Tag: EQUAL

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).

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.

Top EQUAL Artist INNA Reflects On a Standout Year

November 29, 2023

Today we kicked off 2023 Spotify Wrapped, our annual campaign that celebrates fans and creators worldwide. And as the good vibes keep coming, we look back on a successful year of EQUAL, which included speaking events, festivals, and both local and global playlists featuring a large roster of talented EQUAL ambassadors. We’re thrilled to announce that Romanian superstar INNA is the most-streamed artist within the EQUAL Global playlist in 2023.

In 2020, Spotify created EQUAL, a global initiative that aims to eliminate the existing gender gap in the music industry so that women artists, composers, and producers have the representation and visibility they deserve. Since then, week after week, we’ve been raising the volume on women artists locally and internationally.

Along with being named an EQUAL Global ambassador back in April, INNA had quite a landmark 2023. Her Dhurata Dora and Stefflon Don collaborations for the track “Yummy” pleased fans—as did the release of a 10-song EP of remixes for her revival of the 1997 Sash! hit “Rock My Body.” The house music star also released a two-part studio album, Just Dance #DQH1 and Just Dance #DQH2, which showcases an ambitious new direction in the artist’s career, combining elements of other genres and sounds as part of the Dance Queen’s House project.

For the Record caught up with INNA to talk about being the top EQUAL artist, her Wrapped for Artists insights, and her plans for 2024.

What was your reaction to finding out that you’re this year’s top EQUAL artist?

It was a huge surprise! I want to thank everyone who listens to my music and supports me. It’s an absolute honor to have so many people who are there for me. As an artist, this is the love I need to feel! I’m so happy about this!

How has dance music changed since your debut single, “Hot,” topped the charts in 2009?

There are more and more dance artists in the world now, and a lot of DJs doing dance and EDM songs. It’s an expanding genre that has seen and will continue to see a lot of growth.

I’ve also changed quite a lot. In that time I made it a point to experience different collaborations, genres, and sounds in my music.

What were some of your 2023 highlights?

2023 was such a great year. My collaboration with R3HAB for “Rock My Body” conquered the charts and became a hit. I released a new album, Just Dance, featuring the music I worked on for the Dance Queen’s House project. And, of course, so many concerts. I couldn’t be more grateful for all that’s happened in 2023. Bring it on, 2024! I’m ready for you!

Tell us about Just Dance, which you’ve previously described as a refresh from your past and an important step in your evolution as an artist.

When we started, we were brainstorming, thinking how this album should sound. And overall we felt that we needed a different vibe and a whole new approach, so we changed the dynamic. I’m honestly super excited about how it all came together. The album complements my 2023 tour on the stages of the biggest electro dance festivals in the world.

What insights have you been able to take away from previous years of Artist Wrapped?

My team and I always pay attention to everything to improve our work. We work hard to make the most out of the Artist Wrapped insights to create more and more music that resonates with more people.

Which women artists do you currently have in your On Repeat playlist?

I always have P!nk on repeat, she is fabulous, one of my favorite artists ever. Some other women artists are ROSALÍA, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish, Dhurata Dora, and SZA.

Going into the New Year, what advice do you have for other artists?

Consistency, focus, creativity, inspiration, and a lot of work are important. Surround yourself with people who share the same vibe as you. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

What do you have planned for 2024?

There will be a lot of new music coming in 2024. I’ll be releasing a new album written entirely in Spanish. It’s one of the releases I can’t wait for, because it’s an important part of my work and soul and I’ve been working on it for several years. And of course, I’ll be kicking off a tour in the USA in addition to performing concerts in Mexico and Europe.

Listen to the best of the best from the dance queen herself in our This Is INNA playlist.

At SXSW Sydney, RADAR, EQUAL, and K-Music Take Over Spotify House

October 26, 2023

Blusher performs during the RADAR Artist Showcase & Party at Spotify House during SXSW Sydney on October 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Spotify)

For the first time in its history, Austin’s iconic South By Southwest (SXSW) festival expanded beyond its Texas watering hole and traveled all the way to Australia for SXSW Sydney. Fashioned as the Asia-Pacific extension of the original event, SXSW Sydney took place over eight days and included a series of creative sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and more. And you can bet Spotify was along for the ride.

