The Art of Music Discovery: How I Research and Find New Sounds
🎧 How do you discover new music?
In the constantly evolving world of music, discovery is a never-ending journey. Whether hunting for the perfect vinyl reissue or digging up hidden gems, the process is as rewarding as the treasure itself. Music research is a blend of curiosity, passion, and strategy. Below, I’ll share how I unearth new sounds, stay up-to-date on reissues, and the trusted sources I use to keep my collection fresh and up to date.
Building a Framework for Music Research
Exploring music isn’t just about stumbling across random tracks—it’s about building a reliable framework for discovery. My approach combines a mix of go-to websites, trusted recommendations, and tools that make the hunt efficient and exciting. Here’s how I structure my journey:
Start with Genre & Mood I often focus on a specific genre or mood. Whether I’m compelled to explore post-bop jazz or find electronic music, having a clear starting point makes my search more manageable.
Leverage Recommendations & Lists Curated playlists, year-end "best of" lists, and user-generated recommendations offer a wealth of starting points. Pitchfork, Stereogum, Discogs Digs, The Wire UK, MOJO, and Bandcamp Daily are fantastic for fresh insights.
Track Artists & Labels I follow artists and labels to monitor new releases and reissues. Many artists’ Bandcamp pages or newsletters provide early access to special editions, while labels like Blue Note, Craft Recordings, Rhino, and Sub Pop often announce exclusive pressings.
My Favorite Resources for Music Discovery
Over the years, I’ve curated a list of trusted websites and platforms to streamline my research. Here are some on my list:
Discogs: A goldmine for collectors and curators, Discogs is where I keep track of my vinyl and CD collection, search for new and rare pressings, and scout reviews on reissues.
RateYourMusic: This site is excellent for uncovering deep cuts and discovering music by genre, year, or influence. The community ratings and reviews can be incredibly helpful.
AllMusic: A comprehensive database for exploring artist discographies, album credits, and influences. It’s my go-to for researching lesser-known releases.
Bandcamp: One of the best platforms for supporting independent artists, Bandcamp excels at helping listeners explore niche sounds and genres. Its editorial features are also excellent. Bandcamp Fridays are fun, with exclusive releases.Â
Record Store Websites: Indie record stores often stock exclusive pressings and reissues. Stores like Rough Trade, Amoeba Music, Downtown Music Gallery, and Sounds of the Universe consistently feature unique finds. Also, please support your local record stores and subscribe to their newsletters or mailing lists.
Magazines: Yep, I still read (and subscribe to) physical formats of MOJO, Stereophile, The New York Times, Downbeat, The WIRE UK, Maggot Brain, and Creem. These magazines have great writers, interesting articles on music history, discovery sections, reviews, and even tour dates.
Staying Updated on Reissues
The vinyl and CD reissue market has exploded over the last 5 years, with many labels breathing new life into classic albums and EPs. Staying ahead of the curve requires vigilance, but it’s worth it. Here’s how I stay in the loop:
Pre-Order Alerts: Many sites, including Music Direct, Rough Trade, Turntable Lab, and Bull Moose, allow you to set alerts for upcoming releases.
Social Media: Labels often announce reissues on Instagram and through email before listing them on their websites. Again, following labels like Rhino, Craft Recordings, Blue Note, Soul Jazz, Matador, and Numero Group is essential.
Newsletters: I subscribe to newsletters from labels, artists, and record stores to ensure I never miss an announcement. These emails often include early access to pre-orders or exclusive online-only releases.
The Joy of Discovery
At its core, music discovery is about connection—to artists, eras, and emotions. Each record or CD I add to my collection represents a chapter in my ongoing exploration of music. Whether digging through Discogs or reading up on a newly unearthed jazz session via Downbeat or Stereophile magazine, the thrill of finding something new never fades.
I've compiled many trusted resources and references for anyone looking to dive deeper into their music journey. The world of music is constantly evolving, but the labels currently at the top of my list, right now anyway, are International Anthem, Jazz Is Dead, ECM Records, Gondwana, Habibi Funk, and Blue Note. Stay tuned next week to see how it’s changed! 😂
Happy listening and even happier collecting! - JB