Remember the DJ culture of the 90s, radio in the 70s, and mixtapes of the 80s? Not too long ago, top DJs and radio programmers carefully selected music. Listeners trusted that the music they heard was based on quality rather than record label payola. Radio used to be the trusted source for all good music, but it isn’t anymore. The digital age has transformed the way we discover music on a global scale.
As listeners, all we care about is GOOD MUSIC. I’m not one to complain, but when I hear the same songs played every hour, I find that type of radio programming unnecessarily redundant when there is so much music being released by talented artists every single day. Unfortunately, the everyday listener may not know where to find it.
Here I’ve listed six ways to discover music in 2015. These apps and websites curate extremely good music, bringing you an uncluttered angle with which to appreciate music. It’s about time we hear refreshing human playlists again.
22tracks
Yes, that’s 22tracks. What do you get when 120 expert and influential DJs from Brussels, London, Amsterdam and Paris curate 22 genre playlists containing 22 monthly refreshed tunes that can be streamed for free from 22tracks.com or by their leading 22tracks mobile phone app? You get a refreshing spin on music discovery. There is no registration, no hassle and it’s free. New music: the easy way. And you’ll never forget the number ’22’ ever again.
Indie Shuffle
I can’t speak highly enough of Indie Shuffle. I was lucky enough to have my latest single, “Music & Love,” premiered on Indie Shuffle a few weeks ago. Updated every day with new music from emerging and mainstream artists, you’ll hear the newest indie releases with a sprinkle of the mainstream radio feel. Music journalists also write short, thorough reviews of every song so you can read about what you’re listening to, a feature that most music discovery websites don’t bother to do. These good folks know how to keep us coming back on a daily basis.
Hilly Dilly
Forget algorithms and played out, overexposed music. Embrace handpicked, pre-screened tracks. This ‘curated music discovery service’ is all about connecting the average music fan to ‘all the good music that’s out there,’ ensuring the quality of the songs they feature meet their standards. The site doesn’t discriminate based on genre. Instrumental, indie, electronic and many others are represented. You’ll definitely hear tunes that catch your ear. Simply put, Hilly Dilly tries to find lesser-known artists and expose them to the everyday listener. Many music discovery sites can take a cue from the Hilly Dilly process of advocating for the emerging artist.
Jazz Arabia
If you are a jazz lover or know someone who is, you all will get your complete and utter lives listening to Abu Dhabi’s only 24-hour jazz radio station. JazzArabia blends different jazz music styles together. I’ll be the first to admit it. Jazz Arabia had me grooving to Tito Puente, relaxing to Miles Davis and singing along to Etta James. Take my advice and tune into www.jazzarabia.com or download the jazzarabia app on your mobile phone.
8tracks
Like Hilly Dilly, 8tracks believe handcrafted music programming trumps algorithms. For this music discovery blog, emerging DJs become the source of the content. DJs upload MP3s or AACs to craft a playlist, add context with description and art, and publish their mix on the blog and a personal webpage. Listeners get a special blend of radio programming and word-of-mouth sharing. DJs also engage in the do-it-yourself art of career building.
NPR Music
Of course, I’ve saved the best for last. My go-to music discovery site is NPR Music. NPR is an acronym for National Public Radio. When I visit www.npr.com, it feels like I’m walking into the world’s largest music library. The layout is simple and sweet, even though there are three distinct sections that serve specific functions. ‘First Listen’ features upcoming albums in their entirety. ‘Tiny Desk’ showcases intimate performances recorded live in NPR Studios. ‘All Things Considered’ features ‘music from emerging artists that you’ll fall in love with.’ They’ve developed an unparalleled standard of excellence for music discovery. I could literally listen to NPR Music for a week straight and always find something new to share, download or purchase.
