I have to include all of NPR's various music shows, podcasts, and email newsletters. I've found so much new music that way. In aggregate, maybe more than anywhere else. I do look forward to adding your suggestions to my search list.
This is exactly the kind of post I've thought of writing over the years - and you nailed it! Of course if I had written it, I would have recommended my podcast, Discover Music with AnEarful, which gives you monthly opportunities to find your next favorite artist across an unmatched range of genres (latest episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jeremy-shatan/episodes/Monthly-Listening-September-2024-e2p75q5). But, seriously, even if you only follow half of Chris's suggestions, you will find yourself being served an embarrassment of musical riches!
Thanks so much, Jeremy! I really appreciate the kind words. I'm actually working on another piece on the best music podcasts and I will be sure to include yours, for sure. 🤘🏻
I work for the streaming service Audiomack and we have two features that I think other services should try. First, we have a feed that shows every new release from the artists you follow. Second, when someone you follow puts something, we immediately send you an automatic push notification linking to it.
Those are great features to have. I love the "What's New" feature that Spotify has which shows every new release by the artists you follow. Musically-speaking, I can't live without that functionality. I can't understand why Apple Music doesn't have the same exact thing.
Mine is College Radio (lucky to be in Cleveland where there's 3 great stations); and also small either label-run or otherwise genre-fan-driven YouTube channels. Depending upon what you're looking for, you can frequently get not only new things from modern bands, but also "foundational document" bands for the genre that you may not have discovered yet.
Exactly, Shaggy. Going back to the source of your favorite artist's favorite artists can often open up a whole new world of music that often transcends that original artist's genre. And I do love me a good music YouTube channel. Please feel free to share your favorite ones! I'm always on the lookout for new ones.
Great post Chris. As a vinyl and CD afficionado, I also pay for Spotify for all the reasons you write. But I'm also a live music afficionado and the Spotify feature that shows local shows from your favourite artists and links to book them is fantastic too. I live in London and there are so many I would not have spotted without this feature.
Alex, yes! I forgot about that feature, but I do also really dig the alerts about upcoming local shows! I, too, would’ve missed a couple were it not for those notifications.
I worked at a college station way back in the day. Ran the late-night show from 10p-2a. I remember spinning so many great things from The Sundays to They Might Be Giants, The Sugarcubes, Let’s Active and early R.E.M. Oh man, those were great times. I had so much fun with it!
GREAT article, Chris. I've used many of these methods before, and I agree with their effectiveness. You've also introduced a few new ideas, which I'll dive into today. Thanks!!
allmusic.com is a great resource, too, especially for people like me who still mantain big digital music libraries. You can pay for a membership, which at $12 a year is super cheap!
Christopher, wondered if you’d do me a favor? Can you tell me more about how you use allmusic? What do you view as the greatest benefits? I’m considering joining too, especially since you pointed out how affordable it is…
College and community radio are tried and true sources for learning about new music. Many of these stations can be easily accessed online. (My local station KPTZ for example) Streaming services are ripping off artists.
Ever since I got my Spotify account I discovered an immense number of new (and old) bands, artists, songs, etc. It has become my main source of new music and most of the time I just let the algorithm make its suggestions and if it sounds good to me, I'll make sure to check it out.
We have over 1100 original music tracks/videos on you YouTube - @PhilAmStyle77568 - and are distributing them on over 24 major music streaming platforms. So, while there are a lot of new music channels out there, the vast majority of the population is fixated on whatever the major radio and video boxes feed them, mostly likely going to their graves without ever hearing a single of the tons of great independent new music. Such is the sad state of things, and it is hardly any major change in sight over the horizon.
This is very true and well said. It is a shame that so much great music is lost on so many who will never hear it, but I consider those who do to be incredibly fortunate to be in the know.
I have to include all of NPR's various music shows, podcasts, and email newsletters. I've found so much new music that way. In aggregate, maybe more than anywhere else. I do look forward to adding your suggestions to my search list.
Thanks so much! I'll be sure to dig into NPR's offerings. Great suggestion!
This is exactly the kind of post I've thought of writing over the years - and you nailed it! Of course if I had written it, I would have recommended my podcast, Discover Music with AnEarful, which gives you monthly opportunities to find your next favorite artist across an unmatched range of genres (latest episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jeremy-shatan/episodes/Monthly-Listening-September-2024-e2p75q5). But, seriously, even if you only follow half of Chris's suggestions, you will find yourself being served an embarrassment of musical riches!
