Metallica Joins Spotify, Reminisces with Napster Cofounder Sean Parker

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and Napster cofounder Sean Parker met for an interesting conversation at the Spotify press event in New York City on Thursday. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's announcement that Metallica would be joining the music streaming service was followed by an interview with Parker, who is a Spotify board member, and the outspoken Ulrich. The two talked about their legal feud and long history. You can watch the entire Spotify event below, or skip to the Parker/Ulrich Q&A at the 36:00 mark.

Spotify also announced a few new features including a Follow tab which allows users to get music recommendations from friends, artists, influencers and media in real time. The all-new Discover tab uses social tools with content from Pitchfork, Songkick Tunigo and more to continually seek out the most relevant content for you.

The page includes:

· New single and album releases from the artists you follow

· All the music and playlists shared by influencers you follow

· Intelligent recommendations based on your listening history including music, reviews, and concerts

Spotify also announced it doubled its user base in one year, and now has over 20 million active members, five million of which are paying subscribers.

Other Spotify improvements include:

· Introducing Audio Preview – with our new Audio Preview feature you can dip into new music without moving away from the song you're playing. If you like what you hear you can save it for later or start it right away.

· New Collection - a new way to save music that you love, or want to listen to at a later time. No more having to create a playlist for your favourite album, just click the 'add' symbol and it will be added to your collection.

· Mobile push notifications for new album releases - never miss new music from your favourite artists ever again. As soon as new music from artists you follow hits Spotify, you'll receive a mobile alert.

· And a more curated social feed; better personalised Profile page; redesigned Artist pages.

The Spotify iPhone app is free to download via the Apple App Store.