Tag: festival

Creators and Fans Celebrate Their Favorite Shows at the Spotify Podcast Festival in São Paulo

November 3, 2023

This weekend, creators are heading to São Paulo to celebrate storytelling at the Spotify Podcast Festival. Brazil is our second-largest podcast market for both listening and creating, and it’s filled with talented people using the medium to connect with others, share stories, and invent new scripted tales. 

The festival will help creators and fans engage in new ways. Many personalities from Spotify Original and Exclusive shows, like Mano a Mano, É nóia minha?, and Para dar nome às coisas, will host live recording sessions, along with creators from podcasts including Um Milkshake Chamado Wanda, Modus Operandi, Bom dia, Obvious, Nerdcast, PODDELAS, gostosas também choram com lela brandão, Os Sócios, Inteligência Ltda., and TICARACATICAST. 

Spotify is also working with the creators of Café da Manhã, PeeWeeCast, Thais Galassi, and Madame Broona’s Horoscopinho Semanal to host bonus sessions for fans, introducing them to new experiences that go beyond traditional podcast listening.

For the Record caught up with Natália Sousa and Mabê Bonafé, two podcast creators who are attending the festival, to learn more about their shows and what they are looking forward to most this weekend.

Natália is a journalist, writer, screenwriter, and the creative mind behind Para Dar Nome às Coisas. On her show, she shares honest stories about fear, failure, courage, starting over, pain, and more.

Mabê is a screenwriter, writer, and cohost of the podcast Modus Operandi. The supernatural show, which she cohosts with Carol Moreira, digs into stories about crime, serial killers, and supernatural cases.

How did you come up with the idea for your podcast?

Natália Sousa looking at the camera laughing

Natália Sousa

Natália: The idea for the podcast started at a Carnaval barbecue. A close friend of mine suggested I do it, and my girlfriend, who works with visual design, loved the idea and we began to develop the concept. The funny thing is that that same week I had just failed a public reading of something I’d written, so I made an episode about failure. Then the podcast started to grow in a pretty crazy way. Feedback from listeners helped me realize that many could identify with the podcast.

Mabê: Carol and I were hooked on true crime documentaries! It all started with the documentary Making a Murderer, which tells the surreal story of a man wrongly imprisoned for 18 years who sues the state and is arrested again a short time later for a different crime. The documentary was full of twists and turns. People became obsessed, and so did we. The true crime genre has been around for a long time, but it seems to have gone through a boom since then, and more documentaries, series, books, and podcasts began to appear. 

We didn’t know other people that we could talk about it with, so in 2018 we decided to create the podcast to allow us to talk about these cases and docs that were emerging. It took a long time to create the podcast, so it only premiered in January 2020.

What are some ways you try to deepen engagement with your fans?

Natália: I really enjoy talking to listeners on social media. I use Instagram the most, and I always post the cover of the episode the day before to raise anticipation about the week’s theme. The other tool that both I, as the creator, and the listeners who follow the podcast love is Spotify’s Q&A box, which helps people to comment on what they think about that specific episode in the app itself. It’s done in an easy and quick way, which increases the chance of them commenting. It’s also encouraging for me to read how the episodes are doing.

Mabê: Over the years we have created a very strong community. We consume a lot of content and also have other common interests. I interact in live streams, in comments, in the entire exchange with the community that allows me to understand more about the audience. There are also the events I attend, such as lectures, literature, and podcast events, which are a great opportunity to interact. It’s even cooler because this is when we have direct interaction [with fans] and we can see the faces of the people who listen to us.

What’s the most challenging part of podcasting?

Mabé Bonafé and Carol Moreira posting in front of the camera

Mabé Bonafé and Carol Moreira

Natália: I guess for me it’s the creativity of coming up with new topics every week. Sometimes it comes easily, other times—not so much. Since I have an editor and a designer who take care of the other parts of the process, it’s up to me to come up with the stories. That’s the most exciting, but also the most challenging.

Mabê: Modus Operandi is a podcast that requires research and careful attention to content that takes time, organization, and production, and that alone is very challenging. But when it comes to podcasts in general, I think the hardest part is getting the structure right so that the episodes always come out correctly. Each episode has a script, artwork, time to record, time to edit, time to review, time to adjust, and all that needs to meet the logistics to ensure that it comes out as frequently as it should.

What’s the most rewarding?

