Tag: creators

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. 

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

March 31, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dig Into Music Streaming in the Latest Episode of ‘Spotify: For the Record’

March 25, 2021

At Spotify, we believe artists deserve clarity when it comes to the economics of music streaming. That’s why last week we unveiled Loud & Clear, a new microsite that breaks down the players and process involved with the royalty system. 

Artists want the opportunity to make a living from their work. We want that, too: Although more artists than ever are finding success through streaming, we’re nowhere near done, and we’ll keep pushing to grow the industry. As we make those strides, the Loud & Clear site demystifies how the money flows while also sharing more context when it comes to streaming numbers and how they stack up on Spotify in 2020.

In this week’s episode of our podcast, Spotify: For the Record, we continue the conversation about streaming economics and Loud & Clear.

Our first guest is Sammy Andrews, CEO of Deviate Digital and a board member of the Music Managers Forum (MMF) in the UK, who discusses industry reaction to Loud & Clear and where she thinks we should go from here.

We also speak with Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s Head of Marketplace, who provides more context on Loud and Clear and details how more artists than ever are finding success in the music industry.  

Listen to “Loud and Clear: A New Conversation on Music Streaming.” 

Spotify Founder and CEO Daniel Ek Discusses the Economics of Music Streaming

March 18, 2021

Since its 2014 low, the music industry has grown by 44%, driven primarily by streaming revenues, which increased 500% over this same period. In 2020 alone, Spotify paid $5B+ and makes up about 20% of global recorded music industry revenue, more than any other streaming service. That number is massive on its own, and it doesn’t include the other music streaming services, or other sources of music revenue. 

Still, artists ask me all the time why they’re not making more money. If the music industry is generating so much, then where the hell is it going? These are fair questions. So, we’re launching a new site, Loud & Clear, to increase transparency and shed light on the complicated economics of music streaming. 

Streaming is thriving and has been key to helping more artists find a global audience. There are more artists than ever before. That’s awesome. It means new genres, more music crossing borders, and more artists finding new fans. It also means new artists joining Spotify every day, along with the entire history of music that came before them. More artists want to share their art, reach fans and earn a living from music. And it’s happening. 

From streaming on Spotify alone, we’re seeing growth from artists at all stages of their career: since 2017, the number of artists generating

    • more than $50K/yr is up 80%
    • more than $100K/yr is up 85%; 
    • and more than $1M/year is up 90%. 

Today, 57K artists now represent 90% of monthly streams on Spotify — a number that has quadrupled in just six years. This means that the number of the most listened to artists in the world is growing and more diverse.

Our goal is to help musicians that aspire to be, or are professional to make a living. It’s something we take seriously every day. Of course not every one of the millions of artists on Spotify have found the same success. That will never be true. Fans will ultimately decide who succeeds and thrives, but our focus remains clear: Continue to create more opportunities for more artists to reach more fans. 

We know we have much more work to do, but we’re confident in what we’ve built and the innovations we continue to deliver for artists and their fans. We’ll continue to empower the most talented artists in the world to turn their passion into a profession, grow the money paid to rights holders, diversify and expand the number of professional artists succeeding, and propel the music industry forward.

Spotify’s Emerging Artists Program, RADAR, Kicks Off in Russia

March 9, 2021

Last year Spotify launched RADAR, our emerging artist program that spotlights rising talent from around the globe. RADAR’s goal is to help up-and-coming artists in all stages of their development as they connect with new audiences. Now, after working with creators in the U.S., New Zealand, Spain, and many other markets, the program is ready to launch in Russia.

Since Spotify’s launch in Russia in 2020, we’ve seen tremendous success with subscriber growth and service adoption. According to our 2020 Q3 results, Russia has been our most successful new market launch to date and represented the largest portion of subscriber outperformance for the quarter. 

With RADAR, we will amplify emerging artists in the region through ongoing marketing and editorial support. Artists will be featured in the local creative marketing campaigns, and their tracks will be added to the RADAR RUSSIA playlist in the global RADAR hub, helping fans from all over the world discover their music. For the Record had the opportunity to chat with two bands that are a part of Russia’s RADAR program.

Сёстры (pronounced “sestry,” translation: Sisters) is an indie pop duo that debuted their first album, Когда были волны (When There Were Waves), in October of 2020. The group has already seen success, including having recently performed on a popular Russian late-night talk show.

Три дня дождя (pronounced “tri dnia dozhdia,” translation: Three Days of Rain) is an alternative band that released their first album in February of last year. Their most popular track, “Не киряй,” has racked up more than 4.5 million streams on Spotify.

Read what the bands had to say about their music, their experience, and more below.

What are you looking forward to as a Spotify Russian RADAR artist?

