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Justin Bieber And Ariana Grande 

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

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Ariana Grande And Justin Bieber Team Up For Fundraising Single "Stuck With U"

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The song is Bieber and Grande's first-ever track together and is a romantic duet inspired by the lockdowns brought by COVID-19 across the globe
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
May 8, 2020 - 12:11 pm

Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber have released a collaboration single, along with a heartwarming video called "Stuck with U" featuring several special moments.  

The song is their first-ever track together and is a romantic duet inspired by the lockdowns brought by COVID-19 across the globe. "There's nowhere we need to be, no, no, no/  I'ma get to know you better/ Kinda hope we're here forever/ There's nobody on these streets/ If you told me that the world's endin'/ Ain't no other way that I can spend it," they sing in the chorus over simple instrumentals.

The song's visual is a homemade-style video featuring Bieber and Grande quarantined at home with their loved ones— Bieber spends time at home lounging with wife, Hailey Bieber, and their pet, while Grande cuddles with one of her dogs Toulouse, who graced a Vogue cover with her last summer. 

Other famous couples also appear: basketball star Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, Chance the Rapper and his wife, Kirsten Corley Bennett, and actor couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are some of the famous faces seen together. The singers also make sure their fans are stars of the video. We see people all over the world making the best out of rough times quarantined on their own or with their loved ones.

The clip's strongest message goes out to first responders, who are featured at work and with their families at the end of the video. All the single's net proceeds from sales and streaming will go to a fund that will give grants and scholarships to the children of first responders affected by the pandemic in partnership with First Responders Children's Foundation.

Before the single and video were released, Bieber shared how hyped he was for the collab. "Excited to be singing with you @ArianaGrande," he tweeted.

Watch the full video above.

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Michael Diamond (L) and Adam Horovitz (Center) of Beastie Boys speak at SXSW 2019

Michael Diamond (L) and Adam Horovitz (Center) of Beastie Boys speak at SXSW 2019

Photo: Mike Jordan/Getty Images for SXSW

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Learning In Quarantine: 5 Virtual Music Industry Conferences To Enhance Your Career

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The Recording Academy has compiled some of the free and low-cost online music industry conferences worth attending to help elevate your career and craft in 2020
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 24, 2020 - 2:19 pm

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to halt the global live music industry, the concert business and artist community have shifted toward a novel online business model via livestreaming and digital concerts. Music industry conferences, too, have had to rethink their approach in the era of quarantine and stay-at-home orders. 

Luckily for aspiring music industry heads and artists alike, many conferences are going fully digital this year. 

Below, we've compiled some of the free and low-cost virtual music industry conferences worth attending to enhance your career and craft in 2020.

ASCAP Experience: Home Edition

When: Beginning May 28, every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. EST through the end of July

Cost: Registration is free and open to the public

Where: ASCAP Experience: Home Edition website

ASCAP, one of the leading performance-rights organizations (PRO) in the U.S., this month launches ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, a virtual version of their premier music industry conference, ASCAP Experience. The newly announced long-term digital initiative brings the best of ASCAP Experience—industry insight and firsthand know-how from executives and thought-leaders across all sectors of the music biz—directly to your home. Each week, the digital conference will tackle real-time industry topics, including monetization, music publishing and mental and physical wellness, and will feature leading songwriters, producers, music publishers and members of the ASCAP team.

Read: Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

The inaugural ASCAP Experience: Home Edition kicks off next week (May 28) with a stacked guest lineup featuring: two-time GRAMMY winner Shaggy alongside his manager and Cherrytree Records founder Martin Kierszenbaum; songwriters Whitney Phillips and Gian Stone, who will discuss "Stuck With U," the chart-topping super-collaboration from Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber; hit songwriter Priscilla Renea; and others.

Most programming will be available on-demand after each session for those unavailable to attend the live webcast.

Success With Music Virtual Music Conference 

When: May 29-31

Cost: Free

Where: Modern Musician website

Presented by music industry resource website Modern Musician, this three-day online conference is inviting 15 experts who'll discuss a wide range of topics geared toward artists looking to attract and grow their fan base and make a sustainable living out of their art.