We took over Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel and transformed it into Spotify House across four days. During the day, it was the place to be for panels, networking sessions, and fireside chats. At night, Spotify House became a live-music venue with performances by a stellar line-up of artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. Spotify House was an opportunity to highlight some of our artist-first programs, like RADAR and EQUAL, as well as feature popular genres like K-hip-hop.

On our RADAR

We introduced our latest group of up-and-coming artists during a special RADAR showcase: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Vv Pete, and Blusher.

“We are so grateful to be Spotify Australia’s new RADAR artist! We cannot believe the amazing support that we have received so far,” exclaimed the band members of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. “We have absolutely loved seeing new people all over the world listening to us little Teeny Jeanies and we really can’t thank Spotify enough!”

RADAR is our global emerging artist program that supports rising artists, and that includes RADAR Australia and New Zealand, both of which we launched in 2020. Since then, we’ve played a significant role in helping regional artists like PANIA, merci, mercy, CHAII, Genesis Owusu, Youngn Lipz, Baker Boy, grentperez, Larissa Lambert, and Royel Otis cross over into international markets.

The response from a sold-out crowd deeply moved the artists. “We started making music in our bedrooms, and support from Spotify has made it possible to play our music to audiences all over the world,” shared Blusher. “Seeing new listeners connect with our project, being able to share not just our songs but our creative vision through visuals and playlists of the music that inspires us, makes us so excited to bring people into the Blusher world that we’re creating.”

It wasn’t just high-energy performances that amplified RADAR. Hannah Beeching, Spotify’s Lead for Global Music Program RADAR, spoke to industry veterans Andrew Klippel, Artist & Label Manager for Ourness Label, and Mardi Caught, founder of The Annex, a music marketing company, as part of the “RADAR Across Borders” session. “RADAR artists have been added to over 5,000 Spotify playlists since the program launched in 2020, and more than half of these artists have gone on to be added to more playlists in over 10 markets around the world,” Hannah remarked during the talk.

Spotify EQUAL Presents the All Things Go Creator Summit to Inspire Action Through Music

September 29, 2023

Fans flock to music festivals to see dozens of their favorite artists in one go, embrace their fandom as a pack, and celebrate the power of music. But to this day, there stands a gender equity issue: organizers unveil lineup after lineup with a consistent lack of women headliners and acts.

So in 2018, All Things Go, the DC-based music festival, partnered with singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers to co-curate a women-led lineup. The festival has only grown since, doubling attendance year after year. This weekend, 32 artists—including Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, boygenius, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mt. Joy, MUNA, Arlo Parks, and more—will perform across multiple stages at the iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion. And as fans count down the hours to the sold-out two-day experience, All Things Go’s organizers are getting ready to kick off their biggest, most impactful weekend yet.

Spotify is also joining in with the chorus of voices calling for gender equity in music. As the festival’s digital-streaming partner and sponsor of the All Things Go Creator Summit 2023 Presented by Spotify EQUAL, held the Friday before the festival, we’ll host panels and programming featuring some of the most notable voices in music, entertainment, and journalism.

“Fans have always said that our festival feels like their ultimate playlist, so when we had the opportunity to partner with Spotify EQUAL, it was a no-brainer given the diverse group of artists that the EQUAL ecosystem empowers through equity in the audio sphere and celebrating women’s contributions in music,” says All Things Go cofounder Stephen Vallimarescu.

“We built the Creator Summit as a place for festival fans to connect and get inspired via a sneak peak behind the curtain of music, technology, activism, and entrepreneurship, with engaging panel discussions featuring some of those industries’ brightest stars alongside ATG festival artists. I’m so pleased this is the fifth consecutive year we’ve been able to host it,” adds cofounder Will Suter. “There’s a lot of great speakers and information in store.”

Harmonizing Equity

NYLON Editor-in-Chief Lauren McCarthy will moderate a dynamic conversation that celebrates the multifaceted roles of women in the music industry. The panel brings together streaming visionaries like Spotify Rock & Alternative Artist Partnerships manager and Global Chair of Education for Women in Music Chissy Nkemere and Spotify Global Music Programs Social & Equity Lead Bel Aztiria. It also includes non-profit and equity work pioneers like Amplify Her Voice founder Kristina London and Cities Without Houses Head of Memberships Autumn Merritt. Together, they’ll explore how women are reshaping the landscape, from the creative process to the business strategies that drive the industry forward.

