What does it take to steer the world’s largest music company through one of the most disruptive eras in music history? Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer and executive VP, Universal Music Group, joins Kristin Robinson on Billboard On The Record to discuss how UMG is navigating AI, platform power and artist rights at a critical turning point for the industry. Nash reflects on when generative AI first landed on his radar and revisits the pivotal Grammy Week moment two years ago when Universal pulled its catalog from TikTok, following a company-wide stance led by CEO Lucian Grainge. He breaks down the negotiations, the risks of AI-generated content diluting artist royalties and why UMG drew a hard line that reshaped its platform deals. The conversation expands to AI-driven fraud, discovery overload, copyright challenges and how Universal is working to embrace innovation, offering listeners a rare inside look at how one of music’s most powerful companies is helping define the rules for the industry’s next era.
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Billboard On The Record is a podcast in partnership with SickBird Productions.

Host:
Kristin Robinson

Executive Producers:
Diona DaCosta
Jade Watson

Produced By:
Kayla Forman
Mateo Vergara

Edited By:
Rachel Derbyshire