5 Live Music Apps for Smart TVs

Looking for some live music apps for your TV? There are plenty of apps to get …

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Looking for some live music apps for your TV? There are plenty of apps to get your groove on without having to pay for a subscription.

These apps are available across most Smart TVs, including LG, Samsung, or a TV running on Android TV and Google TV. You can also enjoy them on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV.

If you prefer the good old web experience, you can stream these five options on your PC or MacBook.

Pluto TV: Live Music Replay

Pluto TV’s Live Music Replay channel has become my top choice for concerts and intimate live gigs by both well-known bands and emerging acts.

If you crave that gig-in-the-basement vibe, this is the spot. Live Music Replay also delves into a treasure trove of vintage concerts, ranging from old blues performances to rock legends.

Red Bull TV

Don’t be misled by the name; Red Bull TV is more than just extreme sports. It’s a goldmine for live music enthusiasts, offering a wide array of music, particularly festival performances from around the world and the U.S.

Tiny Desk Concerts by NPR Music

The Tiny Desk Concerts series is a clever concept, serving up mini-concerts designed to be enjoyed on your desktop, smartphone, or streaming device. Each show features about 10 to 15 minutes of a band or solo artist’s performance, often in a cozy, basement-like setting. And it’s a refreshing change of pace.

NPR Music Channel

The NPR Music Channel is a treasure trove of live music, beyond just Tiny Desk Concerts. You’ll find live singles in the NPR Music Field Recordings collection. NPR Music Front Row offers a variety of hour-long shows, and the “Popular Uploads” section makes it easy to discover the most-watched videos from the past five years.

Austin City Limits (PBS app)

Austin City Limits is known for hosting remarkable acts over the years like Kendrick Lamar, and country legends such as Willie Nelson. It’s the best show for discovering new acts, and longtime artists that you have never listened to before.

Austin City Limits continues to amaze with a rich lineup of both new and seasoned artists. There are no hosts or emcees to interrupt – just pure, unadulterated music.

KEXP (YouTube)

KEXP, the Seattle-based radio station, offers a unique blend of music and expert commentary:

  • Diverse Programming: With a team of talented DJs, KEXP is your gateway to a wide range of musical genres. It’s not just about music; it’s about the stories behind the tunes.
  • In-Studio Performances: You can enjoy live, in-studio performances by a variety of artists, from soulful acts like Charles Bradley to indie sensations like CHVRCHES. The wealth of live music content is bound to keep you entertained for months, if not years.

So, whether you’re into contemporary concerts, vintage gems, or intimate performances, these apps have something for every music lover.

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Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.

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