Embark on a musical journey without spending a dime! Dive into a realm of websites that unveil a vast collection of free, legal music. Expand your playlists and support independent artists as you explore these platforms brimming with diverse genres and hidden gems.
Free Music Archive
In 2009, WFMU Radio embarked on a mission to make contemporary music accessible to all, birthing the Free Music Archive. Partnering with curators and artists, this site offers an eclectic mix of tracks. Browse by genre, curator, or delve deeper with its search function.
SoundCloud
While not every song on SoundCloud is free, a substantial selection awaits your discovery. Independent and established artists often share their older tracks at no cost. Navigate by artist, genre, or explore the vibrant community of tracks licensed under Creative Commons, perfect for remixing or free-of-charge use.
ReverbNation
ReverbNation empowers independent artists, providing tools to promote their music and connect with fans. Discover a diverse array of genres, from pop and alternative to hip-hop. With a thriving community of nearly 4 million members, ReverbNation unveils rising stars and provides a platform for artists to showcase their talent.
Audiomack
Audiomack champions emerging artists, particularly in the realms of hip-hop, reggae, and Afrobeats. This platform offers a fresh and diverse collection of music, providing a stage for aspiring talents to shine and listeners to discover new sounds.
Live Music Archive
A paradise for bootleg enthusiasts, Live Music Archive is a collaboration between Internet Archive and etree.org. Immerse yourself in a vast archive of live concert recordings, primarily focusing on jam bands and niche genres. Preview performances before downloading in FLAC or MP3 formats.
Jamendo
Under the umbrella of open-content licenses, Jamendo fosters a global community of artists sharing their music freely. Explore a diverse catalog spanning multiple genres and discover underground artists not easily found elsewhere. For creators and businesses, Jamendo offers royalty-free music for commercial projects, supporting artists and enhancing projects alike.
Musopen
Classical music enthusiasts rejoice! Musopen, a non-profit organization, preserves and provides access to a vast library of classical compositions in the public domain. Dive into the works of renowned composers and performers, browse by genre or instrument, and delve into helpful background information. Sheet music is also available for those inclined to play along.
Last.fm
Unbeknownst to many, Last.fm houses a repository of free music. Via the ‘Free Music Downloads’ link, access an eclectic collection ranging from Sufjan Stevens to The Glitch Mob. It may be limited in quantity, but it’s a worthwhile exploration.
SoundClick
SoundClick, a hub for independent music since 1997, boasts millions of tracks in a wide range of genres. Discover a melting pot of tunes from aspiring artists, many available for free download. While quantity may not always equate to quality, persevere and you’ll uncover hidden gems.
Bandcamp
Popular among independent musicians, Bandcamp enables artists and labels to sell their music directly to fans. However, many artists generously offer their creations for free. Delve into a vast collection spanning genres, contribute to artists you appreciate, and enjoy the unique option to pay a minimum or higher price, empowering fans to support artists as they see fit.
Pixabay
Primarily known for free images, Pixabay also offers a library of royalty-free music. With over 60,000 tracks available for download, explore curated playlists tailored to various events, moods, and activities. While mainstream music may be scarce, Pixabay excels in providing practical tracks for background use, mood generation, and more.
