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Otherworldly, melodic, enchanting. Dream pop takes alternative rock style and makes a sound entirely of its own. With heavy synths, layered vocals, and reverb guitar, the genre can only be described as atmospheric.

A Brief History of Dream Pop

Dream Pop began to take form in the late 80s as a subgenre of alternative music, with influences from the late 60s psychedelic rock scene. The work of artists such as Cocteau Twins and Slowdive later established dream pop as its own genre. Cocteau Twins’ Head Over Heels (1983) was an early album that predicted the band’s later dream pop commercial success.

Yet, the term “dream pop” was not coined until the late 80s by the duo A.R. Kane, who used it to describe their captivating music. Dream pop is just that: a captivating, full body immersion into the minds of the artists. By the 90s, the genre had cemented itself into the music scene through artists like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and A.R. Kane.

Characteristics of Dream Pop

The production of dream pop centres around texture. Whether it’s the synths, breathy vocals, or reverb guitar, the whole concept of dream pop is right there in the name: dreamy. Much of the time, the production is dense and heavy, making it a bit difficult to make out what lyrics are being sung. Don’t let this fool you, as the lyrics aren’t something to overlook. They tie together with the production to create tracks you can simply doze, or dream, off too.

Dream Pop Artists to Know:

Cocteau Twins

If dream pop had a designated founder, it’d be Cocteau Twins. The Scottish rock band used fuzzy guitars, heavily-layered vocals, and sonic textures to curate their sound. Albums like Heaven or Las Vegas (1990) received commercial acclaim, influencing current dream pop artists.

A.R. Kane

Formed by two childhood friends, this duo is credited for coining the term “Dream pop”, earning themselves a spot on the must-listen list. Never ones to let boundaries define them, A.R. Kane put their own spin on the dream pop sound through their trademark guitar noises. Check out their debut album Sixty Nine (1988).

Mazzy Star

Formed in the late 80s out of Santa Monica, California, Mazzy Star is remembered as one of the most pivotal dream pop bands. Group vocalist Hope Sandoval hypnotized the world with her voice on tracks like Fade Into You (1993) and Be My Angel (1990). The band’s sound remains timeless, regaining popularity in Gen-Z in recent years.

Beach House

An American-based dream pop band, Beach House continued the rise of dream pop in the 90s with their debut album Beach House (2006). Since then, the duo has gained commercial success through their album Bloom (2012) and Depression Cherry (2015).

Alvvays

Formed in 2011, Alvvays gained critical acclaim for their three albums Alvvays (2014), Antisocialities (2017), and Blue Rev (2022), with the latter receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance at the 66th Annual GRAMMYs and a Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year. The 4-piece band brings dream pop sounds to the indie/alternative genre.

For dream pop artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

It’s 1977, Brian Eno is based in divided Berlin making Heroes with David Bowie. On the very first day of the year, Boston-born artist Donna Summer released a track that would have a significant impact on Eno and Bowie’s creative direction with the album, ‘I Feel Love’, an iconic tune of the disco era. Armed with the 7” single, Eno, fuelled with creative inspiration, rushed to the studio and declared to Bowie, “This single is going to change the sound of club music for the next 15 years.” He was, of course, correct. But what was it that made this track specifically so unique? And what sound from it created its own subgenre within pop. That would be its distinct use of synthesizers, and the subsequent synth-pop.

The Birth of Synth-Pop

The synthesizer, according to its dictionary definition, is an electronic musical instrument, typically operated by a keyboard, producing a wide variety of sounds by generating and combining signals of different frequencies. It opened up an entirely untouched sound that would become a cornerstone of the 80s new wave and post-punk movements. However, it wasn’t just any synthesizer that ignited this move towards electronic music. The Fairlight CMI, short for Computer Musical Instrument, changed the game of electronic music. Rising to prominence in the early 1980s, it revolutionised the musical process, with Stevie Wonder using the instrument on his 1979 album Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants”, where the Fairlight CMI replaced the Computer Music Melodian sampler that Wonder had originally used on the recording. By 1984, Devo were using the Fairlight CMI at the expense of analogue instruments on their debut album Shout, much to the dismay of classical and rock icons.

Synth-pop controversies: from Tony Kaye to Queen

The history of synth-pop, however, is not a straightforward one. Out of the use of synthetic sounds arose a debate between those who welcomed electronic music and those who believed it degraded ‘real’ music made with analogue instruments. The synthesizer was seen as a faux pas for people who considered themselves ‘real artists’, as they argued it made approximations of sound rather than the ‘real thing’. According to an article by MusicRadar, the famous keyboard player, Tony Kaye, proudly denounced the use of synth tech, arguing that rock’s holy combination of piano and Hammond organ was all that was needed to create true artful rock.