Natália: I think one of the things I say most often is that I have no control over who will stay listening, but they stick around. We created a real community. I’m very grateful to my listeners because that’s the magic of the podcast. From day one I knew I wasn’t alone. It has been healing me and giving me purpose.

Mabê: Making a podcast is basically becoming the soundtrack to many moments in people’s lives, so I think this part is amazing! The number of times people say that we’re their companion on the way to school or work, or that we’re the motivating factor for them to clean their houses! I guess we do help them keep their houses cleaner, then! But seriously, in our case, I believe that shedding light on many cases where the victims have become just a footnote in the story or that the crime was reported through a prejudiced or sensationalist bias and being able to rethink our behaviors as a society is very rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to at the Spotify Podcast Festival?

Natália: It is definitely an opportunity for creators to see people from all over the country who support their work, cheer them on, and it gives them the chance to share how the podcast they created has become a part of their lives. Recording is a solitary moment most of the time—you never know how you’re going to reach people. But at times like this you realize the magic that happens when you turn on the microphone.

Mabê: Podcasting is a solitary activity. We’re recording, just the two of us in a studio, so when we meet people who listen to us in person, it’s a great feeling to be in closer contact. It’s always nice to hear everyone’s story and their relationship with our work. I’m really looking forward to this gathering!

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!

Spotify House Rocks Country Music’s Biggest Weekend at Nashville’s CMA Fest

June 13, 2023

Reba McEntire performs onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Last weekend, Spotify two-stepped its way back to Nashville’s legendary Broadway thoroughfare for the annual CMA Fest. The event, hosted by the Country Music Association, is one of the biggest live-music weekends. It first began as Fan Fair in 1972, and quickly grew to a multi-day festival that rebranded as CMA Fest in 2004. This year, CMA Fest celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over the span of four days, we invited artists and fans to take in the sights and sounds at our Spotify House multi-stage experience.

For the fourth year, Spotify House took over Ole Red, country music star Blake Shelton’s restaurant, bar, and concert venue, to host a four-day experience featuring over 70 artist performances. The star-studded lineup, which included chart-toppers Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, and Hailey Whitters, made the venue a revolving door of wide-ranging country sounds and blazing-hot talent. Country music legend Reba McEntire made her return to Nashville’s Lower Broadway at Spotify House for the first time in 10 years for the CMA Fest 50th Spotlight Performance, which also featured Billy Currington, Kimberly Perry, and Craig Morgan. Surprise performers from Spotify House included Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney. 

On the fourth floor, attendees enjoyed the Fresh Finds Rooftop, which was presented in collaboration with The Sims. Spotify is teaming up with The Sims over a shared mission to unlock creative potential and support expression in rising creatives. The Fresh Finds stage was back for its second year and gave fans, press, and industry insiders the chance to discover country music’s next wave of independent stars including Wyatt Flores, Payton Smith, Haley Mae Campbell, and Shaylen.    

Throughout CMA Fest, Spotify Mic Check host Lea Palmieri was onsite chatting with many of the country music artists who performed at Spotify House. 

“​​I’ve been here [in Nashville] ten years now. I think the first thing that shocked me about Broadway is how many amazing artists and singers there are, and how accessible music is walking up and down Broadway any given weekend—it doesn’t seem like you could top it. And then CMA Fest rolls through town and you’re like, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ You accidentally stumble into any room down Broadway and you’re going to find somebody amazing.” — Brett Young, on the Broadway atmosphere.

“I mean, that’s the thing with songwriting: it’s all the production. It’s all in how you perform it. So really, I feel like my music has always been very organic and acoustic, not really that pop, even though I’ve been labeled as the pop genre. I feel like being in the country [genre], has a very nice blend and flow and it’s natural for me.” — Colbie Caillat, on her sound and transition to country music.

“We were very intentional about getting the right song and the follow-up to that and just kind of allowing the process to shape itself really, and allowing the songs to show themselves. And so, yeah, it’s been awesome. I really enjoy performing that song. You have to plan your breaths on that song because it’s like spitfire—it’s nonstop.” — Brian Kelley, on his new music and the release of the single “See You Next Summer.”

Get the full scoop on the happenings of Spotify House by tuning into the full episode.

Want more from the weekend? Turn up Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, which also boasts the best, brightest, and on-the-rise country music talent, and check out a photo gallery of the four guitar-strumming, ballad-belting days.

