Music Industry Veteran Predicts 2026 Trends | Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Ep. 605

What does the future really hold for music in 2026?In this solo episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby delivers 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.If you care about the music business, you can’t afford to miss this one.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 shrinkBEST MOMENTS:00:01:02. “There will be a revolt against AI, yes and no.”00:02:07. “I predicted a new artificial reality experience... that didn’t happen at all.”00:04:28. “In 2025, I predicted the TikTok ban in the US would hold.”00:08:39. “Private equity investment in record labels, yes, this did come to pass.”00:11:08. “Fintech for musicians takes off.”00:15:23. “Let’s get to 2026 predictions.”00:16:45. “I predict AI slop becomes intolerable.”00:18:13. “Artists will leave major labels over Suno and Udio deals.”00:29:10. “I predict an AI music designer will be nominated for a Grammy.”Ad link: Explore The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook (6th Edition), the go-to guide for modern mixing.Thank you for tuning in to Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, the podcast that takes you deep inside the music industry. Each week, Bobby shares insights, news, analysis, and conversations with the movers and shakers shaping today’s music world.📌 Explore Bobby’s best-selling books🎙️ Nail that pro vocal sound: clear, upfront, and mix-ready. Learn how in Bobby’s Vocal Mixing Mini-Course🎧 Discover more mixing and production courses📲 Follow Bobby for more tips, insights, and updates:FacebookLinkedInInstagramBluesky🎙️ New episodes release every Tuesday at 9AM Pacific on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.Music. Business. Creativity. Straight from the Inner Circle.Produced by APodcastGeekhttps://apodcastgeek.com/