Every August, I give up La Playa for The Vineyard and this year is no exception. I’m not feeling The Burn (again) and I’m ok with that. Will I regret it one day? Maybe, but this year’s Burning Man seems to have headwinds. Has it finally passed its prime?I cherish this time in MV with my family and I’m excited to head to the Pacific Northwest later this week. My tennis game and my lobster eating skills are definitely going to get a boost.It’s tough to relax this year with so much uncertainty in the air. 2023 has been complicated but I’m optimistic for a lot of reasons.We know there are still discretionary budgets that have not yet been spent. There are still a series of tentpole moments coming up, including multiple holidays and Miami Art Basel. There are worthwhile conferences, award shows, exhibits, events, and “weeks” that will amount to big, year-defining moments for some.And, of course, there’s the thrill of planning for 2024.This summer had key themes that will ripple into the fall. The way I see it, The Summer of 2023 will be remembered for:
Barbie and all of it’s lessons.
Hip-Hop 50, a master class in celebrating the past and creating a big moment in culture.
Taylor and Beyonce’s tours.
Not having a clear cut “song of the summer” in a world where virality comes and goes so quickly.
The AI boom and figuring out (or not figuring out) use cases.
The writer’s strike and its implications for the near future, e.g. a big bump for sports/UFC, improv, and (potentially) live/virtual concerts.
TikTok micro-trends becoming exhausting and having less impact.
As I finish up the summer, I’m not getting back-to-school vibes, I’m getting finish-the-year-strong vibes. It’s still a builders market and we have several projects we’re excited about. Drake is poised to own streaming the next few weeks, but I’m glad Diddy is dropping a new album in September and rumor has it, he’s getting that MTV Vanguard moment in NYC (during Fashion Week, nonetheless) which should be nothing short or legendary. Cheers to the Love Era. 🎶🎤🥂See you after Labor Day!
BEATS
Lex Borrero’s NEON16 And NTERTAIN Expand Multi-Year Partnership With The NFLThe NFL, together with NTERTAIN Studios and music label NEON16, led by Latin music heavyweights Tainy and Lex Borrero, have inked an expansion of their partnership for the 2023 season. (Music Business Worldwide)
Private Equity’s Love Of Music Tech Continues, As STG Acquires Pro Tools Maker Avid For $1.4BNAvid Technology has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Symphony Technology Group (STG) in an all-cash transaction worth around USD $1.4 billion, including debt. (Music Business Worldwide)
Pharrell Williams Shares His Inspirations, From Henry Taylor to ‘Jabberjaw’The multifaceted producer, designer and new creative director of men’s wear at Louis Vuitton gives T a glimpse of his creative world. (New York Times)
Researchers Use AI to Predict Hit Songs From Listeners’ Heart RatesNew research shows that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict hit songs from neural activity inferred from heart rates alone. The technique, known as “neuroforecasting,” might also be used to make predictions about stock market behavior. (Big Think)
New Bad Bunny x Adidas Sneaker Collab SurfacesBad Bunny and Adidas Originals are reconnecting for another sneaker project. This time, the duo is introducing a new iteration of the archival Response CL running model. (Complex)
Nigerian Music Producer Uses AI To Create AfrobeatsA Nigerian Afrobeats producer has used AI technology to create a nine-track music album in just three days, as Stephanie Busari reports. (CNN)
BYTES
The Endeavor CEO sits down with Jay Shetty to cover everything from wellness practices to business deals: "If you stay with anger, resentment and fear, you can only get to a certain point in your life." (The Hollywood Reporter)
Leave it to Diddy to reassure fans that “R&B is alive.” On Tuesday (Aug. 22), the Grammy-winning producer and rapper announced his latest record, The Love Album: Off the Grid. The new album is slated for a Sept. 15 release. (Billboard)
Wearable backpacks designed by Music: Not Impossible, which allow people to experience music as vibrations on their bodies, are becoming more accessible to the public. (New York Times)
Jon Batiste aims for world domination on his new World Music Radio. The new album has a contemporary pop sheen and guest stars from Lil Wayne to Lana Del Rey. (NOLA)
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!