Music eScape Review

Music eScape aims to help users manage their mood using music. The app will create a “mood map” of the music stored on a user’s phone by tagging each song with a mood. Users then have the opportunity to review the tags assigned by the app and retag songs as needed. Music eScape then creates playlists for different moods and situations, such as “cheer up,” “wake up,” and “focus.” Users can also create their own playlists. Additionally, the interface allows users to draw a path from their current mood to a preferred mood, directing Music eScape to craft a playlist to effect a desired change in mood.
Technical Details
Available For: Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Developer: Queensland University of Technology
Type of Treatment: Mindfulness
Targeted Conditions: Not Specified
Target Audience: Not Specified
Designed to be used in conjunction with a healthcare professional: No
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: iTunes
Research on this App
Music eScape was investigated in a randomized controlled trial of 164 participants, aged 16-25, with at least mild levels of psychological distress. Participants were assigned to either an immediate or delayed-access group; the immediate group downloaded Music eScape immediately after baseline assessments, and were asked to use the app over a one month period, with weekly reminder text messages. The delayed access group received access to the app after one month. Thereafter, all participants completed online follow-up surveys at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months post-baseline. All measures (of technology use, psychological distress, wellbeing and perceived app quality and utility) improved subsequent to baseline, however, there were no significant differences in this improvement between the two groups at 1 month follow-up.