Top 10 Sites and Apps to Discover Fresh New Music

By Pinar Noorata (from My Modern Met) on June 11, 2012

1 Comment

"What kind of music do you like?" is something that you've most likely been asked and have questioned others at some point in your life. Perhaps you like dance, pop, rock, or even dance-pop-rock. In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, it's easy to access a wide selection of media, so it's fairly acceptable to like an expansive variety of genres that are constantly being reinvented. But, where does one consistently find new and enjoyable music? With so many artists out there trying to have their sound heard, it can be difficult to hone in on music worth listening to, which is why having an extensive array of media outlets providing insight can come in handy. Today, we bring you the best sites and apps to help you refine your search and discover the latest music to grace your ears.

1. Spotify




Spotify is a multi-platform app that is an excellent source for not only listening to your favorites, but to aid in your discovery of new music. It allows you to keep a collection of music in your own digital library. You get unlimited access for the first 6 months. After that, there is a limit of 10 hours per month, unless you purchase a monthly subscription. You can create your own playlists and even share what you're listening to across several social networks like Facebook and Twitter. On the main page of the program, you can always find the latest album releases and take a listen to figure out whether you like it or not. Each artist you click on has a "Related artists" section that introduces you to other artists with a similar sound. Additionally, you can click on "Start Artist Radio" which plays an automated track list of similar artists.


2. NPR Music


NPR Music is National Public Radio's extensive site devoted to music. There are several headings under this main page that offer expert critiques and exclusive peeks into the best music out there today. All Songs Considered is part of the highly respected music section of NPR where host Bob Boilen and producer Robin Hilton release a weekly podcast by the same name that shares the best new music for the masses to discover. The program's blog is updated frequently with articles pertaining to album reviews and upcoming shows and tours the duo are looking forward to. In addition, Tiny Desk Concert is an excellent source for hearing an eclectic mix of bands spanning different genres performing live (often acoustic) sets by Boilen's desk in the NPR Music office.


3. TuneIn


TuneIn is a site that offers over 50,000 different radio stations to listen to from around the world. While the site also provides listening channels for those interested in talk radio and sports broadcasting, there is a vast section designated for music stations, categorized by location, genre, and even sub-genres to help listeners find what they're looking for. Whether you're in the mood for a basic Top 40 in your city or you're looking to expand your horizons on global hits on the other side of the earth, this free service will aid you in your musical discovery. There is also a handy app available (TuneIn Radio) for your on-the-go devices.


4. Pitchfork


Pitchfork was launched by Ryan Schreiber nearly two decades ago in 1995 and has maintained its strong and loyal following. The site is a leading force in covering content about underground and independent music. While its main focus lies in indie rock music, it certainly plays a part in turning small, unknown bands, into breakout hits that crossover into the mainstream. For anyone interested in being the first to know about a band before they become popular, Pitchfork is the site to go to. It offers breaking interviews and extensive album reviews that are rated from 0.0 (the worst) to 10.0 (the best). The site also includes a "Best New Music" section where it features a frequently updated list of the best new tracks, and is known to offer full streams of albums before they are released.


5. Shazam


Music is constantly around us and Shazam offers a sure-fire way to make sure you discover the artist and track name of the song you hear, wherever you are. The app allows users to discover, explore, share, and even buy music with just a few clicks. All that's required for the app to recognize a song is an internet connection. It has an extensive library of music that can identify songs in over 30 languages. With the additional new feature called LyricPlay, you can even see the lyrics to over 30,000 popular songs in real-time, turning your listening party into a sing-along.


6. Pandora


Pandora is a well-known site that has replaced the traditional radio for many in search of a continuous playlist of music that suits their tastes. This internet radio of sorts functions on the Music Genome Project, which represents a decade-long collection and analysis of music, allowing the program to identify up to 450 distinct musical characteristics. Through this carefully classified database that is continually growing, Pandora is able to customize a favorable radio experience for users, according to the song, artist, or genre with which they choose to start their musical journey.


7. The Hype Machine


The Hype Machine started as an experimental project in 2005 and has since grown into a business followed and run by avid music fans. The site serves as an aggregator of the best music blogs out there. The hundreds of blogs that the site pulls from include posts about new, underground music acts as well as reviews of mainstream artists. The blogs they carefully curate and share often contain MP3 links which can all conveniently be streamed on the site. While the Hype Machine itself doesn't offer downloads of the MP3 files, it supports artists by providing iTunes and Amazon links to purchase their tracks. Another neat feature includes the ability to create your own customizable playlist with the vast library of music on the site.


8. SoundCloud


SoundCloud is more than just a site that offers streams of music. It is a self-proclaimed "social sound platform." The audio networking and communicating site allows anyone to upload their music and share it with everyone. Exploring the site can really introduce you to the latest, emerging artists and perhaps discover a new, experimental sound you haven't heard before. The great thing about SoundCloud, other than its social sharing capabilities, is its open and interactive community. Within a sound clip, fellow listeners can leave comments ranging from their ecstatic response to a crescendo to their disappointment in lyrical repetitiveness.


9. thesixtyone


Like SoundCloud, thesixtyone offers an arena for up-and-coming artists to upload their music and share it with the masses. It allows artists to showcase themselves and get direct feedback in accordance with their music's popularity among listeners. The way thesixtyone operates is similar to a social game. The most user-elected favorite song is featured on the homepage. Users get to up- or down-vote a song, determining what makes it on the main page when anyone visits the site. It's a great way to discover new music and contribute to what others get to hear. Adding more to the gaming aura of the site, participation is encouraged in the form of rewards in which you can "earn reputation, level up your influence, and collect badges."


10. VEVO


VEVO is a music programming platform that has a special partnership with YouTube, allowing its services to reach over 200 countries. It also has ongoing deals with major music labels to share music videos of the latest and most popular artists across a number of genres. If you're feeling out of the loop and need to refresh your contemporary musical awareness, the main site can confidently help out with its "charts" section listing the top artists, videos, and staff picks. Additionally, VEVO has a mobile and tablet app, and can even be viewed on your TV by linking it to your Xbox profile where you will have access to the entire library of over 11,000 artists.

Read More...

5 Must-Have Devices for Music Lovers

Any avid music-lover is well aware of their borderline unhealthy obsession with a good beat. You know who you are. You're the person who can't go five seconds of walking down the street without throwing on those massive headphones and rocking out to the latest Drake tune or classic Zeppelin song. There's nothing wrong with this. In fact, this addiction to music is experienced by millions of people all over the world. What is wrong is listening to that classic jam without the necessary equipment. Considering the surplus of awesome new gadgets to enhance your listening experience, playing your favorite song on an old Discman is like driving to work with a horse and buggy. It may be vintage-chic, but it's completely inefficient and extremely outdated.

Now, many of you may be thinking, "I'm so overwhelmed! There are just too many devices out there to even know where to start." Fear not my music-loving friend, as Trend Hunter has an array of gadgets that will make those plain white iPod earbuds look like useless pieces of string hanging from your head. From headphones that emit a delicious chocolate aroma to classic speakers incorporated into cedar cigar cases, Trend Hunter has broken down five of the best and most original gadgets to enhance your music-listening experience. 

Sonic Walk Igniter
Have you ever tried running in the rain? If you're one of those people who feels like an Olympic athlete because hypothermia is about to set in and you feel "tough," just remember your iPod doesn't quite share those sentiments. A drop of water can turn your precious music blaster into a fried and sizzling piece of electronic mess. To counter this potential disaster, the Sonic Walk Igniter was invented for those who enjoy keeping their iPods in one piece, and feel invigorated when the heavens open up to relieve themselves. The contraption is also lightweight, ensuring runners aren't bogged down with unnecessary equipment and lack of tunes.

$120

The Speaker Vest
For those who lived through the 90s, you'll remember hip-hop artists in popular rap videos jamming to a heavy boombox resting on their shoulder. While this may look "cool," I'm sure the muscle cramping that occurred from carrying a 20-pound weight in that position was not. Fast-forward a couple decades and many neck problems later, and Joey Andolina decided to bring back this popular craze with a bit more practicality. The Speaker Vest moves this music-pumping machine to the back and is attached to a durable piece of clothing. This allows users to walk around, listening to tunes without worrying about potential injuries. The design also looks badass, so if you're going for the Terminator look feel free to add a pair of shades to this outfit and put on an Arnie accent.  

$850

Sound Like Chocolate Headphones
Although walking the streets with a pair of good-looking headphones looks sly, the smell that eventually emits from these bad boys is not pleasant. Sweat is just one of those bodily functions that's hard to ignore, and if you're someone who likes a good jog every now and then, an ill-fated aroma will eventually encase your much-loved headset. But what if there was a way to avoid this audacity? What if your headphones smelled like...chocolate? Although some may scoff at this ridiculous statement, the good people over at Fu-Bi decided to give it a try. The 'Sound Like Chocolate' headphones not only blast beats, but smell like delicious chocolate melting on a warm summers day. Perhaps more suited to women (or the real man who fully embraces his inner chocolate cravings), this gadget would be the perfect gift for Valentine's Day for all the tune-jamming lasses out there.  

$77

Cedar Cigar Box Powered Speakers
For those who enjoy a good cigar but are concerned about the affects on health, the Cedar Cigar Box Powered Speakers make for a smart-living happy medium. These sturdy music blasters have a retro look, but don't be fooled into thinking they can't pack a mean punch. Just imagine your next dinner party with these pumping a few classic Frank Sinatra soundtracks to entertain the guests. The design screams timeless, and demonstrates to visitors your impeccable sense of style. Although bigger speakers may do the trick, they will not get you brownie points when it comes to suaveness. If you're in the mood to splurge, you can even light up a Cuban.  

$350

Spin Headphones 

Last, but certainly not least in this comprehensive overview of must-have gadgets is a set of headphones to turn nomads into DJ pros. Sure, making beats in your bedroom is fun, but who wants to be confined to this cramped space? You sound cool saying you're mixing some tracks, but doing this at home on a Friday night is not exactly the epitome of hot. To avoid this embarrassing ordeal, the Spin Headphones allow wanderers to sample songs through one headphone, and scratch with the other. Users are thus able to make music on the go, and can even get some exercise at the same time.  

  

Read More...