EQUAL Takes the Mic at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival

September 23, 2022

Five women posing in front of a camera at the music festival

Taking place over four days and serving as a forum for international talent to discuss current developments in the global music industry, Reeperbahn is the biggest club festival in Europe. Since 2006, artists, fans, and industry players from around the world have gathered in Hamburg for the event.

For this year’s Reeperbahn Festival, Spotify celebrated its 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.

At the festival, Spotify hosted a series of concerts to showcase the talents of German EQUAL artist LEEPA (who is also the EQUAL artist of the month for September), Sofia Portanet, and Ebow. “It was exciting to have three great artists perform at the internationally renowned event,” shared Conny Zhang, Spotify’s Head of Music for the German region. “At the same time, this showcase demonstrates, once more, the importance we place on promoting diversity in the audio industry at Spotify.“ 

Ahead of their performances, we caught up with two of the artists, LEEPA and Sofia, to learn more about their careers and experiences.

LEEPA

What has your experience in the Spotify EQUAL program been like up to now? 

LEEPA: It’s been great, but a bit surreal. It’s also been a lot of work, so I think I’m in super tunnel mode and will have to wait for the most intense part to be over to really realize it happened.

How does it feel to be part of the Reeperbahn showcase?

LEEPA: My reaction is disbelief, a great deal of perfectionism kicking in, and gratefulness. Other people’s reactions have been great too. It’s interesting because I’ve also gotten a lot of international reactions that were super positive, which was both super interesting and nice.

What’s been the most pivotal moment of your music career so far?

LEEPA: I think this week has been super defining. Having two shows as big as Reeperbahn Festival and Lollapalooza in combination with the EQUAL campaign in one week is the ultimate test, and I think this whole year has led up to this point. And successfully getting through it will be very defining for my career, and also essential to my confidence as an artist.

What’s next for you? 

LEEPA: A little break and lots of music making. 

How would you like to see greater gender representation in the music industry?

LEEPA: More female technicians and more female producers!

 

Sofia Portanet

How does it feel to be part of the EQUAL Reeperbahn showcase?

Sofia: I’m really excited about this showcase! I think it’s great and really important that Spotify is setting a sign for gender equality in the music industry. The fact that the EQUAL playlist and showcase have been brought to life is an indicator of a big issue in the music industry, and it’s good that this topic is getting more attention though this. Being a powerful streaming platform, it’s great Spotify is assuming their part of the responsibility in this matter by creating more visibility for female artists and helping to widen female artists’ audience. Having the opportunity to play live and be part of Spotify EQUAL myself is therefore extra exciting and makes me really proud! On top of this, I love playing at the Reeperbahn Festival. It’s a very dynamic and diverse festival, and I love to meet people and discover new artists here.

What’s been the most pivotal moment of your music career so far? 

Sofia: Winning the Best Newcomer Award at the VIA – VUT Indie Awards at Reeperbahn Festival last year (2021). In my opinion, recognition shouldn’t ever be the goal, but it does encourage and give a lot of strength to keep on working hard! It was a really joyful moment and I feel really, really grateful for it.

What’s next for you? 

Sofia: Quite a few things actually. I’m preparing my upcoming single release for the beginning of November. The song is called “UNSTOPPABLE” and it’s about empowering people to keep believing in themselves no matter what! There will be a music video for it, too. Also, I’m preparing for my upcoming tour that starts mid-November until the 8th of December. It’s the headline tour of my latest album Freier Geist, which we had to postpone three times already. But this time, it’s finally going to happen! I’d recommend getting your tickets now. And last but not least, I’m working on my new album. I can’t wait to tell you everything about it very soon!

How would you like to see greater gender representation in the music industry?

Sofia: Despite all efforts in the past years, the music industry continues to be a super male-dominated industry with big gender inequality. First of all, it would be really important for everyone to understand that women don’t want to have special treatment; we just want to be treated no differently than men. That means we need to have just as many opportunities to prove ourselves, to get experience, to be respected, and to be treated equally. And equal treatment means equal representation in any sector of the music industry! May it be as an artist, songwriter, producer, or executive. In the long run, for me, equal treatment will no longer mean having “women panels” or “female music festivals.” It will just mean that women will equally be represented in any festival, any panel, any company. And don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have “women only” events or organizations as it raises the attention on the issue, but it’s important that women don’t feel stigmatized with this topic either, but integrated into the system instead.

 

Want to hear more from these powerful women artists? Check out the Spotify EQUAL GSA playlist.

