If you thought the music scene was already buzzing, hold on to your headphones because 2025 is about to drop some serious beats.
We live in exciting times for the music industry. New technologies, shifting social habits and global upheaval mean that the music world is changing fast.
The rules that have governed the industry for decades are dissolving and weird and wonderful new genres, formats and production tools are popping up all over the place.
2025 is sure to bring uncertainty but also plenty of opportunities.
Here are our guesses for what the future of music might hold.
Rise of independent artists and DIY platforms
The rise of digital platforms and social media has empowered independent artists to reach global audiences without traditional industry mediators.
In the future, we can expect the DIY ethos to grow stronger, with more artists self-releasing their music and using direct-to-fan platforms to build and engage their fanbases.
This shift will democratise the industry, allowing a diverse range of voices and sounds to emerge.
TikTok songs
TikTok songs will take over the charts. Nowadays, TikTok is the go-to platform for discovering new artists and fast-tracking the hottest tracks, with viral hits launching careers and dominating the charts faster than you can say For You Page.
But what makes TikTok songs so popular? It’s all about the bite-sized, catchy clips users can’t get enough of.
Whether it’s a beat drop accompanying a dance challenge or an acapella hook that gets stuck in your head, TikTok can turn obscure sounds into mainstream anthems—and some are making it to the charts.
The comeback of iconic music stars
No matter how things change, one thing always remains the same – the live concerts and festivals are the audience’s favourites.
Even though technology has a massive influence in reshaping the future of music, audiences will prefer live concerts over virtual reality events.
Therefore, in 2025, it’s likely that many iconic bands will reunite. 2024 saw the likes of South African female musical group Jamali and the Britpop Oasis band brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher reuniting.
Let’s hope this trend continues in 2025.
The power of playlisting
In 2025, curated playlists will continue to be a powerful way for artists to reach new listeners and boost their streams.
With music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music becoming increasingly popular, getting featured on influential playlists can make a significant impact on an artist’s career.
Sober raving
Sober raving is becoming an increasingly prominent movement within the electronic music community.
The highly celebrated and needed movement of enjoying life without substances has become increasingly popular amongst young adults and blended flawlessly within the dance music ecosystem.
Many artists now openly advocate for sober lifestyles, creating a supportive environment for fans who want to party responsibly. Sober camps and events will likely grow, providing a safe and inclusive space for all.