7 Ways To Find New Music You’ll Actually Like On Spotify

If you’re anything like me, you listen to new songs on repeat and ultimately end up hating them within four days because you’ve overplayed them to death. Fortunately, there are easy ways to find new music you’ll like if you have a Spotify account that you’ve been using for some time:

1. New Music Friday Playlist

New Music Friday Playlist On Spotify

New Music Friday is the easiest way to stay up-to-date on the newest releases from the most popular artists. If you enjoy listening to the radio and you follow mainstream bands and singers, then you should start following this playlist. It usually pops up on the homepage feed every Friday, but if you press the FOLLOW button, then it’ll stay listed on your left sidebar under PLAYLISTS for easy access Saturday-Thursday.

2. Release Radar Playlist

Release Radar Playlist On Spotify

If you want to keep current on releases from your favorites, Spotify presents a brand new Release Radar playlist every Friday specifically based on the artists and songs you regularly listen to. This playlist is curated with new music that Spotify predicts you’ll enjoy based on your listening behavior, including songs from artists you already follow and those you don't.My Release Radar playlist is on point 99% of the time. Most of the artists I usually listen to are always on there, along with some who I don't -- and those artists are very similar in genre and style to those I do know.

3. Discover Weekly

Discover Weekly Playlist On Spotify

Discover Weekly is where I find most of my new music. Fully customized according to the songs, artists, and genres you listen to most often, this playlist presents 30 songs tailored to what you might like based on what you already like. The playlist is mostly composed of artists who you may be unfamiliar with, plus a couple of songs from those you know that you may not have heard yet. I tend to skip a lot of songs on this list, but on the flip side, I've also discovered so many of my favorite jams.

4. Recommended Songs

Recommended Songs Section On Spotify

Scroll all the way to the bottom of playlists you've created to discover a "Recommended" section which features a bunch of similar songs to the ones you've previously added. For example, I made a "Bops" playlist full of oldies, and at the end is the list shown above. Clicking the ADD button will add the song directly to the end of your playlist. As you accept Spotify’s recommendations and add new songs, more will appear for review. Don’t like any of the suggestions? Press REFRESH to load a whole new batch of related songs.

5. Use The Search Bar

Search Bar Feature On Spotify

Another way to find music you might like is by searching for the type of music you're looking for in the search bar. For example, I typed in "The Japanese House" into my search bar, and this is what appeared:Within seconds, I was presented with albums, songs, and playlists by and including The Japanese House. You can also type in movie soundtracks to find personally curated playlists made by fans/Spotify users. Personally, I feel that the Drive soundtrack is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time (shout out to Netflix’s The End Of The F***ing World soundtrack for giving Drive’s a run for its money though). A simple search for “drive soundtrack” showed a bunch of related queries, one of which included this:Score! I’m pretty sure the songs are in order of playing sequence too.

6. Check Out What Your Friends Are Listening To

Friend Activity Feature On Spotify

*Public apology to my friend whose spot I’m blowing up right now by sharing this photo. Do you have certain friends who have great taste in music? Do you always designate them to play DJ during a party or pass them the aux cord when you’re in the car together? If so, follow them on Spotify! Check out their public playlists and recently played artists. Level up your creeping skills and increase the width of your web player widget (desktop only) to see “Friend Activity” which shows what your friends are currently listening to. If the little megaphone icon is moving, they’re listening to that song right that very second. Want to find and follow your friends? Click the FIND FRIENDS button and start following your Facebook friends.Super creepy yet super effective.

7. Create A Radio Station

Radio Stations & Recommended Stations On Spotify

Click on Radio or Stations on your sidebar to create a new artist or song radio station. Radiois at the top of the left sidebar under Browse, and Stations is under Your Library directly below Artists. You can create Song, Artist, or Album Radio stations based on songs, artists, or albums you like. There are also preset Genre Stations, including all the genres you could ever imagine like Blues, Comedy, Gospel, ‘60s, Indie, etc. See a few of my recommended stations here:For example, if I wanted to listen to songs that are similar to The Sunshine Brothers’ “In Your Dreams” (which I do because the song rules), I’d create this Song Radio station. As you can see, there are a ton of related songs, some of which I’ve added to my library because I liked them so much.

These are just a few ways to find new music on Spotify that I think work well. Give one or all of them a try and see if you can find new songs, artists, and albums to jam to!

Thanks for reading! Did I miss anything? How do you usually find new music? Do you like Spotify? Let me know in the comments below.

