Tag: EQUAL Artist of the Month

Toronto Singer-Songwriter Katherine Li Delivers All the Feels as May’s EQUAL Global Artist

May 10, 2023

Katherine Li

Within the span of only a few months, 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and social media star Katherine Li became the face of American Eagle’s 2022 back-to-school campaign, her song “Never Had a Chance” played during the climactic finale of the Hulu doc series The Come Up, and her debut EP, Crush(ed), was released. With songs that focus on lost love and relationships that never were, she has built a devoted fan base of fellow hopeless romantics.

And now, shortly after being a part of the Fresh Finds debut showcase, hosted by Spotify Stages in LA, the Toronto-based songstress is the latest EQUAL Global artist.

Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program started in 2021 with the aim of contributing to gender equity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. To mark the occasion, Katherine’s face will adorn the cover of both the EQUAL Global playlist and the EQUAL Canada playlist.

Katherine’s Crush(ed) EP centers on the concept of the cyclical journey that comes with the infatuation of an unrequited crush. And plugging further into her relatability, her latest single, “If I Weren’t Me,” touches on a similar vibe while showing off Katherine’s lyrical prowess that cuts deep.

For the Record caught up with Katherine to talk about her career, advice she has for young artists, and what her creative process is like.

The artists who have inspired me the most are… 

Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels. I love their writing styles and the unique approaches to songwriting that they have. They truly are geniuses! 

A piece of advice I’d give to other women artists is… 

To take the leap of faith and dive right into it! It’s scary to put yourself out there at first. It definitely was for me, but everyone’s always gotta start somewhere! 

A notable moment in my career so far is…

The release of my first EP, Crush(ed). This was my first body of work, and it was surreal reading messages from people who really resonated with my songs. It’s always so comforting seeing that I’m not the only one struggling in the love department! 

My creative process is…

Basically word-barfing into the Notes app on my phone. Whenever I have a thought, I immediately write it in my notes to use as song lyrics later. I love the whole process; it’s very therapeutic. A way I’d love to see greater gender equity in the music industry is seeing more women in the room for sessions and songwriting. Women seriously bring so many great things to the table and they need more spotlight, especially in the early stages of the music-making process. 

A few up-and-coming women artists I’m excited to watch are… 

Catie Turner and Lyn Lapid. Their songwriting and voices are both amazing, and the topics they talk about in their songs are things I can always deeply relate to. I’m so excited to watch the journeys of these incredible women. 

My girl-power anthem is… 

“Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys. I was absolutely obsessed with this song when I was younger, and still am now. This song literally makes me feel like I can do anything . . .

Feel all the feels by listening to Katherine and other women artists in the EQUAL Global playlist

Italy’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month, Annalisa, Speaks Out on Her Country’s Music Gender Gap

January 6, 2022

As Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month, Italian singer-songwriter Annalisa is ready to support, inspire, and empower fellow female artists in Italy and around the world. In fact, the popular performer recently joined a panel at Milano Music Week 2021 where she discussed the importance of closing the gender gap in Italy’s music scene.

The panel—which included music industry leaders such as Federica Tremolada, Managing Director Southern & Eastern Europe at Spotify—addressed a recent report presented by Spotify Italy that assessed the country’s gender disparities. Spotify’s research found that women represent only 14% of the total artists on Italy’s official music charts, and for every four male artists there is just one female artist. “There is still a lot to do in the music industry,” said Annalisa. “The work of a woman artist is difficult and laborious. But the more we talk about these issues, the more progress we make for the future.”

Enzo Mazza, Federica Tremolada, Annalisa, Dario Giovannini, and Francesca Delogu at Milano Music Week

Annalisa’s work and leadership have helped earn her a spot in Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program, an ongoing effort to combat the gender disparity in the music industry globally. The EQUAL campaign extends resources to and generates more opportunities for women artists by creating a global, cohesive, branded experience.

One promising insight from the study is that in the last four years the gender gap has begun to narrow among artists under 30 thanks to streaming. This change is helping fuel Annalisa. “The new generations are showing that gender differences in the music industry are decreasing, but there is still a long way to go,” shared the pop star. “My goal is aimed, above all, at that generation.”

Annalisa at Milano Music Week

“I would like to remind all the EQUAL artists that they are part of a story, and what they are doing today will be essential and relevant for everyone who follows in their footsteps,” she added.

