Posted on April 28, 2012 by Benjamin Shapiro

It’s no secret that the digital revolution has changed the way we access music. With phones becoming more advanced with every new release, even sporting an  iPod is beginning to feel a little dated. Here’s a list of some applications for iPhone and Android owners that will put the musical world into palm of your touch screen clad hands:

1. Shazam:  For a music fan, Shazam is a life changing app that allows you to find out what song you are listening to at the touch of a button. While Shazam is an mobile phone veteran, their app has grown over time and now can tell you all of a song’s lyrics as it plays. No matter where your music comes from, this is a great tool for keeping track of the songs you love!

2. Songza: This unique phone app chooses music for you to listen to based on what you’re doing. Studying? It will play something intellectually stimulating. Working out? Songza will play high-energy music. Trying to get some sleep? Songza will play soothing music for you. Songza is also different from other streaming radio apps because it uses real human beings to create each playlist… nothing says curation like an actual mammal with opposable thumbs picking tunes for you!  

3. Rdio: With Rdio (or Spotify but we like Rdio better), you can listen virtually any song, album or artist whenever you want.  Rdio offers an “all-you-can” eat steaming music services with free memberships, however, to get unlimited playback you’ll have to pay roughly $5 (computer only) or $10 (computer and mobile device).  They also have a convenient “offline” mode that lets you listen to specified songs without an internet connection. Even if you travel, Rdio is a great replacement for buying CD’s Amazon or MP3s on iTunes. If you find yourself buying more than $10 of music a month, paying for this service is totally worth it!
4. Pandora: This is an intuitive streaming  radio station that tailors what are listening to to your musical tastes. Simply input an genre artist or song that you like and Pandora will find similar music for you to rock out to. Just don’t forget to give an occasional thumbs-up or thumbs-down or your Pandora station will stray away from where you started over time.

5. NPR Music: National Public Radio now has a way for you to access a variety of differnt types of music on the go. Their “All Songs Considered 24/7” station is a personal favorite to play at work because it’s curated and always different from song to song. While NPR Music focuses a little more on the adult contemporary market, it’s still a good listen for everyone.

6. SoundTracking: The perfect mashup of local check-ins and musical moments. The SoundTracking  app is a great way for you to share the soundtrack of your life on the social platform of your choice. Take a picture, tag your location, share your favorite song and post it to your Facebook, Twitter or your favorite other social network and… BAM…The world is listening to your life as it unfolds! 

7. SongKick: Want to keep track of your favorite artists’ concerts? SongKick is the way to do it! This app will show you when all of your favorite artists come into town, where they are playing and connect you to the cheapest place to buy tickets on the go. You can even sync all of the artists you have from iTunes to start your list of concerts to attend.

8. YouTube: What, you thought YouTube was only for video? Well, ok, you were right! But, YouTube also a great tool to find all sorts of live and unique tracks from your favorite bands. While their content isn’t organized like other services, there’s no telling what hidden gem you’ll find using this app.

9. TuneIn: TuneIn (or iHeartRadio) in an app that lets you listen to local radio stations on your phone. This is a great way to stay in touch with your favorite DJ even if you’re on the go or out of town. Sure, there are a lot of radio stations to choose from, but it you find one you like, you’re golden and now you can take it almost anywhere!

10. Stubhub. There’s nothing better than a good live show… NOTHING! Stubhub is the ultimate marketplace for tickets. While it’s not always the cheapest option, sold out or not, there’s always a ticket for the show you want to see waiting for you on Stubhub.

Sure there are a bazillion apps there and this list hardly scratches the surface but if you’re looking for new ways to  find or music on your smartphone, this should get you headed in the right direction. Which of these iPhone apps is your favorite?

Keep Rockin’!!!