Music recommendations: Google acquires Songza

Google proceeds to the acquisition of Songza that appeals to humans and not just algorithms to provide recommendations.

In the world of music, one of the key functions is to study what a user listens to a service and then to advise him that he discovered other artists in his favorite universe. To do this, Spotify, Deezer, Pandora and others rely on algorithms. These are usually highly relevant but remain ... algorithms. Off the beaten path and offer original and subtle choice trails, nothing beats, a connoisseur of music. It is on this premise that rests Songza which is surrounded by music journalists (DJs, writers) to advise users.

The original deal was based on a $ 15 million, but the note could lengthen  significantly since other predators were in the running. Founded in 2007, the company's Long Island has raised nearly $ 7 million since its inception from various investors including Amazon, Gary Vaynerchuk, Scooter Braun, Deep Fork Capital, Lerer Ventures, and David Hirsch of Metamorphic Ventures. The company has 5.5 million active users without  knowing the percentage of them who pay $ 1 per week to avoid advertising on the site.

Google said that the acquisition would not change the habits of customers Songza and the company continue to operate in its premises and remain independent. However, it seems clear that the services offered by the company will be gradually integrated into YouTube, Google Music and other Google products affected by the music. Indeed, beyond the technologies and people, especially Google buys tons of data about users Songza, data that will enable it to significantly improve its own services.