AGP Executive Report

Mental Health Pop Anthem: J-Pop singer SHIHORI released “When I Decided Not To Die,” a survival-focused single drawn from childhood bullying and her choice to live. Catalog Power Move: Universal Music Greater China acquired the Carrier Creative catalog, restoring and relaunching key Mandopop recordings from Little Tigers and Johnny Chiang’s “golden age.” Global Live Culture: Luxembourg’s fourth International Dragon Boat Festival drew 10,000+ people along the Moselle, mixing racing with music, food markets, and China–EU cultural exchange. Broadway Spotlight: “Schmigadoon!” won Best New Musical at the Tonys, while “Liberation” took Best Play. Rock Tragedy: Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley, 35, died after a London stabbing; police arrested suspects and are seeking footage. Pop Release Push: Niall Horan brought his “Dinner Party” album to a New York UMusic Shop pop-up with limited merch and in-store playback. Tech Meets Music: USC researchers unveiled a robotic hand that learns a melody after two minutes and can be judged alongside human pianists. Local Community Music: Harrisburg announced “Juneteenth Meets Carnival,” a free multi-day series blending diaspora celebration with major live performances.

Ancient Lyre Revival: Himara’s “Musical Encounters of Two Worlds” kicked off with kids learning the ancient Greek lyre and a seaside concert featuring Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis, Evangelia Kopsalidou and Sophia Karakouta, with the festival set to culminate in Paris this autumn. Broadway Buzz: The 2026 Tony Awards crowned Apple TV spoof “Schmigadoon!” as best new musical, while “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” helped lift Shreveport native Zhailon Levingston to best direction of a musical. Pop Chart Power: Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her for a milestone 10th chart leader. Music Biz & Streaming: Virgin Music Group agreed to sell Curve Royalty Systems to Jamen Capital and Merlin, and independent labels backed Cantilever’s “music-first” streaming push with £250,000. New Releases: DJ Matrix returns after decades with “Drift Away,” while Holy Culture Records drops “Change Gonna Come” from its This Is Worship compilation. Live & Community: Baltimore’s new waterfront series “Soul on the Water” announces major R&B and soul headliners across summer and fall.

Broadway’s Big Night: “Schmigadoon!” swept the 2026 Tony Awards, taking best musical, score and book, while “Liberation” won best play and “Ragtime” grabbed best musical revival—spotlighting stories on gender equality, race, class and antisemitism. K-pop in the Spotlight: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang named favorite K-pop tracks, including Huntrix’s “Golden” and Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye,” underscoring how global tech leaders are tuning into the genre. Classical & Jazz Live: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra delivered back-to-back Hong Kong concerts under Andris Nelsons, and Helen Sung’s “Oracle” jazz tribute album leans into syncopation and improvisation. Community Music Culture: City Park Jazz launched its 40th summer series after a fire destroyed its historic bandshell, while Sāmoan artists Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg and Rebecca Rice keep tautua alive through teaching and mentoring. New Tech for Music: Eros Innovation launched a cultural AI platform in 34 languages, aiming to preserve voice and identity for digital performers.

Broadway Spotlight: Pink hosts the 2026 Tony Awards on CBS/Paramount+ as “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!” lead nominations, with “Ragtime” and “Titaníque” also in the thick of the race. Music & Community: The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival backed Children’s Beach House with a $10,000 donation, while Detroit’s United Voices of Detroit is staging a free Juneteenth Freedom Day concert to promote unity through music. Live Music Updates: Soul Asylum announced a 2026 world tour tied to “MPLS Unplugged,” and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is set for the Blue Note Jazz Festival June 8-10. Global Scenes: Portugal’s Morro Sonoro brings free sunset concerts mixing Brazilian and Portuguese contemporary sounds. Tragedy Watch: A Mumbai concert at NSCI Dome saw a 28-year-old man die and a woman collapse; police are investigating alcohol and other possible factors. Pop Culture: Madonna told fans to “put your f** phone down and connect” during her Confession II-era appearances.

