Tag: creators

Creadores Latinoamericanos Muestran Su Creatividad con Video Podcasts

June 7, 2023

Muchos presentadores de podcasts están acercándose de una nueva manera con los fans, a través del video. Los video podcasts introducen una dimensión adicional de interactividad y cercanía, permitiendo a los usuarios ver reacciones faciales o notar el ambiente del presentador. Algunos creadores incluso están entusiasmados por vestirse y mostrar sus mejores looks de moda.

El cambio hacia los video podcasts está ocurriendo en todo el mundo y en el mercado latinoamericano específicamente, algunos favoritos de los fans están incorporando esta nueva capa en sus programas.

Roberta Woodworth, creadora mexicana cuyo podcast LIBRE&LOCA reflexiona sobre temas íntimos y personales como el amor propio y el desamor, es una de esas creadoras que está experimentando actualmente con el video en su nueva temporada. El programa Escuela de Nada, creado por tres amigos venezolanos en México, también está adoptando el video como una nueva forma de conectarse con los oyentes. Y claro, está el versátil creador mexicano Juanpa Zurita, quien presentó en video la segunda temporada de su podcast original de Spotify, No Hagas Lo Fácil.

Mientras tanto, algunos nuevos podcasts están incorporando el video desde el principio. El podcast original brasileño Carona Podpah de Spotify, protagonizado por Igor Cavalari (conocido informalmente como Igão) y Thiago Marques (conocido como Mítico) del popular podcast Podpah, se estrenará en Spotify el 7 de junio e incluirá video en cada uno de sus episodios semanales. El programa sigue a los anfitriones mientras entrevistan a invitados dentro de un automóvil, convirtiendo el video en una parte esencial del podcast.

Nos encontramos con Roberta, presentadora de Libre & Loca, Juanpa, presentador de No Hagas Lo Fácil, Chris Andrade, fundador y coanfitrión de Escuela de Nada, e Igor y Thiago, anfitriones de Carona Podpah, para conocer cómo el video está cambiando su forma de hacer podcasts.

¿Qué es lo que más te entusiasma de incorporar el video a tu podcast?

Igor Cavalari y Thiago Marques: Podpah comenzó como un  video podcast y al público siempre le gustó mucho ese aspecto; fuimos el podcast más escuchado en Spotify en Brasil en 2022 y el 24º a nivel mundial. El video es fundamental para nuestro formato de programa porque tenemos el entretenimiento como trasfondo de todo lo que producimos, ya sea que hablemos de cocina, fútbol o música. Cuando una plataforma tan relevante como Spotify está interesada en asociarse con nosotros para un podcast en video, nos muestra a nosotros y al mercado que el producto aún tiene mucho por explorar.

Roberta Woodworth: Mi podcast es muy íntimo y creo que el video invita al escucha a acercarse, reflejarse y empatizar todavía más con estos temas “íntimos universales” que tocamos en Libre&Loca.

Juanpa Zurita: Era algo que mi comunidad me pedía en todos los episodios de la temporada pasada. Así que me pone muy contento que lo logramos para la segunda! Escuchar es lindo pero nada se compara con ver. Creo que la conexión y la dinámica del podcast es más íntima que antes. Y la gente está feliz, lo cual me hace muy feliz!

Chris Andrade: Escuela de Nada al ser un podcast de comedia improvisada se nutre del poder de interacción en sus video con sus fans, poder reaccionar a chistes y ver la respuesta de los seguidores ha sido un cambio que nos ha emocionado mucho.

¿Cómo ha influenciado el video la forma en que abordas cada episodio?

Igor y Thiago: El video nos da libertad para crear más y más. Hay desafíos: Carona Podpah implica filmar en un espacio reducido mientras llevamos a nuestros invitados dentro del automóvil y conocemos más sobre las canciones que han marcado sus vidas, pero eso no nos impide probar cosas nuevas.

Roberta: Tengo que tener súper presente que soy muy expresiva y ahora todo el mundo va a ver mis caras. Pero eso lo hace todo más humano, orgánico y real. Ya no solo soy una voz que te acompaña, soy una persona.

Juanpa: Hubo un cambio drástico en nuestro set para darle el look and feel que queríamos de NHLF. Además tuvimos que reinventar las intros de los episodios y la verdad estoy muy orgulloso del resultado.

Chris: Complementando la respuesta anterior, el video nos ha llevado a tener una fluidez y cercanía con todos nuestros fans. Es una realidad que al poder ver y escuchar a tus hosts el engage es muchísimo más alto.

¿Cómo te ayuda el video a conectarte con tus fans?

Igor y Thiago: La principal característica de un podcast en video es que la audiencia puede experimentar reacciones. Lo que nos gusta de tener la función de video es que nuestra audiencia podrá seguir el podcast como si estuvieran con nosotros en el automóvil viendo todo lo que sucede. El video hace que el programa sea más dinámico y nos permite establecer una conexión mayor, no solo con nuestros invitados, sino también con aquellos al otro lado de la pantalla.

Roberta: Nos acerca mucho más porque la gente no solo escucha lo que pienso y siento, sino que también lo ve. Y hablo mucho de emociones, así que es muy interesante cómo esa conexión se vuelve más profunda.

Juanpa: Sin duda el video ha permitido conectar más con todos! Hay algo muy especial en el lenguaje corporal que no puedes sentir si no lo ves. También quiero agradecer por todo el amor a la temporada 1 y la insistencia de todos por tener video porque sin ustedes no lo hubiéramos logrado. Esto es por y para ellos!

Chris: El video nos ha ayudado a expandir y difundir aún más nuestro contenido en una plataforma de redes sociales donde el video es dominante. Cada persona tiene su forma de consumir contenido y, sin duda, el video nos aporta mucho y agrega mucho valor a las nuevas generaciones.

Spotify Turns Up the Volume in Pakistan With Events and Music Campaigns

April 6, 2023

an artist performs on stage at a concert event

Two years ago, we introduced Spotify to listeners in Pakistan. Since the launch, we’ve worked with the country’s artists to expand their reach and share their music with new fans worldwide—and now we’re taking things to a new level.

March marked the first anniversary of our EQUAL women’s empowerment program in Pakistan, with singer Tina Sani as the Ambassador of the Month. RADAR, which highlights emerging artists from all around the world, also recently made its debut in Pakistan, featuring Taha G up first. He’s at the top of the RADAR Pakistan playlist, and Spotify worked with the singer to create a mini-documentary that spotlights his life and career.

In addition to bringing these programs to the region, we’re finding unique ways—from Masterclasses to cricket campaigns to local playlists—to connect with artists. 

Lending artists support with a Masterclass in Lahore

Our music industry experts were ready to share their knowledge during a Spotify for Artists Masterclass event in Lahore, PK. “We hosted at the historical Haveli Barood Khana mansion, and used this opportunity to educate and share information on music streaming trends and new product features with the burgeoning music industry in the region,” shared Khan FM, Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Renowned Coke Studio music producer, curator and artist Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan shared his perspective on the Pakistani music industry with an audience that included more than 150 artists and their teams. 

Podcaster Wrapped Celebrates Podcast Creators and Their Fans in 2022

December 2, 2022

Earlier this week we revealed 2022 Wrapped, our annual campaign that brings creators and fans together around a shared love of all things audio. And to accompany it, we launched Podcaster Wrapped for creators. 

