A survey of 2,000 self-proclaimed serious music fans reveals that 70% repeatedly listen to the same songs and artists. More than a quarter (27%) admitted they are not interested in broadening their music catalogue, while 64% said they listen to the same tracks because they 'like what they like'. Comfort (50%) and nostalgia (50%) were also cited, with 36% describing themselves as creatures of habit.
National Rail's 'Track Rest' to Reset Listening Habits
The research was commissioned by National Rail, which has developed a scientifically engineered music track to help people reset their listening habits and get into the right mindset to discover new music this festival season. Produced by DJ Adriano Desire in collaboration with music psychologist Dr Ruth Herbert, the three-minute track is designed to reset listeners' habits and is inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the British railway.
Explaining the science behind the sounds, Dr Ruth Herbert said: "This research proves that modern consumers of music crave deeper moments of discovery, but choice paralysis stops us discovering new sounds. The 'Track Rest' 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."
Album Listening Declines
The study also found that 41% of respondents have not listened to an album in full, from start to finish, in 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. However, 16% cited a lack of time as the biggest barrier to exploring new tunes.
Festivals and Train Travel
Festivals play a vital role in helping fans expand their musical horizons, with 17% saying they are more likely to discover new music when attending one. The OnePoll.com study also found that 43% of festival-goers will travel to the event by train. During the journey, 32% will use the time to listen to artists they plan to see, while 19% will start planning their schedule. Notably, 36% are more likely to listen to new records when on the train compared to other modes of transport.
As part of the launch, National Rail 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."
A spokesperson for National Rail added: "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."