Music & Philanthropy: deadmau5 covered $30,000 in medical costs after a rescue of dozens of cats and kittens by the Humane Society of Oakville, boosting both care and shelter awareness. Live Music Returns: Nottingham Castle is set to host “Summer Nights” for the first time in over a decade, with 80s nostalgia and country lineups across July 10–11. Global Pop Culture: India’s C.O.R.E. mega pop-culture festival debuts June 20–21 in Mumbai, aiming to turn fandom into an immersive, official experience. K-pop Spotlight: SHINee will perform “Atmos” as a rare full-group TV stage debut on SBS’s “Inkigayo” on June 14. Community Music Funding: Oxfordshire’s In-Spire Sounds CIC won £7,000 to use songwriting, production, and mentoring to steer at-risk young people away from harm. Major Concert Event: Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Public Enemy and more headlined “Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us,” tied to the new Springsteen Center opening June 13. Genre Watch: amapiano keeps spreading globally, driven by TikTok and South Africa’s street-to-club momentum. Loss: Mizrahi icon Ishay Levi died at 63, remembered for defining hits like “Raiya” and “Rikud Romanti.” Legal/Arts: a judge dismissed the Kennedy Center’s lawsuit against jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled over the Trump renaming dispute.

K-pop Chart Watch: ILLIT snags No.1 on MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core’ (June 6) with “It’s Me,” topping I.O.I and AMKU even without a stage appearance. Live Music Calendar: Orillia’s free “Music in the Park” returns with 13 concerts by the lake, while Valley City’s Music in the Park keeps rolling with Project Constellation. Major Touring Spotlight: Daniel Lanois brings his immersive Daniel Lanois Trio run to Ontario this August. Rock & Pop Moments: Springsteen’s ‘Music America’ finale in New Jersey pairs classic American icons with duets, and The Script pulls off a surprise pub gig in Coventry. Community & Culture: San Leandro’s Bersama in the Bay celebrates Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean heritage with live music and hands-on instruments. Music Legacy: Tribeca opens an Earth, Wind & Fire documentary by Questlove, and MOBO Awards founder Kanya King is remembered after her death at 57. Ear Safety: A new push for concert earplugs highlights protecting hearing without killing the vibe.

Local Music & Community: New Ulm’s Music in the Park kicked off with the Concord Singers at German Park, with weekly Thursday shows continuing into June. Rock History Spotlight: A deep dive traces how bassist Gerald Johnson’s rare 1973 rock solo moment came together on Steve Miller’s “Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma,” highlighting the craft behind the groove. Live Music Listings: Lake of the Ozarks venues roll out a busy weekend—Uncle Kracker at Lazy Gators, plus sets by AKA at Backwater Jack’s and Blue Eyed Soul at Captain Ron’s. Music & Memory: Nor’Wester ’76’s 50-year legacy returns with a look at the Idaho riot that derailed the planned rock lineup. Pop Culture Meets Music: Taylor Swift released “I Knew It, I Knew You,” a country-leaning track for Toy Story 5, with banjo and harmonica nods to her Nashville roots. K-Pop Update: MEOVV made its first Music Bank appearance, performing “DDI RO RI” (sampling Bach) and “In My Hands.” Classical & Jazz: Arcadia Quartet wraps its Weinberg String Quartets series, while Burlington’s Discover Jazz Fest spotlights Tank and the Bangas, Ruthie Foster, and Lara Cwass.

Pop & Charts: Paul McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane hits No.1 in the UK, extending his record run as Island EMI also lands a chart triple. Global Pop: Taylor Swift drops “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Toy Story 5, leaning into country-pop nostalgia. Madonna: The pop icon turns Times Square into a Pride pop-up with new single “Love Sensation” plus classic “Hung Up” and more. Rock & Live: St. Vincent goes symphonic with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, reworking her catalog with a 60-piece orchestra. Music History: A new look at how the electric guitar sparked garage bands and rock dreams, from the “Frying Pan” onward. Metal & Scene: Norway’s Witch Club Satan brings black-metal catharsis to North America, with a Denver stop. Community & Wellness: Erie Ave and Dr. Eanah pair music with a short film on emotional wellness for industry conversations. Classical Crossover: Joffrey pairs Eugene Onegin with Anna Karenina in a fresh companion-piece run. Local Events: Bellson Music Fest moves indoors due to weather, while Reading Terminal Market adds a summer pop-up plaza with live music. Legacy: Gregg Allman documentary explores the Allman Brothers’ soul behind the triumphs and tragedies.

