January 6th, 2012 
Annabel 
The start of a New Year naturally brings on an opportunity for self-reflection and change. Maybe you want to spend this year discovering new music? If every day you love your Kaiser Chief collection less and less, now’s a great time to blow away those audio cobwebs. 2012 is the time to use your smartphone and expand your musical horizons with a selection of our best apps for music lovers.
Shazam Encore (Android £2.99, iOS £3.99 , Windows £4.99)
You’ll often stumble across your new favourite song when you least suspect it; during an advert, on the radio, in a pub. If you’re not told who it is, how are you supposed to download and experience more music by this artist? The first of our best apps, Shazam Encore has this covered. All you have to do is hold your phone towards the speaker and Shazam will recognise the song and artist in seconds. Once you have this info, you can buy the track through Amazon, see related YouTube videos or even view the lyrics. Magical. For convenience and a rapid response, Shazam Encore is the first in our best music apps list.
Like this music app? Download Shazam from the App markets:
Ghostly Discovery (Free music app for iOS)
Our music tastes can vary depending on our state of mind or mood. Ghostly Discovery will factor this in your endeavour for all things electronic. After setting the mood wheel to a colour that reflects your state of mind, hook up to your headphones and enjoy a streamed audio archive of Ghostly International and Spectral Sound catalogues. Tailor your playlist between Digital versus Organic sounds and fast versus slow pace, as you position a slider between these extremes. iTunes integration opens the possibility to download the songs you like.
Like this music app? Download Ghostly Discovery from the iTunes Stores:
TuneIn Radio (Free music app for iOS ,Android, Windows)
For radio stations beyond dance, the TuneIn Radio app offers free access to over 50,000 radio stations. Wherever you are, tune into local or global radio to find a sound to quench your ear drums. Beyond music, there are even sport and news stations available to keep you in the loop. With so much choice at hand, our best app for radio ensures you’ll never skip a beat in your quest for new music. Purchasing the TuneIn Radio Pro for under £0.70 gives you the added bonus of recording, so you can listen to your favourite clips time after time
Like this music app? Download Ghostly Discovery from the App markets:
Spotify (Free music app for Android, iOS & Windows, Subscription required after trial period)
If you want instant access to over 15 million tracks you can stream online, create into playlists and share with your friends, Spotify is the ultimate music app. With a subscription fee of £10 per month, it’s legal and great value for those who find their headphones soldered to their skull. Built for social integration with Facebook and Last.fm, Spotify keeps your friends in the know of your new favourite sounds. For those after one of the best apps around, Spotify is a great choice for the ultimate music search party.
Like this music app? Download Spotify from the App markets:
iAmBeatBox (Free music app for iOS)
Ok, I admit this probably hinders your quest for new music rather than help but with so much fresh music trickling into your brain, you may feel an urge of inspiration to make your own sounds. Produced by savageapps, it’s free, popular and allows you to enjoy the art of beat boxing at the swipe of a finger. Using a diamond icon, scratch your way around the screen to a plethora of samples, rhythms and beats. Simple and addictive, it makes the last entry in our best apps list.
Like this music app? Download iAmBeatBox from the iTunes Store:
So there’s our run down of our best apps for music lovers. We’d love to know which apps you use in your hunt for new music. Why not let us know on our Facebook page
Tempted by these? Get yourself a new phone from mobiles.co.uk’s music phone range.
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