Do you love music but continue to listen to the same songs over and over? Would you like to discover new music, but don’t know where to begin?
It’s easy to get into a musical rut. Instead of listening to the same streaming sites, you can expand your listening tastes and habits by discovering new music.
1. Get music recommendations
Ask your friends for music recommendations. Ask what's on their playlists. It's one of the easiest ways to discover new music.
Tip!
Create a playlist of 5 songs or less to swap with your friends. Keeping playlists short limits you from getting overwhelmed, but still provides everyone with new tunes.
2. Say “yes” to concerts
Going to concerts is a great way to discover new music. You don’t even have to be a fan of the artist to attend a concert.
Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on UnsplashLast year my friend asked me to attend a Lissie concert at First Avenue. I’d never heard of Lissie, but said “yes” to the concert, and had an amazing time. Lissie’s music has been on my rotation ever since.
Tip!
Google, "Concerts near me." Chances are your city has tons of concerts going on each week, some of them even free!
3. Follow producers of your favorite songs and albums
I was a fan of Jack Antonoff’s band Red Hearse before I knew he produced several songs and albums for Taylor Swift. Recently I was enjoying Lana del Rey’s Chemtrails Over the Country Club, only to see that Antonoff had produced that album as well.
For new music, check out who produced your favorite albums and follow this producer's work.
Tip!
Check out Antonoff if you like the pop rock electro sound, and Tyler the Creator if you like R&B and hip-hop.
4. Go to a record store and browse album covers
One of my favorite ways to discover new music is to browse album covers at record stores. Record stores have music from back in the day to recent releases.
I like to look for interesting album covers, then Google the artist later to listen to their work. This is how I discovered the album Penny & The Quarters & Friends, which I later went out and bought!
Tip!
Take photos of album covers to help you remember what you've discovered later.
5. Look up music you’ve heard on shows or movies
If you hear a song you like on one of your favorite shows, you can easily find the song by searching the show’s season and episode number or by simply Googling the lyrics.
Similarly, movies are a great way to discover new music. Soundtracks can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone.
For example, I normally listen to pop and R&B, but I’m a big fan of Studio Ghibli films, so sometimes I listen to Studio Ghibli soundtracks, which are normally classical.
Tip!
Use an app like Shazam to catch a song and identify it's artist. This takes all the work out of Googling lyrics!
6. Take time to listen to new music
Finally, put aside time to listen to new music.
For as many new songs and artists that I enjoyed, there were many more that I didn’t! Discovering music takes time, so set aside some time listen to a new song, album, or genre.
Tip!
Spend a few minutes each day listening to a new song, or set aside an hour each week to listen to an entire album.
I like to explore new music in the morning while I'm getting ready. Choose a timeframe that works for you.
Quiz
Which of these would be a great way to discover music similar to what you already enjoy?
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