The bare necessities
Spotify
It could merely be a case of old habits dying hard, but we've tried all the shiny new streaming apps that have followed in Spotify's wake - Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music etc. - and always end up returning to our first love. It's easy to navigate, has an extensive catalogue of new and classic music, and - unlike some streaming services - isn't obsessed with snapping up the exclusive streaming rights to a major album so no-one else can listen (*cough* Tidal *cough*). If you can fork out for Premium, you can sync thousands of songs to listen to offline too.
Podcast player
It doesn't really matter which podcast playing platform you choose to download - it depends whether you have an iPhone or Android - all that matters is that you have a way of playing all the brilliant music-related podcasts we've listed in this feature.
Shazam
You know the drill with this by now. Your future favourite song comes on while you're shopping in H&M, and you can find out what it's called and who sang it within ten seconds. Then you can even download, if you get really swept up.
The optional extras
SoundCloud
SoundCloud can be brilliant for discovering new music. For one thing, even talented unsigned artists can upload their music, and it can spread through simple word of mouth. It also autoplays other songs you might like once you’ve finished listening to the track or album you’ve selected.
Musi
This app's a good way of curating your favourite YouTube videos (particularly useful for songs that haven't been released yet) and SoundCloud tunes into one platform - without having to keep the window open.
DICE
Hands down the best gig ticket app, DICE hand-selects the best gigs and only sells tickets for face value, and with no booking fees. If a gig is sold out, you can add yourself to the waiting list, and it'll let you know if there are any returns. Even then, it doesn't add anything to the resale price, so you know you'll never be ripped off.
Genius
This app works best with Google Music, because it shows you the lyrics, and fan-curated meanings and interpretations, as you're listening to each song. If you use a different streaming service, though, you can still search for the lyrics on Genius. It's the best way to understand the obscure cultural references in your favourite songs.
Garage Band
If you fancy making the jump from music fan to music maker, Garage Band is the perfect starting point. In fact, even famous musicians use Garage Band to bypass the laborious production process. Record yourself and your instruments in as many layers as you want, and create electronic drum beats and instrumentals as you want. It's easy to use, and the end result sounds pretty professional.
The fun, but completely pointless, apps
AutoRap
Record yourself rapping along to actual songs, or simply record yourself or someone else speaking, and AutoRap turns it into a rap for you. As pointless as they come.
Sing! Karaoke
Now you don't even have to go to a bar, or even be around other people, to live out your secret popstar dreams, and belt out karaoke versions of your favourite songs. On this app, you can listen back to yourself, and realise how wonderfully deluded you've been.
Dubsmash
This one's not limited to music of course, but the musical ones are always among the best. Mime along (or sing loudly, it gets rid of the sound you make anyway) to excerpts from songs, and see how convincing you can be as Mariah Carey. It's as simple as that.
