HARMAN has launched Drops, a music discovery app built around recommendations from other listeners. The app is available for iOS and Android in the U.S., where access at launch is by invitation through a waitlist.
Drops presents songs in a short format alongside the personal perspectives behind recommendations. It is designed to help listeners find emerging artists and then hear a full song through a streaming service.
The app will connect with Apple Music, Qobuz and TIDAL. Its supporting music industry ecosystem includes labels and distributors Universal Music Group, Beggars Group, Symphonic Distribution, EMPIRE and UnitedMasters, as well as music publishers, performing rights organizations and data providers LyricFind, Xperi and MusicBrainz.
Clare Hunter, general manager of Drops at HARMAN, said the app aims to make music discovery more personal and social by drawing on the perspectives of people with similar tastes. UnitedMasters and Symphonic Distribution also described the app as a way for independent artists to reach new listeners.
