The 26 Most Influential People in Music in 2026: Shaping the Industry’s Future

2026’s music landscape is defined by visionary leaders and artists steering the industry amid AI’s rise and cultural shifts.

A Defining Year for Music’s Soul and Its Humans

The music world in 2026 feels like a thrilling tug-of-war between cutting-edge technology and human creativity. AI is everywhere—some hail it as a game-changer, while others worry it threatens the essence of artistry. Remember The Velvet Sundown? That totally AI-crafted band rocked Spotify with over a million streams last year, sparking debates over AI’s role and the fate of human musicians.

Yet, despite the AI buzz, this list honors the real people—the movers and shakers shaping the beats, business, and breakthroughs this year. From savvy lawyers protecting African music’s rising stars to powerhouse producers who’ve defined hip hop for decades, these 26 individuals are the heartbeat of 2026’s music scene.

26. Sara Landry – DJ and CEO, Hekate Records

California-born and Netherlands-based, Sara Landry stormed 2025 with a hard techno takeover. Ibiza debut? Check. Marathon 8-hour Club Space Miami set? Check. Topping DJ Mag’s Hard DJ poll? Double check. Her label, Hekate Records, pumped out fresh sounds from Victor Krum to Cassie Raptor, while Sara’s own “Girlboss” single became an anthem for the scene. When Brooklyn Mirage abruptly canceled her show, she turned it into four free gigs in NYC—talk about dedication to fans!

25. Akinyemi Ayinoluwa – Founder and Managing Partner, Hightower Solicitors & Advocates

For over 15 years, Akinyemi has been a stalwart defending African artists as the continent’s music explodes globally. With a background as a musician himself, he uniquely navigates the legal labyrinth for Afrobeat giants like Magicsticks and Blaq Jerzee. His Lagos-based firm, Hightower Solicitors & Advocates, is at the forefront of Africa’s musical surge, blending traditional and modern sounds.

24. Mikey Shulman – Co-founder and CEO, Suno

In 2026, Mikey Shulman’s AI platform Suno is both a marvel and a lightning rod. Suno crafts full songs from text prompts, becoming one of the fastest-selling AI music products. But with lawsuits from Sony and UMG for copyright concerns and debates over AI’s impact on musicians’ livelihoods, Mikey’s creation sits at the fiery crossroads of innovation and controversy.

23. Elizabeth Matthews – President and CEO, ASCAP

As streaming reshapes royalties, Elizabeth Matthews leads ASCAP’s fight to protect songwriters’ rights. Since 2015, she’s championed the Music Modernization Act and safeguards against AI’s disruptive impact on music rights. Serving on prestigious boards, she’s a guardian of creators’ livelihoods, ensuring artists get their fair share in a digital age.

22. Ashley Capps – Founder, Big Ears Festival

The man behind Bonnaroo and Forecastle is now all about Big Ears, the avant-garde festival that’s booming post-pandemic. With record-breaking attendance and lineup highlights like Robert Plant and Thurston Moore, Capps continues to redefine live music experiences in Knoxville and beyond.

21. Tina Davis – President, Empire

Empire has become a powerhouse for independent artists, and Tina Davis’s leadership since 2023 reflects its genre-diverse rise. With hits spanning Afrobeats to K-pop, Empire helped push Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” to Diamond certification and Grammy nods. Tina’s industry savvy gives independent musicians a leg up in a major-label dominated world.

20. Don Pitts – Founder, Sound Music Cities

Nicknamed “The Sound Whisperer,” Don Pitts spent decades balancing city noise and music culture. From managing venues to cutting complaints in Austin by 70%, he founded Sound Music Cities to help communities nurture their music ecosystems without sacrificing peace. His work touches cities like Charlotte and Baton Rouge, proving that smart sound solutions foster thriving local scenes.

19. Golnar Khosrowshahi – Founder and CEO, Reservoir Media

A classically trained pianist turned publishing mogul, Golnar built Reservoir Media from 2007 into a catalog powerhouse, scooping up legends like Miles Davis and Billy Strayhorn. Twice crowned Independent Publisher of the Year, her company blends jazz, film scores, and contemporary hits with savvy acquisitions that keep the music legacy alive and thriving.

18. Mag Rodriguez – Founder, Even

Milwaukee’s Mag Rodriguez created Even to help artists reclaim control over their music’s value. Moving away from streaming’s low payouts, Even lets musicians set prices and build communities beyond social media noise. It’s a breath of fresh air for artists and fans craving genuine connections and fair compensation.

17. Kevin and Ryan Sellors – Founders, Soapbox

Georgia brothers Kevin and Ryan are revolutionizing virtual concerts with Soapbox, capturing performances in stunning 4K and letting fans explore shows interactively. From T-Pain to Buddy Guy, Soapbox’s app makes immersive live music accessible on phones, expanding digital concert experiences beyond VR headsets.

16. Butch Walker – Producer

From ’90s MTV days to being Nashville’s go-to producer, Butch Walker’s journey is legendary. He’s crafted hits for Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, and Pink while touring with Train as lead guitarist. With upcoming projects from Courtney Love and Brian Fallon, Walker shows no signs of slowing down.

15. Jonathan Daniel – Co-founder and Talent Manager, Crush Management

Jonathan Daniel helped steer emo hits for Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco and now manages pop icons like Miley Cyrus and Sia. Crush Management blends artist-driven marketing and A&R with label partnerships, empowering stars to navigate careers with independence and creative control.

