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…
JOE KENTISH
WARNER MUSIC UK
“I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – my hope is breaking UK acts globally. Big up Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Charli XCX, Sam Fender, PinkPantheress and everyone who did their thing in 2025. Those wins are crucial for all of us.”
ALEXANDRA AMPOFO
METROPOLIS/LIVE NATION UK
“I’d love to see more support for marginalised creatives across live music spaces, from entry level right through to leadership!”
ANDY VARLEY
INSANITY
“I hope we move towards more equitable, modern relationships between artists and managers. The traditional 20% model feels increasingly out of date. Managers aren’t just making deals and handling logistics; they’re involved in marketing, A&R, creative, audience development, brand building and often emotional and mental health support. I hope that 2026 is the year we start to recognise that contribution and normalise deals that feel fair, sustainable and reflective of the value managers bring.”
SAM SPENCER
ATLANTIC
“I’d love to see artists and the wider industry explore less-trodden paths to push and break new artists and music in 2026. That’s what I’ll be challenging myself to do, anyway!”
JULIE WEIR
MUSIC FOR NATIONS
“That the industry continues being human; to support efforts towards artist and employee mental health and wellbeing. We have all seen artists under pressure from many sides, and it’s great to see a growing number of facilities in place to allow support and growth. I hope that we find a viable way to work with AI that doesn’t negate art, culture, creators and human creative warmth in favour of quantity of output and ease of creation.”
DAVID MARTIN
FEATURED ARTISTS COALITION
“My biggest hope for 2026 is that the music industry can make unified, collaborative progress around the use of AI in music. My concern is that, without coordination, we risk repeating the mistakes of the early streaming era, which created divisions and left many artists unfairly disadvantaged. If, however, we can establish genuinely creator-friendly frameworks – built on the principles of consent, control and fair compensation – AI could unlock a transformative new era of creativity, on a scale similar to the arrival of the drum machine or the electric guitar.”
ANGE PATTICO
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP UK
“From a Universal and a people perspective, we’ve made great strides [during my time at the company], and I’d like to think that in 12 months we can do what other companies might do in two or three years. In 2026, I want to have another year like the one we’ve just had. We’ve got a lot to do, but one of the beautiful things about this is that my team is just the best team ever, so we’re going to get it done. So, come back and ask me this question
in 12 months’ time, and I’ll be able to tell you about a host of other things that we have done since having this conversation that are permanent and ongoing.”
SAM POTTS
AWAL
“I hope we can continue to push the government to do more to invest and sustain the creative arts: one of the UK’s super powers.”
VANESSA BOSÅEN
VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP
“My greatest hope is this: that the industry leans harder into label and artist entrepreneurship, authenticity and global diversity, while simultaneously building robust, fair and transparent foundations around it. I hope the independent sector continues to thrive and grow. And finally, I hope real music finds connection: across cultures, across geographies, across generations.”
JADE RICHARDSON
WARNER MUSIC UK
“More Black leaders, more women leading companies and teams. More investment to sign, develop and break British talent. We also need more time, more patience, more trust. Less stigma attached to artists over 30; it takes time to master your craft, so let’s enjoy the wine as it matures! Finally, I’d like to see DSPs paying creators a larger portion of the pie and songwriters being able to survive off their music. Balance, transparency, equality, fairness. Simple things!”
SAMANTHA MOY
BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC
“I hope artists are paid and supported fairly so they can create and continue to bring joy with their music.”
KINGSLEY OKYERE
MIXTAPE MADNESS
“I want the industry to give opportunities, funding and the right deal structures to artists that need it, especially emerging ones. It’s a complex environment now to break through; it doesn’t seem as clear cut as it used to be. Also, the Black music ecosystem has got some things we need to fix that we cannot sugar-coat any more.”
GEE DAVY
AIM
“I hope to see recognition from the government of the huge value of the music industry and the crucial need for further support for one of the UK’s biggest success stories: its small businesses. Independent music businesses, entrepreneurs and artists are driving progress in local communities, but need the right kind of investment. We hope they will work with us to develop a tax incentive scheme similar to those seen in the UK film and TV sectors.”
RYAN TEDDER
ARTIST/SONGWRITER
“My big hope is that, for the first year in the history of recorded music, songwriters will actually be treated with the level of importance they bring, and that all the powers that be will realise that the shiny buildings they occupy were built on the backs of songs.”
