Finding New Music

I’m sitting in the passenger seat of my mother’s 2009 Honda Pilot.

Two hundred forty-two miles to go until we reach our destination.

There are many things I get from my mom: my eyes, my nose, and my impatient attitude.

I did not get my love for music from her.

While she is content to road-trip in silence or listen to a book-on-tape, I need something else.

When we stopped at a Starbucks two silent hours into the trip, I picked up a copy of Rhye’s Woman – an album I would consider one of the best releases of 2013. 

“Even you might like this,” I told her.

She didn’t.

She didn’t understand why the songs stopped so abruptly and she didn’t understand why “they all sounded the same.”

I tried.

Of all the people I recommend music to, my mom never fails to think the recommendation is just too weird for her taste.

Oh well.

Other people often ask me to recommend music to them, and working at a radio station, I hear my fair share of new music, so I’m happy to oblige.

But for those people who don’t have a friend who is a song dispensing shaman, where do they turn to discover new music?

Navigating the waters of new releases can leave a person drowning in a sea of songs that they might not particularly enjoy.

For those timid swimmers, I have a few tips.

#1. Use social media to follow bands that you already like.
 Bands know that social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are quick and easy ways to connect with fans. Sites like these are often the first place you’ll hear about a new album in the works, side projects, remixes, and collaborations. 

#2. Use online radio stations to find new music for you.
Stations like Pandora build customized stations for the listener based on user preference feedback. Programs like Spotify and iTunes now boast radio stations as well. (iTunes also offers a few free downloads on their home page each week that are worth checking out.)

#3. Follow music blogs.

The Internet is overflowing with these. Pitchfork, Stereogum, Daytrotter, and NPR Music's "All Songs Considered" are just a few. Many music magazines are also now online, such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and NME. The majority of these sites will contain news and usually allow you to stream new tracks or albums for free. 

#4. Show up early to shows and actually see the opening band.

There is no guarantee you will enjoy this. In fact, it may be painful. However, the band you are there to see probably chose the opening band, so give them a shot. I'll also stretch this tip to say when you're at a festival, go see a band on the lineup you've never heard of if you have some down time. If you don't like them, you can always just walk away.

#5. Raid your friend’s/family’s/roommate’s music selections.

Many a favorite album has been found in my dad's record collection. Sometimes you'd be surprised by the good taste your parent have. Friends, too. Reach out to others and ask for a recommendation; that way you're not all alone in your search. If there's no one you want to ask, 

One or more of these tips is sure to help you find something you've never heard of before. 

Is there a way you find new music? Let me know!

I still have about 150 miles to go until I can listen to my own music, but for now, we’ve agreed on Norah Jones’s Come Away With Me. (See, sometimes your parents can have good taste.)