These panelists are industry professionals who are constantly creating new opportunities and designing diverse spaces for women’s voices and talents to be recognized across the music industry. Join them for a discussion on empowerment in male-dominated business spaces, the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship, the streaming-equity evolution, and the role women play in creating electrifying live-music experiences.

“At Spotify, we wholeheartedly acknowledge the importance of lifting women’s voices within the music industry,” says Bel Aztira. “Our wish is that panel attendees depart with a deeper appreciation of Spotify’s EQUAL initiative and its mission, as well as knowing that each person can play a role in fostering positive change through active listening. The Creator Summit sets an inspiring tone for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend, and I am humbled to share the stage with so many industry trailblazers.”

Inspiring Action Through Music

The second panel will see U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost moderate a conversation between Calling All Crows founder Sybil Gallagher, Spotify Social Impact Media Responsibility Lead Casey Acierno, The Ally Coalition Director of Operations and Community Engagement Geoffrey Morrissey, and Meet Me @ The Altar vocalist Edith Victoria. These visionary voices from different corners of music and activism will discuss how music can be a transformative tool for democracy and advocacy.

“After our panel, I hope attendees walk away recognizing that impact has always been a critical part of music,” says Casey Acierno. “Artists have played a key role in the major social movements of our time—not only as the soundtrack, but as leaders that inspire action.”

Together, they’ll explore the influence of music in catalyzing positive change, driving social impact, helping with collaboration and coalition-building, providing LGBTQIA+ representation, and positioning artists as advocates.

“I also hope that attendees walk away recognizing that we can demand better from the live-music spaces that we’re in,” Casey adds. “We’re proud to partner with organizations like Calling All Crows and The Ally Coalition, who are leading the charge in making the music industry safer and more inclusive. By learning more about their work, music fans can find out how they themselves can build a stronger community and support the most marginalized among us.”

Can’t attend in person? Stream the All Things Go 2023 Official Playlist.

EQUAL Fest Turns Up the Volume in Madrid

September 27, 2023

Over two years ago, Spotify created EQUAL, a global initiative that aims to promote gender equity in music and give female artists around the world the prominence they deserve. It’s a program that seeks to eliminate the existing gender gap in the music industry so that women artists, composers and producers have the representation and visibility they deserve in the sector.

Since then, week after week, we’ve been raising the volume on women artists. And this past weekend in Spain, we held the highly anticipated EQUAL Fest, a night of music, visibility, and empowerment.

Held in Madrid’s WiZink center, EQUAL Fest spotlight Lola Indigo, Nathy Peluso, Ptazeta, Natalia Lacunza, and Judeline onstage in concert. They were joined by Cuban-Spanish DJ Toccororo, as well as “godmothers” of the movement Ana Mena, Ginebras, Paula Cendejas, and Zahara.

Spotify rockea el fin de semana con el Festival EQUAL en Buenos Aires

September 19, 2023

En Argentina la semana pasada se reunieron artistas, podcasters, fanáticos y luminarias de la industria en el muy esperado Festival EQUAL de Spotify para celebrar la creatividad y el talento que las mujeres aportan a la escena de la música y los podcasts. El evento es una extensión de nuestro programa EQUAL, cuyo objetivo es contribuir a la equidad de género en la industria musical amplificando y celebrando el trabajo de las creadoras de todo el mundo.

Comenzamos el festival con un evento de dos días en el C Complejo Art Media, que incluyó paneles y presentaciones específicamente dirigidos a mujeres creadoras y artistas, y concluyó con un concierto con entradas agotadas como ningún otro.

Eventos lanzamiento con industria y creadores

“Con el Festival EQUAL, Spotify ha encontrado una oportunidad para mostrarle al país y al mundo lo que los artistas argentinos están generando en la industria”, destacó Bel Aztiria, Global Head EQUAL para Spotify, antes de los paneles y presentaciones..