As the controversy around synthesizers raged on into the 80s, Queen famously wrote ‘No Synthesizers!’ on the sleeve notes of their early albums. Marking one of the most infamous anti-synth statements of the era. The truth behind this statement is a mixture of misunderstanding and sensationalism. Sounds that critics assumed came about through the use of technology were actually the pure talent of guitarist Brian May, and once the band ran the joke thin, they removed the sleeve note boast and actually began experimenting with synth sounds.

Germany and the Synthesizer

Despite rock icons expressing their dismay with synth-pop, others championed the artists who were not afraid to introduce synthetic sounds. Returning to Eno and Bowie in Berlin, it seems almost ironic that Eno discovered synth sounds through an American artist, when electronic music originated in the country where they were recording, Germany.

German-based band Kraftwerk helped pioneer the sound with their iconic 1978 album The Man-Machine (a rather fitting title). With the band being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, they were credited with being the ‘fathers of electronic music’. The induction ceremony included a video tribute featuring many artists such as, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem, and The Human League, expressing their admiration for the group. Many of the artists featured, in particular those listed, utilised the synth/electronic sounds of Kraftwerk in their works, creating some of the most recognisable albums of the new wave era, such as, The Human League’s Dare, Gary Newman’s The Pleasure Principle, and Depeche Mode’s Violator.

Legacy & Modern Synth-Pop

Despite its slightly tumultuous history, synth pop still rages on in the twenty-first century. Albums such as Tame Impala’s Currents, Magdalena Bay’s Imaginal Disk, and Grimes’s Visions, are all examples of highly successful synth-pop albums released in the past fifteen years.

The previously mentioned album Imaginal Disk, by pop-duo Magdalena Bay, released in August 2024, received 5 stars from NME. The album has been described as avoiding the influence of new music ‘almost entirely’. With much of this sound being credited to its synth-pop edge, which gives the album a sort of timelessness, in the opinion of NME’s Otis Robinson.

This emphasis on timelessness is important for the ongoing use of electronic/synth sounds in modern music. While to some it may feel dated, by just listening to Magdalena Bay and comparing it to The Human League, for example, we can uncover the ever-changing sounds of the synthesizer. In this way, despite controversies and arguably pretentious dismissals of the electronic musical instrument, we have a lot of great music that we have the synthesiser to thank for.

For synth-pop artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

What is “Dark Academia” music? 

TikTok is dominating the market, with hits and fast-paced pop going viral repeatedly. Few would have predicted that moody classical music and instrumental soundscapes would make a comeback. Yet, nestled in the candlelit corners of YouTube, Spotify playlists and Pinterest mood boards, Dark Academia music has quietly become the soundtrack of a generation longing for depth, intellect, and peace.

Dark Academia, at it’s core, is an aesthetics movement, blending classical literature, gothic ruins and melancholic romanticism. Think dimly lit libraries on a rainy afternoon with a worn tote bag in tow. Musically, it fuses classical compositions, piano-led instrumentals, and ambient sounds.

The Modern Renaissance 

Its rise arguably came from the site Tumblr, cementing it as a cultural movement. On current social media, especially TikTok, Dark Academia has turned quiet study music into a global trend (encompassing BookTok). On Spotify, the numbers speak for themselves, with Dark Academia playlists gathering hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of streams.

The Quiet Revolution of Instrumentals 

​​It’s not confined to one style or period. Some playlists feature Chopin and Debussy; others lean into cinematic scores or lo-fi classical remixes. The result is music that feels timeless, somehow both old and new at once. For years, instrumental music struggled to find mainstream listeners, whereas now, the youth crave it, cultivating millions of streams. You’re no longer the nerd for listening to classical music – now, you’re a romanticised lover.

Why does it Resonate in the Current Climate? 

These collections of instrumental tracks help listeners focus, reflect, and escape the noise of modern life. The blend of piano, cello as well as textured audios create rich experiences for the listeners. In a world of overstimulation, Dark Academia offers calm through music, not words. Every aspect of modern life is overwhelming, leaving people yearning for meaning and stillness.

Artists and Emotional Depth

This revival has given rise to a new wave of artists. Composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Olafur Arnalds blend the cinematic world of music and minimalist piano. Agnes Obel, my personal favourite, produces neoclassical arrangements that could easily score a gothic novel. ‘September Song’ feels as though I’m running through castle grounds covered in tweed, mimicking the story of pride and prejudice. That sense of imagery conveyed through this ‘genre’ is incomparable. Even modern classical icons like Max Richter are making renewed relevance; younger audiences discovering their haunting compositions and using it to soundtrack their own lives. This music doesn’t demand attention but invites reflection.

