How To Find New Artists in the Chillwave Genre

The chillwave genre, known for its ethereal synths, nostalgic vibes, and lo-fi production, has gained a significant following over the past decade. But as with any genre, the most exciting aspect is discovering fresh talent and new voices that breathe life into the scene. Whether you're a long-time fan of chillwave or you're just getting started, learning how to find new artists within this genre can elevate your music experience. In this article, we'll explore various ways to unearth new chillwave artists, from online platforms to niche communities, and provide tips on how to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving music space.

Understanding Chillwave

Before diving into the process of finding new chillwave artists, it's important to have a clear understanding of the genre. Chillwave is often characterized by dreamy synthesizers, smooth, relaxed beats, and the use of vintage or nostalgic samples. It's a genre that aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia, relaxation, and introspection, often drawing on elements from 1980s pop and experimental electronic music.

In terms of its roots, chillwave emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with artists like Washed Out, Toro y Moi, and Neon Indian paving the way. What sets chillwave apart from other electronic genres is its focus on ambient textures and organic warmth, blending retro aesthetics with modern production techniques. As the genre evolved, many sub-genres and influences, such as vaporwave, synthwave, and lo-fi hip-hop, began to intertwine with chillwave, creating a rich tapestry of sound to explore.

The Importance of Discovery

In today's musical landscape, there's an overwhelming amount of music to sift through. The internet has made it easier than ever for independent artists to share their work, but this also means that it can be difficult to find new music amidst the noise. With chillwave being a niche genre, discovering new artists can sometimes be more challenging, but the reward is well worth it.

Chillwave, by its very nature, isn't as commercially popular as some of the larger electronic or pop genres, so many of the most exciting new talents can fly under the radar. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of effort, you can stay ahead of the curve and discover hidden gems that might just become your new favorite artists.

Platforms to Find New Chillwave Artists

1. Bandcamp: The Independent Music Hub

Bandcamp is perhaps the best place to find new chillwave artists. The platform allows musicians to independently release their music, often before it hits major streaming services. Artists in the chillwave genre tend to use Bandcamp to maintain creative control and connect with their audience directly.

Tips for using Bandcamp to discover chillwave music:

• Browse the Electronic or Synthwave categories: Bandcamp's search features let you filter by genre, which can lead you straight to new releases in chillwave or closely related genres like ambient, synthwave, and lo-fi.
• Check the 'New and Notable' section: This section features up-and-coming artists who have just released their albums. Artists in the chillwave genre are often included here, and the music is typically fresh and experimental.
• Explore collections and playlists: Many Bandcamp users curate their own collections and playlists, some of which are genre-specific. Look for playlists dedicated to chillwave or its sub-genres for a handpicked selection of tracks.
• Follow labels and artists: Many chillwave artists release music through labels, and these labels often have profiles on Bandcamp that feature various artists and their releases. Follow your favorite artists and labels to stay updated on new music.

2. SoundCloud: The Ground for Indie Music

SoundCloud remains a popular platform for discovering emerging music, especially within niche genres like chillwave. Many up-and-coming artists upload their tracks directly to SoundCloud, giving listeners a chance to hear new music before it's widely available.

Tips for using SoundCloud to discover chillwave music:

• Follow recommended tracks and artists: SoundCloud's algorithm recommends tracks based on your listening habits. As you engage with chillwave music, the recommendations will start to reflect that, leading you to new artists.
• Use tags and genres: Search for chillwave, vaporwave, or synthwave tags to find artists who produce similar music. You can also follow genre-based playlists or curators to hear more.
• Check out artist profiles: Many chillwave artists upload entire albums or EPs, and you can follow them to receive notifications when they release new material.
• Engage with the community: Commenting on tracks and interacting with artists or listeners can lead to further discoveries. Many artists will suggest similar artists in the comments or respond to requests for music recommendations.

