Tag: influencer

Creators Kevin Norman and Hina Talk Romance Fiction, Audiobooks, and Finding Community Online

Be it a steamy contemporary novel, a charming historical romp, or fantasy with a passionate twist, romance holds a special place in many readers’ hearts. On Spotify, you can find audiobooks that cover everything from classic romance (hello, Pride and Prejudice) to viral modern picks (Red, White & Royal Blue, anyone?) and everything in between. With recommendations, curated playlists, and more, our on-platform Spicy Audiobooks hub is an easy way to start exploring.

This February, we’re celebrating romance audiobooks on Spotify with the help of authors like Ana Huang, as well as some of our favorite audiobook experts: Kevin Norman and Hina. For the Record caught up with Kevin and Hina to learn more about their love of reading, the power of social media, and their ideal spice level when it comes to romance novels.

Romance fiction is having a moment. Why is this genre so popular?

Kevin: People have always loved romance novels, but social media has given us a place to talk about them and introduce them to a whole bunch of new readers. As these videos go viral, they have a reach that book marketing never had before.

Hina: Part of why I think this genre is so popular right now is because we are still in the post-pandemic adjustment era. One of the consequences of the pandemic was a global shared feeling of loneliness. A lot of people turned to online spaces to feel the company of others, to feel less alone while we were locked away in our homes and the world was on pause. It makes sense to me that online communities boosted genres such as romance fiction given that collectively, we were all seeking something that made us feel like we could be in a world untouched by disaster.

Kevin, you helped curate editorial content for Spotify’s Spicy Audiobooks hub. Tell us about that experience—how did you determine your selections?

Kevin Norman

Kevin: It has been one of the most surreal opportunities I’ve had as a bookish content creator. I always saw those celebrity playlists, so it’s wild that I now have my own and get to share some of my favorite books. When making my selections, I wanted to be diverse in my choices and ensure I included a little of everything for everyone. I felt like this was an opportunity not just for me, but for all of us in the book community, so I didn’t want to only include books I’ve read and loved. This playlist is for all of us.

What do you hope listeners get out of the hub?

Kevin: I hope that new listeners will fall in love with reading and that theyll discover their next favorite book. Its a fantastic opportunity for people to explore a new genre and fall in love with my personal favorite way to read: audiobooks! I hope it spices up their lives, too.

From sweet (🌶️) to scorching hot (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️), where’s your sweet spot for romance fiction?

Hina: For me, between 1 and 2 is ample, and the book’s spice level is second to the plot. To feel invested in any book, I think the spice needs to feel like it has a purpose and isn’t the propeller of the plot itself.

Kevin: My sweet spot for a romance book is a 3! Not too hot, not too mild. It’s a perfect blend of spice, romance, and plot.

What romance novel would you recommend to someone totally new to the genre?

Kevin: I would pick something by Emily Henry. Her books are a great balance of romance and spice without being too overwhelming for someone new to the genre.

Hina: I really enjoyed Gideon the Ninth from the Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir. It’s a romantasy novel with a gothic atmosphere, a creative plot, queer love, and an interesting world. I’d call it “gays in space” if I had to rename it in three words. This was the first romance novel I had ever read, so it stands out to me. The strange relationship dynamics in this book were filled with tension and excitement. I remember how fast I turned the pages just to get to these moments of juiciness.

Hina

What do you love most about audiobooks?

Hina: One night I wanted to draw but also wanted to read, so I gave audiobooks a shot. My life changed forever. Now there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t listen to a book. I still love a physical book, but there’s something about having it read to me that has really charmed me. Hearing how the readers emote and read dialogue sections is particularly fascinating. Sometimes there’s a part of a book I’d read one way in my head, and then hearing it read in a different way can change the tone entirely.

Kevin: I love audiobooks because of how convenient they are for anyone who is busy and on the go. You can listen to them while you drive, cook, clean, etc. Plus, it makes books feel so immersive. My first audiobook experience was Harry Potter when I was in elementary school, and I have been obsessed with audiobooks ever since. Also, they help me focus. I love to read a physical book while listening to the audiobook for full immersion, and to cut out everyday distractions.

Any advice for people who want to get into—or get back into—reading?

Kevin: Honestly, audiobooks! I think they’re perfect for those who might think reading a physical book can be a little daunting. Whenever I feel like I’m in a reading slump, audiobooks always pull me out.

Hina: The most important thing about reading is that you read things that are interesting to you. No matter how much you like to read, you’re not going to enjoy reading something you’re not into. For me, I love sci-fi. Out of the hundreds of books I’ve read in my lifetime, I’d bet at least 70% are sci-fi. Ask yourself what kind of media or stories you like from other mediums, like film or TV. If you like historical movies, try historical fiction or period pieces. If you like documentaries, try nonfiction or memoirs. If you like video games, read books like Ready Player One or Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. There’s a book for everyone.

