Finding a new favourite artist can feel like discovering a secret world you didn’t know you needed. But with so much music out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stick to the same playlists. The good news? There are simple, fun ways to uncover artists who feel made for you.
Start with what you already love
The easiest way to discover new artists is to look at what you’re already listening to.
Ask yourself:
- which artists do you play the most?
- which genres do you naturally drift towards?
- which moods or themes you enjoy?
Once you know what you like, it becomes easier to find musicians with similar sounds, styles or stories.
Tip: Search “artists similar to (your favourite)” on streaming platforms or social media. The results are often spot on.
Use curated playlists on streaming platforms
Playlists are one of the most powerful discovery tools we have.
Try these:
- editorial playlists curated by humans
- algorithmic playlists such as “discover weekly” or “release radar”
- genre or mood playlists when you want a specific vibe
Streaming algorithms learn your taste over time, so the more you listen, the smarter they get.
Explore music communities online
Music fans love sharing their discoveries.
Look at:
- TikTok music creators
- Reddit communities like r/ListenToThis
- fan-run Instagram pages
- Discord music servers
- YouTube channels that review niche artists
These spaces often highlight musicians you won’t find in mainstream playlists.
Let social media trends guide you (a little)
Many artists blow up on TikTok before they reach radio or playlists.
If you hear a snippet of a song you like, click the sound. You’ll often find:
- the original artist
- other songs from their catalogue
- live performance clips
- fan edits
- creators recommending similar artists
This makes it easy to fall down a very enjoyable rabbit hole.
Go deep into one song you love
Instead of skipping around, take one song you’re obsessed with and explore everything connected to it.
- check the songwriter
- look up the producer
- see who features on the album
- explore other artists from the same region or scene
- check out collaborators on past projects
You’ll often find hidden gems through the people behind the music.
Follow small artists early
Independent and emerging artists are constantly releasing new music.
Following them early means:
- you get to watch their growth
- you feel more connected to their journey
- you become part of a smaller, more intimate fanbase
Plus, discovering a brilliant artist before everyone else always feels special.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your usual genre
Your next favourite artist might not sound like anything you currently listen to.
Try exploring:
- a genre you’ve never heard of
- music from a different culture
- live session videos on YouTube
- soundtrack playlists from films and games
Sometimes one unexpected song can open a whole new world.
Make discovery a habit
finding new artists doesn’t have to be random. Try:
- listening to one new song a day
- checking new music Fridays
- asking friends for recommendations
- joining fan communities
- saving songs you like immediately
Over time, you build a wide, rich mix of artists to explore.
Your next favourite artist is out there—it’s just a matter of letting yourself explore. Whether you use playlists, social media, recommendations or pure curiosity, the process of discovering new music is half the fun.
