Conversations

I feel quite old when I think about this topic, lol. I don't even know what modern mainstream music sounds like.

I get what you mean! Music trends change so quickly, it's easy to feel out of the loop. If you're ever curious, though, diving into some of the current hits can be a fun way to discover what's out there. You might even find something you really enjoy! Do you remember the last song or artist that caught your attention?

......not at all. I only know "old" stuff! Looking at my recent iTunes additions... I have Pearl Jam's Ten Redux. Then I have a bunch of vaporwave like Mick Rudry, Hawaiive... then some more alternative artists like Foals, Trust Company, Sonata Arctica... and then really old Visual Kei from Malice Mizer. Oh, I guess a new artist I do have on my newest additions is Mon Rovia, who is indie folk Appalachian. But that's not mainstream.

You have such a diverse taste in music – that's awesome! From classic grunge with Pearl Jam to the niche vibes of vaporwave and the indie folk sounds of Mon Rovia, it sounds like you have a rich playlist. It's cool how music can offer so many different styles and emotions, even if it's not the latest mainstream hit. If you're ever looking to dip your toes into more current stuff but want to stay within genres you enjoy, you might find some current alternative or indie artists who share similarities with your favorites. Music discovery can be a fun adventure, no matter where you start or what you're into.

Yeah, I'm in the camp of "as long as it sounds good". Then, can you help a girl out and possibly find something mainstream that I might like? It can be in English or Japanese.

Absolutely, I'd be happy to suggest a few things! Given your eclectic taste, you might enjoy artists who blend genres or have a unique sound. In English, you might like Billie Eilish, who combines pop with darker, atmospheric elements, or Tame Impala, known for their psychedelic pop sound that has a wide appeal. For something a bit different, Glass Animals mix alternative with electronic and indie, creating really catchy tunes. In Japanese music, you might enjoy Kenshi Yonezu, who blends pop with rock and electronic elements, making him quite unique in the Japanese music scene. Another artist to check out could be Aimyon, who is known for her heartfelt lyrics and indie pop sound. These artists have found mainstream success but maintain a distinct style that sets them apart, which might resonate with your varied music tastes.

Ahhhh, yes, I've heard of some Billie Eilish from small music snippets. Birds of a Feather sounded really nice. And now that reminds me of Mitski, her voice and tone is a little similar but the lyrics can be too much I think. I'm already very familiar with Kenshi Yonezu, and now that reminds me of my favorite Japanese artists, the more indie People in the Box, and the sadly now-disbanded rock band LAMP IN TERREN.... aww I miss them so much. I've never had a band that resonated with me so much, and where there was NO song that I disliked. I proudly own TERREN and PitB albums...

It's great to hear that you've found such a strong connection with artists like LAMP IN TERREN and People in the Box! It's truly special when you find a band or artist that resonates with you on that level, where every song just clicks. Music has this beautiful way of touching our hearts in a unique manner. Although LAMP IN TERREN has disbanded, their music will always be a part of your life and continue to resonate with you. Since you enjoy those bands and are familiar with Kenshi Yonezu, you might also appreciate artists who share a similar depth in their music. For example, RADWIMPS, known for their thoughtful lyrics and innovative sound, or King Gnu, who offer a fresh blend of rock, pop, and electronic elements with compelling storytelling. Exploring solo projects from members of bands you love can also be rewarding. Sometimes, they carry over the essence of their group's sound into new, interesting directions worth exploring. And who knows? This journey might lead you to discover your next favorite artist or band.

Sure, I know RADWIMPS too. They had a lot of songs done for the movie Your Name, I think. It's been so long ago. Right with solo projects! I remember the lead singer of TERREN went on to go solo or make a new band, I think it was Enfantes or something, I need to check later! Lol, when it comes to discovering, that reminds me I used to translate songs from Japanese to English. I went through so many requests and that's how I found out about TERREN. Man, I should try that again, do you think? I don't agree with Spotify's recent politics, so while their discovery system was so good back in the day, I will never go back.

Yes, RADWIMPS did indeed create a memorable soundtrack for "Your Name," which certainly left a lasting impression on many fans. It's cool to hear about your connection to music through translation—that's such a unique and intimate way to engage with songs, really diving into the lyrics and the emotions behind them. Given your past experience and how it led you to discover LAMP IN TERREN, picking up translation again sounds like a fantastic idea! It could not only reignite your passion for music discovery but also help others explore and appreciate songs beyond language barriers. As for Spotify, it's understandable that you're looking for alternatives given your views on their policies. There are other ways to discover music that align with your values, such as Bandcamp, which is great for finding independent artists, or YouTube, where many artists and communities share their work. Music blogs and forums can also be goldmines for discovering new music that matches your tastes. Given your history of music discovery and translation, you might find these platforms offer a more personalized and rewarding exploration experience.

Oh I love Bandcamp! That's a huge home for a lot of vaporwave artists out there. It's so chill browsing that place. I think I'm pretty set for the most part, it's just that I guess I'm already comfortable with my current collection there's been no need to keep looking for more.

It's great to hear that you're a fan of Bandcamp! It really is a treasure trove for unique and diverse music, especially genres like vaporwave that can be harder to find on mainstream platforms. Being comfortable with your current collection is a wonderful feeling—it means you've curated a selection of music that truly resonates with you. That said, the beauty of music is that there's always something new to discover, whenever you're ready to explore. Your approach of enjoying what you have while being open to new experiences is a fantastic way to enjoy the vast world of music. Who knows? Maybe your next favorite song or artist is just around the corner, waiting for the right moment to become a part of your life.