Spotify is the newest form of social media, only better, because it is based around the music scene. It seems the days of iTunes and Pandora are gone, as Spotify has revolutionized music sharing and discovery. Whether you are making a playlist for the big, upcoming party or finding the perfect study songs, Spotify seems to have it all.
If you don't mind listening to advertisements, or running out of skips, Spotify Free allows you to listen to any song (with those basic restrictions). I only upgraded to Spotify Premium a few days ago, but I am shocked I didn't before, as it's only $9.99 per month for unlimited, free music without the advertisements. Spotify is truly part of my everyday life, and I have discovered some of my favorite bands via the app. In addition, I get to creep up on what my friends are listening to -- the sidebar of Spotify shows what the people you follow are currently listening to. Honestly, the app has so many new features that I discover daily.
“In December, I checked out my 'Year in Spotify' using the app, and it told me that I had listened to some 36,000 hours of music, breaking my listening down into every genre, sub-genre and category imaginable. So I thought that was pretty neat," Baylor University junior, Danielle Cooper said.
The app contains several features to help you find music you would like, such as the “Related Artists" tab, the “Browse" tab and more. You can listen to a different playlist for virtually any type of mood or occasion.
“The fact that I can use Spotify to listen to anything, from Willie Nelson to Dr. Dre, and save an entire discography to my music library is a beautiful thing," Baylor University junior, Andrew Rodriguez said.
Another notable feature of the app is the fact that it has a “New Music Tuesday" playlist every Tuesday. I discover so many artists and new songs solely because of this playlist. I highly recommend you follow it if you love new music.
“Before Spotify, I had to rely on word of mouth, YouTube and iTunes to find and listen to music," Baylor University sophomore, Nan Tolson said, “But with Spotify, I not only get to see what my friends are listening to, but it allows me to explore other artists based off of what I already listen to."
As for myself, I create a Spotify playlist for every season. Basically, I have made one from fall 2013 until this spring of 2015, and everything in between. I define a lot of moments by music, so if I am feeling nostalgic about summer 2014, I will just go back to that playlist for a good mood.
“I have playlists to study to, of current songs I'm into, '90s, rap and reggae. I follow other artists and Spotify users who post cool playlists," Baylor University sophomore, Daniela Sandoval said.
In general, Spotify has changed the way we access, discover and listen to music. I believe the college world, especially, would be lost without it. From study sessions to road trips and fraternity parties, good music on Spotify is always accessible.
