By Emma Johnson
As I write this, my Spotify Daylist is labeled “Club Classics Brat Autumn Thursday Afternoon.” Why? Because I apparently tend to listen to electronic and bush doof on Thursdays in the afternoon. These oddly specific genres — “Brat Autumn,” “Electropop,” “Recession Pop,” “Gym Phonk,” and “Doof Doof” — are genres that, just a few years ago, would have been completely meaningless. And yet, somehow, they now describe my listening habits perfectly. How does Spotify know me this well?
How Spotify’s Algorithm Works
Spotify uses AI-powered recommendations to create highly personalized listening experiences. In 2014, Spotify acquired Echo Nest, a music intelligence data platform. This acquisition enabled Spotify to develop personalized features like Discover Weekly and Release Radar. Instead of relying solely on the size of its music library to attract users, Spotify’s success lies in its ability to provide context and curate playlists that feel tailor-made.
Here’s the catch: Spotify’s algorithm is designed to keep you engaged by recommending songs that align with your existing tastes. It suggests tracks by the same artist, similar-sounding songs, or music enjoyed by people with similar preferences. While this keeps us happy in the short term, it also creates a bubble of familiarity. Finding truly new or unconventional sounds becomes rare because the algorithm prioritizes what it knows you’ll enjoy.
The Decline of Music Discovery as a Shared Experience
Music discovery wasn’t always so individual. My dad still has CDs curated by friends, and his friends have CDs he made for them. Back then, your music library was shaped by radio DJs, mixtapes, and what your community was listening to. Today, music consumption has become more personal. If you don’t explore beyond Spotify’s recommendations, you’re often left cycling through the same curated bubble. Even Spotify’s top songs can be influenced by paid placements, making it harder to stumble upon something truly fresh.
How to Break Free from the Algorithm
Spotify is a fantastic tool, but actively seeking out new music can be even more rewarding. Here are some ways to shake up your listening habits and discover music outside Spotify’s algorithm:
- Tune into Local Radio Stations
- Your local stations often play a wide variety of music you won’t hear elsewhere. Try streaming WAZZU’s student station, KZUU (KZUU stream)
- Play Music League (Music League)
- This game lets you and your friends curate music based on a theme.
- Submit a song that fits the theme, then vote and comment on each other’s choices. It’s like a musical version of “dress to impress.”
- Explore Oddly Specific Playlists
- Check out creative playlists on Instagram (Oddly Specific Playlists)
- Try Unchartify (Unchartify)
- You start with new music or genres you want to explore and then you can explore from there
- Travel Through Time with Radiooooo (Radiooooo)
- This app lets you explore music from different decades and countries, giving you a global and historical perspective on music.
- Dive into YouTube DJ Sets
- Discover new tracks by listening to DJ sets on YouTube. A personal favorite is Book Club Radio.
- Buy CDs from Thrift Stores
- Challenge yourself to listen to an entire album without skipping tracks. You might uncover hidden gems.
- Pay Attention to Background Music
- Notice the music playing in small stores, coffee shops, and other public spaces. Shazam or jot down anything that catches your ear.
By stepping outside your algorithmic comfort zone, you can reconnect with the joy of music discovery. While Spotify’s recommendations are convenient, taking an active role in exploring music can lead to richer and more unexpected experiences. So, what’s your next move to break free from the algorithm?
Credit:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/08/16/1096276/spotify-algorithms-music-discovery-ux/
https://www.spotify.com/us/safetyandprivacy/understanding-recommendations
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/12/30/mood-machine-liz-pelly-book-review
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