Discovering new music can feel like an exciting adventure. With the right tools and a little know-how, it’s easier than ever to explore new artists, genres, and songs that match your taste.
1. Use music streaming platforms’ recommendations
Most popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have powerful recommendation systems that suggest new tracks based on what you already listen to. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
- Spotify’s Discover Weekly: Every Monday, you’ll receive a playlist of personalised recommendations based on your listening habits. It’s a great starting point to discover new music.
- Apple Music’s For You: This feature offers tailored playlists, albums, and artists suggestions based on your listening history.
- YouTube Music’s Mixes: YouTube’s algorithm creates a mix of familiar and new music for you to explore, offering something fresh every time you listen.
Keep an eye on curated playlists, too—streaming platforms often have themed playlists that align with specific moods, genres, or moments in time.
2. Explore genre and mood-based playlists
If you have a particular genre you love, there are plenty of playlists curated by both platforms and independent curators that focus specifically on that style. Whether you’re into indie, rock, electronic, or jazz, you’ll find playlists that dive deep into that genre’s latest and best tracks.
- Genre-based discovery: Search for specific genres or sub-genres to find curated playlists or explore the Discover section of your favourite music app.
- Mood-based playlists: If you’re in the mood for a chill vibe, try searching for playlists like “Chilled Beats” or “Upbeat Indie.” These playlists often feature tracks that fit a specific mood, which can help you discover music that suits your emotional state.
3. Follow music blogs and YouTube channels
If you enjoy reading and watching content related to music, there are many blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to uncovering new artists and tracks. Websites like Pitchfork, Stereogum, and NME regularly feature reviews, interviews, and recommendations for the latest in music.
YouTube channels such as The Needle Drop or KEXP offer insightful reviews and live performances that help you discover hidden gems in various genres. By subscribing to a few blogs or YouTube channels that align with your taste, you’ll always have access to new recommendations, ensuring you never miss out on exciting new music.
4. Join online music communities
Joining online communities, such as Reddit’s music-related subreddits or music forums, can open up a world of new recommendations. Communities like r/Music or r/ListenToThis often share interesting music suggestions, from new releases to obscure artists. You can engage in discussions about your favourite genres and get recommendations from others with similar tastes.
It’s also worth exploring Discord music servers or Facebook groups where music lovers share and discuss new finds in real-time.
5. Use music discovery apps
If you love to dig deeper into music and find hidden gems, there are apps designed specifically to help with music discovery. Shazam is a classic choice, allowing you to identify songs you hear while out and about. Meanwhile, SoundHound also helps identify music but allows you to sing or hum to search for a song if you can’t quite remember the title or artist.
Apps like Bandcamp allow you to explore independent artists and purchase music directly, making it easier to find unique, lesser-known gems that might align with your personal taste.
6. Attend live shows and festivals
Sometimes the best way to discover new music is to experience it live. Music festivals, local gigs, and live-streaming events offer opportunities to hear new bands or artists you might not have encountered otherwise. Often, up-and-coming artists will perform at smaller venues or events, giving you the chance to see them before they become well-known.
Even if you can’t attend events in person, live-streamed concerts are becoming more popular, with many artists and festivals offering live sets online. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram Live often feature live music from both established and emerging artists.
7. Use social media to connect with artists and fans
Social media is a great tool for discovering new music. Artists often share new tracks, collaborations, and live performances directly on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. If you follow artists, influencers, and music critics who share your taste, your feed will often be filled with music recommendations.
Moreover, Spotify’s social features let you follow friends, see what they’re listening to, and discover new tracks through shared playlists and activity.
The key to discovering new music is being open to exploration. With streaming services, apps, blogs, and live events at your fingertips, there’s never been a better time to expand your musical library. The more you engage with music communities, use recommendations, and attend shows, the easier it becomes to find new tracks and artists that align with your unique taste.