For dark academia artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

Folktronica is a unique genre that blends traditional folk elements with electronica elements, often including hints of hip-hop, dance, and pop. At its core, folktronica pushes the limits of genre-bending, incorporating futuristic production to the nostalgic roots of folk.

A Brief History of Folktronica:

The eccentric blend originated in the 90s, with the name “Folktronica” later coined by the British Press in 2001. British electronic duo Ultramarine are often credited for their folktronica origins for their 1991 album Every Man and Woman is a Star, where they fused traditional string sounds with upbeat rhythms.

By the early 2000s, artists such as Four Tet popularized the hybrid sound with the work on his album Pause (2001). Homefires Festival and The Green Man Festival are also credited for creating space for Folktronica on main stages, sharing the sounds of folktronica to the ears of thousands of music festival-goers.

From then on, more artists from indie and post-rock scenes moved towards the folktronica sound, enjoying the opportunity for new creative expression. The genre’s evolution is heard through the experimental work of modern musicians like Bon Iver and Bjork.

Characteristics of Folktronica:

There are three main characteristics of Folktronica music: electric production, traditional folk instruments, and vocal effects. Prominent elements include synthesizers, drum machines, and dance beats. To contrast this upbeat production, traditional folk elements like guitars, banjos, and other strings are used for harmonic material. Some artists use vocal effects to mask their voices, while others stay closer to more traditional folk sounding vocals. Folktronica tracks also frequently incorporate machine-made sounds and digital beats, leaning into more futuristic, avant-garde production.

Folktronica Artists to Know:

There are many notable folktronica artists to dive into! Here is a quick list of recommended artists to test out folktronica with your own ears.

Tunng

Tunng explored and expanded the boundaries of folktronica. Their album Mother’s Daughter and Other Songs (2005) received acclaim for its innovative sound and inclusion of unconventional instruments.

Sufjan Stevens

A critically acclaimed artist that leans into more than one genre, Sufjan Stevens includes folktronica elements in much of his work. Albums like Ascension (2020) exhibit his experimental work in blending acoustic and electronic elements.

Bibio

Combining lo-fi, electronic, folk, and hip-hop, Bibio’s music is folktronica to its core. His album Ambivalence Avenue (2009) received rave reviews for its artistic choices, blending together heavy instrumentals, folky filters, and hip-hop beats.

The Books

Formed in the late 90s, The Books began as an indie rock band. By combining guitars, sampled vocal fragments, and percussion instruments on albums like Thought for Food (2002), The Books curated a sound entirely their own — and as a result, paved the way for other folktronica artists to do the same.

So, Why Folktronica?

The creative freedom of folktronica makes it a particularly fun genre to explore! As the digital age evolves, as does folktronica music, inviting and challenging listeners to think of folk in a reconstructed light.

For folktronica artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

Landing your song on a Spotify Playlist in 2025 is still one of the best and most effective ways to boost your streams, to help your music reach new listeners and to build credibility in the music industry. This year, editorials are more competitive than ever – we’re here to update you on what’s changed, and what you can do to have the best chance of getting on an editorial playlist.

What is an Editorial Playlist? 

Spotify Editorial Playlists as curated by Spotify’s in-house team of curators. They are hand picked by real humans that are experts in their genres, moods and musical regions. You can usually spot these playlists as they have the Spotify branding on, they differ from user-generated playlists or algorithmic playlists and usually have great visibility. Some classic examples of editorials are ‘New Music Friday’, ‘Rap UK’ or ‘Fresh Finds’.

Why are Editorial Playlists Important? 

Editorial playlist placements can totally change the game for independent artists and are important to target for your releases. We have seen some of our artists get placed on editorial playlists and see thousands, even millions of streams – and this exposure more often than not also trickles down into your entire catalogue of music, and has led to spikes in streams, saves and followers on Spotify. As Spotify’s algorithm notices this activity, this can even led to triggering the algorithmic playlists such as ‘Discover Weekly’ or ‘Release Radar’.

It’s not just about the numbers, editorial playlists act as a stamp of approval from Spotify – and we can use this to support your press coverage applications, can be added to your EPK to help you get booked for more shows and festivals, and can even help you in conversations with a label if you are looking go down that route.

As an independent artist who is planning your next release, here’s what you need to know about the latest updates, best practices, and how to give yourself the best chance of getting featured on an editorial playlist.

