Tag: creator equity fund

NextGen Partners With Howard University Professor Nikole Hannah-Jones on Student Podcasting Course

April 17, 2024

At Spotify, we want to equip student creators with the tools and resources needed to harness their creativity and shape the future of audio. Our NextGen program, which is sponsored by the Creator Equity Fund (CEF), is designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast culture on college campuses across the country. 

Spotify NextGen recently partnered with Howard University and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones, Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, to create a special podcasting course. The result is 1619: The College Edition, a dynamic, three-episode series produced entirely by the class. In the podcast, the students apply their unique lens to what they learned from studying Professor Hannah-Jones’ book, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, and make compelling connections to the ways that slavery still impacts lives today.

Kristin Jarrett, Lead, Equity Diversity & Impact at Spotify, said, “The NextGen program brings podcast culture directly to college campuses and encourages educators to take an audio-first approach to their curriculum. In partnering with HBCUs around the country, Spotify is addressing the access gap to the audio industry by providing the next generation of audio storytellers with resources and skills needed to kickstart a career in audio. We’re proud of the partnership with Howard University, and of the student-produced podcast that was made during the semester—it exemplifies the power of podcasts as a meaningful way to share stories and experiences that may otherwise go unheard.”

To celebrate the launch of the podcast, Spotify NextGen held a listening party on April 16 on Howard University’s campus. Howard’s 2024 NextGen Scholar, Karys Hylton—a sophomore journalism major—was also notified of her $10,000 Spotify NextGen scholarship live at the event.

‘Paving the Way’ for Spotify’s NextGen Scholarship Recipients

March 27, 2024

Spotify is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and that starts with empowering the creators who will shape our industry’s future.

NextGen is Spotify’s ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast and creator culture on college campuses. Through our Creator Equity Fund (CEF), we’ve expanded NextGen to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) including Spelman College, Howard University, Hampton University, and now North Carolina A&T State University.

This year, the program has funded $50,000 in scholarships to students at North Carolina A&T State University interested in pursuing careers in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. NextGen programming helps promote new and different voices, stories, and perspectives and provides students with the skills to pursue their dreams.

After a competitive selection process, we are excited to announce this year’s scholarship recipients: Armani Ross, Christén Davis, Chrysta Nichols, Emery Whipple, and Nicole Neal. Learn more about these talented students and their aspirations.

Armani Ross (she/her)

Junior, Mass Media Production Major

 

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?

The scholarship opportunities pave the way for students to continue to network and learn—not only from professors but also from each other, especially at an HBCU like A&T. This school is filled with so many creative individuals and the learning opportunities help students expand and execute their ideas.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?

Ava DuVernay and Issa Rae. As a Black woman in film, they’ve both paved the way and have truly been an inspiration. I admire their filmmaking and storytelling of Black lives, whether it’s a documentary like Colin in Black and White or a film like Insecure. I would love to learn how they select shots or aesthetics—and why—to tell a compelling story and make it relatable to the audience.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

I’m still working on finding my “look” when it comes to producing and directing films. With time and learning from my mistakes, I hope that one day when people see a film of mine, they will know that it’s my work because it’s different from others.

What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?

The Legendary Labels playlist series. 

What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?

On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?

Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Christén Davis (she/her)

Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?

Opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen program help students in ways that go far beyond what words can measure, bringing passionate individuals from both underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds into the professional world. It’s a great blessing to have programs which provide resources for education and professional growth. It can often be what makes the difference in whether or not a student is able to graduate from a university.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?

Issa Rae and AMP (the YouTube creative group) inspire me the most, and I would enjoy collaborating with either of them. But if I had to choose ONE, I would pick Issa Rae, because I see myself in her work. She has created TV shows that make me feel seen and heard, not just as a Black woman, but as an awkward and slightly nerdy one, too. That kind of content is rare to find. Issa is truly an innovator.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

I hope to travel to countries where economic crises are prevalent to document those issues and raise awareness through the media. Internationally, populations of people are struggling to survive in their environments due to war, poverty, deadly hunger, and more. After my family and I faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was motivated to work toward this philanthropic goal.

What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?

I love the playlist Chill Hits! Calm music and chill beats are definitely my kind of vibe.

What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?

Ted Talks Daily is my favorite Spotify podcast. There is something special about being able to strengthen yourself with knowledge by listening to experts.

What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?

The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn. I love the Bridgerton love stories!

Chrysta Nichols (she/her)

Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?

As a journalism student deeply immersed in the realms of media and marketing, I see firsthand the transformative power of initiatives like Spotify’s NextGen scholarships for students attending HBCUs. These opportunities are not just about financial assistance; they symbolize a pathway to empowerment and representation within industries where diversity and inclusion are paramount. By offering support to HBCU students, companies like Spotify are not only investing in individual futures but also championing a broader narrative of equity and access. 

Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?

Dearra Taylor, Isimeme Edeko, and Issa Rae are creators of color who embody authenticity and staying true to oneself, which I deeply resonate with. If I could collaborate with any of them, I would choose Isimeme Edeko. As someone who has personally struggled with confidence and representation as a dark-skinned Black woman as a young girl, Isimeme’s journey and the unapologetic celebration of her identity have been instrumental in helping me embrace my voice and create content that reflects my truth.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

One thing I hope to achieve personally and professionally as a creator is to have my content resonate with the masses and leave a lasting impact on individuals through digital media. Through my platform, The Resonate Effect, dedicated to amplifying and uplifting Black voices, I aim to not only entertain but also advocate for causes relevant to underrepresented communities. I aspire to use my voice and platform to bring awareness to important topics and inspire action in combating challenges faced by marginalized groups.

What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?

My favorite Spotify playlist is RapCaviar. Growing up in Atlanta has deeply influenced my passion for media and entertainment. RapCaviar not only features some of my favorite artists but also serves as a cultural hub, reflecting the vibrant energy and creativity of the Atlanta music scene. Whether I’m looking for new music to fuel my creativity or simply something to vibe to, RapCaviar never fails to deliver the perfect soundtrack for any moment. 

What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?

My favorite Spotify podcast is The Mallory Bros Podcast. I’ve been a dedicated listener for years, having followed their YouTube channel for over five years now. The podcast offers a diverse range of perspectives on life, music, relationships, and various topics relevant to the Black community. It serves as a safe space for me to enjoy insightful discussions and engage with different viewpoints.

What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?

My favorite Spotify audiobook is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first audiobook I ever listened to. Diving into its wisdom and teachings marked the beginning of my journey to self-discovery and personal growth as a woman. It has added profound insights and practical guidance for living a fulfilling and authentic life which I live by.

Emery Whipple (she/her)

Freshman, Public Relations Major (Minor in Public Health)

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?

As a young African American woman, I can confidently say that colleges and universities house the creative souls and brilliant minds that are vital to the success of our communities. We have the ideas and the brain power needed to change the world for generations to come. However, we are not always granted the opportunities, resources, and financial assistance necessary for our dreams to become our reality. These opportunities build a foundation for young Black students like me and create spaces for us to grow into our prospective career concentration.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?

My creator of choice is Tabitha Brown. Tab has been my “standard” for as long as my social impact journey began. She embodies so much grace, love, and positivity through media, which isn’t seen or appreciated as much as it should be. I believe that who she is, and what she stands for, brings so much peace to the world, especially the African American community.  

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

I’ve always seen the need for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in communities all around the world. My experiences with domestic and international community service projects and conversations with those who have been affected by the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical, technical, and production industries helped me discover that my calling is to seek solutions to break these barriers.

What is your favorite Spotify playlist?

My favorite Spotify playlist is composed of old R&B songs featuring artists like: Aaliyah, 2Pac, Monica, and USHER

What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?

My absolute favorite Spotify podcast is In Totality with Megan Ashley.

What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?

My favorite Spotify audiobook is The Darkened Light of Faith by Melvin L. Rogers. 

Nicole Neal (she/her)

Sophomore, Mass Media Journalism Major

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?

These opportunities can help HBCU students by providing financial help to students in need, and helping students learn more in the industries of music and content creation.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?

Issa Rae and Aliyah Simoné.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

I want to be able to make content in a consistent manner and still have amazing quality.

What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?

R&B Study.

Talk That Talk Winners Koku and Mariah Dish on Their New Podcast, Pitching at CultureCon, and the Hottest African Music Trends

December 15, 2023

In October, Spotify was front and center at CultureCon New York, a weekend-long event that made space for creators of color to talk, hang, and network. Along with hosting the official CultureCon playlist, Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund showcased its commitment to diverse creators by cohosting CultureCon’s inaugural Talk That Talk podcast pitch contest, offering the winner the chance to record their pilot episode at Spotify Studios in Brooklyn, NY, as well as mentorship from a producer for the first episode.

Talk That Talk’s finalists pitched their ideas to a live CultureCon audience, and afterwards our panel of judges selected the winner: Ghanaian creators Koku and Mariah. Their show, In The Mix, looks at the rise of Afrobeats as a global phenomenon while examining the ways it has influenced—and been influenced by—the rest of the African music landscape.

And after months of hard work, we’re thrilled to announce that the first episode of In The Mix is ready for the world to stream.

For the Record sat down with the duo before the launch of In The Mix to talk about the experience, their aspirations for the series, and the trends in African music that excite them most.

What was it like to record the first episode of In The Mix at Spotify Studios?

Mariah: It was very cool. I’ve never really been in the studio before. So having the camera, the mics—I was feeling pretty important. But it was a little nerve-wracking in terms of making sure that I asked the right questions, stuck to our narrative, and made the best use of our opportunity. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing and we’re very grateful.