Looking for a sizzling, swoony listen? Peruse Spotifys Spicy Audiobooks hub.

Beauty and Fashion Creator Meredith Duxbury Dishes On the Music That’s Been Dominating Her Playlists

Photo credit: Jared Kocka

We love helping listeners discover new music on Spotify, and when it comes to features that help them find their next favorite songs or artists, personalization tops the list. With Spotify playlists like Discover Weekly and daylist; playlist-enhancing features like Smart Shuffle and Jam; and curated, AI-powered experiences like DJ; nearly 2 billion music discoveries happen on Spotify daily.

But it’s not just fans who love discovery. Creators around the world are constantly sharing their favorite playlists, products, and people with their followers, which in turn helps fans fall in love with the next best thing. And in For the Record’s ongoing Discovery Monday series, we connect with creators to pick their brains about recent finds, from new music to podcasts and beyond.

This month, we talk to beauty guru and model Meredith Duxbury. She’s known for her candid videos where she shares her makeup routine, fashion tips, and life updates. And while Meredith’s Instagram is full of haute couture and glam, fans also love her unique lip syncs to rap hits while applying makeup—a talent that combines her passion for music and beauty.

What have you been up to lately? 

I’ve really been enjoying diving back into my creative side. I’ve been loving the new soft ’90s grunge makeup aesthetic that‘s trending. It feels very editorial and runway to me. It’s so fun experimenting with makeup styles that are inspired by ’90s and early 2000s runway shows. Pat McGrath’s archival runway looks are my favorite. 

Your beauty videos have earned you millions of fans on social media. What beauty routine is your favorite to film?

Definitely a full glam look. The colorful glam looks are the best for social media because you can be the most creative with them and they get the most attention. 

There are lots of opinions shared in the beauty space—especially online. How do you maintain your confidence and positivity?

I remind myself why I started and what impact I have on the people who are following me. For me, I want my page to be a getaway for people, something that they look forward to and something that inspires them. When you frame your mindset this way, none of the negativity matters. 

You’ve done videos where you apply makeup while lip-syncing. Which was most fun to film?

They’re all super fun for me, but the rapping/hip-hop ones are my favorite because they have so much energy to them. I can also do more dramatic facial expressions with this genre of music, which people love.

What are some of your favorite tracks to get ready to? 

I absolutely love a good 2000s throwback playlist. It makes me feel so ready to take on the day or night. 

Do you ever discover something new through your fans?

Yes, 100%. I’m learning daily from my followers and it’s amazing how tight our community is. We are all here for each other and it feels like a big family. Anywhere from new makeup tips to ways to relieve anxiety, I’m always learning new things from them. 

Any recent genres you’re loving? 

I’ve recently discovered lo-fi jazz. Spotify has such great jazz playlists, the options are endless. I discovered these playlists through the jazz genre and definitely recommend checking it out. 

What’s your favorite way to discover on Spotify?

 I love Smart Shuffle. It’s such a fun way to surprise yourself with new songs or artists you’ve never heard of. 

Our Niche Mixes playlists can really help you discover your new favorite artist or song. Any new mixes you’re into? 

I love the Feel Good Morning Mix. A lot of the songs I have on there are already on some of my other playlists, so it’s nice to have a mix of some songs I’m already familiar with and some that are newly discovered. 

 

Like Meredith, you can discover new music with your own Niche Mixes on Spotify. From 80s Running Mix to the Driving Sing Along Mix, there’s a lot to explore.

Content Creator Sebastien Andrade Reveals How You Can Get Three Free Months of Spotify Premium

With more than 10 million followers on TikTok and many more across platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, Sebastien Andrade is part of an exciting new wave of social media content creators who are making their mark. Based in Miami, the recent Florida International University grad has been a lifelong music lover, especially when it comes to Afrobeats and reggaeton. That’s why Spotify teamed up with him to help share our Holiday 2023 Premium Offer with his fans—and all eligible listeners. 

From November 27 through December 31, eligible Spotify Free and first-time Spotify listeners who sign up for our Individual Premium plan will get three months for free. And for those missing their Individual Premium plan who canceled before Oct 27, Spotify is offering three months of the Individual Premium plan for just $10.99—less than $4 a month.

As a premium user, Sebastien loves being able to listen to playlists like Afro Hits and Baila Reggaeton on demand, ad-free, and with unlimited skips, and has been especially excited about recent new features like DJ and daylist—and he’s been telling the world about the perks of going Premium. For the Record wanted to know more about the artists, songs, and playlists Sebastien loves the most, so we sat down with him to find out.

Who are some of your favorite Afrobeats and reggaeton artists?

In terms of Afrobeats, there’s a lot of Wizkid on my playlist for sure. “Fever” is one of my favorite songs and it had to be on there. Same with his song “Ghetto Love.”