People Are Freaking The F*ck Out Over Taco Bell’s New “The Belluminati” Commercial

Okay, first things first... if you haven’t already heard, Taco Bell is going to start serving nacho fries. *YASSSSSSS*  After breaking the news to my coworkers, one of them mentioned how the Internet is currently freaking out over something else T-Bell related -- and not in a good way.  So apparently Taco Bell released a (funny and clever) new commercial announcing their 20 new dollar-menu items while simultaneously mocking the Illuminati, calling themselves “The Belluminati.” The commercial contains blatantly obvious references to the Illuminati, the triangle, the number 20, the dollar bill, etc.  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vZBHfyq3TE[/embed] Whereas most people would be like “lol hey, that’s pretty clever” and then move on with their life (and immediately drive to their nearest Taco Bell location), you’d be surprised at just how many people are doing the exact opposite and are absolutely flipping the fuck out over this creative campaign. It’s been called “satanic,” “evil,” and “disgusting,” among other things, like “human sacrifices 1 beef chalupa at a time.”  LOL Here are 19 intense comments made by people who are freaking the fuck out over this new Taco Bell commercial: **NOTE: Although some of these comments are religious in nature, I am NOT condemning religion or anyone’s beliefs. I am, however, showcasing comments that stood out to me made by those who have openly expressed their “disgust” for this commercial and the brand, which perfectly capture just how enraged people are over this situation… like, it has literally escalated to an issue of conspiracy and a boycott of parent company Pepsi (when the message is a BLATANT parody of the Illuminati).  So, yeah... Taco Bell has definitely sparked an outrage. Anyways, if anyone needs me, you can find me at my local Taco Bell drive-thru line once it stops snowing and I can get out of my apartment. Until then, enjoy reading the comments on the YouTube video and tweets on Twitter. That’s what I’ll be doing. What are your thoughts? Is this commercial clever or “terrifying”? Let me know in the comments below!

Snow Day Playlist: 12 Of My Favorite Songs To Listen To Lately

Disclaimer: This is a compilation of my favorite songs as of late. By “snow day playlist,” I’m referring to a list of songs that I’m playing on this snow day that I think you should be listening to as well.  It’s snowing outside. It’s cold. We’re stuck inside (I’m not off from work, but that’s what happens when you work from a laptop for a living). You’re probably bored. Let’s listen to some music. 

Here are 12 songs that are perfect to listen to on snowy days like today:

“Electric” by Alina Baraz & Khalid

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWrSR8SFEc[/embed]Easily my #1 song that I've had on repeat lately. 

“Pulling Me In” by Phantoms

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=preDQQSo168[/embed]This is the newest song from the boys in charge that was just released last week. They teased this song when I saw them live back in December, and the official track does not disappoint. 

“Deadwater” by Wet

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV7ufuW0VFY[/embed]Nice, chill track for snowy weather. 

“I’ll Be Your Reason” by Illenium

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Cu-OS5zhA&feature=youtu.be[/embed]I've seen so much hype about Illenium all over the internet. I finally caved in and gave his music a shot and came across this song. IT'S SO GOOD. 

“Ocean Eyes” (Blackbear Remix) by Billie Eilish

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQeQepATL_c[/embed]If you don't listen to Blackbear, you should. 

“Everything” by SMNM

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12JqqH2ubr8[/embed]When I first heard this song, I couldn't stop listening. I've slowed down a bit but it's still great to jam to on days like today. 

“Best To You” by Blood Orange

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACinCwmWalY[/embed]I had initially been introduced to Blood Orange a few months ago and haven't gotten sick of this song yet. 

“Love Is Alive” by Louis The Child & Elohim

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5VX4K85p4Y[/embed]Actually heard this for the first time last night. Newly obsessed. 

“Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yW7w8F2TVA[/embed]Perfect love song for a snowy day. 

“Jesus Christ” by Brand New

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjPyvoLXPs4[/embed]Oldie but goodie. 

“Love On Me” (Vibelingual Remix) by Galantis & Hook N Sling

[embed]https://soundcloud.com/vibelingual/love-on-me[/embed]Click here to read my write-up on this remix! 

“The Little Things” (Kasbo Remix) by Big Gigantic & Angela McCluskey

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MWBWrqaNdQ[/embed]Last but not least! "It's the little things in life that I feel." (Whenever I hear this song, I think of you, Steve Larsen.)  For more music like this, follow me on Spotify! I’ve created two playlists with these songs and similar ones called ‘Good Jams’ and ‘Ain’t Like The Others’ that you’d probably enjoy if you like the songs I listed above. 

