What Music Trends have been trending in 2024?
The sheer variety of genres gaining traction this year has been impressive, so we’ve put together a list of our favorites.
Let’s dive in and explore some exciting new sounds.
Afrobeats
Afrobeats has been a defining force in West African and UK music since the early 2000s, but its popularity has surged in North America more recently of music trends 2024.
It’s important not to confuse Afrobeats with Afrobeat, a distinct genre pioneered by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 1960s. “Afrobeats” encompasses a broad range of sounds, blending West African pop with elements of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, EDM, and other genres.
With so many incredible artists contributing to this genre, each bringing their own unique sound, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. But here’s one track from 2024 that stands out as a must-listen.
Amapiano
Amapiano, which originated in South Africa in the 2010s, has started gaining traction in the North American mainstream, thanks in part to its rising popularity on TikTok and other platforms.
Similar to Afrobeats, Amapiano draws from a diverse array of influences, often blending South African styles like Gqom and Kwaito with elements of house, jazz, soul, and more.
Kabza De Small, a legendary figure in the Amapiano scene, delivers a standout track on his recent album *Kabza Chant*, which has quickly become one of our favorites.
80s-style pop
Possibly due to the cultural phenomenon of Stranger Things, there’s been a fresh surge in popularity of synth-pop and other 80s-influenced styles lately.
Artists like Conan Gray and Chappell Roan in particular have been leaning into sawtooth synth lines, old-school electronic drum kit sounds, upbeat energy, and an overall retro aesthetic.
This track from up-and-coming artist LEXXE has been making the rounds recently and it’s fire. Highly recommended.
Rock
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a resurgence of various forms of rock, from punk to alt-rock and beyond, making their way back into mainstream popularity in music trends 2024.
A prime example of this trend is Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, *Guts*, which prominently features the signature sounds of pop rock and pop punk.
Adding to this rock revival, several legendary rock bands have enjoyed comeback moments, including notable reunion performances at Coachella this year.
Beabadoobee is one of the newer artists making a significant impact in this space. Here’s a recent single from her that’s been gaining attention.
Metal
Speaking of bands, metal also seems to be having a mainstream moment (and speaking of Stranger Things, maybe this scene had something to do with it?).
And this hasn’t been limited to a traditional metal style, instead taking shape in a variety of ways.
Trap metal, for instance, is more popular than ever, and Babymetal’s collab with Electric Callboy has racked up over 30 million streams in less than three months.
For a personal recommendation though, we’re loving the latest stuff from Californian group Entheos.
Shoegaze
This iconic late-80s and 90s genre has been making waves for at least a year now (not to mention its revival back in the ’10s), and it’s managed to maintain its momentum, becoming a staple of 2024.
Shoegaze is trending not only with new emerging artists but also through the rediscovery of classic bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive.
One of our favorite newer shoegaze acts is Flyingfish, who released this standout track late last year.
Indie
From rock to folk to electronic music, the “indie” umbrella has encompassed a ton of different styles for decades, but certain sounds and artists seem to making particularly big waves in 2024.
Hozier’s single Too Sweet, The Black Keys’ new album Ohio Players, a rumored new album from The xx, and Camera Obscura’s first album in 10 years all represent some pretty notable comeback moments.
Meanwhile, newer acts like Royel Otis, The Beths, and Dry Cleaning have been making names for themselves. Our personal favorite is Danish band Snuggle, which just released this new track.
Classic house and techno
Various styles of dance and electronic music have been capturing new audiences this year, particularly genres that thrived in the 90s and early 2000s.
Justice’s latest album, infused with 90s dance music influences, and the growing popularity of jungle and drum ‘n’ bass among Gen Z listeners, highlight how the mainstream’s taste in dance music has expanded beyond just EDM.
English producer Fred Again’s massive influence has also brought certain styles into the spotlight, with old-school house and atmospheric techno playing key roles in his sound.
One of our favorite jungle producers released a new single last month—it’s a powerhouse collaboration and an absolute banger.
Country
While country music has long been a staple of mainstream North American culture, it has recently attracted attention from artists who usually operate outside the genre.
This crossover has sparked a surge of interest in country music among new audiences, particularly following Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter* and Post Malone’s *F-1 Trillion* albums.
Country is a multifaceted genre with a rich history, offering plenty to explore. One of our favorite recent country singles comes from Canadian artist Owen Riegling.
Conclusion
2024 is set to be an exciting year for music, with emerging trends that promise to reshape the industry. From the rise of AI in music creation to the growing influence of social media and genre-blending sounds, these shifts will offer new opportunities for artists and listeners alike. Staying informed about these trends will help you navigate the evolving music landscape and embrace the future of music with creativity and enthusiasm. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or fan, the developments of 2024 are sure to inspire and transform your musical experience.