Ex-Spotify Senior Exec REVEALS How the Music Biz REALLY Works Now in 2026!

Video Description

The music industry didn’t slowly evolve. It structurally changed, and most people are still operating like it didn’t. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Mike Biggane, creator of New Music Friday, former Global Head of Curation at Spotify, and former EVP of Music Strategy at Universal Music Group, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about where the music business actually is right now and where it's heading. Mike was inside the rooms where modern music discovery was built. He helped shape how playlists, algorithms, and personalization replaced radio, retail, and traditional release cycles. And in this conversation, he explains why so many artists feel stuck today; not because they lack talent, but because the systems changed and nobody updated the playbook. We break down how Spotify’s personalization, TikTok’s user-generated content, and AI-driven music tools completely rewired artist development, marketing spend, and streaming growth, why the album model stopped working, why playlisting doesn’t move careers the way it used to and why labels pulled back on development; not out of indifference, but economics. As we look toward 2026, Mike shares why derivatives, remixes, superfans, and artist-centric thinking will define the next era of the music industry and why songwriters may actually be positioned to win again. This episode is essential viewing for independent artists trying to grow streaming and fans, managers building teams and systems from scratch, songwriters navigating royalties and attribution and music executives adapting to AI, data, and personalization. Anyone trying to build a sustainable music career in the modern industry. This isn’t about chasing virality. It’s about understanding how the business really works now, and building accordingly. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Chapters: 00:00 The State of the Music Industry & Why the Old Model Failed 01:29 Mike Biggane’s Career: Spotify, UMG, and Music Industry Leadership 05:12 How New Music Friday Changed Music Discovery Forever 10:22 Music Curation vs Algorithms: Editorial Playlists Explained 15:01 How the Music Business Strategy Evolved After Streaming 24:45 Spotify Personalization, Algorithms, and Streaming Growth 40:09 Human Curation vs Data in Music Discovery 40:55 Rap Caviar, Tuma Basa, and Cultural Curation 42:24 Why Curating New Music Is Harder Than Ever 45:52 AI, Music Consumption, and Listener Behavior 47:08 The Future of Music Industry AI Tools 56:50 Derivatives, Remixes, and How Songs Travel Now 01:19:59 Artist-Centric vs Pro Rata Streaming Models 01:27:04 How Data Impacts Artist Pay and Royalties 01:27:24 Opting In: Artist Choices in Major Label Deals 01:27:45 Major Label Economics, Risk, and Artist Development 01:29:50 Independent Artists vs Major Labels in 2026 01:31:25 How to Navigate the Modern Music Industry 01:36:44 Building a Record Label in Your Pocket 01:37:43 Algorithmic Positioning for Artists and Managers 01:40:28 Passion Signals, Fans, and Sustainable Growth 01:46:51 How Spotify’s Programming Strategy Changed 01:52:20 The Future of Artist Development & Music Marketing 02:03:19 AI, Content Strategy, and Music Marketing 02:04:55 Final Thoughts, Industry Advice, and Book Recommendations The opinions shared by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or The Manager’s Playbook. Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Follow The Manager's Playbook Newsletter https://www.the-managers-playbook.beehiiv.com/c/subscribe Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mauroisruiz/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@managersplaybook Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mngrsplaybook X https://www.twitter.com/mngrsplaybook LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-managers-playbook Snapchat https://snapchat.com/t/bCaZ8cvw Website https://mngrsplaybook.com Host: Mauricio Ruiz Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz Director of Photography: William Dobak On Location Sound: Francisco Sabio Editor: Madison Lair Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz Colourists: William Dobak Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade Production Company: 8 Til Faint #themanagersplaybookpodcast #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness #musicindustry #artistmanagement #musicbusinesstips