Before we dive in, a quick note of credit where it’s due: this piece was inspired by the most recent Hey Mike Newsletter we received earlier on January 1st. Like most people building, creating, and investing in the music ecosystem, we’re paying close attention to what lies ahead. The industry is evolving fast, and naturally, there’s a shared curiosity—and concern—about how the year will unfold.
So the big question is: what does the future of music look like in 2026? Here are our predictions.
These are some of the developments we expect to see unfold this year. While these insights were highlighted in the Hey Mike Newsletter, they are ideas and shifts we at Spicy Model have already been thinking through for some time. Seeing them echoed in the newsletter didn’t just inform us—it validated that our perspective on where the industry is headed is aligned with broader conversations shaping the music ecosystem.
What We Expect to See Shape Music, Culture, and Creativity This Year
These shifts didn’t appear overnight. While the Hey Mike Newsletter helped crystallize many of these conversations, they are trends Spicy Model has already been tracking closely. Seeing them articulated so clearly served as confirmation that we’re aligned with where the culture, the business, and the technology of music are headed.
Here’s what we believe will define the year ahead:
- The Rise of the AI-Native Record Label; We are entering the era of the AI-native label—companies built entirely around artificial intelligence. These labels may operate with one or two human overseers, while AI handles everything else: A&R, production, branding, rollout strategies, and even artist development. The artists themselves? Fully AI-generated. No backstory rooted in reality, no human behind the vocals—just fictional acts designed to thrive in the streaming economy.
- The AI Floodgates Officially Open; This is the year AI-generated music moves from novelty to normalcy. What once sparked outrage or heated debate will increasingly be met with indifference. AI artists charting on Billboard or going viral will no longer feel shocking—it will feel inevitable. The conversation shifts from “Is this allowed?” to “Is this good?”
- DSPs Create Dedicated AI Playlists; Digital streaming platforms will begin formalizing AI music rather than quietly hosting it. Expect dedicated AI-only playlists—organized by mood, tempo, or use case. Spotify, in particular, is likely to introduce entire playlist ecosystems powered solely by AI-generated music. This marks the beginning of mass disclosure and categorization of AI-created content.
- AI Content Becomes Indistinguishable From Reality; With tools like Veo3 and Sora rapidly advancing, the line between human-made and AI-generated content will blur almost completely. Visuals, videos, voices, and music will reach a level where even trained eyes struggle to tell the difference. Authenticity becomes less about origin—and more about emotional impact.
- Creators Begin Touring Like Artists; Creators are no longer confined to screens. Live podcasts, creator talks, community meet-ups, workshops, and IRL experiences become standard revenue streams. The creator economy continues to borrow from the music playbook—touring, ticketing, merch, and fan communities.
- Education Becomes Entertaining Again; Audiences begin gravitating back toward substance. People follow creators not just to be distracted, but to learn—about music, business, health, culture, and life. Knowledge regains cultural value, especially when packaged with clarity and personality.
- Wellness Becomes a Creative Priority; Artists and creators start treating wellness as seriously as content output. Sleep quality, mental clarity, dopamine regulation, and sustainable energy become core to creative longevity. The grind culture softens. Longevity replaces burnout.
- Health-Focused Creative Communities Expand; Run clubs, wellness collectives, and fitness-centered creative spaces continue to grow. Artists and creators increasingly integrate health-driven communities into their brands. With figures like Gunna and Diplo setting examples through their own run clubs, wellness becomes part of the modern artist identity.
- X Fully Embraces Chaos; X (formerly Twitter) doubles down on speed, unpredictability, and real-time chaos. Features roll out rapidly, conversations move fast, and the platform cements itself as the epicenter of cultural immediacy—messy, loud, and unavoidable.
- The Decline of Major Recording Studios; More artists choose ownership over infrastructure. Home studios become the norm, supported by increasingly powerful AI tools for production, mixing, and mastering. Traditional studios face decline as artists prioritize control, flexibility, and cost-efficiency over legacy spaces.
The future isn’t approaching—it’s already here. This year will reward those who adapt early, think independently, and understand that music is no longer just an art form, but an ecosystem shaped by technology, wellness, and culture.
At Spicy Model, we’re watching closely—and moving accordingly.