“Lo que comenzó como una idea en aquel entonces es hoy una realidad. Nos emociona saber que Spotify está a punto de celebrar un hito sin precedentes en el país al reunir a más de 20.000 personas en un solo lugar con un único objetivo común: celebrar el talento de las mujeres argentinas” remarcó Carolina Martin, Artists & Label Partnerships Spotify Cono Sur

Los asistentes escucharon un panel moderado por Carolina y Bel que contó con Barbi Recanati, Sivina Moreno, Juliana Gattas, y Julieta Laso como speakers. Las mujeres compartieron sus sentimientos, ideas y perspectivas sobre el recorrido de las mujeres en la industria local.

Spotify también celebró un Festival de Podcast EQUAL para creadores de podcasts para que las mujeres pudieran compartir sus conocimientos sobre cómo desarrollar carreras de podcasting y promocionar los avances que han logrado en la industria. En el escenario, las creadoras de ConchaPodcast recibieron a Moria Casán hablando sobre el lanzamiento de su podcast Spotify Original, La One.

En otra sesión, Momi Giardina, Mica Vazquez, Marti Benza, y Martu Ortiz, creadoras de LUZU TV, uno de los principales canales de streaming en Argentina, hablaron sobre cómo celebrar el empoderamiento femenino y cuáles son las oportunidades para seguir dando visibilidad a las mujeres en su industria.

Para cerrar el día, Jacinta de Oromí, creadora del podcast TIPO, Marian Soler, creadora del podcast Cebando Flores, and Buera, creadora del podcast ¿estás?, subieron al escenario para compartir sus tips y recomendaciones para la creación de contenido.

Spotify Rocks the Weekend With the Festival EQUAL in Buenos Aires

September 19, 2023

Last week in Argentina, artists, podcasters, fans, and industry luminaries came together for Spotify’s highly anticipated Festival EQUAL to celebrate the creativity and talent that women bring to the music and podcast scenes. The event is an extension of our EQUAL program, which aims to contribute to gender equity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world.

We kicked off the festival with a two-day event at the C Complejo Art Media venue that included panels and presentations specifically geared toward women creators and artists and concluded with a sold-out concert unlike any other.

Kicking off with industry events for creators

“With the Festival EQUAL, Spotify has found an opportunity to show the country and the world what Argentine artists are generating in the industry,” Bel Aztiria, Global Head, EQUAL for Spotify, noted ahead of the panels and presentations.

“What started as an early idea back then is today a reality. We are excited to know that Spotify is about to celebrate an unprecedented milestone in the country by bringing together more than 20,000 people in one place with a single common goal: to celebrate the talent of Argentine women,” remarked Carolina Martin, Artists & Label Partnerships, Spotify Southern Cone.

Attendees listened to a panel moderated by Carolina and Bel that included Barbi Recanati, Silvina Moreno, Juliana Gattas, and Julieta Laso as speakers. The women shared their feelings, ideas, and perspectives on the journey of women in local industry.

Spotify also held an EQUAL Podcast Festival for podcast creators so that women could share wisdom on building podcasting careers and tout advancements they’ve made in the industry. Onstage, the creators of ConchaPodcast hosted Moria Casán to discuss the launch of her Spotify Original podcast, La One.

In another session, Momi Giardina, Mica Vazquez, Marti Benza, and Martu Ortiz, creators from top-streaming Argentinian channel LUZU TV, talked about celebrating women empowerment and what the opportunities are to keep women visible in their industry.

To close the day, Jacinta de Oromí, creator of the podcast TIPO; Marian Soler, creator of the podcast Cebando Flores; and Buera, creator of the podcast ¿estás?; took the stage to share their tips and recommendations for creating content.

Scores, Songs, and Supper Served at Our Spotify Supper in London

September 18, 2023

Good food, good conversation, and amazing music. Is there anything better?

That’s what was served up last week in London at our annual Spotify Supper, which included a live performance by Olivia Dean, our EQUAL UK & Ireland ambassador and recent Mercury Prize nominee.

