Tag: EQUAL global

EQUAL Ambassador Bellakath Shows How To Get the World Dancing

November 30, 2023

Since kicking off her music career in 2020, Mexican reggaeton artist Bellakath has emerged as one of the genre’s most exciting new talents. Reaching hundreds of millions of streams well before her debut album Kittyponeo was released in October, she’s given women a strong voice in the reggaeton world with high-energy hits like “Reggaeton Champagne” and “Gatita.” That’s why we’re thrilled to name Bellakath as our November 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. As a Global Ambassador, Bellakath now sees her face adorning the EQUAL Global and EQUAL México playlists, both of which lead with her track “Reggaeton Champagne.” 

Bellakath followed an indirect path to music stardom, as she was studying law before appearing as a contestant on the highly popular reality show Enamorándonos. Propelled by her fame from the show, she launched her music career with the track “Melocoton” featuring Michael G. Her breakthrough moment, however, was when her track “R9 Aleteo” featuring Dj Yaso was adopted as an anthem by the LGBTQIA+ community. An outspoken ally to the community that has embraced her music, Bellakath went on to film the music video for “R9 Aleteo” during Mexico’s San Juan del Rio Pride celebrations.

For the Record caught up with Bellakath to ask her about her inspirations, her process, and advice she’d give other women artists.

The artists who have most inspired me are. . .

Beyoncé and Rihanna, of course.

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

That they remain perseverant, disciplined, and always pursue their dreams.

One notable moment in my career so far is. . .

When my song “Gatita” broke barriers so Mexican reggaeton could be heard worldwide.

My creative process consists of. . .

Taking a beat that I like and beginning the process of writing on top of it. Usually ideas start to come to me when I’m on the road or traveling in a plane.

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

To have reggaeton stop being classified as a genre usually reserved for men. Women can also find a space within it to bring our own narrative to the global sound.

An up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited about is. . . 

My sister and longtime collaborator DJ FOXY. 

My girl-power anthems are. . . 

My songs “Fabulosa de Paris” and “Tuma.” 

Get ready to move it with Bellakath on our This Is Bellakath playlist.

EQUAL Ambassador INNA Is Ready To Show the World Why She’s România’s Dance Queen

April 18, 2023

EQUAL Global cover featuring INNA

With numerous awards and a string of world tours under her belt, INNA is unquestionably one of the most exciting voices in the dance world today. Hits such as “Hot” and “Sun is Up,” along with her Spotify Single, “It Don’t Matter,” have reached the top of listening charts around the world.

Now she’s the latest talent to be celebrated as an EQUAL Global artist.

Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program started in 2021 with the aim of combating gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. INNA now adorns the cover of the EQUAL Global playlist along with the EQUAL ROMÂNIA playlist, both of which lead with her track “My Crystal Nails.” 

The first half of 2023 has come in full force for INNA, who delighted fans with her Dhurata Dora and Stefflon Don collaboration, “Yummy.” She’s also released a pair of EPs, Just Dance #DQH1 and Just Dance #DQH2, as part of her Dance Queen’s House project, which showcases an ambitious new direction in the artist’s career.

For the Record caught up with INNA to ask about her inspirations, notable moments, and creative process. 

The artist who has most inspired me is… 

Definitely P!NK.

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

Work hard and surround yourself with people who believe in you and help you make your dreams a reality.

One notable moment in my career so far is… 

Definitely the release of my first single, “Hot.”

My creative process consists of… 

Getting into the studio with super-talented people, starting up a beat, dancing, and just having fun. Then we enjoy the process until it becomes a song.

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

Coi Leray. That girl has swag! I also really love this Albanian diva Dhurata Dora. If you haven’t heard about her, you should absolutely check her out.

My girl-power anthem is…

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

Get ready to move your body and dance to INNA, along with the other amazing talents, in our EQUAL Global playlist.

Jamala Kicks Off Spotify EQUAL’s Ukrainian Launch by Sharing Her Unique Blend of Soul, Jazz, Electronica, and Pop With the World

March 10, 2023

This month we were proud to launch our EQUAL program in Ukraine, with singer-songwriter Jamala, our EQUAL Global Ambassador for March, helping kick off the program. 

Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program started in 2021 and aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. Jamala now graces the covers of our EQUAL Global playlist and the newly created EQUAL Україна playlist, which both lead with her song “Take Me To A Place.” 

This isn’t the first time Jamala and her artistry have been front and center. The Ukrainian artist’s numerous accomplishments include the 2022 U.S. Atlantic Council Award for Distinguished Artistic Leadership and the title of People’s Artist of Ukraine. The star was also crowned the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest for her single “1944,” a deeply personal song inspired by her great-grandmother, who lost a child during the deportation of the Crimean Tatars.

Jamala stands near a protest signJamala began her musical career at a young age, having graduated from the Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music with a major in opera singing. While she originally planned to be a classical musician, her 2009 win at the New Wave competition for young singers of pop music set her on a new path. Jamala’s love for experimentation in her sound shines through in her seven studio albums. From her varied use of soul and jazz to electronica and pop, the artist proves she’s a force to be reckoned with and that her music can’t be confined to just one genre.  

Jamala often performs in charity events, concerts, and television shows to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and children, and for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This summer she’ll be performing live in the United States and Canada for the first time.

“All my life I had to fight for my rights—the right to be myself, the right to create. And now, like thousands of courageous Ukrainian women, I am fighting for the right to live in my own home,” Jamala told For the Record. “Today we inspire each other to be role models of endurance and resilience. That’s why I would like to share the honor of being an EQUAL Ambassador with every Ukrainian woman out there, who, despite rocket attacks and explosions, is fearlessly fighting for the freedom to live in a free country where every Ukrainian woman’s voice is heard on an equal basis.”

For the Record caught up with Jamala to ask her a few questions.

The artists who have most inspired me are… 

Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish.

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

Never give up.

One notable moment in my career so far is… 

Performing with Hozier and Brandi Carlile at the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to U2 back in December.

My creative process… 

Has a sequence. The lyrics inspire the sound.

I’d like to see… 

More gender equality in the music industry and more job opportunities for women at C-suite–level positions. Let’s make the industry more diverse.

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

Sudan Archives, Audrey Nuna, and, with no doubt, the Ukrainian Go_A.

My girl power anthem is… 

“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday.

Listen to Jamala and more inspiring women artists on the EQUAL Global playlist.

EQUAL Ambassador of the Month Simi Uses Her Music To Send Powerful Messages

July 7, 2022

Singer-songwriter, sound engineer, and actress are just a few of the hats Simi Bolatito Ogunleye wears. Mother and advocate round out that list, with Simi’s career being punctuated by songs that reflect her life experiences. Whether it’s looking back on the birth of her daughter on “Duduke” or challenging gender stereotypes on “Woman,” Simi’s music gives listeners a window into her world. 

The Nigerian-born multihyphenate started singing in church choirs as a child and wrote her first song at 10 years old. After years of making gospel music, in 2014 Simi switched to Afro-pop, where she made waves with her song “TIFF.” In 2015, she followed that up with “Jamb Question,” which became a chart-topping hit and secured her position as an industry mainstay. 

Simi’s extensive catalog and passion for women advocacy make her selection as the ambassador for Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program a no-brainer. EQUAL aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. As part of Simi’s involvement, her song “Naked Wire” will be featured on this month’s EQUAL Global playlist. 

For the Record caught up with Simi to learn about her musical inspirations and the advice she has for her fellow women musicians. 

The artists who have most inspired me are _____.

Aṣa and Ms. Lauryn Hill. I would say Aṣa most especially because when I started singing professionally, I felt like I could do anything when I listened to her. 

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

They’re gonna tell you all the things you think you can’t do. Don’t listen to them. 

One notable moment in my career so far is _____.

When I made a song for my daughter because I was able to perfectly blend my personal life and my career in one little beautiful bubble, and it was such an experience. 

My creative process _____.

Can vary. But my favorite thing is when I have an idea and I can’t go to sleep until I put it down.

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

Inclusion of women and having opportunities to give women what they deserve, because there are so many of us. 

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

Ladé, Ria Sean, and Liya, amongst a few others. 

My girl-power anthem is _____.

“Woman” by me. 

Hear more from Simi and other women artists sharing their voices with the world 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.

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.