Before the Internet, music lovers discovered new music by listening to the radio, spending hours at record stores, borrowing their friends’ CDs, or scouring local libraries for free downloadable MP3s. Because of this bottlenecked distribution, the music industry was completely gatekept for decades, with labels buying up radio stations, studios, event spaces, and retail booths to promote their own artists. While this practice still exists to some degree, recreational musical exploration has become far simpler for listeners. The Internet and the age of online infinity have opened a melodic wellspring of opportunity, expanding society’s musical exposure beyond its usual prescribed bubble. Crossing international borders, entering underground basements, and tugging at the threads of niche markets, exploring the music world has never been easier, if you know where to look. Streaming platform algorithms and personalized picks, like  «Discovery» playlists, foster a sense of wonder. This makes unearthing musical treasures available to more than just audiophiles by platforming artists who might otherwise never receive the recognition they deserve.

Via u/charliepix