One thing I’m categorically rubbish at is finding new music I love.  It’s not that I don’t like music -- I adore it, as most of us do -- but I just never seem to take the time to wander aimlessly through Spotify or YouTube on a mission to find something new.  I’m far more likely to be found rocking out to Rumours by Fleetwood Mac for the gazillionth time and being all like “whaaaat?!” when my flatmate rolls her eyes at me yet again.

BUT.  I have found one fun and very exciting solution to this problem.  Whenever someone whose taste in music I broadly admire is going to a gig, I ask if I can go with them.  Blind.  Think about it: seeing someone perform live is exponentially better than listening to a CD at home.  It’s like the optimal introduction to a new artist or band -- this is exactly how they intend their songs to be played and heard.  And it works!  Last year I discovered The National using this very technique.  Last night, it was the Tallest Man on Earth (above).

Fun night out?  Tick.  New (and very cute, and Swedish!) musical interest?  Also tick.

What about you?  Do you make an effort to discover new bands or are you happy with your oldies and besties?