How to Find New Music in 2024

Music connects people. It evokes powerful emotions, brings back memories, and even influences our mood. From pop to rock, hip-hop to classical, music is a rich tapestry that reflects our diverse cultures and experiences.

In this digital age, new music is being produced at an unprecedented rate, and it can be overwhelming to go through it all. That is where we come in. We will provide tips and tricks on how to find new music that resonates with you.

What is the importance of finding new music?

Discovering how to find new music can be exciting. It helps expand your musical horizons, keeps your playlists fresh, and introduces you to different genres, artists, and perspectives.

Further, it is a great way to stay in tune with current trends and connect with the ever-evolving world of music. Finding new music can also be a mood booster and provide a soundtrack for different moments in your life.

Discovering new music can be tricky for some people. So, we bring you a compilation of ways on how to find new music.

Use music streaming services

Spotify

Spotify is a digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs. It offers a free tier with occasional ads and a premium tier for ad-free listening, offline downloads, and more. Wondering how to find new music on Spotify, we will share some secret tips:

1. Use the Browse feature to explore curated playlists in various genres
2. Check out Discover Weekly and Daily Mix for personalized song recommendations
3. Use Radio Stations for songs similar to your favorite artists
4. Explore the New Releases section for the latest music

Apple Music

Apple Music provides access to millions of songs, music videos, and live performances. It offers a free trial period, after which a subscription fee applies. It is available on various devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Android. Here are the ways you can know how to find new music using Apple Music:

1. Tap Browse to discover new music
2. Explore Featured Music and Playlists created by music experts
3. Check out the New Releases section for the latest albums and songs
4. Use the For You playlists for personalized music recommendations

YouTube Music

YouTube Music is a dedicated music player from YouTube, offering official albums, singles, videos, remixes, live performances, and more. It also provides personalized playlists and mixes based on your music preferences. To know how to find new music on YouTube, check these directions:

1. Use the Explore feature to discover new music.
2. Check out New Releases for the latest songs and albums.
3. Use the Samples tab for short video segments of new music.
4. Explore Music Videos for new songs and performances.

Amazon Music

Amazon Music offers access to a vast library of songs and podcasts. It is included with an Amazon Prime membership and offers a premium tier, Amazon Music Unlimited, for access to a more extensive library.

Here is the answer to your question, ‘How to find new music on Amazon Music?’:

1. Go to Find > New Releases to discover newly released songs, albums, and playlists.
2. Check out the New Release Playlists for the latest songs in various genres.

Follow music blogs and publications

Magazines and online publications

• Subscribe to music magazines: Subscribe to traditional music magazines or explore their online counterparts. Magazines like Rolling Stone, NME, or Pitchfork often feature reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
• Visit online music blogs: Many independent music blogs, such as Pitchfork, Your EDM, and Hypebot, cover various genres and provide in-depth reviews of new releases. Follow blogs that align with your musical preferences.

Online review platforms

• Explore review aggregator sites: Platforms like Metacritic compile reviews from various sources, giving you an overall rating for albums. Explore the highest-rated releases to discover critically acclaimed music.
• Visit album review websites: Websites dedicated to album reviews, such as AllMusic or Consequence, offer detailed insights into new releases. Read reviews to identify albums that match your taste.

Use soundtracks

Check the end credits

• Movies and TV shows: Pay attention to the end credits of movies and TV shows. They often list the songs used in the production, including the background score and featured tracks.
• Video games: In video games, explore the credits or game menus for information on the soundtrack. Game developers often credit the composers and artists.

Search the lyrics

• Use lyrics search engines: If you catch a snippet of lyrics from a soundtrack, use online lyrics search engines like Genius or LyricFind to identify the song and artist.
• Use music identification apps: If you can capture a part of the soundtrack, use apps like Shazam or SoundHound. They can identify songs by analyzing audio snippets.

Social media and online communities

To know how to find new music via social media and online communities, keep reading ahead:

Popular hashtags

• Explore trending hashtags: On platforms like X, Instagram Reels, or TikTok, explore popular music-related hashtags such as #NewMusic, #MusicDiscovery, or specific genre-related tags.
• Follow artist hashtags: Many artists and bands create and promote their music using unique hashtags. Follow your favorite artists’ hashtags to stay updated on their releases and related content.

Ask your existing network

• Social media polls or questions: Use features like polls or question boxes on platforms like Instagram or X to ask your followers and friends for music recommendations.
• Create discussion threads: Initiate discussions on platforms like Reddit or specialized music forums, seeking recommendations based on specific preferences.

Use lists or music getting recognition

• Curated playlists: Platforms like Spotify often curate ‘Best of’ playlists based on genres, moods, or themes. Explore these playlists and discover popular and emerging tracks.
• Year-end lists: Many music publications release year-end lists of the best songs or albums. Check out these lists for curated recommendations from critics and industry experts.
• Award shows: Pay attention to music awards such as the Grammy and Golden Globe Awards. Winning and nominated artists often gain recognition for their outstanding work.

Internet radio stations and podcasts

Here is how to find new music using radio stations and podcasts.

Internet radio stations

• Browse genre-specific stations: Explore internet radio platforms like Pandora, SHOUTcast, or AccuRadio, which offer genre-specific stations. Select a genre you’re interested in, and let the station introduce you to new artists.
• Explore global stations: Tune in to international stations on platforms like Radio Garden, allowing you to explore music from different countries and cultures.
• Use radio aggregator apps: Apps like TuneIn Radio or iHeartRadio aggregate various internet radio stations. Search for stations based on your preferred genres or themes.

Podcasts

• Genre-specific podcasts: Search podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts for shows dedicated to specific music genres. Many podcasts feature discussions, interviews, and curated playlists.
• Explore podcast networks: Networks like NPR Music or BBC Music often produce podcasts featuring in-depth music coverage. Subscribe to these networks for a diverse range of content.

User-generated playlists

User-generated playlists are a goldmine for when you want to learn how to find new music. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music often have a plethora of them. Simply search for a genre, mood, or theme you’re interested in and explore the playlists created by other users. It is a fantastic way to tap into the diverse musical preferences of the community and stumble upon some hidden musical treasures.

Live music and concerts

• Local gigs and open mic nights: Attend local concerts, open mic nights, or small gigs. These events often feature emerging artists and provide an intimate setting for discovering new music.
• Music festivals & concerts: Explore big music festivals, such as Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza, where you can encounter diverse artists and genres in one place.

Ask your friends and family

If you want to discover new music through your friends and family, ask them for recommendations! You can inquire about their favorite artists, albums, or genres and maybe even create a shared playlist where everyone can contribute their musical suggestions. It is a fun way to explore different tastes and discover hidden gems.