Photo Credit: Music Biz 2026
The Music Business Association’s annual conference, Music Biz 2026, saw artist Russ honored with a gargantuan NMPA Gold & Platinum Recognition plaque.
Hosted by the Music Business Association, Music Biz 2026 took place from May 11 to May 14 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly, the annual event’s second edition in the city. Attendees were treated to industry-defining conversations and networking opportunities aimed at shaping the future of the music business.
But this year’s biggest recognition took place in the form of multi-platinum, multi-hyphenate artist Russ being honored with an NMPA Gold & Platinum Recognition plaque to celebrate his songwriting achievements and collective certifications.
Presented by National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) President and CEO David Israelite and Omar Grant, Sr. Director of Creative at Sony Music Publishing, the plaque recognized 26 certified songs spanning Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and major milestone certifications. These included 12 Gold records, 8 Platinum records, 3 Double Platinum records, a Triple Platinum certification, a 5x Platinum certification, and an 8x Platinum certification.
Russ, known for his deeply personal lyricism and creativity, has established himself as an impactful songwriter of his generation. Across over 24 billion streams, 35 million singles sold, and multiple charting projects, Russ and his music have connected with audiences worldwide.
“Russ represents exactly what the NMPA Gold & Platinum program was created to celebrate: exceptional songwriting that creates a lasting connection with audiences around the world,” said David Israelite. “These certifications are the most definitive measurement of a songwriter’s success, and Russ’ catalog reflects not only remarkable commercial achievement but years of consistency, vision, and dedication to his craft.”
Russ has expanded his creative footprint across publishing, film, and entrepreneurship, becoming a New York Times bestselling author and, more recently, dipping his toe into the realm of acting.
Also at this year’s Music Biz Awards, Easy Street Records, the beloved West Seattle music institution, was named the nation’s Independent Retailer of the Year. The award places Easy Street among the most influential independent record stores in the country.
Founded in 1988 by owner Matt Vaughan, Easy Street has remained a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest music scene. The store is known for its in-store performances, with a list that includes Lou Reed, Brandi Carlile, Macklemore, Pearl Jam, Patti Smith, and Lana Del Rey. Easy Street is a longtime member of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores and an early supporter of Record Store Day.
This year’s Music Biz 2026 conference featured all-new panel blocks, including “Advancing the Business of Music: Emerging Strategies for 2026 & Beyond,” and “Harmony At Work: Best Practices for Inclusion, Support & Productivity.” They joined new editions of attendee-favorite panels like “Music & Money,” “Let’s Talk Physical,” “Trust & Safety Symposium,” and the Music Biz Roadshow.
