Tag: Event

Reflections on Angel Olsen and Spotify’s Interactive Audio Tour of ‘All Mirrors’

November 27, 2019

This past Saturday, indie artist Angel Olsen brought her critically acclaimed single “All Mirrors”  to life inside Villain—a dark warehouse and event space in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Through a collaboration with Spotify, Olsen created an interactive pop-up listening event and invited fans to personally experience the song’s themes of change and transformation via a guided walk through a labyrinth of visual stimuli. 

“The team at Spotify has been incredibly supportive of this record and it’s been wild to see how one small song can come together in this interactive installation” said Olsen, who experienced the event for herself ahead of her sold-out show at Brooklyn Steel later that night. 

The collaboration was a part of Spotify’s ongoing efforts to lend support to artists at all stages of their career. “With every project that comes our way, we want to do right by the artist,” said the event’s creative director Tim Grover. “Whether they’re indie or major, underground or undiscovered, our goal is to help bring an artist’s creative vision to life and give fans something truly meaningful.”  

“Strong partnerships are always rooted in trust,” added David Ecker of Artist Label and Marketing. “It means the world to us that an artist of Angel’s caliber would trust us to expand upon her vision in such an unprecedented way.”

In this case, that meant honoring the transformative experiences that inspired Olsen to write “All Mirrors” by borrowing some of the unique assets featured in the song’s music video.

Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla Sign, Becky G, Daniel Caesar, Jacob Collier and More To Perform at Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards

November 8, 2018

Keith Urban, G-Eazy, Tiesto, Timbaland, Bazzi, Max Martin and More To Take the Stage as Presenters

Awards Set for November 16 in Downtown Los Angeles

On November 16, the second annual Secret Genius Awards will celebrate the masterminds—songwriters, producers, engineers and mixers—behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify in 2018. Singer, songwriter and producer Bebe Rexha; rapper, songwriter and producer Ty Dolla Sign; Latin pop singer Becky G; R&B singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar, British singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier; and singers Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper will perform before a room full of their peers, mentors and idols at the special evening taking place at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Spotify founded the Secret Genius program in 2017 as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting creators in the music industry.

Bebe Rexha began her rise as a solo artist in 2013 and has since released hits including the country collab “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line, “Me, Myself & I” with G-Eazy, and “In the Name of Love” with Martin Garrix. She has also written songs for artists such as Selena Gomez, Eminem, Nick Jonas and more. Ty Dolla Sign has released several hits including “Blasé” and has written songs for Rihanna, Post Malone and Chris Brown. Singer and actress Becky G is best known for her infectious 2014 hit “Shower” and is set to release a new Spanish album. Canadian Daniel Caesar broke through with “Get You” featuring Kali Uchis and recently released a new single “Who Hurt You?” in October 2018. Grammy Award Winner Jacob Collier first gained recognition in 2012 for his viral video performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing” catching the attention of producer Quincy Jones, the 2018 Secret Genius “Legendary Genius Honor” recipient. Jacob will perform as part of a special tribute to Quincy for the night. Ty Dolla Sign, Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper will also take the stage for a special tribute performance.

Additionally, Spotify will welcome Keith Urban, G-Eazy, Tiesto, Timbaland, Bazzi, Max Martin, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Marcella Araica and Duro as Awards presenters. Earlier this month, Spotify announced that singer-songwriter Ne-Yo will host and the venerable, iconic producer, Quincy Jones, will receive the “Legendary Genius Honor.”

The second annual Secret Genius Awards will celebrate the masterminds behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify this year. Spotify founded the Secret Genius program in 2017 as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting creators in the music industry.

The Secret Genius Awards are made up of 14 categories and include Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Social Message and more. A complete list of Secret Genius Awards nominees can be found here.

Inside the Divine World of Spotify’s Ariana Grande ‘Sweetener The Experience’

September 29, 2018

Ariana Grande’s album, Sweetener, presents a dream world of ethereal emotions, sights, and sounds—and Arianators everywhere have clamored to step inside. This weekend, Spotify is making that happen by bringing Sweetener to life.

