Curated by Benn Cutarelli, SongU.com Faculty
As we turn the page on 2024, it’s time to reflect on some of the fascinating trends and shifts in the music industry. This article draws on insights shared by renowned music producer, engineer, and author Bobby Owsinski, who has been at the forefront of analyzing industry trends. Through his books and podcasts, Owsinski offers a wealth of knowledge about the evolving landscape of music production, business, and technology.
With Bobby’s permission, here’s a glimpse into the key takeaways from his podcast, “The Music Biz: A Look Back at 2024”, along with predictions for 2025.
Highlights From 2024
Songwriting and Artists
- Emerging Song Trends (Data from music company “Luminate”):
- Major hits featured slower tempos, with some below 79 BPM.
- Only 37% of pop songs charted.
- Rhyme density* in lyrics proved essential, driving better sales and listener engagement.
- Traditional song forms like Verse/Build/Chorus/Bridge/Tag are making a comeback.
- Streaming Statistics (Chart Metric):
- 3,260 new artists were added daily to streaming platforms, totaling 1.3 million new artists in 2023.
- 64% were solo acts, with 75% being male artists.
- A staggering 87% of artists on streaming platforms gained no traction.
- Shocking Online Data:
- 45.6 million tracks received zero plays.
- 86% of tracks garnered fewer than 1,000 plays.
- Deezer deleted 26 million tracks due to lack of listeners.
Social Media and Streaming Platforms
- TikTok’s Turbulent Year:
- The platform struggled to gain traction in the U.S. music scene, largely due to licensing issues with major record labels.
- Facing global bans for security concerns, TikTok’s future remains uncertain, even as it introduced 30-minute video capabilities.
- Streaming Platforms Tighten Requirements:
- Apple Music began requesting detailed credits, including writer, producer, and engineer information, with each upload.
Industry Shifts
- Sam Ash Music Closes:
- The family-owned retail chain shut its doors following the CEO’s passing.
- Fender’s Guitar Study:
- Fender revealed that 90% of new guitar players quit within three months, correlating with plummeting guitar sales.
- Immersive Audio’s Limited Appeal:
- Despite the hype, 70% of studios reported zero inquiries for immersive audio projects like ATMOS mixes.
- AI and Legal Protections:
- Tennessee passed the ELVIS Act, protecting artists’ voices and likenesses from unauthorized AI use.
Predictions for 2025
Social Media and Streaming
- TikTok is expected to be banned in the U.S., continuing a global trend.
- A “social media revolt” looms as users demand surprise and authenticity over algorithmic curation.
- Streaming platforms may delete even more tracks, following Deezer’s lead.
- Netflix is rumored to be entering the music streaming space.
Artists and AI
- Indie artists will likely dominate mainstream platforms as major labels scale back artist development.
- A backlash against AI music is anticipated, as consumers begin to identify and reject it.
Industry Trends
- Guitar Center may face renewed financial struggles due to lagging sales.
- Private equity investments in record labels could shrink artist support and shift focus to catalog exploitation.
- Financial technology (fintech) innovations, like microloans for artists, could help musicians stay afloat.
- Radio may enjoy a renaissance, reclaiming its place in the music ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
The music industry’s landscape is as dynamic as ever. While 2024 brought slower tempos, declining streaming success for most artists, and increased challenges for legacy platforms like TikTok, 2025 promises new opportunities (and new hurdles). From the rise of indie artists to the impact of financial technology and social media revolutions, this year will undoubtedly reshape the industry yet again.
For full recording industry podcasts, visit Bobby Owsinski’s website: Bobby Owsinski Home.
*From Chat GPT when asked, “What’s Rhyme Density?” Rhyme density refers to the frequency and complexity of rhymes in a song’s lyrics. It measures how often rhyming words or phrases occur within a given section of a song, such as a verse or chorus. High rhyme density typically means that rhymes are tightly packed, appearing in quick succession, and often include internal rhymes (within lines) and end rhymes (at the end of lines).
For example:
- Low rhyme density: “I went to the store / Then I walked out the door.”
- High rhyme density: “I went to the store, adored the decor, / Grabbed an apple core, and then walked out the door.”
Songs with higher rhyme density often feel more engaging and memorable, as they create a rhythmic and lyrical flow that listeners enjoy. In the context of Bobby Owsinski’s observations, rhyme density is linked to commercial success, as it adds appeal and catchiness to songs, making them resonate better with audiences.