We all know that moving to a new place is exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting. There’s the boxes, the packing, the unpacking, but something that gets overlooked far too often is really getting to know your new music scene. Sure, you packed the vintage record player and powerful speakers, but where are you going to go to see the best local talent? Below is a list of the 5 best ways to discover new tunes in your town!
1) Finding Venues
The best way to find great local music is to ask the local ambassadors. You may already have a restaurant or bar in the area that you’re fond of, so don’t be shy and try asking someone at that spot where the best place to check out live music is.
2) Explore List Service Sites
There are loads of great websites that are dedicated to telling you about what’s happening in your neighborhood. If you’re in a major metropolitan area then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the great sites like Do Stuff Media, Thrillist, Flavorpill or The Deli Magazine.
3) Befriend the Blogs
Blogs are always on top of the best emerging music. Whether you’re a fan of techno, folk, rock & roll, hip hop, or love it all, music blogs will provide carefully curated artists that you can begin listening to immediately. From there, you should check out the artists’ social media page and see when they hit your town next! Need some new blogs to check out? I like The Fader, Complex Magazine, Play Too Much, and Stereogum.
4) Listen to the Radio
Video may have killed the radio star, but there are still plenty of great local NPR stations and internet radio shows that showcase some of the best music in the nation. Be sure to check out: All Songs Considered, Tiny Desk, and the Bandcamp Weekly.
5) Hashtags
Hashtags are for more than just celebrating the weekend (#TGIF am I right?); there are a lot more practical uses for hashtags. Take for example, discovering new music! If you’re an avid Instagrammer or Tweeter, use hashtags to explore your local music scene. Try hashtagging your neighborhood, and/or hashtagging the following: #livemusic #newmusic #bestlivebands #music
Do you have a favorite music scene? Share in the comments below!
Chris Pizzolo is a native New Yorker who has been immersed in the music industry for the last half decade. Chris currently runs the New York City based music website Play Too Much where they host weekly videos, podcasts, and events!
