14 Best Ways How To Find New Music Online You’ll Like

I get excited when I hear new music that really grabs my attention. But what are the best ways how to find new music online you’ll actually like?

How To Find New Music

One of the easiest ways I find new music is by checking out Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist, created based on my listening habits. It updates every Monday with fresh tracks curated just for you. 

When you explore these suggestions, you can easily find new music that very like connects with you. 

Whether you’re into mainstream hits or niche genres, there’s always something new to discover.

Another effective way to find new music is by checking out specific playlists or genres. Websites like Chosic allow you to search for songs by mood, BPM, or even theme. This can help you unearth hidden gems that you might not find otherwise. 

Utilizing these tools can significantly extend your music collection and diversify your playlists.

Social media platforms and online communities can also be valuable resources. Many users share playlists, recommendations, and reviews, making it easier to stumble upon tracks you’ll love. Engaging with these communities not only introduces you to new music but also connects you with others that share potentially similar music tastes with you.

Exploring Music Streaming Platforms

Discovering new music is easier than ever with the help of various streaming services. From curated playlists to effective search tools, these platforms provide a plethora of ways for you to explore fresh tunes and artists.

Getting Started with Spotify and Other Services

Spotify is a leading music streaming service known for its user-friendly interface and a vast library. Upon signing up, you can access it via mobile app, desktop app, or web player.

Apple Music also offers similar flexibility and integrates well with the Apple ecosystem. Both platforms allow you to access new releases and chart-topping hits right from the home screen.

Navigating through these services involves creating an account and interacting with their main features, like listening history, recommended tracks, and algorithm-driven suggestions.

Ok, now that we’ve made sure you’re set up with your favorite streaming platform, let’s get into the ways how to find new music!

1. Curated Playlists for Discovering New Tunes

Spotify offers personalized playlists such as the Discover Weekly and Release Radar. Discover Weekly updates every Monday, providing a mix of tracks based on your listen history.

Release Radar, updated every Friday, focuses on new releases by artists you like.

Apple Music also curates playlists tailored to your tastes, like their New Music Daily. These playlists save you the effort of manual searching, presenting you with a rich variety of music tailored to your preferences.

2. Using the Search Function Effectively

The search bar on these platforms is a powerful tool. Spotify’s search function allows you to look up songs by titles, artists, albums, and even lyrics.

Try typing a few words of a song’s lyrics if you can’t remember the name. You can also explore trending searches and new tracks directly from the search results.

Apple Music’s search offers similar capabilities. Both platforms’ algorithms improve as you interact more, providing increasingly personalized recommendations.

Exploring on these services ensures that you consistently find new music that aligns with your tastes.

Leveraging Social Media and Online Resources

With the vast array of social media platforms and online resources available, you can now explore new artists, follow your favorite bands, and interact with other music fans.

3. Following Artists and Influencers

Social media is a treasure trove for finding new music.

By following musicians and music influencers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, you can stay updated on new releases and trends.

Many artists share behind-the-scenes content, upcoming projects, and collaborations on these platforms.

Influencers often spotlight emerging artists and trending tracks, so their recommendations can be invaluable. Spotifyand Apple Music also follow your favorite bands and suggest similar artists.

4. Exploring Music Blogs and Review Sites

Music blogs and review sites are excellent for discovering new gems. Websites like Pitchfork, Stereogum, and Consequence of Sound offer in-depth reviews and recommendations.

These platforms often feature interviews with new band members and track-by-track breakdowns. By exploring these sites, you can find curated playlists and editor’s picks that introduce you to the best music out there.

Additionally, some blogs focus on specific genres, making it easier to find music that fits your taste.

5. Participating in Online Communities

Online communities like Reddit’s r/ListenToThis and forums dedicated to music discovery bring together enthusiasts eager to share their latest finds.

These platforms allow users to discuss albums, share song recommendations, and discover connections between music and other media like TV shows and video games.

Participating in these communities gives you access to a wealth of collective knowledge, enabling you to discover songs and artists you might have otherwise missed.

Radio and Local Scenes

Exploring different radio stations and engaging with local music scenes is definitely a great way discover fresh tracks. From tuning into diverse radio programs to supporting homegrown talent, each approach offers unique opportunities to find new music.

6. Tuning Into Diverse Radio Stations

Different radio stations can introduce you to various musical genres and artists. 

When I lived in the UK, one of my favorite radio stations to check out for new music was BBC Radio, which offers multiple channels catering to a wide range of tastes. Many of their shows regularly feature fresh music from new, unknown artists.

Local stations usually feature less mainstream music, giving airtime to emerging artists. College radio stations are also excellent sources for discovering experimental and independent music.

Seek out specialized radio shows that focus on specific genres or themes. Shows like Beats 1’s “Blonded Radio,” curated by Frank Ocean, are great for finding new hip-hop, R&B, and alternative tracks.

7. Supporting Local Artists and Venues

This one gets me excited every time I come across a really cool new local artist. 

