We have designed this part of our guide to help listeners, fans, and researchers of music find their way through the vast world of sound.
From official record label listings to fan-driven communities and specialized archives, these resources make it easier to discover new artists, explore genres, and connect with the stories behind the music. Think of them as roadmaps to music exploration, or an invitation to dive deeper, stumble across hidden gems, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Music has always been more than sound; it is a language, it evokes memories, and it's a way of connecting people across generations and cultures.
However, with so much music in the world, from centuries-old symphonies to the latest hits, it can be hard to know where to begin. That's where guides and directories come into play. Like roadmaps to music, they help listeners, students, and fans find their way through the landscape.
Some directories are practical, pointing visitors to record labels, artist websites, or concert listings. Others are filled with discographies, chart histories, and stories about how certain songs or genres came to be. Whether you're a casual listener seeking your next favorite band or a collector on the hunt for rare vinyl, these resources can make the search easier and sometimes even enjoyable.
While the resources listed below will change from time to time, as we add new ones that we come across to replace those that have gone offline or are no longer relevant for some reason, you should find industry hubs showcasing official artist rosters and new releases, community-driven spaces where fans share playlists, lyrics, and recommendations, and specialized guides to niche traditions, from classical to experimental sounds, as well as directories, similar to this one.
In our collection of music guides and directories, we will strive to bring these resources together in one place, making it easier for anyone to explore. Think of it as a gateway to the many different corners of the musical world, where each click could lead to a new discovery.
In the end, guides and directories aren't just about finding information; they are maps of the musical landscape, charting connections between artists, genres, and audiences. They preserve musical history, facilitate discovery, and ensure that music remains accessible in all of its forms.
Historically, music directories were printed reference books or industry yearbooks. Today, they are primarily online, offering interactive features such as searchable databases, streaming integration, and community forums.
Recommended Resources
CDB is a music distribution service for independent artists that makes releases available to more than 150 streaming and download platforms worldwide, including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube, and Deezer. The company charges a one-time setup fee per single or album, and no annual fees; artists keep over 90% of earnings after distribution. Clients pay per release rather than ongoing subscriptions. Other services include promotion, podcast, blog, and release plan generator.
https://cdbaby.com/
Chester Music and Novello & Company is a music company that is noted for publishing classical music. You can listen to samples of music directly from the website, and search for composers to find the music you are looking for. You can also sign up for a free newsletter to stay appraised of new releases from the company.
http://www.chesternovello.com/
Provides information about this major music publisher. You can access audio and video samples of the artists that work with Columbia Records. There is also a list of upcoming appearances of musicians so you can find out when and where to see your favorite stars. One can also shop for CDs and other items from the website's online shop.
http://www.columbiarecords.com/
Offers free online classical music and classical music videos by famous classical music composers, concert information and more.
http://www.deccaclassics.com
Offers free and legal music covering all genres, from rock to jazz. Includes news, music index, top playlist, top charts, music videos and member profiles.
http://www.deezer.com
Provides an online marketplace and database for all kinds of music on all format. Includes information, reviews and discographies on artists and singles.
http://www.discogs.com
This website provides access to Doktorklein music and the songs of the Gramado Road. You can download MP3s of songs such as I'm not ready to die, U Boats, Shining, Gramado Road RS116, Take Me Again and more. You can also buy Gramado Road CDs from this website.
http://www.doktorklein.com
Features DVD news and reviews. Includes discussion forums, DVD/Blu-ray release list, price comparison index, an online shop and contest giveaways.
http://www.dvdtalk.com
A music company that publishes a variety of artists including Sean Kingston, the Dey and Anna Nalick. You can download podcasts on music, watch music videos, view tour dates and visit the online music entertainment store.
http://www.epicrecords.com/
The ultimate guide to hits from the UK Top 40 from the 1950s to the present day with a sophisticated searchable database, and amazing facts and figures.
http://www.everyhit.com
An online music file sharing service that allows you to share your music files to the rest of the world. The website also features new music releases, other users playlists and staff music picks. The website also allows you to download MP3s, buy music and avail of free trials.
http://www.napster.com
Glorious Noise is a music and culture magazine covering culture that can change the world. The website has articles on Dandy Warhols videos, Bang Camero and TV shows. The website also has message boards where you can discuss music, TV and more with politically progressive people.
http://www.gloriousnoise.com
A Scottish music recording company that is known for producing Scottish and Gaelic music. You can find out about Greentrax's best selling music, and get a list of the company's artists. Greentrax also provides a list of the best selling albums of 2007.
