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Title: Discovr by Filter Squad
Cost:’ Free
Platform:’ iOS 7.0 or later on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (optimized for iPhone 5)
Over the last several weeks, I’ve been busy spreading the word about one of my library’s Teen Read Week programs, Express to Speak. The workshop is the culminating event of our second annual writing contest and will focus on hip hop and spoken-word poetry. With Teen Read Week and hip hop on the mind, I was inspired to “Seek the Unknown” through Discovr, an app created for music exploration.
There are a few different apps on the market designed to introduce listeners to a variety of artists (e.g. Spotify, Pandora, etc.), but Discovr offers something unique–interactive Music Maps that draw connections between similar musicians. Start the process by searching for a musician, and the app will create a map with new bands. If you wish to expand your options, tap a musician and watch the map grow.
To learn more about an artist, a double tap will grant you access to videos, media, biographies, blog entries, and song’ snippets. Users that subscribe to’ Spotify, Rdio, Deezer, or Sound Cloud can stream full length songs within the app as well as add finds to existing play lists. Other listeners can purchase tracks from iTunes or, in some cases, stream from You Tube.
Once you discover a new favorite or make an interesting map, there are a number of ways you ‘ can continue to interact with the content. Users can follow musicians, and Discovr will display notifications regarding album releases or special performances (e.g. David Letterman appearances). Fans can also share artists, songs, and maps via Facebook, Twitter, email, and messages.
For music loving teens and librarians, Discovr is a great way to “Seek the Unknown” this Teen Read Week.
For more app recommendations visit the YALSA’ App of the Week Archive. If you have an app you think we should review,’ let us know!
