A poll of 2,000 self-described serious music fans revealed that 70% listen to the same tracks and artists on repeat. On average, they play their favorite song 343 times a year and rotate only six artists at any one time. However, 27% admitted they are not interested in expanding their music catalogue.
Almost two-thirds (64%) listen to the same tracks because they 'like what they like', while 50% find it comforting and another 50% nostalgic. Additionally, 36% described themselves as creatures of habit.
National Rail's 'Track Reset'
Commissioned by National Rail, a scientifically-engineered music track aims to help people reset their listening habits and prepare for discovering new music during festival season. Produced by DJ Adriano Desire in collaboration with music psychologist Dr. Ruth Herbert, the three-minute track is inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the British railway.
Dr. Ruth Herbert explained: “This research proves that modern consumers of music crave deeper moments of discovery, but choice paralysis stops us discovering new sounds. The 'Track Reset' is grounded in audiological science, utilising the natural white-noise frequencies to ease brain tension. By cleansing the listener’s musical palate over a three-minute span, we are quite literally priming the brain to welcome and enjoy new audio patterns for when they arrive at their festival or gig - on your train journey there is the perfect time to do this.”
Listening Habits and Festival Travel
The study also found that 41% of respondents have not listened to an album in full over the past year, and 8% have never done so. While many are content with their current playlists, 65% expressed a desire to listen to new music, but 16% cited lack of time as the biggest barrier.
Festivals play a crucial role in expanding musical horizons, with 17% saying they are more likely to discover new music at such events. Notably, 43% of festival-goers will travel by train, and 32% use the journey to listen to artists they will see at the festival. Another 19% plan their schedule, and 36% are more likely to listen to new records on the train compared to other transport modes.
DJ Pete Tong's Involvement
National Rail also collaborated with DJ Pete Tong MBE, who said: “The way we interact with music has fundamentally shifted, and it’s easy to let an algorithm do all the thinking for you, or rely on that one playlist of favourite songs, keeping you stuck replaying the same safe tracks. Train journeys offer a beautiful, rare window of time to completely switch off, reset your mind, and seek out something new. Whether you’re discovering a brilliant opening act on the way to a stadium gig or sharing a playlist with friends on the carriage home, the journey is where the experience really begins.”
National Rail's Statement
A spokesperson for National Rail said: “A great summer music experience shouldn't just start when you enter the venue, it begins the moment you start your journey. Train travel gives people valuable time back, creating the perfect opportunity to switch off, reset, and discover something new. Whether you’re planning your setlist for the weekend or discovering a new artist along the way, the train journey is where the experience really begins.”
