There’s nothing quite like the rush of finding a new song that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a track that lifts your mood, calms your nerves, or makes you dance like no one’s watching, discovering new music can feel personal and magical. But with millions of songs available at your fingertips, figuring out how to find new music you’ll actually like can feel overwhelming.
The good news? It’s easier than ever to discover new music, thanks to smart algorithms, curated playlists, and passionate communities. The trick is knowing where to look and how to guide those tools toward your taste. Here are some tried-and-true ways to find songs and artists that you’ll genuinely enjoy.
Start With What You Already Like
If you’re not sure where to begin, start by using your favorite music as a roadmap. Think about your top artists, genres, or even specific songs that you can’t get enough of. Most streaming platforms allow you to generate playlists or stations based on a particular track or artist, making it a simple way to discover similar music.
For example, if you love indie folk, try searching for “artists similar to Bon Iver” or listen to the “radio” version of a favorite song. This kind of music discovery is both comfortable and personalized, helping you branch out without straying too far from your comfort zone.
Use Music Discovery Features on Streaming Platforms
One of the best ways to discover new music is to take full advantage of the features already built into streaming apps. These platforms are designed to help you explore, and they do a surprisingly good job when guided correctly.
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Spotify has tools like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mixes, and Enhanced Playlists. The more you interact liking, skipping, and saving songs the better your recommendations get.
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Apple Music offers a For You tab that updates with suggestions based on your listening history and preferences.
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YouTube creates automatic mixes and recommendations based on your viewing history. Watching a few live performances or niche music videos can help steer the algorithm toward your style.
The key to getting personalized music suggestions that truly fit your taste is consistency. The more feedback you give these platforms, the smarter they get at matching you with music you’ll enjoy.
Follow Curated Playlists and Music Blogs
If you want to go beyond algorithms, tap into the human side of music discovery. Playlists curated by real people whether experts or fellow fans offer a more nuanced way to explore new sounds.
Search for genre-specific playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. Look for titles like “Indie Rock Gems,” “Chill R&B Vibes,” or “Best of Underground Rap.” You can also follow playlists made by music magazines or influencers with similar tastes.
In addition, check out music blogs like:
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Pitchfork
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Stereogum
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NPR Music
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The Line of Best Fit
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Hype Machine
These sites regularly highlight new and emerging artists, often before they hit the mainstream. It’s one of the best ways to find music that’s fresh and under the radar.
Try Music Discovery Apps and Tools
If you’re looking for the best way to find music that’s both diverse and aligned with your interests, there are several apps and tools designed specifically for that purpose.
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Shazam and SoundHound help you identify songs you hear out in the wild—and from there, you can explore more by the same artist.
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Last.fm tracks your listening history and recommends new music based on your habits.
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Gnoosic and MusicMap let you input favorite artists and generate suggestions based on user data.
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Subreddits like r/ifyoulikeblank allow you to ask real people for recommendations based on your taste.
Using these platforms can be a fun and interactive way to discover new music without relying solely on streaming services.
Explore Global Sounds and New Genres
One of the most exciting parts of music discovery is stepping out of your usual genres and exploring something completely new. If you’ve never listened to K-pop, Afrobeat, Latin trap, or ambient electronic, you’re missing out on whole worlds of sound.
Use playlists like Spotify’s Global Top 50, Viral Hits by Country, or explore genre-specific charts on Apple Music to expand your musical horizons. Even a quick dive into a new genre can open doors to unexpected favorites.
You can also search for “best new music from [country/region]” or follow international artists on social platforms to see what’s trending outside your bubble.
Ask Friends and Follow Music Lovers
Sometimes, the best music recommendations come from real people who know your taste or who have great taste themselves. Share playlists with friends, or simply ask, “Heard any good music lately?”
You can also follow music-focused creators on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube who regularly post about new tracks and hidden gems. Many DJs, producers, and influencers curate public playlists or highlight emerging artists worth checking out.
Another tip: check out what your friends are listening to if your streaming service has a social feature. Spotify, for instance, allows you to see what your friends are playing in real-time (if they have sharing turned on).
Attend Live Shows and Festivals
While online discovery is convenient, there’s something special about discovering music in person. Attend local gigs, open mic nights, or music festivals to hear artists you might never come across otherwise.
Even if you’re going to see a big-name act, make sure to catch the opening performer they’re often up-and-coming musicians hungry to impress. Apps like Bandsintown and Songkick can help you track who’s performing near you.
Embrace the Rabbit Hole
One of the best parts of finding new music is letting one song lead to another. If you find a new track you like, check out who produced it, featured on it, or what other projects that artist has worked on. Explore covers, remixes, and collaborations.
Don’t be afraid to go deep. Music discovery is a journey, and sometimes the best songs are hiding three clicks away from the original track you started with.
Conclusion
Figuring out how to find new music you’ll actually like isn’t about trying everything it’s about following your curiosity and using the right tools. Whether you’re exploring curated playlists, diving into global genres, or asking your friends for suggestions, there’s an endless stream of songs waiting to become your next favorite.
