Tag: artist highlight

Corey Kent on the Song That Got Him Sent to the Principal’s Office

September 17, 2026

Corey Kent’s sound brings together his Oklahoma roots with country soul and a rocker’s edge. Earlier this month, he brought that mix to Bloomington, Indiana, for the latest iteration of Spotify Homegrown Live, presented by Hilton, ahead of the release of his new album Heartland Rock and Roll, out September 25.

It was the first sponsored live event for homegrown, Spotify’s editorial playlist spotlighting the next wave of country music. Fans gathered on the Graduate Hotel rooftop at Indiana University for an intimate experience featuring an acoustic performance from Corey, a live DJ, and panoramic views as Homegrown Live kicked off college football weekend in true Hoosier fashion.

For the Record invited Corey to take our first-ever Spotify Questionnaire: a look at the songs and stories that make an artist who they are. From a preschool run-in over Garth Brooks to his favorite podcasts, here’s how Corey is listening.

What’s the name of your daylist right now?

My daylist right now is “vapor soul indie surf Thursday afternoon.” My most recent playlist is “90s throwback.” It’s got Sugar Ray, Semisonic, Macy Gray, Uncle Kracker, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, and Lenny Kravitz.

What’s the first song you remember loving?

I remember getting sent to the principal’s office and my mom having to come up to the school because I was singing “Two Pina Coladas” by Garth Brooks at my Christian preschool. Man, I love that song.

Who’s the best artist you’ve discovered recently?

I would probably say ROLE MODEL. “High Hopes 3000” was the last song I listened to.

What’s the last song you sent to a friend, and why?

I sent my bass player “Fly” and “Someday” by Sugar Ray. I was just like, “These could be fun covers to throw into the set.” We love that style of rock.

What album takes you back to a specific place or moment more than any other?

That’s an easy one for me. Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon takes me right back to this little pond where we used to build fires and sit around until the super early hours of the morning. We’d be fishing out there and always listening to that record.

Is there such a thing as a guilty musical pleasure? If so, what’s yours?

I think so. Mine is U.K. rap. I think their accents are so dope. I also love lo-fi instrumentals. That’s what I listen to whenever I’m trying to get some work done and just need to zen out, or even when I’m working out.

If you could swap music libraries with anyone for a day, who would it be?

That’s a tough one. If it was a playlist, I’d say my producer and my good friend Austin Goodloe. He’s always putting me on stuff I’ve never heard before, so I feel like his musical library would be super interesting. If it was an artist and I could swap all of my songs for all of their songs… I’m going to go with Chris Stapleton. I feel like a lot of his songs would be really fun to sing, and obviously they’re incredible.

What’s your go-to podcast when you’re running errands or doing chores?

The Joe Rogan Experience is always a go-to. I am pretty selective about what guests I listen to because I’m more interested in the historical experts and the wonders of the world, or just crazy undiscovered mysteries about ancient civilizations. I listen to another called the Intentional Fatherhood podcast, which I’ve found super helpful in being a husband and a father. And The Daily Stoic.

Who would you want to narrate the audiobook version of your memoir?

Close race between Morgan Freeman, just because his voice is epic, or Matthew McConaughey. I think that everything McConaughey says sounds interesting and my story is pretty dynamic. There are some highs and some lows, so I think he’d do a great job narrating it.

Introducing Fresh Finds Forward: Spotify’s New Program to Champion the Next Generation of Independent Artists

September 17, 2026

Today, Spotify is launching Fresh Finds Forward, a new program that will give approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year the resources, community, and support to turn early momentum into long-term growth.

Fresh Finds playlists are curated by Spotify’s worldwide team of music editors, who discover and champion independent, unsigned, and early-career artists they believe in across genres and markets around the world. For more than a decade, these playlists have helped over 80,000 artists across 127 countries break through and find new listeners at a critical point in their careers. Laufey, Clairo, ROLE MODEL, Ethel Cain, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Royel Otis, and Omar Apollo were all featured on Fresh Finds playlists before they built the global audiences they have today. For five consecutive years, Fresh Finds alumni have earned Best New Artist nominations, including sombr, Doechii, Japanese Breakfast, Ice Spice, and Wet Leg.

