Genres Vanish & Microgenres Explode Gone are the days of strict genre boundaries. Thanks to TikTok and streaming culture, genre-blending is everywhere—hyperpop, drill-future rave hybrids, Afrobeat-ambient mashups, and more. Creators now seek microgenres that speak to unique vibes, not old-school labels. Making Music Anywhere: Mobile Studios Your next beat might come from your smartphone. … Read more
New Horizons in Co-Composed Music AI in music isn’t about replacement—it’s about collaboration. Musicians today are embracing AI as a creative partner, not a substitute: Composers team up with AI to generate melodies, chord progressions, and sonic textures that spark new directions, while they add emotional nuance and vision. This collaborative process often involves iterative … Read more
Why Music Rights Are Becoming Institutional Gold Since 2020, music catalogs have turned into serious investment vehicles. Between 2020 and 2024, over $8 billion in music royalty securitization deals were executed, including: Concord’s $1.8 billion A+-rated bond backed by more than 1 million songs, offering long-term stability. Hipgnosis’ $1.47 billion catalog securitization from Blackstone-backed assets. … Read more
The Booming Royalty-Free Music Market The global royalty-free music industry is experiencing impressive growth. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately $1.43 billion, and it’s projected to reach $1.52 billion in 2025, growing to $2.03 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of almost 6%. When looking at the broader stock music space, it’s even … Read more
Why Britpop Is Back in the Spotlight The 1990s Britpop era—defined by swagger, wit, and guitar-forward melodies—is experiencing a powerful resurgence in 2025. Key triggers include: Iconic reunions from Oasis, Blur, and Pulp, drawing multi-generational crowds. Recognition from emerging artists such as Dua Lipa and Nia Archives, who cite the movement’s emotional honesty and rebellious … Read more
Cassettes Make a Comeback—Thanks to Taylor Swift Taylor Swift reignited a surprising trend: cassette tapes. As part of her promotional rollout for The Life of a Showgirl, she introduced cassette-format pre-orders—an unexpected move in a streaming-dominated era that instantly grabbed attention and began making retro cool again. With prices ranging from $13 to $20, the … Read more
South Korea Leverages Culture as Economic Catalyst Facing rising trade barriers and slowing growth, South Korea is turning its cultural exports—known as Hallyu or the Korean Wave—into a new economic engine. The government is doubling down on cultural investments, targeting music, dramas, beauty, food, and webtoons as key drivers for future growth. Hope Beyond … Read more
The now-iconic “Benny Hill theme song” is actually titled “Yakety Sax”, written by Boots Randolph and James Q. “Spider” Rich, first recorded in 1958 and released in a popular version in 1963. It became synonymous with The Benny Hill Show when, from November 19, 1969, Thames Television began using it during the show’s famous sped-up … Read more
A Digital Coming-of-Age Story in 12 Tracks Australian electronic producer Ninajirachi (real name Nina Wilson) released her much-anticipated debut album, I Love My Computer, on August 8, 2025, via NLV Records . A conceptual and emotional journey through late-night production, teenage discovery, and digital nostalgia, the album builds around the idea that “her computer isn’t … Read more
After an eight-year hiatus, Irish boy band Westlife made a powerful comeback in January 2019 with the uplifting single “Hello My Love.” Written by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, it was the lead single from their album Spectrum. The song marked a new chapter for the band, now signed under Universal Music Group and Virgin … Read more