ThinkLA Brunch Hosts 450 Music Executives Discussing Artist Development Trends

The history and evolution of the music industry continue to reflect both artistic and business challenges and opportunities. The recently published book "Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios" captures the golden era of recording studios where iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon crafted legendary albums in a pre-digital age, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of those studios. Meanwhile, in 2025, the music business faces new dynamics as discussed at ThinkLA’s Entertainment Brunch, where industry leaders emphasized the multifaceted role of artists as multi-hyphenates and the critical use of data and traditional media to build global fandoms. Producers have also played pivotal roles beyond production, often acting as key songwriters behind major albums, exemplified by figures like Mutt Lange and Max Martin, who shaped the sound of artists such as Shania Twain and Britney Spears. Additionally, Black musicians have historically had to navigate the dual roles of artists and entrepreneurs to succeed financially, with pioneers like Thomas A. Dorsey and Sam Cooke establishing business ventures that challenged industry exploitation and laid groundwork for today's artist-entrepreneurs. These developments illustrate the ongoing interplay between creativity, commerce, and cultural influence in the music world.