The End of Records, the Rise of Artist-in-Residence Programs: The New Music Economy

The world of music, like many other arts, must adapt to the modern world. Already, record sales are not what they used to be. Sales volumes are much lower than in the past, and while some major artists manage to earn a sufficient income from streaming, most cannot say the same. Live performances are therefore becoming a more attractive way to generate revenue, since people want to experience unique, fleeting opportunities to hear their favorite songs.

Even the biggest stars are driving what’s known as “music tourism” through their residencies. In the spring of 2026, to celebrate her birthday, Céline Dion announced a residency in Paris for the fall of 2026 at the Défense Arena. The announcement made headlines around the world and proved successful: tickets sold out very quickly, and the artist didn’t have to drag her massive team all over the globe.

These residencies in Las Vegas, Paris, Copenhagen, and elsewhere are becoming truly compelling opportunities for artists and producers—even though they aren’t particularly profitable, according to Arnaud Meerseman, director of AEG Presents France and the producer behind the Quebec singer’s show.

And what about lesser-known artists who don’t have the fame of Taylor Swift, Elton John, and other world-renowned stars? The producers of these shows are turning to organizing music festivals where the general public can discover different musicians. Nevertheless, as the producer notes, the music industry is unfortunately evolving unevenly—and even more so with AI-generated music infiltrating streaming platforms.

Duration: 11 minutes

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Image: Tom Mumford from Pixabay