 

Spotify and Gamers8 Combine Forces for an Unforgettable Esport Event

July 21, 2022

a man stands in the middle of a room with a lot of screens and a water fountain right in front of him

Esports fans, prepare to take your gaming up a notch thanks to a new partnership between Spotify and Gamers8, a global gaming and esports festival that kicked off July 14. During this eight-week event taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, virtual and physical worlds collide in a series of tournaments, activities, and attractions. And with the prize pool at $15 million, the stakes for Gamers8 participants are sky-high.

Connecting the players through music

Through our partnership, gamers can prepare for matches and take their audio experience to a new level with content created specially for Gamers8. Fans can also access these curated music playlists, which were a collaboration between Spotify’s music team and Gamers8 gaming professionals, and enjoy playlist takeovers by some of the biggest names in gaming.

Also a part of the partnership, multiplatinum DJ and producer R3HAB released the highly anticipated Gamers8 anthem, “Challenge تحدي للأخير .” The track, which features Sultan Al Murshed and rapper Big Bo, is a tribute to local creators, Saudi Arabia’s gaming community, and the international viewers tuning into the events. The Arabic EDM song debuted at the tournament’s opening event. 

For the Record got the chance to ask R3HAB a few questions about his gaming experience and what it was like creating the Gamers8 anthem.

The artist R3HAB looks into the camera in front of a grey backgroundHow is the new anthem designed to enhance the gaming experience? 

I love gaming myself and love studying different styles and genres. As a DJ/producer, you tend to listen more carefully to sounds, whether it’s a game or a movie. My goal for this record was to find a perfect balance between an uplifting and vibrant mood to inspire action while bringing in moments to reflect on the game plan.

How was it working on a track with regional artists like Sultan and Big Bo? 

It was an extremely inspirational and exciting journey. They both have different backgrounds and signature sounds. However, we realized pretty early in the creation process that our musical visions for this project were aligned. I’ve learned a lot from Sultan and Big Bo and am really proud of what we’ve created.

What is it like producing a track for the gaming community, and how does it compare to creating a track purely for the dance scene? 

Dance music is designed to pull people out of their inner world and let loose. Gaming music is designed to help gamers focus on the task at hand. While the goals are different, you can use the same tools to achieve both. 

Do you have any plans to create more music in the gaming space?  

I’ve had a blast working alongside industry revolutionaries like Gamers8. Though the dance and gaming worlds have a symbiotic relationship and shared audience, it’s still a lot of work to make a great record. Being able to find the sweet spot between worlds is so rewarding. It’s a challenge I love to take on.

Elevating the game with a new podcast

Spotify and Gamers8, together with Rising Giants Network, will also launch a dedicated podcast called Outplay. The eight-episode series will be the go-to source for news on the festival’s top teams and players, with can’t-miss highlights and exclusive one-on-one interviews. For the Record talked to Faisal Bin Homran, Head of Esports, Saudi Esports Federation, to learn more about the podcast.

Faisal Bin Homran looks into the camera with a grey backgroundWhat aspects of the competition will the podcast be covering?

We’ll have content centered around teams, players, and creators, as well as influencers who are related to the different games. For example, we are going to have a couple of Rocket League influencers. We are also going to speak about content creation and how esports factors in, especially when it comes to esports players with large fan bases. We really want to deliver entertaining content. In five years, I want to go back to this content and know that we built something for the future. 

Who should tune in? Those competing themselves, those looking to learn more from the sidelines, or both? 

Be it the podcasts or other projects, we are always trying to involve more segmentations. The podcast is for those looking for industry insights, for gamers who want to dive deeper into esports, and for the fanatic. There truly is something for everyone. 

Why do you think music and gaming go hand in hand? What sort of music do you like to listen to while gaming? 

Music has always been part of the esports experience. It excites players and viewers and connects them. There is no specific type of music that I particularly like to listen to while gaming, but I’m in love with the publishers that put specific songs for their games or top championships. For example, League of Legends including Imagine Dragons—that’s one of my top ones. In the future, I think songs will become an even bigger part of esports and there will be songs for each title when it comes to the World Championships or World Cups. 

What are you most excited about during this year’s competition? 

I am excited about the players’ experience in Riyadh. We want to showcase and deliver a unique experience for the players—that blends between the physical and virtual. We want to give them a mix of the cultural experience and the esports experience. We are excited to meet all of them and talk about future projects and how we can be part of the international esports ecosystem. 

