What’s Really Going On in the Music Game Right Now (2025 Edition)
1. Touring is Back... But It Ain’t Cheap
Everyone’s on the road again—but the costs? Wild. Gas, flights, hotels, merch printing—it’s all more expensive than it was pre-pandemic. Independent artists are asking: Is this even worth it unless I’m breaking even or better?
And the answer? Only if your show builds your brand and keeps real fans engaged. Sometimes you’re not making money at first—but you’re planting seeds. Still, don’t be afraid to say no to a show that doesn’t make sense. Respect your energy.
2. Music Videos are Cool Again
Quick TikToks still work—but there’s a new appreciation for polished visuals. Artists are putting love back into music videos—real concepts, real vibes. It’s like fans are craving something they can watch and feel, not just scroll past.
So if you’re gonna drop a video? Don’t just shoot a performance in a warehouse with smoke and call it a day. Tell a story.
3. The Beat Game is Shifting
Producers are tired of getting paid in “exposure.” And rightfully so. In 2025, more producers are licensing directly, dropping beat packs, or setting up subscriptions on Patreon or their own sites. The new wave? Treat your beats like products, not just files you email out hoping for a placement.
At Cherry Hill, we stand on that: quality music with real value. Elegant sound that connects with real brands and real people.
4. Everyone Wants a Sync Placement
Let’s keep it real—half the convo in the studio these days is: “Yo, how do we get this song in a movie, commercial, or show?” Sync is the bag people are chasing now—and it’s smart.
But here’s the truth: you gotta think cinematic when you make music for sync. No samples you can’t clear. Clean mixes. Emotion in the track. That’s what music supervisors are looking for.
And you know who does that? (Yup, we do.)
5. Community Still Wins
No matter how digital we get, real-life support is still undefeated. Open mics, writing camps, listening parties, or just showing up to your people’s release event—that’s where bonds are built. And those bonds? They often lead to the next collab, the next placement, the next co-sign.
Don’t get so caught up in algorithms that you forget how this thing really works—people make music move.
Final Word
The game’s always changing, but one thing stays the same: if your music is honest and you move with intention, you’re already ahead.
At Cherry Hill Records, we’re about that balance—art and business, quality and hustle, music that speaks and moves. If you’re looking for a team that gets it, you’re in the right place.
