8 amazing tips to discover new music in 2026

I’m always on the hunt for fresh music – stuff that doesn’t bring back unwanted memories, you know? Like, I don’t want a song to instantly remind me of an ex or that awkward high school field trip with people I’ve totally lost touch with. I just want something new.

Or that questionable pizza parlor you used to frequent with your college friends?

Don’t worry about having the same old songs in your yearly Spotify Wrapped! I’m going to share some of my best advice for finding new music, so you can discover artists you’ll love (how quickly you find them depends on how much effort you put in!).

Great ways to find new music in 2026

Listen to the radio

Let’s be real, many people don’t own a radio anymore. But if you want to listen, there’s an app for that! I recommend TuneIn – it’s great for both radio and podcasts. Some Android phones even have a radio app already installed. Or, you could ask friends and family if they have one, or check out thrift stores.

If you usually drive with your own music, try listening to the radio instead – you might be surprised how enjoyable a drive without Bluetooth can be.

You might be wondering why anyone would still listen to the radio these days. I get it! I’m just personally getting a little fed up with relying on algorithms to tell me what to enjoy – whether it’s for fun, or even just getting things done like finding a job or buying groceries.

Simply shuffling songs isn’t enough to discover new music if you’re only picking from the same tracks. Even with access to a huge library, music apps often use algorithms that can limit your choices and keep you from finding truly different music.

I’ve discovered that listening to the radio can be a surprisingly empowering way to take back control of what I listen to. While you’ll still hear familiar songs, radio programs often focus on specific music genres, which can either introduce you to new sounds or help you explore music you already enjoy in a different way.

I enjoy discovering local radio stations, and I’m often really impressed by what I hear. It’s even better when you tune in while traveling. And that leads me to my next piece of advice.

Keep an ear out while traveling

Traveling to a new city is a special opportunity, so don’t forget to explore its music scene! Chat with taxi drivers about who they like, and pay attention to the music you hear in local restaurants and bars.

A simple online search can reveal local events happening during your visit. You might discover a talented artist or a new appreciation for the area’s music scene. The key to finding hidden gems is simply being open to what’s around you.

Movie soundtracks

You might not consciously notice it, but music plays a surprisingly important role in movies.

We’ve all likely experienced a movie scene with a song so memorable that hearing the tune instantly brings the scene to mind. What’s great about movie soundtracks is that they can be just as varied and interesting as the films they accompany.

Movie soundtracks can be surprisingly memorable – I still love the music from Gone With the Wind. Sometimes, I even enjoy the score of a film more than the film itself! That’s true for me with Avengers: Endgame and Kill Bill Vol. 1.

The next time a movie strongly affects you – whether it makes you feel happy, sad, excited, or anything in between – consider if the music helped create that feeling. It probably did.

Movie theaters are full of unique music – from songs played during the credits to memorable scenes – that you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Record stores

I get it – vinyl records seem like they’re for people who enjoy feeling nostalgic. But you don’t need to be a collector to benefit. Simply looking through old records and CDs often lets you stumble upon artists – and even entire music genres – that you’d never find through streaming services or online recommendations.

Record store employees are usually really knowledgeable about music. Just chatting with them about what you already enjoy can help them suggest new artists or albums – and it’s likely to be more personalized and effective than relying on algorithms like Spotify’s Discover Weekly.

Concerts

As obvious as it may sound, I have a challenge I doubt you’ve tried.

Ever had a friend ask you to a concert – maybe for a band you weren’t into – just because they needed a companion? Imagine if you’d gone anyway. What might have happened?

I’m not suggesting you go to every concert imaginable. It would be too expensive, and if you’re honest about what kind of music you like, there’s no point in spending money on genres you know you won’t enjoy.

If you have the means and the opportunity arises, going to a concert is a fantastic way to discover a new musician and create lasting memories with friends.

Many major cities have public music festivals, and you can find lots of up-and-coming artists performing at affordable prices—sometimes even for free! It’s a great opportunity to discover the next big thing early in their career. I remember seeing Lucy Dacus at a festival years before she became popular, even before TikTok existed!

Even if these projects aren’t successful, you’re still supporting people’s ability to create, and that’s always a good thing for society.

Opening acts might not be who you came to see, but if your favorite artist recommends them, it’s worth checking them out!

Pulling the thread

You know, some musicians just nail it once, and that’s it. As a gamer, it’s kind of like finding that perfect, unforgettable indie title – you enjoy it while it lasts, maybe replay it now and then, but you eventually move on to the next big thing. It’s just part of life, accepting that not everything can be a constant masterpiece.

It takes time and effort to listen to everything an artist has created, and sometimes it’s not worth it. However, you might be surprised – an artist you thought only had one good song could become a new favorite. That’s what happened to me with Djo. If you love one of their songs, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy more!

Here’s my go-to methodology to become a musical investigator.

Before diving deep into a song, get a feel for the whole album (or the artist’s other songs if it’s a single). Listen to the very beginning of each track, in order – the way an artist arranges songs is often deliberate and reveals a lot about their vision.

If the beginning grabs you, stick around and enjoy the whole song. If not, feel free to move on to the next one. If listening feels like a chore, it’s probably not worth your time. But if you’re genuinely enjoying it, add it to your playlist!

Your very own oldies

Certain songs are timeless – they’re just exceptionally well-made. You’ve likely discovered some of these gems only to forget about them later.

When you revisit old music – whether it’s on mixtapes, playlists, or anywhere else you store your songs – you’ll likely find that some of your past favorites still sound great today.

You might still enjoy songs from your childhood, and you could even discover new layers of meaning in them now. Sometimes the best things are right in front of you, and that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, you have the best understanding of what you like to listen to.

Good, old-fashioned recommendations

I usually discover the music I love through friends and acquaintances. It could be a recommendation over coffee, from a carpool buddy, or even someone at the gym – you never know where you’ll find your next favorite song!

To discover new music, you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. If you don’t, you’ll end up listening to the same old songs.

It’s true, you won’t love everything, and some people will keep their music choices to themselves. But with so many diverse and talented people out there, you’re bound to discover at least a few things you’ll really enjoy.

Even if you don’t like someone’s music, asking them about it is a great way to start a conversation. Seriously, it works wonders!

2026-01-09 19:01