Today, September 28, Ariana’s interactive Sweetener The Experience activation launches on New York’s Lower East Side. The experience will open to the public for two days on Saturday, September 29, and Sunday, September 30. Inside, each Sweetener track is translated into a colorful, multi-sensory moment for fans to experience room by room.

Follow along through our virtual tour of Ariana’s world.

raindrops

“raindrops” introduces the cool, captivating vibe of Ariana’s latest release. To reflect its soft, melancholy feel, the room features a floating altar where you can meditate beneath an illuminating cascade of angel tears.

the light is coming

Nicki Minaj joins Ariana on “the light is coming,” so in honor of two inspiring queens, the twinkling room is illuminated by warm pink light. As Ariana sings, “The light is coming to give back everything the darkness stole.”

R.E.M.

The palette turns muted and dreamy for “R.E.M.,” matching Sweetener’s soft, nude-toned cover art. Feel free to get comfortable in the massive “cloud squish zone,” and even bask in the lush scent of Ariana’s new fragrance, Cloud.

successful

Kevin Mazur/Getty

On “successful,” Ariana celebrates the triumphs of women everywhere. To capture this self-empowerment vibe, the space is surrounded with mirrors featuring inspirational messages and affirmations like “boss” and “you are beautiful.” You can even write your own uplifting messages to other Arianators.

blazed

Kevin Mazur/Getty

On the Pharrell-featuring “blazed,” Ariana sings, “The universe is so vast to me.” In this room, you can travel to space via glittering stars and a 360-degree night sky with galactic projections.

get well soon

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Celebrate the special connection between Ariana and her fans with a room full of telephones. Pick up any phone to hear an inspiring message of wisdom and advice.

God is a woman

Kevin Mazur/Getty

An iconic track deserves an equally awe-inspiring experience. To mimic Ariana’s “God is a woman” music video, the room evokes a painterly quality with warped mirrors and surreal, space-like walls.

sweetener

The album’s title track is light and uplifting, so the “sweetener” room is all effervescent, pastel eye candy. There’s even a mirrored pond in the middle of the room, perfect for reflecting on just what makes life so sweet.

no tears left to cry

Kevin Mazur/Getty

“no tears left to cry” will turn your world upside down—literally. Ariana’s bold, feel-good dance anthem is celebrated with a fully furnished, upside-down room.

breathin

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Ariana is known to open up to fans about her personal struggles, so the “breathin” room is built upon the mantra of “Just keep breathin.” With soft, wispy fabrics and calming, neutral tones, the space is a welcome retreat.

better off

Kevin Mazur/Getty

“better off,” a slow, melancholy ballad, is an intimate reflection on being alone. Therefore, this room offers a spot for a much-needed moment of solitude among the crowds.

everytime

The “everytime” room features delicious mocktails and snacks for when you need a quick recharge.

pete davidson

Kevin Mazur/Getty

As any fan knows, Ariana is head over heels for her fiancé Pete Davidson. To honor love in all forms, you can choose a love lock—inspired by Paris’ Pont des Arts bridge and Boston’s St Botolph’s bridge—to dedicate to a loved one in the “pete davidson” room.

borderline

Kevin Mazur/Getty

“borderline,” about the early stages of love, finds Ariana (and guest star Missy Elliott) playing hard to get. “Just meet me at the borderline,” Ariana sings. The room is a graphic, linear space with interactive features, swings, and a place for fans to meet in the middle, as the song suggests.

goodnight n go

Before fans exit the experience, the “goodnight n go” room offers a chance to bid Ariana farewell. Inside, you’ll find a guest book for writing sweet messages to Ariana (she’ll read them at the end of the exhibit).

Ariana Grande’s “Sweetener The Experience” will be located at 138 Bowery in New York City. As soon as the exhibit was announced, our RSVP list was filled in a matter of minutes by Arianators. However, the experience will be available all weekend (September 29 & 30) through a walk up line. You can also check @Spotify’s Instagram stories this weekend as more tickets may become available.

