Drowned In Sound's predictions for 2026

Greetings, lovely readers - we hope you've had a happy start to the New Year. While the return to a life of emails and spreadsheets might come as a shock after two weeks of being surgically attached to the sofa, I personally am raring to go. There'll be things to do, bands to write about and a flood of brilliant new albums (see our release calendar resource).

At this point in time when the year is still mostly a blank slate, in's and out's lists end up flying around the internet. They're good fun. As such, we thought we'd have a go at one of our own. We're going to have a lot to talk about in the next 12 months, and chances are there'll be some curveballs along the way.

So without further ado, here's our hot take on what big themes might dominate 2026. You can also check out our recent episode of the podcast where Sean and I discussed lots more predictions - on YouTube, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Human curation

Once upon a time, it seemed unthinkable that simply being human could confer some sort of competitive advantage. Now, it offers a warmth and individuality that AI slop and algorithms can't help but lack and as such, human curation is more valuable than ever. The power could fall back into the hands of radio presenters, magazine editors, newsletter writers (yes, hello!) and social media personalities celebrating the music they love, as well as curators on more ethical streaming platforms like our friends at Qobuz, who now sponsor the podcast. To inversely quote Consequence, AI might not replace your cool friends who love music after all.

Music recommendations need heart - not AI

Spotify has partnered with Chat-GPT to bring users music recommendations. Politely (or not), no thanks…

Drowned in SoundEmma Wilkes

Analogue media

This year, many of us are rejecting tech and embracing old-school media that can carry on working without a Wi-Fi connection. We crave what is tactile, real and actually owned by us instead of submitting to licensing, ad-slathered free access, and subscriptions.

Cue that print media boom there's been rumblings about (god, please), photos in albums taken on film or digital cameras and music on cassettes and CD. I heard from a man running a second-hand gadget stall in Spitalfields Market, east London, that sales of second iPods had soared - and as someone who's been a nerdy iPod devotee since I was a teenager, I'm here for it.

The joys of magazine-making with PROG Editor Jerry Ewing

How do you become a magazine editor that can put Kate Bush on the cover? And what’s it like running a genre-specific title in 2023? In a world where the digital age is rapidly redefining media, Sean Adams (@seaninsound) meets a titan of the magazine world, Jerry Ewing, editor of PROG magazine for a rare interview. From his roots starting a Marillion-inspired fanzine to being at the helm of genre-defining publications such as Classic Rock and Metal Hammer, Jerry’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of specialist knowledge and passion-driven journalism. Episode Highlights: The Genesis of a Genre Journalist: Jerry recounts the serendipitous moments that led him from crafting a fanzine to steering the course of iconic music magazines. The Art of Magazine-making: Delve into the craft of curating content for a niche audience, the evolution of magazines in the internet era, and the potential resurgence akin to vinyl’s comeback. Defining the Undefined: What is progressive rock? Jerry challenges the conventional confines, advocating for a broad, idea-driven definition that encompasses the innovative spirit of the genre. Adapting to the Beat of Change: The discussion turns to the seismic shifts in media consumption and the strategies for staying relevant in a landscape transformed by technology. The Human Touch: Jerry envisions a future where the human element is not just a feature but a proud declaration in magazine-making. Notable Quotes from Jerry Ewing: “Progressive music’s reach is quite wide... It’s the ideas and the approach to making music that sets them apart.” “Understanding your readers is crucial... Be comfortable with your readership, and they’ll feel comfortable with you.” “The editor guides the magazine... decides what goes in it, helps point the tone.” “For our readers, it’s the music that matters... They’re not interested in sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” “Communication between human beings is at the root of journalism.” Further Insights: From Court Jester to PROG: Jerry’s DIY beginnings and the transition from fanzine to professional journalism. The Inclusive Vision of Prog: Embracing a wide spectrum from prog metal to experimental indie, Jerry’s editorial direction is as diverse as the genre itself. The Editor’s Role: Setting the tone and creating a dialogue with music aficionados, Jerry’s editorial philosophy is about crafting a space for in-depth musical exploration. The Vinyl Moment for Magazines: Speculating on the tangible allure of print in the digital age, and the unique value it could regain. Links: PROG Magazine Jerry Ewing on Twitter Subscribe to Drowned in Sound on Substack

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Imperfection

When AI can offer eerie, uncanny, soulless 'creations', human flaws gain a different significance. I'm expecting this to coincide with emerging trends in how music is produced, wherein glossy production is getting pushed aside in favour of music that sounds rawer and rougher. Forget the pristine - we're getting rough and ready this year.

'Calling in' instead of 'calling out'

At such a critical moment, infighting and moral purity slams the brakes on progress. While accountability and learning matters, perhaps those opportunities should come by means of communal invitation, polite suggestion, sentences with a question mark as opposed to an exclamation point. We need unity, not exclusion or division - and is it really better to nitpick the flaws of someone who generally means well as opposed to people genuinely enabling oppression?