KIM BAYLEY
ERA
“I hope we always remember that there are only two really important players in music: the creators who make it and the fans who pay for it. The rest of us prosper only to the extent that we add value to artists, songwriters and fans. There’s a danger sometimes of that being forgotten.”
STEVE TILLEY
KILIMANJARO LIVE
“I hope the Oasis reunion reminds the industry that people like songs you can belt out at the top of your voice, and that guitar-inspired music is as relevant as ever.”
ALICE FROST
ADA
“I hope that the industry can foster even more creativity, collaboration and visibility for its independent artists, while continuing to champion diverse voices.”
BEN WYNTER
POWER UP, UNSTOPPABLE MUSIC
“I would like to see the independent sector, in particular, shift its focus towards strategic business growth and capital acquisition.”
LUCY DANN
ISLAND EMI LABEL GROUP
“Last year was a great one for British music and I really hope and believe this will continue in 2026 – and that pop is back!”
LEANNE MISON
ESEA MUSIC
“My hope is for stronger, more sustainable funding for talent development. I’d also love to see the industry reconnect with progressive issues again: climate, equity, ethical responsibility and genuine cultural change.”
TOM GRAY
IVORS ACADEMY
“I hope that it’s normal for songwriters and composers to be at the table for decisions, and for their representatives to always have their best interests at heart. That AI is governed by transparency, consent and compensation. Above all, I hope music education, arts funding, studios and venues of every size are healthy and thriving.”
ALT BLK ERA
ARTIST
Nyrobi Beckett-Messam: “As a direct result of technology, human connection and authentic voices have become even more precious. We hope the industry recognises the value in also protecting and celebrating the human musical experience, alongside the exciting technological advances.”
DREW HILL
PROPER MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
“My hope is that we start to separate some of the scaremongering around generative AI – the fear that it’s going to replace creativity – from the genuinely useful applications. In reality, it can be a tool for discovery, data insight and efficiency. The opportunity lies in using tech to strengthen, not replace, the human side of music.”
MOFE SEY
SATELLITE 414
“Long gone are the days where there is one sound or one look dominating the charts. My biggest hope for the music industry in 2026 is that we continue to champion musicians from diverse backgrounds.”
WEZ SAUNDERS
DEFECTED
“I hope we remember the value of patience and artistry; the algorithm shouldn’t decide who we sign or what we celebrate. My hope is that we continue building sustainable careers, not viral moments. Also, that dance music keeps its sense of purpose and unity as it grows. If we can combine innovation with integrity, the next chapter for our culture will be its strongest yet.”
MARTIN TALBOT
OFFICIAL CHARTS COMPANY
“As always, my hope is for continued, increased investment in developing and persevering with new talent. Now, more than ever, it takes time, patience and determination.”
VANESSA BAKEWELL
META
“Being from the North West, I’m excited to see the industry spotlight shifting beyond London. I hope the plan for a new ‘Abbey Road of the North’, led by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, will be a game-changer, cementing Liverpool as a hub for music, developing talent and education.”
AHMED HUSSAIN
BBC ASIAN NETWORK
“The momentum around seeing more artists collaborating with Asian talent needs to continue. My hope is that the industry keeps investing in the stories and artists behind it.”
ALEXI CORY-SMITH
BELLA FIGURA
“A larger slice of the pie for songs, and robust regulations and licensing requirements for AI employment. And West End Girl 2!”
REBECCA ALLEN
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP UK
“I hope in 2026 that we come together to tackle the ever growing crisis in funding for the arts and music education in schools. We can’t keep applauding our success stories without having a serious conversation around the daily battles state schools are facing when it comes to enriching the lives of their students. We all know how the power of music can change lives. So, what are we doing as an industry to tackle this?”
CHARLIE HEDGES
BBC RADIO 1
“I hope that ticket prices for big stadium gigs become more accessible and reasonably priced. In my opinion, everybody should be able to enjoy and witness live music if they want to.”
NADIA KHAN
CTRL MUSIC/WOMEN IN CTRL
“I hope the industry finally turns commitments into structural action. We have the frameworks, data and pledges; the next phase needs to be investment in long-term change, not short cycles of visibility. My hope is that in 2026 we see more women and diverse leaders not only entering senior roles but being supported to stay, shape strategy and set the direction for the future of our industry.”
