Spotify Wrapped [Insert Year]: How Music Aficionados Listen To Music and What It Says About The Music Industry?
By Sanjeev Wignarajah
As each passing year comes to a close. We reflect on the year that was and hope great things to come in the new year. Music fans have been waiting for the highly anticipated social media worthy event… Spotify Wrapped. Since its inception in 2015, users have been curious such as ‘What top 5 artists they’ve listened to all year?’, ‘What top 5 songs are on repeat?’, and the most listened to genre all year. Spotify Wrapped usually appears either at the end of November or early December and everyone’s social media timeline gets flooded sparking curiosity and excitement.
How Music Can Form A Community?
Music is universal. It’s a shared experience from a small concert venue to the biggest stage. Even at music festivals or coffee shops. Music is a bridge that shapes an individual’s taste in the arts. It’s the little nuances and details that go into the production. Take for instance at a third-wave coffee shop where the barista spins the record and you’re enjoying a beverage. It’s the two concepts that form a community that can strike up a conversation from introducing to your musically inclined friend to eclectic beats and vibes to chatting with the barista about the record.
What Does It Mean For The Music Industry?
The music industry has evolved over the years thanks to streaming services and social media. Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and many streaming services have been dominating the music landscape plus CD and vinyl sales. Beyond sales, social media, and streaming services lies data. What’s the most popular song and artists listeners are streaming from which city? What genre does everyone listen to? It also allows artists to engage with fans saying along the lines of ‘Thanks for listening to my music. It’s been an amazing year. I hope the new year will be an amazing one.’
The Wrap Up
Spotify Wrapped is like an ultimate Christmas present. You never know who your most listened to artists, songs, and genre of music is. The 12 months of anticipation is something we can all anticipate and discuss our findings.
Sanjeev Wignarajah is a freelance writer and photographer working with select clients and publications. He has a background in journalism and public relations from Centennial College.