Before you dive back into the game, one-up your competition by checking out the first episode of the Spotify and Gamers8 podcast, Outplay, below:

 

Spotify’s House of Are & Be Puts the Spotlight on Black Voices

July 6, 2022

Panelists pose on stage in front of a camera

Over the weekend, Spotify celebrated Black voices and community with the return of House of Are & Be during the annual ESSENCE Festival Of Culture in New Orleans. 

“In 2019, we created our first-ever House of Are & Be experience, paying homage to women throughout the decades. And this year we’re returning to the same incredible location with even more live music and conversations from our podcast creators,” explained Sydney Lopes, Spotify’s Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Artists, and Label Partnerships. “With an even bigger lineup of rising and established talent, Spotify’s House of Are & Be continues to highlight the breadth of sounds that affect our mind, body, and spirit.” 

Returning for the third year, Spotify celebrated the stories of Black creators with our largest lineup to date. Spotify kicked things off with a hosted brunch that included performances by Mereba and SiR.

All Eyes on Cannes Lions: Spotify Closes Out an Action-Packed Week on the Croisette

June 23, 2022

Peter Girardi, Hasan Minhaj, Winston Duke and Dawn Ostroff sit outside on a stage in front of a spotify logo. they are having a conversation.
Photo credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

From engaging discussions during the day to exciting musical performances at night, Spotify Advertising brought the heat to the Croisette. Take our word for it: Our trip back to France was a hit. And before we bid au revoir, we want to relive all the festivities.

Tune in to Gen Z’s listening habits

On Monday, Spotify’s Global Head of Public Affairs, Dustee Jenkins, moderated the panel “Who is Gen Z Really?” with Teenager Therapy cohosts Kayla Suarez and Thomas Pham and JUV Consulting Founder and CEO Ziad Ahmed. Collectively, they unpacked findings from Spotify’s annual Culture Next report and focused on how Gen Z is listening and creating on Spotify as they navigate early adulthood—and what this means for brands trying to reach them. Here are some highlights from the panel.

Four guests sit on an outdoor stage conducting a panel

(L to R) Thomas Pham, Kayla Suarez, Ziad Ahmed, and Dustee Jenkins. Photo credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images

“With Gen Z, we want brands to be authentic and honest about their values and their fallbacks too. Gen Z can see if they’re trying too hard or being fake. And that doesn’t mean perfect. We aren’t perfect either, but you have to tell the truth. It goes a long way with building a foundation of trust and honesty.” – Kayla Suarez

“Brands talk for Gen Z. . . . I think the best way to get young people onboard is to include them in the conversation and let them have influence.” – Thomas Pham

“Mental health being top genre for Gen Z—it doesn’t blow my mind. It is surprising to me to meet a Gen Zer who self-identifies as happy. Especially coming out of the pandemic. Am I happy? Am I fulfilled? A lot of people came out of this with really mixed conclusions, and we had nowhere to turn for the next step . . . platforms like Spotify help us feel heard, seen, and inspired.” – Ziad Ahmed

 

5 Things To Know About Swedish House Mafia’s After-Hours Album Release Party With Spotify

April 15, 2022

Photo credit: Alexander Wessely

 

If you missed out on snagging festival tickets but still want to experience live music from your living room, you’re invited to a first-of-its-kind event: Swedish House Mafia After Hours Presented by Spotify, Paradise Again Album Release Party Live From the Desert. As part of Spotify Live’s slate of launch events, fans in select markets will be able to tune in to tonight’s late-night set by visiting Swedish House Mafia’s artist page and selecting the “live” banner once the party begins. 

Curious what to expect once the festivities kick off after dark? Here are five fast facts on Swedish House Mafia and the event:

  1. Tonight’s party is the warm-up for Swedish House Mafia’s first tour in 10 years. Although the full run of dates doesn’t kick off until July, this desert set will give you a sneak peek of what to expect when they roll through your town this summer. (Or later this weekend during their headlining performance!)
  2. Swedish House Mafia has been around for 14 years, but Paradise Again is their first studio album. As it was just released today, the After Hours party will be your first chance to hear your favorite cuts from the album in a live setting.
  3. Before the livestream kicks off, Damian Lazarus and Cole Knight will be the opening DJs for the fans in attendance, bringing their signature house, techno, and electro sounds along with them.
  4. Swedish House Mafia After Hours Presented by Spotify, Paradise Again Album Release Party Live From the Desert will be streamed as a one-time-only affair on Spotify Live, which means that if you miss it, you won’t be able to check out this set later. Tune in by visiting Swedish House Mafia’s artist page and tapping on the “live” button once the party begins!
  5. With 17.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and appearances on 39 million fan-created playlists, Swedish House Mafia is definitely a streaming force to be reckoned with. But what’s more, their classic track with John Martin, “Don’t You Worry Child,” is one of the most-streamed songs among fans’ festival playlists this weekend. And since the festival lineup was announced January 12, 2022 their track with The Weeknd, “Moth to a Flame,” has seen a 130% increase in streams.

