Entertainment: Music Industry Mid-Year Report: Streaming Slows, "Recession Pop" Surges
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Jul 18
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Why it is the topic trending: Luminate's Report Unveils Key Shifts in Music Consumption
Slowdown in Streaming Growth: The article highlights a notable deceleration in the rate of growth for on-demand audio streaming in the US.
Decline in Current Music Volume: There's a reported decrease in the consumption of music released within the last 18 months.
Resurgence of "Recession Pop": Music from the 2007-2012 era is experiencing a significant increase in streaming, suggesting a nostalgia trend.
Impact of Music Documentaries: The popularity of documentaries is driving increased listenership for catalog artists.
Exploring Comfort Levels with AI in Music: The report also touches on consumer attitudes towards AI in the music industry.
Overview: Luminate's Midyear Music Report Reveals Streaming Trends, Nostalgia for "Recession Pop," and AI Sentiments Luminate's recent midyear music report for 2025 reveals several significant trends shaping the industry. While on-demand audio streaming continues to grow in the US, the rate of growth is slowing. Notably, there's a decline in the consumption volume of current music, defined as releases from the last 18 months. Interestingly, the report identifies a surge in the popularity of "recession pop," music released during the Great Recession of 2007-2012, indicating a potential nostalgia trend amidst current financial uncertainties. Additionally, the boom in music documentaries is significantly boosting listenership for catalog artists. The report also touches upon consumer comfort levels with the growing presence of AI in the music industry.
Detailed findings: Decoding the Midyear Music Industry Trends
Streaming Growth Decelerates: US on-demand audio streaming saw a 4.6% increase in the first half of 2025, but the growth rate is slower compared to the previous year's report.
Current Music Consumption Declines: There's a more than 3% year-over-year decrease in the volume of current music streaming.
Genre Shifts in Streaming: Rock, Latin, country, and Christian/gospel genres have shown the most growth in on-demand streaming, while R&B/hip-hop has experienced the steepest decline in current music volume.
"Recession Pop" Revival: Streaming of music released between 2007 and 2012 has increased by 6.4%, outpacing overall streaming growth, suggesting a nostalgia trend related to times of financial unrest. Artists like Lady Gaga and Kesha are contributing to this.
Music Documentaries Drive Catalog Streams: The popularity of documentaries featuring artists like Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty is significantly enhancing listenership for their older music, introducing them to new audiences and reigniting nostalgia for older fans.
Impact of "Becoming Led Zeppelin": This documentary propelled Led Zeppelin to their largest global on-demand audio streaming week ever, resulting in a sustained 24% increase in weekly streams.
Varying Comfort with AI in Music: Younger generations show more comfort with AI in music than older generations. Overall, 44% of consumers are somewhat or very uncomfortable with AI voices or fully AI-generated songs, but this varies by genre, with EDM and K-Pop fans being more open.
Key success factors of product (trend): The Drivers Behind Music Consumption Shifts
Nostalgia and Comfort: During times of uncertainty, listeners tend to gravitate towards familiar and comforting music from the past, explaining the rise of "recession pop."
Discovery and Re-engagement: Music documentaries are effective in introducing catalog artists to new listeners and rekindling interest among existing fans.
Genre Evolution: Shifting tastes and cultural influences can lead to changes in the popularity of different music genres in streaming.
Technological Advancements: The ongoing evolution of streaming platforms and the emergence of AI continue to shape how music is consumed and created.
Key Takeaway: Music Streaming Growth is Slowing, While Nostalgia and Documentaries Fuel Catalog and "Recession Pop" Surges Luminate's midyear report indicates a deceleration in streaming growth, a decline in current music consumption, a significant rise in the popularity of "recession pop" driven by nostalgia, and the powerful impact of music documentaries on catalog listenership, alongside varying consumer sentiments towards AI in music.
Main Trend: Nostalgia-Driven Music Consumption The primary trend illustrated by this article is the increasing influence of nostalgia on music consumption, particularly evident in the resurgence of "recession pop" and the sustained popularity of catalog artists boosted by documentaries.
Description of the trend: Retro-Listening Revival This trend, termed "Retro-Listening Revival," describes the growing phenomenon where listeners are actively engaging with and streaming music from past eras, often driven by feelings of nostalgia, comfort, or a desire to revisit familiar sounds during times of uncertainty or change.
What is consumer motivation: Why the Appeal of "Recession Pop" and Catalog Music?
Comfort During Uncertainty: During times of financial or social unrest, familiar music can provide a sense of comfort and stability.
Nostalgia for Past Eras: Listeners may feel nostalgic for the music that was popular during specific periods in their lives.
