Tag: Interview

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

February 27, 2024

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 they’ll discover their next favorite book. It’s 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 Spotify’s Spicy Audiobooks hub.

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

January 15, 2024

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.

‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ Bestselling Author Jennette McCurdy Talks Inspiration and Audiobooks

December 11, 2023

As a teen actor, Jennette McCurdy found success when she landed a breakout role on a hit series. She went on to star in several other shows and films, and while she has since retired from acting, she’s found another creative outlet: writing.

In 2022 Jennette released her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. The book details her time as a child actor and the difficult relationship she had with her mother. It was met with critical acclaim, instantly hitting #1 on The New York Times bestseller list where it remained for over 60 weeks.

Audiobook lovers can now pull up Spotify and hear the tales straight from the star in her self-narrated memoir. To celebrate the recent launch of our audiobooks offering for Spotify Premium users in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, For the Record caught up with Jennette to learn more about what she loves about audiobooks and where she finds inspiration.

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First, let’s talk about your work. What inspires your writing?

So much of my inspiration comes from personal experience, regardless of whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction. Nonfiction is obviously going to be personal, but fiction really comes from the same place. It has to matter to me deeply, on a visceral level, in order for me to be as passionate and connected to it. I need it to be in order for me to see a project through for however many months or years it winds up taking. A lot of inspiration also comes from relationships. I’ll be exploring family relationships for the rest of my life.

You narrate the audiobook of ***I’m Glad My Mom Died*. What do you love about audiobooks?**

I love that audiobooks add an extra dimension to books. Sometimes, if I really like a book, I’ll then listen to the audiobook to see what, maybe, I didn’t get just through reading. Or understand “How did this person interpret it differently?” I think the delivery of a book says a lot about how somebody interpreted the book.

Is there an audiobook you’ve particularly enjoyed recently?

I listened to Fireworks Every Night recently.

Is there a fictional book character you resonate with?

Honestly, the protagonist, C.C., from Fireworks Every Night. I really resonate with her in a lot of different ways. She came from a lot of dysfunction and she really works to overcome that dysfunction and trauma in the best way that she could, and kind of breaks through it. And the book was written really beautifully.

Spotify Premium users in the U.S., U.K., and Australia can now enjoy over 200,000 audiobooks available as part of Spotify Premium subscriptions. Check out Jennette’s memoir and more on Spotify.

Creating a New Podcast Space for Underrepresented Voices in Atlanta

June 30, 2023

Quianah Upton and Jennifer Lind sitting in the new podcast studio in front of two mics at Nourish Botanica

Removing barriers increases accessibility. Making Space, a Spotify for Podcasters initiative aiming to elevate underrepresented creators by making studio-quality podcasting gear available to communities for free, is our way of doing just that. By partnering with local businesses—Greenville, South Carolina–based Savereign, a plant store, and Curia on the Drag café in Gainesville, Florida, are two recent examples—Spotify provides a safe place for storytellers to share and helps build a more diverse ecosystem of podcast creators.

Our third Making Space studio, which received support from Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, is in Nourish Botanica, an Atlanta, Georgia, plant shop and community space that offers weekly markets, queer karaoke nights, plant festivals, free plant swaps, and more.

“I really appreciate Spotify partnering with us to model high-level creative entrepreneurship. I love the idea that we can be a Black-owned business in a historically Black neighborhood and provide a level of cool, quirk, and professionalism that you can’t find anywhere else,” shared Quianah Upton, the owner of Nourish Botanica. “It’s also a really good reminder to large companies worldwide how much artists and creative spaces need funding and collaboration support.”

Motivated by her own experiences of childhood food insecurity, Quianah conceived the idea for Nourish Botanica in 2013. Her hope was to create food-based events that featured talks surrounding art, storytelling, gentrification, food sovereignty, and justice issues. Now Nourish Botanica will be joined by a podcast studio. “Making Space will allow us to begin to build a safe space where dialogue, education, and conversation can take place,” Quianah explained. “Storytelling affects social justice, conveys history, builds empathy, and educates audiences by instilling a sense of belonging and community among those listening. Through our storytelling programming, Nourish Botanica works towards building an inclusive and equitable world.”

