In an official press release, Spotify announced the launch of SongDNA, a feature that provides information about samples used in songs and existing covers. SongDNA is based on technology developed by WhoSampled, a similar service.
Spotify acquired the developers of WhoSampled, resulting in the introduction of SongDNA. Launched in 2018, WhoSampled is a British resource that provides information about samples used and cover versions of any composition.
The detailed terms of the acquisition deal have not been disclosed. However, it is known that the entire WhoSampled development team and the database of compositions collected over the years will become part of Spotify. The WhoSampled platform and brand will continue to exist and undergo changes, including accelerated content moderation, a complete ban on advertising, and free sample downloads on the app and website.
Spotify will launch the SongDNA feature based on developments by WhoSampled. The feature will provide extended information about any song in the streaming catalog. Specifically, listeners will be able to find out who wrote and performed the song, which samples were used in it, and who used them. They will also be able to find out which covers exist.
For example, the platform displayed information about the song "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat and SZA. The Spotify app showed the song's authors and performers, noted a sample from Olivia Newton-John's “Physical,” and displayed a list of covers, including the popular Japanese version by Rainych.
Representatives of WhoSampled noted that the developers and the streaming platform “share a firm belief in the power of musical context, as well as a desire to help listeners explore their favorite songs more deeply.” The service has collected a database of more than 1.2 million compositions and 622,000 samples, including data on cover versions and remixes, all of which will be available on Spotify.
Spotify will soon launch the "About the Song" feature, which displays a set of cards with additional information about the song playing. The app will share interesting facts, such as sources of inspiration, the history of the track's creation, and its impact on the music industry.
It is reported that the information will be backed up by links to sources, allowing listeners to verify the gathered facts and study the history of the compositions in greater depth. The exact date the feature will be available to users and the method by which information about the songs will be collected have not been specified.