Rediscovery and Exploration: Music documentaries and increased exposure can lead to the rediscovery of older artists and their catalogs by new and existing fans.
Simpler Times Association: "Recession pop" might evoke memories of a specific era, possibly perceived as simpler or more carefree.
Emotional Connection: Music from the past often holds strong emotional connections and can transport listeners back to specific moments in time.
What is motivation beyond the trend: Underlying Consumer Drives
Seeking Familiarity and Stability: In a rapidly changing world, familiar elements like music can offer a sense of grounding.
Memory and Identity: Music is often closely tied to personal memories and can play a significant role in shaping individual identity.
Emotional Regulation: Listening to familiar music can be a way to manage emotions and evoke specific feelings.
Description of consumers article is referring: Nostalgic Music Fans Seeking Comfort and Familiarity
Consumer Summary: The article refers to music listeners who are increasingly turning to older music, particularly "recession pop" from 2007-2012 and catalog artists highlighted in documentaries. These listeners are likely seeking comfort, familiarity, and a connection to past eras, possibly triggered by current social and economic conditions.
Detailed summary (based on experience and article):
Who are them: Music listeners across various age groups, with a notable interest from those who were younger adults during the 2007-2012 period, as well as fans of classic rock and other catalog artists.
What kind of products they like: Streaming music, especially tracks from the late 2000s to early 2010s pop era and music from established catalog artists. They also show interest in music documentaries.
What is their age?: Likely a broad range, including Millennials and potentially older Gen Z for "recession pop," and a wider range for catalog artists depending on the genre.
What is their gender?: Not specified in the article.
What is their income?: Not specified in the article.
What is their lifestyle: Music consumers who utilize streaming platforms and may have an interest in music history and culture, possibly seeking comfort and familiarity in their listening habits.
What are their shopping preferences in the category article is referring to: They likely subscribe to music streaming services and may be inclined to watch music documentaries on various platforms.
Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Likely frequent users of music streaming services.
What are their general shopping preferences - how they shop products, shopping motivations): For entertainment, they are often driven by enjoyment, emotional connection, and nostalgia. They may be influenced by recommendations and trends, as well as personal preferences for specific genres and artists.
Conclusions: Nostalgia Plays a Growing Role in Today's Music Consumption Luminate's report highlights the significant influence of nostalgia on current music streaming trends, with listeners increasingly turning to familiar music from the past, particularly "recession pop," and engaging with catalog artists through documentaries.
Implications for brands: Leveraging Nostalgia in Music Marketing
Highlight Catalog Music in Campaigns: Incorporate popular older tracks in advertising and marketing efforts.
Create Content Around Nostalgic Eras: Develop content that taps into the nostalgia for specific musical periods.
Partner with Artists from the "Recession Pop" Era: Collaborations or features with artists popular between 2007 and 2012 could resonate with audiences.
Promote Music Documentaries: Utilize documentaries as a tool to reintroduce or further engage audiences with catalog artists.
Implication for society: Music as a Source of Comfort During Uncertainty The trend suggests that music plays a crucial role in providing comfort and familiarity during times of financial and social uncertainty.
Implications for consumers: Reconnecting with Cherished Music from the Past Consumers have an opportunity to rediscover or further engage with the music that defined earlier periods of their lives, finding comfort and nostalgia in the process.
Summary of Trends:
Core Consumer Trend: Nostalgia-Driven Consumption.
Core Consumer Sub Trend: Seeking Comfort and Familiarity in Music During Uncertainty.
Core Social Trend: Collective Revisiting of Past Cultural Moments Through Music.
Social Drive: Finding Emotional Connection and Comfort in Familiar Sounds.
Core Trend: Retro-Listening Revival.
Core Strategy: Leveraging Nostalgia in Music Marketing and Content Creation.
Core Industry Trend: The Enduring Value of Music Catalog and the Power of Documentary Film.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Comfort, Familiarity, and Emotional Connection Through Music from Past Eras.
Strategic Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: Tapping into the Power of Music Nostalgia
Analyze Streaming Data for Retro Trends: Identify specific eras or genres experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Create Playlists and Curated Content Featuring Nostalgic Music: Engage listeners by offering curated selections from past decades.
Partner with Influencers to Highlight "Retro" Vibes: Collaborate with influencers who have an affinity for or whose content aligns with nostalgic musical eras.
Consider Remixes or Modern Takes on Older Tracks: Introduce familiar melodies to new audiences through contemporary interpretations.
Sponsor or Promote Music Documentaries: Support projects that celebrate the legacy of influential artists and bands.