Podcaster Wrapped is our way to recognize achievements across our podcast creator ecosystem and offer a unique peek into user behavior and listening trends from the past year. And what a year it was! We were blown away by the amount of podcast content created: It would take you over 1,500 years to listen to every minute of the 25 million+ podcast episodes published in 2022. 

As we look back at all the meaningful moments that made up 2022—the milestones, big wins, and one-of-a-kind connection that brings creators and fans together—it’s clear there’s a lot to celebrate. 

More for listeners and creators to love

This year, we saw a more than 50% increase in podcast consumption. Over half of the billions of hours of content played in 2022 was newly published since January.

Meanwhile, we continued to build innovative tools that enable podcasters to create, grow, and monetize their content in new ways. We brought video podcasts to creators in over 180 markets so that listeners can enjoy a visual complement to content and creators have a new way to reach and connect with their fans. We also made it easier for creators to sound better with a new audio enhancement feature, and we expanded our interactivity capabilities by making Q&A and Polls available to creators around the world.

Getting to know you

We launched our first-ever Fan Study for podcasters, giving creators insights into fan behavior so they can make more informed decisions about how to grow their show. Through Fan Study, we learned things like fans who follow your podcast will listen to four times the number of episodes, and Gen Z’s podcast discovery is growing at twice the rate of other generations.  

We elevated dozens of emerging podcasters from around the world with programs like RADAR Podcasters and Sound Up, which both aim to spotlight up-and-coming creators and provide them with support to grow their audiences.

Near and far

And we continued to see that podcasts are truly global. Podcaster Wrapped showed us that the majority of podcasts published are listened to in more than one country, and we’re seeing impressive creation growth in Central and South America, specifically Colombia, Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. These countries saw a more than 50% increase in new shows created between 2021 and 2022. The top markets in terms of shows published are the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and India. 

We love seeing creators grow and hit their strides, and we’ll continue to build programs and tools to help podcasters of all kinds find success in 2023 and beyond.

Despedimos a Casa Spotify Medallo con una fiesta de reggaetón y presentamos Sonido Perpetuo, un estudio de grabación para artistas emergentes de Medellín

November 14, 2022

a photo of a performance on stage with a crowd cheering

A un mes de que Casa Spotify Medallo abriera sus puertas, celebramos la culminación del proyecto con el mejor talento de Medellín y sus fieles seguidores. El 3 de noviembre, Spotify llevó el perreo a las calles del distrito creativo de Medellín, Perpetuo Socorro, al invitar a más de 1200 fanáticos a bailar los éxitos de  Feid, Ryan Castro, Blessd, Farina, Sky Rompiendo, y Nath.

La noche de Perreo Perpetuo comenzó con la presentación de Juan Sinatra, elegido entre varios artistas que visitaron la residencia creativa durante el pasado mes. 

La fiesta siguió al ritmo de Blessd, que hizo bailar al público con tracks de su nuevo álbum Siempre Blessd. Esta fiesta fue la primera vez que se escucharon muchos de sus nuevos temas, y también interpretó algunos de sus famosos éxitos como “Medallo” y “Tendencia Global“.

Más tarde los fans disfrutaron de un set de Nath, artista RADAR Andinos, con hits como “Pasajero”. La inigualable Farina, quien visitó Casa Spotify Medallo como embajadora del programa EQUAL, subió la energía del show con éxitos como “Bendecido” y “Trakatá” 

Ryan Castro prendió la fiesta con hits como “Jordan” y “Monastery“. Antes de despedirse,  sorprendió a los fans invitando a Farina a unirse para el track “Fiesta“. El ritmo no paró cuando el productor Sky Rompiendo se apoderó de las consolas  para poner a todos a perrear. 

Finalmente, como acto principal para la noche, Feid salió al escenario para cantar hits como “Normal” y “Prohibidox” de más reciente álbum, FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS FERXXO.

Sonido Perpetuo, un estudio de grabación para artistas emergentes de Medellín

Aunque Casa Medallo ha llegado a su fin, todavía hay mucho más para Medellín. Corporación Perpetuo Socorro, Comfama y Spotify se asocian para proporcionar a la ciudad un estudio de grabación público para fortalecer y elevar el ecosistema musical y de audio de Medellín. A través de esta iniciativa, el talento artístico y creativo local tendrá un mejor acceso a las herramientas que necesitan.  

El estudio, que llevará el nombre de Sonido Perpetuo, abrirá sus puertas a mediados de enero del próximo año en el distrito creativo Perpetuo Socorro, un ecosistema dedicado a las economías creativas y culturales de la ciudad.

Sonido Perpetuo será el primer estudio público de la ciudad que brindará una experiencia profesional a los creadores de Medellín. Esto permitirá continuar con el legado de la “ciudad de la eterna primavera” en la industria de la música.

La marca de ropa TRUE, creada por la diseñadora Daniela Valencia, también se une a esta iniciativa, por medio de una colección con Spotify. Las utilidades en la venta de las prendas serán destinadas al montaje del estudio. 

“En Spotify nos sentimos orgullosos de colaborar con empresas y organizaciones para apoyar a creadores emergentes de Medellín”, dijo Mia Nygren, directora general para Spotify en Latinoamérica. “Nos emociona construir sobre esta iniciativa para celebrar a esta vibrante comunidad e impulsar a una nueva generación de talento colombiano.”  

Mientras cerramos las puertas de la Casa Medallo, estamos abriendo las de Sonido Perpetuo, y dejando una infraestructura pública que ayudará a los creadores de audio de la ciudad.

Presentamos una serie de Spotify Singles con el flow del reggaetón paisa

Medellín es un hub para la producción de música urbana, por lo que resulta natural que lancemos una serie especial de Spotify Singles con algunos de los artistas que visitaron Casa Spotify Medallo. Escúchalos a continuación. 

Ovy on the Drums, conocido por sus colaboraciones con Karol G, presentó “Empeliculados” junto a artistas emergentes ZARAMAY y Elniko Arias.

Nath, artista RADAR Andinos, sorprendió a sus fans con “El Mood”, un track de fiesta con flow de reggaetón característico de Medellín.

El legendario Ryan Castro lanzó “Nadie nos Vio” junto a DJ Luian y  Mambo Kingz. El track sigue un beat pesado de reggaetón y rimas características del auto proclamado “cantante del ghetto”.

Andy Rivera ofreció un remix de su propia canción “Espina de Rosa” en una versión más acústica y con un piano que le da vida a la balada. 

Por último, pero no menos importante, Farina lanzó una canción de perreo suave, “La HP“, que captura todo su flow y personalidad magnética. 

Si buscás más, descubre los sonidos de Medellín en nuestra playlist FINO 

 

The Philippines Keeps the Conversation Going as Podcast Popularity Rises

October 21, 2022

a graphic image showing the cover art for 8 filipino podcasts

The power of podcasts continues to grow as Filipinos both home and abroad regularly tune in to laugh, learn, and listen to a wide range of local voices. From the weekly stories of love in Barangay Love Stories and touching tales of life in Dear MOR: The Podcast to all things astrology at Charot Readings with Macoy Dubs & Show Suzuki and the intimate conversations found in skypodcast, the Philippines is a hotbed of local audio talent, and listeners can’t get enough.

