This weekend I was invited to my third VMAs. My first one was when I signed and represented the Clipse and Justin Timberlake for his world premiere of his first single as a solo artist featuring Clipse.
The second time was when my client Wale was the house band. This year we were invited down by our partners at MTV2 and it was the biggest and best production yet. The performances were spectacular and as usual it featured music’s biggest stars.
If you knew me growing up you knew I was obsessed with the VMAs and MTV. But it was a different era then as videos were the craze and MTV was everything when it came to them.
This year there were only a few awards and the winners barely even showed up to accept. Although one can argue in the digital era the video is more relevant than ever there was a definite disconnect in the work and the hype.
It would be great to see all of the nominations get a proper spotlight on them. With MTV doing a proper build up to the awards that highlighted other facets of the business like the tech. I did see an activation with my friends at Musical.ly but I’d love MTV to make this meater. All in all it was still an amazing experience and I hope I can help them make next year even better.
This week It’s the quiet before the storm with a much needed week long siesta in Martha’s Vineyard. Catch you after Labor Day!
– @JesseKay
BEATS
Will Amazon Break The $5 Streaming Music Barrier?
Forbes
Lucian Grainge effectively ‘outlawing’ streaming exclusives at UMG
MBWW
Juan Gabriel, Mexican Music Icon, Dies at 66
NYTimes
The Summer That Streaming Took Over
Wall Street Journal
Spotify IPO Watch: Blame ≠ Profit
Music Tech Solutions
Artists Are Leveraging Satellite, Streaming and Terrestrial Radio to Boost Their Careers
Billboard
What Killed the Jingle?
The Atlantic
BYTES

LISTEN
At the helm of Beggar’s digital business is Simon Wheeler of the largest independent music group of labels in Europe. Listen to his thoughts above.
Streaming For Beggars With Simon Wheeler Of Beggars Group
WATCH
Britney Spears announced her comeback with her first VMA performance in a decade with rapper G-Eazy. Check it out above.
Britney Spears:Make Me 2016 MTV VMAs

GET
Vibe is a keyboard that lets you text music reactions to your friends. Only on the iPhone currently but it can add a fun layer to your conversations.
Vibe: Music Sharing Keyboard
CHARGED UP
If you’re a fan of Chvrches you’ll probably love GHOSTS and their song Powerless. Another late contender for your song of the summer.
GHOSTS:Powerless feat. Lea Santee