Getting to be there before they’ve made it big is an amazing experience, and the best part is you can easily meet the artist too.

Supporting local artists and venues not only helps your community but also broadens your musical horizons. Attend performances at neighborhood venues to discover great albums and see live shows by emerging artists before they become mainstream.

I recommend you follow local artists on Instagram or Twitter so you can stay updated about their new releases and upcoming events. 

Many artists also perform live DJ sets that can offer a unique listening experience.

Consider purchasing music directly from the artist’s website or Bandcamp. This provides fairer compensation for the artist and often gives you access to exclusive tracks and merchandise.

8. Attending Live Shows and Events

Local events and festivals offer an excellent way to experience new music in person. Smaller venues and festivals, such as community fairs or local music festivals, often feature a diverse lineup of local and lesser-known talent.

Check out listings in local papers, online event boards, or apps like Songkick to find live shows happening around you.

Engage with musicians and fellow attendees to learn about new tracks and artists. Networking at these events can lead to rich, music-sharing communities and keep you in the loop about future live shows.

Finding Your Niche in Music Genres

9. Identifying Your Music Tastes

This should go without saying, but I’ll clarify anyway – Start with what you already enjoy! Think about your favorite genres and specific songs or artists you often have on repeat.

Create a list of your most-loved albums and note any patterns. Are you drawn to the energetic beats of pop music or the intricate lyrics of hip hop?

Use streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, which offer personalized recommendations based on your listening history. These platforms can introduce you to new artists and tracks that align with your current tastes.

10. Exploring Different Genres and Subgenres

Branch out from your go-to genres by investigating related subgenres. For instance, if you enjoy pop music, explore its subgenres like synth-pop or electro-pop.

Websites and apps such as Bandcamp utilize excellent tagging systems to help you discover these nuanced styles.

Attend music festivals or local concerts featuring a mix of artists to experience different genres live. 

Checking out playlists categorized by genre on streaming platforms can also expand your horizons.

11. Discovering Indie and Alternative Music

There’s a whole world of indie and alternative music with artists who might not be featured on mainstream charts but have a unique sound worth hearing.

Use music discovery tools and websites like Hearts of Space to find emerging indie artists. Follow independent music blogs and YouTube channels to stay updated on new releases.

Music professionals like myself can also discover artists through some of the pro tools like Splice, a platform for audio samples and loops. Many artists release sample packs there. Finding a really cool sample pack can lead to discovering the artist behind it.

Also keep in mind: I strongly believe it’s important to support indie artists by purchasing their music on platforms like Bandcamp, where you can often find tracks and albums not available elsewhere. While streaming platforms do pay for streams, someone up and coming will not see much of that steaming income. But if you buy their music directly, you’ll help them at potentially a critical point in their career as they’re pushing forward into the mainstream.

Extending Your Music Collection

12. Record Stores and Special Editions

Visiting local record stores can be a treasure trove for finding music from both new and classic artists. These stores often have special edition releases and vinyl records that can’t be found online.

Special editions sometimes include bonus tracks, remixes, or exclusive artwork. Many record stores also host events where you can meet like-minded individuals and discover new music recommendations.

Supporting independent record stores not only helps local businesses but also connects you to a community of music lovers. It’s a great way to build a unique and diverse music collection.

13. Building Personalized Playlists

Creating personalized playlists is a fantastic method to keep your music library fresh and tailored to your tastes. 

Start by adding your favorite songs and gradually incorporate tracks suggested by friends or streaming algorithms.

Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer features like Discover Weekly and New Music Friday that can introduce you to new artists and genres.

Experiment with themes for your playlists, such as workout jams or relaxing tunes. This way, you’ll always have the perfect soundtrack for any occasion, helping you keep your collection dynamic and engaging.

14. Curating a Music Library Over Time

Building a comprehensive music library doesn’t happen overnight. It involves continuously adding new music while preserving old favorites.

Revisit your old playlists and update them with new tracks that fit the same vibe or era. You can also look up similar artists to those you already love, thereby expanding your collection with music that suits your tastes.

Consider maintaining a balance between digital and physical formats, such as CD collections or vinyl records. This not only adds value to your library but also enhances your listening experience with different formats and sound qualities.

Conclusion

Today music is everywhere. And there’s more of it than ever before in our history.

While you could say that makes it harder to find new music, I disagree. It’s just a question of knowing how and where to look.

Thanks to the plethora of tools and platforms at your disposal I recommended in this article, discovering new music that resonates with your taste is easier than ever before.

Whether you’re checking out Spotify’s curated playlists, exploring niche genres through online communities, or tuning into your favorite radio station, the music world offers countless opportunities to find your next favorite artist. 

From deep cuts and hidden gems to the best new music from the past year, there are easy ways to break free from musical paralysis and continuously refresh your collection. 

And remember – while you explore the best places to discover new jams, make sure to support independent artists, and let your musical experience evolve in real time.