May and June have been especially intense months for the music industry, filled with professional events held around the world. This time of year has firmly established itself as a key moment for networking, idea exchange, trend-spotting, and building strategic alliances.

At SonoSuite, our presence at top events like Music Biz (Atlanta), Indie Week (New York), France Music Week, and must-attend gatherings in Barcelona like Primavera Pro and Sónar+D is no coincidence. We were there to dive deep into the reality of the music ecosystem, developing a broad, cross-sectional view closely aligned with the trends and challenges shaping the industry.

In this article, we’re sharing the most relevant insights from those events, where it became clear not only that the music industry is transforming faster than ever, but that those who lead this change through technology, ethics, and business intelligence will gain a significant structural advantage.

These gatherings brought together industry leaders to debate what truly matters today, and what will define success tomorrow: the influence of AI, the strategic role of metadata, the art of pitching, artist authenticity, viral trends on social media, the impact of “trigger cities,” and much more.

At SonoSuite, we actively contributed to these essential conversations. From that experience, we’ve created a free, in-depth guide packed with actionable insights and strategic tips for labels, distributors, and managers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Keep reading to download your copy!

Key Takeaways:

AI is not the enemy, but It demands legal and technical readiness‍

As expected, one of the hottest topics was the impact of generative artificial intelligence on music creation, distribution, and monetization.

There were deep discussions around legal gray areas and unresolved regulatory frameworks. But one thing is clear, we can’t afford to sit and wait. Every music professional has a role to play in shaping this emerging landscape, which is still under construction.

Digital evolution & Licensing

Poorly documented catalogs, especially those with incomplete or inaccurate metadata, will be left behind in the next wave of licensing, commercial uses, and automated environments. If we don’t feed the system the right information, it won’t “see” our tracks, and they won’t be properly distributed.

Industry professionals, lawyers, publishers, and labels, agreed: regulation is still in the making, and independent players must take an active role in defining it.

The art of pitching

Pitching is the process of submitting songs to platforms like Spotify or YouTube with the goal of landing spots on editorial playlists, which are curated by professionals responsible for music selection.

Getting placed in these playlists boosts both the visibility and positioning of your track. So, pitching is a critical tool in any release strategy. Success on streaming platforms depends not only on the music itself, but on the strategy behind each release.

Our guide includes detailed tips on how to pitch effectively. Keep reading and download it to learn more!

Authenticity vs. the Algorithm

Another frequently mentioned concept was authenticity, how to genuinely connect with your audience beyond metrics. In an era where AI plays a big role in content creation, this human element is more essential than ever for building a meaningful and lasting career.

There was also discussion around preserving authentic storytelling, having a clear strategy, and crafting a narrative that truly resonates with listeners, because that’s far more powerful than any algorithm.

Global Market & International Touring

In our globalized world, international expansion was a key topic. Asia, Africa, and Latin America are gaining influence each year, not only as consumer markets, but as vibrant, growing cultural producers.

Cities like Mexico City, Jakarta, and São Paulo are acting as “trigger cities” for global music discovery. Understanding their role in the music ecosystem is both eye-opening and essential. We dive deeper into this in our blog!

More Sustainable, Transparent Business Models & Industry Structures

What is the real value of music in the streaming era? This big question was at the heart of many debates, with industry experts exploring whether the current system is enough, or if it needs to be reinvented.

Emerging models were shared in response to the collapse of traditional structures, including more equitable revenue shares and collaborative frameworks like cooperatives and horizontal labels that prioritize team well-being and financial sustainability.

Sessions also focused on the growing role of music synchronization in advertising, film, gaming, and audiovisual content. Music doesn’t just get heard, it builds emotion, sets tone, and enhances storytelling.

This demand for ethical, fair, and sustainable models isn’t a trend, it’s a growing imperative.

Diversity, Equity & Sustainability

Gender equality and LGBTQIA+ inclusion were also in the spotlight, with vital conversations about the persistent barriers faced by women and queer professionals in the industry. For example, algorithmic bias in streaming and social media continues to suppress feminist and dissident voices.

We must highlight the importance of gender equity, queer representation, and respect across the music industry. Expanding practical frameworks for real change and creating more inclusive, equitable spaces where everyone can thrive is essential.

Music as a Cultural and Emotional Force

Experts in advertising, musicology, and curation explored the creative and commercial intersection between music, branding, audiovisual content, and fashion, underlining music’s central role in building brand identity.

Because of its emotional power, music becomes a cornerstone in visual storytelling, from ad campaigns to TV shows and films, which also makes it a key monetization channel.

Final Thoughts: Where Are We Headed?

The music industry is undergoing a structural transformation: new technologies, rising global regions, the push for more collaborative models. And the pace of change is relentless. For independent players, this is a rare opportunity to lead with agility, ethics, and innovation.One thing was clear across all events: Music is still human at its core. Amid dashboards, AI, and licensing frameworks, the real differentiators remain emotion, story, authenticity, and community. Platforms change, but what moves people stays the same.

At SonoSuite, we believe in this human-first approach: technology as a tool to empower people, amplify independence, and expand global reach for those shaping the future of music.

Want to go deeper and apply these insights to your own strategy? Download our free strategic guide featuring the top takeaways from recent global events: “What’s the Future of Music? Discover the Key Trends that Emerged at the Industry’s Most Relevant Events".