In today's digital age, the sheer volume of music available at our fingertips can be overwhelming. With streaming platforms, social media, and personalised algorithms, discovering new music has never been easier, but it’s also become more complex. But fear not! In this article, we'll delve into the numerous ways for you to discover new music in 2024 and unearth the musical gems that will become not only essential to a well-curated music library but will contribute to the soundtrack of your life.
Streaming Services And Algorithms
The logical place to start in a modern exploration of finding new music is with streaming services as they dominate the music industry, in most markets, in 2024.
Personalised Recommendations and Curated Playlists
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Qobuz utilise sophisticated algorithms to suggest new music based on the music you’ve listened to in the past. The more you listen, the more the algorithm gets to know your likes and dislikes. As such, you’ll likely find that after a certain period of time, the personalised recommendations represent your subjective tastes rather well.
Make sure to check out areas, within the streaming apps, such as “Discover,” “Recommended For You,” and “You May Also Like.” Each platform will have its own wording, but the principle remains the same whereby personalised recommendations will show up within these areas. Additionally, when scrolling to the very bottom of the screen, within your preferred streaming platform, you’ll also come across “Similar Artists” which can provide an invaluable resource for searching out new-to-you music.
Many streaming platforms also offer curated playlists created by both human editors and algorithms. These playlists cover a wide range of genres, moods, and themes, making them an excellent way to stumble upon new music. From "New Music Mix" to "Genre Spotlights," there's a playlist to suit just about anyone.
Artist Radio
Delve deeper into your favourite artists' catalogue by exploring artist radio stations. These stations play a mix of the artist's songs with similar tracks that will introduce you to similar artists and musical styles.
Streaming Radio
While artist radio options are extremely useful for seeking out music that is similar to that which you already appreciate, radio stations such as Apple Music 1 offer a modern-day, ad-free, alternative to traditional radio broadcasting.
Concerning Apple’s flagship show, you’ll find there’s a focus on pop, rap and indie music. Delving deeper into Apple’s offerings, however, will yield greater rewards as other genres are explored via other streamed radio-styled programming. Hence, it’s important not to assume that Apple’s radio offering is limited to only what is popular as doing so will prevent you from finding a station that may be more suited to your subjective tastes.
Social Media And Online Communities
While streaming services will use every technique they can to retain your attention, so that you remain subscribed, there’s information, conversations, and other online locations that can offer an even more evergreen experience when seeking out new music.
Follow Artists And Labels
Stay updated on your favourite artists' latest releases by following them on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Artists often announce new music, collaborations, and tours through these channels. It’s also not uncommon for them to talk about music that inspires them.
Record labels are an even greater treasure trove; particularly as it pertains to variety and their incredible legacies. While record labels aren’t the pinnacle of the music industry that they once were, each label, generally, works within similar genres, thereby allowing music lovers to delve further into their specific music offerings.
If you’re into Classical then consider following Deutsche Grammophon, Decca Classics, and Sony Classical. If Jazz is your jam, Blue Note and Verve Records are fantastic starting points. If you’re hip to the hop then Def Jam, Death Row, and Interscope Records are ideal launching points. Of course, head-banging, mosh-pit aficionados, should start their musical journey with Nuclear Blast Records.
For broader musical interests, unlimited to specific genres, Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group offer a diverse range of signed artists and associated releases for you to explore.
Exploring Niche Platforms
If your music tastes align closely with those of independent musicians, one of the best places to help you find a hidden gem is Bandcamp. This platform allows artists to sell their music directly to fans, making it an excellent resource for discovering underground and niche genres that normally wouldn’t receive exposure on mainstream streaming platforms. As a bonus, Bandcamp is renowned for supporting artists by giving them a higher cut of sales when compared to their counterparts.
Music Discovery Apps
Explore dedicated music discovery apps like Shazam. Don’t know the song that’s currently playing at the party, Shazam it! Before you know it, your music library will be filled with a selection of songs that have become the soundtrack to your life; allowing you to relive every significant moment through the music that was playing at the time.
While omitted from the streaming section, classical music lovers can also check out Apple Music Classical; a dedicated app for not only lovers of classical music but for those of us who are just starting our journey into one of the oldest and most expressive musical art forms. Plus, if you’re already an Apple Music subscriber, you already have unlimited access to this app at no additional cost.
Music Map, a web-based solution, is one of those hidden gem sites that doesn’t look like much but can provide you with an endless supply of similar artists to consider. Simply enter the name of an artist you like and you’ll be presented with other similar artists. Click any of those recommendations and before you know it you’ll be down the artist recommendation rabbit hole.
