In a move that blends grief support with streaming convenience, Spotify and Liquid Death have launched the Eternal Playlist Urn, a Bluetooth-enabled urn designed to play a user’s curated Spotify playlist indefinitely. The product, announced on , aims to offer a novel way to commemorate loved ones and, according to Liquid Death, make death “a lot less boring.”
A Playlist for the Afterlife
The Eternal Playlist Urn is a 7” x 7” x 11.4” polyester resin vessel containing a discreetly integrated Bluetooth speaker in its lid. Users connect to the speaker via a compatible device and can stream music from their Spotify accounts. A USB-C charging cable is included. Priced at $495, the urn is available in limited quantities – only 150 units are currently for purchase – and limited to five per customer. The companies emphasize that each urn is unique, produced in small batches and may contain minor imperfections.
The collaboration between Spotify and Liquid Death might seem unusual, but it reflects a shared brand identity centered around disruptive marketing and appealing to a younger demographic. Liquid Death, known for its aggressively branded canned water, has previously engaged in unconventional marketing stunts, including limited-edition products tied to musicians like Travis Barker and Ozzy Osbourne. Spotify, while a mainstream streaming service, has increasingly experimented with interactive features and personalized experiences.
Beyond the Urn: The Eternal Playlist Generator
Spotify isn’t simply providing the streaming capability; the company has also developed the “Eternal Playlist Generator” to assist users in crafting the perfect posthumous soundtrack. Accessible through Spotify’s platform, the generator asks users a series of questions – such as “What’s your eternal vibe?” and “What’s your go-to ghost noise?” – to create a personalized playlist based on their listening history and preferences. Users can then share these playlists with friends or, if they purchase the Eternal Playlist Urn, sync them directly to the device.
The playlist generator is a clever extension of Spotify’s existing personalization algorithms. By leveraging user data, Spotify aims to provide a meaningful and tailored experience, even in the context of death and remembrance. This approach aligns with the broader trend of using data to personalize experiences across all aspects of life, and now, seemingly, beyond it.
Technical Details and Limitations
The urn itself relies on standard Bluetooth connectivity for streaming. So it requires a compatible device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) to initially connect and select the playlist. While the speaker is embedded within the urn, the power source and streaming connection are external, requiring ongoing maintenance. The speaker’s user manual is available separately, indicating a standard Bluetooth speaker setup and troubleshooting process.
The limited production run of 150 units suggests that the Eternal Playlist Urn is as much a marketing exercise as it is a genuine product offering. The high price point – $495 – further reinforces this notion, positioning the urn as a collector’s item rather than a widely accessible memorial option. All sales are final unless the urn is damaged upon receipt, a standard policy but noteworthy given the sensitive nature of the product.
The Broader Context of Memorialization
The Eternal Playlist Urn taps into a growing trend of personalized memorialization. Traditional methods of remembrance, such as headstones and memorial services, are increasingly being supplemented by digital tributes, online memorial pages, and personalized playlists. This shift reflects a desire for more individualized and meaningful ways to honor the deceased.
However, the concept also raises questions about the commodification of grief and the potential for technology to intrude upon deeply personal experiences. While some may find comfort in the idea of a loved one’s favorite music playing on after their death, others may view it as a disrespectful or overly commercialized approach to mourning. The success of the Eternal Playlist Urn will likely depend on how effectively Spotify and Liquid Death navigate these sensitivities.
The urn’s design is described as “minimal and respectful,” intended for use in homes or columbariums. This suggests an attempt to balance the product’s novelty with a degree of solemnity. Whether this balance is achieved remains to be seen, but the Eternal Playlist Urn undoubtedly represents a unique and provocative addition to the landscape of modern memorialization.
