FINDING THE BEST NEW MUSIC
Platforms Discovering Great Talent
Whether you’re looking for a viral sound-bite that produces the next pop star or you want to watch live concerts or DJ sets we’ve got you covered. From TikTok to Mixcloud and YouNow, PROVOKR has combed the web to curate a list of the top seven apps and sites you can use to find new bands, DJs, and solo artists.
1. Bandcamp
Whether you are trying to support major artists or you are looking for a rising star in music, Bandcamp is an amazing app and site! This digital music community is a place for fans and enthusiasts to discover new music, connect with artists, and purchase albums and singles. Users can scroll through articles and interviews to gain deeper insight into the minds of their favorite artists.
Bandcamp is unique in comparison to other online record stores in the way artists are paid out. 82% of the money users spend on Bandcamp goes directly to the individual artists and record labels. The artists have more autonomy on Bandcamp too, they set their own prices, and they often release new music on the site days or weeks before it becomes available on other music streaming sites. Since its inception, fans have used Bandcamp to pay artists over $862 million dollars—which is why it earns our number one spot!
2. YouNow
Our number two spot goes to YouNow! YouNow is a live streaming site and app, where people regularly stream concerts and DJ sets. By perusing the site’s trending hashtags—like #music or #singing—users can discover new artists, attend live concerts, and interact in real-time with musicians.
YouNow is unique because of its emphasis on community, love, and support. Viewers tuning into broadcasts can support artists by fanning, subscribing, capturing moments, and giving gifts. The gifts range from floating diamonds and kittens flying on burritos to marriage proposals. Artists on YouNow are paid through subscriptions and gifts, and users can earn hundreds of dollars per stream depending on the community response.
3. TikTok
TikTok is a huge social media platform. In fact, in 2021, TikTik got more online traffic than tech giant Google. While the app is well known for lip-syncing and dance videos, it has also been a launching pad for many of today’s biggest artists. Every day up-and-coming musicians upload covers, original songs, and soundbites to the app hoping to become the next Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, or Lil Naz X—who all have TikTok to thank for their rise in fame.
Finding new music on TikTok couldn’t be easier. Users can visit the Discover page to enter the Music Hub. Or they can find new artists organically by enjoying reels. TikTok monetization for musicians comes from deals with distributors and labels, viral content, and royalties.
4. Mixcloud
If you’re looking for the best place to find DJ sets or music talk shows, head over to Mixcloud. Whether you download the app or just visit the site, you can find amazing music and support artists. While a general account is free, a premium account costs $7.99 per month. By purchasing a premium account music enthusiasts have access to downloads for offline listening and the ability to playback some live events. Mixcloud also features Mixcloud Select, where fans can offer additional support through individual subscriptions.
5. Tidal
Tidal is a global streaming service designed to benefit artists and music lovers. Users can stream music, watch music videos, and download songs and playlists for offline listening. It is also the first streaming service to offer HiFi—or high fidelity sound. And subscriptions to Tidal range between $9.99 per month to $19.99 per month depending on the plan selected.
Tidal offers musicians Direct Artist Payouts and Fan-Centered Royalties. They also distribute 10% of subscription costs to each user’s top listened to artists. Finding new music on Tidal is made possible by their proprietary algorithm, and Tidal’s ‘My Mix’ feature will help you bring new favorites into your new music repertoire.
6. Hype Machine
Hype Machine is a phenomenal site and app for finding new music. It doesn’t offer traditional streaming, but it does provide its users with a tremendous service. The app combs through and indexes articles, songs, and information from hundreds of music forums and sites.
Hype users can listen to music, and the site compiles a list of each user’s favorite tracks. They also “keep tabs on the most posted artists of the week and popular music videos.” And they pride themselves in being the place “to find the best new music first.”
7. Bootshaus Live
Coming in at number seven is Bootshaus Live. This app is known globally as one of the “most famous clubs for electronic music.” This online platform allows users to watch exclusive live streams from new and established DJs. It also gives people access to pre-recorded DJ sets and limited edition Bootshaus Mixtapes. Subscriptions are only $4.99 per month, and new content is added by up-and-coming DJs six days a week.