This is sure to be an unforgettable party, so tune in to celebrate later tonight.

How To Get Hyped for Festival Season With Spotify

April 14, 2022

Comfy shoes: check. Glow sticks: check. Fanny pack: check. Festival season is upon us and you may have all the gear you need for your music-filled weekend, but have you caught up on the latest hits from all the live acts you can’t wait to see?

From the drive to the venue to the parking lot after-party, Spotify wants to help you check that box so you have all you need music-wise. Here are a few ways you can get festival-ready using Spotify:

  • Blend with festival headliners: You can now Blend with some of your favorite festival headliners, like Megan Thee Stallion—a perfect way to get amped for their upcoming performances. You’ll also receive a social sharecard, which shares your taste-match scores and lets you see your listening preferences compared to the artist.

  • Blend with your festival crew: Headed to the next festival with your friends? Thanks to our new Blend features, you can now create a Blend playlist with up to 10 people, allowing you and your crew to listen to all of your favorite tracks in one shared personalized playlist. Now y’all can get pumped for the show together.
  • Get hyped for the lineup with the ultimate Bluetooth speaker: Elevate your festival game with the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp from IKEA. Complete with Spotify Tap, this festival-ready device features one-touch access to Spotify, two different light modes, and a 12-hour battery life so you can go all day and night.

  • Elevate your jam sesh: Kick-start your festival prep—whether that’s in the car or getting ready at home—with a Group Session. You and your friends can simultaneously stream all of your favorite festival jams even before you link up. 
  • Don’t stop the music: Crank up the music even if you don’t have Wi-Fi access. Spotify’s Offline mode allows Spotify Premium subscribers to play downloaded tracks at any point. 

  • Keep the memories alive with a post-festival playlist: As the sets wrap, you and your friends can commemorate an unforgettable festival with a collaborative playlist. And make it uniquely yours by customizing the playlist cover with your favorite photo from the weekend.

This month, thousands of fans will be driving to the desert to catch headliners like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish in California. Across the Atlantic, concertgoers will be traveling to Lagos, Nigeria, to jam to performances by Fireboy DML, Central Cee, Fave, and more. Whether you have plans for these festivals or a different one is on your hit list, Spotify has everything you need to get ready for a weekend of nonstop music.  

Now crank up the music and listen to the latest from your favorite headliners while you finish packing.

 

Catch Up on the Festival di Sanremo With Camihawke and Alice Venturi on the ‘Tutte le Volte Che’ Podcast

January 31, 2022

Italy’s Festival di Sanremo is an annual music competition where artists perform new songs in the native country’s language. The show, which takes place at the famous Ariston Theater, is broadcast live on television and the winners are determined both by votes from a jury and by guests watching and voting from home.

This year, whether you’re a fan watching the performances in Liguria or tuning in from the comfort of your living room, you can find plenty of Sanremo-related podcasts and music on Spotify. Listeners can explore songs through playlists like Sanremo 2022 and Sanremo: La Storia on Spotify’s Sanremo Hub, and they can sing along to their favorite hits with the Lyrics feature on the app.

Fans looking to dive deeper into the festival can check out Tutte le Volte Che, the popular Spotify Studios podcast cohosted by Italian influencers Camilla Boniardi and Alice Venturi. For their weekly show, where they chat about their personal experiences, they will release six special episodes focused on the Festival di Sanremo. In these episodes, the two have fun recounting and sharing their opinions on this year’s performances.

For the Record caught up with Camilla and Alice to learn more about their special edition episodes and why the festival is so important to them.

The Festival di Sanremo is a pretty significant event for you two. Isn’t that where you first met?

Alice: We met in Sanremo in 2017 while we were both working with the same brand, in the same place, and with the same agency. But we had never met before! The job consisted of leading daily livestreaming from the brand’s spot in Sanremo.

