Country Music Tops Michigan’s Most-Searched for Genres, New Research Finds
Photo by Pixabay
Article courtesy of Sabaton
- Country leads Michigan’s rankings with 7,225 monthly searches, narrowly edging out rock at 7,168
- Metal ranks sixth in the state with 3,454 monthly searches
- Gospel/Christian music ranks last with 1,390 monthly searches
A new study by historically themed metal band Sabaton, has revealed that country is Michigan’s favorite music genre.
The research used Google Keyword Planner to analyze search volume data for various music genres across the last 12 months to determine which musical styles Michigan listeners are most interested in exploring.
Country music generated 7,225 total searches, placing it at the top of the rankings. The Metro Detroit area is particularly associated with the genre, with the rockabilly sub-genre taking shape throughout the 1950s.
Rock music followed in second with 7,168 total searches. The gap between the two genres at the top is small, most likely due to rock music evolving at a similar pace to country. In the 1960s Detroit was a hub for early rock stars, while sub-genres like punk and garage began to take shape through the 80s and 90s.
R&B/Soul music ranked third overall with 4,476 total searches. Although this is a big drop from the top two genres, one of the biggest record labels came out of Detroit. Motown Records had huge names attached to it such as Aretha Franklin and dominated the soul scene.
Pop music ranks fourth with 3,937 total searches, followed closely by electronic/dance music in fifth, with 3,935 total searches. The nightlife in Michigan offers a variety of music genres, and some well-known pop acts like Madonna call the state home. For lovers of the electronic genre there’s Electronic Forest Festival or the Detroit Electronic Music Festival.
Metal music came in at number six with 3,454 total searches. While Detroit is known for its soul, country, and rock music, the Lansing area has a claim on the metal genre. Bands such as Summon and Genocya hail from the area and contribute to the genre’s rank.
Classical ranked seventh at 2,959 total searches. This genre was supported by the auto industry originally and has retained a strong presence in Michigan. The Detroit Opera House regularly stages productions four to five times each year.
Rounding out the top ten are reggae/ska in eighth with 1,401 total searches, indie/alternative at
Michigan’s most searched for music genres
|
Rank |
Genre |
Total Monthly Searches |
|
1 |
Country |
7,225 |
|
2 |
Rock |
7,168 |
|
3 |
R&B/Soul |
4,476 |
|
4 |
Pop |
3,937 |
|
5 |
Electronic/Dance |
3,935 |
|
6 |
Metal |
3,454 |
|
7 |
Classical |
2,959 |
|
8 |
Reggae/Ska |
1,401 |
|
9 |
Indie/Alternative |
1,396 |
|
10 |
Gospel/Christian |
1,390 |
Pär Sundström, co-founder, manager and bassist of Sabaton, commented on the findings:
“It’s fantastic to see both rock and metal ranking so highly in these search results. Michigan has always been a stronghold for rock music, with its rich history of producing legendary bands that shaped the sound of modern music.
“The fact that metal ranks in the top ten is particularly meaningful. Metal has always had this remarkable ability to build passionate communities around it, even without the same level of mainstream exposure that other genres receive.”
Sabaton is a five-piece heavy metal band from Falun, Sweden, formed in 1999, with 10 studio albums to their name and celebrated for their powerful, history-inspired music.
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