Spotify is working on a new feature that will allow you to block artists you never want to hear from your playback profile. The option hasn't been officially released yet, but it's already being tested on at least one mobile operating system. We'll tell you everything we know so far about this feature and how to use it.
Blocking an artist comes to Spotify
The Verge has had access to this feature, which is already being tested in the Spotify app for iOS (through a beta program). Called "Don't play this artist ," the option allows you to block a specific artist so that they won't play again when you listen to Spotify, whether you're playing a playlist or even a radio station. However, this feature cannot mute songs in which the artist in question collaborates with other artists; it must always be tracks performed individually by the artist on your blacklist.
The US media outlet Thurrott, which first revealed this new feature and is responsible for the screenshot you see above, indicates that this function isn't entirely "new," at least within the company. Spotify considered using it a couple of years ago , but after "serious consideration" decided against pursuing the idea. However, something has now made them change their minds, opting to give users the option to choose not to hear a specific artist while listening to music on the platform.
Perhaps the turning point for this reconsideration has been the case of Robert Sylvester Kelly, known professionally as R. Kelly. This singer, songwriter, and music producer has accumulated numerous accusations of sexual abuse , which has generated widespread hatred and rejection among the public. So much so that the #MuteRKelly movement was even created , ultimately leading RCA Records and Sony to terminate their contracts with him. Spotify also removed R. Kelly from its own playlists, but it was still possible to hear him on other users' playlists.
How to block an artist on Spotify
With this feature, situations like R. Kelly's won't happen again. Users will be able to access an artist's Spotify profile and tap the three dots in the upper right corner, selecting "Don't play this artist" from the options to completely mute them and prevent any of their songs from playing when using the streaming platform. If you change your mind , you can always repeat the same steps and tap "Remove."
We do not know, of course, when it is operational on iOS and how long it will take to reach other systems such as Android or even the desktop version. Have to wait.