What defines a good music taste? I have found that this is a hotly debated topic among all generations. Indeed, disputes between genres and tastes - alternative and classical, rap and rock, R&B and jazz - have taken up many of my own conversations. Of course, there is no way to define good music or good taste. Simply put, you listen to the music that makes you feel the most.
Keeping this in mind, the question becomes, how does one discover compelling music? Radio stations are often monopolized by only a few genres, and the same goes with Billboard's 100. However, there is a nearly infinite amount of music you have access to, especially with the advent of CDs, digital streaming, and the internet. If you want to expand your listening horizons, feel free to follow these tips.
1. Ask around
Start by asking those who are close to you, like friends, family, teachers, and mentors, who their favorite artists or genres are. Or, if you are interested in a specific type of music, seek out someone who listens to that type often and have a conversation with them about it. You might learn more than you would expect from a simple conversation.
2. Use a streaming services.
Take advantage of the wide range of music offered on music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. These are great because you do not have to buy or commit to specific albums and artists; rather, you are able to jump around and explore more. Many of these services also provide playlists created by other users or by professional editors that are useful for listening to one subgenre of music created by various artists.
3. Have an open mind.
Sure, if the only electronic music you have ever listened to are simple, loud, and upbeat dance tunes, then you may feel reluctant to really listen to electronic music - but there are so many other kinds of electronic music with which you might find you really connect. With this in mind, I would advise to never simply reject a whole genre of music or a specific artist because of previous biases.
4. Visit a record/CD store.
Some people nowadays think that record or CD shops are obsolete; after all, most songs are simply one click away with the help of newer technologies. However, there are many advantages to exploring music within a store. It helps to have the music mediums physically and tangibly existing in front of you, especially if you are one who prefers hands on experiences. Records are making a comeback for a reason - people are beginning to crave the physical touch of what they associate with music. Another aspect of this is being able to view the album art in its actual size, as opposed to just an icon on your phone. Additionally, most stores are set up in a way to help you look through genres you are most interested in. Those working at the store are also a good resource for music recommendations and advice, since they most likely enjoy listening to a wide variety of music. At the end of a visit, make sure to buy a few records or CDs that you really enjoy. For me, the physical act of using a record, or even a CD, makes a listening experience that more immersive and interesting, though of course the actual sound quality may be slightly more inaccurate.
5. Listen to music or watch music videos on YouTube.
Youtube is used for a plethora of purposes, like video blogs, comedies, animations, and movie streaming. Music listening on Youtube is especially useful. If the music you are listening to comes with a music video, you can enjoy the artist's interpretation of their own music through this. The bar on the right that contains videos similar the one you are viewing is great for reaching out into many different songs/pieces, artists, and genres just from one song or piece. Additionally, the comments section can show you how other people may have interpreted or received the music, and the number of views can help you gauge how mainstream or famous the piece or song may be.
In the end, all of this is just to help you find whatever music you like. Don't let other people's perspectives change what you think is good, and keep exploring the great world of music