Join Music Groups And Forums
Online communities, such as Reddit's r/MusicRecommendations, offer a plethora of user-generated content. The advantage is that should you ask for recommendations, there is likely a selection of members who will be more than happy to suggest artists, albums, or songs that you may also find compelling.
It isn’t only Reddit, however, as most mainstream social networks will have communities built around music and the appreciation of the art form in its various formats. For instance, if you’re into vinyl, check out the #vinylcommunity everywhere.
If you’re an audiophile, looking to not only get the very best out of your stereo setup but are looking to actively explore your love of music and the very best masterings available, the Steve Hoffman Forums can be an invaluable resource.
As with anything user-generated, your experience and expectations will differ from someone else’s. You can always be a passive observer, rather than an active participant, thereby allowing you to explore your interests either privately or publicly.
Music Blogs and Online Publications
Explore music blogs, such as this one, and other online publications and podcasts that cater to your musical tastes. Many independent bloggers and websites curate in-depth reviews, interviews, and features that relate to both mainstream and independent artists. While Subjective Sounds aims to explore the history of recorded music; one album at a time, there is no shortage of other music-focused blogs, podcasts, and websites ready for you to explore.
Record Stores, Live Events, And Your Local Music Scene
While streaming continues to dominate the modern music landscape, local record stores are still invaluable for music discovery. From tapping into the expertise of passionate staff, to exploring curated selections and attending in-store events, these brick-and-mortar establishments offer a tangible and immersive experience that transcends algorithmic recommendations.
Immerse Yourself In The Atmosphere
Step into your local record store and immerse yourself in the unique ambience. Browse through rows of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes, and allow yourself to get lost in the tactile experience of flipping through album covers and liner notes. Sometimes you may find yourself compelled by the album artwork or you’ll overhear new-to-you music playing on the sound system.
Tap Into The Expertise Of The Staff
One of the most valuable resources a local record store has to offer is access to knowledgeable staff. These music aficionados are often passionate about sharing their love for music and can provide personalised recommendations based on your preferences.
Record stores, such as Utopia Records in Sydney, focus on particular styles. In this case, Utopia is the home of metal. Down the road, Birdland is your go-to Jazz store. While Sydney’s Red Eye Records deals more broadly than their genre-focused counterparts. The aforementioned retailers all have online stores, so don’t fret if you’re not a Sydney local.
If you can make it to one of the stores listed above, or perhaps one in your local area, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the staff as they’re there to help and will be able to guide you in finding new discoveries, obscure gems, while also informing you about music that has yet to make it to streaming services. Yes, dear reader, despite streaming services touting catalogues in the millions, not everything is available to stream.
Attend In-Store Events And Performances
Keep an eye out for in-store events, live performances, and artist signings hosted by local record stores. These events provide an opportunity to experience music in an intimate setting, interact with artists, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Whether it's an album signing event, a stripped-down acoustic set, or a DJ performance, in-store events offer a unique opportunity to discover new music and engage with the local music community.
Support Independent And Local Artists
By purchasing music from local record stores, you directly support independent artists, labels, and the vibrant local music scene as well as the record store itself. Many record stores prioritise stocking releases from independent artists and local labels, offering a platform for emerging talent to reach a wider audience. By exploring the shelves of your local record store, you'll not only discover new music but you’ll also contribute to the sustainability of the music ecosystem within your local community.
Attend Concerts And Festivals
Experience music firsthand by attending concerts, music festivals, and local gigs. Discovering new artists in a live setting can be exhilarating and memorable. Arrive early to experience up-and-coming acts that open for established artists and don’t forget to talk to those around you; you’ve got something in common, after all!
Explore Local Venues
Support your local music scene by frequenting small venues, bars, and clubs that host live music events. These intimate settings often showcase emerging talent and provide an opportunity to interact with artists and fellow music lovers.
While the avenues for discovering music in 2024 are diverse and plentiful, it’s important to not restrict oneself to a singular method of discovering new music. While not mentioned above, terrestrial radio is alive and well and can offer a refreshing blend of music, depending on the station’s musical direction.
Whether you prefer algorithm-driven recommendations, live experiences, or curated content from fellow music enthusiasts, fans, or staff at your local record store, there's a plethora of ways to find new music. You can even workout with Apple Fitness+ and link the trainer-curated playlists, from the workout you’ve just done, to your Apple Music library. Nifty, huh?
By embracing a combination of streaming services, social media, live events, and niche platforms, you can embark on an exciting journey of musical exploration and uncover the soundtrack to your life. So, crank up the volume, open your ears to new sounds, and let the adventure begin!