Do I actually have a knack for finding good music, or am I just completely reliant on Spotify’s suggestion algorithms?

By Meghan Connors

I’m guilty of it, you’re guilty of it, we’re all guilty of it - unless you have Apple Music, and in that case, just click off this website right now because you can’t relate. At least I don’t think so. 

If you’re lost, let me explain. On Spotify - my streaming platform of choice, there are a number of options in which you can receive songs, playlists, and other things to listen to, which have been specifically curated to your taste based on what you already like and download. For example, when building playlists, there is a section at the bottom that offers song suggestions that fit with the theme. And sometimes these suggestions are way off, but theres a refresh button that will keep you clicking like a grandma at a slot machine with nothing but time and money to burn.

I’ll be building a playlist, trying to curate a specific feeling with the addition of each song, and then all of a sudden I’ll find myself constantly referencing the bottom section of Spotify’s suggestions. As if all the songs I originally had in mind have disappeared or no longer work. And don't get me wrong, I’ll start off strong, but if I’m being honest, Spotify’s suggestions are usually undeniably spot on. And eventually I'll end up deleting my own additions to make my playlist more fitting to their recommendations. Because I mean, who am I to deny my playlist of perfectly curated songs. But the situation then begs the question, who made my playlist? Was it me? Was it the spotify algorithm? Have I ever made a playlist of my own? 

I developed this crisis this morning while listening to my “release radar''. A playlist I visit every monday alongside my “discover weekly.” And I will acknowledge that I do go outside of these playlists when looking for new songs, but I still heavily reference them. Admitting this fact forces me to ask, can I even proclaim to have good taste in music, or is my taste actually just Spotify’s taste in disguise? I think I’ll settle on a little bit of both so I can go on with my day, but it’s still something to think about. 

Also, with the rise of niche scenario playlists it forces me to wonder, “are others falling victim to the safety net of Spotify suggested in the same way I am? How are they making so many (with so many different songs) if they’re not using the suggestions? Can people actually reference that many (hours worth) songs off the top of their head? If the answer to that last one is yes, please, teach me your ways. If no, please let me know, so I can ease my anxious mind.

Imposter syndrome is at an all time high today.