Tag: Black creators

Rock On During Black Music Month With These Frequency x Spotify Singles Tracks

June 14, 2023

a compilation of song cover art featuring bands: Zulu, Meet Me @ The Altar and Jean Dawson

This June, in honor of Black Music Month, a group of talented Black rockers recorded new tracks as part of a Frequency x Spotify Singles collaboration. Pop-punk darlings Meet Me @ The Altar, hardcore/metal band Zulu, and alternative artist Jean Dawson each showcase their distinct music stylings on a reimagining of one of their original songs and a cover of another artist’s single that they love.

Frequency’s year-round program celebrates Black art, entertainment, creativity, culture, and community both on- and off-platform.

“Frequency was launched in 2021 out of the desire to create a space where listeners and creators can come together to celebrate Black expression in music. Since its inception, we’ve fostered community within diverse subgenres through marketing, editorial, and shared experiences,” explained Kimmy Summers, Lead for Artist Partnerships at Spotify.  “We take pride in our responsibility to partner and invest in artists that redefine what Black artistry looks and sounds like, and are thrilled to support the next generation of rising stars.”

These particular Spotify Singles reflect the diversity and talent within the Black music community and help expand perceptions of the range of genres in which Black artists excel.

“For this iteration of Spotify Singles, we chose to highlight Black artists making waves in Rock— whose contributions, despite the expansiveness of the genre, are not traditionally amplified,” shared Chissy Nkemere, Lead for Rock & Alternative Artist Partnerships at Spotify. “Each artist comes from a different subgenre within rock, and their distinct styles are reflected through the songs they chose and the recordings themselves.”

Get to know these musicians and check out their new Spotify Singles.

Meet Me @ The Altar is a critically acclaimed trio currently on tour for their debut album, Past // Present // Future. They put a new spin on their second single, “Kool,” and covered Kelly Clarkson’s 2003 hit “Miss Independent.” 

How did you choose and add your personal stamp to the song you’re covering?

Kelly Clarkson is an artist that we have looked up to all of our lives. Our favorite Kelly Clarkson era is the early 2000s pop rock she was serving. I mean . . . everyone loves “Since U Been Gone”! We are giving this song [Miss Independent] our personal spin by making it an even more rock ’n’ roll–leaning listen.

How does your music reflect your identity?

The music we make is the manifestation of many forces and influences throughout our lives, but primarily we would say that it’s exactly what we would’ve wanted to hear from the stage when we were kids and started experiencing live music, or playing on the radio on the way to school. It’s reaffirming for us to be able to say it’s fully authentic to what we want our sound to be. Nobody tells Meet Me @ The Altar what we have to sound like or be other than the three of us.

What advice do you have for other Black rockers?

Take up space and be yourself. Be proud of your identity, but don’t let it be the only thing people talk about. At the end of the day, your music is the most important thing. You being Black should be an afterthought, not the first thought. 

 

Zulu, whose sound blends hard-core and power-violence with elements of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and soul, recently released their first full-length album, A New Tomorrow. Their Spotify Singles are a reworking of “Shine Eternally” and a cover of  Slipknot’s “Wait and Bleed.”

How did you choose and add your personal stamp to the song you’re covering?

Honestly, some of us kind of naturally thought of either Slipknot or System Of A Down for some reason, and we ended up going with Slipknot. It’s funny how we all naturally shared that same thought. 

How does your music reflect your identity?

It’s a musical representation of my identity—it is who I am, and no matter what I make, it’s represented. Different styles of music are just different aspects of my identity. 

What advice do you have for other Black rockers?

Don’t let anyone tell you this music isn’t for you, or that you’re playing white-people music. Our ancestors made it possible for this music to exist, and we can’t let people take that away from us.

 

Jean Dawson is a Black and Mexican musician and visual artist whose most recent album CHAOS NOW* debuted in 2022. He reimagined his track “PORN ACTING*” and covered “Window Shopper” by 50 Cent for his Spotify Singles. 

How did you choose and add your personal stamp to the song you’re covering?