Burna Boy is also on there, as well as Rema and Ayra Starr, who are on the come-up. I really like them. And when it comes to reggaeton, I’ve been listening to a lot of Bad Gyal, Young Miko, Sech, Karol G, and Emilia

How about top Spotify playlists for those genres?

Usually I listen to my own playlists, but if I want to find some new songs, there’s one called Afro Hits that I’m into. There’s also one called Baila Reggaeton where I always discover new songs that I like.

Do you have a go-to Spotify feature for discovering music?

When you’re making playlists, there’s a feature at the bottom that suggests more songs with a similar vibe to add. It’s kind of like Smart Shuffle, but for making playlists.

It will recommend songs that I forgot about, and it’s great to just have it pop up there as a reminder.

Do you have any favorite Premium features?

I was using DJ last night and the songs X was choosing took me back to being in the car with my mom when I was a kid. It played this old Drake song that I forgot about called “Signs” and I was like, that’s crazy. 

I like that X will jump in and be like, “Here’s what’s coming up next,” and then explain why DJ picked those songs. I also like how it switches up the vibe every so often. I can keep listening for hours.

I was also using daylist recently and it created this playlist for me that was called something like “Island Time Vacation.” I actually discovered another Wizkid song called “Anoti” that ended up on my playlist.

When you’re driving through Miami, what are three songs that perfectly set the vibe? 

When I’m in my car, I always see people on their boats, and I like to imagine I’m on a boat too. So in those moments, I’ll obviously put on Wizkid’s “Fever.” But I’ll also queue up Sech’s “911” and Cris MJ’s Una Noche en Medellín.” That last song is about the Colombian city, but it still has a big Miami vibe.

Don’t forget to give yourself the gift of ad-free music listening with our three-month free Premium offer. Just go to spotify.com/premium. And after you do that, check out our Afro Hits playlists to discover all the Afrobeats icons Sebastien can’t stop listening to. 

9 Trending-On-Social Audiobooks To Appeal to Your Inner Influencer

Spotify Premium Audiobooks Audiobooks to Appeal to Your Inner Influencer. Illustration of Woman in red bathing suit laying on a striped towel at the beach

Sometimes you might notice a thoughtful review from a friend on your feed, or stumble upon a flash summary straight out of your favorite social influencer’s mouth. Either way, it’s great to end up with a good book recommendation. From modern reimaginings of Greek mythology to fantastical worlds, twisted mysteries, or steamy romances, there’s no shortage of audiobooks out there to live rent-free in our heads.

So get that like button ready: Here are nine audiobooks trending on social media.

A Touch of Darkness

Written by Scarlett St. Clair

Narrated by Meg Sylvan

In Scarlett St. Clair’s new take on Greek mythology, A Touch of Darkness tells the story of a Persephone who is the Goddess of Spring by title only. Truth be told, flowers have shriveled at her touch since she was little. So, after moving to New Athens, she disguises herself as a mortal journalist in the hopes of leading a normal, unassuming life.

Meanwhile, Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire on the mortal world. His favorite bets, it’s rumored, are of the impossible kind. After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead, and the terms are impossible: She must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel

Written by Casey McQuiston

Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo

What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? In Red, White & Royal Blue, author Casey McQuiston imagines what that might look like. 

When his mother became president, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with an actual prince, Henry, who lives across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an altercation between the two, U.S. and British relations take a turn for the worse.

In response, heads of family and state, and other handlers, devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What starts out as a fake, Instragramable friendship, however, grows deeper and more dangerous than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations, which begs the question: Can love save the world after all? 

The Cruel Prince: The Folk of the Air, Book 1

Written by Holly Black

Narrated by Caitlin Kelly

The Folk of the Air, Book 1 is the first entry in Holly Black’s Cruel Prince series, centered around a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.

Just seven years old when her parents were murdered, Jude and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. As civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters . . . and the land of Faerie itself.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Written by V. E. Schwab

Narrated by Julia Whelan

France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore who remembers her name.

Thus begins The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, a dazzling adventure by V. E. Schwab that plays out across centuries and continents as a young woman learns just how far she’ll go to leave her mark on the world.

They Both Die at the End

Written by Adam Silvera

Narrated by Michael Crouch, Robbie Daymond, Bahni Turpin

With his novel They Both Die at the End, author Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day. 

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. 

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Neon Gods

Written by Katee Robert

Narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown and Alex Moorcock

In this reimagining of Greek mythology, author Katee Robert’s Neon Gods brings a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over, far away from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all of that is ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city’s dark facade. With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth… a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed. 

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he’s spent years craving, it’s all the excuse he needs to help her—for a price. 

Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close.

The Paris Apartment: A Novel

Written by Lucy Foley

Narrated by Clare Corbett, Daphne Kouma, Charlie Anson, Julia Winwood, Sofia Zervudachi, and Sope Dirisu

In The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley’s new locked-room mystery, everyone’s a neighbor, everyone’s a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke, alone, and just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only, when she shows up to find an almost too nice apartment (could Ben really have afforded this?), he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The Kiss Quotient

Written by Helen Hoang

Narrated by Carly Robins

A heartwarming and refreshing debut for Helen Hoang, The Kiss Quotient sets out to prove one thing: There’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with . . . but she has way less experience in the dating department than the average 30-year-old.

