This week, my son Jonathan asked, "Dad, where do you find new music?" Well, son, here are the top 3 places I go to discover new tunes:
- Daytrotter. Just launched its paid membership -- $2 a month for a priceless collection of exclusive sessions, hot streams and ultra cool illustrations and editorial. What are you waiting for? Pay the man and start listening. Latest Daytrotter find -- Lateef the Truthspeaker's smooth, groovy, jazz rap.
- NPR's All Songs Considered podcast, blog and 24/7 music channel. In Bob Boilen, the godfather of All Songs, I trust. Same said for his All Song's compatriot Robin Hilton. They routinely turn me on to music I might have missed. All Song's intimate Tiny Desk Concerts are addictive. Special editions showcase electronic, metal and latin music. All Song's also presents great theme shows (when did you "break up" with your favorite band?), guest DJ sets and extensive SXSW coverage, including bleary-eyed, conversational SXSW recaps -- often recorded way past the midnight hour.
- KCRW. Just about any place you turn your ear on this station, you’ll find new, engaging and intriguing music. Many of my discovers have come from listening to shows hosted by Anne Litt, Garth Trinidad and Aaron Byrd. Also love the station's Eclectic 24 music stream.
Other places I turn to hear new tunes:
- RCRD LBL - Fun remixes and wild variety. Where else can you find The Antlers cover The xx song "VCR" and Rev. Lonnie Farris' soulful "Peace in the Valley."
- No Depression
- KEXP Song of the Day
- WWOZ - Bringing New Orleans music to the world.
- For fans of Turntable, Blip may seem a little underwhelming, but it's fast, accessible and a great way to connect with DJs around the world and discover what's in their ear.
- RIP (and hopefully rise again) WOXY.
- If I was only in town, Everybody's Records in Cincinnati.
- When I'm downtown Chicago, Reckless Records. Pick your location.
- When I'm at SXSW, Waterloo Records.
I’m also experiencing an emerging obsession this week with Tom Sharpling’s newly launched musician interview podcast, Low Times. The first ep featured Wild Flag drummer Janet Weiss, Owen Ashworth of Advance Base, and bassist Catherine Popper, who's played with Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and -- don't take my word for it, listen yourself -- Chevy Chase. Low Times is freaking awesome. Thanks, Tom, Maggie and Daniel. I eagerly await episode 2.
Jonathan, I hope I answered your question.
Where do you go to find new music? Let me know and I'll post the resources you share.