How are the biggest hits of the summer born?
The summer festival season is not only about unforgettable experiences and partying together, but also about how the biggest hits are born and spread. The playlist culture has revolutionised music listening habits in recent years, and festivals play a key role in this: the songs that play on stage, social experiences and digital platforms combine to shape the songs that become the anthems of the summer.
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What is playlist culture?
Playlist culture refers to the modern music listening habit where playlists have become the primary means of listening and discovering music, eclipsing the traditional album format. Streaming providers (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music) allow everyone to listen to playlists, whether they are their own or compiled by others – whether it’s a mood, an activity, a genre or even an event like a festival. These playlists can be personal, socially shared or officially edited, and often help people discover new music and artists. Today, most streaming is done through such playlists, so getting a song on a playlist can be key to success.
The rise of the playlist culture
Streaming providers have now completely transformed how we discover new music. Official festival playlists are available months before the event, so audiences can get to know the artists’ songs in advance, and often even fresh artists who are making their debut at the festival. These lists not only provide direction, but also create a sense of community: festivalgoers are given a common musical ground before the event, which creates an even closer sense of belonging.
Festivals as hit factories
Festivals have always played an important role in getting a song or artist into the public consciousness, but today the process is much faster and more spectacular. A well-timed performance, a chorus sung together or a concert moment that goes viral on TikTok can turn a song into a national or even international hit in a matter of seconds. The organisers are also increasingly monitoring the music that’s trending on social media and choosing acts based on that, so the festival line-up and playlist culture are interacting.
The road to the hits: from the stage to the charts
Songs at festivals often become the anthems of the summer. The magic of live performance, singing together and the festival atmosphere releases an energy that audiences take with them – and add their favourite songs to their own playlists when they return home. The streaming platforms’ algorithms also pay special attention to the artists and songs that are popular during the festival season, so they can easily be included in official top lists and recommendations.
Often, a song first heard at a festival can be at the top of the radio and streaming charts a few weeks later. Audiences are becoming active players: songs heard at a festival and shared on social media spread quickly, and the playlist culture accelerates this process.
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Community experience and musical exploration
One of the biggest strengths of playlist culture is the community experience. Festival-goers are not only passive consumers, but also active curators: they create their own festival playlists, share their favourites and help spread the word. A well-received concert or unexpected performance can easily become one of the “biggest hits of the summer” if the audience picks it up and passes it on.
Festivals are also a great place to discover music. Many visitors come not only to see the headliners, but also to discover new artists and fresh sounds. And these discoveries often end up on playlists, giving even a lesser-known band national exposure.
Why is this important for musicians and audiences?
The symbiosis of playlist culture and festivals is a huge opportunity for emerging artists: a song played in the right place at the right time can become a hit in days. And for audiences, it’s a special experience to witness first-hand the birth of the next big hit – either live or via a freshly updated playlist.
Summary
Summer festivals are now not only about partying, but also about the birth of hits through playlist culture. Live music experiences, social media and streaming platforms combine to shape which songs become the anthems of the summer. A successful festival appearance, a viral moment or a song that makes it onto a playlist can be the key to a song becoming forever linked to an unforgettable summer.