Koku: I’d also say this was much, much different than recording in my home. I can be in my own room, no one is there, and it’s not as big of a deal if I make a mistake. So there was a bit of pressure at the beginning, but after the first five minutes, it was great and it just felt like a conversation.

Was there a single “a-ha moment” that inspired In The Mix, or was this an idea that you’d been mulling over for a while?

Mariah: This has definitely been years in the making. Koku has another podcast where he talks about soccer with his friends, and that inspired me. I was like, “Oh it would be fun to start a podcast.” We just were never able to find the time—our schedules were crazy back then. So when I saw the pitch competition on the CultureCon page, it felt like the stars were aligning. We decided to submit a pitch at the last minute. And when we were chosen as finalists, it was like, “Okay, this is something that the universe and God is telling us that we have to do.” 

What fresh perspectives do you want to bring to podcasting with your show?

Koku: I don’t think there are too many podcasts dissecting African music or trying to do it in the manner that we are. Most African music history has been word-of-mouth—almost like folktales. And the cool thing about podcasting is that you can record those sorts of conversations and they live online for years to come. It’s time for us to own that narrative, and we hope that African artists will come to In The Mix to have those conversations.

Mariah: We really want In The Mix to be research based and [to] share actual knowledge about our continent and country. But we also want it to be fun. We’re really interested in pushing our culture to the world. We want to get to the point where we’re owning our narrative and owning our culture. 

On that point—owning your culture—what do you believe the world is missing right now?

Mariah: Just the variety coming out of Africa—the different sounds and languages coming from different countries. So I would really like people to sort of go out of their comfort zone and just try something new. You see that with Ghanaian musicians, for example. There’s so much that we’ve influenced but can’t even claim because it got out of our hands. 

I also think there are a lot of African R&B artists who can’t even claim they’re R&B. Like Tems is an R&B artist.

Koku: That’s like our main pet peeve right now. Afrobeats has become this singular genre, and that’s why we want to break down the components of it. To help people understand where the sound comes from.

I want to hear more R&B from African artists. It seems like everyone feels like they have to make dancier songs, but I want to hear some soul. I want to hear people singing. But I’m biased because I love soul and R&B in general.

Are there any lesser-known genres or artists that people should be paying attention to? 

Mariah: In terms of genres, definitely Asakaa, which is like Ghanaian drill. Super, super good. I don’t even know how to describe it, but if you listen to the music, you can just feel the passion; you can feel the streets coming from these rappers. 

Also, Alté, which is African alternative music. I think it’s a really powerful genre—basically an African take on R&B and pop, but a little weirder.

And then some artists people should check out include Alté artists like Odunsi (The Engine) and Maison2500, and Asakaa artists like Jay Bahd and O’Kenneth. We also love AmaaRae and Simi, who have already blown up.

Turning back to your show, are there podcasts that you looked to for inspiration? 

Koku: One podcast I did take note of was Watching The Throne. It’s just two guys that dive into Kanye West’s discography, and what makes it so good is the amount of research they did and the background knowledge they provide.

Mariah: I also listened to Mogul, which gets into the backstories of how hip-hop artists came to be who they are. There’s also a video series by Nigerian media collective Sample Chief that breaks down the history of African music samples and how a lot of the newer songs that are hot right now are inspired by older songs. 

After you listen to the premiere episode of In The Mix, discover more of the hottest artists from one of Koku and Mariah’s favorite African genres on our playlist, Alté Cruise.

A Weekend With Spotify, Imani Ellis, and Shan Boodram at CultureCon NYC

October 6, 2023

Imani Ellis spent years looking for a space in New York City to serve as a cultural and networking hub for Black professionals and creatives of color like herself. She attended small-scale events, considering the many ways she would do it differently and better. She recalled a famous quote by President Barack Obama: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” And it hit her. “Maybe I had to be the one to create what I was looking for.”

Cue CultureCon, a leading cultural destination for—and by—diverse creatives and young professionals. Imani’s original idea was a bimonthly gathering of 10 friends and friends of friends in her apartment eating tacos. Over time and with the help of many collaborators, the idea grew into the experience boasting 3,000+ attendees that it is today. “I’m always so in awe that these brave spaces resonate with the larger community,” Imani told For the Record. 

This year, CultureCon New York has expanded into a full weekend conference with a block party and a career fair. As Imani put it, “It’s a year of a lot of firsts”—including a collaboration with Spotify. We are the streaming home for the official CultureCon playlist, and this weekend we will host an interactive “Hear Me Out” audio booth at Activation Alley. We’ll also run CultureCon’s first-ever live Talk That Talk podcast pitch contest cohosted by Lovers & Friends podcast host Shan Boodram.

Ahead of the convention this weekend, For the Record talked to both Imani and Shan about collaborations, communication, and culture.

