Seven Music Apps to Love

YouTube's new music subscription service already has its complaints, but not with the major labels, who, according to Forbes are among 90 percent of the industry that has signed up to be part of the new streaming frontier. Independent labels who do not sign on will be left out and have their content taken off the free YouTube we've all come to know so well.

In other news, Google recently launched a new feature that bridges mobile with the web, allowing users the ability to search for an artist and immediately click to hear their music via preferred applications like Rdio, TuneIn Radio, and Google Play.

While the battle of mobile and music continues, here are seven music apps and services (some new, some older) worth checking out.

1) Poweramp Music Player

For those in need of a robust music player that can accommodate multiple files such as mp3, mp4, m4a, wav, flac and aiff formats, definitely check out Poweramp. This app is key for those constantly in need of music and don't want to spend time clicking, waiting, downloading, waiting, compressing and waiting some more. In addition to the compatibility factor, Poweramp has a built in ten band equalizer, separate bass and treble knob adjusters, replay gain, stereo expansion, mono mixing—if you want to mess around with your sound quality you have a lot of options. You can further optimize your experience with built in widgets, themes, cover art and configurable lock screen selections as well.

Based on the reviews as of June 2014, Poweramp has an average rank of 4.5 out of 5, with 571, 320 total reviews.

There's a free two-week trial version available and the full version runs for $3.33 via the Google Play Store.

2) Rocket Player [Android with iTunes compatibility]

Another go-to music player app that offers more freebies along with high quality sound is the Rocket Player. While Poweramp is geared towards the more advanced user so to say, Rocket Player has a very basic tech makeup. Easy music navigation and Bluetooth linking, quick playlist setup, nifty equalizer tweaks—the interface is practical and intuitive. Varying media files are compatible with the Rocket Player and you can add free Chromecast support for streaming stored music. You can also sync iTunes music and playlists to and from your Android using the iSyncr app, although that will cost you $5.50.

The good thing is you can do this all via WIFI or a USB. Rocket Player controls sound through its five band graphic equalizer, which isn't as tight as Poweramp's, but unlike the former, Rocket Player is fully free with no trial needed. However, if you do want that ten band equalizer and advanced technical fixings have no fear, you can upgrade with the Rocket Player Premium Unlocker for $3.99.

Google Play Store.

3) RockMyRun

RockMyRun is a music app that offers tailored DJ playlists and mixes designed to help maximize your fitness session. The cool thing about the app is that the music works with your own movement and speed, meaning that it will create a playlist based on pace. There are BPM, length and explicit language filters that help you adjust your preferences too. Upon registering you will receive free unlimited streaming of mixes that last up until the 45-minute mark. Should you want longer additions you can always opt for the Premium service, giving you access to the full catalogue as well as mixes that are hours long. The Premium package also includes myBeat, which shuffles the music tempo and acts as a motivator to keep you going at it with your efforts high. Premium comes with no ads unlike the basic service. The Premium service starts at $2.99. Another cool bit is that most of the DJs in the search are fairly unknown in the mainstream so you are truly discovering music while learning how great a good sweat feels. Genres include hip-hop, classical, rock, reggae, electronic and more.

iTunes Store

Google Play Store

4) Shazam

Shazam is one of those truly intelligent apps, providing you quick information when it comes to music titles, artists and a lot more. According to the official site, Shazam has connected more than 450 million people to date and this connection should see more of a surge now that the "wise guy app" is affiliated with Google Glass. The high-tech wearable gear that looks like a set of glasses is Google's next big thing and Shazam can be paired to uncover what you are listening to by saying "OK Google" and then simply stating what you need to know. Unfortunately, as of now the Shazam inclusion with Google Glass is only available to UK users, but that shouldn't hinder using the Shazam app, which is available for everyone via Google Play and the iTunes Store. Google Glass is rumored to launch to the public later this year.

5) Tastebuds

Dating and social networking apps have become quite popular over the past couple of years—take Tinder for example. Tastebuds is following suit by adding music into the conversation. Tastebuds has been in operation as a website since 2010, but until April 2014 there was no mobile app available. The free app is only available for iPhone users at the moment and the exchange is quite simple; basically you are creating your online profile with music being the central focus, helping to find like-minded folks that share the same interests in music, artists, and the culture of it all. Information is aggregated from your iPhone music library or through the content you add.

The co-founder of Tastebuds, Alex Parish, told The Next Web, "Musical preferences can tell you a lot about a person and having something in common is a great conversation starter. It's the best way to break the ice." It's also a great way for promoters, musicians, and fans to build their own networks that can be personal, professional or both.

iTunes Store

6) EDMX

EDMX is a new "festival experience" app that aims at connecting users through a mix of news, check-in features, notifications, and essential guides. The free mobile app has a bottomless pool of content including information on 175 festivals and over 2500 DJs. Users can build custom schedules for each festival and share these schedules. You can also share specific tracks and sets, build playlists, snap photos for Instagram, and a ton more. This is an app that brings people together from all over, acting as a viral resource and slick connector to the EDM scene. The festival-based app also recently partnered with earplug maker EarPeace in order to help protect those tender eardrums of yours.  Users who download the EDMX app can also purchase the high quality noise control EarPeace earbuds. EDMX will make your life easier and although it is currently only available for iPhone users, an Android version is in the works. You can expect this app to be an integral force in the way audiences share their music scrapbooks and joyrides.

iTunes Store

7) Galaxie Mobile

The Galaxie Mobile app allows you to stream commercial-free channels and focus solely on the music. Certainly there are a ton of radio apps out there, but this is a Canadian company that's offering some quality music worth looking at. Take specific note of the Eclectic Electronic and Dance Clubbin' selections, both channels have a boundless supply of national and international artists. Eclectic Electronic really sets the bar high for non cookie cutter music, presenting sounds that are weird, raw, and contagious. You can choose from 100 channels and depending on your device (Apple or Android) you can get more connected whether it be through social media or through purchasing tunes. There's a seven-day free trial available and then pricing for the in-app subscription starts at $4.99. Those that use cable providers such as Shaw, Shaw Direct or Telus Optik (kudos to you west coasters) receive the app for free and also can snag up to 74 commercial-free channels. As of now this offer is only available for iPhone and Android devices. Those interested in using the Galaxie Mobile app can take advantage of a special promotion exclusive to THUMP Canada. Just use this code [KG3H-EMKD-EV27] and enjoy the app for three months at no charge. You're welcome.

iTunes Store

Google Play Store

Oh and of course we haven't forgotten about the staple streamers like Rdio, Soundcloud, Songza and Shuffler.fm, all of which host billions of listeners each day and connect music aficionados from all across the globe thanks to their speed, functionality and database of good times.

Your Turn: What's your favorite music app? Do you prefer subscription services like Rdio or free services like Songza that are linked to advertising revenue? Do you download only free apps? Let us know in the comments below.