The article discusses the Spotify playlist "Lorem" as a metaphor for the company's evolution and impact on the music industry. Named after 'lorem ipsum', it reflects the emptiness of unfulfilled promises, fitting Spotify's journey from a startup to a dominant platform with over 700 million users. Journalist Liz Pelly's new book, "Mood Machine," delves into Spotify's multiple transformationsâfrom piracy alternative to personalized music providerâillustrating its pervasive influence in shaping music and podcasting experiences.
"The playlist's description leans into this empty promissory qualityâ'Newsletter coming soon'âand the ever-changing tracklist calls to mind the Urban Outfitters mix CDs of the 2000s."
"Spotify itself is a sort of lorem ipsum. Its name is a snatch of start-up dream-speak with no particular meaning."
"With nearly 700 million users and more than 250 million paid subscribers, its user base is far greater than any other competitor..."
"It would take several lifetimes of constant listening to get through every song in its library."
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