I also am not as exposed to new music as people who constantly listen as background
I think that's the key statement here.I have cycled through almost all the phases written of above.What gets me fired up is exiting new music,something not previously heard which reaches out and snatches me up.XM or Sirius is a reasonably cheap way to be exposed to exiting new music.I have trouble "backgrounding" via standard FM broadcast due DJ's lack of reporting artist and title.A local listener supported KVMR is good at giving this info but most others are not,hence sattelite subscription which has playlist readout.This allows me freedom to casually listen and let a tune "grab me",I can make a mental note to check what played when more convenient.I jot down a 'get these'list and find I look foward to extended weekend listening sessions.Tip;put all music that interests you on a list in your wallet,so you can look through used and cutout bins.A nice stack of fresh music draws you to listen whenever schedule allows.