![5 Marvelous Mobile Apps for Music Discovery [MASHABLE AWARDS]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/03ohlVHLkriCDxWjifWmLbY/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647019073.jpg)
At the moment, there's a growing number of rad music discovery apps on the market -- some that let you create playlists on-the-go, some that let you cache music for offline listening and some that are awesome for Internet radio-style music discovery.
Being a young, busy music-lover myself, I'm often found with headphones jammed in my ears -- my record player sadly gathering a fine layer of dust in my room -- looking for "something new to listen to." Therefore, I took some time this week to test out a cadre of music apps ideal for daily commutes and wanders. I tested these apps on my Android mobile, but most are also available on other platforms, including the desktop web via a browser.
Check out my thoughts on these five apps and weigh in in the comments: What's your favorite way to discover new music? Do you have a favorite mobile app or in-browser service?
See What Your Friends are Listening To
I'm constantly asking my musically inclined friends to suggest new albums. Rdio is basically a godsend (to my friends, as well, since I can stop pestering them). This service, which emerged from private beta about a month ago, is an all-you-can-stream, social, multi-platform music service (it has a web app and desktop app, as well as Android, BlackBerry, iPhone and iPad mobile applications). Basically, it's like Facebook combined with iTunes (sorry, Ping).
For $9.99 per month, you can listen to as many songs as you want, create playlists, listen to artist radio stations and follow friends (which can be found via Facebook and Twitter) -- all from within the app. Also -- and this is a big draw -- you can sync Rdio with your iTunes account, which allows it to automatically find music you already own and add it to your "Collection." That way, you can listen to whatever you want all in one place -- so no more double-fisting with your iPod and phone.
Still, the social aspect is probably Rdio's most unique feature. Following friends includes checking out (and listening to) songs they have in heavy rotation as well as seeing their recent activity (who they're following, what songs they just downloaded, etc).
Instead of bothering my friend Jill to suggest some new jams, I can just check out what she's downloading and take a listen. And with 7 million songs and access to labels like Sony, EMI, Universal, Warner Music Group, IODA, IRIS, Finetunes, INgrooves and The Orchard, there's no shortage of tunes for my friends to inadvertently recommend.
Make Playlists On-the-Go
If you're an iPhone user, you can skip to the next app; my fave app for easy playlist-making, Grooveshark, was nixed from the App Store a month ago due to record label complaints (Grooveshark gets its catalog from end-users, which makes for a sticky situation with the labels).
Still, the 3-year-old music service isn't an illegal download site, so it still makes the cut. With Grooveshark VIP -- which costs $3 per month or $30 per year -- you can listen to your jams both on your desktop and in-app sans ads. There's a ton of features that Grooveshark VIP users can reap, but one in particular will warm the hearts of those among us who are really down with making mixtapes: Easy playlist building.
The app's interface clearly lends itself to organizing jams. "Playlists" is front and center on the home screen and clicking the gray arrow next to any tune allows you to either add it to an existing playlist or create a new one.
You can easily share playlists (via Facebook, Twitter, text, etc.) and make them available for offline listening by clicking the gray arrow next to the playlist itself.
Read About Music... And Then Download It
MOG started out about five years ago as a network for music blogs (the team relaunched the blog aggregator in August). Before I worked at Mash, I did a brief stint helping with the blog at Death + Taxes. I checked out MOG every day to find stories and music news. The brand then ramped up by launching an all-you-can-eat and on-demand listening library in December of 2009. Finally, the introduction of the MOG app (previewed at SXSW) was the cherry on the sundae at the end of this musical buffet.
MOG is essentially a "brand circle" -- I can read about bands on the blog, and then use the app to download new jams from its library of 9 million songs (the service costs $10 per month). I can also check out top picks and charts from the MOG editors and download those as well. I can listen to everything offline too. The only downside is that you have to create and edit playlists in-browser.
Still, MOG is probably one of the most attractive apps and plays nicely with the whole ethos the brand has created.
In the Works
Before I downloaded Slacker Radio, the one other music app I owned was Pandora. Pandora can be frustrating because I couldn't listen to it in offline mode. Basically, Slacker lets users expand on the Internet radio music discovery experience (à la Pandora) by allowing you to cache stations.
This month, the service is going to get some upgrades with the launch of Slacker Premium Radio -- $9.99 a month gets you on-demand music in the mix. Users will be able to listen to whole albums, create custom playlists and search for specific songs. Essentially, Slacker is going more the way of services like Rdio and MOG than limited stalwarts like Pandora.
Stay Classic
Pandora is quickly becoming the grandpa of music discovery services. At 10 years old (which is like 1,000 in tech years), it still adheres closely to its original (albeit successful) model.
However, we've come a long way since Pandora launched, and its music app lacks a lot of the features -- offline caching, an on-demand music library, etc. -- found in the apps mentioned above. Still, that's not Pandora's aim. Pandora focuses on Internet radio-esque music discovery and the simplicity of the app is kind of refreshing when you're tired of wading through options. Want to hear something that sounds like Passion Pit but don't really feel like listening to Passion Pit? It's as easy as pressing "Create Station."
Sure, I can't listen to Pandora on the train to work every day -- as I stand smushed between commuters -- but I'll always tote it around my apartment while I'm attempting to look presentable for the long ride.
Which of these music discovery services made your list? Are there others worth mentioning? Sound off in the comments.
The Mashable Awards Gala at Cirque du Soleil Zumanity (Vegas)
Thanks to our sponsors:
Mashable Awards Gala Partner:
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to nearly 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents. In 2010 Cirque du Soleil, will present 21 shows simultaneously throughout the world, including seven in Las Vegas.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com
Mashable Awards Online Partner:
The Fresh Diet is like having a Cordon Bleu chef prepare your meals in your own kitchen. There's no cooking, cleaning, shopping - just fresh prepared delicious meals, hand delivered to your door daily! Whether you want to lose weight or just want to eat healthy, The Fresh Diet can help you meet your goals. The best news, we're giving away a FREE week of The Fresh Diet every day on our Facebook page. Just click here to become a fan and you could be the next winner. Join now!
Mashable Awards Partner:
Mashable Awards Gala VIP Lounge sponsor:
Influxis specializes in the deployment of creative streaming solutions. Services include large scale deployment, mobile streaming, turn-key applications, and enterprise support with custom network options. With the unique combination of a worldwide network, knowledgeable developer support and nearly a decade of streaming media experience, Influxis is an essential partner to businesses, advertisers, developers, educators, and others who seek expertise in innovative streaming.