Amazon Music rolls out AI search for deeper music discovery
Amazon’s new “Explore” feature opens up fresh ways for fans to discover more about their favourite artists.
Amazon Music’s new AI “Explore” feature
Amazon has announced it is testing a new AI-powered search feature designed to help fans discover more about their favourite artists and connect with new ones. Currently in beta, the feature is called “Explore”, and offers deeper insights into artists’ careers, discographies, and influences- all powered by artificial intelligence.
The Explore feature is designed to let fans dive deeper into an artist’s world. By searching an artist’s name in the Amazon Music app and tapping “Explore”, listeners can discover context-driven insights into an artist’s highlights, including notable collaborations, and other related artists and genres.
“By leveraging AI to enhance search and discovery features, we’re making it easier for fans to dive deeper into the worlds of their favorite artists and find new ones they’ll love”.
Ryan Redington, General Manager of Amazon Music
Amazon is initially rolling out the Explore beta to a select group of Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers in the US, available on the iOS app. The beta feature currently supports around 10,000 artists, with Amazon planning to expand this catalog over time.
AI playlist generation
On top of this, Explore integrates Amazon Music’s AI playlist generator, Maestro. This AI tool directly rivals Spotify’s AI DJ, which recently started to let users make voice requests to shape their listening sessions.
Examples of Explore in action
To showcase the new feature, Amazon has highlighted some examples of the “Explore” feature:
- Searching for Jelly Roll surfaces his emotional ballads, notable collaborations, and his Amazon Music Original.
- Typing in Bad Bunny will show artists that inspired his sound, popular collaborations, and fan-favourite tracks.
- Exploring BLACKPINK reveals both their early hits and individual solo careers.
A more welcome use of AI
Earlier this year, Amazon received criticism for its integration of AI music generator Suno with its new Alexa+ voice assistant. Suno lets users turn requests into complete songs, but has made headlines over lawsuits against the company for its use and replication of copyrighted material. Unlike Suno, Explore is more likely to receive a warm reception from the music industry thanks to its focus on music discovery and fan engagement.
For now, Amazon is using the beta to gain feedback and develop the feature before rolling it out further.