“I’ve always looked at this song as a rock song, so I decided I would take it there and add my twist to it. People fail to realize that 50 Cent was an innovator in being hyper melodic while doing a format of music that was known for being more rhythmic. I have always seen him as being very punk rock. 

Jemele Hill and Spotify Partner on The Unbothered Network to Elevate Black Female Voices—And Bring Season 3 of ‘Unbothered’ to Listeners

June 25, 2021

In 2019, award-winning journalist, culture critic, and multihyphenate creator Jemele Hill joined the Spotify lineup with her own Spotify Original Podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Now, she’s expanding her exclusive partnership with Spotify with two big moves: a third season of the critically acclaimed show—and her very own podcast network. 

The Unbothered Network 

Jemele’s new groundbreaking podcast and production company, The Unbothered Network, seeks to elevate the voices, stories, agency, and nuance of Black women, an audience she feels is often chronically underserved across all mediums. Jemele will be working in partnership with Spotify and her longtime representative Evan Dick (Exit 39). Together, this powerhouse team of creatives and executives will create premium content that drives conversations and builds community, all through the power and intimacy of podcasting. Spotify, Jemele, and her production company, Lodge Freeway Media, will identify and develop new exciting series for the Network.

“The Unbothered Network is more than just a content hub—it’s a space where Black women can hopefully see their full selves,” says Jemele. “There’s so much about the lives of Black women that hasn’t been fully explored, and so many of our stories have either been dismissed or overlooked. I’m also proud of this network because it not only centers Black women, but it’s also run by Black women. We can’t empower Black women if we’re not positioning them in leadership roles.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with the incomparable Jemele Hill,” says Courtney Holt, Head of Studios and Video, Spotify. “An acclaimed journalist, storyteller, podcaster, and creative—whose bold and authentic takes on social politics, sports, and culture have shined a spotlight on topics that are often overlooked. We can’t wait for her to continue her podcast and bring new and diverse talent to her network that amplifies and strengthens the voices of this important community.”

Jemele’s team of creatives and executives at The Unbothered Network include award-winning journalist Christina M. Tapper as Executive Producer & Head of Content, and Webby award-winning Creator/Producer Rich Boerner as Head of Operations and Production.

“I’m beyond grateful and excited to join Jemele and Spotify in building an audio home where Black women are primary,” says Christina. “I’m energized by the work of creating an expansive portfolio of premium podcasts for Black women listeners and by Black women creators at The Unbothered Network. We’ll tap into a variety of formats and genres to do just that.”

Unbothered Podcast Season 3

To top it off, the third season of Jemele’s podcast Jemele Hill is Unbothered is set to debut June 28. This installment of the critical and thought-provoking show is sure to stand up among its previous seasons. And the first guests? Singer-songwriter-actor Mary J. Blige, singer-songwriter Jill Scott, and actor Michael B. Jordan.

As an arbiter of culture and a storyteller, Jemele is a pioneer in the audio space who has continued to expand her reach and global audience. Whether breaking down difficult conversations about national discourse, racial inequality, gender equity, activism, politics, entertainment, or cancel culture, Jemele isn’t afraid to have an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real time as it unfolds.

Tune into Season 3 of Jemele Hill is Unbothered, free on Spotify June 28.

Building Momentum Around Black Creators in Honor of Black Music Month and Juneteenth

June 17, 2021

Last June, Spotify celebrated Black Music Month, spotlit the protests around George Floyd’s death, and commemorated Juneteenth on-platform by highlighting the musical and cultural contributions of Black creators throughout history. Over the past year, we’ve continued that conversation on- and off-platform through initiatives like Frequency. And now, as we approach Juneteenth and Black Music Month once again, we’re using the holidays as a checkpoint to ensure we are showing up for Black creators and fans year-round. 

June 19, or Juneteenth, is Emancipation Day in the U.S. The holiday commemorates the start of emancipation for those who had been enslaved in the country. Juneteenth also coincides with Black Music Month, held during the month of June. These two dates mark a historic time for reflecting on and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and impact of the Black community on music and culture. 

