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
Launched in 2000, Discogs is an online database and marketplace for audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. Its database contents are user-generated and may be described as Wikipedia-like. Users may also purchase vinyl records, CDs, or cassette tapes from online sellers through the site. Initially designed to compile electronic music, it now includes releases in all genres and formats. A discussion forum is included.
https://www.discogs.com/
This is a long-running UK singles and albums chart reference and searchable database that provides chart histories, number-one lists, chart trivia, and related statistics for British music charts. The site is described as a non-profit or non-commercial project with no sponsors or banner advertising, and traffic and site analytics indicate that it is a small-to-midsize content site with modest monthly visitor numbers and typical static/dynamic pages for a searchable database.
http://www.everyhit.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
The MBR publishes contact directories and data products for music industry professionals, with a focus on Artists & Repertoire (A&R), music supervisors, film and TV music, publishers, attorneys, public relations, playlists, and Indie resources. Most of its products are available in PDF and print subscriptions, and Excel data options. Other products include CD-ROM Music Industry Contracts and contract resources. Pricing and contact details are noted on the company's website.
https://www.musicregistry.com/
This is an online directory of musicians worldwide that lets musicians create public profiles to be contacted for engagements and teaching. There is a free basic membership, along with paid professional upgrades. To join, users would create a profile (photo allowed), and those looking for a musician can search by town, zipcode, country, or specialization using the site search. Members can be contacted through their public profile for bookings and teaching inquiries.
https://musicians.directory/
Established in 2001, the Open Music Project (MusicMoz) is a community-driven online music directory that lists artists, bands, labels, and music-related links. It offers artist pages, discography links, biographies, user-submitted reviews, and external links to music files, lyrics, and official sites. Based on the former Open Directory Project (DMOZ), I am unsure that MusicMoz is currently active, as its copyright date reads 2001-2023. Nevertheless, its pages are available for viewing.
https://musicmoz.org/
MusicXS is a musician and music business directory that offers multimedia, geo-coded listings to help musicians, bands, venues, music businesses, and related services get found online. Listings can include website links, social media, pictures, videos, audio tracks, and upcoming gigs, and profiles can be geocoded for local discovery and set for global access if the business serves a wider audience. Submissions are reviewed and edited by site editors. Multiple search options are available.
https://www.musicdirectory.com/
The Public Domain Information Project (PD Info) is a resource focused on public domain music and sheet music reprints operated by Haven Sound, Inc. The public domain rules for music in the United States are outlined, along with international differences, on the website. Its services and offerings include public domain music lists, proof-of-public-domain documentation, and exact reprint services from a library of thousands of books, hymnals, periodicals, and sheet music.
http://www.pdinfo.com/
Created in 2000, RYM is an online encyclopedia of music releases and films. Users can catalog items from their personal collections, review them, and assign ratings in a five-star rating system. The site also features community-based charts tracking highly rated releases. Boasting an extensive database and community for discovering, cataloging, and reviewing music, its content may be accessed via a search box, or viewers may browse featured reviews. Database standards are stated.
https://rateyourmusic.com/
ROSTR is a music-industry directory and data platform that centralizes artist teams, company rosters, touring and festival information, signings, audience insights, news, and jobs. It is intended for artist managers, booking agents, promoters, venues, industry relations, and other music-industry professionals who need fast access to contact and industry movement data. ROSTR offers free and paid tiers (ROSTR Pro / Teams) for extended access and team features. Pricing is listed on the site.
https://hq.rostr.cc/
Focused on rock music bands and pop stars, SortMusic organizes artists alphabetically and provides content such as music videos, concert information, discographies, biographies, and music reviews. Artists are listed alphabetically, with counts shown for each letter (reflecting the number of artists), and the site includes music videos, concert listings, discographies, biographies, and music reviews. Footer links include contacts, terms of use, and privacy policies.
https://www.sortmusic.com/
Created in 2003, The Unsigned Guide is an online contacts directory and careers guide for the UK music industry. Originally published as a printed directory, it became an online-only resource in 2011. The directory is produced for emerging bands, artists, music managers, and the UK music industry. It contains directory listings covering all aspects of the business from record labels, music publishers, PR companies, recording studios, radio station managers, venues, gig promoters, and others.
https://www.theunsignedguide.com/
Founded in 2003 at Wolfgang's Vault, Wolfgang's is an American private music-focused company dedicated to the restoration and archiving of audio and video concert recordings and the sale of music memorabilia. Wolfgang's was started by William E. Sagan, who purchased a warehouse filled with Bill Graham Productions memorabilia, including taped concert recordings, and has subsequently added collections called "vaults" for vintage posters, rock apparel, and concert recordings.
https://www.wolfgangs.com/
