How do you discover new music? We asked 6 more of our fave musicians!
And we’re back for part 2! In case you missed it:
In today’s music climate, there’s more music out there than ever. It can become overwhelming to keep up — Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Apple Music, Google Play, Reddit Forums, Blogs, Websites, Shazam at a party.
And there’s solid data out there that shows once you reach your early 30s, you’re much less likely to seek out new music. There’s a number of good reasons, including changes in brain chemistry and lifestyle changes.
But if you’re a fan of the Soundshop, we’d guess you enjoy it when you discover new music. So we though — what do you do if you do want to find some amazing new tunes? How do you clear through the digital clutter?
So we asked musicians across the globe on how they source music to stay inspired. And we got so many responses that we had to split their responses across two articles!
Check out part one once you read what our 6 superstars below have to stay.
And put them on your regular rotation with our Discovery playlist!
Chanese Elifè
City she calls home: New York, NY
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
The people around me! As both an artist and entertainer I am often split. As an artist, I tend to avoid searching for new music to focus on my own creativity. As an entertainer, I view my work as a service to humanity and therefore I want to figuratively “read the room” and “give the people what they want.” I find balance by being present and conscious of what everyone around me is playing. In NYC there’s music playing everywhere so it’s easy for the entertainer in me to tap into the mass conscious for playlist suggestions. The artist in me get to have fun dissecting and mashing it all together into something original.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
This is exactly why I love performing with Sofar NYC so much. Their shows are so thoughtfully curated that the exact combination of 3 artists are never repeated on another show together! I meet new artists every time I perform with Sofar in any city. Funny story/shout out: A few years ago I played a Sofar show in Chicago and there was a sibling band in the lineup. This band blew my mind and brought me to tears. Remarkably it turned out they were also on tour from Harlem and we lived walking distance from each other! We kept in touch and I got to see them play a huge sold out show in NYC (and balled through the entire set). I would love to shout them out; Bailen The Band!
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
Aside from gigs, busking in the subway over the past few years has actually helped get my music out in an organic way. People on the platform get a mini concert and whenever there’s time between trains I tell them about my music.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
I sometimes describe my music as medicinal pop. Familiar, warm and energetic.
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
I’ve got Sofar NYC shows 11/15 & 11/22. These are secret shows so I will be sharing the links on social media.
Instagram: @chanese
Website: chanese528.com
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chanese-elif%C3%A9/1459650124
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QvUj7Zqw7jZLsndyQfhqf
Michael Doshier (of Darlin! The Band)
City he calls home: Brooklyn, NY
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
I feel very out of touch with what the kids are listening to on TikTok, and I doubt I’d know a single song on Top 40 these days, whereas that used to be my shit 10 years ago. But I find a lot of new music in my own community — attending open mics, friends’ shows but coming early for the bands before them and staying for the bands afterward. Then, when listening to those bands on Spotify, seeing what it recommends afterward. My Spotify starts from a very localized place.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
I always know I’ll be seeing a show of quality at Baby’s All Right, C’mon Everybody, or Trans Pecos. Looking at their lineups is a great way to start finding the best under-the-radar acts our city has to offer.
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
I was doing solo shows as a singer-songwriter with a bedazzled keytar, until I met my band on Craigslist of all places! I love the local open mic scene, its the BEST way to get started because there is so much love in the room and you can workshop new ideas, make mistakes, etc. and you’ll be cheered on. My favorite mic is one called Show ‘N Tell which I encourage everyone to check out — it is such a beautiful atmosphere of support and music every Sunday (instagram.com/showyandtelly). Anyway, my band and I have been playing together since 2019. Our work has mostly focused on the live act — I’m a performer at heart and feel my most self on the stage, so we’ve prioritized live shows. We’re still trying to crack the Spotify algorithm, but until then, we have perfected the most perfect, glittery, live pop show you can imagine. Come check us out sometime!
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
The Scissor Sisters meets Lana Del Rey.
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
You can search Darlin! The Band on your favorite streaming platforms to hear our music! We just had a fundraiser for a feature film I wrote THROUPLE — on November 11 at Greenpoint Beer & Ale. Then the full band has a show at Mercury Lounge (another great venue!) on 11/22. You can find out more information about all of these things on my Instagram @johnnydarlin. Thank you so much!
Macarena
City she calls home: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
I usually ask friends if they can share their playlists with me. It’s an awesome way to discover new music but also to get to know your friends better. Another way I discover new music is by scrolling for new music videos on my YouTube recommended page. I really enjoy seeing visuals while discovering a new artist.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
I find this very hard, especially with covid. I don’t think I have a good view of the talent in my city. There is this jazz night now though, in the library close by, I’ve been meaning to go there. Some artists I’d like to shout out are: CRZE, Phantom Wizard and Latanya Alberto.
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
Before covid, I used to do a lot of open mics. That was my way of getting my music to the people. Right now, I’m focussing on creating more than performing, so I mostly use social media. I don’t think I’ve had my come up in the city yet, but I’m working toward it.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
My sound is a blend of neo-soul, chill R&B and alternative pop with a touch of latin and thoughtful lyrics.
Where can we listen to you? (Plug social media, upcoming shows, events, streaming services, whatever you want!)
You can find all of my music through this link: https://linktr.ee/macarenamusic. My instagram handle is @ciaomacarena.
Mandella Eskia
City/region he calls home: New York, NY
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
I work with young people so I learn about acts through them so that I can keep fresh. I also meet artists regularly and sometimes I find things I really like. The other ways I learn is through music podcasts or through friends.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
As far as venues I can’t name off the top of my head. But local artist that I think are dope are, Chaz Van Queen, Mistha Dean, Brooklish, Kerry Blu, J Del, Ohene Cornelius, Merc The Big Body Benz, Mankind, Venture Klan, Frank Knight, Descendent and myself. I’m sure there are more but those are the names that first come to mind now.
