Spotify has unveiled only its second app ever, Spotify for Artists, a one-stop mobile version of its existing artist-centric dashboard client for tracking new music, updating profiles and gathering metrics about who is actually listening.
In a new blog post, Spotify's product manager Miles Lennon outlines why artists should download the free app, which "puts control directly into your hands, whether you’re on the road, in the studio, or wherever, and it works smoothly with the regular Spotify app."
The iOS-only app (Android is coming soon) has three major functions. First, artists can update their Spotify profiles from anywhere, a plus if you need to quickly make a bio change, tweak a playlist or change your artist's pick atop your page. Second, artists can keep an eye on real-time streaming stats for the first week of a single/ep/album's release. Third, the app breaks down certain stats about your listeners, like age, gender, location and other artists they're listening to.
To use the app, an artist will first need to be verified by Spotify. Other stat-driven apps have been developed by Sony/ATV Music, Kobalt and BMG.