Tag: EQUAL Global Playlist

On International Women’s Day, Spotify Celebrates the Impact of Three Years of EQUAL

March 8, 2024

Spotify is dedicated to fostering gender equity in the music industry and beyond. As part of that commitment, we launched our EQUAL Global Music Program in 2021 to amplify and celebrate the work of women creators around the world. Since then, EQUAL has shined a spotlight on women in audio through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support.

Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a look at how the program has impacted artists around the world.

“We’re incredibly proud of EQUAL’s impact and reach in elevating the careers of artists globally over the last three years,” said Bel Aztiria, Lead, Social and Equity Music Programs at Spotify. “Since its inception, our mission to foster equity for the diverse voices of women in audio has resonated in studios and communities and on stages worldwide. We’re honored to continue collaborating with iconic and emerging artists this year and highlighting women audiobook and podcast creators in our EQUAL hub.”

“On International Women’s Day, we recognize the historical significance and continue championing audio content created by women. We’re committed to elevating the voices and contributions of women all year round.”

EQUAL by the numbers

Through EQUAL, Spotify empowers women creators and gives them a place to share their content with the world year-round. On Spotify, listeners in more than 180 markets can find the EQUAL hub, a space dedicated to this content.

The work is far from done, but we have a lot to be proud of as we continue on this journey. To date, Spotify has added more than 6,900 women artists to EQUAL playlists and supported over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries and beyond through editorial, partnerships, and marketing.

EQUAL artists received 1.3 billion editorial streams within their first month of joining the program. In total, the EQUAL hub has generated over 31 billion editorial streams across 1 billion listening hours.

In 2023 alone, more than 14.8 million artist discoveries were made through EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artists received over 11,800 total editorial playlist adds.

EQUAL here, there, and everywhere

With so much incredible talent to highlight and celebrate, EQUAL continues to evolve and expand. Today, the program has a presence in studios, on stages, and in communities around the world.

In 2023, Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations—from Buenos Aires to Tokyo, Paris to Sydney, and beyond. These initiatives include our very own EQUAL festivals (30,000 total attendees and counting!), panels, networking and educational opportunities for artists, original content recording, and participation at key industry events such as SXSW and the Grammy Awards.

This year, Mexico’s EQUAL Day aims to inspire the next generation of Mexican female creators with a day of various panels and keynotes with top-tier artists and creators, and a Spotify Masterclass for emerging artists. 

“We are keeping the same spirit that made last year’s EQUAL Day so inspiring and relevant, but still bringing something new, like shining a light on women ‘behind the scenes’ and presenting a live performance lineup that shows how powerful and diverse these women are. All of this is part of our continued effort to give more visibility to women artists and creators, and having this physical space to connect and be inspired by each other is so important and necessary.” — Moni Saldaña, Artists and Label Partnerships Manager, Spotify Mexico.

EQUAL also continues to amplify its mission globally through partnerships with organizations like UN Women and Calling All Crows, which champion gender equality and support women creators.

The bigger picture

While there is so much more to be done to close the gender gap in music, a positive shift is unfolding, which underscores the importance of initiatives like EQUAL in driving industry change.

For the fifth consecutive year, Spotify has partnered with the team at the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (AII) on an annual study of women in music. Published in January 2024, the latest findings demonstrate that women’s participation in the industry has improved across many metrics, with notable increases in women artists’ and songwriters’ representation.

New playlists and a refreshed hub

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Spotify by heading to the EQUAL hub. There, you’ll find our flagship EQUAL Global playlist, which includes Playlist Stories featuring our ambassadors and women artists worldwide. You’ll also find local playlists cocurated by ambassadors, brand-new podcast playlists, and an audiobook shelf (available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia).

Artists Hit the Stage at Our Festival EQUAL in Argentina

July 27, 2023

On September 16, a group of talented woman artists will take center stage in Argentina for Festival EQUAL. The concert, slated for the Palermo Hippodrome in Buenos Aires, will feature performances from some of the hottest local stars, including Maria Becerra, Lali, Emilia, Marilina Bertoldi, Karina, TAICHU, and Connie Isla.

This event is but one component of Spotify’s EQUAL program, which launched in 2021 to shine a spotlight on women artists through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support. During the past two years, Spotify has featured these artists’ music through 40 regional EQUAL playlists, as well as on our flagship EQUAL Global playlist. Every month Spotify highlights new women on these regional playlists while providing additional support for the musicians in their home countries and beyond.   

One EQUAL Festival was previously held in Bogotá, Colombia, and another will be happening in Madrid, Spain on September 22. They are another way we’re extending our support beyond the platform. Fans attending the show will have the chance to see performances by their favorite stars while also discovering exciting new voices.

