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Spotify’s layoffs doomed its best (unofficial) music discovery resource

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Spotify’s layoffs doomed its best (unofficial) music discovery resource

Spotify's music discovery capabilities have long been criticized, and alternatives like Pandora and SoundCloud used to compensate for its shortcomings. Every Noise at Once, a website created by Spotify data alchemist Glenn McDonald, provided a workaround by mapping out and tracking every music genre on the platform. However, after Spotify's recent layoffs, McDonald lost access to the data required to update the site. Spotify users now have to rely on the platform itself for music discovery, which has proven to be a challenge. Despite Spotify's efforts to improve discovery, the experience still falls short compared to other services like TikTok.

Related News

SoundCloud's TikTok-styled discovery feed is rolling out to everyone

TechCrunch · 1y ago

SoundCloud's TikTok-styled discovery feed is rolling out to everyone

SoundCloud is launching a TikTok-style discovery feed featuring vertical scrolling and short song clips. The feed lets users listen to a 30-second preview of a song before deciding to listen to the full track. Artists can choose highlights, but SoundCloud's AI, powered by Musiio, can also automatically select the best 30 seconds of a song. The update includes shortcut buttons for playlist management and liking tracks. This move follows similar features introduced by Spotify and TikTok Music, enhancing music discovery on the platform, which hosts over 320 million tracks from 40 million creators.

Amazon begins layoffs in music streaming unit

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Amazon begins layoffs in music streaming unit

Amazon has started layoffs in its music streaming unit amid intense competition from rivals like Spotify and Apple Music. The company is restructuring its music team and cutting a number of positions, including those in marketing and artist relations. This move comes as Amazon Music faces increasing challenges in the highly competitive music streaming industry.

Pitchfork to be absorbed into GQ

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Pitchfork to be absorbed into GQ

Music website Pitchfork is set to be merged with men's interest publication GQ, according to a memo circulated by owner Condé Nast. The future of Pitchfork as a brand is uncertain following the merger, which has led to multiple layoffs, including editor-in-chief Puja Patel. The move comes as Condé Nast tries to evaluate the performance of Pitchfork and chart the best path forward for the brand. Pitchfork, which was acquired by Condé Nast in 2015, has been influential in the music industry but has struggled to expand its audience in recent years.

Spotify’s AI DJ now takes voice commands—Here’s how it work

YourStory

YourStory · 3m ago

Spotify’s AI DJ now takes voice commands—Here’s how it work

Spotify has enhanced its AI DJ feature for Premium users, offering interactive voice commands to request specific genres, artists, moods, or eras. Available in over 60 countries, the update responds to natural language, enhancing music curation. Initially launched in 2023, the AI DJ now offers hands-free operation, with some features exclusive to Premium users. The move aligns with a broader industry shift towards conversational interfaces but currently supports only English commands and excludes free users.

Senators urge FTC to investigate Spotify’s higher-priced bundled subscription | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 2m ago

Senators urge FTC to investigate Spotify’s higher-priced bundled subscription | TechCrunch

Two U.S. senators have urged the FTC to investigate Spotify for allegedly converting standard premium subscriptions into higher-cost bundled ones without user consent. This move reportedly reduced royalty payments to creators, harming the music community and consumers. Spotify had informed users in advance of the price increase and offered easy cancellations. However, publishers reportedly lost $230 million in the first year due to these changes.

TikTok lures songwriters with new promotional features | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 1m ago

TikTok lures songwriters with new promotional features | TechCrunch

TikTok is introducing features to help songwriters highlight their work on the app, including a “Songwriter” label and a dedicated music tab. Initially available to select partners, others can join a waitlist. This move follows surveys and interviews with songwriters about their promotional needs. These features aim to enhance profile building and monetization opportunities. TikTok, known for driving music discovery, remains a key platform for music promotion despite shutting down TikTok Music last year.

Spotify’s latest AI feature builds playlists based on text descriptions

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Spotify’s latest AI feature builds playlists based on text descriptions

Spotify has launched a beta tool called AI Playlist, allowing users to create curated tracklists based on text descriptions. Initially available to Spotify Premium subscribers in the UK and Australia on mobile devices, the feature can be accessed by entering a prompt, such as "music to read to on a cold, rainy day". The AI then generates a playlist of 30 songs that match the mood, which can be tweaked and saved. Users can include a combination of genres, moods, artists or decades in their prompts. Spotify plans to continue improving the playlist generator in the coming months.

Zee assigns additional charge of music business to film head Umesh Bansal | Mint

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Zee assigns additional charge of music business to film head Umesh Bansal | Mint

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has given Umesh Bansal additional responsibility for the music business while retaining his role as chief business officer of the movie business. This move aligns with the company's resource optimization strategy, focusing on synergy between the movies and music businesses for growth. Anurag Bedi, the previous head of the music business, will be assigned new responsibilities soon. Zee aims to enhance profitability by deriving synergistic benefits between the two businesses and is prioritizing frugality, optimization, and quality content.

After spat with TikTok, UMG expands Spotify partnership to include music videos and more

TechCrunch · 1y ago

After spat with TikTok, UMG expands Spotify partnership to include music videos and more

Universal Music Group (UMG) has expanded its deal with Spotify to focus on music discovery and social interaction. The partnership will introduce music videos in the US, allowing users to watch videos instead of just streaming audio. UMG's artists include Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande. Spotify's "Switch to Video" option will enable users to watch videos from the Now Playing Screen, and artists will have promotional and social features to generate excitement for new releases. Further collaborations between the companies are expected. The deal comes as UMG had a public disagreement with TikTok, resulting in the removal of its music catalog from the app.

Taylor Swift’s music is back on TikTok

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Taylor Swift’s music is back on TikTok

Taylor Swift's music has returned to TikTok after being removed alongside other Universal Music Group (UMG) artists a few months ago. UMG and TikTok had failed to renew their licensing deal, causing a dispute over payment and the use of AI-generated content. The return of Swift's music suggests she may have struck a separate deal with TikTok. TikTok is a significant platform for music discovery, showcasing both indie and established artists. Despite its influence, artists have reported low royalty payments from the platform. TikTok has become a vital community for Taylor Swift fans to share content and engage with the artist.

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