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…
DUGI LIPA
RADICAL22
“I’d really like to see better business education across the whole industry, but especially for younger artists who are at the entry point of the business. It can be an overwhelming place for a brand new artist, and I think more transparency and better education on the business side of things feels crucial for artists to be equipped to make the best decisions for themselves and their music.”
MIKE GREEK
CAA
“I hope that the industry allows artists time to develop and evolve.”
EMMA BANKS
CAA
“I’m hoping for more great music, more people enjoying live music across the board from grassroots clubs to the biggest stadium shows, and fair pay for all the creators.”
MOLLY NEUMAN
CD BABY
“I’m optimistic that we can be more aligned in our work, which will protect the value of artistry and creativity. I believe in innovation and the progress we’re making with new technologies, but not at the expense of the beauty of what is created by original thought and ideas.”
TOM GREENE
APPLE CORPS
“I’m not sure it’s as obvious as it should be just how significant a player the UK is globally. From business leadership, to artists in the charts, to where huge artists come to launch records, we punch well above our weight. So my wish is that we celebrate this success more and continue to invest in the creative industries.”
DOROTHY HUI
PLATOON
“In these times of change, my biggest hope for the music industry in 2026 is that we all continue to invest in human connection.”
ALEX KENNEDY
BELIEVE
“My hope is that the UK can continue the fightback and keep breaking amazing artists that only the UK could produce.”
KOMALI SCOTT-JONES
AWAL/THE BLACK MUSIC COALITION
“I hope the industry is supported by governmental change to protect some of the endangered aspects of our ecosystem, like club culture and live, so that tomorrow’s artists can experience what life is like off their screens and create a soundtrack to match.”
“I hope British music [at all levels] makes a comeback in the UK. The streaming algorithm seems to put us in a huge English- language bucket, meaning that listening is dominated by the biggest market – in our case the US. Australia and Canada are facing similar issues, while Ireland is pushing back strongly with the Irish Homegrown chart. We need similar initiatives here to cut through.”
EDDIE AGYEMAN
MIXTAPE MADNESS
“I hope that the industry invests more in grassroots initiatives and reinvests back into the ones that build the foundation for the business to thrive. I feel that a lot of finance and power is held at the top, and they should do more to empower all the hard workers – the independent record labels, independent artists, independent managers and independent content creators – and help continue building this infrastructure.”
ROBERTO NERI
IVORS ACADEMY
“I am determined that the composition, and the people who create it, will be placed firmly at the centre of the industry. I want audiences to recognise and value the song, and for its creators to be paid fairly, respected and firmly in control, especially when it comes to AI. My hope is that the industry, policymakers and the public act decisively so creators get compensation, consent and control.”
SHAUNI CABALLERO
SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING
“I hope that UK rap continues to gain US recognition. The UK scene is one of the most vibrant and innovative, and I hope this momentum leads to more UK artists building sustainable international careers.”
TAPONESWA MAVUNGA
SONY MUSIC UK
“My hope for 2026 is that Africa takes its rightful seat in the global AI conversation. With a rich creative heritage, African stories, data and artistry are important, but need to be protected from exploitation. We need to ensure technology empowers rather than extracts, and that innovation reflects the continent’s voice, value and vision.”
PETER TAYLOR
CUFFE & TAYLOR
“More female headliners. There’s still room for more at outdoor shows, and it’s encouraging to see that positive shift.”
DARI SAMUELS
BBC RADIO 1XTRA
“That the human element of music creation, curation and broadcasting continues to show its unique power.”
BROOKE SALISBURY
SONY MUSIC UK
“I hope to see British artists winning on the global stage.”
DAMIAN CHRISTIAN
ATLANTIC
“To break more acts!”
LAURA MONKS
DECCA
“More women on top! I am excited to champion my own version of this and take on this step-change at Decca!”
JEFF SMITH
BBC RADIO 2/6 MUSIC
“It’s important that the development of AI and its legislation is carefully managed, but of course, all that isn’t necessarily at the control or in the hands of the existing music industry.”
PAUL HITCHMAN
AWAL
“I would love to see more UK artists breaking internationally. It was great to see the emergence of exciting new artists in many genres last year, so the signs are bright for this year, too.”
NADIA JAE
BBC RADIO 1XTRA
“My hope is we go back to basics. Music with meaning and purpose. No more rush jobs and short cuts, chasing viral moments. Just real music and a love and appreciation for the art again.”
IAN DUTT
THE ORCHARD
“My hope is that the industry decides on a consolidated response to AI that protects the rights of creators.”
MICHELLE ESCOFFERY
IVORS ACADEMY
“That we remain true to our roots and values, and don’t compromise them. It is important that the industry does not lose sight of the power of music and that we continue to inspire.”
“I know I sound like a stuck record, but I am consistent in this answer every year. My greatest hope is that the UK music industry continues to grow in a way that is fair, inclusive and sustainable.”
SHENIECE CHARWAY
YOUTUBE MUSIC
“This year, I hope to see more executives of colour in positions where they can make change. There needs to be more diversity.”
CHLOË ROBERTS
YOUNG
“Urgent investment into grassroots venues, fair competition preserved for independent businesses and artists, and robust AI regulation.”
ALEX OMISESAN
LATE BLOOMER CONSULTANCY
“My big hope for the industry in 2026 is that more UK R&B artists continue to have success overseas. I also hope that UK rap continues to make waves in the States.”
ZENA WHITE
PARTISAN/WIN
“More artist breakthroughs!”
JASON RACKHAM
PIAS
“That we collectively recommit as an industry to long-term artist development and fair value for music. The industry moves fast, sometimes too fast, and we risk losing the patience needed to build careers with real longevity. We need to double down on our support and investment in human artistry in the face of an incoming wave of AI generated music.”
KAMRAN HAQ
LIVE NATION
“This year, I would like to see more focus on breaking new bands. We need to find the next Slipknot, the next Green Day, the next Metallica. They are out there, but we need to help them break through.”
CARLA MARIE WILLIAMS
SONGWRITER/GIRLS I RATE
“I hope the industry does what it says it’s going to do and ensures songwriters get paid, credited and respected!”
DENIS DESMOND
LIVE NATION
“Our focus for 2026 remains the same. Artist development has always been at the heart of what we do – and last year, 40% of our stadium ticket sales came from artists we’ve supported from the early stages of their careers. We are focused on championing and developing new acts, so our biggest hope for this year, and every year, is seeing even more emerging artists breaking through. In terms of the music industry as a whole, my hope is that we continue to support musicians and songwriters, and keep a healthy distance from AI in the music-making process.”
