The State of the Music Business 2026

The music business is changing faster than the systems built to support it. The State of the Music Business 2026 examines what it takes to build artists today, from discovery and artist development to branding, marketing, fandom, technology, live music, and the changing role of the  music executive.

What does it actually take to build an artist when the old playbook no longer works?

Written & Creative Strategy: Shawna Spears
Visual Identity & Design: Natalie Lauren Sims + Marci Lashway


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