These Music Trends Will Change The Way You Approach Music Promotion in 2020

The music industry is changing faster than we can imagine. Every year, upcoming platforms gain commercial success as they tap into the unlimited potential of the business, creating new music trends that make it easier for listeners to connect with their favorite artists.

The creation of new mediums and tools for music consumption has made content widely accessible; especially for listeners who were once hindered by financial constraints and regional barriers.

Yet, despite all this positive growth, artists still find it difficult to determine the right trends that will spearhead the music industry in the coming decade.

Fortunately, we here at Songlifty have done our homework. After carefully interviewing leading analysts and top professionals in the European music circuit, we have compiled a detailed summary of predicted music trends that will shape the future of the music industry by 2020 and beyond. In this article, we will dig deep into these perspectives and help you get a fresh approach on how to promote your music in the coming years.

So, without further ado, let’s begin, shall we?

1. The Influence of AI on Future Music Trends

AI is the dominant force behind radical changes in different sectors of the world today. And it’s the same narrative when it comes to the music industry. The implementation of AI has gradually automated a number of features that were once considered complex, expensive and time-consuming.

In terms of music promotion and advertising as an artist, AI is working towards cutting the middleman from the equation.

How is this so?

For one, the use of AI tools such as voice synthesis will transform the way music recording and distribution takes place.

Instead of relying heavily on deals from record labels and promoters to access high-end studios, artists can now record and distribute high-quality music from the comfort of their personal computers.

Thanks to the use of A.I. mediated composition programs such as Popgun, it will be easier for thousands of artists to create genre-specific music for their fanbase.

For many artists, advertising has always been about striking the deal with the devil, aka the promoters. However, AI will make it easier for artists to create their own personal messages via ads to their fans. It will also help them reach their target audience much faster to generate income.

Machine Learning

Artists will be able to utilize the power of AI to modify their ads in order to meet the likes and preferences of consumers.

AI algorithms will tap into consumer data to show adaptive ads that are tailored to a certain user, location, or instance. In turn, this will make branded content fit easily according to the consumers’ wants and needs. The use of user-oriented ads will result in more ROI translating to larger revenue for musicians.

Additionally, machine learning will further enhance the user experience for listeners and artists alike. Fans will now receive better recommendations based on their music preferences, and music production will be easier for artists. Artists will further benefit from improved copyright owner and royalty distribution rights to counter the detrimental effects of piracy.

2. Transforming How The World Consumes Music

While some of us are relentlessly holding on to a piece of 2005 through our iPods, the way we listen to music has changed radically, and we just have to accept it. Today, the use of smart speakers and voice-meditated music devices are dominating the way we sample music content.

Voice queries are gradually becoming the norm. They provide listeners with the ability to select their preferred music depending on the mood or setting. All one has to do is voice their preferred music content and the interface will automatically toggle to the song.

Indeed, the likes of Alexa and Siri are at the forefront of such voice query selections.

An Untapped Market

Contrary to what most expect, the biggest growth stipulated in 2020s culture predictions will not originate from the Western world.

Not at all:

In fact, it is projected that the next billion streamers will come from rural areas and the developing world. These will include areas in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

In response, record labels and streaming services will have to restructure their pricing, user experience, and value proposition to meet the needs of this expanding market.

Content will have to be availed via multi-tiered pricing, affordable data plans, and streamlined to meet local and regional customs.

While most of us enjoy generating our own personal playlists, the introduction of contextual playlists to the mix will change how listeners discover their music. Indeed, the use of algorithms and computer systems will make it easier for users to search and enjoy mood-oriented playlists.

For example, specialized apps dedicated to creating contextual playlists like Endel have received a massive reception in Japan, using algorithms to generate their playlists.

3. Converging The Different Branches of Media

The barriers that were once in place between different media avenues such as fashion, film, and music are slowly fading off, paving way for the harmonization of different art forms.

Most record labels are now investing in documentaries and biopics following the lives of their artists. (“Travis Scott, Look Mom, I Can Fly”).

Gaming companies are further striking up deals with various artists to host in-game musical concerts (for example Fortnite with Marshmello).

Artists are now venturing into the fashion industry to start their own fashion brands and warehouses (Fenty by Rihanna).

And as more streaming services take center stage, giants like Apple and Amazon are capitalizing on this convergence by having their very own streaming platforms for music, movies, and television shows.

Artists can now transition from their music career to try out roles in acting and hosting.

The creation and use of apps such as TikTok provide listeners with an avenue to repurpose music from their favorite artists with other tunes, thereby integrating different music genres to allow seamless fusion to take place.

This is especially possible through the generation of music memes that have currently flooded the internet.

4. The Separation of Finance from Art in the Music Industry

Last but not least, finance will finally be separated from art when it comes to music promotion.

Traditionally, it was producers and record labels that held most of the power to make decisions for the artists. However, the advent of social media has enabled artists to get more control over creating their personal brand.

Artists are now able to communicate with fans directly without the interference of their promoters or record labels. This enables the labels to handle the financial aspects while the artist focuses on brand building.

Indeed, social media and streaming platforms such as Spotify might have turned the tables in favor of artists. Record labels no longer have the power to influence the branding of artists as they did before.

In the heart of things, managers will have greater control when it comes to molding the artists. They will provide them with the solid support and structure they need to propel their careers to greater heights.

Conclusively, we cannot ignore the fact that these pop music trends have been greatly influenced by the internet. Thanks to the power of the worldwide web, collaboration and democratization of the music industry have never been easier.

New markets are easily being conquered by providing millions with unlimited access to streaming their favorite music content.

With these four powerful music trends shaping the future of the industry, artists will have to adjust accordingly to make the best of their music promotion on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and more.