Spotify Unveils AUX, Where Music Meets Marketing Magic

Mia Chow
Marketing in the Age of Digital
2 min readMar 3, 2024

On February 21, 2024, Spotify dropped some big news that got everyone talking. They’re starting something called AUX, a project that’s all about bringing artists and brands closer. This isn’t just another update; it’s a whole new way for music to play a part in marketing. Jeremy Erlich, the guy in charge of Spotify’s music stuff, shared all about it on their official news site, the Spotify Newsroom.

AUX’s first big gig is teaming up with Coca-Cola and DJ Peggy Gou. They’re planning to mix tunes with brand events, creating a vibe that’s as refreshing as a cold Coke. This is AUX in action, showing how music can add flavor to a brand’s image.

Erlich and his team are on a mission to dig into the latest trends and figure out what people really want to hear. They believe AUX can be the bridge that helps brands get the beat right in their marketing tunes.

But here’s where I start scratching my head. If AUX turns music consulting into a cash grab, where does that leave the new, unique sounds that don’t fit the mainstream mold? Art’s not just about what sells. Sure, AUX could be a win for big names and big brands, but what about the underdogs, the indie artists who can’t shell out big bucks for consulting fees? And if we start chasing charts too hard, we might miss out on the next big sound just because it didn’t fit the formula.

TikTok’s been singing a similar tune, saying they can help artists hit the big time with businesses looking to jazz up their ads. They’re talking about a music industry boom that could come from tapping into this market.

So, what’s the verdict on AUX? It’s a cool concept, no doubt. Mixing beats with brands could create some unforgettable campaigns. But as we march to the beat of this new drum, let’s not forget about the soul of music. It’s about more than just hooks and drops; it’s about expression, innovation, and sometimes, rebellion. As Spotify rolls out AUX, I hope they keep a spot on the stage for the fresh, the bold, and the different. After all, the best tunes often come from the most unexpected places.

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Mia Chow
Marketing in the Age of Digital

Digital Marketing student @ NYU | Exploring the Music Industry through a fresh eye.