Spotify Supper began in 2016 as a way to bring together executives with advertising and publishing partners for an evening to remember. The dinners have become a much-anticipated staple of our brand, and the latest, held in London, was no exception. Guests were treated to a multisensory experience with “Blend”-inspired cocktails and enjoyed desserts from the Soft Serve Society that took a cue from our Sonic Science research.

Spotify Honors EQUAL Global Ambassador Shakira With a Special Day Dedicated to Her Enduring Legacy

September 15, 2023

Standing tall on the global stage as a beacon of Latin music and representation, Shakira has blessed fans with soulful lyrics over a musical journey that has spanned three decades. Beyond her musical achievements, Shakira’s impact on the worlds of culture and education have been notable. The Barranquilla, Colombia, native has healed hearts, sparked joy, evoked memories, and empowered many with songs that celebrate her Colombian and Latin identity, like “Hips Don’t Lie.”

What better way to acknowledge Shakira’s enduring legacy than to dedicate an entire day to the global pop star? That’s precisely why Spotify initiated the #ShakiraDeservesADay campaign—#ShakiraMereceUnDía in Spanish—where Colombians had the opportunity to voice their support for this special celebration on social media.

Spotify rinde homenaje a Shakira, embajadora global de EQUAL, con un día especial dedicado a su trayectoria musical

September 15, 2023

Como ícono de la música latina a nivel internacional, Shakira ha brindado a sus seguidores letras profundamente emotivas a través de una carrera musical que abarca tres décadas. Sin embargo, más allá de su música, la influencia de la colombiana en la cultura y la educación ha dejado un impacto notable. La oriunda de Barranquilla, Colombia, ha confortado corazones, despertado sonrisas, evocado nostalgias y empoderado a multitudes con temas emblemáticos como “Hips Don’t Lie“, que resaltan su rica herencia e identidad colombiana y latina.

¿Qué mejor manera de celebrar el inconfundible legado de Shakira que creando un día entero en su honor? Con este propósito en mente, Spotify lanzó la campaña #ShakiraMereceUnDía, a través de la cual los colombianos encontraron la ocasión perfecta para manifestar en redes sociales su cariño y admiración hacia la artista.

Judeline Puts Her Own Spin on Two Favorites as the First Spotify Singles From Spain

August 25, 2023

Judeline is ready to give fans new twists on “La Tortura” by Shakira (featuring Alejandro Sanz) and “Soy El Único” by Yahritza Y Su Esencia. The Spanish genre-bending singer is the latest artist—and the first from Spain—to take part in Spotify Singles.

“I’ve spent a lot of parties, barbecues, and moments listening to Shakira’s ‘La Tortura’ in the background, so I wanted to give it a nod, without leaving aside the Andalusian weight,” shared Judeline.

“I discovered ‘Soy El Único’ last year, and since then I haven’t stopped listening to it. The structure of the corridos tumbados is something that does not exist in other types of music,” explained Judeline. “They have something to their sound that reminds me of the flamenco and traditional Venezuelan music I grew up with as a child.”

The Spotify Singles program was created to provide artists with the opportunity to cover a song of their choice by an artist they admire, as well as re-record one of their own songs in a fresh new way.

“At Spotify we want to turn up the volume on promising and diverse voices on the scene, and that’s why we are proud to have the enormous talent of Judeline for Spain’s first Spotify Singles,” said Melanie Parejo, Head of Music for Southern and Eastern Europe at Spotify. “Judeline is an example of the very rich talent that exists in the local scene.”

Hailing from Los Caños de Meca in the Cadiz province of Spain, Judeline started pursuing music when she was 17 years old. It didn’t take long for her to make her mark, and in 2022 she was named a Spotify RADAR artist. RADAR is our global program dedicated to showcasing emerging and talented artists around the world through support and resources that help them expand their audiences.

Judeline will be onstage at EQUAL Fest, taking place September 22 at the WiZink Center in Madrid. Spotify’s EQUAL program represents our commitment to amplifying the voices of women musicians and creators locally, regionally, and internationally. EQUAL Fest is another way we’re extending our support beyond the platform, and fans attending the show will have the chance to also see performances by Nathy Peluso, Lola Indigo, Ptazeta, and Natalia Lacunza.

Want to hear more Spotify Singles? Here’s the complete collection.

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