http://www.greentrax.com/
The hit squad musician network is a webpage that has resources for musicians. You can find music software MP3 software and musician tutorials to help improve your playing here. The site also has books for musicians as well as more than 300,000 sheet music titles to help you learn new pieces.
http://www.hitsquad.com
This website provides a connection between fans, artists and promoters and is also a great online destination for developers to find help in adding interactive music features to their websites. This website also allows people to share music recommendations, playlists and personalized concert alerts. The website also provides a vast collection of tracks on a wide range of genres that you can listen to.
http://www.ilike.com
Makes it easy to share music ideas and get great recommendations. Simply enter one of your favorite song titles, artists or videos and you can get good ideas. The website also has spotlights on Scott Weiland and Kayne West.
http://www.myspace.com/music/charts
Contains information on artists of various music genre under this American record label. Includes premiers, music videos, news, new album releases and tour information.
http://www.interscope.com
Island Records is a major music publisher that brings you the music of Bon Jovi, Fall Out Boy and others. You can access music videos and photos of the company's artists from this website. There are also message boards where you can share your music opinions with others.
http://www.islandrecords.com/
Don't just play unlimited online music but it also makes online music easy, fun and social. You'll surely get the music that you want, all you have to do is to just type an artist's name or the song title and the music will immediately start playing. You can also customize your station and share the music that you like or you can listen to other people's stations.
http://www.jango.com
The Kpig website provides information on music and bands. You can also listen to this California radio station directly from the Web or by FM. The website also has music by Rickie Lee Jones, Billy Pilgrim, James Hunter and Peter Wolf. There are also music blogs here.
http://www.kpig.com
Takes your favorite music and uses that information to recommend new songs for you. You can also use this website to find music videos. You can also find upcoming concerts in your area through this website and buy tickets to these events online.
http://www.last.fm/
Let's Sing It is a music community where you can listen to music tracks, look up information on artists and more about music. You can also create a portfolio so that you can share your music tastes with others who use the website. The website also has a set of forums on music with a special section for artists to discuss their work.
http://www.letssingit.com
A community website that connects fans to the music they love. You can also purcahse tickets to music events across North America. The website also has details on fan clubs for different artists including Celine Dion, David Bowie, Garbage and others.
http://www.store.livenation.com/
MOG is an online community of music lovers and a great resource for die hard fans or even those who are just looking around. The website provides free music streaming of different music genres, a vast collection of reviews and comments regarding your favorite artists, songs, videos and albums. The website also provides information regarding the Moggers (members of MOG) and recommendations from featured MOGs. You can also join the community or share and download songs and videos.
http://www.mog.com
Provides a chart of best sellers, music news, videos, and interviews and information on concerts. Access free music and download podcasts of DJ albums and more.
http://www.mp3.com/
MSN Music is a comprehensive music portal. Browse music by genre, get music news and find out who's at the top of the charts.
http://music.msn.com/
Showcases movies, photos, games, mobile, contests, music, video and full-length television programming. Features up to the minute popular culture news and views.
http://www.mtv.com/
The Music OMH website covers every aspect of modern music including festivals, album reviews and reviews of concerts. You can also purchase DVDs of music here. The website also coverage of films and theatre.
http://www.musicomh.com/
Provides a directory of all things music-related. Includes music-related reviews, band and artists directory with biographies, factual information, lyrics and sound files, concert and events guides, and other music-related content.
http://www.musicmoz.org
A music resource for both businesses and individuals. The site conveniently provides a collection of public domain and royalty free music that includes jazz, rhythm and blues, retro, rock and piano. Some of music can be downloaded for free, while others can be purchased online via CDs, DVDs and sheet music.
http://www.pdinfo.com/
Features daily music news, musician interviews, and music and album reviews. Includes MP3 downloads, music videos, photo gallery, contests, discussion forums, album announcements and tour dates.
http://www.prefixmag.com
A Web 2.0 company that provides widgets for social networking platforms such as MySpace, Facebook, Blogger and more. This website allows you to search for your kind of music and create a playlist for your site as well as to share your playlists with friends and view other people's playlists. The website also provides a community for music enthusiasts and a connection with the coolest music in the Internet.
http://www.playlist.com
Offers music and music community; you can download music and then discuss it all through this website. The site has music by The Almost, The Real You, City Lights, We Came as Romans, Van Atta High and the Arrival. You can also get indie music videos here.
http://www.purevolume.com
Offers an online community for music lovers, musicians, aspirants and music enthusiasts. Includes music reviews, ratings, new album releases and the latest music news.
