Get ready to turn up the volume. Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, is now giving free users access to several premium-only features. Students at the University of Louisiana Monroe are already discussing the potential this update presents.

Released on Sep. 15, features such as “Pick & Play,” “Share & Play” and “Search & Play” are accessible to all users. ULM students have started exchanging playlists with each other using the new options.

Freshman computer science major AJ Hades shares his appreciation for the update.

Reflecting on the time before he had Spotify Premium, Hades recalls how frustrating it is to use the app without a subscription. He considers this update to be “a good change,” as it provides him with new opportunities to share music with his friend who does not have a premium subscription.

“I remember when I didn’t have my premium subscription,” Hades said. “It was pretty annoying that I couldn’t pick a song.”

Hades said his friend was excited when he learned about the update, and the two now plan to create a playlist together.

While students enjoy getting down to their favorite playlists, freshman pre-nursing major Madisen West welcomed the new update as well. Using Spotify to help concentrate on her studies, West is glad students can now have a better experience with the app.

“People without the subscription get to listen to music that way,” West said.

Although most students jam away on Spotify, senior history major Aria Cheeks prefers to use a different music streaming platform over the latter. Being informed about the negative side of the Spotify app, Cheeks said she preferred other streaming platforms.

“I’ve done my own research on it… the CEO of Spotify doesn’t pay the artist what they should,” Cheeks said. “I personally do not support that.”

Cheeks prefers to swing away on the “Qobuz” app, listening to her latest favorite rock artist, Ghost. The app’s similarities to Spotify, along with its better affordability made it the perfect app for her.

“It aligns with my values more,” Cheeks said.

Whether through Spotify or other streaming services, music is more than just background noise. It is the soundtrack to the college experience, connecting students together.

From studying late at night for exams to enjoying daily tunes with friends, music can be the best way to make memories.