MOOD BOARD: Modern Wellness – The Vibe Shift: How Gen Z and Millennials Are Reinventing Wellness Music.
Welcome to our Mood Board series, where we delve into the origins and inspirations behind our Playlists and Scenes. Today, we’re exploring how Gen Z and Millennials are redefining wellness music, moving beyond traditional spa sounds to embrace a broader sonic palette that better suits their modern lifestyles.
2025 is the year of the Vibe Shift. The perfect storm has been brewing: Gen Z is coming of age, AI is reshaping our daily lives, political landscapes are shifting, overstimulation is at an all-time high, and social media disillusionment is setting in.
These cultural forces are transforming how we engage with music. As mental health and wellness become core aspects of personal identity, the sounds we turn to for relaxation, focus, and emotional regulation are evolving.
The Problem with Traditional Wellness Music
For decades, wellness music has been synonymous with spa music—a close cousin to New Age. Think pan flutes, soft synth pads, and ethereal vocal swells. It’s a formula that has persisted in self-care spaces, yoga studios, and wellness retreats.
But spa music can feel outdated, cringy, and irrelevant for Gen Z and Millennials who take a holistic approach to health and wellness (EY, 2023). Self-care is not relegated to one hour a week in a yoga studio; it’s incorporated into daily life. Downtime manifests in napping, cooking, gaming, creating, and other activities. Growing up with mobile devices, video game consoles, and internet-driven cultural moments, younger listeners have built different emotional associations with sound. Minecraft’s melancholic yet soothing score is a perfect example of how this generation finds comfort in ambient digital landscapes rather than pseudo-spiritual orchestrations (The Guardian, 2014).
Instead of seeking music that aims to transport them to mythical heights of relaxation, younger audiences use music to ground themselves in the present—to focus, to reflect, and to navigate overstimulated environments (Forbes, 2020).
The Vibe Shift: The Rise of New Wellness Sounds
We’ve put together a little sampler of the diverse sounds of Modern Wellness. Hit that plus sign on the Spotify playlist below.
Rather than rejecting relaxation music altogether, Gen Z and Millennials are curating their own sonic narratives, blending ambient textures with personal and cultural resonance. These micro-genres are reshaping how we define wellness music:
👨💻 Lo-Fi Study Beats – A nostalgic nod to ’90s instrumental Hip-Hop, lo-fi beats offer a steady, head-nodding rhythm that provides a gentle soundtrack for studying, working, and unwinding. Popularized by YouTube streams like Lofi Girl, this genre blends relaxation with productivity (Forbes, 2020).
🌊 GhibliCore – Inspired by Studio Ghibli’s orchestral scores, this whimsical subgenre captures the dreamlike nostalgia of animated worlds. It blends classical instrumentation with delicate melodies, evoking a sense of childhood wonder and calm.
🎻 Light & Dark Academia – Classical music gets recontextualized: Light Academia features uplifting piano and chamber music, while Dark Academia leans toward moody, introspective compositions that evoke a timeless sophistication.
🚪 Liminal Music – Drawing from ambient and surrealist influences, this genre reflects the feeling of in-between spaces—empty malls, distant echoes, and forgotten memories. It’s designed for deep thought and mindfulness.
〰️ Binaural Beats – A science-backed genre using frequencies to influence brainwaves, binaural beats are gaining traction for sleep, relaxation, and focus (Linus Group, 2024). Unlike traditional relaxation music, this approach aligns with Gen Z’s data-driven wellness habits.
🪐 Ambient – A genre that has quietly existed for decades but is now experiencing a revival, thanks to the rise of digital wellness. Spacious, minimalist soundscapes create a serene backdrop that fosters introspection and tranquility.
😌 Mindful & Demure – Soft, acoustic instrumentation and understated melodies offer a modern, sophisticated take on quiet reflection without veering into outdated spa clichés.
🧺 Cottage Core – Rooted in acoustic folk sounds, this genre romanticizes pastoral living and simplicity. It’s an antidote to digital overwhelm, drawing listeners toward nature-inspired serenity.
🤫 Quiet Luxury – A reserved take on contemporary Pop, this style prioritizes elegance and soft sophistication. Think minimal production, breathy vocals, and an airy atmosphere that feels intimate yet refined.
⛰ Indie Folk – With organic instrumentation and introspective lyrics, Indie Folk offers warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth—appealing to listeners seeking comfort and familiarity (Luminate Data, 2024).
What This Means for Wellness Brands
Health and wellness spaces must evolve their musical palettes to meet the expectations of younger generations. The solution isn’t to replace traditional sounds but to expand the repertoire, offering a wider selection of music that resonates with how Gen Z and Millennials experience relaxation and mindfulness.
Music is no longer just a passive backdrop—it’s an active tool for mental health, productivity, and self-reflection (Esquire, 2024). Brands that embrace this shift will create richer, more meaningful experiences for their audiences.
So, how do you adapt to the shift? Well, first off, don’t abandon the past. Just because there are new options, that doesn’t mean the classic spa vibe sucks now. If anything, embrace an anything-goes attitude when it comes to wellness. The point is that today’s listeners want more and explore a wide range of music when it comes to their personal wellness journey. They want music that speaks to their reality, supports their well-being, and enhances their ability to navigate an increasingly complex world. In this world, even a legend like Enya can win a new fanbase on TikTok. Have you heard of Enyacore?
Music Licenses ✅
Awesome Music ✅
Let’s get curating!
