How Music Choice Soundtracks Summer: Road Trips, BBQs, Relaxation & More

Summer is all about making memories. From long-awaited road trips and backyard barbecues to lazy afternoons by the pool and evenings spent watching fireworks, the season is filled with moments that deserve the perfect soundtrack. No matter how you spend your summer, music has a way of making every experience feel a little bigger, brighter, and more memorable.

At Music Choice, we're proud to be part of those moments. Whether you're hitting the highway, hosting friends and family, or simply unwinding after a busy day, our human curated channels are designed to bring the right music to every summer occasion.

And as we head into one of the season's biggest celebrations, we're also featuring special Fourth of July programming with our newest collection, The Soundtrack of America, to help you celebrate Independence Day all weekend long.

The Soundtrack to Summer Road Trips

Nothing says summer quite like rolling down the windows and heading out on the open road. With the Music Choice app available through Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, listeners can easily bring their favorite channels on the road. Whether you're navigating a weekend getaway, heading to a family barbecue, or embarking on a summer vacation, Music Choice makes it simple to enjoy uninterrupted music directly through your vehicle's dashboard.

Music Choice's Top 5 most popular channels for road trips include:

1. Classic Rock

2. Today's Country

3. Solid Gold Oldies

4. Today's Hits

5. '70s

   
   

These channels are packed with sing-along favorites, timeless classics, and feel-good hits that make every mile a little more enjoyable.

In fact, listener data shows that more than half of drivers identify rock music as their favorite genre when they're on the road, making channels like Classic Rock a natural choice for summer travel.

Backyard BBQs, Pool Parties & Summer Gatherings

Summer is also the season of bringing people together. Whether you're hosting a Fourth of July cookout, gathering around the pool, or enjoying a casual weekend with friends and family, music helps create the atmosphere that turns a gathering into an event.

For summer entertaining, Music Choice's top channels include:

1. '70s

2. Classic Rock

3. Today's Hits

4. Today's Country

5. Solid Gold Oldies

   
   

These channels offer a mix of crowd-pleasing favorites that span generations, helping keep everyone singing along from the first burger on the grill to the sunset of the evening.

How America Unwinds During Summer

Summer isn't only about adventure, t's also about slowing down. Many listeners turn to Music Choice to create moments of calm throughout the season, whether they're relaxing on the patio, reading by the pool, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home.

Music Choice's 5 most popular channels for relaxation include:

1. Easy Listening

2. Soundscapes

3. Smooth Jazz

4. Light Classical

5. '60s & '70s Mellow Hits

   
   

Listeners spend an average of three hours per session on our ambient and relaxing channels, proving that music remains one of the easiest ways to unwind and recharge.

Nearly 45% of listeners also choose soothing music during the afternoon, making relaxation channels a favorite companion for slower summer days.

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Music Choice

Music has always been woven into the fabric of the American story. To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Music Choice created The Soundtrack of America, a curated collection of channels and playlists that showcase the genres, artists, and musical movements born and shaped in the United States.

From the roots of Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, and Country to the cultural impact of Motown, Disco, and Rock, this collection highlights the sounds that have defined generations of Americans. Featuring iconic artists and genre-focused programming, The Soundtrack of America invites listeners to explore the rich musical heritage that continues to inspire and unite the nation.