For the Record invited the decorated performer to fill in the blanks on the artists who inspire her and her hopes for the future of the music industry.

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

Definitely Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Halsey, but also many great women in the international music scene like Björk and Joni Mitchell.

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

I think that the most important thing in the musical industry is the way you nurture your talent. You have to study, listen to other artists, and absorb every kind of inspiration you need to focus your own particular style.

One notable moment in my career so far is ____.

The moment when I wrote one of my most important songs “Il mondo prima di te”—I suddenly felt like it could be a big step forward in my career.

My creative process consists of ____.

I try to share things that I can only explain through music. Sometimes words are not enough, and music is the element that makes a story complete.

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is ____.

To see the end of judgments on a person’s physical appearance.

One up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited to watch is ____.

I’m excited about the rise of Olivia Rodrigo. I like her so much, and I’m curious to see what she can do in the future.

My girl-power anthem right now is ____.

“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé.

Stream Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist below to keep amplifying Annalisa and female musicians worldwide:

Logic1000, EQUAL Artist of the Month, Tells Her Story Through Dance Music

December 21, 2021

Logic1000, aka Berlin-based producer Samantha Poulter, may have taken a winding path to the music industry, but she’s blazed a trail for fellow female artists nonetheless. The Australia native’s tracks have quickly climbed the charts, attracted a global listenership, and resonated with top DJs. Her impact on the industry and advocacy for other women artists have also earned her the title of Spotify’s EQUAL Artist of the Month.

Logic1000 began making waves in 2019, when her self-described “feminine and fun” tunes attracted the interest of influential DJ Four Tet, who quickly began to champion the artist’s tracks. The rest is history. Today, the creator’s rhythmic beats draw a monthly listenership of more than 500,000, and she’s celebrating the recent release of her EP In The Sweetness Of You. Her body of work is inspired by her experiences. The artist shared, “My ears have always been drawn to a particular sound throughout my life, and I think the music I make as Logic1000 is an amalgam of all of that. I want many people to hear my music because it is a true reflection of my taste, and I guess in that sense it is a way of ‘telling my story.’”

The latest chapter in her story includes joining Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program. The program, which recently passed its six-month milestone, takes aim at the gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. The ongoing EQUAL campaign extends resources and generates more opportunities for these artists by creating a global, cohesive, branded experience. Logic1000 will also take her place on the cover of our EQUAL Global playlist, giving her more visibility worldwide.

To get to know this creator, For the Record invited Logic1000 to fill in the blanks on her hopes for equity in music, the emerging artists she’s watching, and her long-standing personal anthem.

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

[Fellow EQUAL artist] Jorja Smith, Summer Walker, Destiny’s Child, Missy Elliott, and Mazzy Star. 

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

Try your best to be resilient because the industry can be tough at times for women. Don’t give up if you experience misogyny. Use that as fuel to make bigger and better art. Be loud! Be strong, and be humble with your success. 

One notable moment in my career so far ____.

When I released my first EP, Logic1000, a few years ago. At the time, music was a hobby, and I never in a million years thought it could be a career for me. It was such an amazing moment when Four Tet played a track off that EP to a huge crowd at Coachella. It really did open a lot of doors for me. This just proves the importance of bigger artists supporting those who are smaller and up-and-coming.

My creative process consists of ____.

Listening to the music that inspires me during my downtime. I find that doing this every day makes me motivated to be a great musician. It throws a lot of emotion into my body, and I use that as inspiration to make the music I want to make.

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is ____.

To see women and nonbinary people at the top tier of the music industry. I want them to be making the important decisions. I also want to see artists using their power to make sure lineups are diverse. Maybe this could mean artists have gender and racial diversity quotas that need to be fulfilled by festivals in order for them to accept the offer to play.

One up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited to watch is ____.

A few up-and-coming women artists I’m excited to watch are Erika de Casier, Molly Lewis, and yunè pinku.

My girl-power anthem right now is ____.

“Jumpin’, Jumpin’” by Destiny’s Child. It has been my anthem since I was 14, so it is a long-standing love.

