- in Podcast by Bobby Owsinski
Episode 605 – My Music Business Predictions For 2026
What does the future really hold for music in 2026?
In this solo episode I deliver a rapid-fire rundown of where the industry is headed, and what musicians, producers, and music pros need to prepare for right now.
From AI-generated music to streaming platform shifts, gear market slowdowns, and major label controversies, these predictions cut through the hype and hit the heart of what’s changing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Streaming prices are rising as subscriber growth plateaus
• YouTube is quickly becoming the #1 music streaming destination
• AI slop is clogging platforms and turning off listeners
• Major labels are cutting deals with AI music generators, often at artists’ expense
• Human musicianship is making a comeback
• Another round of venue closures is coming
• Big music gear consolidation and fewer product releases ahead
• Social media fatigue is real, artists are quietly pulling back
• A Grammy nomination for an AI music designer is highly likely
• NAMM and other major industry shows continue to shrink
And much more.
You can also hear it at Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Mixcloud, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn Radio, or RadioPublic.
Also, a video version of this podcast is now available on YouTube as well.
