By Asep Darmawan 
The digital landscape of music consumption is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly reshaped by cultural moments and viral phenomena. This week’s "Trending Up" report from Billboard Pro delves into how a highly anticipated video game trailer, coupled with resurging interest in nostalgic content and seasonal themes, has propelled a diverse array of songs to new heights on digital streaming platforms (DSPs). The debut of the "Extended Look" trailer for Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI has generated unprecedented attention, not only for the game itself but also for the soundtrack that underscores its expansive world. Concurrently, the enduring appeal of mid-2010s internet culture and the poignant resonance of early autumn have provided significant boosts for artists Oh Wonder and Noah Kahan, respectively.
GTA VI Trailer Fuels a Sonic Renaissance for Diverse Tracks
The gaming world collectively held its breath on August 27th with the release of the nearly 30-minute "Extended Look" trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI. This preview, a deep dive into the highly anticipated sixth installment of the iconic franchise, has already amassed over 19 million views on YouTube, signaling a monumental level of fan engagement. As is characteristic of the Grand Theft Auto series, music plays a pivotal role in establishing the atmosphere and narrative. The trailer’s soundtrack, a curated blend of explosive classics from the 1970s and 1980s, alongside notable selections from the past decade, has unexpectedly become a catalyst for significant streaming gains across a wide spectrum of musical genres and eras.
The impact of the trailer’s music choices is quantifiable, with early data from Luminate revealing substantial increases in official on-demand U.S. streams for several featured tracks in the immediate aftermath of the trailer’s release (August 28-31). Older hits experienced notable upticks: The Bellamy Brothers’ "Let Your Love Flow" saw a 43% surge, reaching 422,000 total streams. Depeche Mode’s "People Are People" jumped an impressive 89% to 221,000 streams, while Cliff Richard’s "Devil Woman" experienced a staggering 386% increase, accumulating 321,000 streams. These figures underscore the enduring power of classic tracks to capture new audiences when reintroduced through high-profile cultural events.
However, the trailer’s influence extended beyond vintage hits, significantly impacting more contemporary selections. Two songs from 2021, in particular, demonstrated the most dramatic gains. Chimbala and Omega’s infectious dembow track "Se Me Nota (Agrrámame)" exploded by an astonishing 3,047%, accumulating 464,000 streams. Equally impressive was the surge for Elderbrook and Bob Moses’ moody thumper "Inner Light," which shot up by 462% to 694,000 streams. The prominence of these two tracks was further validated by their swift ascent up Shazam’s United States Top 200 chart, with "Inner Light" even claiming the top position. This phenomenon highlights how strategically placed music in viral content can recontextualize and revitalize even relatively recent releases, demonstrating the interconnectedness of gaming culture and music discovery. The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI‘s official release in November, now just over two months away, suggests that further music-driven trends may emerge.
Tumblr Nostalgia and Seasonal Shifts Propel Oh Wonder and Noah Kahan
Beyond the seismic impact of the GTA VI trailer, other artists are benefiting from distinct cultural currents. The British electronic duo Oh Wonder is experiencing a significant resurgence of interest in their 2015 deep cut, "Without You," driven by a potent blend of internet nostalgia and trending social media content. The song, a staple of the mid-2010s Tumblr aesthetic, has found a new life among younger Gen Z listeners who are increasingly drawn to the perceived simplicity and emotional resonance of that era. This trend is further amplified by its association with popular television series and seasonal content.
"Without You," strategically positioned within the duo’s self-titled debut album, has become the primary point of connection for this new demographic. Luminate data reveals a consistent upward trajectory in its streaming numbers. During the week of August 7-13, the song garnered 439,000 official on-demand U.S. streams. The following week (August 14-20), this figure jumped 114% to 943,000 streams. By the week of August 21-27, "Without You" saw another substantial leap of 41%, surpassing 1.33 million official streams.
The song’s enduring presence on TikTok since the summer of 2025 has been bolstered by recent waves of content, including edits tied to the final season of the popular Netflix series Outer Banks, which debuted on August 20th, and back-to-school themed compilations. The specific lyrical section gaining traction – the beginning of the pre-chorus where the duo harmonizes "Since I’ve been walking solo / Dreaming you were back home / Hi-fi getting down low / Hide until tomorrow" – has resonated with users chronicling their personal journeys, whether stemming from breakups or other significant life changes. This has led to a diverse range of content, with the original track, a BBC Session live performance, and a Justice Skolnik remix all experiencing renewed popularity. The original sound has been utilized in 2.6 million TikTok clips, while the BBC Session audio features in 1.4 million posts, demonstrating the multifaceted appeal of the song across different interpretations. While Oh Wonder’s debut album peaked at number 80 on the Billboard 200, this current revival of "Without You" could potentially elevate its profile and chart performance.
Meanwhile, Noah Kahan is solidifying his place on the annual streaming calendar with his track "End of August." Historically, the beginning of August has been associated with Taylor Swift’s catalog, while September has long been dominated by Earth, Wind & Fire. Kahan’s song, however, appears to be carving out its own niche in the late summer and early autumn period. His April 2026 album, The Great Divide, which topped the Billboard 200, has seen all 21 of its tracks chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Four months post-release, three songs – "Orbiter," "Doors," and "Willing and Able" – continue to maintain a presence on the chart, with "End of August" poised to join them.
The thematic appropriateness of "End of August" for the transition from summer to fall has translated into a tangible increase in streaming interest. On August 31st, the song recorded 698,000 official on-demand U.S. streams, representing a 35% increase from the previous day, according to early data from Luminate. This surge was significant enough to propel the track 71 spots up the Spotify Daily Top Songs USA chart, reaching number 46. By September 1st, it had climbed further, suggesting that Kahan’s hit might extend its seasonal popularity well into the early days of September. This phenomenon illustrates how artists can leverage thematic relevance and relatable lyrical content to create enduring appeal for their music beyond initial release cycles.
Lil Naay Continues His Streak of Viral Success with "Perra"
Following his earlier success with "Mood Brazil" earlier this year, Dominican rapper Lil Naay is making another significant impact on the streaming charts with his latest single, "Perra." The track ingeniously samples El General’s 1994 hit "Rica Y Apretadita," demonstrating a keen understanding of cultural touchstones and contemporary music trends.
Lil Naay first teased the new single, featuring elements of "Rica," in a July 31st TikTok video. The official release on digital service providers followed on August 15th. Since its debut, "Perra" has rapidly captured the attention of listeners, particularly through its catchy vocal loop ("No me trates de engañar"), Lil Naay’s signature "Prende!" ad-lib, and the dembow-infused beat crafted by producers Argel Beatz and KOOKIES.
The song’s streaming performance has been nothing short of explosive. In its first full week of availability, "Perra" garnered 129,000 official on-demand streams. The subsequent week (August 21-27) witnessed a staggering 1,316% surge, pushing the total to over 1.83 million official streams. The momentum continued unabated; from August 21-24, the track logged 970,000 streams, which then jumped another 47% to 1.43 million streams between August 28-31. The official "Perra" music video has amassed over 17 million views in just two weeks, and the song’s audio has been featured in over 35,000 Instagram Reels and 1.4 million TikToks. This consistent virality across multiple platforms underscores Lil Naay’s growing influence and his ability to consistently produce streaming hits, solidifying his position as a significant artist in the Latin urban music scene.
The interplay between video game releases, social media trends, and the enduring power of music continues to shape how songs gain traction and achieve widespread popularity. As the industry evolves, these interconnected cultural moments will undoubtedly remain key drivers of music discovery and consumption.