Turn up the volume on Logic1000 and other women creators and stream Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist below:

EQUAL Artist of the Month STAYC Encourages Women Artists To Express Themselves

October 29, 2021

Spotify’s EQUAL Global Artist of Month, STAYC, chose their name very carefully. The six-person K-pop group’s moniker is actually an acronym for Star To A Young Culture, a phrase that reflects their goal of dominating pop culture. And so far, they’re well on their way!

With almost 2.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the group is quickly gaining global attention with catchy fan-favorite songs like “STEREOTYPE” and “ASAP.” STAYC’s work has also earned the group accolades, including a nomination for Rookie of the Year at Korea’s 2021 Seoul Music Awards.

Together, STAYC band members Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J create an upbeat sound they describe as “teenfresh,” a term the group has coined to represent their unique blend of youthful, fresh tunes. They explain, “We want to deliver new messages while also delivering a sense of comfort and empathy to listeners, regardless of gender and age.”

The rising stars are the first group from Korea and the first K-pop artist to be on the cover of Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist. They’re also advocates for women artists, calling for continued diversity and opportunity within the industry. For the Record spoke with the EQUAL artist to fill in the blanks and learn more about their creative process and the women creators they admire.

Celebrating Six Months of Amplifying Women Creators Worldwide Through EQUAL

September 27, 2021

Six months ago, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Spotify vowed to turn up the volume on women creators through our EQUAL campaign. Currently, only one in five artists on the charts is a woman, according to the Spotify-funded USC Annenberg study on representation of women in the music industry. This knowledge has helped fuel our commitment to extending our resources and generating more impactful opportunities for women artists. Today marks a milestone of six months in our campaign—something to celebrate and acknowledge as we continue to drive equity for women in audio. 

“Being a female artist requires a lot more effort and dedication to get recognition since, unfortunately, social pressures and sexism are still so present in all spheres of society,” Brazilian artist DUDA BEAT, a featured EQUAL creator, told For the Record. “Hence the great importance of this Spotify initiative, which will enable us as women to have equal representation in the music scene. I’m sure EQUAL will be seen as a milestone in the history of the global music industry for bringing more recognition to talented women from all over the world and making their voices heard.” 

To amplify the voices of our creators, we debuted the EQUAL hub, a one-stop destination highlighting the work of women-identifying artists and podcasters. The centralized location isn’t just for artists, however. It also allows Spotify users to tap into the power of listening to shift the status quo.

And to further support emerging artists across 35 markets, we unveiled our EQUAL Music Program. Through the program, Spotify introduced to listeners around the world 35 EQUAL local playlists, which span 50+ countries, as well as a “best-of” flagship EQUAL Global playlist. The playlists are housed on platform in the EQUAL hub and spotlight local women artists on the rise in 35 markets. Plus, each month, the hub features a rotating Artist of the Month takeover, alongside a refreshed tracklist. We kicked off the program by highlighting 35 inaugural EQUAL creators, including LUNA, Somi, Meryl, and DUDA BEAT, and we have since featured 175 EQUAL Artists of the Month.

Now, we’re taking a look at the results of the EQUAL campaign so far—and renewing our commitment to amplify and celebrate the voices of women creators around the world.

 

It’s clear our EQUAL artists and local playlists have already struck a chord with listeners worldwide. In the first month of joining the program, fans added EQUAL artists to more than 600 different playlists 1,500 times. And after six months, EQUAL playlists have surpassed 29 million streams across 177 markets. 

Plus, since the campaign launched, For the Record has had the chance to speak with Artists of the Month Jorja Smith, Lido Pimienta, and more on their hopes for the future of the music industry. The program has ultimately helped foster a deeper connection between fans and noteworthy women artists and generate new opportunities for visibility.

“Sometimes people ask me about the best, most breakthrough moment of my career,” reflected LUNA. “I’m just at the beginning of my journey, but one event was really important and spectacular. In April 2021 I became a part of Spotify’s EQUAL campaign as the first Polish artist and ambassador supporting women’s rights in the music industry. And as a result, I’ve been featured on a billboard in Times Square! It was just unbelievable! It made me feel like anything is possible.”

We’re proud to support the voices of women creators worldwide, and we’re excited to raise the volume even higher. The work toward an equitable future has only just begun.  