It doesn’t help that French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. She decides that she needs lots of practice—with a professional—which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese-Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and he agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan.

Before long, Stella learns not only to appreciate his kisses but also to crave the other things he’s making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges convinces Stella that love is the best kind of logic.

The Lost Apothecary: A Novel

Written by Sarah Penner

Narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin

The Lost Apothecary is Sarah Penner’s subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance, and the remarkable ways women can save one another despite the barrier of time.

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when Nella’s newest patron, a precocious 12-year-old, makes a fatal mistake that sparks a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile, in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, worlds collide in a stunning twist of fate, one where not everyone will survive.

Eligible Spotify Premium users in the U.K. and Australia can now look forward to 15 hours of audiobook listening per month on any audiobook marked “Included in Premium.” Learn all about it. 

Tech Creator iJustine Shares Her Favorite Ways To Dig Deeper Into Her Latest Obsessions

You may have noticed that we’re into helping our listeners find something new. A combination of beloved personalized Spotify playlists like Discover Weekly, editorially-curated standouts like Fresh Finds, new playlist-enhancing features like Smart Shuffle, and our listeners’ thirst for auditory adventures means that nearly two billion music discoveries happen on Spotify every day.

But we’re not the only ones who love discovery. Every day, creators around the world share their favorite playlists, products, and people with their followers, helping their fans, in turn, fall in love with the next best thing. In For the Record’s new Discovery Monday series, we talk to content creators about recent discoveries, covering everything from music to podcasts, as well as food, fashion, TV, beauty, and more. 

We’re kicking off with iJustine, a tech creator, podcast host, and dog mom. The lifestyle vlogger dives into new trends, tech, and hobbies—her latest is literally diving—speaking to entrepreneurs and attending product launches. 

Your videos help build understanding of the tech world. How did you make this your niche?

Finding tech, for me, and creating content around it was sort of just an extension of something that I naturally did growing up and in my everyday life. A curiosity and wonderment of how things work is what brought me to tech. When I was younger, I used to take things apart and then my parents would be like, “Oh no, now we have to figure out how to fix this.” Till now, that approach has been amazing because there’s never a shortage of things to make videos about. There’s always new tech, and especially recently with AI. And I like to create; making videos is fun for me, and I really genuinely love all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into the videos. There’s just so much to talk about, and it really is a never-ending source of content.

Why do you love introducing your followers to new tools, products, and people?

I love having the opportunity to interview a CEO or an entrepreneur—people I look up to. It’s been so fun to hear their journeys and then bring them into my world. 

I have a very interesting audience. A lot of them are younger women and girls who are kind of trying to figure out their way. I want them to see somebody in a space that makes them feel safe. Because when I was younger, playing video games and doing things that I am into now—it wasn’t cool. And I was being made fun of for it. But now I’m like, “Man, you guys got it made!” Because being into tech is cool now. So, I just want people to be able to explore that. Even if it’s not cool now, you never know. Might be later.

What tools or resources do you use in your research? 

I always ask my audience for suggestions. Even recently, I was asking for good diving spots in Oahu, and I would much rather hear from a person directly. I find almost all of my things from my viewers or audience or friends who are following me. It’s kind of awesome because it’s like, yeah, I could have Googled it, but I would rather hear from someone who actually has been there and experienced it and knows if it’s something that I would like. 

What have you been listening to lately? Old favorites? Something new? Or somewhere in between?

I’m definitely open to discovery, but recently, I do feel like when I open up Spotify, I go to my favorites. Recently, my sister and I went on a trip and we went back to our 2018 Hawaii playlist, and we were basically reliving the trip through our music from 2018. So, it’s kind of fun to kind of go back, and the fact that, like, we’ve both been on Spotify for so long meant we were able to go back to all these playlists and kind of relive that piece of history and memories through music, and that’s always so fun for me.

What’s your favorite way to discover on Spotify? Do you use playlists like Discover Weekly, features like AI DJ, or tools like Smart Shuffle?

I’m a huge fan of Smart Shuffle because I love being able to go back into my old playlists and use Smart Shuffle to reinvigorate them. You do spend so much time curating those, and it does bring you back to a specific moment. So, being able to just add some new songs in, and, I mean, some of my playlists are super short, so being able to add in stuff that I’ve already done is really cool.

I also almost always go to the top new songs playlist, Today’s Top Hits. I love being able to just scroll through it because it’s all genres. And, I mean, I definitely love pop, rock, and I used to be really into heavy metal, but that was, you know, a little bit of a phase during high school and college. But it is fun to kind of go back to that playlist because I love so many genres of music and that playlist does have a little bit of everything. I’m also always going back to the 90s playlists because I love nostalgic music. 

