Why solo artists dominate the music charts - bands lose soil!

Why solo artists dominate the music charts - bands lose soil!

In the German single charts, the song "Wackelkontakt" by the Bavarian songwriter Oimara, which has been in place for weeks, is currently dominated. This development is another sign that solo musicians and duets are increasingly determining the music scene. In the current top ten, not only soloists such as Zartmann and Ayliva can be found, but also duets such as Rosé & Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars. The time of the bands seems to be back into the background, as the past decades impressively show.

The statistics impressively illustrate this change: While 37% of the songs of bands still came in the 1990s, this share fell to only 6% in the 2020s. Instead, duos and collaborations today make up 45% of the charts, which underlines the increasing preference for individual artists. Marina Buzunashvilli, an experienced music manager, finds that fewer bands exist because it is becoming increasingly difficult to make money with music. The income of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music remain low for most artists - with exceptions such as Taylor Swift, which continue to generate considerable income.

The influence of streaming and technology

The changes in music production also have a weighty influence on the dominance of solo artists. Nowadays, musicians with software such as garage band can conveniently produce their songs in their own bedroom. This development enables artists to publish their music regardless of large labels. In addition, social media, in particular TikKok, have become more important in order to draw young fans into concerts. Identification with individual artists plays an important role here.

The trend towards solo acts is also shown in the streaming numbers. In 2024, no bands were represented on Spotify in 2024. The top ten included names like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and Billie Eilish. It is noteworthy that newly founded artists have not been able to find a place in the top 100 charts for bands in the past ten years. The first band that occurs there, Grupo Frontera, only shows 135th place. This illustrates the dwindling influence of bands compared to solo artists.

The challenge for bands

Another reason for the decline in new bands is the financial risks associated with the foundation and operation of a band. High costs for equipment, studio years and tours represent large hurdles. In contrast, solo artists have significantly better chances of living from their music. The requirements of the music industry have also changed; Labels prefer solo artists because their marketing is easier. The preference for shorter songs that generate more streams is promoted by streaming providers.

Despite these challenges, there are still talented bands that find ways to successfully promote and to survive in the charts. In the album charts, groups provided around 46% of the albums placed in the 2020s, which shows that bands still have a loyal fan base and are in demand when visiting concerts. In addition, some boy and girl bands from the 90s and 2000s experience a comeback and go on tour again, which indicates a certain return of the band concept.

Overall, the music scene is largely determined by the trends of recent years. While solo acts still dominate the charts, there is also room for bands that can assert themselves through authenticity and strong fan bonds. The current developments offer cover for an exciting discourse on the future of the music industry.