Whether the topic is hugots in life or getting a quick comedy fix, Spotify podcasts in the Philippines have seen more than 60% growth in listenership over the last 12 months, with local shows leading the charge.

“We are thrilled that our growing range of Spotify podcasts entertains Filipinos and connects them to creators and content,” said Carl Zuzarte, Spotify’s Head of Studios for Southeast Asia. “This serves as a motivation for us to continuously innovate and uplift creativity in the Philippines.”  

As part of Spotify’s first Creator Mixdown in the Philippines earlier this month, a panel of creators from top Spotify-hosted shows MavLine on Me, Paano ba Ito, and Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast gathered in Manila to talk about the future of Filipino programming, the importance of championing creative local audio, and creating a community through shared experiences.

a photo of participants sitting on stage speaking at a spotify panel

“It’s important to us that our podcasts sound—and feel—like a conversation among best friends,” said Antoinette Jadaone, who cohosts Ang Walang Kwentang. “When we did the podcast, it started out as a creative outlet, and people started listening, even those we don’t know. And eventually it became a community. Even if you’re a listener, you find a friend in a podcaster.”

The panelists were also in agreement that partnering with Spotify is key to amplifying the voices of Filipino talent across the country and the world.

“I think it’s really an awesome opportunity,” shared Mavy Legaspi, cohost of MavLine on Me. “You get to see a different perspective on public figures or growing creators in the Philippines that gives us a platform to reveal more of ourselves.”

With this tremendous growth in listenership, we can expect more shows on the way as Filipino creators start sharing both their creative visions and their opinions knowing that there will be more than enough people eager to listen.

Find out what everyone’s talking about by joining Kryz and Slater as they talk about life, relationships, and family in skypodcast.

Sounds of Africa: Creators Bring the Continent to Life on Spotify

May 25, 2022

a graphic image showing all the artists and podcast cover arts that are part of the sounds of africa creator campaign

May 25 marks Africa Day, which recognizes the creation of the African Union and offers a chance to reflect on the progress that has been made across the continent since 1963. To commemorate the occasion, Spotify is celebrating local voices through the new Sounds of Africa campaign.

The continent is home to an incredible array of talented individuals who are sharing their unique creativity, storytelling, and sounds with the world. So from social media to on-platform efforts, this campaign spotlights emerging African talent in music and podcasting. 

“African creators are doing amazing things in the music and audio content creation space. Moreover, the stories of this crop of creatives are helping others find their passions and their voices,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. 

 “They’re teachers, friends, and companions on people’s daily commute. They’re ambassadors for the continent, sharing the sounds of Africa. And, at Spotify, we are committed to helping them do just that,” Jocelyne added. 

Spotify also announced the creation of the Africa Podcast Grant to help highlight voices from the continent. The $100,000 fund is open to 10 creators, and they can be up-and-coming or established. This fund aims to amplify underrepresented stories and perspectives in podcasting.

As a part of Sounds of Africa, Spotify is highlighting six African artists and six African podcasters through a digital-first campaign to drive users to their various Spotify pages. For the Record caught up with each creator to learn more about what Africa Day means to them.

Feyikemi Abudu and Jola Ayeye: I Said What I Said podcast

I Said What I Said Podcast poster

“Africa Day, for us, is a day to celebrate Africans and people of African descent all over the world. It allows us to celebrate our growing cultural impacts on the globe while highlighting our diversity in different elements of art, music, fashion, food, and culture. We should always pay homage to Africans who stand out and who have made an effort to place Africa on the map. It should be a time to celebrate the champs of African creatives, businesses, and people across the continent.”

Joan, Kibz, Nyamita, and Owen: The Sandwich Podcast

The Sandwich Club podcast poster

“Africa Day reminds us of the sense of individuality that we have been able to achieve as a continent and celebrates the uniqueness of our African culture. This is also an opportunity for different creators to interact. This brings us unity, which we have always celebrated and will always continue to celebrate each and every day.”

Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome: Mantalk.ke podcast 

Mantalk.ke Podcast Poster

“Africa Day for us is a time of African renaissance, African celebration, and people celebrating a continent that is rich with culture and wildlife.”

Taymesan: Tea With Tay podcast 

Taymesan: Tea With Tay podcast poster

“Africa Day is for celebrating Africa’s heritage and cultural impact on the world while highlighting our uniqueness and diversity, expressed through music, art, craft, advocacy, and fashion.

“It is also very important to recognize outstanding Africans whose efforts have served to place Africa on the global map. The triumphs of African creatives, leaders of industry, and pioneers from across the continent must be celebrated as a reminder of how special we are.”

Nicole Engelbrecht: True Crime South Africa podcast 

True Crime South Africa poster

“For me, Africa Day is about celebrating the immense pool of talent we have on this continent. Whether it’s singing or podcasting, Africans have amazing stories to tell through their art, and I think Africa Day provides us with a platform for more people to hear and celebrate our uniqueness.”

Gugulethu Nyatsumba: After School Is After School with Sis G.U podcast 

Gugulethu Nyatsumba: After School Is After School with Sis G.U podcast poster

“Africa Day is a day where we get to celebrate our continent’s rich cultural identity and our many different heritages. To me, it’s a day where I get to be that much prouder of my roots, my people, and my continent. I try my best to learn something new about this beautiful environment I live in.” 

LADIPOE

LADIPOE poster

“To be honest, I feel like every day is Africa Day. But I’m grateful that it’s now a day that we’re using to celebrate the fact that there are 54 countries that make up this continent and that so much can be achieved when we move in one accord. It’s really something to celebrate.

“I feel like I became a much better writer when I began to tell the stories of my people and myself within my country and within my continent because there’s no place like Africa. The stories are a way to connect with the people. So when I sing ‘how far with Lagos on a Monday/traffic is as bad as the news on the front page/judging by my salary/I might as well be unpaid,’ trust me, the people who are living where I live understand what I’m talking about.”

Preyé

Preyé poster

“As an artist, Africa Day means reflecting on all the influences the continent has given me. There is so much raw talent here, and the range of sounds is crazy. The more I become a student of my art, the more I see how the diversity of the sounds I’m drawn to—everything from jazz to soul, funk, and folk—end up bringing me right back to this continent. 

“Living in, and listening to, Africa already affects the kinds of rhythms I come up with. When I grew up as a kid, I loved the sound of Nollywood, and the drama of it. The soundtrack literally tells you the whole story because it’s so vivid. There’s also the fact that there are so many languages here. Every language is its own song, and hearing all Nigeria’s languages has definitely influenced my melodies and harmonies—the flow, the inflections, cadences, and the drops. 

“I try to incorporate sounds from my part of Nigeria specifically, like the drum patterns, chanting vocals, and Pidgin English. My dad is from Okrika in the south of Nigeria, and my Mom is Igbo in the southeast, so I grew up hearing their languages, and they each have their own unique eclectic sound that I bring to my own music.”

Nikita Kering’

Nikita Kering' poster

“Africa Day is a time to celebrate each and every thing that comes from Africa. We have literally anything here. Very beautiful, very rich and bold. And I feel like it’s just a day to share it with the world because that sort of energy should never be contained.