However, the work does not end there. Through playlist and podcast curation, Spotify is hoping to encourage music fans to discover, celebrate, and elevate the creative contributions of Black artists on Juneteenth, throughout Black Music Month, and always.

All-Black artist takeovers

Starting on June 18 and continuing through June 24, we’ll be highlighting Black artists exclusively on our flagship New Music Friday playlist in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Spotify’s New Music Friday billboards in the U.S. and Canada will be dedicated only to Black artists that day. We’ll also be featuring all Black artists on our Spotify flagship playlists and on the cover art, including favorites like RapCaviar, Are&Be, Today’s Top Hits, ¡Viva Latino!, Mint, Hot Country, POLLEN, Lorem, Ultimate Indie, Indigo, and more. 

Spotify Opens Doors for More Underrepresented Podcasters Through New Sound Up Programs

March 31, 2021

Diversity has long been a weak point for podcasting. Yet in order for this golden age of audio to truly shine, it has to include all of us. That’s why, several years ago, Spotify created Sound Up, a global program that gives underrepresented podcasters the tools to boost their platforms and build their own shows. 

You may already listen to some of these beloved shows, perhaps getting your science fix from Dope Labs by U.S. grant recipient Titi Shodiya and cohost Zakiya Whatley or exploring topics you’ve been too shy to look up yourself on Search Engine Sex by Indigenous Australian creator Rowdie Walden. Most recently, plenty of listeners flocked to play You Heard Me Write from U.S. participant Kacie Willis, propelling the creative new format to the 17th slot on Spotify’s Trending Podcasts USA chart.

And there’s plenty more where those came from. A few weeks ago during Spotify Stream On, our Sound Up Global Lead, Natalie Tulloch, announced that in 2021, we’ll be growing our program from 6 to 14 countries—enabling us to support an additional 140+ emerging creators this year alone. 

“The bigger the Sound Up alumni group grows, the more powerful we become,” Sound Up alum and Dope Labs cohost Titi said. 

The new programs include a Latinx U.S. program focused on creating Spanish-language or multilingual podcasts for an ever-growing Spanish-speaking U.S. audience, female creators in India, and lower-income youth from large urban centers in Argentina. Sound Up will also launch in Mexico, Spain, and Italy later this year. 2021 will mark its third year in Germany as well.

But these new programs aren’t the only news for podcasters to get excited about. Spotify also wants to offer opportunities and support to members of underserved communities aspiring to careers as podcast producers, sound engineers, and other behind-the-scenes roles in podcasting. So today, we’re also announcing Behind the Mic, a new apprenticeship program coming later this year to support aspiring Black podcast producers. 

The year-long paid apprenticeship will be led by Behind The Mic Lead Christabel Nsiah-Buadi, an award-winning radio producer, podcaster, and writer. She will oversee the three Black producers chosen for the program. They will get to enjoy a rotational program among show teams and producorial roles, as well as attend a weekly virtual class to refine skills and get exposure to the business and industry. Finally, they’ll each create, produce, and edit a podcast about their experience in the program. This year, two apprentices will be placed: one at Gimlet Studios in New York and another at Spotify Studios in Los Angeles. After the rotation, they will become permanent Spotify employees. 

“I am so thrilled that we will be able to support a yearlong education program and support more creators globally,” says Natalie. “We hope to expand the numbers of participants in the Behind the Mic program and the studios they’re able to work in. This is just the beginning.” 

Speaking of expansion, we’ll also be rolling out a version of Behind the Mic in Australia to Indigenous and First Nations producers in the coming months. But ahead of that, the Sound Up program in its original form is also returning to Australia in 2021. 

Aspiring podcasters who identify as First Nations (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander) are invited to apply for the four-week virtual podcasting program to be held from May 31 to – June 25, 2021. The Sound Up 2021 program will be facilitated by Travis De Vries and Brooke Scobie from Awesome Black. 

Do you have a great idea for a podcast? Apply now. No experience necessary. 

Honoring Black History Month by Spotlighting Black Creators and Culture

February 1, 2021

From celebrating Black Music Month in June to a Burna Boy takeover for Nigerian Independence Day last fall, Spotify is committed to celebrating and amplifying Black voices year-round. 

