Record Store Day is approaching this weekend as the vinyl explosion continues.We now have vinyl everything: listening clubs treating albums like literature; vinyl bars; all-vinyl DJ sets; even vinyl as art. The kicker is, a substantial number of people collecting vinyl don’t even own record players!
At the same time, CD sales are up. iPods are quietly having a moment again. Even cassettes keep making an impact.None of this is a new trend. We’ve seen this trajectory working in parallel alongside streaming for the past few years. But now it’s becoming clearer why.
The 2020s have been nothing if not unpredictable, and nostalgia is grounding. What you can hold in your hand matters most. Spotify is trying – with their new premium liner notes program – but if it’s on your phone, it doesn’t evoke the same feeling. You can’t feel the worn imperfections in an app.Streaming gave us access to every thing, but physical formats give us a reason to care about some things.I’ve felt it personally. Since spending more time in Miami, I’ve gotten into collecting vinyl, pop culture artifacts, and even old MetroCards. It just feels good to be able to touch something, put it on the mantle and see it when you walk into your house. The thrill of hunting for new additions to your collection refreshes those joyful feelings of youth.But even with vinyl’s growth, it’s hard not to feel like we’re in an in-between moment. Physical is back, but not fully evolved. Digital is dominant, but not fully satisfying. That means there’s a real opportunity to bridge the gap between the two. More on that soon…In the meantime, thank goodness for record stores and thank goodness for Chris Brown (no, not that Chris Brown). I’m excited to go diggin’ in the crates this weekend to see what kind of treasure I can find. Happy hunting!
BEATS
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Named Ray-Ban AmbassadorBLACKPINK’s Jennie has been named the newest global ambassador for Ray-Ban. The K-pop star will front campaigns for the eyewear brand as it looks to expand its reach among younger audiences. (Complex)
RIAA Report Reveals Latin Music US Revenue Surpassed $1 Billion USD in 2025Latin music revenue in the United States surpassed $1 billion USD in 2025, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The genre continues its rapid growth as streaming drives the majority of its revenue. (Hypebeast)
AI influencers are already taking over Coachella AI-generated influencers are already making their way into Coachella, blending into the festival’s influencer-heavy environment. The trend shows how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape social media presence at major cultural events. (The Verge)
Apple and M&C Saatchi Launch ‘Shot on iPhone’ Campaign in Vietnam Apple has launched a new ‘Shot on iPhone’ campaign in Vietnam in collaboration with M&C Saatchi and Happiness Saigon. The campaign highlights local creators while showcasing the iPhone’s camera capabilities. (DesignRush)
2026 PTTOW Entertainment Trends Report The 2026 PTTOW Entertainment Trends Report examines the cultural and technological forces shaping the future of entertainment. It explores how shifts in audience behavior, AI, and media consumption are redefining the industry. (PTTOW)
Zac Brown Band Teams Up With MLB for ‘Sunday Night Baseball’The Zac Brown Band is teaming up with Major League Baseball for ESPN’s ‘Sunday Night Baseball.’ The partnership will integrate the band’s music into the broadcast as part of a broader entertainment push. (Digital Music News)
BYTES
After interviewing Flea in the studio, Questlove asked the Red Hot Chili Peppers co-founder about the 1980s Los Angeles Punk scene. In response for this mini episode taped moments after, Questlove reflects on the Philly Hip-Hop ecosystem of the 1990s—the power of a KRS-One lyric and the raw talent of his fellow Philly peers and Roots collaborators.
How do songs go viral today—and why is success more strategic than ever? Chaotic Good co-founders Jesse Coren and Andrew Spelman joined Billboard On The Record at SXSW to break it down, sharing how TikTok trends, niche audiences, and data-driven campaigns help turn songs into hits.
The special titles on the Record Store Day 2026 Official List will be released at participating record stores as part of the celebration of Record Store Day on April 18.
Holly Humberstone’s Cruel World is a dreamy, emotionally charged pop album that explores the highs and lows of relationships through a blend of electronic and organic sounds. Moving from euphoric moments to introspective lows, it captures vulnerability, dependency, and self-doubt with cinematic production and raw lyricism.
SPIN IT
LAST WEEK'S BEATS + BYTES | Inside Coachella: The Real Brand Battleground Festival season has returned, and with it comes one of the most important cultural checkpoints of the year
This week's newsletter was carefully curated by the Nue Agency staff and our editor Rachel Meisner. If you think we missed something this week or have any suggestions/comments for next week's newsletter, let us know!