100,000 new songs get uploaded to streaming services every. Single. Day. That’s a comically large number.
And where we used to enjoy quality, curated selections from radio DJs, MTV/VH1 music hours, and kinda judgy record store clerks…
now we’re stuck with algorithms. It’s no wonder we’re overwhelmed by options and underwhelmed by the actual music.
New Bands for Old Heads is a place for people who want to discover new favorites but feel overwhelmed by choice, disappointed in algorithmic curation, or desperate to get stoked about a full album again.
I connect the music you grew up with to the music being made right now.
I’m here to be “that one music friend,” if you’ll have me.
the playlist personality quiz is yours when you subscribe.
What You Get:
Recommendations of new bands that sound like old bands
Music genre guides, pop culture commentary, and assorted yappery
Playlists by genre, vibe, and niche
My actual taste, not filler. I won’t write about something if I don’t like it. Music is my life and this is my home; you’re getting my best stuff.
Paid Perks:
Best album of the month roundups, with playlists
Vinyl and concert ticket giveaways
Access to the New Bands for Old Heads Discord community (with listening parties + a book club!)
An indexed directory of every band I’ve ever recommended
20% off merch
Prefer to subscribe without supporting Substack directly?
(It’s $5 cheaper!)
Submit Music / Collab / Promos:
If you’re a musician…
You can submit your music to me. If it’s my thing, I might add it to one of my playlists or write about it. If it’s not, don’t worry; I don’t roast anyone here.1 Please be patient if I don’t respond right away. I promise I’m getting to it!
If you’re a writer or other “creative” …
I’m always looking for folks to do deep dives on genres I’m not as well-versed in or to play Guest DJ at a listening party. Other article pitches are welcome, too.
Time permitting, I’m also happy to consider co-writing, podcast spots or any other collaborations you might have in mind. Please reach out with ideas.
If you’re a record label/PR…
E-mail me, especially if you’re interested in coordinating record/ticket giveaways. I don’t do pay-for-play, but I do love to hype small artists.
If you’re anyone else…
The chat is active. The comments are lively. I discover a lot of music from readers. Stop by and say hi.
My Whole Deal:
I’m Gabbie. Hi. I live in Philly. I’ve been writing about music for 21 years. It’s my passion, and New Bands for Old Heads is my headquarters. It now reaches 19,000+ readers and is one of the bestselling music publications on Substack (dang!).
I foster a strong community of likeminded “old heads” (regardless of age) who love to talk about music, make music, share music, and shine a light on small artists of all genres.
This newsletter is where all my music obsessions live: the decade-hopping connections, the tiny-band evangelism, the rabbit-hole playlists. I’m basically just a nerd you’ve handed the aux to and now I’m interrupting you every 5 seconds to say “omg you’ve gotta hear this.”
It’s awesome.
Thank you.
xo
Well, not artists, anyway.
