Each summer presents a new song that becomes the tune of the season. Case in point is California Gurls by Katy Perry in 2010 and Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road in 2019. But this time around, can we actually have a summer song when the entire season is going to be spent fighting a global pandemic?
seyomedo/Shutterstock: Dj playing music at a beach party
These perfect seasonal melodies are more than just music since they tend to be associated with memorable instances. Summer tunes earn a cult status by being played in almost all gatherings – crowded bars, backyard barbeques, or beach parties; they have all got it!
What about now? The sunny days of 2020 are here, but summer tours have been shelved, graduation ceremonies called off, and promotional events postponed for at least a year.
At the moment, most pubs and eateries can’t think of opening their doors for get-togethers, and even if they can, only a limited number of patrons will be allowed.
According to Jem Aswad, a music editor at Variety, there’s going to be an enormous impact on the season’s listening habits of people. He adds that this has a lot to do with the fact that there is no group listening or other forms of exposure to music.
Said Marroun/Shutterstock: watching shows on a streaming service on Television
The focus has now shifted to streaming services and the likes of TikTok or YouTube. When Drake’s In My Feelings released, it did get a lot of air-time on the radio, but streaming platforms were actually responsible for putting it on the map.
This fact indicates only one thing – the present restrictions on gatherings and distancing norms have popularized a trend that was already on the rise.
Despite that, the loud blare of those old car radios continues to play an important role in giving an ode to the summers. Radio stations are increasingly turning towards old hits ever since the pandemic made waves to make the people feel better at such testing times.
Undoubtedly, those classic rock stations provide much-needed energy and enthusiasm!
Industry experts predict that the demand for newer songs will go up soon enough. Given the grave threat posed by the pandemic, many people believe that the subjects of upcoming songs will be closely watched as well. They either need tunes that speak the language of current times or provide them a respite from it.
stock_photo_world/ Shutterstock: Singer, song writer, and model Dua Lipa performs music
Break My Heart by DuaLipa is already a contender for becoming a top song this summer. Though it was recorded before the Coronavirus took the world by storm, its verses seem apt for the drama that we are witnessing.
Another candidate is Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles, which is refreshing and sweet. Besides, the video has a joyful beach shot. Other notable mentions include Megan Thee Stallion’s Savage, SAINt JHN’s Roses, and Doja Cat’s So What.
DenPhotos/Shutterstock: TikTok could be the game-changer
If we are guessing the power of TikTok right, then this year’s dark horse is yet to be found. A late-breaking song that speaks of cultural profiling, virus outbreaks, and the summers, could soon rule the roost. That being said, ‘Song of Winter’ does not have the same ring to it as ‘Song of Summer’!