Author: Musicians Today Contributor

The U.S. music industry continued to evolve in 2025, as midyear data revealed ongoing growth in recorded music revenues and streaming activity, though at a more measured pace than in the breakneck years of early streaming dominance. According to a midyear report from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the industry reached new financial heights, signaling a maturing market that remains resilient despite shifting consumer behaviors, broader economic headwinds, and the evolving nature of digital content. By the midpoint of 2025, total U.S. recorded music revenues had surpassed $5.6 billion, marking a record-setting first half for the industry. Paid…

As 2025 came to a close, live music enthusiasts across the United States embraced one final opportunity to gather, dance, and celebrate through sound. The weekend of December 27 stood out not just for its placement between the holidays and New Year’s Eve, but for the diverse range of music festivals and concerts that lit up cities from coast to coast. Whether drawn to the thunderous energy of electronic beats, the soulful strums of folk and Americana, or the timeless vibe of rock and jam bands, fans found something to connect with in a year-end celebration that underscored the vibrancy…

The 2025 holiday season brought with it a renewed surge in holiday music streaming across the United States, with listeners once again turning to festive soundtracks as a key part of their December traditions. This year, the dominance of classic Christmas tracks remained strong, but it was accompanied by a notable increase in engagement with new holiday releases, signaling a growing appetite for seasonal music that blends nostalgic charm with modern appeal. As in previous years, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” stood at the forefront of seasonal listening. The iconic track, first released in 1994, continued…

Philadelphia came alive on December 19 and 20 as alt‑rock band The War on Drugs brought their annual charity concert series to a rousing close with a pair of benefit performances that combined high‑energy music with heartfelt community purpose. The two nights, collectively billed as “A Drugcember to Remember,” were held at Johnny Brenda’s, a beloved South Philadelphia music venue known for its intimate atmosphere and deep ties to the local arts scene. What began years earlier as a modest effort to give back to the city that helped shape the band’s identity has grown into a festive annual tradition…

In a touching moment of connection, Rob Georg’s winning song at the Parkinsong contest carries a deeply personal message about resilience and legacy. When Rob Georg received an unexpected email notifying him that his song “Climb This Mountain” had won the 2026 Parkinsong contest, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. This wasn’t just any victory,  it was a moment that intertwined his personal story with a global movement. The song, written for his father during his battle with Parkinson’s disease, had been entered into the contest without his knowledge. And yet, it was his father’s spirit and legacy…

On the winter solstice, December 21, 2025, cities across the United States marked the shortest day of the year with sound rather than silence as Make Music Winter returned for its annual celebration of community-driven music. The free, participatory event transformed streets, parks, plazas, and public gathering spaces into open-air stages, inviting people of all ages and musical backgrounds to take part in live performances and spontaneous music-making. Make Music Winter is organized by the NAMM Foundation and is designed as a seasonal counterpart to the widely recognized Make Music Day, which takes place every June. While the summer edition…

From underground club scenes to headlining global festivals, MYLA’s explosive rise in 2025 proves she is destined for stardom.

In a move that could significantly alter how music success is measured in the United States, YouTube announced on December 17, 2025, that it will no longer supply its streaming data to Billboard’s U.S. music charts beginning January 16, 2026. The decision ends a more than decade-long relationship between the world’s largest video platform and the most influential chart authority in the music industry, raising broader questions about how fan engagement, revenue, and cultural impact should be reflected in chart rankings. YouTube’s withdrawal comes in response to Billboard’s recent update to its chart methodology, which continues to weight paid subscription…

In 2025, holiday music remains a cornerstone of American pop culture, and artists like Mariah Carey continue to hold a special place in this seasonal tradition. Carey’s timeless classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” remains a fixture on global charts each year, exemplifying how certain holiday songs have evolved into cultural phenomena that go far beyond their original release dates. The song has become synonymous with the holiday season, with its annual resurgence not just in music charts but in various cultural touchpoints, from retail jingles to social media trends. This ongoing success is a testament to how…

Brenda Lee’s timeless holiday anthem, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” has achieved an extraordinary milestone, crossing 1 billion streams on Spotify. This achievement marks a significant moment in music history, as the beloved Christmas classic becomes the first holiday song by a female country artist to reach such a remarkable benchmark. Originally released in 1958, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has endured as one of the most iconic holiday songs of all time. Over the decades, it has become a staple of festive playlists, continuously warming hearts during the Christmas season. The song’s success on streaming platforms is a testament…