Splice, MIDiA Research unveil 'Sounds of 2025' report highlighting genre trends

The Splice platform's report highlights significant trends in music production, revealing that KSHMR and Oliver are leading sample creators, with KSHMR's 'Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 3' topping the charts. The data indicates a strong presence of creators from LA, who generated 30.7 million downloads in 2024, while New York artists contributed about half that figure. Notably, the genre Pluggnb, combining trap and '90s R&B, has surged 342.8% in downloads, with Seoul emerging as a pivotal hub for this trend. Meanwhile, the GRAMMY nominations for Album of the Year showcase a diverse range of genres, featuring artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé, who are pushing boundaries in their music. Carpenter's album 'Short n' Sweet' is noted for its genre-blending sound, while Beyoncé's 'COWBOY CARTER' pays homage to the contributions of Black Americans to country music. This year’s music landscape reflects a dynamic interplay of genres and cultural influences, setting the stage for future developments.