algorithm-free music discovery: step 1. get a vintage casette player step 2. go hunting for weird tapes at your local thrift store, record store, garage sale, etc.

my husband bought a $30 boombox on eBay, and we've been buying tons of tapes from our local record stores, thrifts, eBay etc. it's such a fun way to find new music, start a fun collection, and have it be a kind of hobby. bonus points for owning your media the way we used to! it's also great for delayed gratification and attention span - you have to buy it, wait until you get home / it arrives via mail, and then you get to play it and see what it sounds like!

i know this sounds obvious if you grew up before music streaming, but it's such a lost joy these days.

you can find really unique music compilations, foreign albums, and classics for like $5 each! there are so many tapes, cds, and records floating around in the world. since starting this, i've discovered some new favorite albums, and songs by artists i love that aren't on streaming services.

we usually listen to them while we're cooking & eating breakfast, and i've found that it's a really nice screen-free way to start the day.

tip: look for portable, battery-powered ones!