Spotify is reportedly working on adding remix tools to its streaming service, giving users a way to reimagine their favorite songs.
The news comes from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) whose sources claim that people can “speed up, mix and otherwise edit songs” as they please. The article explains that one of the alleged additions is a playback feature that allows you to control how fast or how slow a song plays. Once you’ve finished a remix, you can share it with other Spotify users, but not with third-party platforms or social media. There are licensing agreements in place that prevent people from sharing their creations.
The availability of these tools varies depending on the type of Spotify subscription you have. The “more basic functions” such as speed control will be on the basic plan; however, the “advanced song customization features” will be at the company’s long-rumored Supremium level.
Upcoming launch
Several lines of code have been discovered by Reddit user Hypixely on the Spotify subreddit, revealing the company’s plans to introduce the remix patch as the “Music Pro” add-on. The accompanying text also mentions lossless audio arriving on the platform, which could refer to Supremium. The name of the plan is not explicitly stated, but the clues are there. The fact that lossless was listed alongside the remix update could indicate an upcoming release for both, although it may still be a while before we see either.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the platform is currently sharing details with music rights holders. Development is still in its early stages, but once everything comes out, it could shake up the way we enjoy music.
Analysis: If you can’t beat them…
Some of the more popular versions of songs are undoubtedly remixes. Fan reinterpretations can change the meaning of the original and even serve as an introduction to a new generation. As the WSJ notes, people like to add their own unique twist to a classic or adapt it for dance challenges or memes. That kind of content can be a very effective way to discover new music. How many times have you seen people in the comments section asking for the source of a song, movie, or whatever? It’s very common.
As great as fan remixes are, they’ve apparently become a bit of a problem. Musicians and labels are not paid for the content that uses their work. The WSJ reports how a “speeded up cover version” of the song “Somewhere Only We Know” by the rock band Keane has over 33 million songs on Spotify. Record executives see this and force these platforms to do something.
There are several solutions to this problem. Spotify chose the path of “if you can’t beat them, join them.” It’s a win-win scenario for everyone involved. Instead of banning the content, the company chooses to embrace the remixes. People can be creative and artists can get paid.
If you want to flex that creative muscle, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best free music creation software for 2024.