Jennifer Lind is one creator who hopes to educate audiences by sharing her family’s history through her podcast, Telling HERstory. The Atlanta native had no podcast experience but was able to bring her idea from concept to fruition in just one month by using Spotify for Podcasters. Jennifer’s show explores the life and legacy of her maternal grandmother, longtime Augusta, Georgia, educator Rosa T. Beard, through interviews with those who were closest to her.

After launching the podcast in 2020, Jennifer is now part of a thriving Atlanta podcast scene. She explained to For the Record that she’s excited that Spotify’s Making Space studio will provide another low-barrier way for those looking to get involved.

Did you have any idea how to make a podcast?

I really knew nothing about podcasting! But most people who know me know that once I decide that I want to do something, it’s not a matter of if I’m going to do it, but how. When I decided to create the Telling HERstory podcast, I started researching everything I could, and that’s how I discovered the Anchor app, which is now Spotify for Podcasters. I saw that it was not only an all-in-one tool, but also free to use. And within four weeks of deciding that I was going to start a podcast, I actually launched it. To me, that is a testament to what a great tool Spotify for Podcasters is—it makes it possible for just about anyone to become a creator.

Why do you think a podcast was the perfect medium for sharing your grandmother’s story?

I wanted to not only tell her story, but also the stories of those whose lives she touched, and document them for future generations. Especially as someone who comes from the community of color—and when you think back to our roots, of African American and African history, it involves a lot of oral storytelling. There’s something about podcasting that, in a way, goes back to those roots of documenting stories. And to have people say it in their own voice, it’s really impactful.

For example, I was able to interview Ambassador Larry L. Palmer in episode five. He was one of my grandmother’s former students who went on to become a Senior Foreign Service member and U.S. ambassador, serving under six different U.S. presidents. This is someone who had grown up in the segregated South, so there were a lot of barriers—and yet he was still able to go and do these great things. I interviewed him in January of 2021, and sadly he passed away in April 2021. And so to have his voice documented telling his story . . . that kind of solidified why this is so important.

How did your grandmother influence your life?

One of the things that impressed me the most about her was her pursuit of education. She received her undergrad degree from Paine College in 1942, which was unusual for women then, especially Black women in the South. And then she followed that up by getting a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1951. So here she was, at a top school for her master’s at a time when most people weren’t even able to go to school. She started a legacy that not only changed the trajectory of her life, but the lives of generations to come. Education has also played a big part in my life. I have a doctor of pharmacy degree and two master’s degrees, as well.

What are you looking forward to most with the new Making Space studio?

I’m excited that other people who want to tell a story now have a free podcasting studio in the community that’s accessible with the tools and the resources they need. I hope that it will give a lot of people the boost in confidence they need to actually start that podcast they’ve been dreaming about.

What’s your advice to others who want to create a podcast but aren’t sure how to get started?

Don’t overthink it. I think we get in our heads and paralyzed by the thought of where to begin. If you have the tools, which we now have, whether you’re using the Spotify for Podcasters app at home or if you’re going into the new Making Space studio in Atlanta, that barrier is removed.

Also, don’t question your story or your voice. People, me included, are nervous about putting themselves out there. When you start your podcast, know your “why” and know what your motivation is.

I started The Avana Company LLC, a brand rooted in diversity and creative expression, to focus on amplifying voices and telling our stories because I believe podcasting can open doors. So many doors have been opened to me through this podcasting journey, and I would love to reach back and pull as many people as I can through those doors. A lot of people have asked how I started the podcast, so I decided to make a free launch checklist to help others get started. I want to help as many people as possible realize that it’s not impossible. It’s really about having the confidence to get started. If you have the tools and resources available, it can be a little less intimidating.

Everybody brings a unique perspective from their lived experience to a conversation. And so, the more people we can have out there sharing their stories, the better.

Hear more from Jennifer, and learn about the incredible legacy of Mrs. Rosa T. Beard, in her podcast, Telling HERstory, below.

Learn the Art of Great Interviews With Alex Cooper

June 21, 2023

You don’t need to be an investigative reporter by trade to learn how to conduct a masterful interview. This week, attendees at Spotify Beach heard from Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy and an expert podcaster and interviewer, and Dustee Jenkins, Head of Public Affairs at Spotify, on how to disarm your subject and get straight to the heart of the matter.

We asked Alex how she creates space for guests to open up in a way they haven’t anywhere else, how to prepare to navigate sensitive topics, and being ready to pivot.