First up, Imani Ellis. 

What are some notable moments that have come out of past CultureCons? 

One of the biggest collaborations that I’m proud of happens within our team. We are a group of about 25 individuals, and everyone’s a unicorn with a unique perspective. The gumbo that is CultureCon is such a collaborative effort. I think it’s a space where we can disagree on things and wildly agree on other things. And what comes out of that collaboration is culture. And so I like to say that CultureCon is kind of like a love story to our community.  

Another story that I’m proud of is Mark Clennon—an incredible photographer and a dear friend. He was our first-ever portrait photographer and shoots our talent every year. He’s gone on to shoot the cover of TIME magazine and incredible projects like that. CultureCon is growing, his star is growing. It’s really inspiring to be able to grow our community and see it evolve over time. 

Why is it especially important to provide networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and creators?

Access and equity is so crucial. We don’t know what we don’t know. I have a background in publicity, but I didn’t know I could be a publicist until I met a publicist. There’s so many resources that we are providing within the ecosystem that we’re creating a CultureCon. For example, students get to attend CultureCon for free and experience many different opportunities before they even leave college and begin their career journey. 

And I think at a bare minimum, we all deserve a space where we can truly be our whole self.  There’s a level of holding your breath as a Black person in America, that is just a part of the experience, whether you’re navigating different corporate roles or just navigating the world. It’s so important to come into a space and know that it was built for you—that we’re not just asking you to fit into a box—there’s a relief that washes over you when a space has been built with you in mind. We want to provide relief. 

How do you stay on top of culture and trends? What podcasts, shows, audiobooks, or publications do you follow? 

I’m a New York Times girl. I come from a publicity background, so I have a lot of diverse streams of content. I also read The Shade Room and watch and listen to NowThis; I love snackable pieces of information. How I Built This is another personal favorite. My group chat keeps me super current and serves as my newsroom. So if I’m missing something, and let’s be honest, my goodness, the cycle never ends, the group chat keeps me on my toes. 

Everyone should watch the first two seasons of The Bear. I cried like a baby. My sister is a chef and I felt it on a molecular level. It’s incredible story writing and fantastic watching. Currently, I’m reading Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin and I’m about halfway through. I also love We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle’s podcast, and Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. When it comes to audiobooks, I’m looking forward to listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear and More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth.  

Spotify is honored to host the official CultureCon playlist. What do you want to see on that playlist?

I definitely want to see some SZA, Usher, Burna Boy, Fred Hammond, and Kendrick Lamar. I wanna see Ice Spice. A little bit of Cardi B and some Offset. And Outkast. (I’m from Atlanta, so we absolutely need to sprinkle something from the South in there.) We just want to have people really excited, high energy. It’s a celebration after all!

How does Spotify align to the CultureCon mission? What are you most looking forward to in our partnership? 

I love any partnership that incorporates something that I’m already utilizing in my life. So when I think about our partnership with Spotify and I think about how important music is to culture, it feels natural and seamless to amplify Spotify’s platform and amplify how important music is to our culture. Together we’re working on the incredible podcast pitch program. The DMs have been crazy, our audience is so excited. It’s such a testament to Spotify’s dedication to creatives and creators to do this contest and I’m really excited to see what comes out of it! 

Talk That Talk 

This year at CultureCon, we’re curating homegrown experiences to discover the next wave of audio creators and amplify the voices of those already in the game. The Talk That Talk podcast pitch winner will be awarded with the production of one pilot episode at our Brooklyn, New York, podcast studio. Announcing the winner from the CultureCon stage will be Lovers & Friends podcast host Shan Boodram. We caught up with Shan for more.  

You’ve been an intimacy expert for over a decade. What prompted you to share your knowledge on the Lovers & Friends podcast?

The honest answer is a lot of pressure from my management, combined with a really good deal and opportunity. That’s why I’m excited for the pitch contest at CultureCon. Sometimes you need that push. Back in 2021, I just felt like the space was so oversaturated. I was feeling really intimidated by it. It felt like adding my voice was going to be daunting, and I didn’t know if there was going to be space for me. So I kept pushing it off.

But then I had a great opportunity with More Sauce, a subdivision of Stitcher, which came out of the Black Lives Matter 2020 movement, to amplify Black voices. And it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

Since entering the sex and intimacy space, have you noticed any shifts in conversation and who’s leading it? 

Oh, my god, it’s really changed. And if you need a time when it got a battery pack—it was the pandemic. It really exploded. It’s fascinating—there was Sue Johnson in the U.K. and Dr. Ruth in America, but especially for women who are Black, women of color, there were no women who were Black, no women of color, no women like me when I first began. And that is not the case today. There’s so many incredible people who have taken up this space and who are educating and sharing information, whether it be from an expert perspective or from a personal one. 

