Amazon launches new music app 'Amp' that allows users to create their own radio shows

Amazon has now released an audio-based app, called Amp, where users can become radio hosts and select a variety of music to play on their channels.

The limited access beta version of the app has just been released on the Apple App Store.

Amp is a live audio program that aims to revolutionise radio by allowing users to become DJs, play music, and interact with listeners.

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According to Amazon, users will get access to a music collection with "tens of millions" of songs from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and independent labels.

Creators may also interact with their audience in real-time without the need for membership, additional technology, or editing.

Hosts can take live calls and manage who and when they talk. Amp intends to add more features in the future, such as connectivity with Amazon's Alexa voice service.

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John Ciancutti, Vice President of Amp, said: "Radio has always been about music and culture, but imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio—spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming—with all that's made possible by today’s technology.

"You’d make it so anybody with a phone, a voice, and a love for music could make their own show. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Amp makes it possible for you to grab the mic and run the airwaves. We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.”

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Users who report inappropriate conduct or discussions will be contacted by a 24-hour crew. Conversations will also be monitored by software, which will flag them if it detects anything that requires further investigation.

Users will be recommended material based on their self-identified interests, the number of "likes" a programme receives, and whether or not they already follow a creator.

Amp will also feature shows from well-known singers and artists including Pusha T and Tinashe, as well as writers from the music publication The FADER.

Amp has been likened to other audio apps, such as Clubhouse, as audio apps have seen a boom in a pandemic and post-pandemic world.

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Check out Amp's promo video below.

For more information, visit Amazon's website here.

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter