Are Metadata And AI Algorithms Messing Up Music Discovery? How Do You Find New Music?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
This post is a follow-up of my thoughts from a recent post on streaming music:
Finding new music is easier than ever, but everyone does it differently. Some people love using streaming apps that suggest songs based on their tastes, while others prefer the radio, where DJs play new tracks mixed with old ones.
Then there are friends who always have great recommendations, and of course, social media, where people share their favorite songs and playlists. Friends and social media can also lead you to artists and songs you might not find otherwise.
Streaming Music
Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music make it easy to find songs that match your taste. They use algorithms to suggest music, which helps you build playlists that fit your mood. Plus, they are available anytime and anywhere, which makes them super convenient.
However, streaming can sometimes make all the music sound the same. The algorithms are designed to match your taste, so it can be hard to discover something different. You might end up listening to the same types of music over and over, missing out on new genres or styles.
Listening To The Radio
Radio might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still a great way to find new music. The best part of radio is the surprise - you never know what the DJ will play. Radio DJs also share cool facts about the songs and artists, which makes the music feel more personal.
On the downside, radio can be hit or miss. You might hear songs you don’t like before finding something amazing. And since you can’t skip songs, you’re stuck with whatever the DJ plays. Still, that’s part of the fun - it’s all about the experience.
Radio programmers also use metadata and AI to stay competitive with other stations and listening formats.
Recommendations From Friends
Getting music recommendations from friends is fun and personal. Your friends know your taste and can introduce you to artists or songs they think you'll love. Sharing music is also a great way to connect with friends and bond over similar tastes.
But sometimes friends don’t have the same taste as you. Their recommendations might not always be a match, and you may need to go through a lot of songs to find one you like. Still, when it works, getting that perfect recommendation feels really special.
Social Media
Social media is full of people sharing their favorite songs and playlists, making it a fun way to discover new music. It’s easy to stumble across something new, and you can see what’s trending to keep up with the latest hits.
However, social media can be overwhelming. There’s so much content that it’s hard to find music that really matches your taste. Plus, some songs go viral because they’re popular, not necessarily because they’re good. So, while social media can help you discover new tracks, it might take some time to find the ones you truly love.
Tell Me What You Think!
How do you find your favorite songs?
Do you use computer-based methods, or do you prefer collecting the works of singers and bands you know you like on media like compact discs?
Do you think metadata and AI Algorithms are controlling the music you're being exposed to?
So, what’s your favorite way to discover new music?
- Streaming Services
- Radio
- Recommendations from Friends
- Social Media
- Other
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rocking It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~75% Human-written content.
Recent Comments
15
Hey Frank
We both know some styles of music will remain in our hearts and soul with the upbringing we had in those awesome days of great music.
The only time I listen to the radio these days is when driving in the car. Don't listen to the radio at home that much
But now I either go on YouTube with the headphones on and enjoy what I can find.
At times I love to hear reactions from the younger generations, their reviews of bands or individual artists we took for granted as I stated above.
It amazes me how they are struck with awe listening to their skills and state they never heard of this artist or hand.
I tend to forget we were brought up with them but the newer generation never heard of such bands or individual singers.
Take a look at Tom Jones they watch the clips of the 50's and 60's and are marveled at his singing power and more.
Now I either, as I said go on YouTube or put on an old CD or having saved some old cassettes yes I said Cassettes over the years on blank DVD's to have more fit on one disc.
The other place I go is one called AccuRadio which can be found online at no cost and download the app and save it on my desktop.
This gives you many genres to suit your palette.
It could be the good old hard rock as we used to call it to Native American songs to Jazz and meditation or relaxation music depending on what mood you want to have.
So let's keep on rocking on 🤘🎸
Andre 🎹
Hi Andre
You are really taking great advantage of all that music has to offer! 👍👍
It's true that the newer generations historically miss a lot of great music. My dad used to say the same thing to me, that I didn't know how much good music was out there. Haha 😎
It's good to have the older generations champion the songs they enjoyed most!
The reality is that I don't have enough time left to live to hear all the great music that I've missed over the years, especially in the Renaissance and Baroque eras! However, I'm doing the best I can to narrow that gap! Lol 😆
Keep On Rockin'It! 🤘🎹
Frank 🎸
Agree too much is missed there is so much to listen to true quality of music and real voices those days 😁
If someone turns me on to some new music, I’ll take a listen. Otherwise, I stick to the music I loved growing up. Most newer music is really nothing new once you’ve been around for awhile. 😂
I mainly listen to fm Radio, XM radio, Apple Music, and I still buy cds
Hi Steve
I know exactly when you mean about musical repetition. 😎
I mostly stream music be it gives me any type of music wherever I am.
Frank 🤘🎸
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Hey Frank
Another great post!
At work, I usually listen to Spotify. My main play list has over 500 tunes in it and I have several more besides that.
I do like Spotify because I can tune into one of my good friend's channels, who has over 60 originals and my nephew's channel, who also has about 15 originals.
At home, with my better half, we listen to a vartiety of music with the help of Alexa.
In my Jeep and while on the mower it's usually Hair Nation on Sirius/XM. The Eddie Trunk shows talk about current music, old music and what's going on with the old rockers that I used to follow.
The Axs TV channel is one of my favorites. It has a lot of documentaries about all types of musicians and bands.
Thanks again, Frank!! Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Now, it's time for me to get back to work!
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
You listen to an exceptionally well-diversified musical selection! 👍👍
Streaming works so well with productivity and mobility, but I always try to schedule a little time when I can just sit back and listen to some non-digitized music through a high-end sound system. Alternately, I watch a music concert video on DVD or Blu-ray with nothing else going on.
It's pure music appreciation and relaxation, something I think has gone missing to a large extent with streaming technology. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
I completely agree with the fact that the appreciation for music has gone missing.
I miss the days when all of the sudden a new, fantastic guitarist just appears out of the blue and we are all in awe!
But I will always have a huge passion and appreciation for all types of music!
Keep On Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Yeah, there is still some awesome musical talent emerging and it's one of the things that keeps me interested in continually improving my guitar-playing skills. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