Keep exercising your power to listen, and stream our EQUAL Global playlist now:

Lido Pimienta Brings Her Afro Colombian Roots to Electronic Pop as EQUAL Artist of the Month

July 26, 2021

You may remember Lido Pimienta from our Spotify Singles: Pride playlist back in June. Now, the Grammy-nominated musician, a self-proclaimed “traditional-transgressive punk folklorist,” is back again as Spotify’s EQUAL Global Artist of the Month. 

As a child, Lido immigrated to Canada with her family, where she now lives. She sings in both Spanish and English as she incorporates Afro Colombian sounds and rhythms into her experimental electronic pop. Her music—a mix of velvety smooth cumbia and bullerengue influences and uptempo synthpop—reflects her multifaceted background. 

In 2017, Lido’s unique sound earned her Canada’s top juried music award, the Polaris Music Prize, for her experimental album La Papessa. Fast-forward to 2021 and Lido is part of Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program, which aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry. Her song “Nada,” from the album Miss Colombia, is featured on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist, and as Global Artist of the Month, Lido takes her throne on the cover of the playlist. The program works to amplify the work of women creators around the world through an extension of resources and opportunities. 

For the Record asked Lido to fill in the blanks and give us insight into her inspirations, creative process, and visions for the future of music. 

The artists who have most inspired me are _____. 

Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nelly Furtado, Etelvina Maldonado, Alanis Morissette, Björk, Li Saumet, Aterciopelados, and Petrona Martinez. 

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

Document everything you create at all times and learn the basics of whatever it is that you love to do. If singing is your thing, learn about the best mics and the gear that will make you sound great, and learn the basics of recording yourself so that you can create your own demos. Always have the blueprint of your creations because, as women in this business, people will dismiss our voices and assume someone else must have made what you created. The best advice of all: Stay away from social climbers! 

One notable moment in my career so far is _____.

Winning the Polaris Music Prize with an album that was entirely in Spanish, without a label and without any kind of representation or PR. It validated my potential and it helped me believe in myself.

My creative process consists of _____.

Cleaning the house, playing with my kids, and walking to the studio while blasting music in my headphones. When I turn on my setup, I do so with gratitude. I also pull up my schedule so that I start working with a very clear agenda of what needs to be finished. I get the administrative and non-creative work out of the way, and then I get to work! Sometimes, if I am tired and don’t feel fully motivated, I will watch a video of a live concert of an artist I like. Or I will watch stuff from artists just so I can see how they perform and what their tech setup is onstage—that usually gets me really inspired. 

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is _____.

If all music festivals, venues, and any other platform with curation or programming power were obligated to book women at a minimum 50/50 rate, it would level the playing field just a tiny bit. Radio and media should have the same rule.

A few up-and-coming women artists I’m excited to watch are _____.

Barbie Perreo, Mabiland and the Red De Tamboreras de Colombia, Las Áñez, La Bruja de Texcoco, Sydanie, Lali De La Hoz, Pelada, LeeLee Yotp, Marie-Gold, Backxwash, Summer Hunting, and Laurence-Anne. 

My girl-power anthem is _____.

“Charlotte” by Kittie. 

Listen to Lido and her fellow women artists on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist below:

Lido Pimienta lleva sus raíces afrocolombianas al pop electrónico como artista EQUAL del mes

July 26, 2021

Quizá ubiques a Lido Pimienta por nuestra playlist Spotify Singles: Pride que lanzamos en junio. Ahora, la artista nominada al GRAMMY, una autoproclamada “folclorista punk tradicional y transgresora”, regresa nuevamente como Artista global EQUAL del mes de Spotify.

Cuando era niña, Lido emigró a Canadá con su familia, donde ahora vive. Canta tanto en español como en inglés mientras incorpora sonidos y ritmos afrocolombianos en su pop electrónico experimental. Su música, una mezcla de cumbia suave y aterciopelada, influencias bullerengue y synthpop, refleja su trasfondo multifacético.

En 2017, el sonido único de Lido le valió el premio de música con jurado más importante de Canadá, The Polaris Music Prize, por su álbum experimental La Papessa. Corte a 2021 y Lido es parte del Programa de Música Global EQUAL de Spotify, que tiene como objetivo combatir la disparidad de género en la industria de la música. Su canción “Nada”, del álbum Miss Colombia, aparece en la playlist EQUAL Global de Spotify, y como Artista Global del Mes, Lido ocupa su trono en la portada de la playlist. El programa trabaja para ampliar el trabajo de las mujeres creadoras en todo el mundo a través de una extensión de recursos y oportunidades.