And now I just want more more more. As somebody who is mixed with Black, I want women who are unambiguously Black to be in this space. This is an area where it’s so personal. What makes it powerful is hearing from people who look like us, from people you can identify with, and in space that’s already so intimate, so vulnerable, it’s even more important to have that comfortability of identity. So more women of color, more Black women, more Black trans women, more Black queer women. I want people to say, “Now that I know I can do this, I can have this as a career, and take up space, and share my voice.” 

You’re helping announce the winner for the podcast pitch contest. What are a few tips aspiring podcasters should keep in mind?

When you’re trying to pitch something or create something, there’s a natural tendency to look at the market and see what’s missing and ask, “How can I fill that gap?” And that works, if your main goal is to build an audience and get really big really fast. But podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re gonna be doing this every single week for an hour and using all your friends and relationships. Come back to me at episode 100. 

So rather than trying to find the thing that you think is an untapped market, look into your group chats and pick the thing that you just naturally talk about every single day. Go through your feeds and see what’s on your trending pages. Whatever it is, just be very authentic with the thing that you’re actually interested in that you care about that you talk about for free. 

I also have a consulting board for my podcast, people I pay to give me feedback and another perspective about telling interesting stories and telling them respectfully. I ask them what they’re listening to, what’s on their trending pages. It’s important to be a consumer, but I also believe that when taking on the responsibility of a podcaster, you have to serve the interests of the community. So I stay in touch with some members of my community directly to hear about what they care about, to get feedback on my own work, to get that consulting before I record. 

What are you hoping to bring to CultureCon this year? 

I hope to bring inspiration and reality. I want to inspire people to put their voice out there, especially given my story. I want to inspire people to get over their fear and get into podcasting. It can be one of the most enriching and meaningful parts of your business. There’s something really special about carving out a space every single week where you devote yourself to something that you love. 

Catch the official CultureCon NYC 2023 playlist, only on Spotify.

Five Spelman College NextGen Scholarship Recipients Are Rising to the Top

August 8, 2023

At Spotify, we are empowering and amplifying the voices of underrepresented creators. To do that, we must carve out spaces for new stories and perspectives to be shared and heard. So we created NextGen, our ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast culture on college campuses. Funded by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, this initiative exists to provide students across the U.S. with the skills needed to pursue their dreams.

After initially partnering with the University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, we’ve expanded our outreach to historically Black college and university (HBCU) campuses. Spelman College in Atlanta is the first HBCU to offer NextGen programming, and as part of that effort, we have provided support for student-led original audio content, hosted special events and training programs, and will soon introduce an on campus podcast recording space.

Earlier this year, we hosted our first NextGen Creator Day at Spelman, where we announced a new audio-first NextGen curriculum, a weeklong Spotify Labs Creator Program, and the Spotify NextGen Scholarship.

The NextGen Scholarship provides multiyear scholarships to five first-year Spelman students interested in pursuing a career in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. Students must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. To get to know the applicants better, they also had to answer the question, “What story would you love to tell through media?”

After a competitive submission process, we are excited to announce the recipients of the scholarship program: Rokiyah Darbo, Taylor Mills, Ashley Rawls, Bailey Johnson, and Tellisa Massey. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 scholarship during their sophomore, junior, and senior years, and they will also have the option to be Spotify ambassadors. Get to know these talented students and their dreams.

Rokiyah Darbo (she/her)
Major: Biology

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students?

Black students are already at a disadvantage in this society simply for being Black. Scholarships like NextGen allow Black students to be involved in conversations that can help them build a future and provide financial support to their families.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you’d want to collaborate with? 

My top three creators are Elsa Majimbo, Anayka She, and Monet McMichael. It would truly be an honor if I ever got the chance to even be in the same room as these beautiful, hilarious, and successful women of color. I began watching all three of them during quarantine, and the reason why I love their content so much is because they are constantly keeping it real with us. They are hilarious, but at the end of the day, they also give really great big sister advice.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

Confidence.

Taylor Mills (she/her)
Major: Theatre and Performance

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students?

Scholarships and learning opportunities from NextGen have endless possibilities. As a Spelman student, I am very grateful to NextGen because they have helped me financially and shown that they believe in my craft, creating spaces for HBCU students like me to thrive and learn about the business behind our future career goals.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you’d want to collaborate with? 

Some creators of color that inspire me are @ik.truth, Fydéle, and Janay Trench-Lesley because of their raw talent and content consistency! If I could collaborate with a content creator, it would be Vena E. because she’s unapologetically herself and inspires others to do the same!  

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

As a content creator, I’ll continue to motivate people with my comedic twist! I plan to use Spotify NextGen’s resources, improve my craft, and continue to succeed as an HBCU student! 

Ashley Rawls (she/they)
Major: Music

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students?

