AMID Power 50 ProfileWith over fourteen years of history tracking the Australian music industry’s most influential figures, The Music’s Power 50 is back for 2026 supported by Sound Story, ready to shine a light on a rapidly changing landscape. Returning last year after a hiatus, the Power 50 shifted its focus to highlight those in the industry making the biggest difference for Australian artists and music culture.
This year, the Power 50 will continue this route, looking not just for the richest or most visible identities, but for those that have moved the needle this year for Australia’s music landscape. Not just those with the positions to make an impact, but those that have successfully used them.
Last year’s list included people from across the breadth of our community, from labels, promoters, publishers, educators, media, venues and more. This year we are looking far and wide to ensure the great stories of Australian success that should be on the radar are put there. We were also able to tell the stories of several other great Australian industry representatives that did not make the list, but whose stories we uncovered through the process. Self-nominations are encouraged, or you can nominate someone you think should be considered.
Visit previous year’s Power 50 lists here.
Criteria
This year’s list will celebrate individuals that have in 2026:
Made an impact with outstanding commercial or cultural success for Australian artists
Created meaningful industrial or commercial change for the benefit of Australian artists and/or music culture
Sectors
To ensure we have a well-rounded list that factors in as many industry sectors as possible, applications will be judged under the following sectors:
Recorded Music
Government & Community
Retail, Media & Consumer
Live Music
Artist Services (including management, publishing & ancillary services)
Applications
Nominations are to be no longer than two A4 pages and must be emailed to [email protected]. The form of your nomination can be whatever best addresses the criteria for your circumstances. There is no charge to apply. Applications close at 6pm on November 6. No extensions will be given.
The Reveal
The Power 50 will be revealed in the week commencing November 23.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can artists apply?
Artists may apply if they hold dual roles, however this is an industry list so they must apply in their industry capacity (eg. an artist who also owns a label or also works in an industry organisation).
Can we apply as a team?
The Power 50 is for individuals, however in some circumstances where there is a leadership team with equal standing or individuals who work directly together on strategy or in a job share arrangement there may be dispensation to apply together. It is recommended that if you are considering this, drop a line to [email protected] to discuss before submitting your application.
Who judges the Power 50?
A panel of internal editorial staff at The Music judge the Power 50. No sponsors or external stakeholders have any role in the process or determinations and there are no commercial considerations.
What if I am in a specific genre?
We strongly encourage applications from genres. Those in the industry serving specific communities and driving the success of them are welcome and strongly encouraged.
What if I work with international artists?
That’s fantastic, but for the Power 50 it will be your role in supporting Australian artists and culture that will be judged.
