The main principle of this feature is to create a decentralized network of music and shared joy within small community groups. Whether it can be extended to larger groups is a question for engineers, but it’s certain that in an era of inter subjective technology, remaining centralized is falling behind current advancements.
It’s exciting to envision a near future where human societies leverage decentralized technological means globally. These developments can allow individuals to feel part of a larger community, simply by executing an action and seeing its outcomes acknowledged collectively. This sense of shared involvement could transform our daily lives.
In smaller groups, however, decentralized systems may have unique advantages, especially in fields like entertainment. For instance, in a group of 20-30 people, where relationships are based on friendship, family, or camaraderie, the idea of decentralization might initially seem unnecessary. Such gatherings often involve intimate environments where people talk, dance, eat, drink, and listen to music. Decisions, like party preparation, are typically handled by the host and a few helpers. In this context, there seems to be little to decentralize—except for music.
Music is central to entertainment. Unlike food or cleaning tasks, which are generally managed by a few individuals, music can be democratized. It’s a driving force that shapes the atmosphere of gatherings, and in many cultures, no party, picnic, or celebration feels complete without it. However, a common issue arises: Why should one person alone decide the playlist? Why can’t everyone present have a say?
Consider a scenario: at a party, people often entertain themselves with music more than food or drinks. Yet, music choices are rarely a shared decision. With the prevalence of smartphones, wouldn’t it make sense to allow attendees to influence the playlist through democratic voting?
Here’s a practical example: imagine you and a close friend spending New Year’s Eve in Stockholm. While walking in Södermalm, you decide to warm up in a bar, let’s say Lion Bar Hornstull. The staff is friendly, and the place is cozy, but the music doesn’t suit your mood. You might hesitate to ask the staff to change the playlist due to cultural or social barriers. In such a case, the only option is to endure the music as is—or leave.
Now, imagine an alternative. What if the bar manager created a dynamic playlist available for all guests to view and vote on? Using a simple app like Spotify, customers could influence the playlist by voting on songs in real-time. For example, your favorite song could be given 10 points, the next favorite 9, and so on. As votes accumulate, the playlist would naturally adjust to reflect the collective preferences of the guests.
This approach could enhance the experience not only in bars but at any gathering, from parties to picnics. It provides a way for people to engage actively with the music and feel a part of shaping the atmosphere. Over time, such interactions could help businesses, such as bars, optimize their music selections based on customer preferences.
Decentralized music systems like this exemplify how technology can democratize entertainment, allowing individuals to transition from passive listeners to active participants. These developments align with the broader trend of integrating decentralized solutions into our daily lives.
To further enhance guest engagement, the app introduces a dynamic playlist feature for bars. Guests can actively shape the music selection by voting for songs in real time as they enjoy their experience. Once the currently playing song ends, voting opens for the next track, giving everyone a voice in the playlist. Additionally, users can suggest songs to be added, and once approved by the list owner, those tracks become open for voting as well. This interactive feature fosters a sense of collaboration and satisfaction among guests, transforming passive listening into an engaging communal activity while tailoring the music to the audience’s preferences.