How do you prep your interviews to navigate sensitive topics?

It all stems from a place of respect and being gracious with my guest’s feelings. I have been interviewed before, and often it feels the interviewer is not listening or is trying to work their angle and agenda. It’s important that my guest feels respected and heard, as when you broach highly sensitive topics you want to be met with compassion as well as someone who genuinely is invested in understanding and connecting with you.

I treat them as if we are sitting in my living room and we are getting to know each other. It’s important to remember that although many of the people I interview are celebrities, what they are discussing is their reality and their real lived experiences and emotional traumas, so having patience and listening is of the utmost importance.

Do you have any tricks for pivoting if your interviews get offtrack?

I don’t mind if my guest goes offtrack if they are passionate about what they are discussing. I am usually able to find a natural transition to go from the one thing in their life they got offtrack talking about to the other life experience I wanted to hear about. I would rather go offtrack in my interviews to allow for natural flowing effortless conversations than to have my guest feel constricted to a stiff interview style. Flow is much more important than following a structure I had in my head prior to sitting down for the interview.

Do you prepare differently for video versus audio interviews?

I’ll brush my hair for a video episode—hah—but no, very similar prep. In the beginning, I definitely felt I was a bit more stiff with camera episodes, but now I am very used to cameras surrounding me.

How do you approach your brand partners with elements like host read ads?

It’s been important that I maintain anonymity in terms of my ability to freely read ads and insert my personality. Ads are a part of the show, and it’s important that the ads are met with the same authenticity that the show provides my audience. I get approval over all ad reads and brand partners, and it’s important nothing is off-brand or contradicts with what I vocally stand for on the show.

Catch all the conversations happening on the ground at Cannes on Newsroom.Spotfy.com/SpotifyBeach2023 and listen to Alex and Dustee’s full conversation on Spotify.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer, Composer of the Viral ‘White Lotus’ Theme Song, Reveals His Process and Expectations for Season 3

June 8, 2023

Plenty of TV sitcom theme songs stand the test of time. The singability of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, clap-infused pop of “I’ll Be There For You” from Friends, and nostalgic harmonies of “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” from Cheers each holds a notable slot in the cultural zeitgeist. It’s less common for a drama’s theme song to meet the same reception. And that picture is even more complicated when the theme is a wordless instrumental used—in the first moments of the show—to set the scene for dead bodies washing ashore.

Yet composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s “Aloha!” and “Renaissance,” which serve as the theme songs for first and second seasons of The White Lotus, respectively, have reached such success. Each track features a consistent melody with high-pitched instrumentation, a danceable beat, and breathless vocals. Each is also tailored to reflect its season’s location—Hawaii in the first and Sicily in the second.

Each season, The White Lotus offers colorful, suspenseful commentary on exploitation, wealth, class, and race with a backdrop of murder and dysfunction set in a fictional luxury resort. The combination of Cristobal’s masterful composition, the show’s alluring storytelling, and a rabid global fan base has propelled both themes to viral fame and millions of Spotify streams, and raised the profile of their composer.

Fans on the prowl

Since its July 2021 release, “Aloha!” has been streamed most by fans in Warsaw, Berlin, and Paris. The song’s popularity only grew in the lead-up to the October 2022 premier of the second season, with fans taking to the internet to share commentary on the song.

One popular fan theory was that its repeated notes created a musical allusion to the Gregorian chant “Dies Irae,” or “The Day of Wrath.” In a rare interview with For the Record, Cristobal explained that this is but a coincidence. “Those melodies are the result of chanting with voices and finding a melody that works with the sound. For lots of reasons, I ended up with those types of harmonies, but I wasn’t specifically inspired by that music or trying to use it intentionally.”

Following the debut episode of the second season on October 30, 2022, searches for “White Lotus” on Spotify increased more than 500%. But to the chagrin of fans, “Renaissance” wasn’t released on Spotify until December 11, the end of the season.

Even so, dedicated fans steadily played “Aloha!” on Spotify while they waited, and on December 12, streams of “Aloha!” jumped 200% compared to the month prior. Searches for “White Lotus” soared to 4,800% compared to two months prior.

Once released, daily streams of “Renaissance” hit an all-time high on December 13, 2022, with fans in Paris, Oslo, and Berlin leading the charge. And as for Cristobal? The composer saw a 162% lift in his own catalog’s daily streams following season two.

