7 Robert Kyncl

CEO WARNER MUSIC GROUP

In his first year at the helm of WMG, Kyncl oversaw several major wins: a joint venture with Elliot Grainge’s 10K Projects; a new licensing deal with TikTok; global partnerships with Sky Digital in India and HuManagement in the Middle East; and new career heights for Zach Bryan, Dua Lipa, Gunna and Jack Harlow. The former YouTube executive says WMG will take a tech-focused approach in 2024, noting, “There’s still a lot of work to do to ensure that music is properly remunerated by licensers.”

Warner has partnered with YouTube on the beta of its Dream Track AI voice-cloning tool. What other AI collaborations are you working on?

My experience at YouTube gives me a clear perspective on AI. The music industry initially resisted [user-generated content], but Content ID helped unlock a [multibillion-dollar] revenue stream. Google has one of the most powerful engines in DeepMind and the largest platform in YouTube, so they’re uniquely positioned. We’re working with many other players, too, to help create an environment where artists have a choice about whether their voice and identity are used by AI tools.

I’d argue that platforms have the most responsibility, as they are where most AI content will be consumed, but we’re also taking a very proactive approach with AI engines. I’ve been having productive meetings with policymakers around the world. Transformative technology always creates uncertainty in its early days. I’m confident we can figure it out together.

How do you think WMG stands out from the other two majors?

Innovation. When Warner Brothers created the foundation of this company, innovation was how they got ahead. This is part of our DNA, and I am leaning into it even more.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

The last 10 years have utterly changed the music business. The pace of change is only going to accelerate in the next 10. It’s an exciting time, and it’s why I’m calling 2024 “the year of the next 10.”