If you’ve ever considered curating the perfect soundtrack for your own departure, Spotify has a new offering that might just resonate. The streaming giant has partnered with Liquid Death, the beverage company known for its edgy branding, to launch the Eternal Playlist Urn, a limited-edition urn equipped with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. The product, available now in the U.S., allows users to stream their favorite Spotify playlists – even after they’ve passed on.
The Eternal Playlist Urn isn’t simply a novelty item; it’s a functional Bluetooth speaker housed within a sleek, minimalist urn. According to Liquid Death, the idea stemmed from a conversation with Spotify about how to extend the experience of music beyond life. “Pretty quickly we landed on the idea that together we could help people enjoy their favorite music forever,” said Andy Pearson, vice president of creative at Liquid Death. The urn itself measures 11 inches tall and 2.4 lbs, and features a discreet speaker embedded in the lid. Users connect via Bluetooth, just as they would with any other wireless speaker, and can play music directly from their devices. Notably, the device lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, a smart assistant, or subscription requirements, emphasizing a simple, direct connection to the user’s existing music library.
The launch is accompanied by the “Eternal Playlist Generator,” a feature within Spotify designed to help users craft the ultimate afterlife playlist. Available to U.S. Users, the generator prompts users with questions like “What’s your eternal vibe?” and “What’s your getting-ready-to-haunt music?” Spotify’s algorithms then analyze these responses, alongside the user’s existing listening history, to create a personalized mix tailored for a lifetime – and beyond. Users can share these playlists with friends and family, or, if they own the Eternal Playlist Urn, sync it directly to the built-in speaker.
The concept, while unconventional, taps into a growing trend of personalized memorialization. Traditional funerals are increasingly being customized to reflect the personality and preferences of the deceased. The Eternal Playlist Urn takes this a step further, offering a continuous, auditory tribute. The product’s price point, at $495, positions it as a premium offering, and its limited availability – only 150 units are available – adds to its collectibility.
Liquid Death’s involvement is particularly noteworthy. The company has built a brand around irreverence and a rejection of traditional marketing tropes. Their previous collaborations have included partnerships with Yeti, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and Dr. Squatch, all characterized by a similar darkly humorous tone. This partnership with Spotify represents a significant expansion for Liquid Death, signaling an ambition to create large-scale, headline-grabbing content. A 45-second promotional spot created in-house by Liquid Death leans into the absurdity of the concept, claiming that research shows keeping the dead happy makes them 47% less likely to haunt you.
The technical implementation of the Eternal Playlist Urn is straightforward. It relies on standard Bluetooth technology, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The absence of Wi-Fi or a smart assistant simplifies the user experience and avoids potential privacy concerns. The urn’s functionality is essentially that of a portable Bluetooth speaker, albeit one housed in an unconventional container. The focus is on providing a reliable and easy-to-use method for streaming music, rather than introducing complex smart features.
While the Eternal Playlist Urn is a novel concept, it raises questions about the practicalities of long-term operation. The urn requires a power source to operate the Bluetooth speaker, meaning it will need to be periodically recharged. The battery life of the speaker is not explicitly stated, but will be a crucial factor in determining the user experience. The durability of the speaker and its resistance to potential damage from the elements will be important considerations.
The launch of the Eternal Playlist Urn also highlights the evolving relationship between technology and death. From digital wills and online memorials to now, music-streaming urns, technology is increasingly playing a role in how we remember and honor the deceased. This trend is likely to continue as technology becomes more integrated into all aspects of our lives. The product’s success will likely depend on its ability to strike a balance between novelty and genuine emotional resonance.
The limited run of 150 units suggests that Spotify and Liquid Death are initially testing the market’s appetite for this unusual product. If demand proves strong, it’s possible that they could expand production or introduce new features. For now, the Eternal Playlist Urn remains a unique and thought-provoking example of how technology is reshaping our relationship with mortality.