“The music coming out of Africa is rich. It is bold. It is colorful. It is dramatic. And the more you listen to it, I think the more you get hooked. So I just hope that listeners can intentionally take the time to soak in the beauty that comes from here. It’s just amazing. And it’s always changing and developing into something because there are so many different tribes, cultures, and sounds from different parts of Africa that sound nothing like each other. But they all come together and sound so beautiful.”

Nomfundo Moh

Nomfundo Moh poster

“Africa Day is a special day to celebrate African pride and how diverse and unique we are.

“My music is dominated by various drums, which are symbolic of African sounds, and there’s use of vernacular on my lyrical content to invite different Africans in listening to my music.”

Zoë Modiga

Zoë Modiga poster

“Africa Day to me is such a symbolic reminder for us to reconnect with who we are as Africans and the African diaspora. 

“Our continent shows off its affluence with a plethora of resources, cultures, stories, beliefs, people, ways of living, ways of thinking, and music. All that we are makes us an abundant people who give the world so much soul, depth, character, and excitement. Though we have conquered many adversities and continue to be faced with many, we are such a gift to the global ecosystem. We are the heartbeat. 

“I would say my music represents a lot of what our constantly evolving, vast, modern sounds and stories are. Thematically, my music seeks to celebrate the human story, the Black experience, and the African glory that we are. It explores how we connect generations and explore new ideas without ever losing the essence of who we are. The perspective of life I share celebrates our diverse selves while using English and my mother tongue, isiZulu, to awaken healing, joy, and spirit. There is an inspired way my music expresses a melting pot of soundscapes while allowing the indigenous knowledge systems and sounds to take center stage.”

 

Now that you’ve had a chance to hear from these creators, check out the African Heat playlist on Spotify.

 

One Year and More Than 184 Markets Later, Spotify’s EQUAL Program Continues To Celebrate Women Artists Around the World

April 1, 2022

400 ambassadors. 184 markets. 13 million hours of listening. 35 playlists. These numbers represent the powerful impact of Spotify’s EQUAL program over the past year. 

Since its launch, EQUAL has shined a spotlight on women artists through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support—all created to foster equity for women in audio and celebrate their contributions. On Spotify, listeners can find the EQUAL Hub, which is a dedicated space to highlight women creators. The EQUAL Global Music Program extends resources and opportunities to women artists and amplifies their music through the flagship EQUAL Global playlist and EQUAL local playlists. 

On the platform, it’s clear our listeners are big fans of the women who are featured in our EQUAL campaigns. Take a look at some of the things EQUAL artists have achieved over the last year.

Plus, here are just a handful of accomplishments from EQUAL ambassadors and local market initiatives:

  • Seven of EQUAL’s Polish ambassadors have been nominated for the Fryderyk award this year. 
  • Five of EQUAL’s Dutch ambassadors have been nominated for the Edison Award this year. 
  • EQUAL French ambassadors Juliette Armanet and Barbara Pravi were both nominated for Victoire de la Musique awards, the French GRAMMY equivalent, with Barbara winning her category. 
  • Three EQUAL U.K. ambassadors were nominated for BRIT Awards. 
  • Last year in Spain, we hosted a roundtable called “EQUAL ESPANA” where singer-songwriter Rozalén and Spotify’s Head of Music for Southern Europe, Melanie Parejo, came together to discuss the importance of women in the Spanish music industry. 
  • In Japan, two new playlists are launching in the market to celebrate EQUAL’s first anniversary: Curated by Women and EQUAL Anime.
  • In Colombia, Spotify is taking EQUAL to the stage for the first time. Throughout the month of April, across seven performances, Spotify will bring together 13 outstanding artists including EQUAL Colombia ambassadors Goyo, Paola Jara, Lido Pimienta, Andrea Echeverri, Elsa y Elmar, Ventino, and more to make a statement for gender equality at full volume.

 

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We know this is only the beginning of bringing women creators front and center. Spotify will continue to highlight and amplify women’s voices by curating top audio destinations for women artists with global playlists like EQUAL: K-Pop, EQUAL: Indie, Women of Rock, and Galdem – Queens. As we reflect on EQUAL’s first year, we know there’s more work to be done and Spotify is committed to fostering equity in the music industry and beyond. 

 

Now that you know all about EQUAL, it’s time to celebrate the program’s anniversary by listening to the EQUAL Global playlist below.

 

Six Artists and Podcasters Share Their Journeys Since Spotify’s Launch in India

March 29, 2022

It’s been three years since Spotify’s launch in India—a change that not only gave listeners a new way to discover music and find podcasts, but also opened the door wider for creators in the country. 

Two major elements of Spotify’s impact in India are education and amplification. We’ve held several master classes in India and have helped more than 6,000 local artists share their music and access streaming insights. We’ve also hosted workshops and mentoring programs to assist podcasters with the development and distribution of their shows. In fact, the number of podcasts created on Anchor grew 130 times from the start of 2020 till the end of last year. On the amplification side, we’ve used EQUAL, RADAR, Fresh Finds, and Spotify Singles to help Indian talent gain more visibility at home and abroad—and initiatives such as Sound Up have enabled us to elevate the voices of women podcasters in the country.

“We want creators to thrive on Spotify, and our platform and initiatives are designed with that purpose in mind,” shared Amarjit Batra, Managing Director for Spotify India. “By collaborating closely with the creator community in India, we’ve been able to grow awareness and preference for audio streaming.”

So what have the past three years been like for Indian creators? For the Record sat down with three Indian artists and three Indian podcasters to hear how they’ve found new fans and audiences.

Asees Kaur – Singer

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Hands down the Times Square billboard in New York. I was featured twice—first, as an EQUAL artist for “52 Gaj Ka Daman,” and then for Spotify Wrapped since I was the third-most-streamed female artist in India last year.

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

Having access to my own audio streaming analytics and numbers because I know they are real numbers. This helps me connect better with my fans and focus on music they love!

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify?

I definitely share the new songs and playlists that I featured on on my social media and link back to Spotify so my followers are up-to-date on my new releases. I also curate my own playlists with my favorite songs to share with my fans. 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

There are so many. Locally, I would like to collaborate with any regional artist or genres, and internationally, I’d love to work with Taylor Swift and Adele.

 

Armaan Malik – Singer and Songwriter

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

I was the first Indian artist to be featured on the Spotify Times Square billboard for my debut English single, “Control.” It was a huge milestone for me and truly a spectacular moment for Indian musicians worldwide. 

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

I truly appreciate how in-depth the analytics are. It assists me and my team to navigate our releases strategically. Tools like the Artist Pick and Canvas really help artists push our music in the most effective way. I also love how easy it is to use the app. The user interface is extremely smooth, which is always a plus! 

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify? 

Personally, I love creating fun, new playlists. It enables me to reach out and engage with my fans in a much closer way. Some of these are discography playlists that allow my listeners to know more about my music across languages and genres, while the other playlists feature songs that I am hooked to currently (not just my own). 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

It’s my dream to collaborate with Charlie Puth, and I would love to do a song with Arijit Singh.

 

Nikhita Gandhi – Singer, Composer, and Songwriter

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

I think the business of music has become more streamlined. I am better aware of how my music is performing, able to consistently monitor the growth and progress of my art, and even personalize my artist profile almost like Instagram, but for streaming. 

