Apple Music holds a special place in my life. It's not just about renting access to favorite songs; it's about the amazing journey of discovery. After School Radio remains a favorite, and Apple Podcasts makes it easy to keep up with shows. Recently, it was the simple act of letting Apple Music recommend music after playing an album from my library that led to something extraordinary.

How Apple Music's Autoplay Works

Apple calls this feature Autoplay, and it truly takes the guesswork out of choosing what to play next. Just play a song, and Autoplay finds similar ones and plays them automatically. For example, I forget what I was originally playing, probably a song by Taking Back Sunday. But one day in July, while going on a long ride, I discovered the post-hardcore act Microwave through Apple Music's Autoplay.When "Bored of Being Sad" played, I let it play out and then listened more closely. An hour later, I added the rest of the album to my library, and the play counts show its popularity. This discovery led to an unforgettable experience.

The Impact of Discovering Microwave

Fast-forward to October 29 when I drove to Birmingham, Alabama, to see Microwave perform on the opening night of their tour. It was a magical moment that I posted on Facebook the next day. I was so happy to see them perform and cap off a month of celebrating life.This discovery made me realize the importance of spending less time at home and more time in different places. It also made me value in-person relationships more. The digital clue of hearing a song on my iPhone while driving led to a real-life, shared experience that was truly rewarding.

The Back Catalog and Beyond

I discovered Microwave in June, and their loosely psychedelic and low-tempo music with a back catalog of melodic emo has become a favorite. The experience of hearing a song on my iPhone while driving and then seeing them perform live is something I'll never forget.Now, I'm obsessed with the back catalog and constantly exploring new music. It's not just about one discovery; it's about the ongoing journey of finding new musical gems.With gratitude, Apple Music Autoplay has opened up a world of music for me. Rock on, Microwave! And don't forget to check out John Vorhees' piece on MacStories for more music-focused iPhone apps.Follow Zac: X, Bluesky, Instagram / Shop Apple on Amazon to support my work.FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.