What Niche Mixes playlist would you search for?

Classical heavy metal mix. That would be pretty awesome to hear. We’re gonna be head-banging out! 

A rapid-fire round of your favorite recent discoveries: Let’s start with artists or genres.

I am obsessed with OneRepublic, so I’ve been really enjoying remixes of some of my favorite songs of theirs. It’s a good way to break out of my normal listening habits. 

Any new podcasts you’ve gotten especially into lately? How did you discover them?

I just started listening to Heal Squad x Maria Menonous. She always has so many helpful tips about healing your body, and she has so many incredible guests on. She actually invited me onto it and that’s how I found out about it, and now I’m obsessed. 

Are you an audiobooks fan? What’s your favorite way to listen?

I am addicted. I will cycle through audiobooks so fast because I need to stay distracted to keep my brain focused on things. When I’m doing laundry, cleaning, I’ll have an audiobook on. I recently got into nonfiction audiobooks, and I love listening to history and self-help. I also watched the Daisy Jones and the Six series and then have listened to every single Taylor Jenkins Reid audiobook over the past few months.

What’s your latest obsession?

That’s usually every single random new hobby that I get. And recently, I got into diving. So now I’m buying all the diving gear; I’m looking for diving creators, places to go. I’m definitely one of those people who’s like, when I start doing something, I go 100%. There’s no backing down. 

Catch iJustine and her sister Jenna in their video podcast, Same Brain, including her interview with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.

Spotify’s Innovative Fuego Playlist Turns Fans Into Music Curators

graphic cover art showing the logo of fuego mixtapes

Spotify’s Fuego has been red hot since launching last year, with surprise updates each week redefining how listeners discover Latin music. But continuously alerting fans to hot new music isn’t the only thing that sets Fuego apart. The compilation of songs is a result of open and collaborative curation between music editors and guest curators. Now Spotify is taking Fuego and its archive of weekly mixtapes to the next level by giving users the chance to curate the playlist themselves, for the first time ever.

Listeners can submit their own music lineup by visiting the Fuego Mixtape microsite. From there, select playlists will have the chance to be featured as the Fuego playlist of the week. This adds a new way to engage with favorite tracks and share them with others.

Creating an opportunity for user-generated playlists is just one of the many ways Fuego is taking music curation in a new direction. In the past, Fuego has featured guest artist curators like Feid, Myke Towers, and Eladio Carrion. In the coming months, Fuego will expand the helm to playlist takeovers from influencers like Jess Judith, Santea, and Sofia Bella

Entrepreneur and Designer Rebecca Minkoff Finds Inspiration in Female Creators—and Works to Inspire Others in Return

Designer and entrepreneur Rebecca Minkoff’s first concert was Elton John, and now she’s a self-proclaimed “sucker for classic rock.” Her kids are really into pop these days, especially “Old Town Road” and the Mama Mia! show and movie soundtracks. Her husband makes seasonal playlists featuring bands like St. Paul & The Broken Bones that she streams while winding down at the end of a busy work day. And at work, she says she and her team “just listen to what we love.”

But Rebecca knows that music is more than sounds in the background. Music tells a story, empowers the listener, and creates conversation. And in her own work as a fashion designer, business owner, and podcast host, she knows that those conversations—especially with women—can inspire and empower the next generation of creators.

We were able to get some time with Rebecca ahead of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to talk to her about this year’s theme, her musical role models, and her best podcasting advice.

As a huge music lover, what is music’s role in your creative process, and in your fashion shows themselves?

For me, music is always extraordinarily important, especially when you’re grinding and then building the collection, but also creating the mood of the event or presentation. As a brand, we’ve had music very largely incorporated into our shows in the past, whether it be recorded or live music. It creates a mood, it creates a feeling, and I think it’s incredibly important to link both worlds. This season we’re doing a presentation, so we’re going to be working with Pamela Ticks as a DJ.

What’s the theme you’re going for this year?

This collection in particular is inspired by the modern working woman and celebrating all types of female entrepreneurs or women within corporate America—the new woman who is strong, you know, who doesn’t take no for an answer. We’re taking a lot of older songs and making them fresh. For example, we’re using Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” but adding some beats to it and kind of twisting it up. We’re going to be looking to sort of use that old nostalgia with kind of new modern sounds. (You can find “9 to 5” on my NYFW Spotify playlist).

When you’re creating a collection, do you have any particular genre of music you listen to?

I don’t have a particular genre. I’m always a sucker for great classic rock, but I also love modern artists like Unknown Mortal Orchestra. I play a hefty dose of Beyoncé, Florence + The Machine, I think whatever gets me and the team in a mood that is a feel-good mood. I’m not one of those designers that’s like, “Oh it’s dark and somber so I need that music to play.” I like to keep the team happy and smiling and working with just that state of mind more than anything else. So I think we just listen to what we love.

