I love the optimism at the top of the year. It lasts through January and even into Spring. I probably say this every 365 days, but I’m as excited and passionate about the music business as I’ve ever been. Growth is inevitable as artists take greater control of their careers and brands continue to crack the code that a dynamic connection to music creates. Who needs Facebook ads in 2019? We’re after meaningful partnerships done right.When the inbox notifications slow down over the holidays, some people relax, others reflect, and others explore new interests. I took the downtime to dive headfirst into the writing of my first book. I hope to have it finished and published by Q4. It will cover my life’s work with a focus on lessons brands can learn from musicians. Besides our annual planning meetings, we have a power-packed agenda this week. CES kicks off today in Vegas and tomorrow the W Music Summit clicks its spurs together in Austin, Texas. Attention, 2019: we’re coming for you!!!
BEATS
The ‘SpongeBob’ Effect: How Cartoon Rap Memes Are Breaking Artists and Spiking StreamsIn 2019, getting a song placed in a viral SpongeBob clip can be just as effective as any traditional promotional tactic. But before every major label executive starts dumping full marketing budgets into SpongeBob meme campaigns, they should be prepared to see lackluster results if anything feels contrived. (Complex)
Pop in the Era of DistractionPop celebrity has always demanded a certain amount of spectacle, from magazine photo sessions to video clips. But now, social media is pushing that spectacle to become continuous, intimate and hyperactive on multiple fronts. (NY Times)
The Verge 2018 Tech Report Card: Streaming MusicAlthough music streaming has been an integral part of daily life for what seems like ages, both the music industry and tech companies have consistently and frustratingly been behind the curve. So in many ways, 2018 felt like the first year that both sectors embraced innovation in the world of music streaming in ways that will meaningfully affect its future. (Verge)
Mike Tyson Launching a Cannabis-Centered Music Festival for All AgesThe former heavyweight boxer has confirmed he’ll host a new music festival. Dubbed the Kind Music Festival (KMF), the event describes itself as one that “embraces cannabis as a legalized recreational product.” (Digital Music News)
Spotify Reveals Top Workout Trends, Playlists, and Songs Going Into 2019Now that the holiday season has passed and the new year is upon us, it’s time for the deluge of articles and TV spots dedicated to health and fitness trends for 2019. Now you can add curated playlists and songs to that list, which might actually be more motivating and helpful than many other factors. (Fortune)
CES 2019 Preview: Technology to Watch in the Coming YearMore than 180,000 industry insiders are expected to swarm Las Vegas for CES, the annual mega-conference dedicated to consumer tech. Variety has put together a cheat sheet that identifies five key technologies to watch; developments on these fronts will have an impact on entertainment in 2019 — and beyond. (Variety)
Blockchain Music Company Comparison Chart You definitely didn't know you needed this comprehensive comparison chart of blockchain related music platforms. To kick off 2019 here is an open flowchart created by Erik Mendelson with data from credible industry sites: Musically, Digital Music News, Billboard, Music Business Worldwide, Hypebot and each of the platform’s websites. (Medium)
10 Music Business Predictions For 2019Predictions can be a tricky thing, but if we look at the trends in the music business over the last year we can see where things might be going. Here are 10 predictions for how the industry will fare in 2019. (Forbes)
New York's Webster Hall Announces Spring ReopeningIconic New York City music venue Webster Hall has announced it will reopen this spring, following a year and a half of renovations. (Billboard)
BYTES
The Product Hunt is a weekly podcast with the people creating and exploring the future with Ryan Hoover and Abadesi Osunsade. In this weeks episode, the hosts visit Atrium’s headquarters in SoMA in San Francisco to chat with two serial entrepreneurs, Justin Kan and Ranid to discuss what they’ve learned from building products and startups, what lessons they would give to entrepreneurs starting out today, and how the startup and investing landscape has changed.
It’s that time of the year when Skillz tackles the biggest news of the last 12 months with a year-end rap up.
True-Fi is on a mission to address this issue by delivering original studio sound to all music listeners.
Tyler consistently puts out holiday year-end mixes, something I look forward to every year. It’s stacked with the best indie gems 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!