The Quest for music the way you like it, or should I say I like it has often been an uneventful, and often times disappointing task. As I am sure a lot of you reading this right now would agree. Please allow me to define “music the way you like it”.
This applies to music which rejuvenates you, that allows you to see the brighter side of things or situations (That light at the end of the tunnel). This is the stuff that changes moods (from bad to good or vice verse), that may make an insurmountable task surmountable. Music is deeply Emotional, Music is Compassionate, and Music compliments our lives.
Have you ever found yourself tapping your hand or foot to an unfamiliar melody or beat, but then you realized that you were doing it and kept tapping just the same. During those rare occasions when we hear a piece of music that we like and have not heard before, and you wonder what the name is of that particular piece, and or the artist/artists name or album.
This can be a difficult task depending on the medium in which the New Song Music passed through your ear cavity. If it was the radio (airwaves, Internet or otherwise), in a passing car, restaurant, lounge, Gym, etc…Etc. There are so many ways you can luck up on good new music, or simply new music to you. Honestly if you have not heard it before it is new to you. Just like a new used car is new to you, you love it just the same.
Well…let us discuss this process, and also remove dumb luck from the equation. Honestly how often do you blindly stumble across great music you absolutely love, during your daily travels. Unless you live in a college dorm, or frequent clubs and happy hours daily (“ahhhh the good ole days”), most do not have that kind of time. Although there are some of us that have the luxury to work in the entertainment industry, or have jobs with great schedules which allot for a great deal of free time.
Unfortunately the rest of us have limited time and moderate or a great deal of responsibility. So finding new music may have to be a bit more deliberate, and premeditated in purpose. In other words an easy and convenient way to find New Song Music frequently!
As you are aware most of the New music you hear on main stream radio is less than appealing. Then those same unappealing songs are played repeatedly. If you happen to hear a song by an artist you do like, it gets played so many times that you lose interest. I often wonder with all this repeat business going on, how do new good artist even get introduced? I call this the radio loop.
So here are a few ways you can acquire good New Song Music. Music Blogs, Social Music Sites, and Music Portal Sites that identify similar artists by genre or category based on your current favorites.
Music Blogs…
Otherwise known as Mp3 blogs, that allow you to download new music. Once you have downloaded the track simply listen and give your opinion (your opinion is not required); the great thing about this medium is that it gives you access to safe music downloads for free. The artists featured usually are new unknown, lesser known, or underground.
Along with the music download a blog post will accompany the file giving you some background and bio information about the artist. In most cases you will be able to view how others have rated it, depending on how new it is. This can be a good indicator whether or not it is worth your time to even engage your ears.
The mp3 downloads are provided by record labels and promotion firms so that is why the music is legal and free for distribution. Most come from the artists promoting music themselves, so it is a great way to find some real musical treasures.
Some of the Music Blogs I like are One Track Mind, and The Hype Machine, so go check them out. Remember your opinion is strongly encouraged; this is how the sites are able to supply you with new music daily. So remember to vote/rate the songs you like and the ones you do not it only takes seconds. In an effort to give back when we can, here is an opportunity to do just that.
Social Music Sites…
These Musical Communities give the power to the listeners, the Incumbent Independent artist/artists submits there musical works to the communities for review. The listeners, in some cases soon to become fans recommend the music they like to others in the community. The advantage of this type of social circle is that you can see what other music listeners have liked at a glance. Thus adding to your own musical Internet jukebox.
My favorite Social Music sites are The Sixty One, and Our Stage.
Music Portal Sites…
The main focus for most of these Sites is to promote unsigned artists, and allow their music to be heard and fan a base to be acquired. The new music found here are often times unique and original, so listen closely. The premise is for listeners to invest in the artists they really like. Once the artist reaches their budget goal, they will be able to record an album professionally. This gives the artist the leverage to create their own deals with record labels, the way they want. Without the limitations that are put in place when advances for recording and marketing are made. This in turn allows the artist/artists to retain creative control, and maintain musical message with direction. Free from Record Label main stream constraints. In essence you get to hear new music songs before they go main stream, and before they top musical chart.
Please check out Sella band and Africa Unsigned, great untapped resources.
There are literally dozens of ways to find new music…
There are so many ways to discover new music I have just outlined just a handful here. So please take on your own initiatives to discover New Music and share with others as frequently and as often as you can.