With 2026 well underway and plenty of industry developments taking effect, we present Music Week’s annual straw poll of what some of the biggest names in the game desire from the next 12 months. Without further ado, here’s what they’re hoping for…
IAN McANDREW
WILDLIFE ENTERTAINMENT
“We have campaigned for reform with ticket resale for nearly 15 years. I dearly hope the government upholds their commitment to introduce legislation to banish resale for profit and imposes a cap. Self-regulation doesn’t work.”
BOB WORKMAN
WMX/WARNER MUSIC
“My hope is just for the chance for us to get back to being a truly productive, exciting business again after all the recent challenges. I can’t wait for that!”
BRIONY TURNER
ATLANTIC
“It’s always great to celebrate the success of British artists making waves globally, but there was a little post-Covid moment that made this harder. We should never underestimate how important live is to igniting careers! However, more recently there have been signs of a recovery and I feel really optimistic this will continue through 2026.”
ED HOWARD
ATLANTIC
“I hope that the UK industry continues to build on the green shoots of new artist development that we saw [in 2025], and that the amazing young artists and staff in the Atlantic orbit all fulfil their huge potential.”
DELLESSA JAMES
AMAZON MUSIC
“My biggest hope is the revival of artist development programmes. The current landscape focuses on viral moments and quick success, which has come at the cost of nurturing long-term talent. I would like to see the industry invest more time, resources and expertise in developing artists from the ground up – helping them find their sound, perfect their craft and build careers. The industry needs to recognise that not every artist arrives fully-formed, and that some of the most impactful voices in music took time to develop. This would lead to a richer landscape.”
STEVE HOMER
AEG PRESENTS UK
“I hope that guitars are back in fashion, finally…”
HELEN THOMAS
BBC RADIO 2
“At BBC Radio 2, we love introducing our listeners to fantastic new British artists, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what the music industry has to offer us in 2026.”
NIKITA KANDA
BBC ASIAN NETWORK
“More collaborations with the Asian music scene and the mainstream music world. We’ve seen a lot over the last year, especially with artists like Ed Sheeran giving a spotlight to South Asian artists. We’ve also seen artists like Karan Aujla perform on Jimmy Fallon in America, but I would like to see more happening in the UK, and more South Asian artists on big stages at major festivals in the UK and the US.”
NEGLA ABDELA
MINISTRY OF SOUND
“I hope we continue to embrace technology without losing the human touch or real artistry. Data can guide us, but creativity and culture are what build real artists and drive real impact.”
“More UK songs and songwriters impacting globally.”
SIAN ELERI
BBC RADIO 1
“I hope we support artists creatively and financially. From fairer pay structures, to platforms that prioritise creative ownership and touring models that are affordable for both artists and fans.”
SARAH GABRIELLI
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING UK
“In view of the AI future that is coming upon us, I hope that human creativity will still be the dominant force driving audience interest and supporting artists’ and songwriters’ careers.”
ZEON RICHARDS
RENOWNED GROUP
“I hope the industry stabilises and is able to create more success stories. When an artist is successful, it gives a team the chance to build a career. Without artists, that cannot exist. I hope we get back to breaking more artists who can be successful globally.”
VICTORIA NEEDS
AWAL
“To see UK and Irish artists succeed globally, with bonus points for those coming from outside of London. I can see a messy, punky, rebellious era incoming and I’m very much here for that.”
COLIN BATSA
EGA DISTRO
“I would like to see more women and ethnic minorities in higher positions across the business.”
LIZZIE DICKSON
YOUTUBE
“My hope is that we continue the momentum behind British music and see more UK talent breaking globally.”
AFRYEA HENRY-FONTAINE
THE BLACK MUSIC COALITION
“That equity stops being treated as an initiative and becomes the bare minimum. I want to see more Black executives in senior roles, more long-term investment in diverse talent pipelines, and a continued shift toward accountability and transparency across the industry.”
MARC ROBINSON
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GLOBE & GLOBE ORIGINALS
“There are so many exciting and exceptional records coming out of the UK in 2026, so I am full of hope. I also hope that Max Richter deservedly wins his first Oscar for Hamnet!”
CATHY RUNCIMAN
EARTHPERCENT
“We’ve built an amazing movement of artists and people from the music industry who are caring for, working with, and advocating for the Earth. Our hopes and plans for 2026 are to continue building this movement, harnessing the power of music in service of the biggest global issue that humanity has ever faced. We want to do all we can to normalise concern and care for the Earth, and shift mindsets and behaviours as a result.”
LARA BAKER
SPOTIFY/MUSIC WEEK WOMEN IN MUSIC AWARDS
“My hope for 2026? Kindness.”
PETE SIMMONS
UMPG UK
“I really believe in what we’re doing in the UK as an industry. It’s been a strange few years here, but it feels like 2026 might be ours both in global successes and our musical influence. Nobody can bring what we bring to the conversation.”
“I hope to see a commitment to developing clearer pathways for young talent and to support artists to produce their most courageous work. Also, to create conditions where artists choose boldness over caution.”
NICOLA SPOKES
ISLAND EMI LABEL GROUP/THE COLLECTIVE
“That more UK talent breaks globally: UMG is proving it can be done. I’m also very excited about my new role at The Collective, working with label entrepreneurs and seeing all of the unique artists they are signing. The next gen is coming!”
KAREN EMANUEL
KEY PRODUCTION GROUP
“At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, more female/non-binary leaders in the industry and a revolution in sustainable practices across the whole industry.”
NICHAL SETHI
TIKTOK, SOUNDON
“I hope to see more breakout independent acts across EMEA, and for us to be at the forefront of helping them have sustainable, long-term careers.”
CHANTAL EPP
CLICKNCLEAR
“My biggest hope for 2026 is that the industry can agree on a licensing model for GenAI and continue to innovate in new markets, exploring new opportunities – including micro-licensing – to bring new revenue into the music business.”
ANDREA CZAPARY MARTIN
PRS FOR MUSIC
“That even more of the incredible creatives we represent are supported to find success, navigate touring barriers, reach new audiences, and get fairly paid for their work.”
SHAURAV D’SILVA
2-TONE ENTERTAINMENT/STELLAR SONGS
“More understanding for creatives who suffer burnout. The pressure to be a songwriter, performer, content creator and everything else is a very challenging juggle and we must understand how to support those in times of feeling overwhelmed.”
CHARISSE BEAUMONT
BLACK LIVES IN MUSIC
“My hope is that more institutions step forward with responsibility and real intention, recognising the role they must play in driving equality.”
PIETER VAN RIJN
DOWNTOWN
“The new generation seems less dogmatic about our industry’s structure as they are less burdened by history. Let’s join them and look at how we can thrive together.”
LOUIS BLOOM
ISLAND EMI LABEL GROUP
“Breaking our artists internationally is my hope. It is an enormous challenge, but a huge privilege to be in a position to help make that a reality.”
AILEEN DE LA CRUZ
SONGWRITER/ESEA MUSIC
“My biggest hope is that major labels make space for more ESEA artists in the commercial landscape. The talent is there and the work speaks for itself – but we need the industry to look beyond colour and recognise the value these artists bring.”
