As an authentic music lover, you cherish your extensive playlists full of masterpieces you've been collecting and curating for the longest, right? But maybe your musical ears are craving a different direction? Well, if you're tired of the same radio earworms, or you'd describe yourself as an indie artist searching for their big break, here are some creatives' hubs you can check out that'll satisfy your penchant for fresh sound.The Elephant- Kanjata Road, Lavington, Nairobi.This might be the most appealing live-music venue in town. It attracts a trendy, upmarket crowd and its fair share of 'Nairobi hipsters' with its regular lineup of emerging artists.Live at the Elephant is a monthly music event showcasing some of Kenya's best live acts.Legendary musician Eric Wainaina performs regularly with his band here.This is definitely a spot to frequent if you want to hear the freshest sounds in town and interact with music connoisseurs with eclectic tastes. K1 Klub House- Ojijo Road, WestlandsIt's almost been a year since K1 launched Speaker Box, a platform hosted by Patricia Kihoro. It's a space where artists, creatives and culture shifters express themselves freely.Speaker Box Wednesday is a casual, collaborative and intimate gathering for sharing and celebrating curated experiences of some of the country's best talent.Look forward to amazing live performances by musicians you don't get to hear often. A break from the norm.Many brilliant musicians have since been catapulted to mainstream recognition after earning their stripes performing at Speaker Box. Nu Nairobi- Everywhere, Anywhere in Nairobi!Well, technically, The Alchemist Bar in Nairobi's Westlands area has been Nu Nairobi's biggest incubator so far. However, these edgy, contemporary artists are not confined by space.Nu Nairobi has been described as a creative philosophy centered around artist freedom, and cross-genre collaborations. It offers alternative sounds to what is popular across the city. It isn't limited to a single genre. It is a movement of music lovers all united under a similar philosophy, which has strengthened into a culture of sorts.The Nu Nairobi Wave showcases the diversity of sounds coming out of the city. From tribal down-tempo and Afro-house to future bass and electronic, the music styles span a wide range of genres. Mwanga Hub- Farasi Lane, KabeteMwanga hub offers an unbridled space for musicians to fully express themselves and for music lovers to soak up the diverse sounds!They have a great band rehearsal space that's acoustically treated and well equipped for the artist and audience in live music settings.A great space for budding artists to network and even get a chance to record their music independently. Kenyan Nights-The AlchemistKenyan Nights focuses on hosting world class electronic music events, bringing international acts to the country and also nurturing local talent.They've organized several electronic music, hip hop and dub reggae events and hosted an array of international artists from the US, UK, South Africa and Europe in Nairobi, Diani and Kilifi. Kenyan Nights have also launched careers of prominent Kenyan electronic DJs and artists, including Sarabi, DJ Suraj, DJ Kace, L.A. Dave, Dread Steppa, Sean Fraser and Max Melesi.If you're an aspiring EDM artist or a devout fan of this genre, this is definitely your space!In a country that is increasingly stifling naturally gifted artists and musicians, the value of spaces and venues such as these cannot be emphasized enough. We are keeping our eyes peeled for the next generation of stars launched off these platforms.