Music Discovery System

Problem Description

Many existing systems can guide someone to discover new music that they might just love. Some of these systems include players that give access to a libraries and some form of recommendation system, dynamically customizable personal streaming stations (“radio”), among other features. Some of the better known systems Pandora, Rdio, iTunes Radio, Spotify, and Last.fm. Only one of them, though, explored well the social networking aspect in music discovery (Last.fm), but the product seems have downplayed this feature in recent years.

The main aim of this project is to explore mechanisms that allow people to discover new music that is best suited to their tastes. I can envision a system that keeps track of what I play in my devices (a computer, a phone, or a tablet) for my own sake: there are times when I would like to check out what I was listening to five years ago. I can also envision this system having the listening history of a large number of users. If it can keep track of who my friends are and which of these friends are most “musically compatible” with me, the system will be able to point me in the direction of discoveries that I will probably like very much.

Project Goal

• Create a social platform of music discovery that allows people to share tracks, albums, and artists.

Constraints

• Web based or application for mobile device (Android or iOS).
• Free access for the personal user.
• Must build social networks.

Criteria

• Scalability
• Portability
• User satisfaction with the discovery

Licensing

• Unrestricted. If the team wants to keep it proprietary, that’s fine.

Impact

Music is a big part of my life and I imagine of many people’s, as well. This project has the potential to create “happiness.” It can also create a platform that is monetizable without creating a cost to the personal user. I imagine that new, upcoming artists can benefit from being exposed to listeners who are most likely to appreciate their artistic production.

Point of Contact

Prof. L. Felipe Perrone. (x 7-1687, Breakiron 68)