Music in interaction. IFPI “Engaging with Music” Report 2023 (2)

For millions of people worldwide, music has a tremendous impact. Our experiences are shaped by inspiration, emotions, culture, and the sounds that accompany us daily.

The groundbreaking IFPI music study from 2023 reveals how fans from around the world discover, listen to, and engage with music that has become part of their lives, with over 43,000 respondents in 26 countries.

It is worth reading this report carefully and drawing conclusions from it. Undoubtedly, it will facilitate understanding the diverse, dynamic, and incredibly exciting world of music, especially for young music fans.

You can familiarize yourself with the first part of the “Engaging with Music” report for 2023 here. Now it’s time for the second part of the report analysis.

1. Musical Everyday Life of the Young

The IFPI report contains valuable information about the various ways people incorporate music into their daily activities. Certainly, respondents’ answers will allow us to better understand how integral music is to people’s lives and routines.

According to the report, one of the most common activities during which people listen to music is commuting to work or school, as indicated by a staggering 45% of respondents. This underscores the general role of music in providing entertainment and relaxation during daily commutes to work. Perhaps music serves as a way to cope with the stress associated with what awaits young people at school or work.

Additionally, the data shows that as many as 50% of respondents listen to music while driving. This highlights the longstanding relationship between music and driving, where people often use music to alleviate boredom or silence during (long) journeys.

Interestingly, the report indicates that 39% of respondents listen to music while doing household chores. This means that music has become a part of everyday life, making mundane tasks more enjoyable and bearable.

Similarly, 33% of respondents listen to music while exercising or at the gym, emphasizing its role in providing energy, motivation, and rhythm during physical workouts.

The data also shows that 41% of respondents listen to music for relaxation or stress relief. Thus, music supports relaxation, alleviates stress, and generally improves mood regardless of the time of day.

Overall, these statistics underscore the multifaceted role of music in human life. Whether it provides motivation during workouts, enhances productivity at work, or simply serves as a source of pleasure during leisure time, music remains an integral part of the daily activities of millions of people worldwide.

2. Generation of Young and Older Listeners

Music has always been a fundamental part of human culture, but with the emergence of technology, the ways in which people engage with music have diversified. Here are some interesting observations based on the report data.

The data suggests that as many as 79% of respondents believe there are more ways to listen to music than ever before. Interestingly, this attitude is particularly evident among older generations – 82% of those aged 55–64 express this belief. This means that older demographic groups, which have witnessed the evolution of music consumption habits over time, are more likely to appreciate the diversity of available music listening options.

Furthermore, the research highlights a growing trend among music fans of all ages to explore older music that is new to them. A noteworthy 64% of individuals aged 16–44 enjoy discovering older music, indicating a widespread interest in learning about musical history and heritage.

The intersection of music with other forms of entertainment is becoming increasingly common. For example, a significant 80% of gamers listen to music while gaming, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship between gaming and music consumption. Additionally, music plays a crucial role in 54% of the time spent watching movies on short-form video apps, indicating the importance of music in visual media consumption.

Live music experiences, both virtual and traditional, are also attractive to music enthusiasts. Approximately 36% of respondents claim to have watched a live music broadcast, such as a concert, in the past month, and 57% have watched a TV program or movie dedicated to music during the same period. This underscores the enduring popularity of live music events and visual content related to music across generations.

Moreover, fans express enthusiasm for discovering new artists and music in various formats. A significant 44% of subscribers to music streaming services discover a new musical artist at least once a week, highlighting the role of streaming platforms in facilitating music exploration and discovery.

In summary, data from the latest report paints a dynamic picture of musical engagement across generations. While older demographic groups appreciate the wealth of currently available music listening options, younger audiences show a keen interest in exploring both contemporary and historical music. These findings underscore the enduring appeal of music as a form of cultural expression and entertainment, transcending generational boundaries and enriching the lives of all people.

3. Music and Physical Products

Despite the digital revolution in the music industry, recent studies indicate that there is still significant demand for physical music products among fans. Delving into the data reveals intriguing trends, particularly in the realm of vinyl records, which have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

According to the research, 13% of respondents purchased a CD in the last month. 9% of respondents opted for vinyl records, indicating a considerable interest in these classic formats. Interestingly, as many as 5% of individuals purchased music on cassette tapes (who still remembers them?), highlighting a niche but enduring market for analog sound enthusiasts.

Among the genres most preferred by vinyl buyers are pop, hip-hop/rap, dance, and classical/opera music. This eclectic mix of genres underscores the diverse tastes and preferences of vinyl enthusiasts, ranging from contemporary pop to classical masterpieces.

When exploring the motivations behind vinyl purchases, several typical reasons emerge. A decisive 24% of respondents cited their love for collecting vinyl records. Vinyl enthusiasts derive joy from curating and caring for their collections. Additionally, 22% preferred to possess music in physical form, emphasizing the tangible and tactile appearance of vinyl records. The ritual aspect of playing a vinyl record also holds significance – 19% of respondents enjoy the experience associated with playing a vinyl record. Furthermore, the aesthetics of vinyl cannot be overlooked, as 19% of individuals appreciate owning physical records for display and admiration, adding a visual dimension to their music consumption.

In conclusion, the data presents a varied picture of music consumption habits, where physical formats such as vinyl records continue to enjoy popularity alongside digital alternatives. Despite the convenience offered by streaming services, many music enthusiasts still derive pleasure from the tactile experiences associated with owning and playing vinyl records, underscoring the enduring allure of analog sound in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how these trends shape the future landscape of the music industry.