Even after the season came to an end, fans continued to circulate the song, using it as the musical background to their viral videos. On February 17, 2023, Dutch DJ Tiësto put out his own remix of “Renaissance,” which became a favorite among fans in Sydney, New York, and Oslo in particular.

Soundtracking suspense

So what went into creating the right soundtrack? Cristobal employed wind instruments to create the whirling bird sounds on “Aloha!” “For the first season, I wasn’t trying to make Hawaiian music. It was more about making something about nature kicking the characters in the ass, and the wild stuff coming for the characters,” Cristobal explained. To hit his mark, he combined bird calls with tribal chants for an island feel with a spooky tropical depth.

Composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer

“The temp score was this loungy, rather soft thing—something that would be playing in a nice luxury cafe when you’re on vacation somewhere,” he recalled. “It was very different from what I came up with. I went with a tribal, rather aggressive screaming, and drums and flutes.”

That “screaming,” which seems to be the best way to describe the vocal sounds, became a driving force behind the song’s virality when it came time to adapt it for the second season. Cristobal knew he wanted to match the vibe of the location and utilize disconcerting vocal tones.

“The ‘oululus’ are the most important thing,” said Cristobal, using his tongue heavily to propel the sound from his own mouth. “For the second season, I was trying to fit into the Italian and the Sicilian vibe. We spoke about having some renaissance sounds, some harps, mandolin, violin, things that we’d connect with Italian music and opera. I did a demo of some classical Italian music, something operatic, and that’s the beginning of the track. From there, I wanted to somehow bring back the sound of the first season, which is these screaming voices that are so recognizable.”

He also wanted to evoke a different journey for a new cast of characters.

“In the first season, there’s a lot of conflict in the music,” he said. “It feels very stressful and more tense than how it should; it has more dissonance. But this was something calculated. And I think the second season is funnier because things become dark later, towards the end of the show. So the song keeps it more playful, more light and harmonious.”

A trip to Thailand

Cristobal finds the composing process as tumultuous as life is for the White Lotus patrons at times. “I don’t do anything particular to get into the zone,” he notes. “Sometimes people try to have the best conditions—relaxed and with a view—but surprisingly, for me, I like to see the stuff that results from being in a bad situation, a stressful situation, not having the right equipment, or not being in the right place.”

For Cristobal, discomfort is more impactful, motivating, and conducive to creativity than pleasure or perfection. “When I feel that I’m in danger, it feels like I’m gonna probably come up with something better, a more original idea—as long as I’m surviving a situation—than if I’m too comfortable.”

With the third season of The White Lotus confirmed for Thailand, we asked Cristobal to hint at some musical elements fans might expect when the show debuts.

“For Thailand, I want to bring in some Eastern philosophy, something a little bit spiritual,” he said. “I love the Buddhist temples there, and funnily enough I have a collection of Thai gongs. I have 36 Thai gongs to make melodies with, so you can expect to hear some of those. I’d really like to go deep with it, make it take a journey.”

Prepare for the third season of The White Lotus with The White Lotus Official Playlist on Spotify.

British Legend Craig David Reflects on His Career in the Latest Episode of ‘Spotify: Mic Check’

March 21, 2023

a visual of craig david looking at the camera with graphic shapes around him

Craig David hit the music scene just before the turn of the millennium when he was featured on U.K. duo Artful Dodger’s garage classic “Re-Rewind.” What followed for the British singer-songwriter were eight studio albums, 14 Brit Award nominations, and the release of many successful song collaborations across multiple genres.

Craig has made a mark on music and culture over the last 25 years, and he’s not slowing down. He recently sat down with Lea Palmieri, host of the Spotify: Mic Check podcast, to revisit the pivotal moments in his career, from hearing his breakout hit at the Notting Hill Carnival to writing his first book, What’s Your Vibe? Tuning Into Your Best Life.

Listen to the episode here, and watch the full conversation below.

GLOW Artist Arlo Parks Is Inspired by Vulnerability, Personal Connection, and Queer Representation

February 16, 2023

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Arlo Parks’s 2021 debut, Collapsed In Sunbeams, is a tender and raw plea from the artist to listeners. But what fans of honest ballads like “Hurt” and “Eugene” may not realize is that Arlo is a self-proclaimed extrovert with a “frantic approach to creativity” who is constantly in motion.

