Across the global music industry — not only among artists, but perhaps even more crucially among managers, agents, producers and other professionals — a growing concern is emerging. Fewer young people are entering the sector, deterred by uncertain career prospects, unstable incomes, irregular lifestyles, and increasingly complex professional demands.
At the same time, experienced professionals, often invaluable repositories of knowledge and networks, tend to remain in their positions for decades, sometimes creating systems where leadership roles become almost permanent. This raises critical questions: How do we ensure the vital transfer of knowledge between generations without freezing innovation? How do we open paths for young professionals while continuing to value the expertise of those who came before them?
Key topics we will explore:
- Why is the music industry becoming less attractive to young professionals, and what can be done about it?
- Which skills and competencies should we prioritise to better prepare the next generation of industry leaders?
- How can we create space for knowledge-sharing between senior and emerging professionals — without causing generational stand-offs?
- What structural changes do institutions and organisations need to make to avoid leadership stagnation while safeguarding experience?
- How do shifts in language, values, and working styles impact communication across generations — and can we still find a common language?
Objective of the discussion:
We aim to look at the music industry not as a sector in decline, but as a living ecosystem capable of renewal and growth. By consciously building bridges between generations, we can create a sustainable and dynamic future where experience and innovation thrive side by side.
