As we dive into 2026, top music execs share their hopes for the year ahead, tackling key issues in the industry.
As the music industry ventures into 2026, various leaders are expressing their aspirations for growth, innovation, and cohesion within the sector. Music Week recently conducted a straw poll, gathering insights from some of the most influential figures in the business. Their responses reveal a collective desire for progress on multiple fronts, from artist development to the challenges posed by streaming and technology.
Dickon Stainer of Universal Music Group UK emphasized the importance of British companies continuing to thrive on a global scale. He expressed a passionate hope that the UK’s music sector can maintain its current momentum and cultivate even greater success internationally.
Simon Robson from Warner Music Group highlighted one of the industry’s pressing challenges: streaming manipulation. He called for a united front among industry stakeholders to tackle this issue, ensuring fairness and transparency that would benefit artists and creators alike.
Safiya Lambie-Knight from Spotify reflected on the impressive accomplishments of UK artists in the previous year. With artists like PinkPantheress and Skepta gaining international recognition, she hopes to see this creative energy flourish even further in 2026.
Live Nation’s Anna-Sophie Mertens expressed excitement about the growth of the UK’s country and Americana scenes, particularly with the introduction of new festivals like State Fayre, which will celebrate these genres and bring something fresh to the festival circuit.
Sheryl Nwosu from The Black Music Coalition voiced a desire for compassion and care within the industry, following a year of significant transitions for many. She hopes for a kinder 2026 where industry members support one another more actively.
Kim Frankiewicz from Concord underscored the necessity of fair compensation for songwriters and producers, urging platforms to prioritize their royalties to ensure that the music ecosystem remains sustainable.
Kenny Gates of PIAS mentioned the importance of independent artists and labels standing together to foster creativity over mere profit. He stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of the industry to nurture long-lasting careers for artists.
Other leaders echoed similar sentiments. For instance, Glyn Aikins from RCA/Since ’93 hopes to see a renewed commitment to artist development and diversity, while Ines Dunn, a songwriter, is optimistic that the quality of music will continue to rise as artists become bolder in their creations.
Emmanuel de Buretel of Because Music noted the importance of unity in tackling significant challenges such as the impact of AI on the music industry. Meanwhile, Lorna Clarke from the BBC looks forward to supporting both new talent and established acts alike as they navigate the evolving landscape.
As the industry grapples with various transformations, leaders like Jim King from AEG Presents UK are committed to enhancing the sustainability of touring and festivals, focusing on the artist-fan connection. This shared vision suggests a collaborative spirit among industry players, united in their goals for a thriving musical future.
Cedric Richmond on Debate, Biden Campaign Issues