Riding shotgun on a road trip is a serious responsibility: navigating directions, finding pit stops for food, and, of course, choosing the best music for the drive.
Now, a new free app takes some pressure off musically minded travelers by guiding you to the best concerts and cultural landmarks — no matter where your journey takes you.
Music Roadtrip provides music fans and travelers with expert travel recommendations, curated itineraries, and integrated booking, per Forbes.
Runnin' down a dream
Launched by husband-and-wife Ronnie and Amy Wright, Music Roadtrip aims to fill a void of apps designed for music lovers looking to explore diverse music scenes across the US and in their own backyards.
Rather than simply rely on algorithms and APIs, the couple — musicians themselves who work in interactive media and IT consulting — developed a network of "ambassadors."
Composed of local musicians, business owners, and longtime locals, the ambassadors curate recommendations and itineraries based on intimate local knowledge.
The map-based app also features:
- Upcoming performances at venues and festivals
- Multiple integrated ticket platforms
- Restaurants and bars featuring live music
- Music museums, recording studios, and music schools
- Artist landmarks, murals, statues, and gravesites
- Music tours, record stores, music fashion and merch shops
Users can filter by musical genre, save their own itineraries, and submit suggestions to be reviewed.
While recommendations cluster around renowned music cities like Nashville, New Orleans, and Chicago, you'll also find curated picks from Anchorage to San Juan and everywhere in between.
"Show hopping"
The app's launch harmoniously coincides with a swell in music-driven tourism, an industry expected to grow from $100B in 2024 to $400.5B by 2032.
- Travelers are increasingly planning trips around concerts and destination festivals.
- Fans are "show hopping" to see their favorite artists in multiple cities.
- Gen Zers are planning "groupie getaways" — booking places to stay as a group. (We need a better term for that.)
It makes sense then that Music Roadtrip partnered with tourism boards to spotlight destinations.
But if you need to stop for munchies on your road trip, don't expect the app to pick up the tab.