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

I was walking to a recording and stumbled upon a GIANT poster of Badshah and me on Spotify’s spotlight post for “Bad Boy X Bad Girl.” I had no idea that was happening, so it was a crazy-good surprise.

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

There are a few, but the prerelease pitching feature tops that list. 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

I really can’t pick one. I feel blessed to say that many of my dreams have already come true, including launching my career with Rahman Sir (AR Rahman) and the collaboration with Pink Sweat$. Can’t wait to hit more epic milestones!

 

Yogi & Kabeer – Hosts of Shuddh Desi Gay

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

From consuming music and podcasts on Spotify to actually hosting a Spotify Original podcast, it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for us personally and professionally. Spotify adds credibility to our voices and gives our messages unmatched amplification. 

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Both of us have been using the app since its launch in India, so we can never forget the moment when we saw our podcast trending on the charts for the first time. Our listeners took screenshots and shared it on Instagram, and that was truly special. 

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify?

Our podcast is called Shuddh Desi Gay (SDG), so the relationship we have with our listeners is one of community. They’re our extended family, so when we created the collaborative playlist, SDG FAM, with five songs, it quickly went up to 55 hours of music, added to by over 50 listeners. Additionally, at the end of the year, Spotify Wrapped showed us how much listeners loved us, and we could share that back with them. 

Who are your dream guests for your podcast?

Comedian Ellen DeGenres and Indian filmmaker Karan Johar.

 

Balaji Patturaj – Host of Naallanaa Murukku – The RJ Balaji Podcast

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India? 

Being a radio jockey for the past 15 years made me realize that I’ve become a better person, and it reflects in whatever I do. Over the years, I’ve been able to easily connect with the radio audiences and today’s internet generation. Through Spotify, I continue to evolve and feel relevant as the younger generation listens to my podcast. It’s a great feeling to be connected with different audiences through different mediums.

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

This might sound weird, but after every episode I get so many heartwarming messages. Messages from people who lost their dear ones to COVID or texts from somebody who is going through a tough time physically, mentally, or financially—mentioning how a particular episode made them feel better. I feel fortunate that people are able to take so much from our podcast. What I thought to be mere entertainment for 15 minutes turned out to be something more and bigger. Those stories, those life-changing moments and the impact we made, are the most memorable parts of my journey with Spotify. 

What’s your favorite thing about working with Spotify?

My favorite thing is to be able to work with the best in business. Best in the business does not just mean how big the brand is, or how well Spotify values creators, but how much they care about the medium. Spotify knows how to handle a podcast, how to promote it, how to take it to the target audience, and how to work with talent. All these things make Spotify’s working environment a really cool one. I always have a good time while discussing show ideas with the Spotify team. They know the medium and they strive to give their best to their listeners. 

Who are your dream guests for your podcast?

One person I want to be on my podcast is Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. Apart from his films, his stardom, and his philosophical thoughts, the man has a great life we can all learn so much from. I would like to talk to him about the stories that he hasn’t yet shared with the world. A global guest I would like to have on my show would be Barack Obama. At a time like this where most people have negative opinions on world leaders, Obama is still loved by the majority, and that’s a story worth telling.

 

Ananthi Iyappan – Host of The Book Show & Rough Note by RJ Ananthi

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

We have more listeners now than ever before, and we regularly receive messages from so many people that they loved our podcast on Spotify. We have been able to reach so many people outside India through Spotify, and I feel so much gratitude for that.

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Being signed on as a Spotify Exclusive was very special to me because it took me back to those days when I used to do my podcast inside a cupboard for better acoustics. Spotify is the only audio streaming platform that recognized the effort behind the content I was creating, and they have supported me right from the beginning.

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify? 

We redirect our social media followers to Spotify at the end of every episode’s promotion. We also encourage our fans to listen to our episodes even if they don’t have enough time to watch our episodes. We also encourage anyone who comes up with an idea for their own podcast.

 

Want to learn more about how listeners are streaming podcasts in India? Check some of the top trends we’re seeing in the country.

Avril Lavigne Is Back With a New Album and Is Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month

March 14, 2022

At just 17 years old, Avril Lavigne found success with hits like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” which sharpened traditional pop across a punk edge. Along with a series of Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist, the young Canadian singer-songwriter amassed an impressive following of fans who loved her personal lyrics and signature style.

Following her debut album, Let Go, Avril released five more albums that showed off a range of musical styles and themes. Fast-forward to 2022 and Avril is back with a new album and the distinction of Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month. EQUAL is Spotify’s global music program aiming to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying the work of women creators around the world. Avril’s known for writing and singing songs that bring female empowerment front and center, which makes her role as March’s EQUAL Ambassador a perfect fit.

Listeners can find Avril on the cover of the EQUAL Global playlist, which also includes the latest single, “Bite Me,” from her new album, Love Sux.

For the Record caught up with Avril and asked a few rapid-fire questions about her music.

The artists who have inspired me the most are __.

Alanis Morissette, The Chicks, and Shania Twain.

One piece of advice I’d give other women artists is __.

Believe in yourself, don’t be scared to say no, and trust your gut.

One notable moment in my career so far is __.

Playing live shows internationally and standing in front of a room full of people singing every lyric to my songs. It’s the most unbelievable feeling.

My creative process consists of __.

My feelings and guitar.

Some up-and-coming women artists I’m excited to watch are __.

phem and WILLOW.

My girl-power anthem right now is __.

“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls.

Ready to listen to Avril’s latest music, as well as other women artists around the world? Blast Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist here. 

Programa Sound Up, do Spotify, Continua Trazendo Vozes Diversas Para Podcasts

March 4, 2022

Desde o seu início em 2018, o programa Sound Up, do Spotify, ajudou criadores  sub-representados a colocar o pé – e o microfone – na porta da podosfera. O objetivo do programa é diversificar as vozes no espaço de áudio, fornecendo oportunidades educacionais, recursos e acesso a especialistas do setor aos participantes. Os graduados do Sound Up em outros mercado, como Estados Unidos e Austrália, já lançaram programas populares que foram classificados nas paradas de podcast do Spotify, incluindo Dope Labs, Search Engine Sex, You Heard Me Write, e FOGO: Fear of Going Outside.

Agora, quatro anos após sua criação, o Sound Up foi lançado em 12 mercados (Japão, Itália, Estados Unidos, LatinX, Índia, México, Austrália, Suécia, Reino Unido, Alemanha, Brasil e Argentina) e ajudou centenas de graduados a encontrar oportunidades na criação de podcasts.

Como funciona o Sound Up? Em cada mercado, 10 participantes são selecionados para fazer parte do programa. Os criadores passam por uma experiência imersiva virtual ou presencial, na qual aprimoram sua narrativa, obtêm mais experiência na produção de áudio e têm a chance de desenvolver suas ideias. Após o término da sessão, os participantes continuam a receber apoio do Spotify durante todo o ano, enquanto criam um piloto profissional de sua ideia, que tem a oportunidade de se tornar um Original Spotify.