Сестры: We have been watching the RADAR program for a long time now, as it’s helped us discover many talented foreign artists, and it is very unlikely we would have discovered them without it. Now, through RADAR, it’s amazing that many more listeners will learn about us—our tracks will become a part of Spotify’s global ecosystem, and our songs will be heard by many people all over the world. We are just at the beginning of getting to know our audience, and it is so important for us to develop strong relations with our fans. 

Три дня дождя: We have big plans and ambitions going forward, and we hope the support of Spotify can help us with establishing our name not only in Russia but also abroad. We are honored to have been chosen as one of the first artists to take part in the program in the country. Russian rock is not dead and we’d love to prove it! We are hopeful that RADAR can help us bring our art to the new audiences.

What advice do you have for fellow emerging artists?

Сестры: Trust yourself and your vision, work hard, and carry on no matter what.

Три дня дождя: First of all, don’t ever give up. Ever! And practice as often as possible. Secondly, try to minimize all factors that restrain you from doing what you love. Lastly, always believe in yourself and your art.

What message do you want people to take from your music?

Три дня дождя: With my music I’d love to convey the emotions everyone is familiar with. And about showing the listeners that love can be a very dangerous thing at times. 

This past year presented many unprecedented challenges. How has it changed the way you approach your musical career?

Сестры: 2020 is exactly the year when our music career began developing. The music industry turned to online, but it somehow brought us all even closer together. We are definitely looking forward to the day when live concerts and performances become possible again, but our approach to our music career has not changed a bit. We will continue gathering at home or at the studio to make new music together.

 

Ready to give these Russian artists a listen? Check out the new RADAR Russia playlist below.

Two New German Spotify Original Podcasts Are Taking On Marriage—One Before and One After Saying ‘I Do’

March 1, 2021

From rom-com meet-cutes to tailored playlist exchanges, there’s a lot to love about love. Two new German Spotify Original podcasts are ready to bring their take on relationships, but from two different vantage points: One podcast follows a couple’s journey before saying “I do,” while the other takes a look at newlywed life.

First up, the before. While a wedding is often one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life, planning the event is often more stressful than blissful. So Laura Larsson, cohost of the popular show Herrengedeck, decided to document her lead-up to the altar in her new podcast Erstmal für immer. In the 10-episode series, she gives the audience an open and honest look at preparations for her wedding to her fiancé, Nils. “My favorite part of creating the show was talking to Nils,” explains Laura. “In our recordings together, I felt like I got to know a lot of new things about both him and us.” From the proposal to the walk down the aisle, listeners will follow the bride-to-be through the highs and lows of her entire planning process. Laura isn’t sparing any details. As she explains it, you can expect the journey to be “chaotic and emotional, but also quite beautiful.”

And when it comes to life after the vows? German comedians Hazel Brugger and Thomas Spitzer chronicle what happens next on their podcast Nur verheiratet mit Hazel & Thomas. After keeping their marriage a secret from the public for months, Hazel and Thomas give listeners a glimpse into their relationship, one date at a time. Over 17 episodes, the series lets listeners eavesdrop on the couple as they handle their marriage “firsts,” and learn what it’s like to date each other again.  

Whether you’re recently engaged or a few anniversaries in, get a dose of relationship chatter with the Erstmal für immer and Nur verheiratet mit Hazel & Thomas podcasts, available now exclusively on Spotify.

On the Latest Episode of ‘Spotify: For the Record’ Anchor Podcasters Share How They Bring Their Stories to Life

February 25, 2021

In 2019, Spotify acquired Anchor, a platform that makes it easy to hit the ground running in the podcast space. Podcasters around the world can access the platform’s creative tools, free content hosting, and distribution. Last year, we saw that 80% of the new shows on Spotify were made with Anchor. For beginners, the platform can help simplify the steps to getting published, while more experienced creators benefit from Anchor’s wide range of unique features, like including music straight from Spotify’s catalogue to make a Music + Talk show.

In the latest episode of our podcast, Spotify: For the Record, we explore how a variety of podcasters got their start using Anchor.

  • We follow along with Cassandra Bankson, a skincare expert and influencer, as she embarks on her journey to create her first podcast. From getting a microphone to learning how to upload episodes to Spotify, we follow along as her audio story comes to life.
  • Gael Aitor and Kayla Suarez, from the popular podcast Teenager Therapy, join us to share why their series is the perfect forum to highlight the struggles that come with being a teenager.
  • Rizky Ardi Nugroho, host of one of the top podcasts in Indonesia, Do You See What I See, shares how Anchor helped him start his show in 2018 (when he knew next to nothing about podcasting), and how he went from being a rice producer to a podcast producer. 

Michael Mignano, the cofounder of Anchor, also joins us to talk about the innovations that creators can expect to see in the near future. From audience poll functionality to an in-app Q&A format, the platform is opening up new forms of engagement for podcasters.

The episode concludes with a series of tips and tricks from each guest for aspiring podcasters. Ready to give it a listen? Check it out here.