So basically they’re developing a product marketed to streaming platforms to identify what’s “more attractive” to consumers. The algorithms are still optimized for increasing sales and engagement, not improving recommendations (for the user).
That’s exactly why I’m unhappy with Spotify lately. I feel I’m being sold a bunch of corporate portfolios on what’s currently in vogue, and not just artistically but politically, with playlists like this-gender-race supporting this-cause. I actually just want to listen to music.
I still use it but stumble my way through looking at related artists while avoiding playlists and recommendations.
Crap like this is why, to this day, my collection is digital files, cds, vinyl and streaming only for radio - like pandora
I want a service where I can upload my own files and easily access them from a player interface in the browser, mobile, etc.
I want the ability to rate music across multiple user-configurable dimensions. Add tags. Create smart playlists that interpolate between these.
I want to be able to pay a fee to subscribe to music discovery, then be able to mix these with my own library. If I really like a track, I'd like to buy it and add it to my collection.
I want an open API so desktop apps can be written to use it. Also, let me export my annotations and music library on demand.
Music for power users. Don't give me a single button. Give me hundreds of them.
I'd pay $30/mo or more for this.