A member of the staff introduced us and asked us to test making a livestream video together. The result was unexpected: We felt like we had known each other for forever, despite just meeting. A director of an Italian radio show saw us interacting and, just one year later, we started a new adventure as radio hosts together!

Why did you decide to create special podcast episodes dedicated to Sanremo? 

Camilla: Our podcast, Tutte le Volte Che, aims to share real chats between 30-year-old friends sharing their point of view about everything happening—from serious to entertaining topics. And we couldn’t miss Sanremo! Festival di Sanremo is known as the most important music event in Italy and for a week, it’s the talk of the town! Everybody talks about Sanremo, especially the morning after each show. So, in this special edition of our podcast, we are going to talk about what’s happening during this festival but also share some gems from the past.

What is your favorite part of Sanremo?

Camilla: My favorite part of the show, besides the music performances, is the artists’ “grand entrance.” I don’t know why but I always hope one of the artists slides down the stairway, obviously without getting hurt. It would be a very fun moment!

Alice: I obviously love the music performances but also everything about Sanremo. Every year, I spend all of my “Sanremo week” watching artist interviews, sound checks, and I can’t resist following the festival’s bizarre moments, like “police chases in the night” (i.e., “the Orietta Berti situation” in 2020). Sanremo always has some big surprises!

Can you share a past winner (or winners) of Sanremo that you are big fans of?

Camilla: “Come Saprei” by Giorgia in 1995. Everybody knows that song by heart—even today. That’s why I think it was very deserving of the win.

Alice: Totally agree with Cami. But my favorite edition ever is the 2001 one, when Elisa won with “Luce” and Giorgia got second with “Di sole e d’azzurro.”

 

The festival starts tomorrow and the first special edition episode of Tutte le Volte Che is available now. Give it a listen.

 

Spotify’s Equalizer Project Raises the Volume at Way Out West

August 14, 2019

The Way Out West festival in Sweden is about much more than music—it’s a three-day celebration of several sustainability- and equality-focused efforts. The artist lineup has been split 50-50 male-female for three years running, and this year’s edition, held August 8-10, amped up its commitment to equal opportunity in the music industry by teaming up with Spotify’s Equalizer Project.

Since it began two years ago in Sweden, Spotify’s Equalizer Project has expanded throughout the Nordic countries in the form of podcasts, workshops, networking events, career tools, and more. Equalizer was a perfect match for sustainability-minded Way Out West (the festival has long been meat- and dairy-free), with their combined power advancing equality in music in exciting new ways.

First, fans at Way Out West could visit the Equalizer Pop-Up Studio, a music studio created jointly by Spotify and Soundtrap. There, some of Sweden’s most talented producers and songwriters spent time recording and perfecting new tracks in plain sight. Second, artist, songwriter, and producer Linnea Henriksson presided over Equalizer Talks, a live version of the Equalizer podcast. She led a series of vibrant panel discussions and interviews on the importance of equal representation and participation in music.

Way Out West also featured 100 Live, the live-show version of the flagship Swedish hip-hop playlist 100. This was the first time the playlist had been staged as a live show. It included memorable performances by several Swedish hip-hop luminaries, among them Aden x Asme, who were invited to join Stormzy on stage during his set.

From an inside look at the music-making process to lively discussions to a landmark hip-hop showcase, check out our Way Out West recap below for all the happenings over the three days.

Day 1: International flavor in studio sessions

Thursday kicked off with several exciting performances from Swedish and international artists alike, including Silvana Imam, Zara Larsson, Spiritualized, James Blake, Blood Orange, and more. Fans also got a first look at the Equalizer Pop-Up Studio, where  Nadia Tehran, Pure Shores, Icona Pop, Selen Özan, and several talented producers got to work laying new tracks. 

“It’s very rare we see a female producer,” said Aino Jawo of Icona Pop. “That’s why it’s so much fun to be here and make music and meet other women in the music industry. We are so proud to be able to contribute a little to increased equality.” 

The studio also got a much appreciated visit from one of the festival’s headliners, Jorja Smith, to show her support for equality in the music industry. 

“Male and female producers/songwriters are equally as important,” Jorja told us. “But I do think it’s important for female artists like myself to emphasize and showcase other females we work with, as well as ourselves. Everyone on the scene supports each other, and I think as females we should encourage that more. As of yet I have never worked with [another] female producer. That’s something I’d like to change.”