3. Spotify: Personalized Playlists and Algorithms

While Spotify is more mainstream, it still offers great tools for discovering new chillwave music. The platform's algorithm is designed to suggest music based on your listening history, and it's a useful tool for exploring artists you might otherwise miss.

Tips for using Spotify to discover chillwave music:

• Listen to 'Related Artists': When you find an artist you like, click on their page and scroll to the "Related Artists" section. Spotify will show you a list of similar musicians, many of whom may be lesser-known but still offer the same dreamy, nostalgic vibes.
• Explore curated playlists: Many chillwave and indie playlists are curated by both Spotify itself and independent users. Searching for keywords like "chillwave," "synthwave," and "ambient" can lead you to these playlists, which often feature up-and-coming artists.
• Use the 'Discover Weekly' feature: Spotify's personalized weekly playlist suggests music based on your listening habits. Many new chillwave artists make their way into this playlist, and it's a great way to explore fresh sounds.
• Follow niche playlists: There are many user-created playlists specifically for chillwave and similar genres. Following these playlists ensures you're constantly exposed to new and emerging artists.

4. Reddit: Communities and Music Sharing

Reddit is home to many music-centric subreddits where users share tracks, albums, and artists. These communities are often incredibly active and can be an excellent resource for discovering new chillwave music.

Subreddits to explore:

• r/chillwave: Dedicated entirely to the chillwave genre, this subreddit is a great place to discover new artists and albums. Users frequently share links to new music, and there's always discussion about emerging trends.
• r/indieheads: While not specifically for chillwave, r/indieheads is a large community focused on indie music. Many chillwave artists get shared here, and it's a great place to find lesser-known musicians.
• r/listentothis: A subreddit for sharing lesser-known music, r/listentothis often features tracks from niche genres like chillwave. The community frequently posts new music that's just starting to gain attention.

5. YouTube: Explore Music Channels

YouTube is another platform where many chillwave artists release music and videos. Some channels specialize in showcasing new and obscure artists, making it easier for fans to find hidden gems.

Tips for using YouTube to discover chillwave music:

• Search for genre-specific channels: Channels like "Chillwave Music" or "Vaporwave" often post tracks from new artists in the genre. These channels focus on both popular and underground artists, providing an excellent source of discovery.
• Use YouTube recommendations: Once you've listened to a few chillwave tracks, YouTube's algorithm will start recommending similar content. This is a great way to find new artists, especially those who may not yet be on larger platforms.
• Watch music videos: Many chillwave artists create atmospheric music videos that complement the dreamlike quality of their sound. Exploring these videos often leads to discovering new and up-and-coming artists.

Building a Network of Artists and Fans

Beyond digital platforms, building a network with other fans and artists is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve. Engaging with the chillwave community, whether through online discussions, attending concerts, or participating in fan-driven projects, can lead you to new and exciting artists that you might otherwise miss.

1. Attend Live Shows and Festivals

Many chillwave artists perform live shows or participate in festivals, often in intimate venues or electronic music events. Even if the artist isn't widely known, live performances offer an opportunity to experience their sound in a new and immersive way. Look for local electronic music festivals or smaller venues that focus on experimental music.

2. Engage with Artists on Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become essential tools for artists to promote their work and engage with fans. By following chillwave artists and engaging with their content, you might discover collaborations or lesser-known projects that they're working on.

3. Join Online Communities

Participate in online communities such as Discord servers, Facebook groups, or forums that are dedicated to chillwave or related genres. These spaces often feature new music, artist recommendations, and upcoming events that can lead you to fresh talent.

Conclusion

Finding new artists in the chillwave genre requires a mix of exploration, networking, and staying active on digital platforms. The tools mentioned in this article---Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Spotify, Reddit, and YouTube---are all invaluable resources for discovering fresh talent. By taking advantage of these platforms and engaging with the broader chillwave community, you can continue to uncover hidden gems and stay ahead of the trends in this atmospheric and evolving genre. Whether you're looking for a laid-back soundscape or something experimental, there's always a new chillwave artist waiting to be discovered. Happy listening!

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