Regional Music Preferences in the UK: From Oasis in Scotland to Sam Fender in Newcastle

A new study examining music preferences across several major UK cities has revealed distinct regional tastes in music. In 2025, Oasis was extremely popular in Scotland, especially in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, where they ranked highly on both Spotify and YouTube. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s music scene is dominated by local star Sam Fender, who was the second most-played artist on Spotify after Taylor Swift. Other cities showcased unique trends, such as Cardiff’s strong admiration for Eminem, and Belfast’s surprising affection for Lady Gaga. The study also found a noticeable north-south divide in the popularity of artists, with Eminem consistently dominating YouTube rankings in cities like Birmingham and Bristol, and K-pop group Demon Hunters finding a strong following in Nottingham. The research highlights the diversity in musical tastes across the UK, with some artists being particularly popular in their hometowns while others gain more universal appeal across various regions.