Randi Zimmerman of Symphonic Shares Her 2026 Music Predictions

Hypebot’s Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry’s expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.

Randi Zimmerman is a Content Specialist at Symphonic Distribution. From researching and writing copy for the blog to announcements, artist bios, and more..she’s the one writing it! Outside of work, Randi writes poetry, draws, goes to shows, and is always listening to music and discovering new artists with her friends.

We asked Randi if she had any predictions for the music industry in 2026. Here’s what she had to say:

“As a creative person, writer, and lover of human artistry myself, I think the explosive rise of AI in music will serve as a reminder of the beauty of human creation. AI itself isn’t inherently bad, but the blur between what’s human and what’s machine can feel unsettling, even discouraging, to say the least. But in 2026, I see that very uncertainty pushing artists back toward personal creativity, real instruments, and re-embracing the imperfect moments that make music feel alive.

At Symphonic, I feel that we’re at the forefront of managing this balance, helping artists explore the new possibilities available without losing the values that make them stand out. Their passion, the pain, the raw and uncut edges… everything that makes music real. Through the right resources and strategies that support genuine creativity, we make sure the human touch that makes music resonate so deeply stays at the center of it all.

And in a world of increasingly automated, artificial sounds, thoughtful guidance and artist-first AI solutions are more important than ever…”