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Trends 

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Unpacked

Trends Report

Unpacked

 Dive into Splice's 2024 data—top genres, sample packs, and creator trends shaping what we'll hear in 2025

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The most downloaded sounds on Splice revealwhat’s next in pop, hip hop, dance music and more.

What happens when you mix trap and ’90s R&B? A shit ton of fire. Pluggnb is easily Splice’s fastest-growing genre with downloads growing by over 300% this year. 
Producers to watch -> Summrs, Autumn! ARIZONATEARSKey Pack -> PluggnB

To no one’s surprise K-pop continues to capture music’s attention—with downloads growing by 294.7% between January and February of 2024.
Producers to watch -> NCTKey Pack -> Lyres Perfect Pop: K-Pop Edition

The sounds of Newark went global, even getting a foothold in Germany’s club scene. Downloads were up by 168.8% between February and March of 2024 alone. 
Producers to watch -> UNIIQU3Key Pack -> Come Thru-Jersey Drill x RnB

When ‘90’s Memphis roots meet lo-fi electronics the result is a mixture of TikTok relevance and true staying power. 
Producers to watch -> KordhellKey Pack -> Burnout-Phonk Tapes

When cinematic progressions collide with hypnotic rhythms, the result is a genre that thrives equally in intimate clubs and massive festival stages. Melodic techno’s understated builds and emotional melodies make it a staple for creators seeking depth and atmosphere.
Producers to watch -> Massano, AdriatiqueKey Pack -> Dropgun samples-Melodic Techno

These cities are setting the pace for the sounds shaping global music culture in 2025.

Los Angeles

São Paulo

Berlin

 K-pop and pluggnb rule

Brazil makes its own phonk

Jersey club goes global

Splice’s top city by annual downloads, LA saw a massive increase in demand for both K-pop (+516%) and pluggnb (+290%) samples. With ILLIT’s single “Magnetic” breaking streaming records, we’re seeing K-pop embrace underground hip hop genres like pluggnb and rage—signaling a growing flow between both cultures.

Phonk has surged in São Paulo—with roots in Memphis rap, the genre’s style has become globally popular. International producers, like Norway’s Slowboy, are incorporating Brazilian elements into their tracks—leading to large listener growth within the region. Now artists local to Brazil, like Mc Gw, are defining the genre further, leading phonk to see fivefold growth in São Paulo over the past year.

 Originally from Newark, Jersey club is Berlin’s fastest-growing genre on Splice, with a 452% increase in downloads over the last year. Popularized by artists like UNIIQU3, this mix of hip hop and electronic music recently saw global engagement surge thanks to choreographed dances on Tiktok. Now local DJs like Berlin Disaster, CEYDAKISS, and even UNIIQU3 herself are blending its signature sound into Berlin’s electronic scene.

Johannesburg

Sydney

Afro House from the source

Dancing down under

Rooted in South Africa’s kwaito music, Afro house is seeing a 203% increase in downloads in Johannesburg. Local DJs like Desiree and Jazzuelle are adding new spins to the genre, while parties like Boiler Room are expanding across the city. This growth has paved the way for artists across the continent to find success in Afro house—leading it to be one of the top searched-for genres globally.

 Australia’s dance music scene is booming—genre downloads for both big room and melodic house are up 190%. These key genres are driving Australia’s rise as the third-largest dance music market with artists like Cyril and FISHER entering Spotify’s top 500. With the highest percentage of monthly listeners per capita, Australia is home to dance music superfans shaping the global scene.

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Dive deeper into each city’s soundscape with the full report.

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Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 3

1

3,216,410

Pack released: 08-20-2018

Reconnecting - Hanz x Sem0r Vol. 4

2,026,503

2

Pack released: 05-23-2024

Oliver: Power Tools Decades - 90's

3

1,846,581

Pack released: 05-06-2024

Oliver: Power Tools Sample Pack III

1,750,039

4

Pack released: 07-12-2021

Virtual Riot - Heavy Bass Design Vol. 3

5

1,601,858

Pack released: 05-06-2024

Oliver: Power Tools Sample Pack

1,475,656

6

Pack released: 11-28-2018

VINTAGE VIBES 2

7

1,452,584

Pack released: 03-11-2024

THICCER DRUMS

1,369,569

8

Pack released: 02-05-2024

vintage crates

9

1,333,815

Pack released: 05-13-2024

DECAP - Drums That Knock X

1,282,448

10

Pack released: 06-30-2023

From pop anthems to viral remixes, Splice samples are powering superstar tracks and new sounds alike.

Oliver and the "Espresso" Phenomenon

Renowned producer Oliver’s Power Tools sample pack series has influenced major pop hits, including Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 smash “Espresso” produced by Julian Bunetta, driving a 693% spike in downloads of the loop used. With 1.6 billion Spotify streams and Grammy nominations, “Espresso” has cemented Oliver’s influence on producers worldwide. His Power Tools III pack remains a top Splice download, as producers flock to proven hit-making sounds.

SOPHIE’s Enduring Legacy

Pioneering hyperpop producer SOPHIE continues to inspire new music through her 2017 Splice sample pack. Despite her passing in 2021, her sounds generated 370,229 downloads over the past year—appearing in tracks like Kep1er’s “Straight Line” and Charli XCX’s tribute song “So I.” 2024's posthumous album further boosted interest in SOPHIE's samples, with hyperpop-related Splice searches jumping 50%. Her influence ensures hyperpop remains a vibrant, evolving genre.

Image credit: Transgressive Records/ via Vogue.com

Arthouse Acoustics’ Viral Vocal Loop

A 24-second soulful vocal loop from Arthouse Acoustics’ The Cookbook Vol. 2 pack became a hit across genres. Downloaded over 8,400 times, the sample has featured in songs by Kygo, Tiësto, Ninetoes, and more, with tracks like Tiësto’s “Explode” amassing 18.2 million Spotify streams. The sample’s versatility across house, trap, and pop showcases how one sound can find new life in countless hits.

What today’s data tells us about the music you’ll be listening to tomorrow.

Emerging Genres on the Rise:

Melodic techno, drift phonk, and Jersey club are expected to continue their rapid growth in 2025, building on a strong year in 2024. These genres have seen over 140% year-on-year download increases, signaling lasting popularity rather than a passing trend.

The Dance Revival:

Dance and electronic music, especially sounds inspired by the ‘90s and 2000s, will continue to dominate. Genres like big room house and melodic techno are driving downloads, even in traditionally unexpected places like Nashville. This surge reflects a broader industry shift toward festival-ready sounds as artists aim to secure live performance opportunities.

The Global South’s Cultural Impact:

Regions in the Global South, including Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa, are becoming key drivers of music trends. With growing streaming audiences, local talent, and export genres like Afro house, phonk, and K-pop, these regions will increasingly influence global music creation.

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