Since 2024, Fresh Finds playlists have driven more than 128 million new artist discoveries, with nearly 70% of the playlists’ streams representing a listener hearing an artist for the first time. More than half of Fresh Finds artists go on to be placed on other editorial playlists like New Music Friday, RapCaviar, or Lorem.

When our editors feature an emerging, independent artist on a playlist, it can be a springboard for visibility that brings new listeners and new opportunities. And with the connections, community, and know-how we have at Spotify, Fresh Finds Forward is how we turn that moment of discovery into something bigger, putting dedicated resources behind these artists to help them grow.

“Fresh Finds has always been about finding artists at a pivotal moment and helping them reach new audiences at the right time,” said Joe Hadley, Spotify’s Global Head of Music Content and Partnerships. “We spent years listening to what independent artists actually need, and those conversations shaped what this program would become. Fresh Finds Forward takes everything we’ve learned from a decade of discovery and builds a support system around it, so participating artists aren’t just getting a playlist placement, they’re getting the benefits, resources, and the community to make the most of that moment.”

Who it’s for

Today marks a new chapter for Fresh Finds, one that deepens our investment in the artists it champions. From January 1, 2026 onward, all eligible artists added to any Fresh Finds playlist are invited to join Fresh Finds Forward via Spotify for Artists and, once onboarded, can access the program’s benefits for 12 months.

For artists hoping to be considered for Fresh Finds, the best way to get music in front of our editors is to pitch an upcoming release through Spotify for Artists.

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How it works

Here are a few examples of what the program offers:

- Free studio time for U.S.-based artists at studios including Electric Lady Studios in NYC, The Lighthouse at Ocean Way Nashville, and Spotify Studios in LA;
- Early access to select Spotify tools and features;
- Prioritized access to tour or music video partnerships with Spotify;
- A Fresh Finds badge on their Spotify artist profile, signaling editorial recognition;
- In-person and virtual events to connect and learn from Spotify team members and Fresh Finds alumni;
- Premium access to digital tools like LANDR Studio Pro and Splice’s Creator Plan; and
- Mental health and wellness resources, including six months of free therapy through BetterHelp.

For more information about the benefits Fresh Finds Forward artists can expect, see here.

What’s next

Notifications will begin rolling out to eligible artists through Spotify for Artists today. We’ll be sharing more stories from the program as artists hit new milestones. Follow along at @SpotifyforArtists on Instagram and TikTok!

New Spotify Singles Honor Iconic Women in Music for EQUAL’s 5-Year Anniversary

August 26, 2026

This year marks the fifth anniversary of Spotify’s EQUAL, our flagship program dedicated to amplifying women in music through editorial programming, marketing campaigns, and cultural activations. As part of our ongoing celebration, we’re launching a limited Spotify Singles series honoring the influence, creativity, and legacy of women artists.

The collection brings together five rising stars from around the world, each reimagining an iconic song by a legendary woman artist. Participants include Sweden’s Namasenda, Germany’s badmómzjay, Portugal’s MARO, the U.S.’s Willow Avalon, and South Africa’s Shekhinah.

“Music has the power to connect cultures, generations, and communities, and we’re proud to play a role in amplifying exceptional women artists across borders,” said Bel Aztiria, Global Music Program Lead at Spotify. “Our new Spotify Singles celebrate both the artists shaping music today and the trailblazing women who paved the way for them, demonstrating the lasting impact women continue to have on music around the world.”

Check out the new Spotify Singles below and hear what each song means to the artists behind them.

Namasenda – “Lucky” by Britney Spears

For Namasenda, recording Britney Spears‘ “Lucky” was a full-circle moment. She first referenced the song in her 2021 track “☆ (feat. Oklou)” before performing her own take at the 2025 Denniz Pop Awards, an annual event that honors artists who are contributing to Sweden’s international pop legacy.

“For me, ‘Lucky’ has always been one of the most powerful pop ballads ever written,” she said. “It balances glitter and sorrow in a way I try to do in my own music. Being able to record my own version—and having that happen as part of celebrating EQUAL and women in music—feels extra special.”

Originally from southern Sweden, Namasenda has become one of pop’s most inventive voices. Her latest album, Limbo, reflects her mix of experimentation and emotional honesty.

badmómzjay – “Rehab” by Rihanna

Rihanna‘s hit “Rehab” is a fitting track for badmómzjay, whose genre-defying sound blends confidence with vulnerability in songs about identity and self-acceptance.

