Daily Times

I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Spotify’s “Behind the Feature” workshop in Lahore, but the vibe was different right from the start. Instead of a typical corporate event, it felt more like a gathering of friends—media folks, influencers, and music lovers, coming together to geek out over something we all adore: music.

The session kicked off with Talha Hashim, Spotify’s Marketing Manager for the region, and our host for the day, Saim Rehman. They made it feel less like a formal presentation and more like a relaxed chat. Talha was genuinely excited, and it was contagious. He started with a walk-through of daylist, a personalized playlist that evolves with your day. It’s like Spotify knows when you need a morning pick-me-up or a chilled-out evening vibe, curating the perfect tracks to match. As he explained it, I found myself nodding along, because who wouldn’t want a playlist that changes with their mood?

Then, they showed us the Cover Art feature, and I have to admit, it sparked my inner artist. I could already picture myself customizing my playlists with text, photos, and stickers. It felt like a small way to leave my own mark on the music I love, making it uniquely mine.

But the real showstopper was the AI DJ. At first, I was skeptical! AI and music? Could it really get my taste right? But as they talked about how it learns from what we listen to, it started to click. It’s like having a personal DJ who gets your mood without you even saying a word. I could already see myself using it on lazy Sundays when I can’t decide what to play.

Of course, they had to mention Lyrics, the feature we’ve all been waiting for. It’s simple but so satisfying. Being able to see the lyrics in real time is a game-changer, especially for someone like me who loves singing along (even if it’s off-key).

Then came the Social Sharing updates. It’s such a small touch, but it’s perfect for those of us who love to share what we’re vibing to on social media. It’s not just about the music; it’s about letting people in on the moment, whether it’s a nostalgic track from the 90s or a new favorite I can’t stop playing.

Just when I thought the event couldn’t get any better, they brought out Asfand, a rising local artist, for an acoustic set. It was magical. His voice filled the room, and for a moment, we all just stopped and listened. It was one of those rare moments where everything feels in sync- the music, the mood, the people.

We ended the night with dinner, and it felt like a big family gathering. There were no stiff networking vibes, just genuine conversations about our favorite features, music memories, and what we wanted to see next from Spotify. I left feeling like I had gotten a peek behind the curtain, not just at the technology, but at the heart of what makes Spotify special.

Driving home, I put on my favorite playlist and felt a new kind of connection to it. It wasn’t just about the songs anymore; it was about the experience, the shared love for music that brought us all together that day. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what Spotify comes up with next.