Em 2020, à medida que pessoas ao redor do mundo alteravam seu estilo de vida com base nos protocolos de distanciamento social e nos riscos do COVID-19, o Sound Up também teve que se adaptar. “Foram dois anos incrivelmente difíceis em que, globalmente, tivemos que ajustar o programa aos treinamentos virtuais”, compartilhou Natalie Tulloch, Líder Global do Sound Up. “Mas também tivemos a chance de ver histórias maravilhosas começarem a tomar forma, e agora que lançamos novos podcasts, é incrivelmente gratificante.”

O For the Record viajou pelo mundo para conferir alguns dos participantes atuais e recém-formados do programa para saber mais sobre suas experiências e os podcasts que estão criando.

Maickson Serrão (Brasil)

Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta, de Maickson, é um podcast de não ficção sobre histórias do folclore amazônico. O criador está atualmente trabalhando com sua equipe para mapear o enredo de todos os 12 episódios do programa. “Vamos falar de criaturas como a Mãe da Mata, uma lenda muito famosa aqui, mas também de contos desconhecidos como o pássaro que come gente”, compartilhou Maickson. “Já entrevistei alguns contadores de histórias tradicionais. Essas pessoas vivem dos muitos rios da região e também são anciãos dos povos indígenas da Amazônia brasileira.” Durante sua experiência no Sound Up, Maickson apreciou como o programa era prático, enquanto também permitiu muitas oportunidades de liberdade criativa. “Espero que todos os participantes do Sound Up tenham muito sucesso e que o programa continue impactando a vida de muitos outros jovens talentos em nosso país. Muitas histórias precisam ser contadas sobre as pluralidades e a diversidade florescente do Brasil”, disse Maickson.

 

Samara Costa (Brasil) 

ZUMBIR é um podcast que destaca os contos de ficção afrofuturistas. A criadora, Samara Costa, está atualmente trabalhando em ideias para episódios, e isso envolve muitas viagens. Ela visitou recentemente Angola como parte de sua pesquisa. “As histórias e mitos angolanos tiveram um grande impacto em mim, especialmente o som, o misticismo e o estilo de vida dos jovens angolanos”, explicou Samara. “Acho que a combinação de referências brasileiras e angolanas serão elementos que servirão de base para a criação de alguns episódios de ZUMBIR.” Sua parte favorita da experiência Sound Up foi ver seu episódio piloto ganhar vida, de uma ideia no papel a um episódio polido. “Pude sentir a voz dos personagens, como eles falam, andam, como riem, tudo pelo áudio… Foi fantástico! Tudo isso foi criado com o apoio técnico e emocional de todos os envolvidos no Sound Up, desde mentores e organizadores até amigos que fiz durante o programa.”

 

Caio dos Santos (Brasil)

Raízes é um podcast documental que conta histórias de famílias brasileiras. Na primeira edição, Caio investiga suas próprias origens em um esforço para responder uma questão: De onde eu vim? O participante do Sound Up está atualmente trabalhando na produção da primeira edição e já escreveu dois roteiros. “Eu aposto que muita gente se conectará com o carisma dos personagens e suas histórias”, compartilhou Caio. Para a próxima fase de sua jornada, o podcaster espera continuar contando contos do povo nordestino. 

 

Lucas Moura (Brasil)

O podcast de Lucas Moura, Calunguinha, o cantador de histórias é um podcast fictício que espera expandir a imaginação de crianças negras compartilhando a história dos negros no Brasil e no mundo. Lucas está atualmente trabalhando na finalização de roteiros e encontrando as vozes certas para fazê-los brilhar. Sua parte favorita no programa Sound Up foram os artistas com quem conseguiu se encontrar para o podcast. “Convidamos um artista (Lázaro Ramos) para participar do nosso podcast e ele aceitou”, explicou Lucas. “Ali ficou claro para mim que o Sound Up é um projeto que pode ajudar a ampliar meus horizontes.”

 

Gigi (Reino Unido)

Gigi acabou de terminar o programa e está trabalhando em seu podcast Journeys With Grace, que é uma história de descoberta imersiva e independente. Da narrativa aos detalhes de direitos autorais, a experiência de Gigi no Sound Up trouxe muitos novos conhecimentos sobre a indústria. Sua parte favorita do processo foi desenvolver o trailer e o episódio piloto. “Cobrir meu trailer com paisagens sonoras e adicionar áudio atmosférico aqui e ali foi divertido para mim – um pouco estressante e divertido”, explicou o podcaster. “Sou criativo, então, ver minha visão se concretizar foi um momento super legal. Esse sentimento é insubstituível.” Agora, seu foco é desenvolver o roteiro e encontrar uma maneira de convidar os ouvintes para o seu programa de maneira íntima. “Estou ansioso para o processo, para minha visão estar aí para todos e o podcast encontrar e ressoar com as pessoas que deveria.”

Para criadores do Reino Unido e da Irlanda interessados ​​no programa Sound Up, as inscrições estão abertas até 14 de março de 2022. Envie sua inscrição aqui.

 

Fatima Hellgren Camara (Suécia) 

Podcast de Fatima Hellgren Camara, Välkommen till Ön (Bem-vindo à Ilha) é um olhar cômico sobre pessoas irritantes e seus hábitos frustrantes. Toda semana ela discute essas pessoas e se elas devem ser enviadas para uma ilha deserta muito, muito distante. A série acaba de terminar sua segunda temporada, durante a qual Fátima aprendeu a editar e produzir seus próprios episódios. Sua parte favorita do Sound Up? “Ter tido a oportunidade de aprender um conjunto de habilidades totalmente novas”, compartilhou a apresentadora. “No entanto, minha parte favorita foi me familiarizar com o equipamento técnico.”

 

Roba Kadhem (Suécia) 

Atualmente em sua terceira temporada, Lyssna Tjejer (Listen Girls) é um podcast co-hospedado por Roba Kadhem e Aya Said. No programa, as duas discutem temas do Pink Room, o maior grupo de mulheres do Facebook da Escandinávia. Por meio do Sound Up, Roba experimentou um maior senso de comunidade entre outras pessoas do setor. “Foi muito aconchegante ver essas pessoas incríveis todas as semanas e conhecê-las, mesmo por meio de uma reunião virtual”, explicou Roba.

 

Arunima Tenzin Tara (Índia) 

Em Dinner by Ear, a apresentadora Arunima Tenzin Tara dá dicas aos ouvintes sobre como preparar um jantar em apenas 30 minutos. Atualmente, Arunima está testando novas receitas, desenvolvendo versões rápidas de jantares que ela adora e lendo o máximo possível sobre a história dos alimentos. Ainda no meio de sua participação no Sound Up, toda essa preparação permitirá que ela comece a gravar os episódios assim que chegar a hora. Sua parte favorita da experiência até agora foi entender por que ela estava fazendo esse show e quem era sua audiência. “Acho que esse exercício foi algo que gostei porque me obrigou a analisar criticamente o conceito do meu podcast e restringir a audiência a um tipo muito particular de pessoa”, explicou Arunima. “Esse foco me ajudou a ter clareza sobre o tipo de receitas a serem incluídas no programa.” À medida que avança para a próxima fase, Arunima terá a chance de gravar sons na cozinha, criar músicas originais e passar um tempo aperfeiçoando sua voz.