Scholarships like NextGen can help HBCU students by providing financial support for those who may be institutionally disadvantaged. It is no secret that HBCUs are often underfunded, which in turn limits scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarships like NextGen help alleviate these challenges. It also allows more Black creatives to be involved in industries that lack diversity and Black representation. By giving HBCU students incredible opportunities like this, it fosters a space where Black people can be appreciated and continues to challenge the norms while maintaining culture. 

Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you’d want to collaborate with? 

Definitely Ravyn Lenae. I have been in love with her neo-soul beats and classically trained voice. Her debut album, HYPNOS, was absolutely enchanting, and having the opportunity to see her in concert was one of the highlights of this year for me. Her EP Crush was created in collaboration with one of my other favorite artists, Steve Lacy, and it was the album that made me fall in love with her music. I absolutely adore Steve Lacy and all of the projects that he has produced, so having the two of them on one album was heaven to my ears. I would absolutely love to collaborate with Ravyn and Steve because I feel like they have been the main inspiration for my own music and are really paving the way for modern-day neo-soul. 

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

As a musician, I would love to be able to create my own personal sound and share my music with the world. I have always been infatuated with music and believe that my voice, and those of other phenomenal artists, deserves to be heard and recognized. We are the future of music and it is constantly evolving.  

Bailey Johnson (she/her)
Major: Double major in Theater & Performance, and English

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students?

For HBCU students, scholarships and learning opportunities such as NextGen help remove the boundaries and confinements of a student’s future. For example: Debt or fear of failure or lack of access to education can hold a person back from their future. Behind the locked door is a future that is limitless and inspired. Unfortunately, many people cannot or will not open their doors out of fear and having less fortune. However, I think of these scholarships and learning opportunities as a key that unlocks the door. I am very grateful to Spotify NextGen because they are helping me to pursue a future without limits.

Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you’d want to collaborate with? 

I have always been enamored by Meghan Markle and everything that she represents. I love that she started off as an actress who had no desire for the spotlight or the nobility, but she loved becoming a character and telling a story. I admire how she has elegantly accepted that the limelight is now a part of her own story, and instead of trying to hide from the spotlight, she is writing her own narrative. With Archetypes, Meghan tells her story her way and shines the spotlight on the female narrative. Through her podcast, she reminds me that all female stories matter! Meghan is a massive inspiration to me. I applaud her because even when the media tries to tear her down, she always finds a way to build women’s stories up. 

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

Professionally, I dream of one day going to my favorite place (the movie theater) and sitting in the middle row, middle seat, with popcorn and an ICEE in hand, and looking up and seeing my face on the screen. I hope to one day see every pore and every blemish I have ever had on a giant theater screen. Personally, I hope that in that theater, I will have a feeling of satisfaction that tells my brain, “Wow. You did it, and I am so proud of you!” And then, after that, I hope to win an Oscar for Best Actress. 

Tellisa Massey (they/them)
Major: Documentary Filmmaking

How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students?

I believe that scholarships provide students with a sense of security so that they don’t have to worry about the financial aspect of going to school. The learning opportunities give students a chance to have a deeper look into certain things they want to pursue and much more. 

Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you’d want to collaborate with? 

I have been inspired by many creatives, like Barry Jenkins, Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae. If I could collaborate with one of them, I would choose Ava DuVernay because she has been able to create meaningful bodies of work while also opening the doors for other creatives. 

What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?

I want to become my best self. People have always said, “You never stop growing.” Although I agree, I also believe that there’s something special when someone is more confident than they were yesterday, feel a little bit happier, or become braver. It’s not a complete 180-degree turn, but it is the process of taking those needed baby steps. So I want to experience that for myself; I want that change, and I want to use my creativity to guide that change.

Victoria Monét Kicks Off R&B First Nights, Spotify’s All-New Concert Series

March 31, 2023

Over the years, R&B has been defined by constant evolution. To further support and amplify the genre’s dynamic new artists, we’re launching a concert series, R&B First Nights. 

Through R&B First Nights, Spotify is partnering with rising stars to support their first live show across select U.S. markets, and we’re inviting superfans of the featured artists to attend. To kick things off, singer-songwriter Victoria Monét will be performing her first-ever headlining show tonight in LA.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Victoria Monét (@victoriamonet)

The momentum will continue on April 13, when British girl group FLO—recently named one of R&B Rising’s 2023 Artists To Watch—heads to Atlanta as part of their first-ever North American headlining tour.

Artists—along with their fans—rarely forget their first performance in a new city, and Spotify is excited to make that moment even more special. 

Supported by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, R&B First Nights further extends Spotify’s commitment to fostering equity in the audio space and celebrating not just the new wave of R&B music, but emerging artists across all genres. 

And this is only the start—stay tuned to our social media channels for more details on upcoming shows for the rest of the year.

Discover the sultry sounds of Victoria Monét by streaming “We Might Even Be Falling In Love (Duet),” her Spotify Single featuring Bryson Tiller, and “Smoke,” her latest single featuring Lucky Daye.

