Celebrity Life
Peloton’s Head of Music Gwen Bethel Riley — Future 25
The exec scaled up Peloton’s cult-favorite “Artist Series,” and is now looking to bring celebs into the fitness company as guest instructors
Calm’s Head of Music Courtney Phillips — Future 25
"I want the weird side projects and meandering pieces," says the wellness app's music executive, who recently turned major pop hits into hourlong sleep remixes
The Sisyphean Quest for a Good Record Deal
Superstars like Kanye West and Taylor Swift have bashed lopsided label deals — and a new generation of artists is vying to recalibrate music’s balance of power
Welcome to the ‘Rolling Stone’ Future of Music Issue
Meet our special project delving into the next era of the global hitmaking business, featuring over three dozen interviews with music's brightest artists and entrepreneurs
Asad J. Malik, the Hologram-Loving Virtual-Reality Entrepreneur — Future 25
Malik, who's been busy in quarantine designing holograms for musicians like Lil Nas X, believes AR is the next frontier of music
Multiplatinum Songwriter Ali Tamposi — Future 25
The in-demand songwriter has had no shortage of "holy-shit moments" in her career: "“It didn't feel real and still doesn't feel real"
Saweetie, the ‘Walking Business Model’ — Future 25
"Saweetie the mogul will be noticed worldwide," promises the singer, actor, CEO, activist, gamer, fashionista, and branding expert
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa — Future 25
Onwusa, the first black person to ever curate Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, is making the case for Public Enemy, Aretha Franklin, and N.W.A. as rock icons
JioSaavn’s CEO and Music-Streaming Power Broker Rishi Malhotra — Future 25
The Indian-American music executive, who grew up on Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, is beating major streaming services at their own game
Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Head of Music Phiona Okumu — Future 25
“On a good day, I’m speaking to every single corner of the world, making sure that everybody understands that [Africa] is not a trend for us"
Todd Mayo, the Steadfast Venue Owner Who Steered Through Covid — Future 25
"If there's human beings on this Earth, they'll be coming to see music in the Caverns 10,000 years from now," pledges the Tennessee venue owner
Ant Taylor, the Savior of Concert Ticketing — Future 25
Buying a concert ticket — an experience filled with bots and hidden fees — can be nightmarish. Ant Taylor has a plan to wipe the entire thing and start anew