Arlo’s energy for her passions has been at the fore recently, as she revealed news of her upcoming sophomore album, My Soft Machine, the same week that she was named one of Spotify’s GLOW Spotlight artists. GLOW is our new global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. At launch, we supported Arlo on-platform with a dedicated hub and flagship GLOW playlist, and off-platform via billboards and other takeovers. And our commitment to the artist, and to equity in audio, will continue year-round.

With her latest single, “Weightless,” the London native leans a little more heavily toward her deep love of techno, electronic music, and nightlife culture. “I taught myself to DJ, and I’m inspired by a lot of dance music, actually,” the artist told For the Record. “I feel like it’s a perfect intersection of queerness and music that makes you move—that marriage is super organic.”

Tell us about your journey into music. How did you find your voice?

I started playing piano when I was very young. That developed into learning to play the guitar a little bit and falling in love with bands like Deftones, My Chemical Romance, and Smashing Pumpkins. I fell in love with the energy of these people who were smashing into each other onstage. Around the same time, I also discovered the more gentle use of guitars with people like Phoebe Bridgers, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Jeff Buckley and seeing how deeply emotionally profound music could be as a medium.

So, those two things’ colliding led me to teach myself how to produce on GarageBand and just make terrible little demos in my bedroom and in my closet. Making music in the closet turned into making music in the studio. And now I’ve been doing music full-time since I was about 17, so about five years.

How has your music changed as you’ve gotten older?

Over time, I’ve become more brave, more vulnerable. I think honestly, it’s just from having lived more life, becoming more assertive in the studio, and picking up more skills and balancing it with the advice from the people around me. I feel like my approach to writing itself has been quite consistent. I’m often struck by melodies in the middle of the night or at the most inconvenient times and voice-noting those, reading excessively, and mining my lyrics from poetry.

How does your queer identity influence your music or your songwriting?

My queer identity has always made its way into my music because it’s who I am. And I’ve always written about love and finding myself in the world and coming of age. I feel like music was also treated as a journal for me, and it was a way that I processed the world around me and became more comfortable and confident with who I was. I’m also super inspired by queer artists, as well as books and films.

Who are some of those artists?

SOPHIE. Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker—that boygenius release has sent me into a frenzy. Another major one was Syd from The Internet because she had her own sense of style, her own sense of confidence and presence in herself. The fact that she was a producer who was active and leading the group—I was really inspired by her when I was a kid.

How does music empower queer communities?

Music builds connection, and a lot of queer people find real comfort in their chosen family. I feel like music really serves to build that, especially in spaces like queer clubs, and especially in London. Many queer kids really find themselves on nights out when they’re finally surrounded by people who they can relate to who they feel close to. And I feel like music is so vital in that dance culture, but music also serves as representation.

I remember the first time that I heard somebody singing a song about being queer and using pronouns that I felt I could apply to love stories that I had been through, and then also wanting to give that back to people. A big part of encouraging people is just making them feel less alone, and it’s a really powerful tool for empowerment too.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I would hope that people feel confident in being vulnerable, because of how vulnerable I am. That’s what I learned from my favorite artists, from listening to “Speed Trials” by Elliott Smith. And I want it to be something that acts as a companion through life, when they’re in the car or bus on their way to work, or hanging out with friends. More softness, that’s what I want.

Why do you think it’s important to have a program like GLOW that amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices?

What makes a difference is when young people feel like they’re seeing people like them amplified and lifted up into the mainstream—seeing people on billboards and TV and being queer and being happy and making art that a lot of people like. Seeing that was so important to me growing up. I imagine having Heartstopper as a 13- or 14-year-old and what that would have meant to me as a teenager.

I feel like also the fact that GLOW is amplifying such a range of different queer artists. And there is a sense of variety and acceptance of the fact that there is nuance even within the larger umbrella of queer artistry, that there are so many different people making so many different things. Having that for young people is super important, and long may it continue.

What’s one piece of advice that you got as a young person that has stuck with you?

It sounds harsh, but stay with me: At the beginning, nobody cares yet, right? In that anonymity and in that lack of people seeing you; that is when you truly have time to grow. Because you can nurture your craft without people having eyes on you. So in the beginning, nobody cares—and that’s okay.

Catch Arlo on our flagship GLOW playlist as well as Alternative Pride.