 

Shreya Dasgupta (Índia)

O podcast Imagined Tomorrow, de Shreya Dasgupta, apresenta uma variedade de especialistas que usam seus conhecimentos em ciência e tecnologia para especular sobre o futuro da Índia. Shreya está usando as ferramentas que aprendeu na Fase Um de sua experiência no Sound Up para se preparar para uma nova temporada; atualmente ela está no processo de delinear, pesquisar e reportar processos para os próximos episódios. Até agora, ela teve duas partes favoritas do programa. “O primeiro foi conhecer podcasters incrivelmente criativos”, disse Shreya. “O segundo foi aprender com os mentores do Sound Up e outros da equipe do Spotify, que não apenas depositaram sua fé na minha ideia, mas também foram super comprometidos e entusiasmados em ver minha visão.” Shreya em breve entrará na Fase Dois de sua experiência no Sound Up.

 

Peppa Smith (Austrália)

Yaama Mama é um podcast criado por Peppa Smith que se concentra na paternidade de crianças indígenas. Por meio de temas sérios e comentários sarcásticos, o programa examina e desconstrói a maneira como os pais são ensinados a criar os filhos em sua comunidade. Peppa está atualmente em um momento de pesquisa, trabalhando na coleta de informações para serem usadas em seus episódios. Uma de suas partes favoritas do Sound Up foram as pessoas que teve a chance de conhecer. “Tive reuniões em que encontrei pessoas extremamente inteligentes e talentosas na indústria”, disse a podcaster. “Também tive a sorte de que os outros membros da turma para 2021 são uma multidão brilhante, engraçada e incrivelmente bonita.”

 

Esses criadores e suas histórias são apenas uma pequena amostra dos podcasts que estão sendo desenvolvidos por meio do Sound Up. Para saber mais sobre o programa e como funciona para amplificar vozes sub-representadas, visite o site do Sound Up.

Spotify’s Sound Up Program Continues to Bring Diverse Voices to Podcasting

February 28, 2022

Since its start in 2018, Spotify’s Sound Up has helped underrepresented creators get their feet—and mics—in the door for podcasting. The program’s aim is to diversify the voices in the audio space by providing participants with educational opportunities, resources, and access to industry experts. Sound Up graduates have released popular shows that have ranked on Spotify’s podcast charts, including Dope Labs, Search Engine Sex, You Heard Me Write, and FOGO: Fear of Going Outside.

Now, four years after its inception, Sound Up has launched in 12 markets (Japan, Italy, the U.S., U.S. LatinX, India, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and Argentina) and helped hundreds of graduates find careers in podcasting. 

How does Sound Up work? In each market, 10 participants are selected to be a part of the program. The creators then go through a four-week virtual or in-person immersive experience where they hone their storytelling, get more experience in audio production, and have a chance to workshop their ideas. After the session ends, the participants continue to receive year-round support from Spotify as they create professional pilots of their ideas, which have a chance to become a Spotify Original.

In 2020, as people around the world altered their lifestyles based on social distancing protocols and COVID-19 risks, Sound Up also had to adapt. “It was an incredibly difficult two years where, globally, we had to adjust the program to virtual trainings,” shared Natalie Tulloch, Sound Up Global Lead. “But we also got the chance to see wonderful stories begin to take shape, and now as we launch new podcasts, it feels incredibly gratifying.”

For the Record traveled across the globe to check in on a few of the current and recently graduated program participants to learn more about their experiences and the podcasts they are creating.

Gigi (U.K.)

Gigi just finished the program and is working on her podcast, Journeys With Grace, which is an immersive self-contained story of discovery. From storytelling to copyright details, Gigi’s Sound Up experience taught her plenty about the industry. Her favorite part of the process was developing the trailer and pilot episode. “Layering up my trailer with soundscapes and adding atmospheric audio here and there was fun to me—a stressful kinda fun,” explained the podcaster. “I’m a creative, so seeing my vision come to fruition was a super-dope moment. You can’t really replace that feeling.” Now her focus is on developing the script and finding a way to invite listeners into her show in an intimate way. “I’m looking forward to the process, the vision being out there, and the podcast finding and resonating with the people it’s supposed to.”

For U.K. and Ireland creators who are interested in the Sound Up program, applications are open now through March 14, 2022. Submit your application here.

 

Fatima Hellgren Camara (Sweden)

Fatima Hellgren Camara’s podcast Välkommen till Ön (Welcome to the Island) is a comedic look at annoying people and their frustrating habits. Each week she discusses these people and whether they should be sent off to a deserted island far, far away. The show just finished its second season, during which Fatima learned how to edit and produce her own episodes. Her favorite part of Sound Up? “To have been given the opportunity to learn an entirely new skill set,” shared the host. “However, my absolute favorite part was getting acquainted with technical equipment.”

 

Roba Kadhem (Sweden)

Currently in its third season, Lyssna Tjejer (Listen Girls) is a podcast cohosted by Roba Kadhem and Aya Said. On the show, the two discuss topics from Pink Room, Scandinavia’s largest Facebook group for women. Through Sound Up, Roba has experienced a greater sense of community from others in the industry. “It was so cozy to see these incredible people every week and get to know them so well even through a virtual meeting,” explained Roba. 

 

Arunima Tenzin Tara (India)


In Dinner by Ear, host Arunima Tenzin Tara gives listeners tips on preparing dinner in only 30 minutes. Arunima is currently testing out new recipes, developing quick versions of dinners she loves, and reading up on as much food history as possible. Still in the middle of her Sound Up program, all this preparation will allow her to start recording episodes as soon as it’s time. Her favorite part of the experience thus far has been determining why she was making this show and who her audience was. “I think this exercise was something that I enjoyed because it forced me to critically analyze my podcast concept and narrow the audience down to a very particular kind of person,” explained Arunima. “This focus has helped me gain clarity about the kind of recipes to include in the show.” As she moves into the next phase of the program, Arunima will have the chance to record sounds in the kitchen, create original music, and spend time perfecting her voice.

 

Shreya Dasgupta (India)

Shreya Dasgupta’s podcast, Imagined Tomorrow, features a variety of experts who use their backgrounds in science and technology to speculate on India’s future. Shreya is using the tools she learned in phase one of her Sound Up experience to prepare for a new season; she’s currently in the outlining, researching, and reporting process for upcoming episodes. So far, she’s had two favorite parts of the program. “The first has been getting to know such incredibly creative fellow podcasters,” said Shreya. “The second has been learning from the Sound Up mentors and others on the Spotify team who not only placed their faith in my idea, but have been super committed and enthusiastic about seeing my vision through.” Shreya will soon be entering phase two of her Sound Up experience.

 

Maickson Serrão (Brazil)


Maickson’s Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta (Pavulagem – Tales From the Forest) is a nonfiction podcast about Amazonian folklore stories. The creator is currently working with his team to map out the storyline for all 12 of the show’s episodes. “We’ll talk about creatures like Mãe da Mata (Mother of the Forest), a really famous legend here, but also unknown tales like the bird that eats people,” shared Maickson. “I have already interviewed some traditional storytellers. These people live off the many rivers in the region and are also elders from Indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon.” During his Sound Up experience, Maickson appreciated how hands-on the program was while still allowing plenty of opportunity for creative freedom. “I hope that all participants from Sound Up become very successful and that the program continues to impact the lives of many other young talents in our country. Many stories need to be told of Brazil’s pluralities and blooming diversity,” said Maickson.

