As a music lover who spent years scouring forums and trawling record-label rosters to discover new artists, I’ve come to rely on the comfort of familiar sounds. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to reevaluate my approach, however. Discovering new music became an impossible task due to fatigue and a lingering sense of dread. Spotify’s algorithmic model, which churns out personalized recommendations based on previous listens, initially provided solace but ultimately eroded my motivation to explore.
The company’s emphasis on “discovery” is misleading. While its 626 million-strong user base suggests success, the algorithm prioritizes familiarity over true innovation. I’ve realized that by smoothing over my anxieties, it has smoothed out my passion for discovery. The algorithms know how we listen but lack a deep understanding of why we do so.
I’m not alone in this feeling. The comfort of Spotify’s familiar playlists can be intoxicating, but the company’s true value lies in its human-curated playlists and local music scenes. By seeking out expert recommendations from record-store employees or attending independent radio shows, I’ve discovered new genres like noise-rock that reignited my synapses.
If you’re also looking to break free from Spotify’s algorithmic constraints, there are steps you can take. Look for human-made playlists, explore local music venues, and listen to the radio. These tactics may seem obvious, but they have been quietly revolutionary for me. By rediscovering music outside of the app, I’ve found fresh sounds that spark my passion anew.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/06/spotify-wrapped-streaming-algorithm-music