“I chose ‘Rehab’ because it’s about a woman taking her power back and refusing to let love break her down again, and choosing herself instead,” badmómzjay said. “That’s the energy I want every woman listening to feel. You don’t need anyone to save you, you can heal yourself and come out stronger. Still, I truly believe in love, and honestly, I feel this song so deeply. Huge respect to Rihanna for creating something so powerful.”

badmómzjay’s upcoming third studio album, Haus im Meer, is set to be her most personal project to date. Fans in Germany can catch her live when she goes on tour this autumn.

MARO – “Sauvignon Blanc” by ROSALÍA

In her cover, MARO reimagines ROSALÍA‘s “Sauvignon Blanc” through her own unique lens while paying homage to their shared roots.

“I chose to record ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ because it’s such a beautiful song, and because ROSALÍA is such an inspiring artist,” MARO said. “It also felt like a meaningful choice to record a song by a Spanish artist, given the many cultural and musical links between Portugal and Spain. This felt like a lovely way to celebrate that Iberian connection.”

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has built a devoted fanbase through songs that blend folk, pop, and jazz influences across her collaborations and solo work.

Willow Avalon – “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon

Willow puts her own rebellious spin on Carly Simon‘s classic “You’re So Vain,” paying tribute to one of music’s most celebrated storytellers.

“I chose ‘You’re So Vain’ because it’s a sassy song I grew up on that made me want to write sassy songs,” said Willow. “While I may write songs in a different genre than Carly Simon, the tone is still the same.”

The Georgia native taught herself guitar at 12 and has since become a powerful voice in Nashville’s music scene, taking her sound from the Grand Ole Opry to festival stages. With two albums under her belt—Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell and Pink Pocket Pistol—Willow continues to build a loyal fanbase.

Shekhinah – “I Love Music” by Lebo Mathosa

Shekhinah’s reimagining of “I Love Music” by Lebo Mathosa brings her signature blend of pop, R&B, and soul to a song that celebrates joy, creativity, and the transformative power of music.

“Lebo Mathosa is one of the artists who helped shape what it means to be a powerful woman performer in South Africa,” Shekhinah said. “Recording ‘I Love Music’ felt like a chance to celebrate her legacy while paying tribute to the women who continue to inspire and open doors for the next generation.”

Born in Durban, South Africa, Shekhinah’s platinum-certified debut album Rose Gold put her on the country’s pop radar. She’s continued her evolution as an artist with recent albums Trouble In Paradise, Less Trouble, and her newest EP Love on Repeat Vol. 1.

As EQUAL enters its fifth year, the Spotify Singles series is a celebration of how far the program—and the artists it champions—have come. Women have always shaped music, and our EQUAL program is helping make sure their voices are heard around the world, today and for years to come.

Celebrate EQUAL’s five-year anniversary by checking out the EQUAL hub, where you can explore more work from women creators around the world.

Ryan Castro celebra sus raíces y su ascenso global junto a sus fans en Bogotá

June 15, 2026

Este fin de semana, Spotify reunió a Ryan Castro con algunos de sus mayores fans en Bogotá para una celebración muy especial. La noche rindió homenaje a las raíces del artista nacido en Medellín, al vínculo que ha construido con su público y a las historias que lo han llevado a convertirse en EL CANTANTE DEL GHETTO.

El show llevó a los asistentes por un recorrido musical a través de las canciones que marcaron su camino hasta convertirse en una de las figuras más importantes de la música latina en la actualidad. La noche comenzó con temas de sus primeros años como “Wasa Wasa,” “MONASTERY,” and “Jordan,” canciones que lo impulsaron desde los escenarios locales hasta los oídos de millones de personas alrededor del mundo.

El repertorio continuó con éxitos que consolidaron su lugar como una de las voces más influyentes del reggaetón colombiano, entre ellos “GHETTO STAR,” “Amor De Una Noche,” and “QUEMA.” Más adelante, “EL RITMO QUE NOS UNE,” su colaboración con la Selección Colombia de fútbol, se convirtió en un momento de unión para los asistentes y en un recordatorio del poder que tiene la música para conectar comunidades.

