Music has a profound effect on our society and culture; there’s no question about that. In the last several decades, we’ve seen the music distribution market fall more squarely into the hands of independent artists and labels rather than exclusive control exerted by record companies of the 20th century.
Labels are still an important part of the conversation, but they are no longer solely in control of what people hear and can seek out in record stores and streaming markets. While this is an amazing change for many reasons, it also creates an extremely saturated marketplace with all styles of music, artistic aesthetics, and imagery working together to draw audience members in.
It’s a chaotic situation in the world of music streaming, so it makes sense that music fans might be feeling a little confused as to what kinds of new music are out there and what our taste actually is. Knowing your preferences can help you navigate the world of endless playlists and blogs and hone in on the new records, artists, and producers that you’ll actually enjoy. Keep reading for some helpful tips on defining your music taste today.
Don’t Put Yourself in a Box
The most important thing to remember when defining your taste and seeking new music to enjoy is not to put yourself into a stringent box when it comes to style. Of course, some stuff out there won’t be for everyone – and that’s ok! But fans are only restricting their exposure to the art form by sticking to the select few genres they’re used to listening to. This, much like eating the same foods, gives us a pretty limited palate regarding what we can tolerate. If you typically only listen to rock music, try some jazz for size. Or if your favorite style is country, maybe branch out and try some hip-hop artists. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic shift, but if you can keep yourself open to different styles, it’s more likely that you’ll land on something new that you love.
Check Your Streaming Stats
Most streaming services allow you to see a breakdown of what you’ve listened to over a period of time, and this can be a helpful way to get some practical information on what you as a listener are actually consuming. You may think, like most people, that you hate pop music but discover that most of the artists you stream are considered to be in that genre. Or, you may find that you actually listen to a lot of different styles of music already, which, if that’s the case, is a great thing to find out!
Go to Live Shows In Your Area
A really great way to determine what your favorite styles of music are is to go to live shows in your area frequently. Taking time out of your evening to see music shows respect for your taste and desire to experience the joy of live music. Plus, it will help you determine what kinds of things you will typically get excited to see and what styles you wouldn’t mind skipping out on. When it comes to streaming, we don’t need to put much effort into listening to new music. It’s just a matter of searching and then sitting back. But when you see a live show, you’re forced to actively listen and engage with the performer, which may reveal an unknown love for a style of music you wouldn’t have thought to look up in the first place.
Write Down What You Enjoy About Music
Descriptive writing is another great way to get a sense of your feelings around music and what styles you prefer. For this exercise, write down the things you enjoy about music, and try to avoid stylistic descriptions. Music has a different effect on everyone who listens, so try to define what sensations or feelings arise in your body when you hear a song or piece of music you love. When we experience art, we’re ultimately looking for some kind of introspective or personal experience from it. Whether that’s to feel happy, sad, energetic, or to call on memory, these can be powerful descriptors to help us understand our favorite music.
Understanding one’s music taste may sound simple, but talk to anyone, and you’ll find that most have a wide range of styles they prefer. Many people find that their tastes evolve and expand with age or with certain experiences, so it makes complete sense for music fans to explore these changes actively and desire to search for new art to enjoy.
