When it comes to keeping up with what is new and fresh in music, I find the radio is not the only place you can use. You need to have reliable sources that can give you the best scoop on what to listen to. I’m going to list some of my ideas and let you decide for yourself.
First, your public library is a good start. Going through their music to find new albums, or just stuff that is new to you, is a great place to discover things. You can skim a few magazines like Rolling Stone or Spin, but if you can get a hold of Paste, or other independent magazines you’ll get a better sampling of music.
I mentioned radio, which isn’t always bad, they just frontload a lot of over-hyped junk at times. Try NPR online. You may not like talk radio, however, they do showcase a lot of up and coming bands that would otherwise not get any other radio play.
Find a critic that shares the same taste in music as you and keep up with what they review. Even music blogs aren’t bad, but you have to be careful of heavy bias. I like using Allmusic.com to get information about a band and see what influenced them. The site is pretty easy to navigate and easy to get lost in for hours.
Finally, a local record store is a good place also. I always give album advice to people when I go out: yes, I am that guy. While you’re there pick up a compilation to hear some new stuff you might not have found before. I stay away from tribute albums, since I want original material.
I hope this helps, and if you have suggestions, let me know.
