Since 2002, Last.fm’s determined team of music lovers has been on a mission to make online music easier, better and more discoverable.

We’re still working as hard as ever halfway through 2008, laying the foundations for a next-generation Last.fm. We’ve modernised the Audioscrobbler engine that powers the site, and have been exploring new ideas aligned with the different ways music on the internet works today.



(From the Flickr set Building Last.fm)

Calling all subscribers

This is where you come in. One of our goals is to make all the world’s music available to everyone, and a more accessible service is a big part of that. But we certainly can’t create it without your help and input.

So, rough edges and all, we want all you subscribers — Last.fm’s ambassadors, if you will — to have first crack at the newest version of Last.fm. And we’d love to hear not just what you think, but what the less initiated Last.fm users around you think too.

What’s new? A whole lot, but here are few highlights:

The library. Your entire Last.fm music profile made visible, down to every last artist and track. Add to it by scrobbling or with the click of a button. Browse it, play it, and get new music recommendations based on it.

Real-time charts. Yes, finally! Every track you scrobble gets added to all of your charts. Instantly. No more waiting for Sunday and praying to the chart gods…

Plus… Activity feeds, all-new visual styles, an improved music player, sharing, podcasts, and more.

We’re only getting started, but feel free to have a play, give us your feedback, and help spot bugs.

We’ll be expanding the beta and opening it up to more users in the coming weeks. In the meantime, subscribers can find out how to access the beta site now at the Last.fm Beta Group.