Tag: Courtney Holt

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.

Spotify Studios Announces ‘Noisemakers’ in Partnership with TIME’S UP

March 29, 2019

Safe, fair, and dignified work for all women doesn’t sound like a lot to ask for. And yet, for many women of various backgrounds and identities, this is not the case. Today, Spotify is announcing Noisemakers, a new podcast intended to spark timely conversations about these important issues. The six-part podcast series from Spotify Studios was developed in partnership with TIME’S UP. The first episode will be released March 29.

The series, hosted by comedian/writers Chelsea Devantez and Ashley Nicole Black, will bring together women across social, cultural, and economic divides to examine the impact of harassment, gender inequality, and pay inequity in the workplace for women.

Each episode will feature a female celebrity conducting an interview with another woman about an experience that demands examination given the cultural reckoning with inequality that TIME’S UP has helped drive. Together, they will discuss how they are individually dealing with these issues, and how their voices can help others fight similar battles. The hosts will utilize their trademark wit to create an inviting backdrop for interviews conducted by celebrity activists including Jessica Chastain, Padma Lakshmi, Janet Mock, and Karla Souza.

“TIME’S UP has been one of the most important, powerful conversations of the last year,” said Courtney Holt, Head of Spotify Studios. “We are thrilled to be partnering together for Noisemakers to further support the mission and provide a platform for women from all walks of life to voice their thoughts on this critical issue.”

“TIME’S UP is all about making change by raising our voices and inspiring action,” said Rachel Terrace, Chief Marketing Officer of TIME’S UP. “With this podcast, Spotify is shining a bright spotlight on major issues that impact women across industries and geographies and helping us to be even louder in our calls for change. We’re grateful for their partnership.”

Each thirty-minute episode will be available for all users on Spotify. Listen to the first episode below.

Jemele Hill is Unbothered

January 8, 2019

There are no shortage of podcasts to listen to on Spotify—from the hundreds of NPR titles now on our platform, to the release of the Amy Schumer, Guy Raz, and Joe Budden shows, there’s something for everyone.

So it’s only fitting that today at CES, our Head of Spotify Studios Courtney Holt sat down with Jemele Hill, former chief correspondent and senior columnist for ESPN’s The Undefeated and Emmy Award winning journalist, to discuss how creators are leveraging podcasts to build connections with new audiences, explore the creative spectrum, and reinvent their personal brands. They also chatted about the overall evolution of podcasting into a powerful, authentic storytelling device.

During the discussion, Hill announced that she’ll be telling her own story—and joining the Spotify lineup with her own original podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered.

Jemele Hill and Courtney Holt

Coming to Spotify on Mondays and Thursdays starting this March, Jemele Hill is Unbothered will feature Hill and her co-hosts along with a rotating cast of high-profile guests. On the podcast, Hill will explore the news of the week and the intersectionality between the worlds of sports, politics, music, identity and culture. Jemele Hill is Unbothered is an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real-time as it unfolds, only on Spotify.

Thanks to her 12 years at ESPN as a leading voice providing content and commentary for their digital, television and audio platforms, Hill is no stranger to to these topics.

“Spotify and I are very like-minded,” Hill says. “We both believe in being bold and authentic. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stretch myself in a much different way, with a support system that I believe will bring out the best in me. I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with Spotify’s many listeners across the world.”

Each 60-75 minute episode of Jemele Hill is Unbothered will delve into the issues that matter—from athletes speaking out about race, to Usher’s new perm. The conversations with current newsmakers will be personal and memorable.

“Jemele is an important voice in sports, race, culture, and politics, and their intersection in media,” says Holt. “She will bring her unique point of view to our platform with this podcast, which is sure to be a favorite of listeners with diverse interests and viewpoints.”

Spotify now has more than 200 million users worldwide, but with the ever-growing catalog of podcasts available, each one is sure to find a story that captivates them.

 

Hill is represented by Exit 39, CAA, and Jackoway Tyerman.

Culture: Now Streaming, Live from CES

January 8, 2019

Every January, tech companies, marketers, publishers, and media agencies converge in Las Vegas, Nevada, at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). It’s a marquee opportunity for creative and technology leaders to set the stage for—and get a glimpse of—what’s in store for the year ahead.

Spotify, founded on innovation, is no stranger to the annual event. In fact, our activations at CES (not to mention the Cannes Lions Festival, as well as dozens of other stages over the past six years) showcase our commitment to the constant we’ve built our business upon: change. This year, we’ll once again be part of the CES mix, highlighting the latest innovative and effective ad opportunities for our brand partners.

‘The Joe Budden Podcast’ Lands Exclusive Partnership with Spotify

August 22, 2018

The Joe Budden Podcast, a top music podcast and go-to listen for hip-hop and rap culture enthusiasts, has teamed up with Spotify to bring the wildly popular series exclusively to the streaming service beginning September 12.

