Wyclef Jean

Scaling the Global Music Economy | Global Conference 2026

Shirley Halperin, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Wyclef Jean, Michelle Jubelirer, Harvey Mason Jr.

Warner Records and industry leaders analyze a shifting music landscape defined by data-driven yet instinct-based artist signings, where long-term development prioritizes sustainable growth over viral trends amidst a saturated digital environment. Executives navigate the integration of AI for efficiency while advocating for ethical guardrails and artist agency, all as the global market expands beyond language barriers to embrace non-English genres and unprecedented streaming volumes. Despite record-breaking revenues, the sector confronts critical structural failures including unsustainable per-stream economics, a mental health crisis, and a lack of diverse leadership, necessitating collective action to modernize legacy systems and equitable profit structures.