When Bob Lefsetz talks, the music industry listens.
Bob is the author behind The Lefsetz Letter, a music analysis blog renowned for Bob's forthright ability to tell the truth no matter the cost. His writings are considered almost as gospel by major players in the industry, with Bob counting Steven Tyler, Drake and Deadmau5 among his followers.
Bob has also gotten into his own fair share of very public stoushes with very high-profile people who haven't taken kindly to what he's had to say, including Taylor Swift (said she couldn't sing), Kid Rock (wrote 'f... Kid Rock'), Gene Simmons (criticised the KISS bassist's keynote speech at a music conference in 2009) and Live Nation Chairman Irving Azoff (assailed the seven-figure salaries of Live Nation execs).
But why talk about Bob when the man himself can tell you all you want to know and more when he presents a keynote address at this year's Australian Music Week. Before that, we let Lefsetz loose on a Q&A. Enjoy.
What tone are you hoping to set for the aspiring artists and audiences at Australian Music Week when you deliver your keynote?
Quit. Only the ones who ignore this advice will have a chance of making it. As that legendary Australian band AC/DC once sang: 'It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock & roll.' The music must be in your soul. And the music is only half of it. . . the person you are, your drive, your relationships, are key. I hate false optimism, but the world needs great music and if you can deliver it we're all ears.
In your time analysing the music industry, how have you seen the Australian market grow and change?
We live in a world of cacophony. No scene dominates, it's hard to get attention. Insiders know that Australia has the best live bands. Down Under is always on our minds. We're looking. So it's easier to communicate, but harder to get noticed. . . FOR EVERYBODY!
Do you think you can make a difference with your writings and voice in the music industry?
Who knows? If you can gain insight from my writings, great.
As different trends in the music industry have come and gone, what is your current least favourite thing?
The industry's focus on the Spotify Top 50. The hit chart means less than it ever did. There are a bunch of burgeoning sounds out there that don't get enough attention, even though they may have a strong audience.
From your analyses, are you able to forecast what trends we may expect to occur in 2020?
The growth of non-hip hop and pop music. We've figured out the technology, now it's about the music. We're always looking for something new and different.
What is the future for major labels or have they been usurped by recent changes in distribution to the point of no return?
Nobody can blow something up like a major. But they're only interested in hip hop and pop, at least in the US, leaving the rest of the field to their detriment. If you don't make music that can get on the radio or get big TV coverage, don't sign with the major, they can't help you. But don't forget, people will always go for the cash and the major labels have it.
The story goes that you wanted to be a music journalist, but was discouraged by an unsupportive writing professor; what would you say to that professor today, given your success?
F... you!
Your own advice for aspiring music journalists in this day and age?
The world doesn't need music journalists, but it does need great writers. We'll read the work of great writers on any subject. If yours happens to be music, we're eager to read you.
