Jazz Streaming Trends for 2023
Jazz streaming is expected to see some significant trends in 2023 as the genre continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies. The medium per se is reaching out to new audiences, eager to see some technological and artistic innovation. Here are a few predictions for what we might see in the world of jazz streaming in the coming year.
Increased accessibility: With the proliferation of streaming platforms and the widespread adoption of smart speakers and other voice-activated devices, it has never been easier for listeners to discover and access jazz music and new talent. As is the case with classic rock lovers, many jazz listeners can fall into returning to the classics like John Coltrane, Mlles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Gil Evans and the likes. But many new artists are expanding their reach into jazz streaming services to reach out to new, younger audiences. As Marshal McLuhan said, the medium is the message, and new artists want to send a renewed message through this new medium. Expect to see more jazz artists taking advantage of these technologies to reach a wider audience across streaming platforms, social media and devices.
Niche subgenres on the rise: While jazz has always been a diverse genre, we may see an increase in the popularity of niche subgenres such as acid jazz, nu jazz, and jazz fusion. These subgenres often incorporate elements of other genres, such as electronic music or hip hop, which may appeal to younger listeners or those looking for a fresh take and innovation on more traditional jazz styles. We already see some tendencies in jazz clubs like New York City’s Nublu and elsewhere that feature purely subgenres and appeal to Millennials and Gen Zers. The atmosphere feels more like a nightclub and the music beyond the traditional jazz sounds into Hip-Hop, R&B and hints of electronica.
Increased collaboration with other genres: Jazz has always been open to collaboration with other musical styles and, consistent with the above, this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Jazz artists are teaming up with talent from other musics, such as rock, pop, or electronica, to create exciting new fusion sounds that appeal to a wider audience. Afro-cuban, flamenco-jazz, bossa nova-jazz and jazz-rock were some of the early entrants as far back as the 1970s with some globally renowned names like Stan Getz collaborating with João Gilberto, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin giving birth to jazz-rock or Bebo Valdés and Diego El Cigala breaking new grounds with Spanish and Latin fusion. Yet newer styles are poised to break new ground and expand the palette beyond things we’ve heard in the past.
Jazz streaming is poised to grow in 2023 consistent with all video platforms.
More live streaming options: The pandemic started to limit in-person live music events, giving way to more live streaming alternatives, giving artists a new medium to connect with their fans. The thrive of video platforms in general, from Zoom business meetings, to the explosion of video platforms from YouTube to TikTok, to genre-specific dedicated platforms to live streaming like Oh! Jazz have made remote experiences more acceptable than in the past. Not to mention people in rural areas that never had access to this content. Expect to see more virtual jazz festivals and live streaming concerts from your favorite artists coming to your preferred personal screen.
Gift Cards: The proliferation of eGift Cards is enabling people to send their loved ones more meaningful gifts, with either immediate or scheduled delivery with personal messages. This will enable customers to give the gift of jazz to their loved ones’ favorite jazz streaming platforms. Far from the impersonal Starbucks or Home Depot options, the gift of jazz will win the hearts and minds of those looking to deliver a more relevant and purposeful experience to the jazz lovers in their lives.
Overall, 2023 looks to be an exciting year for jazz music streaming, with more opportunities for artists to connect with listeners and for fans to discover and enjoy new sounds.