Yungblud: Rock's Future is Spherical, Not Solo

At the inaugural Future of Music event, hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, music industry professionals and artist Yungblud explored the evolving landscape of the music industry. Yungblud, a three-time Grammy nominee, discussed the resurgence of rock music, attributing it to the collective power of multiple scenes amplified by the internet, rather than the efforts of a single individual. He also shared his personal journey towards authenticity in his music.

The panel also delved into the significant impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry. Experts discussed the challenges and potential of AI, particularly concerning the development of monetization models. The conversation highlighted substantial private equity investment in music catalogs used for AI training, with predictions that major financial firms will become more involved. Despite these complexities, the panel generally expressed optimism about the future.

Further insights were shared regarding the integration of AI tools, with expectations that licensing and monetization strategies will become clearer. Yungblud's perspective on rock music emphasized his commitment to a classic sound and genuine artistic expression, rejecting diluted versions of the genre. The discussion also touched upon historical media trends in rock that fostered competition over collaboration.