Celebrating 10 years of All About Music
India’s premier music business conference celebrates ten years of transformative conversations as the industry stands at a technological crossroads
The bustling streets of Mumbai will once again serve as the epicenter of musical transformation as All About Music (AAM) returns for its landmark 10th edition at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai from August 25-27, 2026.
What began as a modest industry gathering in 2017 has evolved into India’s most influential music business conference, earning recognition as the definitive meeting point where culture, technology, and commerce converge. AAM X arrives at a pivotal moment when artificial intelligence, regional music globalization, and new creator economies are reshaping the very foundations of how music is made, distributed, and consumed.
The Journey: From Startup to Stalwart
The conference’s trajectory mirrors that of the Indian music industry itself: a story of rapid digitization, democratization, and unprecedented growth. Since its inception, AAM has hosted an impressive roster including Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, playback legend Arijit Singh, and YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen.
“What began as a conference ten years ago has grown alongside the Indian music industry itself,” reflects Alaap Gosher, CEO & Co-Founder of TM Ventures. “As we celebrate this milestone edition, AAM X is both a reflection of how far we’ve come and an opportunity to shape what comes next.”
When AAM first launched, India’s music streaming market was nascent. Today, India boasts over 400 million music streaming users, making it one of the world’s largest music markets by volume. The rise of regional content has been particularly striking, songs in languages like Punjabi, Tamil, and Bengali routinely cross linguistic boundaries to achieve pan-Indian success.
Technology as the New Frontier
This year’s expanded programming reflects the industry’s current preoccupations. Dedicated sessions on artificial intelligence in music creation, blockchain-based ownership models, and the metaverse’s role in live performances signal how dramatically the landscape has shifted. The integration of AI tools in music production has moved from experimental novelty to mainstream adoption, raising questions about creativity, authorship, and the future of human artistry.
The conference’s new “Music X” component, featuring live performances and artist showcases across all three days, acknowledges the blurring lines between conference content and entertainment experience.
“The next decade of music won’t be defined by a single technology, platform or trend,” notes Meghana Bhogle, Conference Director. “It will be shaped by the choices we make today; around creativity, access, innovation, ownership, community and opportunity.”
The Independent Revolution
One of the most significant transformations AAM has witnessed is the rise of independent artists and labels. The traditional gatekeeping role of major labels has been challenged by platforms that allow direct artist-to-fan relationships. Success stories like Prateek Kuhad, who has achieved international recognition while maintaining creative independence, exemplify this new paradigm.
The conference’s increased focus on business-matching and networking formats acknowledges that today’s music industry operates more like a complex ecosystem of collaborators rather than a hierarchical structure.
Global Reach, Local Roots
Perhaps nowhere is the changing landscape more evident than in the globalization of regional Indian music. What was once confined to specific linguistic communities now reaches international audiences through streaming platforms and social media virality. AAM X’s increased international participation reflects this global appetite for Indian musical diversity.
The Creator Economy Challenge
The rise of social media platforms has fundamentally altered how musicians build careers. Today’s artists must navigate a complex landscape where viral moments can launch careers overnight, but sustaining success requires business acumen that extends far beyond musical talent.
“We’re expanding the room, widening the conversation, and creating more opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and build what’s next,” explains Chandni Soni, Business Head of All About Music.
Looking Ahead
As All About Music celebrates its 10th edition, the conversations will inevitably turn toward the next decade’s challenges and opportunities. Emerging technologies like spatial audio and advanced AI composition tools promise to further blur the lines between human and machine creativity.
Despite all the technological transformation, AAM X’s emphasis on networking and relationship-building underscores a fundamental truth: the music industry remains fundamentally about human connections. As delegates gather at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai this August, they’ll be shaping not just the future of Indian music, but its global influence in the decade to come.
*Tickets for All About Music X are now live
