Spotify is working on mixing tools that will let users remix songs on the streaming service, according to screenshots taken by a tech veteran and app researcher Chris Messina. While music fans use software like Adobe Audition or Ableton Live to create mixes of their favorite songs, the new features will allow users to do so directly in Spotify. The screenshots indicate that the mixing tools will be available in a new “Music Pro” premium subscription level. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, whose sources say that discussions about the tools are early and that licensing deals have not yet been worked out.
A Spotify spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company is constantly exploring ideas to improve its product offerings and deliver value to its users, but that it would not comment on speculation about new features.
In the screenshots shared with TechCrunch, the app’s code mentions different mixing tools that would allow users to “develop their DJ skills with different transition styles to create the ultimate mix.”
The tools would also allow users to “set the tempo range for your mix and “set the mood for your mix” by filtering by “genres, moods, activities and more.” The code suggests that users will be able to create remix songs to fit a specific scenario In theory, you could create an upbeat, sped-up version of a slower song to create a remix to listen to while working out.
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Image Credits: Chris Messina
The code suggests that users could tap into a mixing tool that “quickly blends into the next track to keep the energy going.” Another tool “maximizes overlap for a layered and immersive mix of tracks,” while a different one “instantly transitions from one track to another for high impact.”
In addition, users could “insert” and “edit” transitions between tracks. Users could also decrease or increase the BMP (beats per minute) and “dance potential”.
Image Credits: Chris Messina
It looks like the mixing tools won’t only appeal to users who already have experience mixing songs. The code mentions a tool that “automatically reorders your mix by ordering the order of tracks with similar key, tempo, and style together,” while another lets users “choose how to order your mix, or choose auto-order to Spotify will track it for you. ” These lines of code suggest that Spotify would help users create the perfect mix, even if it’s their first time, with the help of automated tools.
Image Credits: Chris Messina
Image Credits: Chris Messina
While traditional remixes created by users and uploaded to streaming platforms or social media do not generate revenue for artists, Spotify’s remixing capabilities would likely allow musicians to earn money from remixes linked to their original tracks. Since fan-made remixes are often altered to the point of not being flagged for copyright infringement, Spotify is full of unofficial remixes with millions of streams. Although Spotify’s mixing tools cannot get rid of this problem completely, they could help solve it to some extent.
It’s no surprise that Spotify is developing mixing tools, especially as sped-up songs and mashups are having a moment thanks to TikTok. According to TikTok’s 2023 year end reportthe most popular The songs in the app were sped-up remixes of songs.
The trend of sped up songs has become so popular that artists are looking to capitalize on it. For example, after a fan-made acceleration The remix of SZA’s song “Kill Bill” was used on TikTok, an official sped-up version of the song was released. Other artists such as Lana Del Ray and The Cab have also released official faster versions of their songs in order to get people to listen to their official tracks, rather than fan-made versions.
As with any other feature in development, it’s unknown if or when Spotify plans to release the mixing tools.
