where do you go to find new music?

[thecatscanvas]

I have all my usual playlists downloaded to my computer. I still want to explore and expand my music collection. But given especially recent issues with Spotify and YouTube, I don't want to use them to find new music to listen to.

Where do y'all go to explore new music?

[PossiblyAxolotl]

Sometimes I find recommendations on forums, people's websites, or get them from friends, once I found a really neat chiptuney album by clicking random albums on the Bandcamp frontpage constantly moving "just purchased" feed. I wish more people would put some music they like on their sites, like on AVQ's frontpage he sometimes switches out the music featured

[WaybackGuy]

Oof.
YouTube channels and feed are by far my most effective go-to for new music discovery. What problems are you experiencing?

If I had to look elsewhere I would probably start with KEXP content and shows. Their YouTube channel is a huge source for me but they also have podcasts and a live radio feed.

Sometimes I discover new and old stuff listening to NPR's Sound Opinions podcast.

[Oceansandy02]

At the moment, I use niconico douga and SoundCloud, but before the boycott I used youtube

SoundCloud has a bunch of beginner music that can be pretty good, and you can download them on cobalt.tools However there are a lot of reuploads.

NicoNico Douga has a lot of jpop music videos, however if you don't know japanese, it would be hard to remember them

[TheFrugalGamer]

I've found a lot of good albums via internet radio, in particular Soma.fm. There's a thread or two around here about different stations, if you're looking for others.

I also use Last.fm and Musicbrainz to track my listens, and they have a few features that let you view "similar artists" in interactive charts and stuff. I'll click through those and then listen to a few tracks to discover new artists that way as well.

[Bede]

Whenever I see a piece of music that piques my interest while I do not have the energy to dedicate to a Proper Full-Attention Listening, I put it in a playlist of "music to listen to". When I'm in the mood to check out a new song, I usually browse that playlist!

Otherwise, the same exact way I discovered music when I was 12 and only using YouTube to watch Movie Maker Pokemon AMVs: looking up fanvids for my current hyperfixation.

[nvalk1]

I usually go on different music discussion sites, whether it be discord servers or forums. People are always recommending new stuff to listen to on those places.

I went on /mu/ for a long time and I'll still check it out occasionally. I also like watching different music review channels on YouTube.

Also, subscribing to publications that post music reviews like Pitchfork is a good thing to do too.

[smileyhogwash]

Bandcamp is a really great way to find music, you can search for albums and bands using whatever tags you like, explore recommended albums based on ones you enjoy (assuming that those are on bandcamp already) and I find that exploring the collections of those with similar taste is a great way to find interesting stuff!! I have also discovered a lot of music through discord communities like that of Needlejuice Records.

[mothpanic]

reddit, tumblr, occasionally pinterest. I used to listen to user made spotify playlists but they start to feel same-y after or while (or maybe I just need to expand my tastes). I know of some sites that can generate recommendations like last.fm and spotalike, but my hard rule is that I only listen to music that’s given to me by real people instead of algorithms. everynoise.com is decent if you’re willing to scrape through each genre tag to find what you’re looking for, or if you have something very specific in mind.

[small_cypress]

My local FM independent music station! I feel very lucky to live in a place that has a non-profit station playing music 24/7. They have all local DJ's and let me know when bands are playing in town. I find a lot of music this way.

Regular local NPR affiliates often have local music hours too. If your town doesn't have a local FM station you can check out indie music radio streams online.

[Absentmind]

NTS Radio has some really cool curated playlists they release, their live music shows are pretty good too! I like the Breakfast show with Flo.

An awesome site I used to frequent is https://everynoise.com/ if you're willing to dig. Unfortunately this project has been discontinued but I've found some really cool and unique music along with playlists there. There is plenty of stuff on there to keep you going for a long time! it does use spotify but you can just write down the names of the people you like and stream/download them elsewhere

Warning: Be careful when you click "scan" can lead to a loud jumpscare hehe

[Paprika]

For me it's a bit weird since I only listen to one music genre + subgenres (Synthwaves and all its derivatives) so I can't hear it on regular radio stations. As already mentioned : everynoise. What I use most of the time is BandCamp. I've bought a lot of music there and downloaded it + copies on several usb keys so if internet blows up tomorrow, I'll still have my music.

Before I was using some youtube channels such as Meobius, The Prime Thanathos and a few others but the AI art they use is a big turn off for me so I stopped a few months ago.

BandCamp has been the most reliable way and Everynoise in second position.

[windit]

Hi! Another vote for Bandcamp here. Additionally when I'm in that 'I don't know what I want to listen to' mood I've been turning to radio to be introduced to new stuff that I can follow up.

A recommendation: Mouthfull Online Radio Station

[munchlax]

find interviews of artists you like talking about their inspirations, i have found so many good artists i wouldnt have even heard of otherwise doing this

[alexela64]

In order of most to least frequently:

Listening to my dad's old CDs. My dad has as varied a music taste as me so i usually find interesting stuff. Currently listening to one actually - by Better than Ezra. I've been going through them for about a year now and still have a ton left.

Finding super cheap secondhand CDs at thrift stores, facebook marketplace lots and a popup traveling bookstore in my area.

Going to live shows that look interesting and are under 15-20$. Or, listening to more of the discography of an opener at a show.

Listening to bands/albums I read about in music publications. The two I read are Razorcake and New Noise. I vastly prefer Razorcake, I don't care very much for metal and New Noise tends to have more of that than punk.

Listening to albums that my friends recommend to me.

Shazaming a song in a public space that I really like and listening to the album it came from.

Listening to songs from bands I see on peoples' patches.

Listening to the suggested songs after my chosen song plays, and (unfortunately) spotify since I can't get my parents to cancel their premium.