Discovering 10 Websites for Free Music
We all know the temptation of illegal downloads, but what if we want to stay on the right side of the law? If you can’t or don’t want to stream music from your favorite service, these sources offer a wide selection of downloadable tunes. You might not find the biggest artists or the latest chart hits, as they are often under license. Instead, you’ll discover new talents, out-of-copyright melodies, and other creative works offered freely for appreciative ears.
I don’t condone illegal downloads at all. It takes a lot of effort to create music, and artists deserve compensation for their time and dedication. However, if they choose to share their music for free, I believe it’s fair game. So, without further ado, here are some places where you can legally find and download music for free.
Jamendo
Have you ever heard of Jamendo? It’s one of the biggest websites for free music on the internet right now. There are over 400,000 tracks and 40,000 artists to choose from. You might not find famous artists here, but there is some amazing music for your workouts or just for listening. You can even license music to use in your own creations!
Amazon
It’s no surprise that Amazon wants a piece of the online music market. They have a selection of tracks that you can get for free. There are almost 50,000 tracks available, and many of them are from well-known artists. These are just samples, not royalty-free, but they’re also DRM-free and guilt-free. Definitely worth checking out!
NoiseTrade
NoiseTrade is a website that features new artists and offers free legal music downloads. It’s like a social network where artists create profiles and share their tracks. You can listen to and download the music for free, and if you like it, you can support the artists by buying full albums or other tracks. You’ll need to sign up and provide your email for each download, but a little bit of spam is a small price to pay for free music.
Free Music Archive
The Free Music Archive has a variety of music that you can download legally. They have public domain, out of copyright, and creative commons licensed music available. You can browse through different genres, listen to suggestions, or check out their blog for interesting sounds, albums, or collections. If you sign up, you can also take advantage of the social aspects of the website and explore other people’s music collections.
PureVolume
PureVolume is a website where you can download free music from upcoming artists, and sometimes even featured artists. It’s a combination of a music site and a social network. It gives new artists a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition. You can freely download their tracks and discover new music. The website may not be the most visually appealing, but it has a vibrant community and is constantly updated.
Internet Archive Audio Library
The Internet Archive Audio Library is a treasure trove of millions of music tracks, audiobooks, podcasts, radio programs, and more. You can easily search and sort through the collection by type, genre, creator, and language. While you won’t find the latest hits here, you’ll discover a wealth of older, historical, and public recordings. According to the website, there are currently over 3 million audio pieces for you to enjoy.
SoundClick – Discover New and Unsigned Artists
Hey there! Let me introduce you to SoundClick, an incredible website that showcases thousands of talented artists who are on the rise. With SoundClick, you have the freedom to explore and discover new music by browsing through various categories like artist, genre, date, featured artists, or songs. And if you already have something specific in mind, you can simply use the search feature to find what you’re looking for. How cool is that?
ccMixter – Unleash Your Creativity
Now, let me tell you about ccMixter, an amazing audio website that allows you to dive into the world of music created under the Creative Commons License. What does that mean? It means you can listen, use, download, and even sample the music for free! But it doesn’t stop there. ccMixter also offers awesome tutorials on mixing and using video in other media, so you can truly make the most out of your audio experience. It’s like a treasure trove of possibilities!
Last.fm – Bringing Music to Life
Remember when Last.fm was just an internet radio station? Well, it has come a long way since then. Now, with the clever app called Audioscrobbler, you can do so much more. And guess what? Last.fm has an impressive collection of free music downloads that you might not be aware of. From a wide range of genres to unique and groundbreaking tracks, it’s all there for you to discover and enjoy!
SoundHost – Your Gateway to Free Music
Let me introduce you to SoundHost, a social site that offers a variety of free music tracks from up-and-coming artists who haven’t been signed yet. Although it may not be as massive as some other platforms, it’s quickly gaining popularity, and for good reason. The interface is simple and straightforward, allowing you to easily download music from the Explore window. And hey, you can even join the site, create collections, share them with others, and download collections from fellow music lovers. It’s like a community of music enthusiasts!
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, my friend. There are countless other websites out there where you can find legal free music downloads. Each one offers a wide variety of genres, artists, and audio types, so you’re bound to find something that suits your taste. Some of them are all about connecting with others and sharing your love for music, while others simply serve as repositories for amazing tunes. The choice is yours!
But here’s a little something to keep in mind. While these artists generously offer their music for free, it’s always a nice gesture to show them some love in return. If you come across a track that truly captivates you, don’t hesitate to spread the word and share it with your friends. And don’t forget to give credit where credit is due by linking back to the artist. By doing so, you’ll be supporting them in their creative journey and allowing them the opportunity to continue making remarkable music. It’s a win-win situation!
Oh, and by the way, do you happen to know any other websites that offer free legal music downloads? We’d love to hear about them! Just drop a comment below and let us know. Sharing is caring, after all!
