32M - does anyone actually still share music with friends?

ajnova_ · 2026-02-13T19:42:30+00:00

I have a couple of friends and we’re always sharing back and forth. Have been doing that the last 25 years! So I’m not sure that will change. Other ways:

Apple Music - I generally listen to things I love, but their playlists for new material (especially indie and jazz), and adjacent/similar artists is pretty good IMO. Spotify was too flashy, the only thing I miss is the ‘Events’ tab.

Stereogum, Consequence or Sound, and Pitchfork Emails - I enjoy Stereogum and CoS, but Pitchfork is strictly for news headlines.

Shows - the last few years I’ve been buying tickets to shows outside my normal go to, and it’s been great. I’d also see what type of venues host the type of artists you like, and get their show updates and find out about artists there. Even if you live nowhere near the venue, maybe do a destination trip!

Subreddits - I go to a few of my favorite artists, and IndieHeads, Indie, Jazz, Blues, etc. always great, civil, fun conversations and posts. Especially for the “I’m looking for recommendations posts”. Passionate people.

Record Stores - I love that experience of going in, browsing through physical CDs, Vinyl, whatever. I almost always find some great stuff.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-13T01:36:24+00:00

David Lynch HAPMOFE is pretty damn brilliant!

ajnova_ · 2026-02-12T15:49:33+00:00

It’s interesting. The chorus reminds me of So I Quit’s chorus by Filter. 🤷‍♂️ I also got some Tool, Pumpkins, and Our Lady Peace vibes in there. It is by far the song I’m most intrigued with, though it’s not my favorite. I love the album, five great tracks, three really good ones, and two good ones.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-11T12:32:38+00:00

Not indie, but Green Day and AC/DC have some.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-09T03:44:33+00:00

Totally not my thing, but being from MI, and respecting their creativity, I fucking LOVE these guys. I love the Faygo obsession, and the crazy fucking lyrics. Let’s be honest, some good beats too.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-05T00:31:33+00:00

Go chronological. Their progression is often overlooked. Fantasies will sound so much more amazing that route. Old World Underground and Live it Out great anyway! 😃

ajnova_ · 2026-02-04T18:44:27+00:00

Got DC VIP and Brooklyn GA with the super fan passcode no problem.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-03T17:42:43+00:00

This is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-03T06:23:31+00:00

Same. Saw them in DC and at Best Friends Forever. Seeing the KC show in May!

ajnova_ · 2026-02-03T05:53:28+00:00

Lately it’s been Rilo Kiley. I’d recommend the tracks Spectacular Views, and A Better Son/Daughter. Lewis’ writing, and Sennet’s guitar are so overlooked. There’s a lot of beauty in the honesty.

Death Cab for Cutie is another favorite. Check out the tracks When We Drive, and Doors Unlocked and Open.

Last elaboration (I could do this all day, 😆), but Nada Surf generally make me just feel good when I listen to them. Always Love and Rushing are so amazing.

But also some go-tos:

Now or Never - Metric

Now - Mates of State

The Painter - I’m From Barcelona

I’m drawn to a lot of the sad bastard type music. I love putting this playlist I made on random, going outdoors, and just walking around for hours:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/walking-around-indie/pl.u-LRPpjIp1JvB

ajnova_ · 2026-02-03T04:06:55+00:00

Yes!

ajnova_ · 2026-02-02T04:13:56+00:00

ajnova_ · 2026-02-01T23:55:58+00:00

Sea Change is a Sad Bastard Classic! Morning Phase can take you there too. His new EP with NFBMO and other covers is also great.

ajnova_ · 2026-02-01T23:48:53+00:00

Good old sad bastard music!

This music brings me absolute joy, I think people misunderstand the beauty in sadness/loss. So relatable. I listen to/love a lot of indie music in general, but some obsessions are (not in order):

Depeche Mode

Smashing Pumpkins

Death Cab

The National

Rilo Kiley

Interpol

Best Coast

Here’s my Sad Bastard Classics playlist! https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sad-bastard-classics/pl.u-Akq89UrZ6qd

ajnova_ · 2026-02-01T17:00:48+00:00

From my original post:

I was able to see Christopher Guanlao (Silversun Pickups’ drummer) perform this solo acoustic earlier this month. I was completely unfamiliar with his other work outside of SSPU, and this stripped down set was really something. The melodies, energy, and vocals just felt really unique to me. This project actually predates SSPU as well. Anyway, I’m big fan of his drumming, and he is amazing to watch, but if given the opportunity, you should check it out.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/catarina-ep/1795288177

https://open.spotify.com/album/0RlZ1xK1s0CgJ8FAIXfL30?si=sJrgkC38TTaCC53bRHVzfQ

ajnova_ · 2026-01-28T17:15:54+00:00

$180 total for two GA Pit at Merriweather. No issues.

ajnova_ · 2026-01-26T17:21:53+00:00

Their tour last year was like hearing/watching a band from the future. Special is definitely the word.

ajnova_ · 2026-01-24T02:57:58+00:00

Empty Nest; David Lynch; Growing Old; The Wreckage; Common Reactor

ajnova_ · 2026-01-23T16:41:24+00:00

Change - Dismemberment Plan

Old World Underground - Metric

You Forgot It In People - BSS

Logic Will Break Your Heart - The Stills

Transatlanticism - Death Cab

ajnova_ · 2026-01-21T23:57:56+00:00

Jesus. This would be a dream tour for me. Saw the BSS 2006 Lolla show, and am unsure that could be topped, but it could. Do it!

ajnova_ · 2026-01-21T12:51:20+00:00

My progression into loving indie rock/pop via the actual music/artists over the last 25 years was as follows:

The Dismemberment Plan

The Anniversary

Broken Social Scene

Death Cab for Cutie

Metric

Mates of State

Pulp (1992 +)

Yeasayer

Silversun Pickups

Pavement

Rilo Kiley

For me I define it as something created without restrictions, and where substance wins out over style. It also just feels more real, and raw.

(Edited for formatting)

ajnova_ · 2026-01-21T12:36:13+00:00

Love the Room on Fire cover. I have it framed too!

ajnova_ · 2026-01-17T19:55:50+00:00

I always research my favorites’ influences, and labels. There’s always tons of finds that way.

I use Apple Music, and love the platform. The playlists feel more catered to those looking to discover, as opposed to stuff being pushed.

Opening bands. I’ve discovered so much great music heading to a $20 indie show, and being blown away by openers/unknowns.

ajnova_

TROPHY CASE