Introduction
Independent musicians, including songwriters, performers, and producers, wear many hats. A cultural trend analyst is a role that’s often overlooked. Understanding and staying up to date with music trends will improve your music’s reach and impact. This article is a comprehensive guide to help independent artists understand the latest music trends.
Why music trends matter
Music trends reflect societal changes and cultural influences. From the rise of lo-fi hip hop to accompany the stress of the modern world to the revival of disco-inspired tunes that reflect nostalgia for the past, understanding these trends will help any artist create music that resonates on a deeper, more emotional level with their audience.
How to Follow Music Trends
- Be Active on Social Media: Trends are often first noticed by users of platforms such as TikTok and SoundCloud before they reach the mainstream. Monitor popular playlists and hashtags to identify emerging trends.
- Use analytics tools: Use services that analyze music to better understand current trends and identify new ones. Chartmetric, Spotify’s ‘Artist Dashboard’, or YouTube’s ‘Music Insights‘ can be extremely useful.
- Track the Influencers: Pay attention to what influential DJs, producers, and musicians are doing. It’s worth looking into if a lot of influential musicians in your genre start to change their sound.
Trends in Music
It is important to keep your original sound while incorporating a trend that aligns with your artistic style. Here’s how:
- Experimenting with Production Techniques When you see a production technique that is gaining popularity, try it out in the studio.
- Work with Artists: When a certain artist is in vogue, pitch a remix or collaboration to take advantage of the trend.
- Use Trending Themes in Songwriting: Try addressing a certain theme or storyline that is currently trending while remaining true to your narrative.
Conclusion
Independent artists can stand out by understanding and adapting to the latest music trends while maintaining their individuality. Ride the trend, embrace the change and push your creative boundaries to create your unique sound.
