March is over and done with, and this month's panels made it clear that the industry is not for the weak, but the stubbornly determined. AI and streaming are intricately linked, meaning its even more important than ever to have an awareness of metadata and be an active pursuer in your earnings. Then, a quick visit to Union Street's LCCM lent us WMG's Joe Kentish, who reminded us of whats really important: the process.
Every month, countless industry panels and talks happen that most artists never see. You don’t have to be everywhere at once — we do the listening and bring the highlights to you. Here’s what stood out in February 2026.
- How AI is changing the music industry
- Council of Music Makers Fix Streaming Webinar 2026
- LCCM’s A&R Feedback Session with Joe Kentish
How AI is changing the music industry
Another great MBA (Music Business Association) session. In their own words,
“The music industry is no stranger to the promise or challenge of new technology. This conversation examined major AI issues impacting the music business and those who create it. From educating policymakers, courtroom battles, consensus building and free-market licensing, learn the vital issues creatives and rightsholders need to know. These tactics explore protecting IP, responsible innovation and where legislation is necessary, plus watch a real-world demo.”
Our notes
Download for better clarity
Summary
- AI and its sudden exponential growth is much more dramatic than the streaming era was to the industry.
- The main issue around AI is the obscurity of information around what music the AI is trained on.
- The Human Artistry Campaign is advocating for transparency, more protection around artist’ likeness, and preventing 100% AI works from taking away streaming, chart, and algorithm spots from humans.
- Artists and managers should look out for broad clauses and vague technology references in contracts.
Council of Music Makers Fix Streaming Webinar 2026
This was a free, industry-led webinar breaking down how music streaming really works, and how artists can get a fairer deal.
Members and figures from the UK’s leading trade bodies and music rights orgs where involved, from The Ivors Academy, to the Music Managers Forum.
This talk was delivered by Chris Cooke, the MD and Business Editor of CMU (Complete Music Update) and author of ‘Dissecting the Digital Dollar’, a book explaining the streaming music business, digital royalties, and licensing.
Our notes
Summary
- Industry advocates have been working for years to improve streaming’s impact on performers, songwriters and musicians rights.
- More progress will depend on law/policy reform, as well as musicians pushing for more transparency and info.
- To protect yourself, get better at metadata and ask questions to the people that handle your music about the agreements in place (chase payments, know the splits, know what your rights are) .
- For more info on templates and resources around this panel, check out CMM’s website .
- Become a member of organisations that represent you. The MMF, FAC, MU, The Ivors Academny etc. all offer more support about how to best work with your partners.
LCCM’s A&R Feedback Session with Joe Kentish
This A&R Feedback Session was set and brought to us by leading London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM).
Joe Kentish, President of Warner Music UK, led the session, drawing on his experience in signing and developing artists, such as who he signed Dua Lipa in 2014. Freddie Cowan (The Vaccines) hosted the night and brought several artist tracks to the forefront.
Our notes
- Joe Kentish also added that fans have never been more keen to connect to other lovers of their favourite artists. Despite admitting that its a lot of work, plugging into building a fan community, building a world and context around the record will align you with a lot more opportunities.
Summary
- Essentially, forget about pursuing major labels. Let them come to you, its an added benefit of finding success (building an audience and having a career in music), and they’re simply another type of investor.
- Be realistic about who you’re reaching out to, Kentish claims to get around 300 emails a day. Its likely you wont get signed from any label by just sending something along. They key is in making a name for yourself by the wider industry, eg managers, promoters, labels etc.
- A good team is much more important in winning over labels than you think. It builds trusts knowing talented industry figures believe in you as an artist.
That’s all for now. We’re still working on how to make this format the most comprehensible so – please bare with us!
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