Spotify Announces Nominees for 2018 Secret Genius Awards

August 22, 2018

NE-YO to Host Annual Award Show Recognizing the Most Influential Songwriters, Producers and Engineers in Music on November 16th

Beatmakers. Hitmakers. Songwriters. Producers. Engineers. Mix Engineers. What do all of these individuals have in common? They are Secret Geniuses—the quietly known, seldom recognized driving forces behind the most listened to music in the world. But the secret won’t last long.

In response to the success of last year’s inaugural Secret Genius Awards, Spotify will again honor some of the most creative minds in music at the second annual awards show November 16 at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Grammy-Award winner NE-YO will host the show which will celebrate Secret Geniuses across 14 categories.

“I look forward to hosting Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards this Fall and joining in the effort to properly recognize and raise awareness of the creative minds behind the music,” said NE-YO. “As both a songwriter and artist I understand just how much these men and women drive the musical soundtracks of our lives. It’s important we honor their hard work and immense contributions.”

Last year, Spotify founded the Secret Genius program as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting music’s creator community, which includes artists, songwriters, producers, engineers and mixers. Secret Genius shines particular light on the masterminds behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify. Since the program’s inception, Spotify continues to tell the stories behind today’s biggest hits on the Secret Genius podcast, hosts songwriting “Songshops” camps, and provides studio access to rising songwriters, among other ongoing efforts.

The 2017 Secret Genius Awards honored Rick Rubin as the Legendary Genius, Max Martin as producer of the year, J Kash as songwriter of the year and more with performances by Shawn Mendes, Halsey and PartyNextDoor.

Today, Spotify is honored to announce the brilliant, innovative, thought-provoking songwriters and producers nominated for the 2018 Secret Genius Awards. Presenters, Performers and the recipient of the Legendary Genius Award will be announced at a later date. And the nominees are…

__________________

2018 Secret Genius Nominees:

SECRET GENIUS: SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Ali Tamposi
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Wolves” – Selena Gomez and Marshmello; “Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt; “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Brian Lee
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Wolves” – Selena Gomez and Marshmello; “Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt, “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Starrah
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Feels” – Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean; “What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft SZA

Justin Tranter 
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “Friends” – Justin Bieber and BloodPop

Sarah Aarons 
“Stay” – Zedd and Alessia Cara; “The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey

SECRET GENIUS: PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Louis Bell
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage; “Psycho” – Post Malone ft Ty Dolla $ign; “Candy Paint” – Post Malone; “Better Now” – Post Malone; “Wolves”– Selena Gomez and Marshmello

Frank Dukes
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello; “Better Now” – Post Malone

Boi-1da

“Gods Plan” – Drake, “No Limit” G Eazy

Andrew Watt 
“Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt; “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Murda Beatz

“Nice For What”- Drake, “Butterfly Effect” – Travis Scott, “Motorsport” – Migos ft Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, “Portland” – Drake ft Quavo and Travis Scott, “It’s a Vibe” – 2 Chainz ft Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz and Jhene Aiko

Steve Mac 
“Your Song” – Rita Ora; “Strip That Down” – Liam Payne and Quavo

SECRET GENIUS: BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

Tank God 
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage

6ix
“1-800-273-8255” – Logic ft. Khalid and Alessia Cara

David Park 
“I’m The One” – DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne

The Orphanage
“Sorry Not Sorry” – Demi Lovato

Whiskey Water
“IDGAF” – Dua Lipa

SECRET GENIUS: POP

Ian Kirkpatrick 
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa; “Bad Liar” – Selena Gomez

Benny Blanco 
“Happier” – Ed Sheeran; “Crying in the Club” – Camila Cabello; “Now or Never” – Halsey

Caroline Ailin
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa

Emily Warren 
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa

Jason Evigan

“What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft. SZA, “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5

SECRET GENIUS: HIP HOP

Tank God 
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage

Cardo
“God’s Plan” – Drake

Yung Exclusive
“God’s Plan” – Drake

TM88

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

Nic Nac

“I’m the One” DJ Khaled (feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper)

SECRET GENIUS: R&B

James Fauntleroy 
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B; “Filthy” – Justin Timberlake

Christopher Brody Brown
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B

The Stereotypes
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B

Syk Sense
“Location” – Khalid; “Shot Down” – Khalid; “Saved” – Khalid

PartyNextDoor
“Wild Thoughts” – DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller

SECRET GENIUS: DANCE

Jordan ‘DJ Swivel’ Young
“Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers

Vincent Pontare & Salem Al Fakir 
“More Than You Know” – Axwell & Ingrosso

Ed Drewett
“Mama” – Jonas Blue

RØMANS

Mama” – Jonas Blue

Giorgio Tuinfort
“2U” – David Guetta ft Justin Bieber

SECRET GENIUS: LATIN

Gaby Music
“Se Preparó” – Ozuna; “SUBEME LA RADIO” – Enrique Iglesias; “Dura” – Daddy Yankee; “Ahora Dice” – Chris Jeday, J Balvin and Arcangel

Hi Music Hi Flow 
Se Preparó – Ozuna, Tu Foto – Ozuna

Torres & Rengifo
“Echame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi ft. Demi Lovato; “Báilame (Remix)” – Nacho, Yandel, Bad Bunny

Adam Assad
“Mi Gente” – J Balvin, Willy William

Mohombi 
“Mi Gente” – J Balvin, Willy William

SECRET GENIUS: ROCK

Mattman & Robin
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “Walking The Wire” – Imagine Dragons

Joel Little
“Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons

David Pramik
“Home” -Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors, Bebe Rexha

Jake Sinclair
“Death Of A Bachelor” – Panic! At The Disco; “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” – Panic! At The Disco

Camille Purcell
“Rain” – The Script

SECRET GENIUS: COUNTRY

Ashley Gorley

“Unforgettable” – Thomas Rhett; “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett

David Garcia 
“Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha; Take Back Home Girl – Chris Lane feat. Tori Kelly

Jesse Frasure 
“Unforgettable” – Thomas Rhett; “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett

Shane McAnally
“Unforgettable,” “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett; “Written in the Sand” – Old Dominion

Josh Miller
“Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha; Take Back Home Girl – Chris Lane feat. Tori Kelly

SECRET GENIUS: SOCIAL MESSAGE

6ix, Andrew Taggart, Dylan Wiggins

“1-800-273-8255” – Logic ft. Khalid and Alessia Cara

Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac

“What About Us” – P!nk

Frank Dukes, Doc McKinney
“Pray For Me (with Kendrick Lamar)” – The Weeknd

Benj Pasek, Adam Gubman, Alex Lacamoire, Greg Wells, Justin Paul

“This Is Me” – Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman Ensemble

Ludwig Goransson
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino

SECRET GENIUS: ENGINEER

John Hanes

“Love Lies” – Normani and Khalid; “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello

Rick Steel

“Unforgettable” – French Montana ft. Swae Lee

Andres Restrepo

“Mi Gente” – J Balvin & Willy William

Kesha Lee

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

Steve Fitzmaurice

“Too Good at Goodbyes” – Sam Smith

SECRET GENIUS: MIXING ENGINEER

Manny Marroquin
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft 21 Savage; “I’m The One” – DJ Khaled; “Attention” – Charlie Puth; “Congratulations” – Post Malone; “Silence” – Marshmello and Khalid; “Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller; “I Fall Apart” – Post Malone; “Psycho” – Post Malone; “Sorry Not Sorry” – Demi Lovato; “Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man

Serban Ghenea
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft. SZA; “Dusk Till Dawn” – ZAYN; “Wolves” – Marshmello & Selena Gomez; “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Meant To Be” – Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha

Jaycen Joshua

“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Unforgettable” – French Montana and Swae Lee

Josh Gudwin

“New Rules”– Dua Lipa; “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa

Leslie Brathwaite

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

The Swedish Hip-Hop Scene Keeps It ‘100’

June 8, 2018

When non-Swedes think of famous Swedish music, they might think of ABBA and Tove Lo— pop stars who captured and captivated audiences around the world. But they should also tune into Spotify Sweden’s newest playlist, “100,” to experience Sweden’s newest top music: Hip-hop.

