ways of discovering without Big Streaming
014. Down Time, Soft Plastics, WOMB, Charley Crockett + recommendations for finding new music
It’s good practice to seek out new music and lucky for us there is no shortage of it. By new music I simply mean music that you haven’t heard before. I’m talking about music that is diverse, rule bending, and exciting. This is important because there are more AI generated songs floating around than artist-created ones these days. Some see this as innovation in the music industry, but without the personal struggle, the active attention and the creative process: AI music is not art.
If you are like me—you have a hunger for new sounds but the streaming services are only feeding you different versions of things you already like (a handful of which are likely AI songs depending on the genre you prefer). It’s easy and convenient to let the streaming service feed you a platter of music, but are you really listening? Does it help the artist? Can we forgo algorithms in music discovery?
This is just the beginning of my ongoing search to find new music and outlets that provide. The list is in no particular order.
Ways of New Music Discovery + Albums
1. Friends
The most organic and rewarding way of finding new music is through people. Friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, etc. Last week; at a flat unfamiliar to me, having drinks with strangers, feeling warm from 2 negronis I heard the lovely sounds of Down Time for the first time. The host of the evening (my brother’s partner), Erin, put on their record Hurts Being Alive - yes a real vinyl record. Class.
Down Time - Hurts Being Alive
This album bops along with a friendly tone while teetering on the cusp of crushing your dreams. Indie alt-rocker’s Down Time don’t over-complicate things. The songs feel natural as if they came into life in one take on a sunny Los Angeles afternoon while sipping on some low carb beers.
2. Radio
Some impressions of radio that I’ve had in the past (and still do to a certain degree): Radio is an outdated format, radio is chocked up with ads, radio only plays the same 10 songs, radio only plays major label artists, radio isn’t convenient. That why I’m looking exclusively at local community stations and student run stations. In particular I’ve started listening to Radioactive and the results have been rewarding. They turned my ears upon Wellington’s garage pop band Soft Plastics recently. <3. If you live in Wellington and love the local music scene then Radioactive is a must. I will start reaching further now into other local radio scenes - most of them you can stream live online anywhere in the world.
Saturn Return by Soft Plastics
This album is a two car garage rolling down the street on skateboard wheels. Sonically it transports me back to my 00s baseball wallpaper, my red oval boombox, and watching mtv unplugged sessions.
3. Bandcamp
Bandcamp is the indie musicians best friend - at least for now. The Bandcamp homepage features an overwhelming amount of artists via Bandcamp Daily, Bandcamp Radio—hosted by different artists and producers each week sharing their favourite tunes—, live streaming events, and the discover feature which I can easily lose a few hours on. There might be a tinge of an algorithm involved here but most of the content seems to be curated by humans. I’ve come across many great albums via bandcamp’s homepage. Here are a few I’ve written about in previous issues: Doom Trip’s eclectic mix of electronic bangers, Patricia Wolf’s soundscape masterpiece, Abe Rounds’ percussion practice, and Why Bonnie’s indie rock perfection.
Next Friday (Oct 6) is Bandcamp Friday. On the first Friday of (almost) every month Bandcamp waives their revenue share on all albums purchased. Go and buy some music! Even if you won’t listen to it using bandcamp it’s great way to support the artist’s that you stream.
4. Ruby
Unfortunately not everyone has a Ruby that can consistently suggest albums with an impeccable track record. I suggest trying to find one. She recently sent me This Is the Music by Niki & The Dove & The Greys - an EP of wonderful groovy tunes. Also Lock Eyes and Collide by Moreish Idols - alt-rock with hooks upon hooks. Both EPs will likely end up on my best of 2023 list. One of my favorite recent recommendations from Ruby is Dreaming of The Future Again by Wellington based band Womb.
Dreaming of The Future Again by WOMB
This album swells like an ethereal living body of sound. It breathes. It’s straight out of movie and I’m tearing up on each scene. Love the way they sing ha in ‘Like in a Dream’ and ‘When I See You’. More please.
5. Song Chest Radio
A wonderful music show hosted by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Each episode features a wide range of songs with lovely and tender commentary from Justin. It has reminded me of old songs I’ve left go for too long and new songs that I didn’t know I needed. One of my favorite artists that Song Chest Radio Hour turned me onto is southern troubadour Charley Crockett. I’ve written about my love for him before.
Welcome To Hard Times by Charley Crockett
This album feels like a real place you can step into. It’s smokey, it’s friendly, it’s lonely, the piano player has had too many whiskeys. Charley is a storyteller - don’t overlook the story.
6. Other
Here are few other sources that I’m beginning to dive into for music discovery. AlbumWhale. Mixcloud. Poolsuite FM, Pitchfork (I quite like their newsletter which often features new music), and Ted Gioia (occasionally shares new music but consistently writes thought provoking articles about the music industry).
How do you discover new music? Please share.
Sig Wilder & Friends Round-up
Today I listened to the albums above (the Soft Plastic’s album several times through) and organized seeds and plants for Vogelmorn’s Yard Sale tomorrow. Come by between 9am-3pm if you want to buy some of my homegrown goodies.
Exciting things to come with Sig Wilder & Friends. We’ve been rehearsing a new set for upcoming shows in Wellington. Last week we worked on tracks called; Slow Time, Vegas, Lords, and Seeing Stars - we’ll see what comes of them. Our new studio single Texasman is coming Oct 27 complete with a beautiful music video from Wellington’s proud dad, Taylor Nixon. Can’t wait to share it with y’all.
Toodle-oo,
Sig
Yea. It should be first if you search “klsu radio”.
Do you listen to a specific one? I’d love to hear it.
I’m glad you included radio! I’ve been listening to my local college station lately and they play a lot of great indie music.