How To Pursue Your Love Of Music (Without Spending Money)

Whether you’re considering a career within the music industry or find music to be therapeutic, there are many reasons why you may have fallen in love with music.

Photo by Marcela Laskoski on Unsplash

However, it is one of the more expensive hobbies to pursue, with many feeling as though they are priced out due to this. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can pursue your love of music without spending any money! 

Watch online tutorials when learning an instrument. 

If you are learning to play an instrument, YouTube can quickly become your new best friend. After all, here, you’ll find thousands upon thousands of free tutorials and lessons for just about every instrument, from guitars to flutes. While this does differ slightly from one-on-one tuition, it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the basics of an instrument or learn how to play your favorite song. 

On a similar note, there are plenty of websites that provide free access to sheet music, too—whether you’re hoping to play the latest hits or more classical pieces. If you can’t find what you are looking for, consider shopping for sheet music second-hand. 

Find free ways to listen to music. 

Most music streaming platforms require you to pay for a subscription to listen ad-free. However, this does not mean that you have to put up with hours and hours of adverts, especially if they disrupt the flow of your playlist. For example, you could check out the best music torrents instead until you find a platform that you like. 

Stay engaged with the music scene. 

There are many ways in which you can remain actively engaged within the music scene without having to spend a single cent. For example, subscribing to blogs that regularly post about the latest releases and upcoming artists is a great starting point. After all, between reading interviews and reviews, you’ll be able to discover more about the kind of music you love! 

Support up-and-coming artists.

Supporting up-and-coming artists over more established acts is another great way to enjoy music without spending money. For example, many of those who are just starting out in their careers will host free gigs and concerts as they work to gain more practical experience or build a consistent following. Who knows, you may discover one of your all-time favorite artists by attending one of these concerts!

On a similar note, local open mic nights are often free (or relatively cheap) to attend and could also help you discover great music from yet-to-be-discovered talent. 

Find ways to make money out of your hobby. 

Finding ways to monetize your interests is another great way to enjoy music for “free.” For example, if you’re a skilled musician in your own right, you may want to consider teaching others. Alternatively, you might want to look into working as a music journalist, writing reviews of albums, singles, and live shows. While it can be difficult to land this kind of role (even on a freelance basis), it often means that you receive free concert tickets alongside other perks. 

Over time, you may even manage to turn your hobby into your full-time career, which means that you’ll also gain an intense sense of job satisfaction. After all, you can hardly call it work if you love what you are doing! 

Become a seat filler. 

Many venues and promotion companies offer free or incredibly discounted tickets to events that aren’t selling as well as originally intended. As a result, signing up to be a “seat filler” could be a great way to enjoy live music without having to spend much money whatsoever. Again, this can be a great way to discover new artists or bands, especially if you have not heard of them before. 

You should also follow your favorite artists and bands on social media, as they may occasionally advertise free events for fans, such as listening parties ahead of an album launch. As they are usually first-come-first-serve, the sooner you see these posts, the better, so consider turning on your notifications so that you are alerted whenever they post! 

Final thoughts.

In short, there are plenty of ways in which you can dedicate more time to your musical hobbies that don’t require you to drain your bank account. However, when you consider the benefits of pursuing your hobbies (especially when it comes to your mental health), this is often an area where it is worth spending a little money where you can afford to. 

Money spent on things that make you happy is money well spent! X Neil.

NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2%

Beneficial for all skin types, NIP+FAB have recently launched their Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% that can easily be used in anyone's skincare routine. The unique skincare product contains an oil phase and a water phase, but when shaken before application the two phases mix together to create a bi-phase formulation. The water phase contains humectant glycerin at 3% for longer-lasting hydration along with a copper peptide at 0.05% that not only has antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties but is also proven to boost synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans for improvement in elasticity, density, and firmness of the skin. The oil phase consists of a 0.8% Peptide complex that combines acetyl hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 that are both cell-communicating ingredients to signal and improve the appearance of the skin. Bakuchiol at 1% boost's collagen I, III and IV production for improvement in fine-lines, wrinkles, elasticity, and firmness whilst also having excellent antioxidant and calming properties. Cold-pressed pumpkin and sunflower seed oils at 5% have a high linoleic acid content with beneficial fatty acids that help to replenish, soothe, and strengthen whilst also repairing the barrier function of the skin. The 46% Skin-conditioning oil blend consists of sweet almond, grapeseed, passion seed and baobab oils which not only have their own skin-nourishing fatty acid properties, but they also their own antioxidant and skin-protecting benefits. 

NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Bakuchiol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Gluconolactone, Limonene, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Tocopherol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Calcium Gluconate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Linalool, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate.  

