try this out...

do you want to quit spotify/apple music/etc and save money? do you want to access your PC's music while you're out n' about? I just started self-hosting a server for my music, and I made a quick setup guide so you can, too! 

you will need a PC to host your server, meaning it has to stay powered on/connected to internet (you can also use another device like a raspberry pi). however by the end, you will be able to listen offline on your phone, too :) 

note: this guide is for navidrome (based on subsonic) just cuz I like its apps the most! if you are interested in any other options like plex, jellyfin, emby, swing music, or other subsonics, try their websites or discords for info.

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how to set up navidrome:

1. install navidrome! the quickest way for Windows is using the MSI file with default settings
2. open the navidrome config file (C:\Program Files\Navidrome\navidrome.ini on windows) using notepad, and put in your music's file location (ex: MusicFolder='C:\Users\xxx\Music')
3. if you used the windows MSI file, skip this and go to step #4, it's automatic! otherwise, follow the instructions to allow navidrome to run in the background (mac, windows zip file)
4. restart your pc! now test that it is working by going to http://localhost:4533/ on your browser, making a username/password, and playing some tunes :)
5. to connect your phone to your PC securely/without the firewall blocking you, install tailscale on both devices (you'll need to make an account)
6. test it on your phone by finding your PC's new IP address on tailscale, copy/pasting it into your phone browser, and adding :4533 to the end (ex: http://100.69.420.420:4533). the page should look the same as it does on step #4
7. now on your phone, you can install your favorite client! there are tons of options; try navidrone's list, /r/navidrome, or the app store. when you log in, your server URL is the same as step 6 (http://your-PC's-IP-address:4533)

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how to get music!!!!:

1. I definitely recommend purchasing music directly from your favorite artists, such as thru bandcamp or itunes. I'd neverrr condone downloading free music via soulseek or slsk-based apps (nicotine+, soulbeet, seeker for android, etc)
2. I think it's really nice to build out a music library from scratch, but if you just want all your music off spotify/yt right now, I would try slsk batch download or spotify downloader. if you want to preserve your playlists, try SpotifyToM3U or spotify-to-m3u. (tip: on the spotify desktop app, you can Ctrl+A and copy/paste all your liked songs into a new playlist)
3. if you want a free app to listen to music you don't have saved yet, but don't want to deal with spotify/youtube ads, try lyra instead! (it might ruin the magic to know, but it's just youtube music with an adblocker and a spotify makeover, so it has lots of options)
4. if you want to discover music without any algo, might I recommend rateyourmusic, albumoftheyear, every noise at once (hover to see the song name, press » to go deeper), or even radiogarden/your local college radio. (credit to ikoxun for most of these!)
5. and if you want super-cool listening statistics (à la wrapped), sign up for last.fm or install audiomuse! if you want manual tracking/reviews (à la letterboxd), see above for RYM/AOTY

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I can help with setup/issues/etc if you contact me!