For the Record le pidió a Lido que llenara los espacios en blanco y nos diera una idea de sus inspiraciones, proceso creativo y visiones para el futuro de la música.

Las artistas que más me han inspirado son _____.

Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nelly Furtado, Etelvina Maldonado, Alanis Morrisette, Björk, Li Saumet, Aterciopelados, y Petrona Martinez. 

Un consejo que les daría a otras mujeres artistas es _____.

Documenta todo lo que crees en todo momento y aprende los conceptos básicos de lo que te encanta hacer. Si lo tuyo es cantar, aprende sobre los mejores micrófonos y el equipo que te hará sonar genial, y aprende los conceptos básicos para grabarte a ti misma para que puedas crear tus propios demos. Ten siempre el plano de sus creaciones porque, como mujeres en este negocio, la gente rechazará nuestras voces y asumirá que alguien más debe haber hecho lo que tu creaste. El mejor consejo de todos: ¡Manténte alejada de los trepadores sociales!

Un momento notable en mi carrera hasta ahora es _____.

Ganar el premio Polaris Music con un disco íntegramente en español, sin sello y sin ningún tipo de representación o relaciones públicas. Validó mi potencial y me ayudó a creer en mí misma.

Mi proceso creativo consiste en _____.

Limpiar la casa, jugar con mis hijos y caminar hacia el estudio mientras escucho música en mis audífonos. Cuando enciendo mi setup, lo hago con gratitud. También comienzo el día de trabajo con una agenda muy clara de lo que hay que terminar. Saco del camino el trabajo administrativo y no creativo, ¡y luego me pongo a trabajar! A veces, si estoy cansada y no me siento completamente motivada, miro un video de un concierto en vivo de un artista que me gusta. O veo cosas de artistas solo para poder ver cómo se desempeñan y cuál es su configuración tecnológica en el escenario, eso generalmente me inspira mucho.

Una forma en la que me gustaría ver una mayor equidad de género en la industria de la música es _____.

Si todos los festivales de música, lugares y cualquier otra plataforma con poder de curaduría o programación estuvieran obligados a contratar mujeres a una tasa mínima de 50/50, nivelaría el campo de juego solo un poquito. La radio y los medios de comunicación deberían tener la misma regla.

Algunas artistas prometedoras que estoy emocionada de ver son _____.

Barbie Perreo, Mabiland y the Red de Tamboreras de Colombia, Las Añez, La Bruja de Texcoco, Sydanie, Lali de la Hoz, Pelada, LeeLee Yotp, Marie-Gold, Backxwash, Summer Hunting y Laurence-Anne.

Mi himno de poder femenino es _____.

“Charlotte”, de Kittie.

Escucha a Lido y a sus compañeras artistas en la playlist EQUAL Global de Spotify a continuación:

Et Voilà, Eurovision Runner-Up Barbara Pravi Is EQUAL Artist of the Month

June 30, 2021

French singer, writer, and actress Barbara Pravi isn’t afraid of a little competition. Earlier this year, she represented her country in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. The performer instantly captured the hearts of fans around the world and went on to place second in the competition for her song “Voilà.”

Barbara continues to inspire as this month’s featured artist in Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program, which aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world.

Through our ongoing EQUAL campaign, we’re also extending resources and generating more opportunities for these artists by creating a global, cohesive, branded experience. As global artist of the month, Barbara will also be featured on the cover of our EQUAL Global playlist.

For the Record invited Barbara to turn up the volume and fill in the blanks on her process, inspiration, and advice for other women creators.

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

Barbara, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, and Nougaro, because they know how to perfectly manipulate words. They are poets and musicians! When I listen to them, I feel that words are as important as musicality. I also love and listen to a lot of classical music. More recently, I’ve been influenced by Nathy Peluso, Sufjan Stevens, and Maria Jose Llergo, among others. 

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

Do not make any concessions. Listen to your intuition and your heart. Make the music you love to listen to.

I really think we have to be the first listeners of our music. The advantage of staying true to yourself is that at the end, you won’t have any regrets. If you make mistakes (and you will!) you will feel OK with it because they will be your mistakes. You will embrace them because you’ll learn from them and, in the end, you will be and feel better. In my opinion, the keys to being happy and proud are integrity, authenticity, self-confidence, and always having an open mind, ear, and heart.

