Curious about the prevailing music trends shaping the year 2023? Interested in uncovering the newest genre captivating people’s imagination? Have you ever wondered what exactly synthwave sounds like?
1. The rise of sped-up songs
Sped-up music has become a prevalent TikTok trend, compelling artists to release their tracks at a higher tempo. These energized renditions have garnered millions of views on TikTok and are expected to maintain their popularity. This trend has also influenced visual content creation, with many creators speeding up videos to match the vibrant pace of their chosen music. It proves effective for short personal videos and social media advertisements alike. If you’re curious, check out Spotify’s dedicated sped up playlist.
2. Synthwave makes waves
One particular sub-genre has recently taken center stage: synthwave. Inspired by the eerie and upbeat soundtracks of legendary figures such as John Carpenter, this genre originated from internet message boards and makes liberal use of analogue synthesizers. It has since evolved to soundtrack films like ‘Drive’ and, more recently, ‘Stranger Things.’ If you’re eager to hear more, we recommend checking out Rasure, Ben Elson, or Oh the City, as they specialize in creating their own unique take on the genre.
3. TikTok continues to be a hitmaker
Sped-up tracks aren’t the sole prevailing music trend on TikTok. Numerous obscure artists have experienced a significant boost in popularity through the platform—examples ranging from Lil Nas X to the Satanic rock band Ghost. Predicting which tracks will become TikTok sensations remains unpredictable, so why not seek inspiration? Scroll through the TikTok music charts, and you’ll undoubtedly discover a plethora of captivating tunes.
4. Microgenres gain new audiences
While synthwave stands on its own as a unique genre, there is still room for other hyper-specific styles to emerge. In fact, we’ve observed an increase in the popularity of micro-genres during 2022 and 2023. Consider ‘drift phonk’ – no, it’s not a new avian species but rather a fusion of trap, hip-hop, and vaporwave. Originating in Russia during the late 2010s, drift phonk’s high-tempo beats have garnered substantial popularity in online car culture. To get a taste of what we mean, listen to Azucares’ track ‘The Bait.’
5. Classical music bounces back
While it may seem that classical music has faded from the limelight, its power endures. In fact, it stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing genres in terms of usage. We conducted research to substantiate this claim, revealing a staggering 90% year-over-year increase in the incorporation of classical music in YouTube videos. Content creators are tapping into the primal and dramatic emotions embedded within the notes and melodies from centuries ago.