KomaCoast™ Announces Its Official Launch As The "New Generation Collective"

Today, December 23, 2016, is a day that will go down in infamy.After a long-awaited last few weeks of built anticipation from teaser "12.23.2016" social media posts, "the new generation collective" KomaCoast™ has finally launched into the public eye.What is KomaCoast™?KomaCoast™ is a music, art, design, and media agency composed of a unique showcase of talented professionals and success-hungry individuals. With a little bit of stardust and a lot of late night adrenaline (as I write this at 2am), the new team is officially setting out to make its mark on the artist management and digital industries -- and the world.Phil Francavilla, a multi-tasking pro and creative mastermind, stands as the nucleus of this venture. I am proud to say he's not only a good friend but a fellow team member of mine as well. I am so excited to announce not only the launch of this brand but also my participation in its growth.Cheers!Follow us on our journey to success and world domination! KomaCoast™ can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their official website at www.komacoast.com.Stay tuned for updates, events, new media, artists, blog posts (I'll  be contributing!), and more. The team has amazing things in store for you, including the release of up-and-coming artist Vibelingual. KomaCoast™ is "the new generation collective."

Harry Potter Fan Creates The Ultimate HP Monopoly-esque Board Game Called "Pottopoly"

ATTENTION ALL HARRY POTTER FANS! You are about to witness the greatest, most intensely detailed HP board game your eyes have ever feasted upon.It’s called Pottopoly.Told ya.Oh, and if you’re wondering if it’s for sale, it was, once upon a time, but it's not anymore. Sorry!Kristen Roedel, a major Harry Potter lover and great friend of mine (who installed a 9 ¾ sign in our college’s English department entrance), originally shared her work on Instructables and won second prize in the Wizarding Contest back in July. After receiving an abundance of inquiries and positive feedback, as well as a little encouragement from her girlfriend Theresa, she began producing and selling the Monopoly-esque game board on her Etsy page.Every Pottopoly set is created by resurfacing abandoned and neglected Monopoly boards into beautiful, brand new games. Fully loaded and customized with intricate playing pieces, each set is equipped with the following:

- 20" x 20" resurfaced quad-fold game board printed in hi-res full-color, featuring properties such as the Cupboard under the Stairs, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, and the Chamber of Secrets.- A full set of corresponding property deed cards, utility cards, and transportation cards- 24 Charms (Chance) and 24 Potions (Community Chest) cards- Castles (approx. 12) and cottages (approx. 32)- 6 standard playing figurines (Harry [styles will vary], Ron, Hermione, Voldemort, Snape, and Draco) with reversible heads (two faces) on Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco. These figurines are NEW and come with black plate stands for each figure.- A full bank of customized Galleons (in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500)- An illustrated 'Pottopoly: Rules of the Game' booklet- A full-color Pottopoly game box- 2 standard dice [NOTE: Wooden, transparent blue, transparent red, and glow-in-the-dark dice are available]- An overabundance of joy!

 See photos below: When I asked her goals for the future of Pottopoly, she answered, “It's early to tell, but my goal is to keep producing them for as long as people are interested in buying them--which might be just as long as people love Harry Potter!” So is Kristen planning to create games for other series in the future? She has been toying with the idea but is still looking for the perfect book or film that has people talking for years afterward. “I also have to take into consideration how familiar I am with the franchise; it takes a great deal of knowledge of a particular [film or book] to produce a game like this. With that said, I think that Orange is the New Black might be the next candidate to be ‘monopolized.’” Although this game is no longer for sale, you can contact Kristen via Twitter, Instagram, or her website.  

SAVE THIS PHOTO ON PINTEREST!

OWSLA Showcase: NYFW Edition feat. Secret Lineup @ House of Yes 9/8/2016

Sitting in a restaurant with a friend I haven’t seen in years, drinking margaritas on a Wednesday night, he mentioned that there was an OWSLA showcase over in Brooklyn set to take place the following night.Cool venue? Music we both love performed by surprise artists from one of our favorite labels? Just an hour away from home? We bought tickets without hesitation.From 10pm-4am, the House of Yes was full of amazing music, stunning aerial acts, and genuinely awesome, interesting people all joining together for the love of artistry and good vibes.The lineup was fantastic from start to finish, including phenomenal, bass-filled sets by two of my favorites, Anna Lunoe and Skrillex. PS: Anna dropped ‘Candy’ by Dillon Francis, and my heart exploded with happiness (she also liked my tweet shown below -- shout out, GF).[embed]https://twitter.com/MorganMandriota/status/774109993750585344[/embed]We met a ton of really awesome people, including members of OWSLA, the founder of Vision District, DJ GRVDDI, and residents of Bushwick, Brooklyn. Overall, the OWSLA Showcase: NYFW Edition featuring a secret lineup did NOT disappoint. I walked out of the House of Yes exhausted and hungry but completely satisfied from a successful, enjoyable night. Can’t wait to go back to the venue again soon.[embed]https://twitter.com/MorganMandriota/status/774187442161287168[/embed]Thanks, OWSLA, for an amazing Thursday night!

