Online Music
The internet is a great resource for learning about new music. I know a lot of people who are addicted to Pandora, though I don't find it nearly as captivating. People keep telling me how they listen to free music via Rhapsody, but can't seem to figure out how to use it without getting asked for a credit card number. And then there's Web Two-Point-Oh sites like LastFM where your music preferences are compared to those of others with similar interests to come up with music recommendations. I just downloaded the LastFM software, so we'll see what happens with that. I have another friend who has raved about AOL Radio. I tried listening to that, but got fed up with all the ads. So, what am I actually doing to find new music? I'm listening to the radio. Well, kinda. Online Radio. And it's been treating me pretty well...
I've been hearing a lot of great new music from a few programs available at KCRWmusic.com. KCRW is a public radio station which, as they'll remind you occasionally while listening, operates out of the basement of a community college in Santa Monica, California. While they attempt to portray very humble (read needy) digs, KCRW has been around since 1945 and is going strong. They have a few programs that I enjoy tuning into: Morning Becomes Eclectic, New Ground, Metropolis and Accidental Rhythm. Nearly all the good music I've picked up on in the past year I've gotten from them. You can listen online (look for the "Listen" link under Now Playing) or via iTunes under Radio > Public.
I've received some recommendations for other great online radio stations. My friend Luke suggested his hometown radio station, WFPK out of Louisville. And Amy from Guerilla Queer Bar suggested WOXY.com. I have to admit I haven't spent much time listening to these offerings, but I plan to soon. Really!
So, where do you hear new music? What sites can you recommend for previewing music online?
4 comments:
You might want to check out Jango.com, which has a better selection than Pandora.
But for the most part, I discover new music on my favorite mp3 blogs. You can find my blogroll at my own blog, Eggs for Becky: http://kevinjess.squarespace.com/
Thanks for the suggestion and link, Jess.
My problem with music blogs is that you have to READ them. I'd rather sit down at my desk at work and have interesting music in my ears while I'm doing anything but reading about music.
I really wish the Black Cat had an audio stream of tracks of upcoming bands. That would be great!
Live365, baby. Been using them since 1999.
Pandora was fun for the first hour or so, but I haven't been able to really use it as a source of new music, you just end up listening to the same 20 artists over and over if you don't make a new radiostation every week. A combination of my favorite music blogs, what's happening locally, and hypem.com and of course if i were not me, my own blog :-)
petrovadventures.blogspot.com
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