Hi, I'm Shingo Suzuki, also known as Suzushin.
I often listen to music while commuting or working. Recently, I realized I was always listening to similar songs by the same singers.
Looping a favorite playlist was comfortable enough, but the moments when something really moved me were becoming rarer. I wanted a little fresh inspiration. So here's how I tried finding new artists I liked on Spotify.
Why I decided to look beyond the same singers
The trigger was simple: there I was again, listening to a favorite singer's familiar song. It felt good, but I suddenly wondered whether I wanted to keep listening only to the same things.
Without new singers and songs, listening itself seemed to be becoming routine. I decided to look for new voices that suited my taste.
How I looked for new artists on Spotify
Listening randomly to endless unfamiliar tracks would be hard work. Instead, I explored Spotify's similar-song suggestions.
Scroll down to find similar songs
Here's what I did.
While playing a favorite track by an artist I already liked, I scrolled down. There I could select suggestions for music similar to the artist or song, then look for unfamiliar singers and tracks.
I listened while scrolling through them. A screen full of unknown names may feel a little uncertain at first, but that's the treasure-hunting part.
When something catches your ear, listen to the whole track
As you scroll, there will be a moment when something catches you. Whether it's an introduction or a chorus, try playing anything that interests you. Then listen to the whole song.
Judging from only a short section can mean missing out. The development or chorus may change the impression completely, so I recommend listening through even if it takes more effort.
Save what you like, then repeat
If you enjoy it, add it to your favorites. Then look for the next set of similar songs. Repeat.
It's simple, but I've found it surprisingly good for discovering music that fits my taste. And while it isn't a new artist, exploring songs you haven't heard by singers you already like is just as worthwhile. You may find a side you didn't know.
Five artists I found
I encountered several artists that made me think, “This is good.” Here are some:
- Maiko Fujita: A gentle voice, with many songs that feel bittersweet to me.
- Songs to try: “ねぇ,” “運命の人,” “宝物.”
- Asaka: A powerful voice and a range from intense to calm songs.
- Songs to try: “Open your eyes,” “Eternal Star,” “夏夢ノイジー.”
- fripSide: I'd strongly associated them with “only my railgun,” but many newer songs appealed to me too.
- Songs to try: “memory of snow,” “Where the Light Leads Us,” “closest love.”
- Yuuhei Satellite: I already liked Touhou Project and particularly enjoyed their arrangements.
- Songs to try: “色は匂へど散りぬるを,” “月に叢雲華に風,” “泡沫、哀のまほろば.”
- Inori Minase: A gentle voice, with many fresh, positive songs.
- Songs to try: “アイマイモコ,” “アルペジオ,” “夏の約束.”
Their genres and moods vary. But each gave me a particular reason to connect.
What makes a song work for me?
After repeating the process, my own preferences became clearer.
The foundations are vocal tone and melody: a voice I enjoy and a melody that moves me. If those don't fit, even a highly praised song won't connect.
Beyond a catchy, beautiful melody, I seem especially drawn to a strong sense of speed, melancholy, an unfamiliar atmosphere, or groove.
It may sound obvious put into words, but being conscious of those criteria seems to help me find music more accurately.
What I do after discovering an artist
If I like an artist, I follow them and try several more songs.
I'm still getting familiar with the music, but I'd like to listen enough to sing some of it at karaoke eventually.
Try something outside your usual loop
Following similar-song suggestions on Spotify gave me a fresh stimulus after always hearing the same singers.
All I do is scroll, listen to something that catches my ear, and save it if I like it. It's simple, but surprisingly effective at finding songs and artists that suit me.
If you've noticed yourself looping the same music, give it a try. A favorite you haven't discovered yet might be closer than you think.