9 Music Industry Trends & Innovations We Loved in 2021

Music changes as we do. 

And it’s not just the beats or the artists that change year to year or decade to decade.

Last year, there were some really exciting shifts in the industry that could permanently alter how we enjoy and experience music.

Here are the hottest trends and top innovations in music that really caught our eyes in 2021.

1. Genre Blending

More and more popular artists are erasing the boundaries between genres these days, creating entirely new sounds that defy traditional categories of music. 

Also, more and more young artists are turning to nostalgic rhythms and/or collaborations with iconic musicians to carve out brand-new genres defined by their own distinct sounds.

That’s opened up a vast new frontier for compelling new genres no one’s ever heard before.

2. The Vinyl Revival

2021 marked the first time in 30 years that vinyl sales outpaced CD sales (in the U.S.). In fact, more than 38% — or well over 1 in 3 — albums sold in digital and physical formats last year were vinyl LPs.

And it’s not just middle-aged folks or Boomers who are buying vinyl. Millennials have proven to be a big part of vinyl’s resurging popularity. 

Why has vinyl made such a strong comeback?

Lots of reasons, experts say. Most are buying vinyl, though, because they enjoy the unique connection with music that vinyl offers, from going to a record store to comb through records to the experience of playing vinyl, the sound, and owning a record collection.

3. The Rise of Live Streaming Concerts

Live streaming has offered an ingenious solution to the pandemic’s restrictions and shutdowns, with many artists and music venues hosting live streaming events to connect artists and their music to the fans who love them.

There were so many live streamed concerts last year that Billboard created an extensive guide to live streamed music events in 2021, updating it throughout the year as more and more artists canceled tours and opted to livestream concerts instead. 

4. The (Slow) Comeback of Live Music, Concerts & Festivals

In-person music events, from local bands at bars to in-person concerts at larger venues, made a slow return in 2021.

As cool as livestreaming and digital concerts are, it’s also been exciting to see live music make a comeback.

Hopefully, 2022 brings an even stronger rebound for live music events.

5. The Rise of Sonic Signatures & Sonic Branding 

Podcasts and smart speakers in homes have created two new ways people are interacting with brands on an auditory level. And in 2021: 

• About 1 in 4 people were using a smart speaker in their home.

• About 1 in 3 were regularly listening to at least one podcast.

That’s why more businesses embraced sonic branding last year, devising new sonic signatures and custom playlists to connect with people in ways they never had before. 

6. Advancements in Sampling & Looping Technologies 

Innovations in music technology, software, and equipment have made it easier than ever for artists and music producers to create new sounds on the fly.

In fact, from being able to create and edit loops to using perfectly processed factory samples, there is more flexibility than ever before when it comes to crafting, fine-tuning, and customizing rhythms.

7. AI Mastering

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to make waves in the music industry, with algorithms helping artists write songs and AI “musicians” that play custom tunes in response to audience feedback.

Last year, AI in the music industry also gained far more attention as a way to help up-and-coming artists break into the industry and get recognized through music streaming platforms. 

All that may be just the beginning for AI and music, with some predicting a complete top-to-bottom transformation of the music industry as AI advances and gains more traction.    

8. Enhanced Music Search & Suggestion Capabilities

Google released new tech to help you figure out the name of a tune by simply humming, whistling, or singing a few notes of a song. Giving Apple’s Shazam a run for its money, Google has rolled out new mobile voice search features, backed with Shazam technology and a new “Search a Song” button.

When you use this search feature, you get a list of possible song titles and a “confidence score” by each match, based on how “certain” Google is that each result is the one you’re searching for. 

Although this song-finding tech isn’t especially new, Google’s move to cater to these searches could offer fans a better way to figure out the names of their new favorite jams or that tune they can’t get out of their heads. 

9. Visual Albums

In 2021, more artists developed visual albums, not just as a way to market and hype new albums but also to give fans a richer musical experience and another way to connect with the story of an album.

More than a music video, visual albums are breaking down the boundaries between music and film, and they’re becoming an ever-more popular way for artists to share new material with the public.

Beyond the Latest Trends… 

It’s thrilling to see some of the latest innovations in the music industry, but those aren’t the only things that can reshape your experience with music. 

The pros at The Music Trust can also transform your next music event, your brand’s sonic identity, and your venue’s sound system to create exceptional, unforgettable sonic experiences. 

Whether you need to book a DJ or band, host a corporate event, develop sonic branding, start social media marketing, or get playlisting services, we’re here to help.

Just contact The Music Trust today for answers and/or a free quote from trusted industry pros. 

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