Internet radio station Last.fm has just announced it has signed up its millionth user, which is pretty damn good going for an independent player in the field. Last.fm is similar in concept to Yahoo's LaunchCast service in that you tell the system what kind of music you like, rating tracks as you go, so that it learns the kinds of music you're into, and provides you with a personalised playlist based on that information. The system then cross references what you like with what other people like, and recommends music to you based on a 'if you like this, you'll probably like this' basis. It's all very clever.
Commenting on passing the one million subscriber landmark, Last.fm MD Martin Stiksel told CMU: "This user figure is another confirmation that many of today's music listeners move away from listening to a music programme compiled by someone else and want to enjoy music which fits their taste. Because Last.fm streams personalised radio we can make sure everyone gets what they want."
Press info on Last.fm from Jonas Woost - [email protected].