How to Discover New Music on Spotify
Spotify has become the go-to streaming platform for millions of music lovers worldwide. But with its vast library of over 80 million songs, it can be overwhelming to navigate and find new music that you’ll actually enjoy.
This guide will help you unlock Spotify’s hidden gems and discover new music that perfectly fits your taste.
1. Dive into Spotify’s Personalized Playlists
Spotify is known for its highly personalized recommendations. Start by exploring these curated playlists:
- Discover Weekly: This playlist is generated every Monday based on your listening history. It’s a great starting point to discover new artists and songs within your preferred genres.
- Release Radar: Spotify curates this playlist with new releases from artists you follow and artists you might enjoy based on your listening habits.
- Daily Mixes: Spotify creates personalized daily mixes based on your recent listening history. You’ll find mixes for different moods and genres.
2. Explore “Made for You” Playlists
Spotify offers various “Made for You” playlists that cater to specific moods, activities, or genres. You can find these playlists in the “Browse” section of the app.
- Mood Playlists: Looking for a playlist to pump you up? Need something relaxing to unwind? Spotify has playlists for every mood, from “Workout” and “Focus” to “Chill” and “Sleep.”
- Genre-Specific Playlists: Spotify offers playlists for every genre imaginable, from pop and rock to jazz and classical. You can also find playlists for specific subgenres, such as “Indie Pop” or “Alternative Rock.”
- Activity-Based Playlists: Spotify even offers playlists for specific activities, such as “Study” or “Workout.”
3. Utilize Spotify’s “Radio” Feature
Spotify’s “Radio” feature lets you create a personalized radio station based on an artist, song, or album. This is a great way to discover similar artists and songs that you might enjoy.
- Start a Radio Station: Click the three dots next to a song, artist, or album, and select “Go to Radio.” Spotify will then create a radio station that plays similar music.
- Adjust the Station’s Sound: You can adjust the radio station’s sound by using the “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down” buttons to indicate whether you like or dislike the songs playing.
4. Harness the Power of “Similar Artists”
If you discover an artist you love, Spotify’s “Similar Artists” feature can help you find more artists with a similar sound.
- Find Similar Artists: Click on an artist’s profile and scroll down to the “Similar Artists” section.
- Explore New Sounds: Listen to the “Similar Artists” recommendations and expand your musical horizons.
5. Seek Inspiration from Spotify Charts
Staying on top of the latest trends is a great way to discover new music. Spotify’s charts showcase the most popular songs and artists worldwide.
- Explore Global and Local Charts: You can find the “Top Charts” in the “Browse” section. Explore both the global and local charts to see what’s trending in your region.
- Discover Trending Genres: Pay attention to the genres represented in the charts to identify emerging trends and find new music that aligns with your tastes.
6. Tap into Spotify’s Algorithmic Recommendations
Spotify’s algorithms are constantly working behind the scenes to curate personalized music recommendations.
- “For You” Tab: The “For You” tab in the app is a personalized hub that displays recommendations based on your listening history, liked songs, and other factors.
- Explore “Recommended” Playlists: The “For You” tab also includes “Recommended” playlists based on your preferences.
- Utilize “Recently Played” and “Liked Songs”: Regularly reviewing your “Recently Played” and “Liked Songs” lists will help Spotify refine its algorithms and offer more accurate recommendations.
7. Get Social with Spotify’s Music Community
Spotify has a vibrant community where you can share your music tastes, discover new artists, and connect with other music lovers.
- Follow Artists and Friends: Follow your favorite artists to stay updated on their latest releases. You can also follow friends to see what they’re listening to.
- Join Spotify Communities: There are many Spotify communities online dedicated to specific genres, artists, and subcultures. Join these communities to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new music.
8. Explore Music Blogs and Online Publications
Numerous blogs and online publications dedicated to music provide insights into new releases, upcoming artists, and the latest music trends.
- Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Stereogum: These well-respected publications offer reviews, interviews, and features on new and established artists.
- Genre-Specific Blogs: Search online for blogs dedicated to your favorite genres. You can find blogs focused on indie music, electronic music, hip hop, and more.
9. Dive into Music Streaming Podcasts
Many podcasts are dedicated to exploring the world of music, offering insights into new releases, interviews with artists, and music-related discussions.
- The Pitchfork Review, Song Exploder, and All Songs Considered: These podcasts offer a range of perspectives and in-depth analysis of music from various genres.
- Genre-Specific Podcasts: Search online for podcasts dedicated to your favorite music genres.
10. Attend Music Festivals and Concerts
Live music experiences offer a fantastic opportunity to discover new artists and bands.
- Check Local Listings: Search online for upcoming music festivals and concerts in your area.
- Explore Different Genres: Attend festivals and concerts that feature a diverse range of musical styles to expand your musical horizons.
11. Utilize Music Discovery Apps
Several apps are specifically designed to help you discover new music based on your preferences.
- Bandcamp: Bandcamp is a platform where independent musicians can sell their music directly to fans.
- Soundcloud: Soundcloud is a popular platform for sharing and discovering independent music and podcasts.
- Last.fm: Last.fm uses your listening habits to recommend new artists and create personalized radio stations.
12. Connect with Music-Loving Friends and Family
Word-of-mouth is still a powerful way to discover new music.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask your music-loving friends and family for their latest music discoveries.
- Share Your Discoveries: Share your favorite new artists and songs with others to foster a shared love of music.
Conclusion
Finding new music on Spotify doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By utilizing the platform’s personalized features, exploring various music communities, and seeking out new sources of music recommendations, you can unlock a world of sonic treasures and expand your musical tastes. Remember, the most important thing is to keep exploring and discovering music that you love!
