Spotify Acquires WhoSampled to Launch Groundbreaking SongDNA Feature

Spotify has purchased the music discovery platform WhoSampled. The deal was confirmed in an official announcement. It brings the vast WhoSampled database into the Spotify ecosystem.This acquisition allows Spotify to launch a new feature called SongDNA. The tool will centralize information on song samples and covers. According to Reuters, this move aims to deepen user engagement with music history.

Expanded Credits and Deeper Music Context

Spotify is also significantly expanding its song credits feature. It will now list all personnel who worked on a track. This includes engineers and instrumentalists beyond just main performers.The platform first introduced credits in 2018. This new update represents a major expansion. It gives broader recognition to the many collaborators behind popular music.

Artist Boycotts and Strategic Shifts

This innovation comes amid a challenging period for the streaming giant. Several prominent artists have recently pulled their music from Spotify. They cite CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in defense technology through his fund, Prima Materia.Acts like Massive Attack and Deerhoof have left the platform. This acquisition may be a strategic effort to bolster Spotify’s music-centric credentials. It focuses on celebrating musical creation directly.

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Spotify’s integration of the WhoSampled database marks a significant shift towards music education and discovery. The new SongDNA feature promises to change how listeners understand their favorite songs.

Info at your fingertips

What is Spotify’s SongDNA feature?

SongDNA is a new tool that aggregates information on song samples and covers. It uses the extensive database from the recently acquired website WhoSampled. The feature will be integrated directly into the Spotify app.

How have song credits on Spotify changed?

Spotify has expanded its song credits beyond just performers and producers. It now includes all contributors, such as engineers and session musicians. This gives more complete recognition for everyone involved in a track’s creation.

Will WhoSampled continue to operate independently?

Yes, WhoSampled will remain a standalone platform and brand. The site confirmed this in its official statement. Its database will now also power Spotify’s new SongDNA feature.

Why are some artists leaving Spotify?

Several artists are protesting CEO Daniel Ek’s personal investments. His venture fund, Prima Materia, invests in defense company Helsing. This has led to boycotts from acts like Massive Attack and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

When did Spotify first introduce song credits?

The platform first launched its song credits feature in 2018. This was one year after Tidal began publicly displaying credits. The feature has now been significantly expanded to include more contributors.