This February, in honor of Black History Month, we’re continuing to recognize and uplift the rich history and voices of the Black community through guest-curated playlist takeovers, brand-new podcasts, and more on our Black History Is Now hub. Read on to learn more.

Spotlight on Black photographers

In an effort to showcase a wide spectrum of Black talent, Spotify is licensing the work of seven Black photographers to curate specialty cover art for our eight key Black playlists. For example, the Black History Salute playlist, which shares work from poets, features photography from Shawn Theodore. Sound Stories: Black Music, a podcast playlist that contains a collection of stories that go behind the scenes of iconic artists and songs, presents the work of photographer Adreinne Waheed. 

Spotify’s Virtual Notting Hill Carnival Microsite Amplifies Black Creators Like Never Before

August 19, 2020

London’s annual Notting Hill Carnival is a 54-year-old celebration of the United Kingdom’s Caribbean community, and it’s often filled with parades, food, and, of course, music. Due to this year’s social distancing recommendations, the Carnival’s in-person events are on hold, but the art and culture of the U.K.’s Black creative community can be heard just as loudly as Notting Hill Carnival goes online. As an official partner for Notting Hill Carnival 2020, Spotify is excited to share our dedicated Carnival microsite, with a full virtual musical lineup, playlist takeovers, art experiences, and more.

That’s right: The party isn’t stopping; it’s just moving from the streets into your home. Our new microsite is filled with playlist takeovers from big names, and it gives fans a chance to explore over 40 of the official Notting Hill Carnival sound systems and on-the-road DJs who spin dub, reggae, soca, soulful house and everything in between. Plus, we’ll be featuring an exclusive portrait and film gallery from renowned photographer Ekua King, podcast episodes covering Carnival’s rich history and a look forward, and ways to tune into live events throughout the weekend.

“Notting Hill Carnival is such an important celebration of Caribbean heritage for communities in London and beyond—enriched in tradition and activism and lived through music and dance,” says Sulinna Ong, Head of Music at Spotify U.K. and Ireland. “While it can’t take place in its usual way, it’s key that the celebration continue—in homes, living rooms and gardens—especially given the current climate.”

Learn how you can celebrate Carnival through some of Spotify’s microsite features.

Playlist takeovers

We’ve worked with some of the U.K.’s leading Black creators in music, film, and entertainment to help guide fans through some of our most popular playlists, which will be dedicated to Notting Hill Carnival for the long weekend event. Fans can enjoy:

  • Lockdown success story No Signal’s take on Who We Be, the U.K.’s biggest hip-hop, Afrobeat, dancehall and R&B playlist
  • The legendary Marleys, who will help fans jam along to One Love
  • Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s compilation of tunes for Throwback Thursday
  • Everything from reggae legends to the new school as Koffee introduces our Irie playlist
  • Spice, the Jamaican dancehall artist and star of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’s Dancehall Queen takeover

Notting Hill Carnival sound systems

Our microsite also gives fans the chance to explore over 40 of the official Notting Hill Carnival sound systems (aka large DJ booths) and on-the-road DJs. Check in with King Tubby’s, Carnival’s oldest sound; Rampage Sound, one of Carnival’s most coveted spots, the prince of U.K. soca, Martin Jay; and even Carnival’s only all-female sound system, Seduction City Sound.

“Last year I celebrated 25 years of being the only female sound system in Carnival,” says Lady Banton of Seduction City Sound. “I’m a woman and a Black woman, and I’m proud to be a Black woman. I’m also a child of the Windrush generation, so we never forget. I thought, ‘What a relief I am here again.’”

Exclusive photo and film gallery from Ekua King

Just as the in-person Carnival has music and art to boot, so will the microsite, thanks to exclusive work from Ekua King. The renowned London-based photographer of Jamaican heritage who shoots for the likes of i-D, Paper, and Vogue, has created an exclusive photo and film gallery on the site. Check out her stunning portraiture of the over 40 sound systems and on-the-road DJs, whose stories come to life through her shots.