Thanks so much, Jeremy! I really appreciate the kind words. I'm actually working on another piece on the best music podcasts and I will be sure to include yours, for sure. 🤘🏻
I work for the streaming service Audiomack and we have two features that I think other services should try. First, we have a feed that shows every new release from the artists you follow. Second, when someone you follow puts something, we immediately send you an automatic push notification linking to it.
Those are great features to have. I love the "What's New" feature that Spotify has which shows every new release by the artists you follow. Musically-speaking, I can't live without that functionality. I can't understand why Apple Music doesn't have the same exact thing.
the best way to get to the most righteous vibrations is through friendship with me, but that tier of knowledge is not accessible to just anyone…
Facts. I count myself fortunate to be amongst those privileged few.
Mine is College Radio (lucky to be in Cleveland where there's 3 great stations); and also small either label-run or otherwise genre-fan-driven YouTube channels. Depending upon what you're looking for, you can frequently get not only new things from modern bands, but also "foundational document" bands for the genre that you may not have discovered yet.
Exactly, Shaggy. Going back to the source of your favorite artist's favorite artists can often open up a whole new world of music that often transcends that original artist's genre. And I do love me a good music YouTube channel. Please feel free to share your favorite ones! I'm always on the lookout for new ones.
Here's a few I like:
"Musicdawn 45's" (old soul, funk)
"The Day After The Sabbath" (old 2nd/3rd level Southern Rock/hard rock)
"Electrowelt Online" (Industrial)
"Harakiri Diat" (punk, darkwave from Europe in particular).
Label/venue run channels from:
Riding Easy Records
Summit Shack
Dais Records.
Thanks, Shaggy! I’ll check all of these out. Just added them all to a note I can reference. 👍🏻
Great post Chris. As a vinyl and CD afficionado, I also pay for Spotify for all the reasons you write. But I'm also a live music afficionado and the Spotify feature that shows local shows from your favourite artists and links to book them is fantastic too. I live in London and there are so many I would not have spotted without this feature.
Alex, yes! I forgot about that feature, but I do also really dig the alerts about upcoming local shows! I, too, would’ve missed a couple were it not for those notifications.
We’ve been listening to more college radio in our home lately. Great way to find new music mixed in with a few mainstream goodies.
I worked at a college station way back in the day. Ran the late-night show from 10p-2a. I remember spinning so many great things from The Sundays to They Might Be Giants, The Sugarcubes, Let’s Active and early R.E.M. Oh man, those were great times. I had so much fun with it!
They and public radio are the last bastion of curated music in a sea of pre-recorded algorithmic playlists on air and online.
Great list Chris, this is super helpful! Thank you!
Thanks, Keith! I appreciate you letting me know you dug it!
GREAT article, Chris. I've used many of these methods before, and I agree with their effectiveness. You've also introduced a few new ideas, which I'll dive into today. Thanks!!
Rob, I’m excited I gave you a few new ideas! That makes writing the piece feel so worthwhile to get feedback like this. Thank you!
allmusic.com is a great resource, too, especially for people like me who still mantain big digital music libraries. You can pay for a membership, which at $12 a year is super cheap!
Christopher, wondered if you’d do me a favor? Can you tell me more about how you use allmusic? What do you view as the greatest benefits? I’m considering joining too, especially since you pointed out how affordable it is…
College and community radio are tried and true sources for learning about new music. Many of these stations can be easily accessed online. (My local station KPTZ for example) Streaming services are ripping off artists.
I absolutely agree, Philip!
Ever since I got my Spotify account I discovered an immense number of new (and old) bands, artists, songs, etc. It has become my main source of new music and most of the time I just let the algorithm make its suggestions and if it sounds good to me, I'll make sure to check it out.
Great post, sir!
Thank you, Ton! I really appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you found this useful!
We have over 1100 original music tracks/videos on you YouTube - @PhilAmStyle77568 - and are distributing them on over 24 major music streaming platforms. So, while there are a lot of new music channels out there, the vast majority of the population is fixated on whatever the major radio and video boxes feed them, mostly likely going to their graves without ever hearing a single of the tons of great independent new music. Such is the sad state of things, and it is hardly any major change in sight over the horizon.
This is very true and well said. It is a shame that so much great music is lost on so many who will never hear it, but I consider those who do to be incredibly fortunate to be in the know.
I still find Allmusic.com very helpful.
Do you find it helpful for news, new releases, reviews? All of that? Or for some other specific feature?
New releases + reviews, though S.T. Erlewine is missed.
Gotcha. You know he’s here Substack now, right? https://sterlewine.substack.com/