Switching gears to focus on your podcast, Superwomen. What are some of your favorite moments from the show?

A big highlight for me was the interview I did with Katie Couric … And also there was one from Bozoma Saint John where I really love her candor. Both of them have an honesty that I thought was really refreshing. I think when you see someone, especially in Katie’s situation, who’s always in the interviewer seat, for her to sit back and answer questions and be funny and make you laugh was just really a delight and a treat.

What is some advice you would give to fellow busy women who are interested in starting a podcast?

Know your boundaries and what you want to do. I remember when I was starting out, I watched a whole video on how to edit a podcast. After, I said, “You know what? This is where I’m gonna spend the money to pay someone to do this for me.” My skill set is going to be in finding the talent and interviewing them and making great content.

Know what you’re good and bad at, and find a subject matter or something you’re really passionate about because then it never gets old. Anything you have to think about too hard will probably come across that way. So know your audience, what you want to stand for, and then partner with a great company to help get your content distributed.

What are some podcasts you’re listening to that help you keep learning in a fast-paced industry?

I’m listening to Recode Decode. I like to listen to the Jenna Kutchers of the world on Goal Digger or even Lauren Conrad’s Asking for a Friend. I’ve used some “how to” stuff to learn how to get more engagement on your social. I know it’s not juicy or riveting, but I’m just trying to stay abreast when I can’t always read. I usually listen when I’m working out. I take runs along the water and because I’m so distracted by what I’m listening to, I sort of forget about the pain.

You’ve done some mentoring with the New York State Council on Women and Girls and the Female Founder Collective. What are some things you’ve learned from that experience?

My work with both the council and also starting the Female Founder Collective is to just make sure that gender equality is something that is achieved in this lifetime. And that’s a high goal. But I think it’s possible. When you begin to break it down into what could happen and how swiftly it could go if you get many people and corporations on board, it is something that can be achieved. My daughter could make equal to a man in her lifetime.

And so I think it’s important to work hard and also to make sure that there are female entrepreneurs and leaders out there that young women can aspire to. If they can see it, they can achieve it. Just having more of those luminaries be highlighted is so important.

Are there any musicians that you really admire for what they’re talking about in the equality space?

Yeah. Halsey spoke at the Women’s March in DC last year, two years ago. She delivered something very powerful about her personal experience, and I loved what she had to say about standing up for women and our rights in a specific light. MILCK sang at the first March and then performed at my runway show a few years ago about standing up for equality. I thought her story about how she got other women galvanized was incredibly powerful. And then I look at what Beyoncé is doing for women—not only women, but women of color—and giving them a great example and a great platform to say, “We’re going to be here, and we’re going to be strong and powerful.” 

Take a listen to Rebecca’s NYFW Playlist below. Plus, check out our interviews with other NYFW attendees, including Sophie Elgort, Natalie Lim Suarez, and Anna Sui.

 

Photographer Sophie Elgort Talks Music’s Supporting Role, On Set and at Home

Fashion and portrait photographer Sophie Elgort knows that music sets the mood—on set and off. While she’s shooting, she keeps the vibe chill and creative. To relax, she goes for classical. And when spending time with her young daughter, she lets loose with musicals and sing-alongs. Appropriately, the playlist she put together for New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is an eclectic, intriguing collection that spans many genres.

This year at NYFW, Sophie will be behind the camera, and she’ll also be directing others on how to capture the catwalk. For the past few seasons, Sophie has been taking Through Our Lens fellows to NYFW to experience and photograph the shows first hand. We sat down with the photographer to learn more about the organization as well as the role of music in her work. 

Before we get to the music, talk about your work with Through Our Lens.

My good friend Carolyn Pride and I started Through Our Lens with the goal of promoting more inclusion in the fashion industry by empowering young women from different backgrounds to explore careers behind the camera. Our program provides high school-age girls from underserved communities who are passionate about photography with the skills, tools, and access they need to succeed in the industry. Our first session, on September 7, brings the girls to experience and take pictures at NYFW.

What genres or artists do you play as your inspiration while you’re gearing up for a shoot?

If I’m photographing a musician, I definitely listen to their music as research. Otherwise, I like to listen to music that inspires me and brings out creativity without being too distracting—artists like the bird and the bee, Brazilian Girls, Chairlift, Gipsy Kings, Getz / Gilberto, Buena Vista Social Club, and The xx. I also go for music that makes me feel confident and powerful. Recently, I’ve been listening to Beyoncé‘s Homecoming album all the way through.

How about the music when you’re in the studio? What kind of music maintains the vibe you’ve set and keeps the momentum going?

I like to play a scattering of songs people know and love when we’re setting up, and in hair and makeup, so as to create a chill, fun vibe. When we start shooting, I always ask the subjects if they have something specific they want to hear—and most of the time the answer is Beyoncé. Other go-to’s are James Brown, Prince, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and some pre-made playlists I have ready to go.