Final Thought: Luminate's midyear report highlights a compelling trend of nostalgia driving music consumption in 2025, with "recession pop" and catalog artists experiencing a resurgence, suggesting that in times of uncertainty, people often find comfort and connection in the familiar sounds of the past.
Core Trend Detailed: Spinning the Years: The Resurgence of Retro Listening The core trend in the music industry highlighted by Luminate's report is the significant retro listening revival. Consumers are increasingly turning to music from past eras, driven by a powerful combination of nostalgia, comfort, and the rediscovery of timeless sounds. This trend is evident in the notable increase in streaming of "recession pop" from the late 2000s and early 2010s, as well as the renewed popularity of catalog artists whose music is being amplified by the current boom in music documentaries.
Key Characteristics of the Core Trend: Embracing Melodies from the Past
Nostalgia-Driven Engagement: Listeners are actively seeking out music that evokes memories and emotions from earlier periods in their lives.
Comfort and Familiarity: In times of uncertainty, familiar songs from the past provide a sense of comfort and stability.
Rediscovery and Exploration: Music documentaries and other forms of exposure are introducing older music to new audiences and encouraging exploration of artist back catalogs.
Cross-Generational Appeal: This trend spans across different age groups, with younger listeners discovering older music and older fans reconnecting with cherished tunes.
Enduring Popularity of Classic Sounds: Music from certain eras maintains its appeal and continues to resonate with listeners over time.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Echoes of the Past in Today's Music Scene
Increased Streaming of Catalog Music: Streaming numbers for older tracks are steadily rising, indicating a significant audience engagement with the past.
Success of Legacy Artists: Many established artists continue to draw large audiences and their older music remains popular.
Prevalence of Throwback Playlists: Streaming platforms and users are creating and listening to playlists dedicated to music from specific decades.
Popularity of Music Documentaries: The surge in documentaries focusing on iconic musicians and bands is fueling interest in their back catalogs.
Cultural Significance of Specific Eras: Certain periods in music history hold significant cultural weight and continue to influence contemporary tastes.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: Tuning into Yesterday's Hits
Increased Consumption of Older Music: Listeners are dedicating a significant portion of their streaming time to music released in previous years.
Seeking Out Specific Eras and Artists: Consumers are actively searching for and streaming music from particular decades or by specific legacy artists.
Discovering New (Old) Favorites: Younger audiences are discovering and embracing music that was popular before their time.
Creating Nostalgic Soundtracks for Life: Listeners are curating playlists that evoke specific memories and moods associated with past eras.
Engaging with Music History Through Documentaries: Viewers are using documentaries as a gateway to explore and appreciate the back catalogs of influential artists.
Implications Across the Ecosystem: The Enduring Value of Music's Legacy
For Brands and CPGs (Tap into Nostalgia): Marketing campaigns can effectively leverage the emotional power of retro music to connect with consumers.
For Retailers (Promote Catalog and Documentary Content): Retailers can highlight classic albums, box sets, and music documentaries to cater to this trend.
For Consumers (Enjoying a Rich Tapestry of Music History): Listeners have access to a vast library of music from different eras, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience.
Strategic Forecast: The Past as Prologue in Music Consumption
Continued Growth of Retro Listening: Nostalgia will likely remain a significant driver of music consumption in the coming years.
More Innovative Ways to Engage with Catalog Music: Expect to see new formats and experiences that further connect listeners with music from the past.
Influence of Social Media on Retro Trends: Social media platforms will continue to play a role in popularizing older music among new generations.
Potential for "Retro" Revivals in Live Music: Touring acts featuring legacy artists and tribute bands may continue to thrive.
Integration of Retro Sounds into New Music: Contemporary artists may continue to draw inspiration from and incorporate elements of past musical styles.
Areas of innovation: Reimagining the Past for Present Audiences
Remastered and Expanded Editions of Classic Albums: Offering enhanced versions of beloved records with bonus content.
Interactive Experiences with Music History: Creating immersive ways for listeners to explore the stories behind iconic albums and artists.
AI-Powered Tools for Discovering Retro Music: Developing algorithms that help listeners find older music based on their current tastes.
Curated Content Connecting Past and Present: Creating playlists and content that highlight the connections between classic and contemporary music.
Virtual Reality Experiences of Past Concerts: Immersing fans in the experience of attending iconic concerts from previous eras.
Final Thought: The retro listening revival evident in Luminate's report underscores the timeless nature of music and the powerful influence of nostalgia. As consumers seek comfort and connection in familiar sounds, music from past eras continues to find new audiences and maintain its enduring appeal in the modern streaming age.
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