Tag: blake shelton

Gwen Stefani Joined Spotify for Our 2021 Wrapped Party—and Shared What She Streamed This Year

December 15, 2021

Photo credit: DiPPLE/BRUISER PICTURES

Last night in LA, Spotify hosted A Totally Normal Party for 2021 featuring audio activations, Wrapped-themed merch, DJs mixing their sets, and a performance from the one and only Gwen Stefani. For the Record was lucky enough to grab Gwen backstage to ask a few questions around her busy year and Spotify Wrapped, and we even got her to share a message to the loyal fans who found the artist in their own Wrapped results.

You’ve had a standout year on Spotify, with a 36% increase in streams over 2020. What were some of the events and moments from this year you want to bring with you into 2022?

Some of my favorite musical moments of last year was being able to put out new music. I released “Slow Clap (with Saweetie)” at the beginning of the year. I also got to go back to Vegas to do my “Just A Girl” residency. What a blessing it has been to be able to do those shows—I never thought I’d have a residency in Vegas! This year, I’ve also been back in the studio and writing a lot, so in 2022 I’m looking forward to releasing new music. 

Photo credit: DiPPLE/BRUISER PICTURES

As an iconic artist with a long history, how do you use tools like 2021 Wrapped for Artists and Spotify for Artists to help you stay engaged with longtime and new fans? 

I love seeing where people are listening from, what they’re listening to, and how they’re finding me—it’s always changing and amazing to see. Like the fact that I can see how many people in the world are listening to my music right now? That’s awesome.

Who were some of the artists you listened to on repeat this year? How about playlists and podcasts?

This year, I married my best friend, Blake Shelton. He wrote a song for me when we got married, “We Can Reach the Stars.” So I’ve been listening to a lot of country music. I also love Post Malone. 

My most listened-to playlist of 2021 was probably New Music Friday. When I’m working out, I use that time to find new music that I like. 

Over the last few years, my favorite daily podcast has been Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope podcast. I’m all about physical exercise for my mental health and spiritual exercise for my heart.

Photo credit: DiPPLE/BRUISER PICTURES

As a part of No Doubt, you gave the world several girl-power anthems that still resonate today. Are you seeing the same type of female empowerment happening in lyrics now? 

There are going to be certain artists that are always honest and truthful no matter what gender they are. Those are the types of songs that really speak to people. When I wrote songs, I wasn’t consciously trying to influence anyone to be empowered because of my gender. I was just speaking my truth and what I saw and felt. There was no agenda and there was no plan. There are always going to be artists that are genuinely speaking from their hearts, and I definitely see some of those artists out there today.

What do you want to say to everyone who had you on their 2021 Spotify Wrapped?

Thank you for listening to my music all these years. I would not be me without you. 

Stream Gwen Stefani’s latest EP, Just A Girl, below.

Spotify House Brings Together The Hottest Lineup at Nashville’s CMA Fest 2019

May 22, 2019

The Country Music Association’s CMA Fest in Nashville, TN is country music’s biggest annual gathering. This year, Spotify is back at the fest with a stellar lineup to satisfy every country music fan’s cravings.  

From Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, Spotify will return to Blake Shelton’s and Opry Entertainment Group’s restaurant and music venue, Ole Red, to host ‘Spotify House’ complete with an exceptional lineup of emerging artists, established stars, country music icons and special surprise guests throughout the weekend. The curated set is a collaboration between Spotify, The Grand Ole Opry, and Ole Red.  

The Spotify House daytime schedule will run from 11:30am to 7:00pm. Nightly headlining shows and late-night jam sessions will be scheduled from 7:30pm to 2:00am. All shows will be open to the public and space will be limited to first-come, first-served.

Spotify House will bring together a remarkable group of artists to celebrate everything country, from the sound to the ability to connect the past, present, and future of the country music community. Spotify continues to offer fans and artists truly unique experiences and showcases a deep commitment to country music and its dedicated fans, through both live performances of established country stars, or helping fans discover new and unexpected talent.

Spotify House 2019 lineup highlights will include:

  • Breakout music star Lil Nas X, who took the music world by storm with his country chart-topping hit “Old Town Road,” will perform during CMA Fest at the new Spotify House nighttime rooftop series.
  • Returning headliners, rollicking country trio Midland, who will perform songs from their hit debut album On the Rocks (Big Machine Records), alongside new material from their upcoming second album, including the new single “Mr. Lonely.”
  • Country music legend and ten-time Grammy nominee Tanya Tucker, who will thrill fans with an headlining appearance.
  • ACM Award winners and CMA Award nominees Old Dominion, who will bring their trademark blend of old-fashioned country music and rock n’ roll grit.
  • Talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, five-time Grammy nominee, and CMA Award winner Hunter Hayes returning as a headliner for the second year in a row.
  • American Idol runner-up and CMA Award nominee Lauren Alaina as a headliner.
  • 2019 CMT Music Award-nominated country music duo Maddie & Tae, who are currently on tour opening for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360.

Other standouts acts including Chris Young, Morgan Evans, Tenille Townes, Emily Ann Roberts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Filmore, James Barker Band, Cassadee Pope, and many more.

For full schedule and lineup updates at Ole Red visit https://olered.com/nashville/spotify/.

Get ready for CMA Fest with the Ole Red playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX6HIvDVo75RY?si=rfHFkYKjRzmTHcbJY8Xnbw