Winter break for college students is notorious for rotting in your childhood bed while listening to albums that bring upon the feelings of melancholy and comfort. And although that steadfast ritual is irreplaceable, winter break also has the potential to widen your musical horizons.
While it may be tempting to continue listening to Lana and Lizzy while aimlessly driving around your hometown, another form of entertainment could be doing some rigorous digging regarding your favorite genre. Thankfully, there is no limit when it comes to music; your experimental exploration holds no bounds.
Along with endless searching, looking into your favorite artist’s favorite artists can help you discover where your beloved musician’s work came from. Who knows, this could unlock a new love for the influences behind the music you already adore.
Spotify and Apple Music can curate playlists based on your preferred genre or artists. This feature is wonderful because not only can it introduce you to different artists that may pique your interest, but it also suggests new genres that are similar to your most listened albums. Spotify’s “Weekly Discovery” playlist and Apple Music’s “Discovery Station” are great places to start.
If you are looking for a more artistic approach to broadening your music palette, seeking out and listening to other college radio stations is highly recommended. Doing a quick search to find other local college radio stations not only supports them but also gives you a break from constantly looking at a screen.
If doing all this digging just sounds like too much, resort to asking people in person. What they’re listening to could result in some great finds. It may seem intimidating at first, but music serves as a language everyone understands.
This winter break, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and listen to things you wouldn’t ever consider listening to. Create a list of artists. Listen to at least one of their albums, one that’s not their most popular. Force yourself to sit with the artist, even if it’s painful.
Some may argue that this process seems extensive or unnecessary, but the more searching and digging you do, the better treasure you will find.