After the shoot, when I’ve had music playing all day, I need a complete change of pace. The only thing I want to hear is classical music. I played classical piano growing up, so some of my favorite pieces are the Chopin Ballades (especially No. 1 and No. 4).

Do you approach working with musicians differently than other subjects?

Like with everyone else, I’m sure to ask what they want to listen to—and I love hearing what they like to listen to that’s not their own. A while back, I was assisting on a set with a really famous musician and I was in charge of playing the music. I asked her what she wanted to hear, and she requested “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo on repeat. I thought it was such a cool choice, and it’s been one of my favorite tracks ever since. (I included it on my NYFW playlist.)

What kinds of music do you play with your daughter? Is she showing an affinity for any particular artists or genres yet?

We play music all the time at home with my daughter and also sing constantly. At one and a half, she already knows tons of songs. We hear her in the morning in her crib singing, which is one of my favorite things. As much as we expose her to lots of music, she really does love Mother Goose Club Sings Nursery Rhymes. I play the guitar, so I’ll play and sing them for her, and she sings along and dances around. She also loves the songs from Sing and The Sound of Music.

What podcasts are you listening to?

Right now, I’m mostly listening to NPR’s How I Built This, SkimmThis, and A Drink with James. I am also a substitute co-host on Moms Got This, and I have a weekly podcast coming out called Two Aging Millennials with my friend Nneya Richards. We’ll be discussing current events, pop culture, and life as an (aging!) millennial. That will launch early September.

Take a listen to Sophie’s NYFW Playlist below. Plus, check out our interviews with other NYFW attendees, including Natalie Lim Suarez, Anna Sui, and Rebecca Minkoff.

On the Ground at Cannes Lions with DJ, Author, and Entrepreneur Hannah Bronfman

If anyone has a soundtrack to their life, it’s Hannah Bronfman. The DJ, author, and founder of HBFIT has music playing around the clock, from prepping meals that go hand-in-hand with her lifestyle book to making one of her monthly playlists. And people are listening—her 5,000+ Spotify followers are a testament to that. The key to engaging that audience, she says, is in understanding the vibe people are looking for while infusing a fresh musical perspective.

We sat down with Hannah in the midst of the 2019 Cannes Lions Festival, where Hannah DJ’ed Spotify and Hulu’s kickoff party and joined our What’s Next panel. She offered us some firsthand insight into the relationship between music and prevailing millennial trends—and the creative process behind her monthly playlists.

You participated in Spotify’s Culture Next Trend Report. This week at Cannes, you talked about some of the learnings of the report on a panel. What did you walk away with after that conversation?

As a content creator and someone who’s very active in my community and very on-the-ground in pop culture, I think these trends are things that I’m definitely aware of. It was just really interesting to hear a different perspective on them, including from the brand side, too. It’s nice that brands are really thinking about these things.

The report found that millennials are listening to international music more than any other demographic. Have you seen that in your listenership? Is it something that you try to incorporate in your sets?

Absolutely. I think now more than ever, we are really seeing that global music is a huge trend. It’s never been easier to learn about new artists and new music. If I like one song [I can easily]  discover new music and new artists that I wouldn’t otherwise understand or know or have exposure towards.

Do you have a particular discovery tool that’s your favorite? Release Radar, Discover Weekly?

I love Release Radar, I love Discover Weekly. I also love following some of my friends. And then I constantly use Shazam. I travel a lot… and when I’m out in places that are foreign to me and I hear a song that I like, I’ll Shazam it, and then I’ll put it on Spotify and listen.

So what are some of the favorite new artists or international tracks you’ve discovered that you’ve incorporated into your playlists or your sets?

I love playing Doja Cat and Kehlani and then VanJess. They’re kind of newer artists that I’m really into, and I like the vibe of that music right now. And then I think more on the international side, Aroc! is amazing. I have a list that I just got from my friend who lives in Paris who’s been listening to a lot of music coming out of Nigeria. Which has these really authentic, amazing drumbeats, and it’s such a vibe. I think Afrikaans music is becoming a big trend in music right now as well.

You also had a chance to DJ the Spotify/Hulu party this week at Cannes. How was sharing the stage with Ciara?

It was awesome. It’s actually not the first time that I’ve opened for her. And I hope it’s not the last. She’s such an amazing inspiration. She’s unbelievably sexy and cool and just has such a vibe. Kind of an interesting crowd to play for, because I feel like everyone’s kind of like a music enthusiast, and so I was trying to play a little bit of Rosalia, some Lizzo, and then also get into some more mainstream stuff.

Is your playlist creation process the same as when you develop a DJ set?

No, actually. When I’m DJing, I very much read a crowd and go with my instinct. When I’m creating playlists, I really do try to create something different every single month. I like to use my playlists as a little bit of a place for discovery for people who are listening. Things that they might not necessarily hear on Top 40… so it’s a little bit more of a discovery than my DJ sets are.

