Spotify is developing tools that would let users remix songs, screenshots show

Spotify is working on mixing tools that would allow users to remix songs on the streaming service, according to screenshots captured by tech veteran and app researcher Chris Messina. While music lovers use software like Adobe Audition or Ableton Live to create mixes of their favorite songs, the new features would allow users to do so directly within Spotify. The screenshots indicate that the mixing tools would be available as part of a new premium subscription tier “Music Pro”. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, whose sources say discussions about the tools are preliminary and licensing deals have not yet been reached.

A Spotify spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company is constantly exploring ideas to improve its product offerings and provide value to its users, but will not comment on speculation around new features.

In screenshots shared with TechCrunch, the app’s code references different mixing tools that would allow users to “evolve their DJ skills with different transition styles to create the ultimate mix.”

The tools would also allow users to “set the tempo range of your mix and “set the mood of your mix” by filtering by “genres, moods, activities, etc.” “. The code suggests that users could create remixes of songs tailored to a certain scenario. In theory, you could create an upbeat, sped-up version of a slower song to create a remix to listen to while practicing.

Image credits: Chris Messina

Image credits: Chris Messina

The code suggests users use a mixing tool that “quickly mixes into the next track to keep the energy going.” Another tool “maximizes overlap for a layered, immersive track mix,” while another “instantly switches between tracks for high impact.”

Additionally, users could “insert” and “edit” transitions between tracks. Users can also decrease or increase BMP (beats per minute) and “danceability.”

Image credits: Chris Messina

It seems that the mixing tools would not only be aimed at users who already have experience mixing songs. The code refers to a tool that “automatically rearranges your mix by sequencing tracks together with similar key, tempo and style”, while another allows users “to choose how to order your mix or select the automatic order so that Spotify sequences it for you. » These lines of code suggest that Spotify would help users create their perfect mix, even if it’s the first time, using automated tools.

Image credits: Chris Messina

Image credits: Chris Messina

While traditional user-created remixes uploaded to streaming platforms or social media do not generate revenue for artists, Spotify’s mixing capabilities would likely allow musicians to earn money from remixes linked to their original songs. Since fan-made remixes are often edited to the point of not being reported for copyright infringement, Spotify is full of unofficial remixes with millions of streams. Although Spotify’s mixing tools can’t completely fix this problem, they could help remedy it to some extent.

It’s no surprise that Spotify is developing mixing tools, especially since sped-up songs and mashups are taking off thanks to TikTok. According to TikTok 2023 end of year reportthe most popular the songs in the app were sped-up remixes of songs.

The trend of fast-paced songs has become so popular that artists are looking to cash in on it. For example, after an acceleration carried out by a fan SZA’s remix of the song “Kill Bill” was being used on TikTok, she released an official sped-up version of the song. Other artists like Lana Del Ray and The Cab have also released official sped-up versions of their songs in order to get people to listen to their official tracks, instead of fan-made versions.

As with any other feature in development, it’s unclear if or when Spotify plans to launch the mixing tools.