Spotify has announced a new tool that allows premium users to “add and customise transitions” between tracks on their playlists. Should that be something they want to do.
The new feature, Spotify says, “gives users even more control” over the playlists they create on the platform, allowing them to “seamlessly transition between tracks” and “customise how they flow together”, with features like “volume, EQ and effect curves”.
“Experiment with specific settings for volume, EQ and effects”, the official blurb for the feature continues, while also suggesting users “use the waveform and beat data to find the best spot in each track for your transition”. And wannabe mixers with likeminded friends can also “collaborate on a mixed playlist”.
There was speculation earlier this year that the higher priced super premium subscription product that Spotify has been promising for years now might include remixing tools as a way to distinguish it from standard premium, allowing users to make their own remixes of tracks within the app.
That kind of functionality has licensing implications, because a remix is an ‘adaptation’ in copyright terms, and explicit rightsholder permission will often be required. Which means launching remixing tools doesn’t just require developing the technology, Spotify’s deals with the industry will also likely need to be updated.
It’s not clear if this simpler mixing functionality is in any way connected to all that. Although they are currently in a restricted beta phase, the official communications implies these playlist mixing tools will ultimately be available to all premium users.
It may be that the plan is to then promote the more sophisticated remixing tools and upsell the higher priced subscription. If, indeed, Spotify ever actually gets that launched.
For now, the streaming service says, “Spotify Premium is the ultimate destination for fans to enjoy the music they love and we’re always evolving to make it even better. With custom transitions in playlists, we hope to empower users to shape their listening experience and express themselves through the music they love”.