Over the past five years, women artists have made great strides on Spotify in Argentina. We’ve seen a 500% increase in women artists entering the Spotify Top 50 chart in Argentina, and year over year, there’s been a 30% increase in the number of streams of music by women artists.

But it’s not just music that Argentinians tune into. Women creators are coming to Spotify to share their voices and find their communities through podcasts. Of the 20 most-listened-to shows of 2022, almost half were led by women, including Psicología al Desnudo, Número Oculto, and ConchaPodcast. 

With these EQUAL Festivals, we are continuing to foster equity for women in audio and to celebrate their contributions. For fans interested in attending Festival EQUAL in Argentina, tickets will go on sale on Monday, July 31 at 12pm in the form of exclusive presale with YOY. The general sale begins on Tuesday, August 1 at 1pm, through Ticketek.

Update as of August 18, 2023: Soledad Pastorutti will join our diverse lineup of artists who will share the stage on September 16 at the Hipódromo de Palermo. Last call for tickets available through Ticketek!

Las artistas llegan al escenario de nuestro Festival EQUAL en Argentina

July 27, 2023

El 16 de septiembre, un grupo de talentosas artistas mujeres ocupará el centro del escenario en Argentina para nuestro último Festival EQUAL. El concierto, que tendrá lugar en el Hipódromo de Palermo de Buenos Aires, contará con las actuaciones de algunas de las estrellas locales más destacadas, como María Becerra, Lali, Emilia, Marilina Bertoldi, Karina, TAICHU y Connie Isla.

Este evento es sólo uno de los componentes del programa EQUAL de Spotify, que se puso en marcha en 2021 para dar visibilidad a las mujeres artistas a través de alianzas globales, activaciones, nuevas experiencias de contenido y apoyo dentro y fuera de la plataforma. Durante los últimos dos años, Spotify ha promovido la música de estas artistas a través de 40 playlists EQUAL regionales, así como en nuestra emblemática playlist EQUAL Global. Cada mes, Spotify destaca a nuevas mujeres en estas playlists regionales, a la vez que proporciona apoyo adicional a las artistas en sus países de origen y fuera de ellos.   

Los Festivales EQUAL, que anteriormente se celebraron en Bogotá (Colombia) y Madrid (España), representan otra forma de ampliar nuestro apoyo más allá de la plataforma. Los fanáticos que asistan al festival tendrán la oportunidad de ver a sus artistas favoritas y, al mismo tiempo, descubrir nuevas voces.

En los últimos cinco años, las mujeres artistas han logrado grandes avances en Spotify en Argentina. Hemos sido testigos de un aumento del 500% en el número de artistas femeninas que entran en el Top 50 de Spotify en Argentina, y año tras año, se ha registrado un aumento del 30% en el número de streams de música de artistas femeninas.

Pero no es sólo música lo que escuchan los argentinos. Las creadoras llegan a Spotify para compartir sus voces y encontrar sus comunidades a través de podcasts. De los 20 programas más escuchados de 2022, casi la mitad fueron liderados por mujeres, entre ellos Psicología al Desnudo, Número Oculto y ConchaPodcast. 

Con el Festival EQUAL, seguimos fomentando la equidad para las mujeres en el audio y celebrando sus contribuciones. Para los fanáticos interesados en asistir, las entradas estarán a la venta el lunes 31 de julio a las 12hs en la modalidad de preventa exclusiva con YOY, mientras que la venta general comienza el martes 1 de agosto a las 13hs, todo a través de Ticketek. 

Al 18 de agosto, 2023: Soledad Pastorutti se sumará a este diverso listado de artistas que compartirán escenario el próximo 16 de septiembre en el Hipódromo de Palermo. ¡Últimas entradas disponibles a través de Ticketek!

Country Crossover Icon Shania Twain Is Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month

September 15, 2022

“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” “Any Man of Mine.” “You’re Still The One.” The list of hit singles from country legend Shania Twain goes on and on. And while the Canadian star grew up singing and performing in the ’80s, she really hit her stride in the ’90s when she released three albums that introduced her bold and unapologetic persona to the world.

Shania’s success is unparalleled. She has won five Grammy Awards, sold over 100 million records, and accumulated over 1 billion streams across her Spotify catalog—making her not only the best-selling female artist in country music, but one of the best-selling artists of all time. 

Shania took her career to new heights in 1997 when she released Come On Over, a genre-spanning album that attracted a global fan base and proved she was a pop force to be reckoned with. But even after the release of her Greatest Hits album, Shania continues to push boundaries with her music. This year the singer released the track “Not Just A Girl” as well as a compilation album that is a companion to her new Netflix documentary, Not Just A Girl.

Shania’s boundary-breaking attitude makes her the perfect Ambassador of the Month for Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program. EQUAL aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. Fans can find Shania’s new song on this month’s EQUAL Global playlist. 

