Music Trends in 2025

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5 Music Trends You May See In 2025: The Rise Of J-Pop, Music Video Craze & More

With a new year in full swing, dig into five trends that will likely have the music industry buzzing in 2025 thanks to XG, Doechii, My Chemical Romance, and other stars.

2024 was a year of unprecedented change in the music industry. Along with the concept of genre becoming perhaps more fluid and obscure than ever, artists were arguably more fearless in expression and speaking their truth --- from Beyoncé and Post Malone dabbling in country music to pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan offering lyrics as bold as their unique styles.

In addition to the array of sounds, 2024 also saw significant technological advancements. AI tools revolutionized music production, offering new creative possibilities for artists and personalized listening experiences for fans. Artists like Jack Harlow and Doja Cat pushed boundaries with virtual performances and metaverse concerts, while streaming platforms refined their algorithms to deliver more tailored recommendations, making niche genres and emerging subcultures accessible to global audiences.

Though the year has come and gone, the ever-evolving socio-political landscape will likely continue to influence the direction of music. More artists will challenge traditional norms by exploring themes of identity, resilience and activism; in turn, more diverse voices and sounds will be elevated. These changes could also bring a wider range of acts into the mainstream, further reflecting a growing demand for inclusivity and authenticity in music.

As we move forward into 2025, expect continued experimentation and innovation across genres, as well as a deeper focus on the cultural and social issues that define our times --- and expect all of that to help reshape the industry's landscape as a whole.

Read on for our predictions for the next wave of musical evolution in 2025.

J-Pop Will Boom

Driven by collaborations and crossover successes that amplify its cultural presence, the vibrant J-Pop scene should become increasingly prominent within international music --- inching closer to a global takeover.

Supergroups like XG played a key role in this expansion during 2024 thanks to their first world tour and innovative partnerships like their Tamagotchi collaboration; they'll continue their rapid rise with an anticipated Coachella debut this April. Kenshi Yonezu's announcement of his first-ever world tour --- which begins in March --- also marks a milestone in J-Pop's growing global reach. Rapper, singer and songwriter Yuki Chiba's spirited verse in Megan Thee Stallion's viral hit "Mamushi" further bolstered the visibility of Japanese acts.

The genre's diverse sonic hallmarks, ranging from introspective ballads (Superfly's emotionally-charged "Charade") to upbeat, pop-tinged hits (Ado's dynamic and catchy "Value"), will continue to captivate and reach new audiences as it expands.

Music Videos Will Make A Big Comeback

With a potential TikTok ban looming in the U.S., artists may turn back to making music videos a moment --- to both replicate the viral dance crazes that social media platforms have fueled, and foster a stronger sense of identity around their work.

Over the past few years, artists and choreographers have tapped into the power of visual storytelling, sparking fan-driven dance challenges and creating cultural moments. 2024 saw viral dance crazes spawned from Victoria Monét's "Alright" and Tate McRae's "it's ok, i'm ok" music videos, both choreographed by Sean Bankhead. This proves that the medium is more than a promotional tool; videos help solidify an artist's visual brand and aesthetic, and offer fans a deeper connection to the music.

Rather than forcing fleeting viral trends, a shift towards major music videos in 2025 could further create lasting impressions that resonate with audiences and drive long-term engagement.

Protest Music Will Become More Prevalent

Protest music could stand as a powerful tool for a generation navigating uncertainty and change in the new year. While this isn't a new trend  ---  artists have long used their platforms to promote power and peace --- it seems artists have become increasingly motivated to speak their minds in their music.

In 2024 alone, we heard tracks calling for change from GRAMMY nominee Kehlani ("Next 2 U" and its music video call for Palestinian support) and GRAMMY winners Ani DiFranco and Buju Banton. "Let's mend the failures of history and the man made world," DiFranco sings in "New Bible," while Banton chants "demand accountability, please stand up" in "Slogan."

Amid political upheaval, online censorship and a growing sense of global instability, artists may channel feelings of frustration and resistance into their work in 2025, while also emphasizing the beauty of diversity and solidarity through raw emotion and activism.

Rock (Of All Forms) Will Have A Mainstream Takeover

While 2024 saw pop music's undeniable supremacy, it feels as though rock music is poised for a fierce comeback in the new year. It captures the present feelings that could define the times; the latest wave of rock acts are speaking truth to power, channeling the sounds of revolution and revolt, and reclaiming the genre's role as the voice of resistance in an increasingly volatile world.

Indie rock, which had a breakthrough year thanks to acts like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman, continues to bring new audiences to the rock side with a blend of raw emotion and a rebellious spirit. Meanwhile, rising acts like pop-punk trio Meet Me @ The Altar embody rock's well-documented edginess, and Jersey-born singer The Romance signals rock's return to a more unfiltered sound. As all of these artists suggest, the genre's revival will likely also bring a fusion of styles, from gritty punk riffs to electrifying indie anthems, reflecting the multifaceted frustrations of today's world.

Veteran acts will continue to prove their relevance, too. 2024 saw a new album from Green Day and a new chapter begin for Linkin Park, while blink-182  ---  who returned to its original form with 2023's One More Time  ---  toured the globe and headlined major festivals. And 2025 will further the rock nostalgia: Warped Tour will make its anticipated return this summer; My Chemical Romance will headline stadiums to celebrate their seminal 2006 album, The Black Parade; and When We Were Young Festival will reunite Panic! At The Disco for a 20th anniversary performance of their debut LP, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.

The Rules Of Music Releases Will Be Rewritten

In 2024, there was a notable increase in surprise drops and gimmick-less approaches to promotion, which allowed artists to refocus on what matters most: the music itself. This trend is set to intensify in 2025, where it's anticipated that even more artists will embrace raw, unfiltered creativity with music that is free from the distractions of viral trends or marketing ploys.

Hip-hop's recent surge of surprise drops  ---  fueled by control-shifting feuds between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and rule-rewriting acts like Doechii and Tyler, The Creator  ---  have kept audiences engaged. Pop icons like Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have also embraced minimal promotion and surprise releases, letting the music take center stage. And with all of these artists' projects being nominated at the 2025 GRAMMYs, it's clear that this method is paying off.

In the new year, it's likely we'll see more musicians implementing this technique, placing creativity over manufactured trends  ---  and ultimately offering fans a deeper, more genuine connection to the music.

Credit: Grammy Awards

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