For me, finding a new band on Spotify is as easy as checking my Discover tab, looking at Related Artists, and/or trying one of their many playlists. But in 2010, the means of discovery were a tad tougher.
Personally, I had a few methods, all of which truly opened my mind to new genres and experiences. One of my more bold ways was to visit my local Disc Replay and pick a few cd’s out based solely on how much I liked their album art. This was my gateway into heavier music, selecting Chiodos’ All’s Well That Ends Well and Dance Gavin Dance’s Downtown Battle Mountain.
Perusing online saw me utilize some different tactics. At the turn of the decade, post-hardcore was my main interest, and I had the pleasure of listening to 30-second snippets of music to determine if the band was for me or not. Some acts I found in their infancy included Fit For a King, Broadway, and Outline in Color.
Of course, there were… other means to finding new music that may not have been legal. Thankfully, I can report that my dad was always willing to let me spend money to buy albums at the time. That didn’t stop me from taking a look at these sites, as they frequently had bands I never heard of. Those would include A Bullet for Pretty Boy, Vanna, and Close Your Eyes.
So I ask the reader: How did you find your new music back then? With limited accessibility compared to today, I am compelled to see how new bands were discovered back then. Let us know in the comments below!
