Warner Music Group's Robert Kyncl on Streaming, AI, and the Future of Record Labels | Mixed Signals

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl joins Mixed Signals — with Semafor business editor Liz Hoffman filling in for Ben — to explain what a record label actually does in a world where anyone can upload a song to Spotify. Max and Liz ask Robert why Warner struck a deal with AI music company Suno while Sony and Universal are still suing it, how he thinks about the nuclear-weapons-style leverage labels hold over streaming platforms, and why he thinks Netflix is leaving a massive opportunity on the table by ignoring music. 0:00 The business of record labels 4:55 What a record label does in 2026 7:32 CDs are making a comeback...? 15:38 Music is becoming an asset class 22:10 The changing modern music executive 29:36 The balance of power with Spotify 38:35 Why WMG made a deal with Suno AI 48:39 Is Netflix missing out on music? 54:40 Will more artists re-record masters after Taylor Swift? 59:34 Max and Liz's takeaways Sign up for Semafor Media’s Sunday newsletter: ⁠https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/m... For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: ⁠@semaforben⁠, ⁠@maxwelltani⁠ If you have a tip or a comment, please email us ⁠mixedsignals@semafor.com #Music