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Ask An OC Expert: Best Ways To Discover New Music

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(credit: Antonio Guillem/shutterstock)

There is an entire world of music out there to be heard. If you're someone who consumes - rather than just listens to - music, you probably have plenty of outlets for finding new music. On the other hand, if you love hearing new music, but you're not quite sure where to look, fear not. Bobbo Byrnes has plenty of suggestions for outlets where you can hear all the new music your heart desires.

Bobbo Byrnes
thefallenstars.com

Bobbo Byrnes is the singer and guitarist for The Fallen Stars, which was recently named Best Live Band by OC Weekly. They're a great live band, but they're also pretty good in the studio whether it is recording songs as The Fallen Stars or Riddle and The Stars — or recording songs inspired by the show "Firefly." Byrnes also operates 5 Star Piano Service. On top of all of that, he is an avid seeker of new music, and he provides some great options for you to find new tunes and bands.

Pandora

"Pandora is an outlet to love and hate simultaneously. A lot of times, you're left wondering how some of the bands ended up on the station you created. For example, the station I created for our band The Fallen Stars played Sister Hazel, Christian rock, and John Mayer, among others. Still, you can find out about a lot of great bands using Pandora. When you do find some bands you like, make sure you go out and buy their albums because bands aren't making any money from Pandora plays."

Touring

"Granted, this one only applies to music artists, but it's a great way to discover new artists. Also, I never claimed to be able to solve all of your problems. This past year we were touring with Rufus Coates and the Blackened Trees from Dublin and their songs just haunted me. You can dig someone's music, but when you spend a bit of time together you get to love them as people; their music becomes part of you."

Message Boards

"The Gear Page specifically is a message board, one where the members turn each other on to new music. Through this page, I've learned about The Jayco Brothers, Sparkledrive and The Delines — all of whom I like a lot. If you don't have a favorite message board for sharing music, it's easy to start one."

Go To Shows

"This seems obvious, yet it is the hardest way to discover new music because you have to put on pants to do it. Turn off the TV and go out. Wherever you live, music is happening. Go find it. Make sure that you go for all of the bands on the bill. You just might find some new favorites when you check out the band(s) that open for the band or artist you really love. It's how I've discovered some of my favorites, like Luke Doucet and Ronnie Fauss."

Related: Best Indie-Rock Venues In Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com

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