Hate it or love it, music is always emerging—this year new music will continue to be redefined by genres, electronic sounds and new collaborations.
“Every album needs to be an 11 out of 10 these days because the reviews are instant,” a music industry executive told BBC News.
When starting a project, many artists are looking toward collaborating with a variety of producers by strategically planning “the feel” of their project—emotions and style are the most important. In many generations of music, collaborating has always been a thing, but now producers are being credited and not just acknowledged in the background.
Genres are fusing together. Artists such as Drake are not bound to one genre. Even though he catches a lot of strife and he’s openly a singer and rapper, such as his song difference between Hotline Bling and Back to Back—he is consistently seen on the Billboard charts.
Even singer/songwriters, such as, Ed Sheeran are experimenting with multiple genres on his own projects, as well as collaborating. From alternate R&B artists, such as The Weeknd and Justin Bieber to festival DJs like Martin Garrix and CashCash. Everyone is taking a new chance on featuring each other, which is unlike the previous generations of music.
In the production of music, the takeover of electronic sound is becoming the new “it.” Often times, the instrument is computer software. Some artists could be making their music by standing in line getting coffee, rather than recording constantly in the studio.
Artists having their breakout songs featured on electronic artist albums, similar to Justin Bieber with Skrillex and Diplo (aka Jack U) is becoming a very prevalent trend. With the production of music, often artists will send an acapella recording to a DJ/producer and they will write around the vocals.
According to Statista.com, in 2012 the American music industry generated 15 billion dollars, making up 30 percent of the total 50 billion U.S. dollars generated by the global music industry despite the constant changes in digital music sales and streaming.
91 percent of Americans listen to music more than 24 hours a week; however, listening habits have transformed. In the last few years, CD sales have plummeted and streaming has rocketed.
Last year, CD sales were down six percent and individual downloaded songs fell 12.5 percent. Nevertheless, streaming activity—which allows users to pick what songs, they would like to listen to—is up by 93 percent.
Another booming topic is the growing trend of vinyl records. Last year, according to the New York Times, vinyl record sales increased 30 percent.
Artists are finding new ways to merge their music and their fans, and streaming is helping them accomplish that. With the help of streaming, music artists are now collaborating with brands and platforms to elevate their launches of new singles and albums, along with creating a “direct-ticketing” relationship with their listeners.
“Today’s audience wants ‘all-access’ — a direct line into the lives and content of artists they like. Several artists have now built their careers using this as a format to monetize and engage… exclusive branded content, interviews, secret shows, and showcases have become the norm,” Marco De La Vega, Marketing and PR Director of Mezzanine, said.
For true music lovers, there’s a good chance that your favorite artists will be on the top rankings of Billboard because of the new genres that are fusing. The Millennial generation is more critical and well educated. It’s an exciting time to be living in for a fan because you don’t know what will be coming next and new music and new collaborations are always on the rise.
Gabrielle Sharp
Executive Editor