Jxdn and Nessa Barrett perform on stage during Lollapalooza 2021 at Grant Park on Aug. 1, 2021 in Chicago.
Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesIn late September, punk quartet The Linda Lindas played their first headlining gig since their performance of “Racist, Sexist Boy” at the Los Angeles Public Library went viral in May. Held at DIY space The Smell in their hometown of Los Angeles, the gig sold out within minutes. “It was really exciting to see that [fame] come offline and into a small venue,” says the group’s music agent, Carly James, at Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
Translating virtual success amid a pandemic into triumphant live shows is a conundrum many young artists now face. This year, over half of those included in Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list identified touring as a field they want to learn more about. Meanwhile, agents and managers understand there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for a successful first run.
For example, with The Linda Lindas ranging from ages 11 to 17, a tour has to wait until summer 2022 once they’re out of school. (It will also, according to James, have to include parents and chaperones.) 24kGoldn, however, is jumping right in. Following an opening slot on Cordae’s 2021 tour, the 20-year-old rapper will kick off his El Dorado dates at the 1,500-capacity House of Blues in San Diego in November.
“The main preparation is the grueling long haul of the travel that he might not be used to,” says 24kGoldn’s manager, David Waltzer, of Electric Feel Entertainment. “The most trying hurdle he has to overcome is how to take care of himself [and] his voice to perform night after night.” Waltzer adds that 24kGoldn played a series of festivals this summer, including New York’s Governors Ball, to fine-tune his set for larger crowds.
That tactic has also been utilized by Tate McRae, whose 2021 has been full of festival appearances, from Lollapalooza and Firefly to Austin City Limits. Next year, she’ll launch a headlining tour in the United Kingdom before returning to North America for 25-plus dates. “Festivals have kept her really busy, raised her profile and given her a chance to meet her fans in real life for the first time,” says manager Matt Feldman of Hard 8 Working Group.
By the time McRae hit the festival scene this summer, fans were singing her lyrics back at her despite only playing a handful of shows before the pandemic. “Coming out of the pandemic we’ve had to quickly scale up the shows, and every time she gets better.”
TikTok star Nessa Barrett is scheduled to perform her first headlining shows in New York and Los Angeles in November — both of which sold out within minutes, according to agent Matt Galle at CAA. Given the sales — and the fact she performed alongside jxdn in front of 50,000 festivalgoers at Chicago’s Lollapalooza in August — Galle believes she’s already a headlining artist. Even so, he says the plan is to avoid more than three shows in a row to save her voice.
But his most vital advice? “You only have one first tour. Remember to enjoy it.”
This story originally appeared in the Oct. 9, 2021, issue of Billboard.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie is set to return with another solo release.
The 30 year old singer has confirmed that her digital solo EP, Fallen Angel, will arrive on August 28. The project will include three songs, FALLEN ANGEL, HEAVEN and Less Than a Lover.
The announcement was shared through the social media accounts of Odd Atelier, Jennie’s own company, where the new project was described as “A gift from JENNIE, with love”.
Jennie also confirmed that fans will be able to watch the music video for the EP’s title track on the same day the project comes out.
The upcoming release arrives only a few months after BLACKPINK dropped their highly awaited mini album Deadline in February.
The K pop group, made up of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, concluded their Deadline world tour on January 26, 2026, with their final show taking place at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
The group first introduced the project with the lead single JUMP in July 2025. The five track release was later completed with GO, Me and my, Champion, and Fxxxboy.
YG Entertainment previously shared its thoughts on Deadline, saying: “Even amid the intense schedule of a large-scale world tour, the members devoted significant time and effort to perfecting this album. We are confident it is a body of work that encapsulates both the individual musical capabilities of the four members and their synergy as a team. We ask for your continued support as BLACKPINK once again leaves a meaningful mark on the global music industry.”
The four members continued developing their individual careers after BLACKPINK released their 2022 album Born Pink.
Lisa had earlier given fans a glimpse into the group’s plans, revealing that the members had recently returned to the studio to work on music for another album.
Speaking with Variety, she said: “Actually, we were in the studio a few days ago.
"We’re all so super excited to get back together and go on tour. We really miss the Blinks. We can’t wait to see them."
Each member has also built a strong presence through their solo work.
Rosé released her solo album Rosie, which included her Grammy nominated collaboration with Bruno Mars, APT..
Lisa later unveiled her first full length album, Alter Ego, while also stepping into acting with a role on HBO's The White Lotus, which was filmed in Thailand. Jennie launched her first solo album, Ruby, last year, while Jisoo released her EP Amortage, giving each member another opportunity to showcase her own musical style.