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
For me it has been a lot of trial and era but I will say that when I started performing with Brooklyn Wildlife, they created a space where I could constantly elevate my stage show. Having the opportunity to meet other amazing artists and build with them has been helpful too. Recently I have been utilizing a mix of in person shows, social media and advertising to get my music to new people.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
Legacy, it’s really honest music about who I am and how I was raised. That upbringing informs the way I showcase my personality on track and on stage. If you like being you, and like music that is multi-layered then press play.
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
Mandella Eskia on all streaming sites, @blackzeusx on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter, youtube.com/blackzeusx as well.
Mt Fog/ Carolyn
City she calls home: Seattle
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
This is such a great question! The stickiest place for new music is my friends! I have some friends who have managed to keep discovering new music, partly because they are always listening to music. One friend has gone to some effort to get me to listen to an artist that she thinks is necessary listening: she’s even made me playlists to introduce me to a new artist, The Smiths being a recent example. Kind of like a modern mix-tape. I have some friends who’ve listened to my music and said it reminded them of someone and then if I haven’t known the artist, I go listen. I discovered Siouxsie and the Banshees and more recently Soley this way! Another way is randomly seeing an act live and loving their live performance. Future Islands sort of wormed their way into my heart this way. I saw Nation of Language perform recently and I loved their energy and now find myself listening to their music.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our hometown. What are your favorite venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
Seattle has a renowned and very active music scene. So I am pretty lucky this way! There’s a local DIY venue that I go to a lot, mostly because it’s within walking distance and full of nice + cool people! Also because they have live shows 4 nights a week exclusively with local music. There are many indie curators and platforms in Seattle, too. publishing podcasts, playlists and creative music writing. I have actually discovered amazing new + local music by taking their recommendations (Rose City Band, from Portland is a local band I found this way). Going out to shows with no preconceived notions about what you might see is another way to connect to the local music scene. Keep an open mind! And this is radical, but talk to people at shows, because you might make a music friend :)
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
I started Mt Fog in 2019 when I was living in Olympia — that’s when I sat down for the first time to actually write and finish a song! I started performing that summer. I went out to local open mic nights and tried my music out. It was a cool way to connect with the material I actually really liked and figure out what made a good song. I met a lot of people doing this and felt encouraged to keep going. I have learned a lot literally just talking to people and hearing about how they make music. The biggest thing for me is: be supportive and positive of other musicians! There’s so much to deal with, the last place we need negativity is in music.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
I often describe my music as forest folktronica! Forest because, this might be nice for walk through some trees, and folktronica because I combine some folk-y elements with electronica production. I think if you like dreamy sounds and Kate Bush you might like what I make!
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
Bandcamp and all streaming platforms!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V9K2l2Ubou0y0iHKViVjY?si=v5nkKLjNQXepjBBHnEWaVA
I released my first album, Guide to the Unusual, this summer. I’m working on new dance-y singles and an album that I will release in 2022.
Santi Cantautor
City he calls home: Medellín, Colombia
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
Sofar Sounds is a great platform to meet new artists. Spotify weekly recommendations, Random Youtube recommendations, going to live in a different country and listening to what people listen to over there. Also, I recently discovered that Spotify can add songs automatically to your playlists if you agree. It has been a great way to discover new songs.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
There’s a marvelous café in Laureles, Medellín called Naturalia Café. They have intimate shows continuously and an open mic once a month. This might be my favorite place to discover new artists. Check out @danielgutierrezmusic @pilarcabreramusic @latintaduo @anamvahosv
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
I’ve been quite disconnected from my art due to my new life in Brazil, but I’m going back to Colombia and I’m spending two months there. Hopefully I’ll be able to play one or two shows and get back in touch with the music.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
Calm, poetic and truthful. It would be nice music to relax to and let your feelings flow.
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
I might start doing lives again on instagram @santicantautor
Dovi J
City he calls home: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
There’s been research that has shown that once we reach our late 20s, it becomes much harder for us to discover new music. What ways do you go about finding new music, either for inspiration or your own listening?
The way I find new music is through Spotify playlists. As the years have passed and the algorithms have been uniquely tailored to find new music for each listener, I’m thankful that when I go to look for new releases, Spotify will have them all ready in curated playlists for me. They are all already separated from Bon Iver vibes, to Kanye vibes, to Sigur Ros vibes, and all the way to Lo-Fi vibes.
With modern streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find musicians across the globe, yet often we don’t know about the incredible musicians in our home area. Where are your favorite local venues to perform at or hang out in? Any dope local artists you want to shout out?
Since moving back from NYC in 2020, I actually haven’t been performing much. One place I have hit up a few times though is an open mic in Denver called The Alley. The friend who brought me there and hosts the open mic is none other than Sky Choice. Sky is an incredible singer, instrumentalist, host, and person. We met as music majors in college, and he’s been one of my closest friends ever since.
We can’t finish this without highlighting you! Tell us about your experiences coming up in your local scene and how you’ve gotten your music to the people.
Though I performed a show in Denver back in August, there aren’t any events planned for the near future. But! I’ve been working on finishing up my first album, and that’s slated to be out sometime next year.
How would you describe your sound to anyone looking for new music?
I would describe my sound as Easy Listening/ A Capella / Pop / Vocal
Where can we listen to you? Let us know how to stay tuned in!
The best way to keep up with shows and music is through my Instagram, which is @dovi_j
— Brandon Rumaker
Brandon lives in NYC, where they write, direct, and perform across multiple disciplines.