Submit at Least 4 Weeks in Advance 🗓️ 

Spotify recommends submitting your track at least 7 days before release, but if you are applying without a PR company like us, or a label recommending you, we have found that a week is no longer enough time if you want a serious shot. In 2025, if you are just pitching on your own, then we’re advising artists to pitch their songs at least 28 days ahead of the release date.

Why so early? Because frankly, the editorial teams are swamped! The team needs time to review your song submissions, check out your profiles, and then to match successful tracks to the right playlist campaigns. By submitting early, you give your release time to build some pre-save traction and this can make it an easier choice for the editors to add your song in to their playlist.

 

“Although you can submit your track as little as a week before release, this isn’t recommended. Your pitch should be submitted at least 28 days before release for the best chance of being reviewed and playlisted.” — Playlist Push, 2025 (playlistpush.com)

What to Include in Your Pitch 📄 

You can apply for editorials directly through your Spotify for Artists – but the pitch form itself has changed a lot recently. The form is no longer just about genre and release date of your music. So here’s what we have seen really matters:

• Tell the story behind the song – Who’s involved in the creation, what inspired you to create it, and add in any personal and/or cultural context to the release.

• Who’s your target audience – Are you aiming at regional fans? Genre-specific scenes? The more information you provide here, the easier it is for the team to understand.

• Promotion plans – Mention anything you’re doing around release: music videos, PR, radio, tours – Also maybe here you can mention other playlists you

• Key metadata – Metadata is super important! Include the mood, instrumentation, tempo and language. This info will help place your release in the right ecosystem.

Remember: You can only pitch unreleased music for editorials, and only one song at a time. So plan properly, and make it count.

Make Your Spotify Profile Playlist-Ready 📊 

Spotify editors do look at your profile—and a messy, half-empty profile can hurt your chances. Before you submit:

• Update your artist bio with who you are, and any relevant achievements.
• Add new press shots – show the face (or faces) behind the music!
• Link your socials – make it EASY for the team to find you.
• Feature your best tracks.
• Create at least one public playlist that reflects your style or influences – this can also be invaluable to helping Spotify’s algorithm place you with the right similar artists and moods!

Your Spotify profile is like your artist CV. Keep it sharp, and make it easy for teams to understand you and get in touch with you.

More Visibility, More Data 🔍 

Spotify now gives editors access to more advanced data. That includes:

• How your past releases performed.
• Listener behaviour (saves, shares, repeat listens).
• Playlist traction from algorithmic lists like Release Radar or Discover Weekly.

This means even if you’re pitching a brand new single, what you did before still matters. A consistent, growing presence tells editors you’re not a one-off, and you are here to stay – if the team remembers you and your music, the next pitch will be easier!

Need help with growing that presence and building momentum? Check out our Spotify Playlist Campaigns.

More Tips & Resources 🔗

If you’re serious about getting editorial support, these articles are worth a read:

• Mastering Spotify’s Algorithmic Playlists: A Guide
• Is It Worth Paying for a Music PR Agency?
• Spotify Playlist Campaigns

And don’t forget to check Spotify’s official pitching guide.

Final Thought 💭

Let’s be real – there is no ‘magic formula’ or ‘cheat code’ when it comes to getting featured on editorial playlists as it’s decided by humans! But if your strategy’s tight, your timing’s right, and you’re consistent, then you are giving yourself the best shot possible. Your pitch is more than just a form- it’s your first impression, and the easier you make life for the team, the less friction there is to featuring you on the right playlists. Take the application seriously, put in the work, and make sure everything from your Spotify profile to your press photos show that you are ready for the spotlight.

Are you still struggling?

We are experts in playlisting and we work directly with the Spotify editorial teams, and have curated strong relationships. We are selective in the music we share with the team, as we value their opinion and they value ours so we won’t send them any old music. We pitch to editorials as a free add on to our playlisting service.

If you are looking for support with playlisting, and you are serious about promoting your music and building that momentum, then make sure to submit your music to us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get on a Spotify Editorial Playlist?

Submit your track through Spotify for Artists at least 28 days before release. Focus on strong metadata, a clear artist bio, and a compelling pitch.

Why are editorial playlists important for independent artists?

Editorials boost streams, build credibility, and can trigger algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

When should I pitch my song to Spotify editorial playlists?At least 28 days before – Spotify’s editors need time to review your pitch and build playlist campaigns in advance, 28 days in advance helps make sure they have the time.

What should I include in my Spotify pitch?

Tell the real story behind the song, define your audience, list your promotion plans, and ensure accurate metadata like mood and language.