Pop Culture & Soundtrack Buzz: Taylor Swift drops “I Knew It, I Knew You,” a country-leaning track for Toy Story 5, tapping Jessie’s perspective and sending Swift back to her roots. Global Pop Spectacle: Madonna turns Times Square into a Pride Month dancefloor with a surprise Grindr-linked set, debuting “Love Sensation” from Confessions II. K-Pop Momentum: tripleS returns as a full 24-member group with LOVE & POP Part 1, led by “Baby Flower,” with a multi-city visual storyline. Live Music & Community: Hong Kong indie venue The Aftermath asks fans to help clear back rent to keep the lights on. Local Scene Spotlight: New Ulm’s Municipal Band marks 80 years with free German Park concerts, while the South Dakota Rock & Rollers Hall of Fame announces its 2026 inductees. New Releases: Alexa & the Old-Fashioneds share “Tired (All The Time),” and Zoë Vera unveils “Live Harder” as a trauma-to-triumph visual. Industry & Policy: Creators in Paris launch the “Paris Commitment” to protect human creativity and fair pay in the AI era.

Local Live Music: The Original Farmers Market’s free Summer Music Series returns Thursdays (June 4–Sept. 3, with a June 18 break for a FIFA World Cup fan zone), kicking off with the Hukliau Hotshots and running through funk, R&B, jazz, hip-hop and more. Folk & Protest: Algoma U political science professor Trevor Tchir releases his sixth album, What Fools Endure, blending folk with rock, blues and country, including songs on dictatorship and residential schools. K-Pop Spotlight: Mamamoo makes a comeback with 4ward and “4 Flowers,” followed by a world tour. Pop Culture & Politics: Olivia Rodrigo says she was “enraged” after ICE used her “All-American b—-” in a self-deportation propaganda video. Jazz & Community: Norman’s free “Jazz in June” returns June 18–20 with workshops and headliner Vincen Garcia, plus the Mike Stern Band and others. Classical/Atmosphere: Icelandic composer Eythor Arnalds drops Music for Walking, an ambient neo-classical album recorded with the Reykjavík Symphony Orchestra. Theater Buzz: Broadway’s Hadestown announces its first UK tour, including Scottish dates in 2027.

Music Industry & Policy: Canada announced a $600M yearly investment to stabilize and support its audio and audiovisual sectors amid Online Streaming Act fallout, as foreign streaming firms face higher Canadian-content base contributions. Global Streaming & K-Pop: BIGC teamed with Apple Music to boost SBS’s “THE SHOW” and “FANPOPTY,” with Apple Music curating joint playlists to help K-pop debuts break into the mainstream. Major Catalog Deals: Reports say Garth Brooks is considering a roughly $2B sale of his music catalog, a potential blockbuster in recent music-business history. Live Music & Festivals: Tribeca Festival’s 25th edition leans hard into music with premieres and talks featuring icons like Earth, Wind & Fire and Madonna, while the Music Festival of the Lowcountry returns as a free, all-day Beaufort waterfront event. Classical Crossover: St. Vincent goes orchestral with the Pittsburgh Symphony, and Lime Cordiale headlines an Adelaide Cabaret Festival performance with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Community & Heritage: Northern Soul Weekender hits Bridlington Spa for its 20th year, and Marlboro Music marks 75 years of chamber-music collaboration in Vermont.

Chart Milestone: Jennie’s “Dracula” (with Tame Impala) jumps to No. 9 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, making her only the fifth K-pop act to crack the Top 10. New Music Spotlight: Indie rock band Whoop sharpens its sound on “Tightrope,” while Montreal alt-R&B artist Somaya leans into self-destruction and delusion on “RHINESTONES” (with reggae grooves and Middle Eastern textures). Video-Forward Releases: Royal Blush brings prank-call chaos and big-hearted rock to “Gimme (One Thing),” and Somaya’s “RHINESTONES” video doubles down on the track’s contradictions. Catalog & Business: Seeker Music acquires Simon Raymonde’s publishing catalog from Cocteau Twins, adding to its growing rights portfolio. Live & Community: Nashville Symphony’s free Community Concerts roll through parks this week, and Indianapolis highlights Pride, Juneteenth and Father’s Day events with live music and local jams. Classical Tech Deal: Apple Music Classical and Wigmore Hall relaunch Wigmore Hall Live as a digital-only service that sends recording royalties directly to performers.

