Entertainment
Spotify’s new design is part TikTok, part Instagram, and part YouTube
Spotify is redesigning the core homescreen of its app, trying to make it easier for users to find new stuff to listen to — and watch. The new design goes heavy on imagery and vertical scrolling, turning your homescreen from a set of album covers into a feed that much more closely resembles TikTok and Instagram. As you scroll, Spotify is also hoping to make it easier to discover new things across the Spotify ecosystem.
The new look, which Spotify just announced at its Stream On event, is clear evidence of the kind of company (and product) Spotify wants to be. Over the last few years, it has invested heavily into podcasts, audiobooks, live audio, and more, all in an attempt to be more than just a music app.
The company also wants to be a home for creators: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek told The Verge in 2021 that he hoped to have more than 50 million “audio creators” on the platform. Spotify has also pushed for years to make video podcasts happen and is now largely watching as YouTube pulls it off.
Put it all together, and that’s a lot of things to shove into a single app called Spotify. Spotify has been on a seemingly relentless quest to nudge people toward content that’s more differentiated and more profitable, which often meant making it harder to listen to music. That’s why the app’s new design seems to be in part meant to create more dedicated space for all those new kinds of content. Spotify has for years tried to find ways to put podcasts and music and everything else side by side but seems to be recognizing that the best answer is to give each thing more space to breathe.
Podcast discovery in particular is crucial for Spotify to get right.
Going forward, when you open Spotify, you’ll still see a bunch of album and playlist covers at the top. But underneath, you might see an autoplaying video podcast, which you can jump into with a tap. Or you might see a big, Instagram-style photo meant to tell you a little more about a playlist you might like.
At the top, if you tap on “Music” or “Podcasts & Shows,” you’ll be taken into a vertically scrolling feed that looks a lot more like Instagram Stories or TikTok than the Spotify you’re used to, dedicated to just that section of Spotify. You can flip through as many as you like, each one autoplaying to give you a sense of what it is, or tap on one to dive in and save or explore it further.
There’s an obvious tension in the design, between Spotify wanting to make the app a calmer and more navigable space while also trying to find new ways to entice people into new things. There’s more autoplaying content than ever in the app now and lots of ways to quickly preview songs and playlists without hitting fully diving in. Full-screen vertical scrolling is everywhere now and is an obviously useful tool for discovery. Billions of users are used to swiping through a dozen things they don’t like before landing on one they do. And in this new look, every song or playlist or podcast gets a momentary extra chance to grab you.
Playlists have been Spotify’s main — and, for all intents and purposes, only — source of discovery, but in the new design, there’s a much greater emphasis on getting you into new things.
That makes particular sense in podcasts, where Spotify desperately needs to find ways to recoup its huge investments in the space. Ek may have admitted he made a mistake in betting so big on new kinds of audio, and the company has scaled back its team in the space, but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down.
The other new thing you may notice in Spotify is more personalized AI. The Smart Shuffle feature, which temporarily adds tracks to your existing playlists, is supposedly an improvement on the “just for you playlist” idea Spotify has been working on for years — and don’t forget DJ, the AI spinning records and hosting your own personal radio show.
Spotify is the biggest player in music streaming but continues to want to own audio in an even bigger way. That’s what the new design really shows: that Spotify is no longer a music app and shouldn’t look like one — and, hopefully, not look like a mish-mash-y mess of content, either.
Gospel Singer Joe Mettle Donates and Fellowships with Flood Victims of Mepe, Volta Region
Joe Mettle has extended his support to the victims of recent devastating floods in Mepe, Volta Region. This benevolence act, which serves as a beacon of hope in these challenging times, is part of his annual “Love Gift” initiative, where he visits communities, fellowships with them, and makes generous donations.
The renwoned gospel artiste, known for his soulful music and philanthropic efforts, donated essential relief items and spent quality time in fellowship with the affected individuals. The donation included camp tents, food items and provisions, clean water, clothing, and medical supplies, aimed at providing immediate relief to the victims who have lost their homes and belongings in the flood following the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In addition to the material aid, Mettle also spent time in fellowship with the victims, offering words of comfort and encouragement. His visit brought smiles to many faces, as he shared prayers and sang gospel songs, lifting the spirits of those present.
Mettle expressed his deep sympathy for the victims and urged others to contribute in any way they can. “It’s a difficult time for those affected by the floods,” Mettle said. “Through the ‘Love Gift’, we hope to provide some comfort and help them get through this challenging period.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for the North Tongu in the Volta Region, who received the donations on behalf of the community, expressed his gratitude. “We are deeply touched by Joe Mettle’s generosity. His ‘Love Gift’ initiative is a testament to the power of community spirit and compassion. On behalf of the people of Mepe, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Joe Mettle for his kindness and support during this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, Joe Mettle is set to hold his annual Christmas concert at the Assemblies Of God, Cedar Mountain Chapel International, East Legon on Monday (December 25).
Dubbed “Christmas with Joe Mettle & The Love Gift,” the multi-award-winning Ghana-based Gospel singer and songwriter will perform renditions of songs from his extensive and renowned discography fully backed by The Love Gift band. The one-night explosive and thrilling worship experience will also feature guest performances from other acclaimed worshipper leaders.
Get tickets here: www.joemettlemusic.com or dial *725*5050#
Rising Ghanaian musical talent Cee Levelz has released his newest single, “Confused,” produced and Mastered by Delmi Record Team.
The new Love song exemplifies Cee Levelz’s signature sound of Afrobeat, The lyrics and beat combined in a track that is sure to have you on your feet. The production of the track is bold and energetic, propelling Cee Levelz’s inspirational and Love-affirming message to the forefront.
“Confused” is a story about a guy who did something wrong to his girlfriend and the lady found it difficult to forgive him and was using silence to manipulate the guy’s feelings making him confused and didn’t know what to do to get her back.
The combination of Delmi Record Team’s production work and Cee Levelz’s catchy Loving hooks and melodies make “Confused” a must-listen Love song for those looking to get inspired and increase their Love profile. The track is sure to be an instant fan favorite.
Listen Here
Entertainment
Travis Greene announces “Celebrate Ghana” gospel concert in Accra with Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, and Victor Thompson
Gospel powerhouse and 5x GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer Travis Greene has announced a concert in Ghana on Wednesday, December 6, at the Empowerment Worship Centre—The Prayer Factory, Dzorwulu.
Dubbed “Celebrate Ghana”, the much-anticipated concert aims to bring solace and inspiration to Ghanaians after what many have described as a challenging year while presenting Ghanaians with the opportunity to experience spiritual upliftment like never before.
Speaking ahead of the event, headliner Travis Greene said: “…. in a world filled with challenges, we firmly believe that the constancy of God’s grace and love remains unwavering. It is in this spirit that we intend to create an atmosphere of authenticity, healing, and restoration for all who join us for this worship experience.”
With over three thousand worshippers expected to gather, the night will feature the likes of Ghana’s Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, Victor Thompson, and more, who are expected to captivate the audience with soul-stirring performances featuring some of their most celebrated songs.
Tickets for “Celebrate Ghana” are available now at Hallmark Café Dzorwulu, Achimota Shell, Mont. 19 Swaniker Street, Abelemkpe Accra, and online at celebrateghana.eventbrite.com.
Known as a raw, expressive singer and songwriter, contemporary Christian and gospel artist Travis Greene incorporates several genres into his sound. Following his emergence in 2007, Greene gained wide acclaim, topping the Billboard gospel chart with 2015’s The Hill. The album spawned several Grammy-nominated hits, including “Intentional” and “Made a Way,” the latter of which stayed at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart for 13 weeks.
With seven Stellar Gospel Awards to his name, Greene’s impact on the gospel music scene remains undeniable, earning him a fifth Grammy nomination for “Won’t Let Go” from 2019’s “Broken Record” and returning in 2021 with “Oil + Water.
Flood victims of Mepe receive relief items from Gospel Singer Joe Mettle
Rising Ghanaian artiste Cee Levelz releases new single “Confused”
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