Discovering Music II

Part two of my very sporadic discovering music series.

NPR's First Listen series has been spectacular for discovering new tunes. Groups like Lone Bellow, Lord Huron, Tanlines, Tame Impala, and Alabama Shakes are just a few of the albums that have streamed here online. Even if you aren't familiar with any of the artists, it's worth it to stream a couple of albums in the background just to see if any song jumps out at you.

I look for free MP3s from sites like KCRW, KEXP, KUT, and XPN.  The descriptions will often compare the artist to someone else I like. You can always stream the songs before downloading. Sometimes it's worth just listening to a song once just to see if it sinks in.

Amazon's Free Music From Rising Artists usually has someone worth listening to. Free music is awesome, right? And usually Amazon has other free samplers. This CMT Edge Sampler has Jason Isbell, Elizabeth Cook, Lord Huron, and the Lone Bellow on it. Merge Records has Apex Manor, Telekinesis, and The Rosebuds. Partisan Records has Sallie Ford, Middle Brother, and Deer Tick. This 2012 Merge Sampler has Eleanor Friedberger, the Magnetic Fields, Hospitality, M.Ward, and Wild Flag. So much good, free, quality music.

Finally, I also check the 9:30 Club, Rock & Roll Hotel, Black Cat, Ioda, etc.--so virtually all of the indie rock venues around town--and see who is coming to perform. Particular finds are those opening acts that might be big soon. This is a great way to discover emerging artists.