Shain Shapiro named one of SPIN's Top 25 People in Music for 2025

We’re proud to announce that our Founder and Chairperson, Shain Shapiro PhD, has been recognized by SPIN as one of the Top 25 People in Music for 2025.

This prestigious list highlights activists, pop stars, producers, scholars, and executives who are creating real change in the music industry. Shain’s recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with his tireless efforts at the intersection of music, culture, and urban policy.

As an author, speaker, and music policy advocate, Shain has dedicated his career to demonstrating how investing in music and culture drives economic growth and fosters more inclusive communities worldwide.

SPIN highlighted his global influence, emphasizing his role as the founder of Sound Diplomacy and the Center for Music Ecosystems, where he collaborates with policymakers, businesses, and cultural leaders to position music and culture as essential pillars of sustainable development.

From shaping local music strategies to addressing global challenges like copyright reform and music’s role in urban planning, Shain continues to push the boundaries of what the creative economy can achieve.His acclaimed book, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, now translated into six languages, and his ongoing efforts to advocate for cultural investment underline his position as a global thought leader.

We’re incredibly proud to see Shain’s work celebrated alongside such influential figures shaping the future of music in 2025.

Read the full list and explore the incredible individuals shaping the future of music