If you have a deep love for fresh and thrilling music, you’re probably aware that in order to find new music in 2024 can be quite challenging.
With a constant stream of new releases flooding the scene daily, merely staying afloat can be overwhelming, not to mention the task of identifying the cream of the crop.
This is where modern music discovery tools step in to save the day. There are now more options than ever to unearth new music that truly resonates with you, provided you know where to look.
In this article, I will introduce you to the top six apps to find new music in 2024, websites, and technological tools that will assist you in finding your next beloved track.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Music discovery features on Spotify
Spotify is the world’s largest music streaming platform and played a pivotal role in the streaming revolution due to its extensive music library.
What sets Spotify apart is its knack for keeping users engaged by introducing them to new, beloved songs. The platform boasts some of the most talked-about music discovery features in the industry.
Spotify utilizes editorial playlists and Discover feeds based on user data. They recommend tracks. Just enable autoplay for musical suggestions.
But that’s not all. Spotify’s Radio functions for songs, albums, and artists allow you to create instant playlists filled with related music based on a single starting point.
Moreover, Spotify’s Release Radar keeps you up-to-date with the latest releases from artists you follow.
Spotify recommendations rely on user listening data, often following existing trends. This limits discovery of niche or less trendy music.
Nonetheless, if you’re not using Spotify, you’re missing out on valuable music discovery tools that can broaden your musical horizons.
2. Bandcamp
Bandcamp is the ultimate DIY artist haven, where hidden musical gems abound online.
Back in the late 2000s, Bandcamp disrupted the norm. It allowed artists to set “pay-what-you-want” prices, ensuring they received a fair share. Independent artists flocked to this innovative platform, bypassing traditional digital distribution channels.
To spotlight their extensive catalog, Bandcamp launched Bandcamp Daily in the mid-2010s. This initiative engaged top music writers to unearth unique releases and contextualize them.
Despite its popularity, Bandcamp’s editorial division faced challenges due to successive acquisitions. Under SongTradr’s ownership, a significant portion of its unionized workforce was laid off in 2023.
Nonetheless, despite these obstacles, Bandcamp’s rich music collection and the remaining editorial team persist in their mission to introduce fresh music to new audiences.
3. ChatGPT
This might sound a bit unusual, but bear with me because ChatGPT can be an excellent resource for discovering new music, provided you know how to use it effectively.
If you’re a pro user, you have the advantage of using Custom Instructions. These instructions allow you to fine-tune how GPT-4 responds to your prompts, ensuring you receive more tailored answers to your music-related queries.
To make the most of this, you may need to adjust your approach to music recommendations. Give it a try by directly asking ChatGPT for the kind of music you’d like to explore. Don’t be afraid to request specific genres or even something out of the ordinary – GPT-4 will do its best to provide you with relevant recommendations!
4. Discogs
Crate digging was pivotal in hip-hop and techno’s early days. Discogs digitized the vinyl treasure hunt with a vast database.
In Discogs, rare imports meet audiophile vinyl, and collectors find a bustling marketplace for any music release.
For those diving into liner notes and esoteric formats, Discogs offers an endless journey in music discovery.
5. Shazam
Have you ever found yourself in your favorite cafe, grooving to an awesome song in the background?
If you’ve been living under a rock and didn’t know this, you no longer have to feel socially awkward by asking the barista about the track’s name just to save it in your music library.
Thanks to apps like Shazam and other music identifiers, all you need to do is let your phone listen through its speaker, and it’ll magically identify the music playing in your surroundings.
This clever feature seamlessly brings music discovery into your everyday life, enhancing your experiences as you navigate through the world.
Once you make this a habit, you’ll start uncovering musical gems in unexpected places. It’ll also train your ears to be on the lookout for exciting tunes wherever you go!
Closing thoughts
In 2024, music discovery has reached its most advanced stage yet.
If you’re in need of a fresh dose of musical inspiration or need to find new music in 2024, you’re in luck because the tools available today are unparalleled.
Whether you’re on a quest to venture into unexplored sonic realms or simply want to uncover more of what you already love, give these music discovery tools a try to unearth some exciting new musical treasures.