#Los Angeles #Live Music #Bandsintown #Sombr

Overview of 2025's Music Landscape

Bandsintown has unveiled its 2025 High Notes, a detailed analysis outlining the major shifts and trends in the live music scene over the past year. This report not only highlights emerging genres and artists but also provides insights into audience engagement and travel trends within the music industry.

Genre Trends Dominating 2025

The year 2025 witnessed the rise of various music genres that captured the hearts of fans globally. Notably, Trap music experienced significant popularity, surging by 65% compared to the previous year, a growth largely attributed to the emergence of fusion subgenres such as phonk and Latin trap. This influx of fresh energy revitalized the trap scene, making it the fastest-growing genre in 2025.

Shoegaze music also saw a notable increase in interest, climbing 37% as audiences gravitated towards the alt and atmospheric sounds that this genre encapsulates. Moreover, rock music regained its title as the genre with the highest fan engagement, supported by strong followings of both Metal and Alternative rock genres.

The Global Travel Boom for Live Music

Live music contributed significantly to a surge in travel for concerts and festivals. In 2025, there was a remarkable 32.6% increase in concert-goers traveling internationally compared to 2024, indicating that fans were willing to journey great distances to see their favorite acts perform live. Furthermore, domestic travel distances for concerts rose by 13%, showcasing the dedication of music lovers to follow their beloved artists around the country.

Cities Leading the Musical Charge

In terms of geographical impact, New York City emerged as the unrivaled leader in live music, boasting the fastest growth in music fandom on the global stage, coupled with incredible levels of fan engagement and ticket demand. Iconic venues such as the Barclays Center, Terminal 5, and Madison Square Garden took center stage in this vibrant scene.

Following NYC, Washington D.C. ranked as the second-fastest growing music city worldwide, primarily due to increased RSVP rates and overall engagement on Bandsintown. Other cities like Madrid, London, and São Paulo also rose prominently, reinforcing the idea that live music appeals to a broad, international audience.

U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta competed fiercely for ticket demand, emphasizing the diverse and widespread appreciation for live performances.

Breakthrough Artists Making Waves

The year 2025 was marked by exceptional talent, with Sombr standing out as the number one fastest-growing artist, followed closely by Lola Young and JENNIE. Billie Eilish led the pack in terms of new follower gains, with other heavyweights like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd also experiencing substantial growth in their fanbases.

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