Ecléctico Offers Music Recommendations, Connection From Around The World
- August 31, 2022 -
About three years ago, Armando Bellmas and his wife were partaking in a familiar, weeknight activity – cooking dinner, while listening to music on Spotify. But after playing a few songs recommended by the app, their passive listening session evolved into a critical conversation about the lack of variety and depth to the music service’s algorithm.
Similar to their visual cousins, like Netflix and Hulu, streaming music platforms attempt to steer users toward new artists, based on their listening habits. But for music lovers who thirst to encounter artists who have yet to grow a substantial enough audience to tip the algorithm, those recommendations don’t always satisfy.
“That kind of song selection demands a dedicated and passionate human touch,” Armando Bellmas. “That’s what makes Ecléctico different and so special.”
Ecléctico was born out of that desire for something more genuine and profound. The e-mail newsletter service delivers daily music recommendations to inboxes [and ears] and subscribers around the world. Ecléctico offers a free subscription that goes out once a week, while its paid membership offers daily song recommendations. Bellmas says he decided newsletters would best fit the service because they offer a direct link to another human, more-so than social media.
“When someone subscribes, they’re giving me permission into their inbox and attention span every morning,” Bellmas said. “That access and trust drives me to make Ecléctico worthwhile and essential.”
Bellmas says aside from sharing and highlighting lesser-known artists and encouraging folks to step outside of their “music bubbles,” Ecléctico also aims to offer a sense of connection.
“Music brings us closer to each other. The miles between us disappear when we press play,” Bellmas said.
Through the month of September, Citizen Vinyl and Ecléctico are partnering up to share songs honoring the rich artistic legacy and influence of Latin America, featuring artists from the US to the Southernmost country of Chile.
You can subscribe to Ecléctico’s newsletter here.
