What Will 2025 Sound Like?
From mixing genres and time periods to a move away from the conventional, Two AM music composers Prisca Leong, Adriane Palikat, Michelle Lee, Adrienne Yong and Sek Hao Ho reflect on the year just gone and predict how AI will shape the sound of 2025.
LBB> What has been the most exciting audio development in the industry for you this year?
Prisca> A key music trend I’ve noticed is orchestrated storytelling. In particular, using orchestration to convey deep emotions behind storytelling. Not necessarily epic and cinematic orchestrations, but subtle and just what the film needs. It has been refreshing to see clients step out of their comfort zones in terms of the sound they are looking for. I found it interesting that clients have been more keen to explore quirky, less conventional sounds. Sure, at times, we still end up with an outcome that's more conventional, but it's been refreshing to be given the opportunity to get experimental. That’s something I hope to see grow in the coming year – more experimental, quirky, less conventional sounds.
Adriane> One of the trends I’ve noticed is the fusion between different time periods, the old with the new. It is quite a challenge to compose something which meshes these two time periods in a tasteful way whilst retaining relevance to current trends and without sounding outdated. Upbeat, electronic music with hints of more urban genres such as trap, garage and UK drill continue to dominate across the APAC region. There has been a surprising resurgence of nostalgia and classic jazz as well, though on a much smaller scale.
One of the most exciting audio developments in the industry has been the implementation of AI technology: stem splitting, automatic audio cleanup, noise removal and restoration, as well as voice changers and generators.
Michelle> In terms of audio technology, there’s a lot of excitement – and some uncertainty – around AI. Personally, I’m eager to see what’s ahead for us in the near future. Already, we’re seeing a new wave of plugins integrated with AI tools, along with music apps and software that can significantly cut down the time needed to shape or process audio. The trend is definitely heading in this direction, and we can’t wait to see how it will enhance the way we work and collaborate in audio-visual production, or even spark new workflows!
Adrienne> As a team, it has been an eventful year for our journey into sonic branding. I believe that having an audio identity attached to a brand holds as much importance as the visual aspect in terms of impact, emotion, and recognition. While the demand for short, catchy and easily recognisable tracks remains the key brief when writing music for a spot, the approach to how the final product is presented has noticeably changed to feature less of an ‘infomercial jingle’ lyric style, to having more opportunities to create what we think works best for the visual piece.
Sek> I’ve noticed a trend that follows after music that’s simple and straight to the point. It seems that there is no longer a predetermination in popularity when it comes to genres. I think the comeback of retro pop i.e. current pop hits from Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, is a good indication that the trend is slowly moving back to what was popular circa 30-40 years ago.
LBB> If you had to sum up 2024 as a sound, what sound would it be and why?
Michelle> Harp gliss (ascending)… 2024 has been a vibrant and colourful year for the music industry, and I’m hopeful it will transition positively and smoothly into 2025.
Sek> If I had to sum up 2024 in a sound, it would be a DX7 EP key sound based on nostalgia.
Adriane> If I had to sum up 2024 as a sound it would be bombastic drum beats, signifying boldness – a journey into intrepid territory as we move towards the midway point of the 2020s.
LBB> Where do you see things heading for 2025?
Adriane> I think that advancements in AI will continue to grow heading into 2025, it’s inevitable. That being said, I would hope to see an emphasis on organic elements in tandem with the conspicuous modernity. I anticipate a hybrid of both the organic and the synthetic moving forward.
Sek> AI in music will continue to grow in 2025 but the takeaway is that organic music will always have a specific trait even in its process that AI music will never possess.
Michelle> I feel that the trends in 2025 will be even more daring than those in 2024. It’s neither mainstream nor underground… genres are going to blur even further! There will be even more cross-pollination of artists, both established or emerging, from different genres or backgrounds coming together to create fusion of styles, ideas and cultures. This will lead to some truly groundbreaking collaborations and fresh gems.
LBB> What do you hope to see?
Michelle> I’m hoping for more music platforms that genuinely empower artists and help the industry grow. With AI on the rise, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure music stays valuable and meaningful. We need tools and initiatives that don’t just speed things up but celebrate the artistry, creativity, and emotional depth that make music so impactful and timeless, even in an AI-driven future!
Adriane> If I could shape the audio industry for 2025 I would advocate for the development of even more AI based tools that make the creation of great, high quality sounding music accessible to all.
Adrienne> I would personally love to see an even bigger growth within the local music scene, as well as expanding our horizons even further and providing our expertise in audio to various other industries such as video game development and film. I would also like to experience more collaborative effort in an otherwise highly competitive industry, as I believe that we could always stand to learn something from each other, be it in the form of workshops or casual social events.
