Ask A Baltimore Expert: Best Ways To Discover New Music
In simpler times, there was only one way to come across new music: the radio. But as music genres began to blossom and diversify, and everyone carved out their own little niche, and as digital media opened up the avenue for more talent to get their music out to the world, it is increasingly daunting to find the next wave of music you will truly enjoy. That's why we asked Royal Bundy to show us the best new ways to discover the freshest music. Royal Bundy is the Marketing Director for four Rams Head restaurants, which feature nightly local music, and Pier Six Pavilion, featuring national acts April through September.
Royal Bundy
Rams Head Group
20 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 244-1131
www.ramsheadgroup.com
Royal Bundy is in charge of getting the word out about the great promotions, deals and functions of the Rams Head Group. RHG is an Annapolis-based restaurant and entertainment company which currently owns and operates four restaurant locations in the region: two Rams Head Tavern locations (Annapolis and Savage, Maryland); Rams Head Roadhouse in Crownsville, Maryland; and Rams Head Shore House in Stevensville, Maryland. Additionally, Rams Head operates two national entertainment venues: Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland and Pier Six Pavilion located waterside in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Rams Head also books shows at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and St. John's College. Since musical entertainment is half of what they do, Bundy knows a thing or two about finding new artists and exciting music!
Restaurants/Bars With Local Music
If you're looking for great local music, head to a bar or restaurant which has taken the time to research and invest in local bands. Rams Head never charges a cover and many artists will also sell their EP/LPs during their set break for a decent price — what's better than a drink, app, CD and free live music for $20?
Check Out The Opener!
When you buy tickets to a show, get there early! Don't miss the opening act — these bands are there for a reason — to get the crowd amped for the headliner, so check them out!
Hit Up A Record Store
In the age of mp3s, record stores are hard to find, but there are still plenty of stores keeping the spirit alive like Ka Chunk! in Annapolis and The Sound Garden in Baltimore. Talk to the people who work at record stores. These professionals have a passion for music and are happy to point out their favorite records, both old recordings (but new to you!) and their favorite upcoming releases. Another great thing about record stores: record swaps! If you're tired of a record you've been spinning or haven't played in awhile, swap it for something else! Record stores also have in-store performances, too. This is a great time to see both bigger and smaller acts in an intimate setting and the perfect opportunity to discover new music.
Related: Best Music Shops In Baltimore
Swap Playlists With A Friend
Gone are the days of making someone a mixtape, but thanks to on-demand music services, you can now do something better: make your friend a playlist and swap! You don't necessarily have to have similar tastes in music, you may be surprised that a friend who listens to mostly alternative may also be into folk, EDM or R&B. You'll find music commonalities in almost everyone you know.
Music Streaming Services"
Invest in a music streaming service like Spotify or Pandora. A Spotify subscription allows you to play both songs and artists on demand and the ability to "follow" artists and add them to an unlimited number playlists. The more you listen and create playlists, the more Spotify gets to know you as a listener and will automatically generate a "discover weekly" playlist for you each week. Similar to Spotify, Pandora allows you to pick an artist and create a "station," which are unlimited. Using their music genome, Pandora will play similar tracks and artists. Pandora and Spotify are both free services but a paid subscription eliminates ads and extends streaming capabilities. Both of these are affordable options to have access to an almost infinite catalog of music.
Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.
