Sony Buys Recognition
Sony Music has taken over the Hipgnosis music‑catalog portfolio previously owned by Blackstone, adding a sizable block of publishing rights to its already extensive assets. The move underscores a broader industry trend toward consolidation, as independents like Primary Wave and BMG/Concord seek scale to compete with the majors. Analysts note that while Sony can weather market volatility better than a standalone investor, the shift raises questions about who will champion songwriters’ interests. The acquisition highlights the enduring value of legacy hits in a streaming‑driven market.
BMG/Concord
The merger of BMG and Concord has created a de‑facto fourth major label by consolidating extensive publishing catalogs and recorded‑music rights. This new entity now sits alongside Universal, Sony and Warner, giving it a seat at the table for pricing...
More Best Song Not The Single-SiriusXM This Week
The Lefsetz Letter announced a live SiriusXM Faction Talk segment titled “More Best Song Not The Single” scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 4 PM Eastern (1 PM Pacific). The hour‑long show invites listeners to call in and discuss albums where the...
Best Song Not The Single-SiriusXM This Week
The Lefsetz Letter announced a new SiriusXM segment titled "Best Song Not The Single," airing Saturday, April 11 at 4 PM Eastern on Faction Talk (channel 103). Listeners are invited to call 844‑686‑5863 and share opinions on album tracks that weren’t released...
Anajak Thai
Anajak Thai, tucked on Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley, is being touted as Los Angeles' top Thai restaurant. Its signature Kampachi crudo has sparked comparisons to Nobu’s tiradito, while a recent private event for pop star Niall Horan highlighted the venue’s celebrity...
Bettye LaVette-This Week’s Podcast
The Lefsetz Letter released a new episode of its Bob Lefsetz podcast featuring legendary soul vocalist Bettye LaVette. The interview, published on April 2, 2026, is available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. LaVette talks about her decades‑long career, the evolving indie...
Summer Breeze
U2’s recent “Days of Ash” EP has struggled to break three million streams per track despite the band’s global fame, while BTS’s latest concert fell short of attendance forecasts, hurting local businesses. The article contrasts these streaming shortfalls with the...
Dan Clancy-This Week’s Podcast
Dan Clancy, chief executive of Twitch, joins Bob Lefsetz for a deep‑dive podcast episode released March 26, 2026. The conversation, available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music, explores Twitch’s growth strategy, creator‑focused monetization, and broader industry trends. Clancy emphasizes expanding...
Must-Read Article
Mike Davis, a prominent MAGA‑aligned lobbyist, allegedly pressured Department of Justice officials to fast‑track antitrust approvals, bypassing normal review procedures. His tactics were instrumental in securing a settlement for Live Nation, allowing the concert‑promotion giant to avoid a prolonged merger...
Alongside The British Invasion-3-SiriusXM This Week
The Lefsetz Letter announced a new SiriusXM episode titled “Alongside The British Invasion‑3,” airing Saturday, March 21 at 4 PM Eastern on channel 103. The show will explore American records that charted alongside the British Invasion hits of the 1960s. Listeners...
The Live Nation Case
A federal judge refused to dismiss the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Live Nation and granted summary judgment on the core claim that its promotion and booking activities constitute a monopoly, meaning the facts overwhelmingly favor Live Nation. The case now...
Train Dreams
Netflix acquired the indie drama *Train Dreams* and gave it a brief theatrical run to satisfy Oscar‑qualification rules before releasing it on the streaming platform in November 2025. The film earned a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating and secured a Best...