Free Music:
NoiseTrade: This is an artist publicity website where the artist gives you free music and, in exchange, you know about them. With thousands of artists, it's likely something you'll find will merit your searching. A new feature allows you to enter artists you like to find others who fit the same genre. You can leave a tip if you feel it's merited. There's a free live album of The Civil Wars, some Cary Brothers, Derek Webb, and many, many others. Take a look.
Daytrotter: This is for up and coming indie artists. They do a more acoustic EP set for you to download. You can find some Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Swell Season, and tons of other good things.
Paste and Spin: These two music magazines are known for free playlists/CDs - that's what you can get from their sites.
Amazon: Believe or not, there are a ton of free sampler CDs and individual tracks here. Make sure you get the SubPop Sampler. There's always a good track or two on it.
That's a good start for free music. Here's a little something else.
Music You Make (for Free)
Below are two unique sites for making your own tunes. You would, at most, get some good clips for looping (unless you continually change the arrangements you've made [you just have to see it]). They're fun, even if you just need a few minutes to take a break.
Happy listening.