Pero la noche no estuvo marcada únicamente por la nostalgia. Como sorpresa para el público, Ryan presentó por primera vez “BRINCAITO”, una canción inédita que permitió a sus fans escuchar en exclusiva el próximo capítulo de su historia musical.

Ryan Castro Celebrates His Roots and Global Rise With Fans in Bogotá

June 15, 2026

This past weekend, Spotify brought Ryan Castro back to Bogotá for a special celebration with some of his biggest fans. The night paid tribute to the Medellín-born artist’s roots, the connection he’s built with his audience, and the stories that have earned him the title of EL CANTANTE DEL GHETTO (“The Singer From the Ghetto”).

The show took fans on a journey through the songs that have shaped his rise to become one of the biggest names in Latin music today. He opened the night with early tracks “Wasa Wasa,” “MONASTERY,” and “Jordan”—music that took him from local stages to listeners around the world.

The set moved through hits that helped cement his place as one of Colombian reggaetón’s most influential voices, including “GHETTO STAR,” “Amor De Una Noche,” and “QUEMA.” Later, “EL RITMO QUE NOS UNE,” his collaboration with the Colombian football team, became a moment of unity during the season and a reminder of music’s power to bring communities together.

But the night wasn’t only about nostalgia. As a surprise for the crowd, Ryan debuted “BRINCAITO” an unreleased song to give fans an exclusive first listen to the next chapter of his story.

RADAR Spotlights the Next Generation of Asian Artists, From Indonesia to Taiwan

May 5, 2026

A photo collage of Spotify RADAR Asia artists

Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world’s most exciting new sounds. This year’s RADAR artists draw from deep local roots while moving across languages, genres, and cultures.

RADAR is our global program that spotlights emerging talent, helping them build their careers by reaching new listeners and connecting more deeply with fans.

These Asian artists reflect a rich diversity of sounds from across the region—from P-pop act VVINK, fitterkarma’s genre-bending sound, Thai rock band GOODMOOD, and eńau’s intimate lo-fi folk. In Japan, there’s five-piece next-generation future soul band luv. In Taiwan, Lu Yun is building a loyal fanbase in the Mandopop scene.

And that’s just scratching the surface of what the Asian music scene offers right now.

It’s also part of a broader trend we saw in 2025: Listeners around the world are leaning into artists in this region. Last year, almost half of the Top 20 most globally streamed RADAR artists came from Asia. And according to Spotify’s Loud & Clear report, the number of languages represented in the Global Top 50 more than doubled between 2020 and 2025. Fans choose what they love, not where it’s from.

“Asia is producing some of the most-streamed emerging talent we’ve seen in RADAR history, and the passion of local fans is a huge part of that story,” said Spotify’s Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Asia. “What excites me most about these RADAR artists is their confidence—these are artists who fully own their identity, language, and culture. That authenticity is what resonates, and they represent sounds that are genuinely diverse. I honestly can’t wait for the world to discover them.”

As part of the RADAR program, each artist receives editorial amplification and tailored marketing plans designed to help them connect with new listeners within and beyond their home markets.

“It’s one thing to have my music on Spotify,” says Pami from Thailand. “It’s another to be part of their global RADAR program, having them champion my music on global editorial playlists, and sharing my craft and stories on and off platform, all year round. As an artist, the goal has always been to make music that feels honest—and to find the fans who feel it, too, wherever they are.”

Reflecting on the program, Indonesia’s dia shared: “Being part of RADAR opens up an opportunity for my music to reach more listeners. Since I produce all of my own music from scratch, it’s a really personal process for me. I’m excited to see where these tracks can go and who they might connect with. For me, it’s not just about growing the numbers, it’s about finding people who truly vibe with what I’m creating in the studio.”

Ready to meet the lineup? Discover the 2026 RADAR artists from Asia below.

RADAR Indonesia

Alisha Dira

Amanda Caesa

Betrand Putra Onsu

Stream our RADAR Indonesia playlist.

RADAR Thailand

Stream our RADAR Thailand playlist.

RADAR Philippines

Stream our RADAR Philippines playlist.

RADAR Japan

Stream our RADAR Japan (aka RADAR: Early Noise) playlist.

RADAR 新勢力

Stream our RADAR 新勢力 playlist, dedicated to the wider Mandopop space.

RADAR Hong Kong

Stream our RADAR Hong Kong playlist.