R&B Loss: Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning voice behind Disney classics “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at 75, prompting tributes from across the music world. K-pop & Tourism: Ahead of BTS’s Busan shows, foreign hotel bookings surged, with some rates reportedly multiplying—sparking fresh scrutiny of reservation practices. Songwriter Pay & AI: Prescription Songs’ Rhea Pasricha Kullas says writers are getting “the short end of the stick,” pushing for fairer compensation as AI reshapes the business. Live Music Disruption: ANOTR’s Manchester pop-up was shut down by police after fans scaled fences and the venue hit capacity. Music Tech/Radio: iHeartRadio is partnering with LG to bring stations and podcasts to LG Radio+. Community & Fundraising: Ladies Who Rock adds Julie Weir and Karen Emanuel to its Teenage Cancer Trust fundraiser ahead of July 2. Global Festival Spotlight: Le Guess Who? announces its 20th anniversary Utrecht lineup and curators for Nov 5–8.

Local Arts & Belonging: Malaysia’s Nga Kor Ming says cities need arts, culture, and human connection—not just housing and infrastructure—highlighting music as a bridge across communities. Rock Nostalgia Live: Ringo Starr’s sold-out San Diego show proved classic hits still hit hard, with his All-Starr Band delivering Beatles and beyond. Classical Crossover: Hereford Cathedral books organist Roger Sayer for “Interstellar: From Space to Earth,” pairing film themes with sci-fi-inspired organ pieces. AI in Music Creation: A practical roundup argues AI is already a powerful creative tool for making music and even crafting Hollywood-style visuals. New Singles & Comebacks: Lisa Coppola releases “Take Me Higher”; Ellie Goulding readies “Black Prada Dress” and a September album; N.Flying returns with “In Between Seasons”; Mamamoo teases “4 Flowers.” Pop Meets Film: Taylor Swift confirms a country-leaning “Toy Story 5” track, “I Knew It, I Knew You.” Community Jazz: Philadelphia’s Jazz Sanctuary launches five free June performances across the region. Tour/Release News: Elvis Costello books Packard Music Hall; Kim Junsu drops “GRAVITY” and announces Seoul dates; Lionsgate sets digital/physical release plans for the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael.” Festival Pulse: Outloud Festival returns to WeHo Pride with The Pussycat Dolls, JADE, and Ava Max.

Band News: Philippine alt-rockers Sleep Alley announced they’re disbanding to honor late vocalist Aly Pagaduan, saying her “heart and soul” lives on through their songs. Body-Image & Pop Culture: Irish singer CMAT says she’s still being judged for her weight despite deleting social media after abuse, arguing thinness is treated like a requirement for respect. New Music Releases: Charlie Winton drops “Never Say Never” with a lyric video, while Tierra Whack readies Whack’s Museum (June 19). K-Pop & Global Fandom: Seventeen’s Vernon and The8 launch V8 with a debut album (June 29) and a Hong Kong live tour this summer; T.O.P. hosts a free Yokohama fan meeting for paid fan-club members. Live Music & Community: LA Phil appoints Daniel Harding as next music director (2027–28); In-Spire Sounds in Oxford gains accreditation to offer formal qualifications through its youth music program. Music, Film & Big Moments: Taylor Swift says she wrote an original Toy Story 5 song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for June 19.

Pride & Queer Stage: “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal” returns for its 20th anniversary, with open auditions June 7–9 in Quezon City for a new production. K-pop Global Push: BTS confirms a deluxe-only track, “Come Over,” hits streaming June 12 ahead of Busan stadium shows; tripleS returns with “LOVE & POP PT. 1” as ASSEMBLE26. Pop Live Moment: Phoebe Bridgers announces a Pride-season MSG pop-up on June 4 with $1 tickets via random selection to fund an immigration bond effort. Jazz Community: Christian McBride hosts the Jazz Power Initiative Syncopated Celebration 2026, spotlighting youth ensemble Zah! Rock & Touring: Journey adds an Evansville stop June 17; Goose books Portland, Maine for Nov. 15. Local Music Calendar: Edmonton’s KDays expands its CKUA Radio Stage with Bedouin Soundclash and Aysanabee; Huntsville plans a full July 4 America 250 downtown day with live music and fireworks. Music in Culture: Venezuela awards patrimonial status to the Margarita galerón as intangible heritage. Industry Watch: Spotify’s 2026 streaming chart (through May 31) is led by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile.” Loss: Jazz actor Joe Negri (“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” handyman) dies at 99.