Hello and happy Friday! Thanks for reading the latest issue of the Spotify Newsletter.

— I have always been a solid Gin Blossoms fan. I recently jumped back into their catalog with gusto. And one of the tunes I have listened to 100 times this week is “Seeing Stars.” I love this song. I am definitely one of those people who will listen to a song over and over for days until I have no desire to hear it again - for a little bit.

This happens all the time, and I I like to think it’s a good problem to have.

Seeing Stars Gin Blossoms

I’m going to push this tune into my Spotify Wrapped Top 5 come hell or high water!

— In other, much less interesting news, Spotify’s exclusive podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has come to an end — with the couple having delivered just one show under the agreement.

I’m no fan of either of these people - even as a distant observer they seem fake and unlikable. But they got their Spotify money, nobody gave a damn, and now they can go on to the next failed, yet lucrative project.

Spotify executive Bill Simmons described Prince Harry and Meghan as “grifters” after the couple’s partnership with the streaming platform came to an end last week.

Grifters. That sounds about right.

Nice Work If You Can Get It Sarah Vaughan

— I don’t consider myself an audiophile, so the news of the much-discussed/desired Hi-Fi tier doesn’t move my needle much. But if it does finally hit the Spotify platform, I’ll be happy for those who want the lossless audio streaming option.

— I’m at my desk a lot, so the revamped, jazzed up desktop app has me intrigued. The biggest change you’re likely to notice is the Your Library sidebar on the left of the screen. According to a blog post, the changes — which Spotify calls “one of its biggest revamps yet” — are rolling out to “all Desktop users worldwide” now.

★In the SPOTlight★

⭐️ Spotify’s long-anticipated HiFi tier might require a more expensive subscription

Years after its initial announcement in February 2021, Spotify could offer lossless streaming as part of a new tier code-named ‘Supremium.’

⭐️ Spotify Desktop app gets a new look and upgraded library features

There’s a new ‘now playing’ view with access to merch and tour dates.

⭐️ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Spotify Deal Is Over

A source said that Spotify expected more content from Archewell Audio — noting that nearly three years after inking the pact, they have delivered only one series, essentially putting the overall deal in limbo.

⭐️ How Steve Lukather Learned to Love Spotify

In a recent interview with Inside MusiCast, which is hosted on Spotify, he explained the situation has changed and he now “loved” the platform.

🗣 Podcast Action 🗣

• Spotify exec calls Harry and Meghan ‘grifters’ after podcast deal comes to early end

• Music Pros Compete on Spotify's New Podcast, 'The Perfect Pitch'

• Comedian Trevor Noah, Spotify ink podcast deal

🎧 The Playlist List 🎧

• Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill makes history by reaching one billion streams on Spotify, the first 80s song by a female solo artist to do so

• 11 brilliant albums that aren’t on Spotify | Louder

• Ford Creates 120th Anniversary Spotify Playlist

💡 Tips & Tricks 💡

• Forgotify is a fun site that lets you discover songs with 0 Spotify streams

• Play Snake On Spotify: How To Find The 'Eat This Playlist' Game

🗒 Ek Notes 🗒

• Spotify CEO Daniel Ek uses this ‘life hack’ to build stronger relationships. Science backs it up

• Daniel Ek hands Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke transfer warning after failed takeove

🤖 Spot(ai)fy 🤖

• Spotify AI DJ: what is it and how do you use Spotify's robot DJ?

• Create personalised AI artwork for your playlists on Spotify

🖌 Design Notes 🖌

• Spotify launches new desktop experience for Mac and PC with three-column UI

• Ask Spotify Design 07

💰 Spotify Stock 💰

• Spotify pops higher on upgrade

🔥 Extra News 🔥

• Surviving as a YouTube Music subscriber in a Spotify world

• Spotify’s Lee Brown talks up the platform’s latest advertiser pitch

• Why Spotify's big bet on Meghan fell flat

🎵 New Adventures 🎵

Come See About Me The Supremes

You Tore Me Down Flamin' Groovies

Be Near Me ABC

Fire Escape Fastball

Lovefool - Radio Edit The Cardigans

C'mon People (We're Making It Now) Richard Ashcroft

Never Gonna Give You Up The Black Keys

Oldest Story In The World The Plimsouls

Look at Little Sister Stevie Ray Vaughan

Do You Believe In Us Jon Secada

⭐️ Substack Spotlight ⭐️

— Metaverse Monday is a weekly newsletter that teaches you about the AR/VR industry by interviewing the founders, investors and developers building it. Join readers from Meta, Google, a16z, Nvidia, and more! 

Subscribe Here: metaversemonday.substack.com

— Builder Journey is the story of an entrepreneur who was laid off from Meta and is now on a quest to build an epic life for himself around the things he enjoys most: startups, virtual reality, music, and culture. 

Follow along here: metaversevc.substack.com 

📧 Get in touch 📧

If you have a question, idea, request, or simply a desire to chat about Spotify, please email me at jeff.spotifynewsletter@gmail.com.

😀 Have a Nice Weekend! 😀