A third of all festivals taking place this year are ‘electronic’, Viberate study finds

With festival season in full swing, music analytics platform Viberate has published an extensive analysis of the 2022 season, covering 500 festivals and the more than 9,000 performing artists on their lineups.

With Tomorrowland gearing up for its second weekend in the coming days (and with weekend three on the way later this month!), the data shows that that close to a third of all festivals taking place this year is electronic.

In addition, electronic artists (38.8%) comprising the majority of all festival bookings, followed by rock (15.9%), pop (12.7%) and hip hop artists (12.6%).

The data also noted that most of the electronic bookings were of Dutch artists (19.5%), followed by artists from the USA (16.8%), the UK (15.8%), Germany (9.1%) and France (5.7%).

The US is home to the most electronic music festivals taking place this year (19), followed by the Netherlands (11) and France (10).

Of those working the circuit this year Timmy Trumpet is the most booked electronic artist, playing 24 of the analysed festivals. Following closely behind are Martin Garrix and Vini Vici (both 22 festivals), Alan Walker (21), 100 gecs (18), Steve Aoki and John Summit (both 17), DJ Snake, Alesso, Amelie Lens and Joel Corry (all 16).

Viberate also highlighted the artists to watch, as their popularity stats have been steadily growing. HAAi, TSHA and Nu Genea were identified as up-and-comers that are likely to embolden their presence on the festival circuit in the years to come.

Read More: Tech House dominated Beatport in 2021, Viberate study finds

Elsewhere, in terms of rock, Viberate’s study found that Fontaines D.C. and Turnstile are the most booked bands (playing 21 of the analysed festivals), followed by IDLES (19), grandson (17), Måneskin (16), Inhaler (15), Gorillaz (15), Wolf Alice, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (all 13).

Megan Thee Stallion is at the top of the hip hop ranking, playing 25 of the top festivals – also making her the most booked artist of the festival season.

As to what festival organisers and booking agents can learn from this data? Simply put, data is changing the way organisers are selecting their lineups,” said Viberate’s co-founder Vasja Veber. “In our survey, 68% of organisers said they’re screening artists’ Spotify listeners, Instagram followers and similar stats. Finding artists with a strong local fanbase is essential for selling tickets.”

Read the full report here.