Billed as "the biggest online music conference in the world," the 2020 Success With Music Virtual Music Conference will feature Taylor Swift's former manager Rick Barker and Bandsintown CEO Fabrice Sergent, as well as multiplatinum songwriters, producers and more. 

Topics will include music licensing, content marketing, social media, email marketing, brand marketing and more. 

Virtual Music Conference

When: June 4

Cost: £20 per ticket (approximately $24)

Where: Virtual Music Conference website

Billed as the "world's first online dance music conference," the aptly titled Virtual Music Conference is a brand-new online event focusing on the issues and topics affecting the global electronic and dance music world. Geared toward music biz newcomers and those looking to advance their careers, the one-day interactive event will comprise live and archived keynote speeches, panels and discussions with some of the leading artists and industry figures within the genre. 

Topics at the inaugural Virtual Music Conference will include live touring, monetization, social media, music rights, promotion, record labels and more. Confirmed speakers and guests include artists like Louie Vega, Mark Knight, Sacha Robotti and Judge Jules, as well as representatives from labels and companies like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Beatport, Toolroom, Anjunabeats, BBC Radio 1 and Defected, among many others. 

Read: How Will Coronavirus Shift Electronic Music? Maceo Plex, Paul Van Dyk, Luttrell, Mikey Lion & DJ Manager Max Leader Weigh In

Virtual Music Conference, presented by house and techno imprint Toolroom Records and digital label services company Label Worx, will donate all profits from ticket sales to charities supporting the music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All sessions will be recorded and made available for online viewing for those unable to attend the live webcast. 

Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)

When: June 9-13

Cost: Free

Where: LAMC website

As the leading music conference specializing in Latin music and culture, Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) has helped elevate the genre from a once-alternative scene to a global mainstream movement. Originally scheduled for July, LAMC 2020, which marks the conference's 21st annual installment, is going fully digital next month due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

This year's panel discussions will explore a number of pressing topics impacting the Latin music industry and artist community, including mental health for artists and creators, playlisting, music publishing, finance for musicians and entertainment companies and more. LAMC 2020 will also feature a special conversation with and celebration of the women making a difference in the Latin music industry.

Read: WATCH LIST: Online Concerts From BTS To COASTCITY To Catch During Coronavirus Quarantine

In addition to the panels, LAMC 2020 will also feature workshops, showcases and networking opportunities. While no artists have been announced yet, past performers include Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, Ana Tijoux, Mon Laferte and others. 

International Music Education Summit

When: June 11-13

Cost: $97

Where: International Music Education Summit website

This three-day online conference and clinic is geared toward practical learning and applicable professional development for music educators and K-12 teachers. International Music Education Summit (IMES) livestreams workshops, clinics, performances, presentations and product demonstrations from music education experts from around the world. 

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Topics will include copyright, adaptive music instruction for learners with disabilities, educational and music technology, ensemble recording and much more. The conference will also include livestreamed performances, including student performances and student ensembles.

IMES offers on-demand viewing of all the 2020 sessions for at least one year after the event as well as networking opportunities with other attendees via a private Facebook group. All attendees will also receive a professional development completion certificate after finishing the conference. 

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GRAMMYs

Taylor Swift

Photo: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

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Taylor Swift And Ariana Grande Donate to Fans Financially Impacted by COVID-19

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The two popular pop singers have offered stipends of up to $3,000 for rent and bills
Onaje McDowelle
GRAMMYs
Mar 26, 2020 - 3:41 pm

GRAMMY-nominated pop stars Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande are helping alleviate some of the hardships caused by the coronavirus economic trickle-down effect that has affected millions across the country.

In recent weeks, COVID-19’s rapid spread has hit full stride, causing the widespread lockdown of major cities across the world, the closure of businesses and restaurants and leaving many without a source of income. According to a CNBC report, unemployment claims with the Labor Department have reached over 3.28 million applications filed, the most ever in American history. 

