestselling Canadian female artist ever, Avril has left an indelible mark on the music industry. She is a Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest female solo artist to top the UK chart, and her music video for “Girlfriend” was the first to reach 100 million views on YouTube, solidifying her status as a pioneer in the digital age. Avril Lavigne’s global success is further evidenced by her numerous #1 hits worldwide and an expansive social media following exceeding 93.6 million fans globally. In February 2022, Avril transitioned to DTA Records with the release of her seventh studio album, Love Sux, which debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, accumulating over 12 million streams within its first week. The album features chart-topping singles like “Bite Me,” “Love It When You Hate Me” featuring blackbear, and “I’m A Mess” with YUNGBLUD.
Read MoreHozier
In September 2013, when Irish solo artist Andrew Hozier-Byrne released his debut single – a song called ‘Take Me To Church’ – which he had mostly recorded in the attic of his parent’s house in Wicklow (his father a blues musician, his mother an artist), little did he know about the hurricane-strength surge in public interest that the song would spark, carrying him to international stardom. 10 years and billions of streams later, Hozier still calls Wicklow home. While his music takes him all over the world, it is Ireland, its people and places, the weather and landscape that calls him back to where he feels he naturally belongs.
The much anticipated follow up to Hozier’s debut album, ‘Wasteland, Baby!’ was released to massive critical acclaim in 2019, entering the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #1. 2023 was a big year for Hozier, as his debut single Take Me To Church was the 30th song ever to reach 1 billion streams. He released his third album ‘Unreal Unearth’, which charted #1 in the UK, Ireland, and Top 5 in the US, Netherlands, Germany & New Zealand. The last decade has brought both public and critical acclaim. Multi-platinum album sales, number one records, multiple awards including a Grammy-nomination, film and video game soundtracks and countless sold-out live shows all over the world. But as Hozier prepares for 2024, his passion for his art is undimmed, and his curiosity about our world – and all that is good and bad about it – remains undiminished.
Skylar Grey
Skylar Grey finds strength inside of herself. The five-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi platinum artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist alchemizes darkness into sonic gemstones forged under the heat and pressure of her often-unbelievable experiences. She has endured tumult, trials, and tribulations only to take control of her artistry like never before, writing, producing, and performing nearly every note—alone. The songstress has quietly cast a long shadow over popular music and culture. Her 2013 full-length debut, Don’t Look Down, bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. In 2016, the follow-up Natural Causes generated tens of millions of streams. Sought-after by top collaborators, she lent her voice to Dr. Dre’s 2x-platinum “I Need A Doctor” [feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey], Diddy-Dirty Money’s 2x-platinum “Coming Home” [feat. Skylar Grey], and Macklemore’s platinum “Glorious” [feat. Skylar Grey], to name a few. Her songwriting catalog spans the GRAMMY® Award-nominated diamond-selling “Love The Way You Lie” for Eminem and Rihanna, the 3x-platinum “Clarity” for Zedd, the platinum “Gangsta” for Kehlani, and more.
To date, she has sold over 30 million units worldwide and earned the adoration of artists such as Billie Eilish. Along the way, Skylar weathered a half-decade period of personal and professional turbulence. She wound up choosing independence all-around. In the end, she has become who she was always meant to be as an artist—and that’s Skylar Grey.
Phil Collins
One of music’s most iconic and celebrated figures, legendary British singer, songwriter, drummer, and producer Phil Collins has made an indelible mark on pop culture during his five-decade-long career, both as a member of Genesis and as a chart-topping solo artist. Long counted as one of the world’s all-time best-selling recording artists, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is also among its most decorated, with multiple GRAMMYS, Ivor Novellos, BRITs, and an Academy Award. But perhaps most impressive is his ability to reach so many fans – across borders and generations – with a string of hits that have become ingrained in the collective consciousness, including “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” “Sussudio,” “You’ll Be in My Heart,” and “In the Air Tonight,” which is not only one of the late 20th century’s most enduring songs, but features one of music’s most recognisable drum breakdowns.
The impact of Phil Collins’ nearly 50-year career is impossible to measure. As a drummer, he has long been ranked among the greatest in his craft by the likes of Modern Drummer and Rhythm. His musicianship has influenced a trove of peers, including the late Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) and Neil Peart (Rush), as well as Anthrax’s Charlie Benante. As a singer-songwriter, his timeless work has been embraced by generations of fans (from Ice T and Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard to Alicia Keys and Lorde, to name a few) while his songs have been covered and sampled by scores of artists.
Seether
Seether stands for passion, authenticity, and genuine connection, with enduring anthems like “Words as Weapons,” “Broken,” “Fake It,” and more. With over seven million monthly listeners on Spotify, the band’s legacy remains strong. Their ninth album, The Surface Seems So Far, showcases their resilience and creativity, continuing a career of five gold/platinum albums and numerous Billboard Rock Airplay Top 10 hits.
A staple at major rock festivals, Seether has toured with Breaking Benjamin, Avenged Sevenfold, Nickelback, and Papa Roach. Their acclaimed 2020 album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, produced three No. 1 songs and kept their Vicennial: 2 Decades of Seether on the charts.
The Surface Seems So Far kicks off aggressively with “Judas Mind” while balancing moments of melancholy like “Regret.” It features dynamic songs such as “Illusion,” “Lost All Control,” “Same Mistakes,” and “Dead on the Vine,” blending vitriol and vulnerability. Seether’s lineup includes Shaun Morgan, Dale Stewart, John Humphrey, and newest member Corey Lowery, enhancing their powerful sound.
SZA
A distinct force in contemporary R&B, SZA has set herself apart with a vulnerable and casually poetic songwriting style and a voice conveying a multitude of emotions with subtle twists and turns. She established herself with a trio of spaced-out EPs and collaborations with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna, and continued her ascent with Ctrl (2017), a Top Ten album that resulted in five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. These accolades proved to be no fluke, as SZA earned almost as many Grammy nominations the next year by assisting Kendrick Lamar with ‘All the Stars,’ a Top Ten hit, only one in a slew of platinum singles she has scored as a headliner or featured artist. Her rich and complex second album, SOS (2022), went straight to number one on the Billboard 200, produced four Top Ten pop singles — including the chart-topping revenge fantasy ‘Kill Bill’ — and earned the artist three Grammy awards.
Solána Imani Rowe was born in St. Louis and raised in New Jersey, where she excelled in high school gymnastics and cheerleading. After leaving college, Rowe shuffled around different jobs and recorded on the side, influenced by the diverse and maverick likes of Billie Holiday and Björk, as well as Wu-Tang Clan, whose RZA inspired her performing name. She self-released a pair of dreamy and alluring EPs, 2012’s See.SZA.Run and 2013’s S, and shortly thereafter signed with Top Dawg Entertainment. SZA had been on TDE’s radar since 2011, when label co-founder Terrence ‘Punch’ Henderson was handed material at the CMJ Music Marathon.
Once their agreement was in place, Top Dawg and SZA didn’t waste any time. In April 2014, SZA made her label debut with Z, a trippy third EP that entered the Billboard 200 at number 39 with featured appearances from fellow TDE artists Kendrick Lamar and Isaiah Rashad, as well as one from Chance the Rapper. By the end of 2016, SZA was a highly valued collaborator herself. She appeared on high-profile TDE releases from Lamar, Rashad, ScHoolboy Q, and Jay Rock, co-wrote Nicki Minaj’s ‘Feeling Myself’ and Travis Scott’s ‘OK Alright,’ and co-wrote and appeared on Rihanna’s ‘Consideration.’