Since its inception, The Joe Budden Podcast has subsequently published over 175 weekly episodes; not only topping the podcast charts, but achieving a steady and fevered growth. Each week, listeners are welcomed into a raw, opinionated, and enthusiastic dialogue with Joe and his co-hosts Rory and Mal, as they discuss hip-hop music and news, conduct interviews with artists and cultural luminaries, and touch base on cultural events through their own unique and unfiltered lenses.

Beginning September 12, 2018, The Joe Budden Podcast will bring its hugely influential series exclusively to Spotify, doubling the number of episodes for the podcast. New episodes will drop every Wednesday and Saturday of each week.

“I’d like to thank Spotify for this tremendous opportunity to take The Joe Budden Podcast and podcasting in general to heights never before seen,” Joe says. “Our partnership is extremely humbling for me and adds yet another chapter to a career full of plot twists. This highlights a new way of thinking & a corporate ‘head nod’ to the shift taking place before our very eyes. I’m even more thrilled to embark on this journey with some of my closest friends and people I love. The podcast has been a great amplifier for my voice but fast growing into a platform for more and more artists to share their own personal feelings, stories and experiences. I’m anxious to get started and optimistic about what’s to come. While companies are spending endless amounts of dollars and research to find out what consumers want, how they want it and who they want it from, we’re in an space where all you have to do is listen to the people. Again, thank you Spotify for listening.”

Joe first became known to mainstream audiences with his self-titled 2003 debut album, which featured the Grammy-nominated hit “Pump It Up.” While continuing to release music, both as a solo artist and as a member of hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, he also began his career as a broadcaster and media personality, hosting Complex’s popular Everyday Struggle, co-starring on VH1’s Love & Hip: New York, and founding his own eponymously titled podcast.

Joe, Rory, and Mal

This partnership represents a major addition to the already broad slate of exclusive original audio and video content available to hip-hop fans on Spotify, including the RapCaviar enhanced playlist, vertical music videos and podcasts like Dissect, Microphone Check, and Good As Hell.

“As we continue to expand and diversify our content slate, teaming up with The Joe Budden Podcast is an exciting move for Spotify,” says Courtney Holt, Head of Spotify Studios. “We can’t wait to bring Joe’s loyal fans more of what they already love, and offer the opportunity for new hip-hop fans to discover him and listen.”

The Joe Budden Podcast will exclusively premiere two new episodes on Spotify weekly. In addition, Joe’s back-catalog of podcasts will be available on Spotify starting August 22 and will continue to be available on all channels where it has previously been distributed. You can listen here.

Spotify Studios Launches Season 3 of Critically Acclaimed Dissect Podcast

May 15, 2018

Dissect is Now Officially a Spotify Original Podcast Series

Dissect, the podcast music enthusiasts, culture vultures, and sonic super nerds are virtually obsessed with, is now an official member of Spotify Studios’ Original Podcast portfolio. Dissect, launched in 2017 and created and hosted by Cole Cuchna, is a serialized music podcast that highlights one album per season, analyzing the meaning, social context and purpose of one song per episode. Dissect Season 3, which launched on Spotify today, will focus on acclaimed artist, songwriter, and producer Frank Ocean’s 2016 studio album, Blonde.

“Dissect spotlights the artist’s genius and listeners learn to appreciate the music on a whole new level, even if the album was released years ago,” said Cole Cuchna, Audio Originals and Podcasts at Spotify. “Spotify has provided another outlet for fans to indulge in music education and learn about artists they are passionate about or for some, artists they have yet to discover.”

Cole Cuchna, Audio Originals and Podcasts at Spotify and host of Dissect

 

Listen to the trailer here.

In the previous two podcast seasons, listeners dove into the historical and sociological contexts behind Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Kanye West’s My BeautifuL Dark Twisted Fantasy. Available exclusively on Spotify for the first week of release, Cuchna will explore various themes in Blonde,including the complexities of love, childhood, sexuality, authenticity, independence, nostalgia and coming of age.

Giving podcast fans an exclusive first-listen through Spotify is part of the platform’s ongoing commitment to being an audio-first platform.

“We are excited to have Dissect become part of Spotify as we continue to focus on the emerging premium audio landscape,” said Courtney Holt, Head of Studios and Video, Spotify. “A burgeoning cultural phenomenon, Dissect takes its listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of artist’s creative journey. Cole Cuchna is a rare talent and we look forward to seeing what he comes up with in Season 3 and beyond.”

The Season 3 podcast, which encompasses 17 episodes and over 10 hours of audio content, starts out by focusing on Frank’s early career, beginning with his upbringing, transition from songwriter to solo artist, and release of Channel Orange. The latter episodes dive into the unmatched, track-by-track lyrical and musical analysis of Blond. The podcast showcases the genius that is Frank Ocean by examining his beloved lyrical storytelling and exploring how he creates his musical environments. The season finale, will culminate with thoughts directly from Dissect listeners on their thoughts on the album.

The goal of Dissect is to illuminate the artistry and cultural impact of contemporary musical masterworks. Eternally relevant and inventive, Frank Ocean’s Blonde is a natural addition to the mix.

Fans can tune-in to Season 3 here.