To celebrate the June 6 launch of “100” and the Swedish foray into hip-hop, we hosted an exclusive, one-day-only event and exhibit at the Swedish Royal Opera House in Stockholm on Sweden’s National Day. The event featured performances by Silvana Imam and Z.E., as well as deejaying by the trio Ladies Love Hip-Hop.

Stars Shine During Ziggy Stardust Tribute at Brooklyn Museum’s “David Bowie Is” Exhibit

May 18, 2018

Legendary singer-songwriter David Bowie was otherworldly throughout his life—and his presence was very much felt at David Bowie is at the Brooklyn Museum on May 7. The exhibit, which was organized by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and opened in March, features displays of artwork, photography, and clothes that represent Bowie’s dynamic and lasting work and career. To celebrate the exhibit’s arrival in New York City, a star-studded event provided proper tribute to Ziggy Stardust.

Kicking off the evening was an introduction by Spotify Global Head of Communications, Dustee Jenkins, and Spotify Head of Creative Services, Troy Carter, who noted “there are few stories like the David Bowie story.” Troy then introduced the featured performer of the evening, English singer-songwriter Jade Bird.

Jade, who performed her songs, “What Am I Here For,” “Cathedral, and “Lottery,” feels a connection with Bowie due to their shared British heritage and love for American songwriting culture—she played her song “If I Die” as a tribute to the artist.

“‘If I Die’ is basically saying that we take part in art because we’re competing in the dance of death,” Jade told us. “You’re trying to be immortalized in music; that’s why you do it. ‘If I Die’ is about that. It’s kind of got this optimism to it because you live on in your music.”

If I die, put me in a song, tell everyone how in love I’ve been.

– Jade Bird, “If I Die”

After the performance, attendees of the event, including actress and singer-songwriter Emmy Rossum, and Mama Glow creator Latham Thomas, had a chance to explore the exhibit and take in features from the life of the legendary artist. Latham noted that the event was “Simply beyond.” Meanwhile, DJ Mia Moretti of “What to Listen to When…” fame spun her newest playlist.

While Mia was spinning Bowie classics and songs by related artists such as The Beatles, a trio of writers from Haiku Guys + Gals encouraged fans to contribute a word or phrase about what David Bowie meant to them, then used the inspiration to type a personalized haiku for each participant.

The David Bowie is exhibit, which has received rave reviews by the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and SPIN and is sponsored by Spotify, features original costumes, handwritten music, and photos in an interactive retrospective from Bowie’s teenage years to his final months in New York. Bowie’s New York City presence was celebrated earlier in the month when Spotify unveiled a David Bowie Subway Takeover at the Broadway-Lafayette subway station in the Bowery, and created David Bowie “Tickets to Mars” – keepsake Metrocards featuring an image of one of five Bowie personas.

Fans, commuters, and visitors have the opportunity to explore the Bowie subway takeover at the Broadway-Lafayette station until May 13. The David Bowie is exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum will be open until July 15.

Spotify and Lifestyle + Entertaining Expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Concoct the Perfect Party Recipe—Music Plus Punch

May 3, 2018

An unforgettable party playlist and a delicious punch have a few things in common: The recipes are loose, variations are welcome, and it only takes one or two elements to make a hit.

In honor of this perfect pairing, Spotify partnered with lifestyle and entertaining expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman for a tastemaker lunch in Dallas, Texas. There, guests celebrated Whitman’s new book, “Parties Around a Punch Bowl,” as well as the debut of Kim’s verified Spotify profile and custom “Hot Country” punchbowl recipe (shared below), named afterSpotify’s country music flagship playlist.

Guests including Amber Venz Box, founder of rewardStyle; Courtney Kerr of KERRently; Christina Lynch, founder of Mi Golandrina; Lisa More, founder of Cover Swim, and Rae Liu, co-founder of Leatherology, gathered at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for a peppy, punch-filled luncheon and performance by country artist Tenille Townes.

Whether it’s mixed together, tasted, adjusted, or added to, “punch is an evolving concoction that continues to change until the party is over,” Kim declares in her book. According to the eight-time author and TV host, the punch bowl, that sparkling retro party staple, is back.

So have fun experimenting with the punch, because we have the music portion covered.

Scroll through the gallery below to relive the fun – and start planning your next fête.