RADAR Singapore & Malaysia

NO TIME FOR SILENCE

supercatkei

WHYLUCAS

Stream our RADAR Singapore & Malaysia playlist.

The Next Wave of RADAR Spain Artists Arrives for 2026

April 21, 2026

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has been our program for spotlighting emerging artists around the world. This year marks the sixth edition of RADAR Spain, our ongoing effort to help raise the profile of the country’s rising talent.

More than 50 artists have taken part in RADAR Spain to date, including breakout names like Quevedo, SAIKO, and LUSILLON. On average, artists see their streams increase by nearly 70% one year after joining the program. Artists from the 2025 edition have seen streams grow by more than 24% so far, with Barry B leading the way at 130% growth.

Now, we’re introducing the 2026 lineup of RADAR Spain artists: Alcalá Norte, El Bobo de las 3000, Gara Durán, Metrika, and Teo Planell. We’re supporting each artist on and off platform with editorial placement, tailored marketing plans, and original content opportunities across our playlists, channels, and social media.

To celebrate the new edition, we invited top fans to an exclusive concert at Sala But in Madrid on April 20, where the full class performed live. The showcase is one of the ways we’re supporting these artists, bringing listeners closer to their stories both on and off the platform.

Spotify and Kenia Os Bring ‘K de Karma’ From Streaming to Stage With Fan-First Experiences

March 20, 2026

A new era for Kenia Os has arrived, and Spotify marked the moment by putting fans at the center. To celebrate the release of K de Karma, her fourth studio album, we created a series of experiences designed to bring the Mexican artist closer to her community, including fan-driven unlocks, exclusive events, and a live listening party.

From teaser to tracklist

The rollout brought fans along for every step. It all began before the official album announcement, when cities across Mexico woke up to a mysterious message: “K DE ____” alongside the Spotify logo. No explanation, no date, just a clue. The message sparked curiosity across the Kenini fandom. Theories spread quickly, and conversations took off on social media as fans connected the dots, shared ideas, and amplified the moment together.

The next chapter unfolded on Spotify. On the album’s Countdown Page, the tracklist was initially listed with placeholder titles: Karma No. 1, Karma No. 2, Karma No. 3. When the page reached No. 10 on Spotify’s Global Countdown Charts earlier this month, the real song titles were unlocked, with Kenia sharing exclusive clips explaining the story behind each track.

Bad Bunny to Make History in Tokyo With First-Ever Billions Club Live Performance in Asia

February 17, 2026

Following an extraordinary 2025 in which he was named Spotify’s Global Top Artist for an unprecedented fourth time (and on the heels of that halftime gig), Bad Bunny will headline the next installment of our Billions Club Live series with a special concert in Tokyo on March 7.

The event marks Bad Bunny’s first-ever performance in Asia. It’s a testament to his incredible global reach and the power of Latin music to connect with fans everywhere. Following landmark Billions Club Live performances from Ed Sheeran in Dublin, Miley Cyrus in Paris, and The Weeknd in Los Angeles, we’re proud to bring this unique concert experience to a key music market and celebrate one of the world’s most-streamed artists.

The performance is a celebration of his historic run in the Billions Club, which includes 28 tracks (and counting). Fans in Tokyo can expect a setlist packed with the billion-stream hits that have defined his career. While the show aligns with his DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS tour schedule, this is a one-night-only standalone concert—not a tour stop—held exclusively for his top listeners in Japan.

Bad Bunny songs in the Billions Club (as of February 17, 2026)

- “I Like It”
- “MIA”
- “Yonaguni”
- “DÁKITI”
- “Tití Me Preguntó”
- “Ojitos Lindos”
- “Callaita”
- “Me Porto Bonito”
- “Te Boté – Remix”
- “Efecto”
- “La Canción”
- “No Me Conoce – Remix”
- “Moscow Mule”
- “un x100to”
- “Vete”
- “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE”
- “La Santa”
- “Soltera (Remix)”
- “DtMF”
- “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
- “PERRO NEGRO”
- “Si Veo a Tu Mamá”
- “Si Estuviésemos Juntos”
- “Neverita”
- “Lo Siento BB:/”
- “QUE PRETENDES”
- “Safaera”
- “Diles”

Benito is in good company. See every artist and song that’s made it into the Billions Club on our official playlist.