Spotify Spotted Working on “SongDNA” Feature Showcases
Spotify is reportedly developing a new feature called “SongDNA” that aims to enhance music discovery by allowing users to explore the network of individuals involved in the creation of a song or album. The potential feature, uncovered within the app’s code, would provide a visual and interactive experience, connecting users with writers, collaborators, vocalists, engineers, lyricists, producers, composers, and other contributors. This development could offer a new avenue for users to delve deeper into the music they enjoy and discover the talents behind the scenes.
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Official guidance: IEEE — official guidance for Spotify spotted working SongDNA feature showcases
Uncovering SongDNA’s Potential Functionality
The discovery of SongDNA was made by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong, who shared screenshots illustrating how the feature could appear within the Spotify app. According to Wong’s findings, SongDNA would offer a navigable interface displaying the connections between various contributors to a musical work. For instance, users could explore the works of a particular artist, such as Rei Ami from the “KPop Demon Hunters” cast, and discover other tracks where she has lent her voice. This visual representation of musical collaboration could provide users with a richer understanding of the creative process and the interconnectedness of the music industry.
Following Wong’s initial discovery, another reverse engineer and technologist, Chris Messina, corroborated the existence of SongDNA by locating references to the feature within the app’s code. Messina’s findings suggest that the feature would reveal the network of contributors behind songs, enabling users to explore more of their work. This confirmation from multiple sources lends credence to the possibility of Spotify introducing SongDNA as a new way to engage with music.
Implications for Music Discovery and Industry Professionals
If launched, SongDNA could potentially challenge existing features like TIDAL’s interactive credits, which also allows users to explore music through the contributors involved. While Spotify declined to comment specifically on the feature, they did not deny its existence. The addition of SongDNA could serve multiple purposes. For casual listeners, it offers a more profound connection to the music they love by highlighting the individuals who contribute to its creation. For music industry professionals, it could serve as a valuable tool for identifying and connecting with potential collaborators.
The feature could provide a platform for lesser-known contributors, such as engineers and lyricists, to gain greater recognition for their work. By showcasing the diverse talents involved in music production, SongDNA could promote a more comprehensive understanding of the collaborative nature of the music industry. This increased visibility could potentially lead to new opportunities for these individuals and foster a more equitable ecosystem within the music industry.
Distinction from Pandora’s Music Genome Project
While some initially speculated that SongDNA might be Spotify’s answer to Pandora’s Music Genome Project, it appears the two features have distinct focuses. The Music Genome Project utilizes hundreds of “traits” to classify tracks based on musical characteristics and determine their relationships. In contrast, SongDNA, at least in its current conceptualization, seems primarily focused on the people behind the music rather than the music itself. This suggests that SongDNA is intended to provide a more human-centric approach to music discovery, emphasizing the contributions of individuals rather than the technical attributes of the songs.
This focus on the human element differentiates SongDNA and positions it as a feature that complements, rather than replicates, existing music discovery tools. By highlighting the collaborative nature of music creation and providing users with a visual representation of the network of contributors, SongDNA could offer a unique and engaging way to explore the world of music.
Speculation and Future Prospects
Shortly after Jane Manchun Wong posted screenshots of SongDNA, Spotify updated its app to remove references to the feature. This action, while not a confirmation of its existence, suggests that Spotify is actively working on the project and may be refining its implementation before a potential public launch. The removal of the references could indicate that the feature is still in development and subject to change, or that Spotify is strategically controlling the information released about the project.
Whether SongDNA will eventually be released to the public remains to be seen. However, the discovery of the feature within the app’s code and the subsequent confirmation by other reverse engineers suggest that Spotify is actively exploring new ways to enhance music discovery and provide users with a more immersive experience. If launched, SongDNA has the potential to transform how users connect with the music they love and the individuals who bring it to life.
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