http://www.rateyourmusic.com
The REC Music Foundation hosts several interesting musical projects including the classical media with words. This privately operated foundation promotes new classical music through computer tech technologies. You can also download new classical recordings from the site.
http://www.recmusic.org
Provides innovative marketing solutions to musicians across the world. Includes music charts, features artists, local shows, local artists, label spotlight and the latest news on the music scene.
http://www.reverbnation.com
Makes it easy to find free music and buy commercial music too. You can download, mix and burn your music easily using this website. You can also find plenty of music videos through Rhapsody. To get the most of out this service, you should have a Rhapsody compatible mobile device.
http://www.rhapsody.com
The Rounder Records Group is a music publisher that produces a variety of artists such as Blue Highway, Kathleen Edwards and Dailey & Vincent. In this website, you can find out about the Rounder artists who are currently touring. The website also has an online radio system where you can listen to Rounder artists.
http://www.rounder.com/
The Royal Academy of Music is a British organization based in London that provides musical training, events and supports musical research. The website also provides details on the Academy's museum. You can also find a list of upcoming Academy concerts here.
http://www.ram.ac.uk/
The Sell a Band website makes it easy to discover new songs, support artists and enjoy full albums. The website has music by Nemesea, Cubworld, Second Person and many other bands. You can also discuss music with others in the Sell a Band community of users.
http://www.sellaband.com
This website is dedicated to the Indian entertainment scene that provides news, reviews, interviews and the latest buzz around Bollywood. The website also features music from Indian artists, videos, downloads and other entertainment as well as national news.
http://www.smashits.com
Offers music news, columns, videos and more of rap music and related genres. The website also has information on award winning music and developments in the industry (e.g. music ring tones). You can also follow this website on Twitter.
http://www.sohh.com
Provides song meaning and information including song profiles, sheet music, chart position and other trivias.
http://www.songfacts.com
Information resource for rock music bands and pop stars providing complete discographies, song lyrics, wallpapers, MIDI files, daily news, music videos, and more.
http://www.sortmusic.com
Charts the impact of technology on the music production and recording process. Includes product reviews with hands-on tests, tutorials and technical notes, studio recording hints and tips, glossary of technical terms and a sound bank.
http://www.soundonsound.com
Provides a large database of movie soundtracks with a resource directory. Allows users to store, share, rate/review, or discuss their favorite movie soundtrack collections.
http://www.soundtrackcollector.com
This site is dedicated to the art and business of film and television music. Provides information on composers, recording companies, retailers, manufacturers, agents and performing right organizations. Weekly and daily features include interviews, articles, and reviews.
http://www.soundtrack.net/
Provides music information, including live shows free daily songs and entertainment news. You can also use this website to search for new images of artists, music videos and music events. You can also request free music CDs here.
http://www.spinner.com
Traditional Crossroads is a music publisher that brings you music from around the world including Iranian, Chinese, and other music. You can also find remastered recording from archival recordings. The publishers' catalog of music also includes a variety of traditional Jewish and Yiddish music.
http://www.traditionalcrossroads.com/
TuneFind, a search able database that provides music and songs from television shows and movies. The website provides a search index and allows you to search songs or musics by browsing TV shows or movies. Members could also upload and add songs.
http://www.tunefind.com
Holds a collection of music videos and songs from the planet's biggest artists on all genres. Includes the latest news, album launched/releases, photo gallery, an artist index and a section where users can hear new albums.
http://www.universalmusic.com
A music publisher used by noted artists such as Diana Krall, John Coltrane and many others. You can find touring information to see if your favorite artist is going to be performing nearby you soon. You can also get updates from the Verve Music Group via RSS feed.
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/
Virgin Records America is a major American music publisher. You can access information on a variety of artists including Lenny Kravitz, the Rolling Stones, K-OS and many others. The Virgin website also has details on which musicians are going to be making TV appearances.
http://www.virginrecords.com/
The official website of Warner Brothers and Reprise Records has everything you need to know about this major American music company. You can find purchase CDs and other music items from the site's store. The website also has a list of the artists whose work is produced by the company.
http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/
Warp Records is a music publisher that produces both albums and interesting mixes. Includes a list of upcoming concerts and music events in both North America and Europe. Music downloads, DVDs and concert tickets, under the Warp label, are available through Bleep.
http://warp.net/records
Offers free streaming live music, live concert recordings and live music downloads on a wide range of genre. Includes upcoming concert schedules, discussion forums, memorabilia store, and the latest news and updates around the music scene.
http://www.wolfgangsvault.com