11 Reasons Why Eleven From Netflix’s Stranger Things Is Your Spirit Animal

As you may have already heard or seen for yourself, Netflix’s new series Stranger Things has recently flipped the world upside down (pun intended). After finishing the first season, I found myself totally obsessed just like the rest of humanity. One thing I consistently noticed while watching was how closely I related to Eleven, or El, on a spiritual level. And I think it’s safe to say that many others might feel the same way.Here are 11 reasons why Eleven from Stranger Things is your spirit animal: 

1. She absolutely loves food.

Right off the bat, El finds her way into a restaurant and downs fries and burgers like it’s her job. We come to find out her appetite is literally insatiable throughout the entire show.  

2. She calls people names and doesn’t GAF at all.

She specifically calls everybody a “mouth breather” which might be my new fav insult. 

3. She actually doesn’t GAF… like ever.

She doesn’t know how to play by the rules, and she straight up doesn’t care either. “Stay down here while I go to school so my parents don’t find you” -- nah, El is going upstairs to watch TV and sit in the La-Z-Boy.  

4. That moment when she steals Eggo waffles from the supermarket.

Side note: Let’s all take a moment to appreciate that flawless execution... 

5. That even better moment when she’s alone in the woods, surrounded by all of her stolen Eggo boxes, stuffing her face with waffles.

Although I haven't actually done this before, I’ve never related to anything so hard in all my life. 

6. She stands up for her friends.

Breaking arms on cliffs, throwing people into walls, making government officials bleed out of their eyes, etc.  

7. Furthermore, she sacrifices her well-being for her friends.

Even when faced head on with the Demagorgon, she takes her chances and fights on… and THAT is a true friend.  

8. She has anxiety.

S a m e . 

9. She’s hesitant around, and maybe even afraid of, new people.

S A M E . 

10. She tells it like it is and calls people out on their shit.

“Friends don’t lie” is another new fav. Gonna use that one when I know my friends are lying straight to my face and I want to subtly let them know that I see right through their shit. And last but not least... 

11. All she wants is love.

 Despite her rough past, it’s clear that all El really craves is love and a connection to other people. Honestly though, isn’t that what everybody ever truly wants anyway?  So it comes down to a love of food, loyalty to friends, anxiety, and the desire to be loved. Idk about you, but that sounds like my spirit animal to a T. All I know is that I’m impatiently waiting for Netflix to approve and release Stranger Things Season 2. Until then, I’ll just keep wishing Barb was alive and my friend IRL. If you agree and feel that Eleven is your spirit animal too, share this post on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for reading!

The Bachelorette BFF Recap: Season 12 Finale (The Final Rose)

Tonight marks the end of the Bachelorette journey for Joelle “JoJo” Fletcher. Left with a decision to spend the rest of her life with either Jordan or Robby, who did she choose?For the final time, let's jump into our Bachelorette recap...

Recap

(going to do this in bullet form for a change)

• Jordan meets JoJo’s family and tries way too hard to be loved
• Jordan doesn’t ask her parents for their blessing to marry JoJo
• Robby meets JoJo’s family and plays the down-to-earth genuine card
• Robby does ask her parents for their blessing to marry JoJo
• JoJo tells Jordan she’s disappointed in him for not asking for their blessing
• Jordan speaks in circles and sounds like “ksjhdgkjsdgkjsndgkjsndgsdgjkh”
• Robby and JoJo have a perfect last day together
• Jordan calls JoJo’s parents after picking out a ring and finally receives their blessing
• Robby and Jordan coincidentally both write letters to JoJo before the big moment

 So, what happened?Who received the final rose in The Bachelorette Season 12 with Joelle Fletcher? 

The Result…

 *DRUM ROLL PLEASE* dundundundunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn... Jordan received the final rose!... AS IF THIS WASN’T OBVIOUS ENOUGH FROM THE VERY FIRST EPISODE. Robby was heartbroken and confused. Totally blindsided. The whole show made it seem like it was a no-brainer and he should have won.. But I guess that’s what the producers do every season. They make it seem like the loser (sorry, Robby) is the obvious choice and the winner isn’t.Whatev.Game over. Season over. Big disappointment. 

Who's the next Bachelor 2017?

The next Bachelor hasn’t yet been announced. I’m hoping it’s Chase because I don’t think I can stand to watch a full season of Luke. I’d also be okay with it being Chad. I wouldn’t mind watching him for a full season… but we all know ABC would never allow it. Plus, he’s on Bachelor in Paradise (which premieres tomorrow). We’ll see! So not only is the show over, but so is our very first round of The Bachelorette BFF Recaps on hawk + pearl! Thank you for reading each week. We’ll be doing the same thing next time around, only it’ll be called The Bachelor BFF Recap (duh). See you next year (unless you keep reading my blog posts which would be greatly appreciated)! As Evan always says, God bless America!