Obscure instrumentals, unpredictable vocal melodies, unheard artists, and chart-topping ensembles, International Strange Music Day is the day to celebrate it all.

By 2002, August 24th was in the diaries of venues and music loves across the globe as a day to celebrate all things weird and wonderful about music. The day was originally created by Patrick Grant as a day to ‘listen without prejudice’.

From New York City himself, Grant decided that 2012 was the year to host the first International Strange Music Day Performance Soiree in his hometown. This performance of strange music including sets from Jolly Ramey and Micro-tons o’ Fun sparked an international phenomenon with a buzz for unusual tunes traveling across the globe.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate International Strange Music Day, and you shouldn’t be put off by the name itself. “Strange” music doesn't actually have to mean crazy or bizarre, it really just means something that is out of the ordinary to you.

Fancy yourself as a budding musician and feeling a bit experimental? Try making an instrument out of some household items, or perhaps blow the dust off of an old instrument you haven’t touched in years. Alternatively, your voice is an instrument you already have to hand, so why not try hitting record on your phone and laying down some melodies?

Musical talent doesn’t come easily to everyone though, and listening to strange music is also a fine way to celebrate. Checking out a live show of a band you haven’t seen before is a fantastic way to discover new music. Take a look at our Calendar of Events to see what's on in your area.

Alternatively, online streaming services such as Youtube and Spotify make accessing new artist’s music easier than ever. If you are looking for some ideas, we have listed 10 songs to discover here.