How GTA Became a Music Tastemaker: From Tom Petty to Modjo
GTA's radio stations have launched songs to new heights, from Tom Petty's 'Love Is a Long Road' to Modjo's 'Lady'. We explore how Rockstar became a musical tastemaker.
Ever discovered a killer song just by cruising around Los Santos? You're not alone. Grand Theft Auto's radio stations have become a surprising launchpad for both classic hits and obscure tracks, turning Rockstar Games into an unexpected musical tastemaker.
Remember the GTA 6 reveal trailer back in 2023? It smashed YouTube records with over 90 million views in 24 hours, but it also did something else: it sent Tom Petty's 'Love Is a Long Road' skyrocketing. The song jumped from 4-5K daily streams to nearly 400K, and Spotify reported a 37,000% increase in global streams. It was even Shazamed nearly a quarter of a million times, cracking the global top 20. The second trailer kept the momentum going, with The Pointer Sisters' 'Hot Together' seeing a 182,000% spike in streams.
But this isn't just a trailer phenomenon. GTA 5 and GTA Online have been shaping our playlists for years. By 2018, players had listened to an estimated 75 billion minutes of music across its radio stations. With 18.3 million monthly active users throughout 2025, the game continues to introduce artists to new audiences. Unlike passive listening in films or ads, GTA radio lets you actively choose stations, forging a stronger bond between you and the music.
Just ask Ab-Soul, whose song 'ILLuminate' featuring Kendrick Lamar was featured on Radio Los Santos. "The impact was tremendous!" he says. "Being that GTA is culturally stamped and globally influential, having a hand in the game etches you in history. Point blank." Modjo's Romain Tranchart agrees, noting that many GTA players weren't even born when 'Lady (Hear Me Tonight)' was released in 2000. "If you take a look at the YouTube comments under our music video, the bond between the song and this iconic video game is obvious," he says.
Of course, not everyone is happy. In 2023, GTA 5 set a record with 777 licensed songs, but in September 2024, Martyn Ware of Heaven 17 alleged Rockstar offered just $22,500 for the three songwriters to license their 1983 hit 'Temptation'—a buyout covering future royalties. The band told the studio to "go fuck yourself," feeling the payment was too small compared to the game's commercial success.
Despite the controversy, Rockstar's influence is undeniable. With each new trailer and radio station, they prove they can turn a forgotten track into a global hit. So next time you're driving through Vice City, take a moment to appreciate the tunes—you might just be part of music history.
What's your favorite GTA radio moment? Will you be tuning in for GTA 6's soundtrack? Let us know in the comments!
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