 

Samara Costa (Brazil)

ZUMBIR is a podcast that highlights Afrofuturist fictional tales. The creator, Samara Costa, is currently working on ideas for episodes, and that involves a lot of traveling. She recently visited Angola as part of her research. “The Angolan stories and myths made a big impact on me, especially the sound, mysticism, and lifestyle of young Angolans,” explained Samara. “I think that the combination of both Brazilian and Angolan references will be elements that will serve as a basis for the creation of some ZUMBIR episodes.” Her favorite part of the Sound Up experience was seeing her pilot episode come to life, from an idea on paper to a polished episode. “I was able to feel the voice of the characters, how they talk, walk, how they laugh, all through audio.… It was fantastic! All of this was created with the technical and emotional support of everyone involved in Sound Up, from mentors and organizers to friends that I made during the program.”

 

Caio (Brazil)

Raízes is a documentary podcast that tells the stories of Brazilian families. In the first season, Caio investigates his own origins in an effort to answer one question: Where did I come from? The Sound Up participant is currently working on producing the first season and has already written two scripts. “I’m betting that a lot of people will connect with the charisma of the characters and their stories,” shared Caio. For the next phase of his journey, the podcaster is hoping to continue telling tales from the people of Northeast Brazil. 

 

Lucas Moura (Brazil)

Lucas Moura’s Calunguinha, o cantador de histórias (Calunguinha, the Singer of Tales) is a fictional podcast that Lucas hopes will expand the imagination of Black children by sharing the history of Black people in both Brazil and around the world. Lucas is currently working on finalizing scripts and finding the right voices to make them shine. The creator’s favorite part of the Sound Up program was the artists he was able to meet with for the podcast. “We invited one artist (Lázaro Ramos) to participate in our podcast and he accepted,” explained Lucas. “There it became clear to me that Sound Up is a project that can help broaden my horizons.”

 

Peppa Smith (Australia)


Yaama Mama is a podcast created by Peppa Smith that focuses on parenting Indigenous kids. Through both serious themes and sarcastic commentary, the show examines and dismantles the way parents are taught to raise children in her community. Peppa is currently in research mode, working on collecting information to be used in her episodes. One of her favorite parts of Sound Up was the people she’s had a chance to meet. “There’s been meetings where I have met with some hugely clever and talented people in the industry,” said the podcaster. “I’ve also been lucky that the other members of the cohort for 2021 are a brilliant, funny, and incredibly good-looking mob.”

These creators and their stories are just a small sampling of the podcasts that are being developed through Sound Up. To learn more about the program and how it’s working to amplify underrepresented voices, visit Sound Up’s website.

Laugh Along to Three New Comedy Podcasts Coming to Spotify

April 1, 2021

In a year where people have come to expect the unexpected, comedy podcasts can provide a welcome respite with laughter and lighthearted listening. 

Spotify has three new podcasts for those looking for their next dose of humor. Read on for a little about each one, as well as a short Q&A with the creators, guests, and hosts who are responsible for the laughs. Get ready to chuckle.

The Sketch Factor is a scripted sketch comedy podcast produced by Radio Point, and hosted by Fred Armisen, who’s known for his work on the television shows Portlandia and Documentary Now! In this series, Armisen plays Xandor Szavost, an inventor, philanthropist, and billionaire who is using his fortune to finance a sketch comedy competition for his own amusement. At three to five minutes each, episodes are short and perfect for a quick comedy hit. For the Record caught up with the show’s cast member and comedian, Seaton Smith.

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Seaton: God, I hate pranks. One time I was late to a show, and my friend and his girl got there early and were bored. So, as a prank, he had his girlfriend call me and tell me that he started a fight with the bouncer and the police were there holding him down, and I had to hurry up and get there. It WAS funny. It just wasn’t the easiest thing to laugh at.

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Seaton: Comedy you just listen to is fun because it hits you differently. Visually, I need all of your attention, and if I lose your attention for a second, then the comedy is hurt. But with audio, you can go do other things and still be all into it. It’s like we’re in your mind as you go about your day.

The podcast Flameout, produced by Treefort Media, brings together comedians to unravel the biggest business success stories gone wrong. The stories feature insider interviews and juicy revelations that include comedic and unfiltered opinions on the business flameouts. We chatted with Michael Ian Black, Baron Vaughn, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Abbi Crutchfield, who all take a turn as show hosts.

Why do you think comedy has been so important over the last year?

Abbi: Comedy has been a release valve for all of my pent-up frustration—fear, anger, despair—during the past year. It wasn’t easy to adjust to virtual performances, but it was always a relief to do a show and connect with people. I thought it might be the new way for everyone to enjoy comedy (So convenient! No commute! No drunken fights!), but now with the vaccine, it seems more like a dystopian version of comedy. There is no substitute for live performance, as Milli Vanilli will tell you. 

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Michael: I faked my own death for 10 years, April 1, 2003 to April 1, 2013. Joke ended up being on me, though, because my wife remarried and started a new family in my absence. So that was kind of a bummer. 

Atsuko: I’ve never been a part of an April Fools’ prank because that would insinuate I had friends. Ha—it’s okay I’ve coped with it. Instead, I’ve been the subject of an April Fools’ prank, where a bunch of rich popular girls from school put shaving cream all over my car and wrapped it up with toilet paper. My car was parked in front of my uncle’s house. Because I was living in his garage. As an undocumented kid. Yay America!

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Baron: Listening to someone without seeing the speaker or any other visual component requires an entirely different level of focus. Not relying on visual cues means tuning into things like tone, inflection, and rhythm. You get a different sense of how someone talks. Those are things that are usually natural, but there are ways to play with that with intention. That, however, is for another April Fools’.

Nosy Neighbors is a new podcast featuring comedians Candice Thompson (previously a writer/correspondent on Lights Out with David Spade) and Chinedu Unaka (who will be featured on the upcoming season of Insecure). In each episode, the cohosts highlight the wildest neighbor stories of the week, dissecting and analyzing those involved, settling disputes, unpacking petty posts on local forums, and celebrating good neighborly behavior. The series includes call-ins from fellow comedians who share their own tales of notable neighbors. Both Candice and Chinedu answered a few questions for us.

Why do you think comedy has been so important over the last year?

Candice: Man . . . comedy should’ve made it onto Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of the Year list for 2020. We all would have lost our minds without it. Every comedian was an essential worker last year. Putting out online content became something I know I started doing more of to entertain other people, because I know they were looking for literally any reason to laugh, but I also did it for my own sanity. I had always thought of comedy as a career, but last year it felt like it became a charitable donation. I’m going to see if I can write it off on my taxes. 

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Candice: I’ve never been a huge prank person, but I do recall being on the receiving end of a prank in college when my best friend told me he’d gotten someone pregnant. We were so “ride or die” I was mentally preparing to drop out of college to help him raise the baby. I was like, “I can learn to breastfeed. How hard can it be?” That prank was stressful.

Chinedu: Me and my college friend Anthony bought a bunch of bike locks and locked everyone in our dormitory’s bikes together early morning before their classes. We locked our own bikes up in the mess too—because we’re not amateurs.

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Chinedu: Pajamas. You can be in your pajamas, it’s lovely. 

 

Want more? Listen to all three podcasts, now available on Spotify.