How can technology help more people build a sustainable business in music? That question will bring artists, entrepreneurs, investors, and music industry executives together next week as Music Tectonics returns to Santa Monica, California, October 27–29, 2026.
This year’s conference centers on “Rising Tide: Growing Music, Growing Value,” with a program spanning artificial intelligence, direct-to-fan businesses, royalty collection, investment, and new ways to connect music with audiences. AI will be a major focus, with representatives from Stability AI, Suno, ElevenLabs, and Musical AI participating in conversations about creativity, licensing, attribution, and business applications.
On October 27, Roland VP of Innovation Paul McCabe and Stability AI CEO Prem Akkaraju will join a fireside conversation about how technology companies and music creators can build trust and develop responsible AI. Merck Mercuriadis will deliver a keynote on October 28, adding a music rights and monetization perspective to the broader discussion.
“We need to look at AI from multiple angles,” says Music Tectonics founder and director Dmitri Vietze. The organizers aim to bring creators, rightsholders, and technology companies into conversations about both the opportunities and the challenges ahead.
Read Vietze's Hypebot OpEd, "A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats."
Beyond the AI Conversation
For independent artists and the teams supporting them, the program also addresses practical questions about reaching fans, collecting revenue, and financing a career.
Sessions include “Direct to Fan in 2027,” “Closing the Royalty Collection Gap,” and “Don’t Sell Before You Know Your Options,” alongside discussions of music on Roblox, digital innovation in physical experiences, and where music technology investors are putting their money.
An October 27 Creator Fair will highlight the relationship between creative tools and human expression, featuring creators including Hunna G, Modern Biology, and Chuck Sutton.
The three-day gathering also offers opportunities to meet potential collaborators, compare approaches, and connect with people building and using emerging music tools. Whether you’re an artist exploring new revenue options or a company developing its next product, there’s plenty on the agenda to bring back to your own work.
Music Tectonics takes place October 27–29 in Santa Monica. Explore the full program and registration details here.