Presented in bottle with a pipette dropper tool, the bottle should be shaken before dispensing a few drops in your hand and warming the formulation up. The colour blue is from the copper included but does not stain the skin when sweeping over and pressing into the face, neck, and chest. I love how light this oils feels on the skin when applying as the last step in your skincare routine which would be "AFTER" your moisturiser at night and "BEFORE"  applying your broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning. Absorbing quickly, it leaves the skin perfectly nourished without that greasy or oily feeling some oils can leave behind when sitting on top of the skin. Beautifully lightweight with specific ingredients to influence the skin, this is an upgrade from your typical emollient facial oil. Priced at £29.95 and available here: NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% x Neil. 

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum

Ideal for all skin types, the Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains Vegan Liposome Retinol 3%, Bakuchiol, and also 9 different peptides in its serum-enriched formulation. Targeting fine lines and wrinkles whilst also helping to firm and improve elasticity, the other added benefit is its soothing action that does not aggravate spot-prone skin by it calming and reducing irritation. Presented in an airtight bottle with pump dispenser that stops the formula degrading from air, the packaging also protects the formulation from light which is also important for the retinol repair serum to work at its intended potency, read on to see how it performed. 

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Methylpropanediol, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glucose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Fructose, Fructooligosaccharides, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Retinol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cholesterol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Chitosan, Beta-Glucan, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Bakuchiol, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, sh-Decapeptide-7, sh-Octapeptide-4, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-22, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide3, sh-Oligopeptide-2

Applying 1-2 pumps to freshly cleansed skin, you can use this serum morning and night (according to the directions) but if used during the day make sure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF over the top. I only apply Vitamin A products at night because it breaks down in sunlight (daytime) and can make your skin more prone to damage. I love how moisturising the serum feels on application whilst it glides over the skin with ease and absorbs quite quickly, leaving no residue or a greasy feeling. I typically wait 10-15 minutes before applying a moisturiser and wake up to softer and smoother skin in the morning with continued use. 

The Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum is ideal for those who want to use a liposome retinol that maximises its potency and effectiveness in absorption by the skin. but the formula also includes those added peptides and bakuchiol! Priced at £17.88 and available here: Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum Use my discount code BLONDEMALE1 on all products at the checkout, x Neil. 

REN Skincare Radiance PHA Exfoliating Facial

Smooth and brighten the skin for a more refined looking complexion when incorporating the Ren Radiance PHA Exfoliating Facial into your skincare routine. The triple-action 2 minute exfoliating treatment combines a naturally derived and vegan form of PHA (Gluconic Acid) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells whilst also removing impurities. The formula also includes Pomegranate Enzymes that breakdown and digest dead skin cells on the skins surface whilst a physical exfoliation is included by the gentle but effective Pomegranate Powder that you activate by gently buffing over and into the skin with your fingers on application. 

Resurfacing and refining the skins texture the REN Radiance PHA Exfoliating Facial ingredients list: Aqua (Water), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Punica Granatum Seed Powder, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Olus (Vegetable) Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Stearate, Niacinamide, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Inulin, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Coco Glucoside, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coconut Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Cera, Saccharide Isomerate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Fructose, Tocopherol, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Phytate, , Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Glycine, Soja (Soybean) Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral

Cleansing the skin before applying the product is essential in prepping the skin to allow maximum results and i typically use any exfoliation method in the evening. The squeezable tube allows perfect dispensing of the product which should be applied to damp skin using circular motions whilst avoiding direct contact with your eyes. I love the creamy and slightly gritty texture that is accompanied with a fruity citrus fragrance but the true transformation is when the product is rinsed off with warm water to reveal softer, smoother, and brighter skin. Applying 2-3 times a week, the exfoliating facial product is ideal for those looking for a chemical, enzymatic, and physical exfoliation treatment that is not only gentle but fits perfectly into anyone's skincare routine and it only takes 2 minutes!

Priced at £34.00 and available here: Ren Radiance PHA Exfoliating Facial x Neil.

ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion

The ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion expertly soothes irritated and unhappy skin with the Centella Asiatica Extract included, but also featured in the fluid formula is the patented technology NC P-Complex that helps to support the skin barrier function whilst a 9-Peptide Complex forms a moisture barrier to keep the skin hydrated, for longer. The ongredients lotion is ideal for you if you have previously tried lotions before but have not found them hydrating enough and if you find face creams too thick, heavy, and suffocating for your skin-type and concerns. 

ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, C14-22 Alcohols, Polysorbate 60, Arginine, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Hexapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

The lotion is not heavy or greasy but perfectly light in texture with a refreshing and hydrating finish that does not overload the skin with product. Applying after your toner, essence, or serum you can apply one layer to replenish the skins moisture balance followed by another application to really help the skin feel supple and firm. I really like how this lotion hydrates and moisturises the skin perfectly under any sunscreen during the day and over any actives such as vitamin A's at night, whilst easily caring for the skin and improving its barrier function in any climate/season of the year!

Priced at £21.17 for 220ml and available here: ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion Use my discount code BLONDEMALE1 on all products you purchase x Neil.