New tools from Spotify allow users to remix songs, according to screenshots

Spotify is rumored to be working on new mixing tools that would revolutionize the way users interact with the streaming service. According to screenshots captured by tech veteran and app researcher Chris Messina, the new capabilities would allow people to remix songs directly within Spotify itself.

“While music aficionados use software like Adobe Audition or Ableton Live to create mixes of their favorite songs, the new capabilities would allow people to do so directly in Spotify.” – Chris Messina

The screenshots indicate that these mixing tools will only be available with a new “Music Pro” premium subscription tier. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, whose sources say discussions about the tools are still in the early stages and no licensing agreements have been made yet.

A Spotify spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company is constantly exploring ways to improve their product offerings and provide value to their users. However, they would not comment on any speculation surrounding new features.

“The company constantly explores ideas to improve its product offerings and offer value to its users, but that it won’t comment on speculation around new features.” – Spotify spokesperson

In the screenshots shared with TechCrunch, the app’s code references various mixing tools that would allow users to “flex their DJ skills” and create the ultimate mix with different transition styles and tempo ranges.

• Set the tempo range for your mix
• Set the vibe for your mix

The code also suggests that users will be able to filter songs by genre, mood, activity, and more to create remixes for specific scenarios. For example, users could create a fast-paced remix of a slow song for their workout playlist.

One tool mentioned in the code quickly blends in the next track to maintain the energy, while another maximizes overlap for a seamless and immersive blend of tracks. Another tool would allow for instant switches between tracks for a high-impact mix.

Users would also have the ability to “insert” and “edit” transitions between tracks, as well as decrease or increase the beats per minute (BPM) and “danceability” of their mix.

But these mixing tools won’t just cater to experienced DJs. The code also references a tool that would automatically reorder tracks based on similar key, tempo, and style, as well as an option for users to choose how they want their mix ordered or have Spotify sequence it for them automatically.

“The code references a tool that ‘automatically reorders your mix by sequencing tracks with a similar key, tempo, and style together’ and another lets users ‘choose how to order your mix, or select auto order to have Spotify sequence it for you.'” – TechCrunch

While traditional user-created remixes on streaming platforms don’t generate revenue for artists, Spotify’s mixing capabilities could potentially change that. By offering remixes tied to the original tracks, artists may be able to earn money from these creations. Currently, many remixes on Spotify are unofficial and often altered to avoid copyright violations, so this new feature could help alleviate that issue.

It’s no surprise that Spotify is developing these mixing tools, especially with the rise of sped-up songs and mashups popularized by platforms like TikTok. According to TikTok’s year-end report, the top songs on the app were sped-up remixes.

The trend has become so popular that artists are now releasing official sped-up versions of their songs. For example, SZA released a sped-up version of her song “Kill Bill” after a fan-made remix went viral on TikTok. Other artists, such as Lana Del Ray and The Cab, have also released official sped-up versions of their songs to redirect listeners to their original tracks instead of fanmade versions.

As with any new feature in development, it’s uncertain when or if these mixing tools will be launched on Spotify. But one thing is for sure, it’s an exciting enhancement that could change the game for both music lovers and artists alike.