The best music isn’t always found on mainstream charts—it’s lurking in basements, DIY venues, record shops, and secret online communities. If you’re tired of the same Spotify playlists and want to tap into the raw, unfiltered energy of underground music scenes, you’re in the right place.
From indie rock and experimental electronic to global folk traditions and warehouse raves, here are 10 ways to discover underground music worldwide and support the artists shaping the future of sound. 🎶🔥
1. Dive Into Local Record Stores 🎧🛒
Your nearest independent record shop is a goldmine for underground music. These stores are often run by passionate curators who know what’s fresh, rare, and overlooked.
How to use it:
- Ask for recommendations from staff—they know what’s buzzing locally.
- Browse handwritten staff picks or ‘New Arrivals’ sections.
- Look for zines, flyers, or posters advertising underground shows.
2. Explore Bandcamp & SoundCloud 🎼💻
Mainstream platforms like Spotify filter what you hear, but Bandcamp and SoundCloud are where raw, independent music lives.
How to use it:
- Follow niche indie labels and artists directly.
- Check out Bandcamp Fridays, where 100% of sales go to artists.
- Use SoundCloud’s related tracks algorithm to spiral into fresh sounds.
3. Attend DIY Venues & Warehouse Raves 🎶🏢
The heart of any underground scene is its live performances. Skip the corporate festivals and hit DIY venues, house shows, and warehouse parties instead.
How to find them:
- Follow local underground promoters on Instagram.
- Look for event posters in record stores, coffee shops, and skate parks.
- Get into Facebook and Discord groups for your city’s underground scene.
4. Tune Into Pirate & Independent Radio 📻🌍
Corporate radio is a loop of the same hits—but pirate and independent stations showcase the deepest and most experimental underground sounds.
Where to listen:
- NTS Radio (London-based, but streams worldwide)
- The Lot Radio (NYC, broadcasting global underground DJs)
- Dublab (LA-based, experimental & future-facing music)
- N10.AS Radio (Montreal’s hub for underground sounds)
5. Follow Indie Music Blogs & Zines 📝🎵
Blogs and online zines dig deep into emerging music scenes, often covering artists before they blow up.
Where to look:
- Resident Advisor (electronic, techno, and club culture)
- Gorilla vs. Bear (indie, dream pop, and psych rock)
- Pitchfork’s Rising Section (spotlighting future stars)
- Tiny Mix Tapes (avant-garde & experimental music)
6. Use Niche Music Subreddits & Forums 💬🎚️
Reddit and forums are goldmines for obscure recommendations from music nerds worldwide.
Best places to start:
- r/ListenToThis (hidden gems from all genres)
- r/IndieHeads (all things indie and alternative)
- r/Techno & r/DeepHouse (for underground electronic music)
- r/Vaporwave (for surreal, internet-born music movements)
7. Dig Into YouTube’s Algorithm 📺🔍
YouTube is one of the best discovery tools for underground music. Unlike streaming platforms, its algorithm isn’t locked into major label deals.
How to use it:
- Start with an underground artist you like and go down the “Recommended” rabbit hole.
- Check out channels that specialize in obscure music (e.g., Majestic Casual, HÖR Berlin, My Analog Journal).
- Watch boiler room sets & live session videos from emerging artists.
8. Travel & Immerse Yourself in Local Music Scenes ✈️🌍
If you want to experience underground music in its purest form, travel to cities with thriving local scenes.
Where to go:
- Berlin, Germany – Techno capital of the world.
- São Paulo, Brazil – Experimental electronic & punk fusion.
- Tokyo, Japan – Jazz kissas, noise rock, and city pop revival.
- Nairobi, Kenya – Afrohouse, gengetone, and vibrant club culture.
9. Follow Underground DJs & Selectors 🎛️🎤
DJs aren’t just entertainers—they’re gatekeepers of underground sounds. Many of them break records months (or years) before they reach the mainstream.
How to tap in:
- Follow DJs on Mixcloud, NTS, and Instagram.
- Check their Boiler Room sets for deep cuts.
- Keep an eye on their Spotify or SoundCloud playlists.
10. Buy Vinyl & Cassette Tapes 📀📼
Streaming platforms only scratch the surface—some of the best underground releases are vinyl- or cassette-only.
Where to dig:
- Bandcamp’s cassette section (loaded with experimental gems).
- Discogs (for rare, independent vinyl).
- Thrift stores & flea markets (you never know what you’ll find).
Final Thoughts 🎶✨
Finding underground music is about digging beyond the obvious, trusting your curiosity, and embracing the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re flipping through vinyl, dancing in a hidden warehouse, or diving into deep SoundCloud playlists, there’s a whole world of sound waiting for you.