FAQ — Alter

What is Alter?

Alter is a daily listening practice. Each day, you receive one song selected by a curator—an artist, thinker, or creator. You listen without knowing what it is, reflect on what you noticed, then discover the song and what the selector noticed. It's a moment of intentional listening in a world of distraction.

Do I need Apple Music?

Yes, Alter uses Apple Music to stream songs. You'll need an active Apple Music subscription. We're exploring other streaming services for the future.

Is it free?

Yes, Alter is free during the beta. You only need your own Apple Music subscription.

How long does it take?

The full experience is about 5-10 minutes: a short introduction from the selector (~1 minute), the song itself (varies), and your reflection (optional, as long as you like). You can also just listen to the song if that's all you have time for.

What kind of music is selected?

Everything. Classical, hip-hop, ambient, jazz, rock, electronic, world music—whatever the selector believes deserves to be heard. The only requirement is that it's available on Apple Music and meaningful to the person who chose it.

Why don't I know the song beforehand?

Because knowing changes how we listen. When you know what's coming, you bring expectations, associations, judgments. When you don't know, you actually hear. The anonymity is the point—it creates space for fresh perception.

What are "reflections"?

After listening, you're invited to record a short voice memo about what you noticed. This isn't a review or critique—it's simply what came up for you. A feeling, a memory, a thought. These reflections are private (only you can hear them) and optional.

Who are the selectors?

Selectors are musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, DJs, and thinkers who have agreed to share music that matters to them. Each selector provides a brief introduction and explains why they chose their track—which you see after listening.

Can I become a selector?

Yes! We're always looking for people who care about music and want to share it with attentive listeners. Learn more about becoming a selector.

How often is there new content?

Every day. One new song, one new selector, one new opportunity to listen.

What if I miss a day?

Each day's session is available for 24 hours. After that, it's gone—creating gentle urgency to show up for the practice. This isn't a catalog to scroll through; it's a daily ritual.

Is my data private?

Yes. Your reflections are stored locally on your device—we never hear them. We collect minimal analytics (sessions completed, listening time) to improve the product, but nothing that identifies you personally. Read our privacy policy.

What devices does Alter support?

Alter is currently available for iPhone (iOS 17+). iPad and Android versions are planned for the future.

How do I get the app?

Alter is in beta on TestFlight. Request access here.

Questions & Answers