Spotify might be testing Hi-Fi option

Similar to what Tidal is doing, Spotify might be giving its paying subscribers a better audio quality option. Of course, at an additional price. Some Spotify users have shared on Reddit that they’re being offered the Hi-Fi service for an additional US$5 to $10 per month. But those who did try to sign up have either been getting an error message or notices that it wasn’t available in their area. This new offering will supposedly be called Spotify Hi-Fi and will provide lossless CD quality audio, discounts on limited edition vinyl, and exclusive pre-sale concert tickets. However, Spotify refused to comment about this saying it tests “new offers and products all the time.” If it does roll out, will you be willing to sign up?

Source: CNET

Spotify gets into original podcast game

Building on its own original content, Spotify is getting into the podcast game with three new podcasts series. The first one, which is already up, is called Showstopper. It’s hosted by The Fader’s Editor-in-Chief Naomi Zeichner and it tackles “pop culture analysis of our favorite music moments in TV.” Coming this March 14 is Unpacked. It’s co-hosted by Matt FX, music supervisor for Comedy Central’s Broad City, and Michele Santucci of Spotify Studios. It revolves around festivals and the people who are a part of it—everyone from musicmakers, filmmakers, to any time of creative people. They’re aptly starting at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

The last original podcast is currently called The Chris Lighty Story. Coming in April, it’ll chronicle how Chris Lighty, music industry executive, was able to shape the careers of some of the biggest names in hip hop (50 Cent, LL Cool J, Missy Elliot, Puff Daddy, and Foxy Brown).  There will be direct commentary from the likes of Russell Simmons, Fat Joe, and many more.  Spotify promises there will be more originals heading our way later this year.

Prince’s music set to hit streaming service like Spotify starting Sunday

Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

It has been rumoured that Prince’s music will be making its way back to major music streaming services soon. And it looks like it will be happening this weekend. Representatives from the likes of Spotify, Napster, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio have confirmed that the albums Prince released during his time with Warner Bros., including Purple Rain, The Times, and 1999, will be coming to their services.

When he was alive, Prince has been aggressive about keeping his IP heavily protected. He even pulled out his music from all online streaming services (except for Tidal back in 2015). But now that his estate owes up to US$100 million, there is a need to monetize. So, if you’ve been clamoring to listen to some of Prince’s greatest hits, your time has almost come.

Source: Ars Technica

AccuWeather and Spotify launch "Climatune" playlists for any weather

Too gloomy out? Maybe this will help. Today, AccuWeather announced it has partnered with the music streaming service, Spotify, on a new site, Climatune. The site offers music fans around the world insights into how the environment around them affects the music they listen to everyday and creates playlists based on current weather moods.

Through a yearlong study comparing 85 billion anonymized streams on Spotify in over 900 cities nationwide, AccuWeather and Spotify analyzed the impact weather has on the music people listen to. Conclusions included:

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