Spotify Invests in the Future of Ghana’s Rising Creators

March 28, 2023

Sandy, Phiona, and Joe at Vibrate Space

Ghanaian creators are having a moment on Spotify. For every stream in Ghana of a local artist, there are six more streams in markets around the world. Examples include singer, rapper, and Spotify RADAR artist Black Sherif, whose hip-hop and reggae blends are finding new listeners in Nigeria and the U.K.; and Atlanta-based singer-songwriter-engineeer-producer and EQUAL artist Amaarae, who has recently seen her music soar to new heights in Chile, India, and Mexico. 

EQUAL artists Moliy and Gyakie and Fresh Finds artist Kofee Bean, among countless others, are seeing listeners in markets like the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and France. And there’s even more on the podcast side, as Sincerely Accra, a Ghanaian podcast, was named one of 13 African podcasts to receive a share of Spotify’s $100,000 African podcast investment last year.

This week, we increased our ongoing commitment to artists and creators across Africa through a donation to Vibrate Space from our Creator Equity Fund. Vibrate Space, operated by Surf Ghana in Accra, is a community recording studio and music business program that offers education and mentorship for young Ghanaian artists so they can create, connect, and collaborate. Over the past six months, Vibrate has registered more than 200 studio bookings and hosted many more creators for events and classes.  

We first partnered with Vibrate in September 2022 with a donation that assisted in the launch of the studio. Now, to help Vibrate achieve its robust plans to further support the creative economy in Ghana, we’re making an additional donation from the fund.

At an event at Surf Ghana, Spotify’s Global Head of Artist and Audience Partnerships, Joe Hadley, shared the news. “Spotify is proud to continue our efforts to support and uplift creatives with our Creator Equity Fund. I’m excited to share that from that fund, we’re announcing a donation to the Vibrate Space in Accra, Ghana,” he said to a room full of African artists as well as the Vibrate team. “They have been incredible partners to us, continually pouring into the local community and creating a space where artists can come together to grow creatively. We’re looking forward to hearing the music, stories, and success that will come out of Vibrate.”

Spotify Debuts New Programs for Aspiring Audio Innovators at NextGen Creator Day at Spelman College

March 21, 2023

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 20: (L-R) Denzel Dion, co-host of 'We Said What We Said', Spotify, host Wunmi Bello, and Rickey Thompson, co-host of 'We Said What We Said', Spotify, speak onstage during Spotify NextGen Creator Day at Spelman College on March 20, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Spotify)

Burgeoning creators on college campuses across the U.S. are already harnessing their creativity for great ideas for the future of audio. At Spotify, we know that once they get the tools they need to amplify their voices, they’ll be able to bring their stories to the world.

Enter NextGen, a program from Spotify for Podcasters designed to activate and grow podcast culture on college campuses, and make a career in podcasting more accessible for the next generation of Black content creators and storytellers. NextGen is funded by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, which powers our commitment to showcasing and uplifting creators from communities that have been historically underrepresented in the audio industry. 

We currently offer NextGen programming at New York University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Pennsylvania. We announced last fall that we’d be expanding the program to historically Black colleges and university (HBCU) campuses across the U.S., starting with Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Yesterday, during our first-ever NextGen Creator Day at Spelman, we announced three ways we’re broadening our partnership and further supporting students aspiring to work in the audio industry.

2022 Saw Even More Advancements, Acquisitions, and Excitement at Spotify

December 27, 2022

Earlier this month, we all had a chance to revisit what we listened to most in 2022 with Wrapped. From the year’s top artist (congrats on the three-peat, Bad Bunny) to identifying our listening personalities (where the “Deep Divers” at?), fans worldwide shared their listening habits. But that’s only the icing on the cake. The year also saw new content offerings such as audiobooks and more programs to support diverse and underrepresented voices, all designed to bring the best experience to listeners and creators.

Ring in 2023 by reliving Spotify’s highlights from 2022.

Commitment to platform safety

At the start of the year, we shared several actions we’re taking to balance creator expression with safety, including publishing our Platform Rules and taking steps to ensure creators and users alike understand what’s permitted on Spotify. This summer, we unveiled the Spotify Safety Advisory Council, an interdisciplinary group of experts that are providing our teams with an outside-in view of the safety landscape and helping us ensure that our products and policies address the needs and concerns of our users, creators, and artists around the world.  

Acquisitions expand our offerings

Early in the year, we acquired two podcast technology companies: Podsights, a podcast advertising measurement service, and Chartable, a podcast analytics platform. This move helped us uplevel measurement for podcast advertising and give publishers a new way to grow their business through insights and promotions tools.  

