Spotify adds lyrics feature, karaoke provider DigiTrax takes issue

Following streaming services like Deezer and Shazam, Spotify will now provide lyrics which can be searched for and browsed via a new Lyrics button.

The feature is powered by lyrics catalogue Musixmatch and is part of a major upgrade to its desktop app. It gives users the ability to sing along with the track karaoke style, a feature that karaoke provider DigiTrax has taken issue with. Joseph C Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax, said the feature may be in violition of US copyright law.

In an open letter sent to industry trades Vangieri said: "There are a great many song writers who will not allow "karaoke" of their songs. See list here: http://www.karaokecloud.info/ [...] This is unfair competition for us American "Karaoke" companies. Can you weigh in on this? It is a big part of the Copyright law. Meaning does the law apply to everyone? 

"Karaoke should be a multi-billion dollar industry in America, but because the lyric synchronized to the music is a video sync, each song must be cleared." 

Along with the lyrics feature, Spotify has updated its chart section to provide daily viral charts, region-based playcounts, and indicators on each chart to highlight new music and track performance. The platform has also updated its Friend Feed, to simplify the way users discover what their friends and people they follow are listening to.

The update does phase out Spotify’s App Finder, as promised back in October, and third-party applications from the desktop version.

Spotify is still connecting with third-party services however, Musixmatch has become a partner app alongside music event news hub Songkick and the Beats Music-owned Topspin, which powers its merchandise offers. Spotify also works with BBC Playlister, Swarm, Digster and Filtr.