Spotify Explores Mixing Tools for User-Generated Remixes
According to app researcher Chris Messina, Spotify is developing mixing tools that would enable users to create remixes directly on the streaming platform. While music enthusiasts typically use professional software like Adobe Audition or Ableton Live for this purpose, Spotify’s new features would make remixing more accessible. The tools would be available under a new “Music Pro” premium subscription tier, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Exploring New Features and Offerings
A Spotify spokesperson stated that the company is always exploring ideas to enhance its product offerings and provide value to its users, but declined to comment on speculation surrounding new features.
Mixing Tools and Capabilities
The app’s code, as seen in the screenshots shared with The Zero Byte, mentions various mixing tools that would allow users to:
- Showcase their DJ skills using different transition styles
- Adjust the tempo range for their mix
- Set the mood for their mix by filtering genres, moods, activities, and more
These tools suggest that users could create remixes tailored to specific scenarios, such as an upbeat, faster version of a slower song for a workout playlist.
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Image Credits: Chris Messina
The code also hints at tools that would allow users to seamlessly blend tracks, maximize overlap for an immersive experience, and instantly switch between tracks for high impact. Users could also insert and edit transitions between tracks, as well as adjust BPM (beats per minute) and “danceability.”
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Catering to Both Experienced and Novice Mixers
The mixing tools appear to cater to both experienced and novice users. The code mentions a tool that automatically reorders a mix by sequencing tracks with similar key, tempo, and style, as well as an option for users to choose how to order their mix or have Spotify sequence it for them. This suggests that Spotify would assist users in creating their ideal mix, even if they are new to the process.
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Potential Benefits for Artists
Unlike traditional user-created remixes that are uploaded to streaming platforms or social media, Spotify’s mixing capabilities would likely allow musicians to earn revenue from remixes tied to their original tracks. This could help address the issue of unofficial remixes with millions of streams on Spotify that are altered to avoid copyright violations.
Riding the Wave of Sped-Up Songs and Mashups
Spotify’s development of mixing tools comes at a time when sped-up songs and mashups are gaining popularity on TikTok. According to TikTok’s 2023 year-end report, the most popular songs on the app were sped-up remixes. Artists like SZA, Lana Del Ray, and The Cab have released official sped-up versions of their songs to capitalize on this trend and encourage listeners to stream their official tracks instead of fanmade versions.
As with any feature in development, it remains to be seen if and when Spotify will launch these mixing tools.
1 Comment
Finally, you can fix that one verse you always thought you could do better!