One notable moment in my career so far is ____.

Until my first album comes out, it will be the night of Eurovision this year!

My creative process consists of ____. 

I have a million ways of making music. Sometimes I start with the words; other times, I have a melody in mind. Sometimes I have both, and sometimes neither. When that happens, I have to pick up a pencil and ask myself, “Ok, what do you want to say?”

I always try to be easy and gentle on myself and not be judgmental of my “creations,” whether they’re cool or bad. I don’t always have a handle on how they will turn out or how I’ll feel about them. 

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is ____.

The EQUAL Global Music Program is absolutely fabulous. I love the playlists—they allow me to discover women creators from all over the world. The radio and media have the power to elevate a song and make a person’s career. They should expose the world to more women. I really hope one day we’ll have more women at the head of labels and media, too. I’m so happy to be part of a generation of young women who are independent, proud, and who know that to exist, the best person you can count on is YOU. 

One up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited to watch is ____.

I love Silly Boy Blue, November Ultra, P.R2B, Saskia, and Kalika. They are all French women artists who are getting to be big!

My girl-power anthem is ____. 

Qui a décidé ce qu’est la femme? 

Un bouton de rose 

un brun de flamme

Aucun des deux 

ou bien tout à la fois

La femme, la femme, la femme.

Translation:

Who decides what a woman is?

A rosebud

A sparkling flame

Neither and both at once

Woman, woman, woman.

Keep celebrating Barbara and other women artists on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist below:

EQUAL Artist of the Month Jorja Smith Shares Her Advice for Women Creators

June 7, 2021

Award-winning R&B artist Jorja Smith has made a name for herself in today’s music scene thanks to her soulful jazz-tinged sound and heartfelt lyrics. The British singer-songwriter takes inspiration from her life, penning songs that document her journey to self-discovery and self-confidence. Her work inspires her more than 2 million followers, and she is this month’s featured artist in Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program.

The program, which launched in April earlier this year, takes aim at the gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying the work of women creators. It’s part of Spotify’s new campaign, EQUAL, to demonstrate our commitment to fostering equity for women in audio and celebrating their global contributions. To do so, we’re extending resources and generating more opportunities for these artists by creating a global, cohesive, branded experience with EQUAL.

We’re turning up the volume on women artists like Jorja. And, as the global artist of the month, she will be featured on the cover of our EQUAL Global playlist, giving her more visibility around the globe.

In addition to the relatable, resonant themes in her music, Jorja was also selected to join EQUAL because of her efforts to uplift emerging women artists in her work. The song “Bussdown” from the singer’s recent EP features U.K. rapper Shaybo and is a powerful collaboration between two women at the forefront of international music culture. 

To get to know the R&B star, For the Record asked Jorja to fill in the blanks and share her advice for other women using their voices to change the industry.

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Mos Def, Damien Marley, Alicia Keys, Adele . . . I can just keep going because I’m newly inspired by old classics that I hadn’t discovered when I was younger.

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

It’s always easier said than done, but just be you because you’re you and you cannot be anyone else. Don’t watch others and think “why aren’t I where they are, I’m not as good,” or out of spite or jealousy. Only watch others to be inspired and motivated, because that’s what we should do as women—want to inspire and uplift each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

One notable moment in my career so far ____.

Moving into my house, putting up my plaques, and sitting back like, “Wow, you did that.”

My creative process consists of ____.

Just getting lost with whatever I start singing or freestyling. Once I start singing, I record because usually I just speak my mind and the lyrics flow. Other times I get melodies down but can’t figure out what to say. I think it’s because what I was trying to say hadn’t happened yet.

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is ____.

More women everywhere. On set, in studio producing, front of house, head of music, publishing companies, and record labels. The list goes on and on. I’m so used to a mixed and balanced team, I sometimes forget that the industry is very male-dominated—until I get on a set and remember.

One up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited to watch is ____.

Shaybo. She can flow on any beat, and I’m just captured by her love, her realness, and the way she captures how I feel in her bars.

My girl-power anthem right now is ____.

“Wildfires” by SAULT because it makes me feel strong.

Keep celebrating Jorja and other women artists on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist below: