Spotify is reportedly testing a new ‘SongDNA’ feature, designed to help fans and music industry professionals explore the people behind the music.

A new way to discover the team behind a track

Spotify might soon make it easier to dive into who’s behind your favorite songs. According to reverse engineer, Jane Manchun Wong, the platform has been spotted developing a new feature called ‘SongDNA’. The feature appears to provide an interactive breakdown of the people who helped bring each track to life.

Instead of just showing the artist, SongDNA highlights the songwriters, vocalists, producers, engineers, lyricists, composers and more. Users may even be able to tap into individual profiles to see the other projects each contributor has worked on.

Wong discovered the feature after finding reference to it in the app’s code, and shared screenshots of what it could look like. For example, she showed how KPop Demon Hunters voice actor/singer Rei Ami was credited for multiple works beyond just that movie, giving users a richer understanding of her projects. 

Why it matters for fans and creators

For music fans, SongDNA could be a fun way to explore the talent behind today’s biggest hits. Imagine finding out that the same producer behind your current favorite track was also the mastermind of older tracks you used to love. By making this easily traceable, it makes the music feel more connected and could even open the door to trying other songs from that same contributor.

For the music industry, it could be a game changer. SongDNA could help labels find new talent, while helping artists discover potential collaborators. It also offers a transparent view of who’s shaping the tracks that everyone is listening to, shining a light on the song writers and engineers who often go unnoticed.

Part of a bigger move from Spotify?

TechCrunch reports that shortly after Wong uncovered the feature, Spotify updated its app to remove any traces of SongDNA. When asked for comment, the company declined but didn’t deny its existence either. Reverse engineer Chris Messina later confirmed the feature’s existence too.

A feature like this could make sense for Spotify too. This year, the streaming giant has been striking new deals with labels and publishers, many of which aim to strengthen relationships with songwriters and music creators while opening the door to new initiative features. A feature like SongDNA would align perfectly with both of those ambitions. Not only could it offer greater transparency to give credit where it’s deserved, but it also expands Spotify’s feature set for both listeners and industry professionals.

Spotify and BMG strike direct US licensing deal: A boost for songwriters

Looking ahead

Of course, as with any experimental feature, there’s no guarantee what SongDNA will look like upon release, if it even gets released. If it does, SongDNA could change how we engage with music and the people who make it.

Every song has a great story, and SongDNA could let us discover more about those who made it beyond just the main artist themselves.

Want to make sure your tracks are ready for SongDNA? Get your music distributed to Spotify and other streaming platforms for free today with RouteNote!