For the Record caught up with the superstar to learn more about what inspires her and how she’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry. 

The artists who have most inspired me are _____.

Especially as a kid, artists like Dolly Parton and Tanya Tucker. I thought I could maybe be the next Tanya Tucker, in fact. I really learned a lot of my songwriting from Dolly Parton. Olivia Newton-John was a big inspiration for me. Gladys Knight always being the biggest, most beautiful voice I thought I’d ever heard. When I got into my teens, I started to really draw most of my inspiration from rock singers. I was a big Heart fan. I was getting into the big hair and lots of hairspray. Annie Lennox was one of my absolute favorite singers for her range. I thought it was incredible. And she had such a strong, yet feminine face and such an eye for fashion and her own personal styling. So, I guess my influences evolved as I got older. I started to really get inspired by some of the new, more recent voices as I was especially regaining my own voice after a struggle with it. So I was really targeting the higher voices like Ariana Grande and Sia, with her punch and her power. So in more recent years, I’ve been focusing on the voices that have the most flex and agility, just from my own vocal training. 

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

Don’t be a follower. If you really plan on being a leader, then it’s probably not a good idea to get into the habit of following what other people are doing, what other artists are doing stylistically. Just be your own boss.

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

Acceptance . . . more unity. Music is very uniting. We just need to be celebrating music, regardless of our gender. It’s the artist’s responsibility to put their best foot forward. So it’s not because of your gender that you should be accepted, it’s because of your greatness. But then we, as an audience and as streamers, have to give artists that door. Even if we have to kick the door down, the door still has to be there. So give us a chance to get out there to the fans and let the public decide.

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

Mickey Guyton—I think you’re incredible. I love your personality and I think you’re going to be around for a really long time. I look forward to everything that you have coming up next. I’m also a big cheerleader for Tiera Kennedy because, Tiera, I believed in you right from the beginning. So just keep it going. Keep those great songs coming; keep songwriting. There’s so many fabulous women that are just in front of you. I mean, Brandi Carlile is one of the best female songwriters I think I’ve ever known. So keep looking to these other great songwriters in front of you, and I look forward to seeing more of you.

My girl-power anthem is _____.

Is this, like, a trick question or something? Cause I know I have at least a dozen or more . . . but I’m going to say right now, in my spirit, it’s “Roar” by Katy Perry.

Hear Shania’s new hit, as well as songs from other women artists, on our EQUAL Global playlist. 

ARIETE Shares Her Vision for the Music Industry as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month

April 19, 2022

In Italian, the word “ariete” means ram, which is the symbol for Aries, the first constellation in the zodiac. It is also Roman singer-songwriter Arianna Del Giaccio’s astrological sun sign and the inspiration behind her emblematic stage name. 

ARIETE first entered the music scene via her social media channels, using her strong voice to garner steady attention during long days at home early on in the pandemic. As her popularity grew, she released a certified-platinum single, “L’Ultima Notte,” and two EPs and was selected to be part of Spotify’s global emerging artist program, RADAR. Then, in February 2022, ARIETE released her first full-length album, SPECCHIO. The record’s dreamy sounds and hammering drumbeats reflect both the quiet calm of a young woman producing music in her bedroom and the bubbling stardom of an artist ready to break through. 

This month, ARIETE is the face of 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. As part of ARIETE’s involvement, her song “CICATRICI,” featuring Madame, can be found on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist along with music from other women artists making it big globally.

For the Record spoke with ARIETE to learn more about her thoughts on fostering equality in the music industry and the motto that moves her forward. 

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

Definitely Clairo, PinkPantheress, and all the artists of the new generation who are trying to keep pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

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

Never consider yourself “different” or on a lower level from your male colleagues. Art is art in every form of its deep creation.

One notable moment in my career so far is ____.

The first live shows I played last summer, which sold out. I had begun to release my music during the pandemic, and to be able to see the people [who came to the shows] from the stage and to share their emotions was a unique feeling that I’ll never forget.

My creative process consists of ____.

I don’t have a proper creative process. I take my inspirations from the simple things that color my everyday life and the people I love. Everything can be a source of inspiration for me and my music; I just sit down at the piano or pick up my guitar and everything goes by.

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

I think the gender gap is definitely an issue in modern music and society. I found it deeply concerning that in the 21st century, we’re still speaking about inequality between genders or genders themselves. We have to normalize this concept with all the cultural weapons we have, but I’m sure that eventually the next generations will treat this issue not as an issue but as the normal topic it should be.

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

PinkPantheress got me hyped, so I’m looking forward to seeing her as soon as possible!

My girl-power motto right now is ____.

Just kick a**. You’re great as you are, no matter what they say.

Ready to sing along to the world’s most powerful up-and-coming voices? Stream Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist now.

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:

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: