We’re halfway through 2025, and nearly halfway through The Roaring Twenty-Twenties.For kicks, I caught the Hugh Jackman show at Radio City this weekend. He did a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life.” It reminded me that, even though history doesn’t always repeat itself, it very well can rhyme. Hugh did his Frank medley and for a minute I thought this year feels like a Frank Sinatra song.“That's life (that's life), that's what all the people say You're ridin' high in April, shot down in MayBut I know I'm gonna change that tune When I'm back on top, back on top in JuneI said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem Some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream But I don't let it, let it get me down 'Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' around”It’s crucial to look back in order to prepare for what’s to come. It may seem like a chaotic backdrop, but opportunity rides shotgun when chaos is driving. There’s a creative and technological renaissance taking place. The Great Transformation is fully underway, providing paradigm-shifting opportunities.Here is our Nue Agency Halftime Trend report in full:2025 Halftime Trend Report2025 Halftime Trend Report DeckThe second half is already heating up in a major way, and I’m not talking about the 100-degree temps in NYC. We’re working with dream clients on dream projects, weaving in many of the ideas, principles, and provocations from this report. Context is everything these days.This is a time to build, tap into the expansiveness of new technology, and make some noise. If we do it together, the whole world will hear it.Happy Summer Solstice,Jesse K.
BEATS
The Culture of Music and Hotels Legends, Lore, and InfamyThe role of music in the hospitality industry has been inextricably intertwined for centuries – from traveling minstrels at medieval European inns to the legendary performances hosted in the grand ballrooms of iconic hotels. This relationship continues to evolve alongside the music and hotel industries themselves (Giant Step).
Creative Compass: GenZ on GenAIIn a world transformed by social media, short-form content, and emerging technologies like AI, the entertainment industry faces mounting pressure to adapt. No group feels this shift more acutely than Gen Z—both as consumers and as the next wave of creators (Successful Pyramid).
Indie Label Business Review 2025As part of the 2025 American Association of Independent Music’s annual Indie Week event in New York, Luminate’s Haley Jones and Chris Muratore joined IndieDojo’s Bill Wilson for a presentation assessing the current state of this corner of the industry (Luminate Data).
Shore Fire Media’s Best CalendarShore Fire Media's "Best Calendar" is a curated list of key entertainment and sports events, conferences, and other notable happenings in the music, entertainment, sports, literature, and culture industries (Shorefire).
Oakley Appoints Travis Scott Chief VisionaryThe role kicks off a “multiyear partnership that will redefine the brand’s creative future. Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack team will work hand-in-hand with Oakley to push the boundaries of design, innovation and cultural relevance,” (WWD).
Live Isn’t Dead, It Just Needs a WhatsApp Group: Why Gatekeeping Is Due For a ComebackFestivals face cancellations, travel costs are rising, and grassroots venues are struggling. Success stories like the ‘Eras’ tour and the Oasis reunion boosted year-on-year stats within the industry, but is this a sign of long-term growth or merely a blip (Midia Research)?
Tracksuits, Bucket Hats and Coach Jackets: Oasis and adidas Debut New Collaborationadidas and Oasis are celebrating 30 years of shared history with the “Original Forever” campaign and “Oasis Live ‘25” apparel (Hypebeast).
The Future of the Creator Economy Report 2025Music continues to play a vital role — not just as background, but as a powerful driver of emotion, engagement, and connection. Dive into key trends shaping the future of creativity, from direct-to-fan models and diversification to the tools redefining how creators work (Epidemic Sound).
Cactus Jack Scores Its Largest Major League Collaboration YetAn endeavor entitled “Cactus Jack All Leagues,” the apparel collaboration (likely to be later complemented by additional activations or drops) includes releases with the MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL, and is confirmed to be revealed in full come this fall (Hypebeast).
Benson Boone Backflips Into Crumbl Cookies CollaborationThe “Beautiful Things” singer is partnering with Crumbl to release the Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie. The otherworldly dessert is inspired by a lyric from his April single “Mystical Magical” and will be at all Crumbl locations from Monday, June 23 until Saturday, June 28 (Today).
Tyler, The Creator’s New Collab With Converse Sold Out in Minutes — Here’s Where to Find Them Still in StockGrammy Award-winning artist Tyler, The Creator has once again joined forces with footwear brand Converse to release a new line of retro-inspired sneakers, that are available for purchase starting today (Rolling Stone).
Why Celebrity Cellular Brands Are EverywhereWhat do actor Ryan Reynolds, ESPN, the Trump family and the hosts of the SmartLess podcast have in common? They have all launched their own mobile carriers (WSJ).
Hola, Superfans! Universal Music Group Opens Its Own Retail Store Inside UMusic Hotel in Madrid The Madrid shop joins Universal Music’s existing retail presence in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, where the company operates a flagship store. The two-floor Madrid store will open on July 8 to coincide with the city’s Mad Cool Festival, with performances from UMG artists (Music Business Worldwide).
The State of LiveThe State of Live is the first comprehensive national economic research study examining independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and performing arts centers. Released on June 23, 2025, this groundbreaking report quantifies their significant economic contributions, explores challenges facing their sustainability, and provides invaluable data to drive advocacy and support (NIVA).
State of the Consumer 2025: When Disruption Becomes PermanentFive years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ crisis-era habits have lingered. Here’s what organizations can do to outcompete in the second half of the decade (McKinsey).
How Are VCs Thinking About Music In 2025?Five investors share their views on the music investment landscape, what trends excite them, and more (Leveling Up).
BYTES
The duo of brothers known for rapping with single-minded focus is returning with “Let God Sort Em Out,” its first studio album since 2009 (New York Times).
In a breathtaking live performance, Cynthia Erivo delivers “Holy Refrain” with raw emotion and power. Captured at Vevo Studios, this stripped-down rendition showcases Erivo’s unmatched vocal chops.
With $30 million in backing, OpenWav positions itself as a one-stop mobile hub for artists to share music, sell tickets and create (and launch) merch (Billboard).
The track is the lead release from their upcoming joint album, Abi & Alan. While fans have praised the unexpected musical pairing, some have expressed disappointment on social media that the cover art was created using artificial intelligence, a hot-button topic in creative communities (Complex).
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!