Discover New Music
Discover new music this festival season – On the train you can
Festival season is all about discovery. From stumbling across an incredible new artist to finding your new favourite song, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of hearing something for the first time.
Yet while almost two-thirds of us say we want to discover new music*, busy schedules, familiar listening habits and streaming algorithms can keep us coming back to the same artists and playlists.
That’s where the train journey comes in.
Travelling by train gives you valuable uninterrupted time before you arrive – the perfect opportunity to explore new playlists, discover emerging artists and get into the festival spirit while you travel.
To help inspire your musical journey, we’ve created a track that’s scientifically designed to help prime listeners for music discovery. You might even find yourself moving along to the beat… Take a listen below.
We’ve also partnered with legendary British DJ Pete Tong MBE to uncover some of this festival season’s must-see artists and share his top tips for discovering new music.
So, whether you’re heading to a festival, a gig or simply looking to refresh your playlist, there’s never been a better time to break out of your musical routine.
It’s time to discover something new this festival season – On the train you can.
LISTEN: National Rail’s Track Reset
To help festival-goers get into the right mindset to discover new music while traveling by train, National Rail has commissioned Music Psychologist, Dr Ruth Herbert, and DJ and music producer, Adriano Desire, to create a brand new track.
Inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the railway, the track has been scientifically engineered to help listeners become more receptive to new sounds ahead of their festival experience.
Dr Ruth Herbert says, “by cleansing the listener’s musical palate over a 3 minute span, we are quite literally priming the brain to welcome and enjoy new audio patterns for when they arrive at their festival or gig – and on the train there is the perfect time to do this.”
Whether you’re discovering a brilliant opening act on the way to a stadium gig or sharing a playlist with friends on the train home, the journey is where the experience really begins.
National Rail x Pete Tong’s 2026 gig and festival guide
The DJ joins National Rail to share 50 musical events and experiences that should be on every music fan’s radar in 2026.
Musical Days Out by train
2FOR1: The Beatles Story Museum
Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four, at a stunning Liverpool waterfront location. Take an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest band
2FOR1: Royal Albert Hall Tour
Learn more about the fascinating history of this London venue, which has hosted artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Luciano Pavarotti and Adele
2FOR1: Harry Styles Inspired London Afternoon Tea Bus – Golden Tours
Step aboard for an exciting sightseeing adventure in London. Sing along to Harry Styles’ top hits while taking in London’s stunning sights and enjoying a delicious afternoon tea
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Offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.
*Consumer research conducted by One Poll of 2,000 British adults between 3 and 7 July 2026.