In January you released your book Do What Feels Good, which outlines some healthy recipes. You spend your fair share of time in the kitchen preparing these healthy meals—what do you listen to?

Being in the kitchen is a very therapeutic moment of my day. I will sometimes put on reggae, or I’ll put on some jazz. Maybe if there’s a new album, I’ll put it on because that’s a really good, solid 45 minutes where I’m in the kitchen focusing on what I’m preparing.

How about podcasts—do you have a current favorite you’ve been binging?

I love Black Girls Texting. I love their conversations. I actually went on their podcast during my press tour for the book. And I just really fell in love with those girls.

You’ve been a guest on a lot of podcasts. Is there a difference in interviews via podcasting and than say an interview like this one?

1000%. Podcasts are single-handedly the most beneficial thing I did throughout my first tour. It’s incredible how addicted the audiences are to podcasts, and how each podcast is unique in how it’s talking about a topic. It’s also really cool to see the crossover in audiences since people are listening to multiple podcasts.

It’s more of a conversation. It’s not just so geared towards a specific answer or a specific routine. It’s very much conversational, and it’s about the interviewer and interviewee.

Don’t just take it from us – stream Hannah’s June playlist below.  

Chef David Burtka Talks about Matching the Playlist and Menu to Elevate Any Occasion

Chef and actor David Burtka recently released his ultimate guide to entertaining, Life Is A Party: Deliciously Doable Recipes To Make Every Day A Celebration. A successful gathering is all about setting the right tone, and David believes that no detail—neither food nor music nor theme—is too small. It’s why he created not just one Spotify playlist to accompany his book’s release, but 16: One for every type of party he helps his readers plan.

Just as David’s book began hitting the shelves, we chatted with him about setting the mood through food, drink, and tunes—whether it’s a big soiree, cooking for his husband Neil Patrick Harris and their two children, or settling in for a quiet night on the couch.

What’s your dinner party conception process like?

I usually focus on the menu first, and set it depending on the party theme and season. Then I go through the guest list and revamp everything based on who’s going to come and who eats what. From there I work on the flowers and the decorations, and then I start to put together my playlist. Throughout all the prep work I’m doing, I listen to the songs that I’m going to play during the party. Then I start subtracting and adding songs based on which ones truly fit.

Is there anything in common between working for great stage directors and great chefs?

Yes. There’s a lot in common, whether it’s chef Thomas Keller, who I trained under, or director Sam Mendes, who I worked with on Broadway. There is a level of professionalism and attention to detail. With Thomas, it’s how different components taste together, on their own, and how everything on the plate delivers. And it was the same thing with Sam. We had weeks of improv acting and just got to know our characters and how they lived with each other. It’s all kind of the same job, just in a different medium.

Who are your greatest culinary and musical influences?

In terms of culinary, Ina Garten throws a party effortlessly. Of course, legendary chefs Julia Child and James Beard were incredible hosts as well. They knew exactly what they needed to do and how to get their point across. As for music, I really love Elton John and his process. He’s amazing in terms of how he puts together a song and how he writes.

Give us your “aha” dish, drink, and song pairing.

“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, a nice steak, and a glass of wine is just the ultimate pairing for me. It’s classic, it’s never going out of style.

Let’s say your family is invited to a last-minute Sunday afternoon gathering with takeout and a couple other families. You’re asked to DJ. Which artists or songs would you queue up?

My Dig In Brunch playlist. There are some great throwbacks from the 1950s, some classical songs, and there’s also some nice, light and easy listening—some mellow tracks with a beat. It’s good for everybody. The kids are happy, the adults get the songs. You want something that everyone can enjoy, from age seven to 70. 

Do you have a secret for getting your kids to love certain songs or foods or both?

We expose our kids to every single kind of music and cuisine, and they have to just try it. We were even listening to AC/DC the other day, and my son likes hard rock now. My kids love strong, briny flavors, like caper berries and olives. They love sushi and even duck. From a young age, I was able to cook them foods that had herbs and spices and salt—at six months of age, kids are able to process those flavors. Expose your kids to as much flavor as you can, and just have your kids eat what you eat.

What’s your secret ingredient in cooking, and in terms of creating the perfect playlist?

Don’t under-salt or be tepid with seasoning. Salt is really the thing. And in terms of the music, for a nice, elegant dinner party, it’s Sam Cooke. His voice is so smooth and sexy, it makes you feel good. His music is great in the background and doesn’t take away from your party or your guests.  

It’s nighttime and you want to unwind on the couch. What music do you and Neil listen to?

Neil is really into 1920s to 1940s music, and that big band, swing, upbeat music with horns and strings. We also love Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and that sort of world. We go for the oldies. It’s really nice to chill out and relax, and feel your shoulders go down.

Listen to David’s Summer Picnic playlist here.