14. Alexandra Baker – Publicist and Founder, High Rise PR

British publicist Alexandra Baker’s masterstroke? Guiding Billie Eilish through unprecedented teen superstardom with savvy and care. From Clairo to M.I.A., her PR firm champions bold, opinionated women, helping them carve unique paths in a crowded industry.

13. Aric Steinberg – Executive Director, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Aric Steinberg runs Sweet Relief, a lifeline for musicians’ healthcare needs since 1993. In its 30th anniversary year, Sweet Relief raised funds for icons like Joan Baez and supported mental health efforts—showing that behind the scenes, compassion powers the music community.

12. Glen J. Walker – Chief Data Officer, Luminate

Wonder how Billboard charts are made? Credit Luminate, led by Glen J. Walker. His team tracks music’s pulse with cutting-edge AI-driven analytics, delivering insights that fuel industry decisions worldwide.

11. The Intern – TikTok/ByteDance

TikTok interns might just be music’s secret weapons. These Gen Z interns provide ByteDance with insider trends, shaping the platform where stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Nas X explode overnight. Their intense, high-level work often leads to full-time roles, influencing how music breaks globally.

10. Ilan Elkayam – Co-founder, ROVR

ROVR bucks the algorithm trend with curated, storytelling-rich radio streams. Ilan Elkayam’s passion for personal, human-touch music discovery reimagines old-school radio for the digital age, creating an “anti-algorithm” oasis in a sea of automated playlists.

9. Mark Ethier – Executive Director, Berklee Emerging Artistic Technology Lab (BEATL)

Mark Ethier believes AI can empower, not replace, artists. At Berklee’s BEATL, he leads innovative projects blending music and tech, ensuring creativity remains front and center. As co-founder of iZotope, Mark's legacy in audio tech is shaping tomorrow's musicians.

8. Rich Best – Global Tour Promoter, Live Nation

Rich Best’s rock star dreams evolved into booking the biggest tours worldwide. Running festivals like Ohana and charity efforts like Crew Nation, Rich connects audiences to unforgettable live experiences, proving the business side can be as thrilling as the stage.

7. Jonathan Kanter – Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Antitrust Division

Jonathan Kanter’s antitrust battle against Live Nation/Ticketmaster could reshape concert business fairness. His 2024 lawsuit challenges the monopoly’s grip, spotlighting ticketing woes and promising ripple effects that could redefine music’s live economy.

6. Kevin Lyman – Founder, Vans Warped Tour

The Vans Warped Tour’s 30th birthday in 2025 was a triumphant return, selling 180,000 tickets on a short tour. Kevin Lyman’s festival launched punk and emo legends—Blink-182, Paramore, and more—and continues to fuel grassroots causes with his Unite the United Foundation.

5. Kevin Lewandowski – Founder and CEO, Discogs

From an Intel programmer’s passion project to a global music marketplace, Kevin Lewandowski made Discogs the ultimate vinyl lover’s haven. With over 18 million listings and initiatives like Dis/Connect day that champions physical music, he’s nurturing music’s tactile magic in a digital world.

4. James Dolan – Owner, Sphere

Las Vegas’s skyline glows brighter thanks to James Dolan’s Sphere—an entertainment marvel with a 16,000-square-foot LED screen and 4D effects. It’s like stepping into a virtual reality concert, setting a new standard for immersive live shows.

3. Seth England – Partner and CEO, Big Loud

Big Loud, under Seth England, dominates country music charts with stars like Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line. Their 47 billion global streams and diverse label ventures show how Nashville’s sound continues evolving under his steady hand.

2. Mike Dean – Grammy-winning Producer and Multi-Instrumentalist

Mike Dean’s synth-heavy, iconic production has shaped hip hop’s soundscape for over three decades. From 2Pac to Beyoncé, his Grammy-winning touch is unmistakable. With fresh projects teased for 2026, fans eagerly await his next musical magic.

1. Jody Gerson – Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group

Jody Gerson shattered ceilings as the first female chair and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, steering it to legendary heights. Signing icons like Adele, Taylor Swift, and Drake, acquiring catalogs from Sting and Bob Dylan, she’s a true titan. Beyond business, she co-founded She Is The Music to empower women across the industry and produces acclaimed music documentaries and film projects. A powerhouse in every sense.

AI will loom large in the industry, like Vecna himself in the last season of Stranger Things.

— Music Industry Perspective

From DJs spinning Ibiza decks to executives reshaping global music business, 2026’s influencers are diverse and dynamic. Whether bridging the human and AI worlds or reigniting live music magic, these 26 figures prove that music’s heart beats strongest with people behind the scenes and on stage.

FAQ

• Who is the most influential music executive in 2026?
  Jody Gerson, as chair and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, leads global operations and artist signings, making her a top powerhouse.
• How is AI impacting the music industry today?
  AI tools like Suno are revolutionizing music creation but also raising legal and ethical debates about artists’ livelihoods and copyright.
• What role does TikTok play in music discovery?
  TikTok’s platform and its Gen Z interns heavily shape viral music trends, launching many artists to stardom worldwide.
• What’s unique about the Vans Warped Tour?
  Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, it's the longest-running North American touring festival, key in launching punk and emo bands.
• How is the music industry supporting artist health and welfare?
  Organizations like Sweet Relief provide vital healthcare and mental health support, backed by industry leaders such as Aric Steinberg.

Ready to celebrate your favorite artist or music icon? Shop exclusive album cover posters at Architeg Prints and bring the music’s magic to your space.