The “Lover” and Thank U, Next” singers, respectively, took to social media earlier this week to reach out to fans and offer stipends ranging from $500 - $3,000 for rent, bills, medical expenses and other costs that may be difficult to meet during this period of quarantine and social distancing. 

So far, the artists have compensated a combined total of over 30 fans via Venmo and Paypal according to Page Six and Elle. In addition to offering financial support, the artists noted ways that fans can help impact the cause through donations, identifying resources and sharing that information with others.

On a March 19 Instagram story post, Grande encouraged fans to support one another and organizations through donation, should they be able to. She wrote: “While we are social distancing and doing the best we can to protect one another, my heart hurts for the small businesses, individuals and families affected by this.”

“I am supporting the organizations below, and if you are able to you should too,” she continued, listing nonprofits including the Opportunity Fund, Give Directly, Feeding America and the World Health Organization.

Last week, MusiCares launched its own effort to relieve financial burden. Those looking to support the music community, vulnerable musicians, audio professionals and more, can do so by contributing to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, established to advocate for artists and keep music alive and thriving during this time. For more information visit MusiCares here.

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GRAMMYs

Photo: Jena Ardell via Getty Images 

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YouTube & NIVA Team Up On #SOSFEST To Raise Money For Indie Venues

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Miley Cyrus, YG, Foo Fighters, Marshmello with Demi Lovato, the Roots, Sebastian Yatra and more will contribute original performances Oct. 16–18
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Oct 8, 2020 - 4:29 pm

YouTube and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) are joining forces to bring #SOSFEST (Save Our Stages Fest) benefiting independent music venues across the country. The three-day music event on Oct. 16–18 will feature an eclectic lineup of musicians.

Miley Cyrus, YG, Foo Fighters, Marshmello with Demi Lovato, The Roots, Sebastian Yatra and more will contribute live original performances across 25 independent venues. Other artists participating include Leon Bridges, Phoebe Bridgers, Reba McEntire and G-Eazy.  

The festival "aims to generate significant awareness, advocacy and donations for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund." The fund aids the "most vulnerable venues experiencing catastrophic revenue loss."

"Independent venues are closing permanently all around the country. These are the clubs and theaters that you know and love; the rooms our favorite bands play their first gigs at. With no assistance from the federal government in the future, we need to act NOW to #SaveOurStages!" NIVA, whose group of over 2,000 venues includes Los Angeles' The Troubador and New York's Apollo Theater, posted to their Instagram. 

According to a NIVA survey released in June, 90 percent of roughly 2,000 venues without federal help surveyed were going to close in a few months. 

#SOSFEST will livestream on NIVA's YouTube channel. 

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GRAMMYs

Laura Jane Grace And The Devouring Mothers At SXSW

Photo: Justin Zamudio 

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SXSW Looks Forward With Virtual Festival Offerings For 2021

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The newly announced SXSW Online: A Digital Experience will happen March 16–20
GRAMMYs
Sep 23, 2020 - 4:35 pm

South By Southwest (SXSW) announced Sept. 22 it will go virtual for their conference and festival events in 2021. 

The virtual edition will happen March 16–20 with SXSW EDU Online happening before on March 9–11. SXSW Online announced screenings, showcases, keynotes, exhibitions and networking opportunities will make up some of the digital event. SXSW also noted they are working with public health authorities and the city of Austin "on plans for a physical event in 2021."

"The challenge of building a new future is one that we’re excited to tackle. This has been such a year of change and we, like the entire world, are reshaping our perspective on how we connect," said CEO and Co-Founder Roland Swenson in statement on the SXSW website. "We’re pleased to be working on SXSW Online as part of our program for 2021, and regardless of platform, we will continue to bring together the brightest minds from creative industries worldwide."

The major music, film and tech live event in Austin announced in March it would cancel their 2020 edition due to fear of the spread of COVID-19.

SXSW and SXSW EDU PanelPicker proposals and Film Festival submissions will open on Oct. 6. Staff will program the 2021 music festival edition. Priority will be given to presenters and artists who were on the 2020 lineup. 

For more information, visit the SXSW website.

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