One small note on algorithmic resistance
Someone recently asked me where I find new music, because I’m not on any streaming apps and own my data, and because my tastes are weird & specific.
The answer is, in descending order of importance:
- Boomkat
- ANOST
- Following specific artists & labels on Bandcamp
- The Wire
- The Quietus
- Friends’ recommendations
- Shazaming cool stuff I hear in the wild
Appreciating music is bound up in its economic support, so it’s not too surprising that niche record stores are the most solid bet for finding interesting work.
Generally speaking, if I like someone I look at their collaborators & label-mates. Did anyone interesting cover or remix them, or guest on their record? Who else do they identify with? Who’s opening their shows?
Good labels are useful bellwethers. For example, I’ve followed everything Warp has put out since 1995, and some of it doesn’t stick but it’s all interesting.
The goal is always to find what works for you. Keep searching. And pay artists for their work.