Over the summer, we closed on the acquisition of Findaway, a global leader in digital audiobook distribution. Findaway works across the audiobook ecosystem with a platform and offerings that serve authors, publishers, and consumers. Their technology and know-how helped accelerate Spotify’s entry into audiobooks earlier this fall.

As the world’s leading audio streaming platform, it made perfect sense to bring Heardle, the beloved interactive music game to Spotify. It has provided a fun and innovative way to help fans discover new songs and artists.

We also acquired Kinzen, a global leader in protecting online communities from harmful content. Our partnership with the Dublin-based company, which began in 2020, has been critical to enhancing our approach to platform safety. The company’s technology and unique approach helps Spotify better understand, prepare for, and prevent abuse trends from emerging on our platform.

Frequency carves out a spot for Black creators

We expanded Frequency, our global initiative and holistic destination for celebrating Black art, entertainment, creativity, culture, and community both on- and off-platform, with even more opportunities for Black creators. In addition to on-platform hubs and playlists, we hosted The Free Studio, a four-day residency that brought together nine Black musicians and creators. Spotify’s popular playlist Ripple Effect continued the Frequency Sunday Dinner series in Houston, as well as cities across California. 

Helping diversify the voices of podcasting

Programs like Sound Up, the Creator Equity Fund, and RADAR for Podcasters help underrepresented voices and emerging talent in the audio space. From education and workshops to on-platform amplification, these initiatives give creators the tools they need to tell their story. In October, we introduced the Africa Podcast Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative to support burgeoning podcasters through financial grants, workshops, and networking opportunities. In December, we launched Elevate for Podcasters in partnership with the Inevitable Foundation. The program empowers professional podcasters with disabilities, providing the funding, mentorship, equipment, and accommodations they need to level up their careers. 

Introducing User Choice Billing with Google

Our multi-year agreement with Google represents a first-of-its-kind option in payment choice with opportunities for both consumers and developers. Users who’ve downloaded Spotify from the Google Play Store are presented with the choice to pay with either Spotify’s payment system or Google Play Billing. These two options living side-by-side in the app give users the freedom to subscribe and make purchases, using the payment option of their choice. With this announcement and our partnership, Google is allowing more choice and competition—decisive steps that demonstrate how platforms should work.  

Blend it up

Blend combines the best of Spotify’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist. In 2022, we took Blend to a whole new level. Users can now Blend with up to 10 people or they can Blend with artists like Lizzo, Post Malone, and Charli XCX. Fans also have the opportunity to shop artist merch from the Blend experience. Blend represents another way we can give artists a new oportunity to interact with fans, and to bring added personalization to a listener’s music experience.

Playing with video

In 2022 we expanded video podcasting to Anchor creators in over 180 global markets. Podcasters love having the option to accompany their audio with visual components, and fans get the opportunity to deeply connect with the content. We also introduced Spotify Podcast Subscriptions for video podcasts, an integration with Riverside (the go-to platform for remote recording), embeddable video, video bulk-replace, video-specific analytics, and interactive podcast features, such as polls and Q&A.

Celebrating EQUAL’s first anniversary 

Since its launch, EQUAL has spotlighted women artists through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support. April marked the program’s one year anniversary. Among EQUAL’s major accomplishments: listeners streamed more than 13 million hours of program artists in the first month of joining. 

Reimagining with Roblox

We entered the virtual universe Roblox to create Spotify Island, an audio paradise where fans and artists from all over the world can connect and explore exclusive sounds, quests, and merch. We enhanced the experience during the year with K-Park and Planet Hip-Hop.

Spotify and FC Barcelona team up on the field

In July, we kicked off a partnership with FC Barcelona, becoming the Main Partner of the Club as well as the Official Audio Streaming Partner. We joined the team in Miami during the club’s preseason tour and brought artists like Ovy on the Drums, Piso 21, and Mau y Ricky along for the fun. Through the in-stadium LEDs and our other marketing channels, we promoted artists of all sizes from around the world including BLACKPINK, Fireboy DML, Megan Thee Stallion, Aitch, Pomme, Feid, and Rigoberta Bandini. For FC Barcelona’s October El Clásico showdown—one of the most iconic events in all of sport—we celebrated Drake’s 50 billion streams by creating a limited-edition kit. Get more details on this multiyear partnership on our Spotify: For the Record podcast.

Upping the ante with audiobooks

This fall, we introduced audiobooks to listeners in the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. With more than 300,000 titles on the platform, we are giving book lovers a new way to enjoy storytelling on Spotify.

Time to play fair

We believe everyone benefits when competition is fair. Unfortunately, Apple does not, and they’ve consistently abused their dominant position to favor their own services, stifle innovation and hurt consumers. This year, we continued to urge policymakers to take significant action to protect competition and consumers from Apple’s anticompetitive behavior. For more on this fight, listen to  Spotify: For the Record, where entrepreneurs, U.S. senators, and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek discuss the importance of consumer choice.