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In case it wasn't already obvious, I'm a bit of a music obsessive. I am constantly trolling the internet for new artists to listen to and review. Although I have a pretty broad taste in music, I definitely have particular things that I gravitate towards more than others. And, of course things that I can’t stand in music. Here’s a list of things that I look for when discovering new music.

Is it unique?

I’m probably somewhere in the middle of some sort of scale that grades people on their preference of totally unique vs. derivative music. Obviously I like stuff that is in line with my own personal taste but I can’t stand stuff that just sounds like everything else. For instance, a while ago someone sent me some of their music to listen to. On the surface is was pretty non-offensive. Nothing to write home about but nothing to object to. Except for the fact that basically all their opening riffs just sounded like Foals songs. I don’t want to hear other people’s music. I want to hear yours. Duh.

Is the music about death?

Just save it. No one is interested in confronting their own mortality in the form of a 4 minute song. I'm sorry but death is so overplayed an uninteresting. Obviously if it's a tribute song for a loved one then that's okay but people singing about how they wished they were dead is just the worst.

How well does the track use audial space?

I think this is something that people don’t actually talk about very often. Music, in a lot of ways is like a painting on a canvas. It’s not good art just because there’s stuff on the canvas. When I listen to a band like Alt-J I can really tell that they understand how to expertly turn a sparse guitar into something that someone can be in awe of. I think that’s talent.

Does it sound like mid-2000s pop-punk?

Then under no circumstances am I even remotely interested in hearing it.

Does it sound interesting?

I think there are obviously a lot of different elements that make a song an interesting listen. For me it’s usually something small like some hand clapping, a wah pedal, some violins, or even a really interesting vocalist. The effort to mix things up so you’re not just hearing the same type of thing can really go a long way.

What are some things you guys look for in new music? I know we all have our preferences!