The ways we discover music literally change every day. New apps, social media platforms, and streaming service features are popping up daily that can help one discover new music. We're a far cry from FM radio and record stores, so here are 10 ways we're discovering new music in 2017.
SoundCloud's Next Song
Any Kardashian's Snapchat
Blasting From a Car at a Red Light
Any red light is a chance to discover a new song. Just roll down your window and you could hear "Bodak Yellow," "XO TOUR Llif3," or anything off the new Kodak tape.
Memes
A six-second Vine turned Bobby Shmurda into a star. The Mannequin Challenge gave Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane their first No. 1 song. "Bad and Boujee" hit the top of the charts after memes made the song inescapable.
The speed at which things go viral is hard to really comprehend. In hours a video can be seen tens of millions of times, and if a song is featured, it can get more exposure than any radio station or TRL reboot. Memes can spread a song like wildfire.
"The Grinch heard a sound rising over the snow...
it started in low...
and it started, 'you know...'" pic.twitter.com/u5lGgZeZa0
— Pigeons & Planes (@PigsAndPlans) December 23, 2016
TV Commercials
Using obscure and lesser known music in commercials has proven to be an effective tactic for years now, and it's become a great way for rising artists to reach millions. Even major companies like Apple, Nike, Samsung, Coke, Budweiser, and Adidas are shining the spotlight on new artists and it's a win-win. The brands look cool and in-the-know, and the artists get a major boost from new fans trying to figure out what they just heard. Pay attention during the commercials next time and you might discover something great.
@HondaDeals4Vets
"Disabled Vietnam vet, making car deal (sic) special for all Veterans and followers" Joseph Urban often tweets about blunts, flowers, how superior Hondas are to Toyotas. He also has plenty of videos replying to young rappers on the rise. Check his feed and you might see clips of him rapping to Lil Pump, Night Lovell, Playboi Carti, or Matt Ox.
Happy birthday Lil pump save me piece of Xan cake🎂 @lilpump pic.twitter.com/Is8UaX9Pgv
— Joseph Urban (@hondadeal4vets) August 17, 2017
At Work
There's usually one person at every job that's the music person, and they're controlling the workplace soundtrack whenever the opportunity presents itself. Whether it's a radio, computer, or straight off their phone, they're always ready to put you on.
Spam
It could be a link in a YouTube comment or a reply to a viral tweet. In 2017 artists are out here hitting the virtual streets to pass out their music. It might not be as romantic as selling mixtapes out of the trunk of their car, or passing out CDs in Times Square, but it can still lead to success.
Playlists & Radio
Spotify's Rap Caviar playlist is one of the top playlists to discover new music. They also curate daily mixes for followers, and have radio options. Apple Music's Beats 1 Radio continues to break artists and gives a platform to newcomers in music. Also, the P&P Weekly playlist is available on both of these platforms, and is arguably the all-time greatest collection of new songs. Updated weekly.
Pigeons & Planes
The goal of Pigeons & Planes is to curate a range of music that you can't find anywhere else on the internet. P&P covers popular artists (the planes) but also strives to introduce some new ones (the pigeons). It's been almost a decade, but P&P is still here and still striving to bring you all the best new music. Thanks for following. 🐦