Pakistani Artist Shae Gill Breaks Streaming Records With Viral Hit “Pasoori”

February 15, 2023

Last year was quite a big one for Spotify EQUAL artist Shae Gill, who is one of the freshest sensations to come out of the Pakistani music industry in recent years.

Born and raised in Lahore, Shae kicked off her career in 2019 by posting song covers on Instagram. However, Shae really hit it big with the release of “Pasoori,” a song she collaborated on with fellow artist Ali Sethi in Season 14 of the popular Pakistani television series Coke Studio. The song was a resounding hit all around the world, even appearing in the Disney+ show Ms. Marvel. And the track was the most-streamed Pakistani song on Spotify for 2022, according to the country’s Wrapped results.

“We are ecstatic that ‘Pasoori’ has surpassed unprecedented milestones, creating a global sensation that listeners thoroughly enjoy,” said Khan FM, Spotify Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. “At Spotify, we focus on providing listeners with unique experiences. And the triumph of ‘Pasoori’ has been highlighted in abundantly creative ways to reflect the magnificence that it has brought.”

Last year, Shae also released “Sukoon,” a collaboration with the songwriter-singer duo Hassan & Roshaan. The song had audiences reminiscing about the glory days of the “Queen of South Asian Pop,” Nazia Hassan. Shae closed out her record-breaking year as Spotify’s Ambassador for Pakistan as part of the EQUAL Global Music Program, which aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world.

For the Record caught up with Shae to talk a bit about her career and inspirations.

The artists who have most inspired me are ___.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ROSALÍA, Diljit Dosanjh, Farida Khanum, Ali Sethi, and so many more.

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

Truly know your worth and that you deserve success and appreciation.

Some notable moments in my career have been ___.

So much has happened this past year! The Coke Studio live performance at Dubai in October was unforgettable. My experience recording for Coke Studio has been the most fun so far. Everybody involved in the project was so amazing at what they did, and I was over the moon about the fact that I got to work alongside such incredible people. And when I heard that “Pasoori” was the top track on Spotify in 2022 for Pakistan, I thanked God and was just truly grateful.

My creative process consists of ___.

Composing melodies and writing lyrics on top of them. I generally find creating melodies easier than writing.

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

By seeing more women being given the opportunity to be at the forefront of performances and music technology roles.

My girl-power anthem is ___.

There are so many girl-power anthems I like, but lately, it has been “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. I think everyone’s crazy about it these days. I’ve always been a Miley Cyrus fan.

Listen to the record-breaking “Pasoori,” and more South Asian bops, on our Desi Hits playlist.

Marie Rönn, Global Group Creative Director, Works Across Spotify To Bring Wrapped 2022 to Life

November 30, 2022

When you open your 2022 Spotify Wrapped, you’ll notice multicolored and multilayered graphics that are as multidimensional as your listening habits. The team behind Wrapped is just as expansive, with data scientists and engineers, copywriters, designers, music and podcast editors, and more. Uniting it all is Marie Rönn, Global Group Creative Director at Spotify. Throughout the year, she and her team ideate on concepts and collaborates with other teams to bring the project to life.

Ahead of 2022 Wrapped, For the Record chatted with Marie to learn all about her work on the creative campaign.

Wrapped has become a bit of a cultural phenomenon, with people anticipating its launch all year. When do you start thinking about the campaign?

We’ve all started thinking about next year’s Wrapped already—before this year’s Wrapped is even over. Officially, I would say I get involved in conversations in March or April. That’s when we start thinking about the brief and working with the creative strategists. This past year we managed to brief writers, art directors, and designers to have them start thinking about both the design and the platform and all of that fun stuff by the end of May.

What were some of the considerations for Wrapped this year?

We wanted to open the door to more of a joyous every day. To make sure we captured this new energy that has come out of people emerging from their bubbles and being able to meet up again. And so that’s something we were excited to dig into—to be a little bit more playful and irreverent. To have a bit of fun and encourage people to have fun as well. For the campaign, we wanted to invite people not just to get Wrapped, but to play it.

For the data stories, we asked ourselves, “What are people craving?” They want to know about their audio listening for the year, and tap into what is interesting about it—on a more emotional level. And that’s what we explored as we were starting to ideate. We had a lot of ideas—not all of them were feasible—but we worked super closely with the product team and others before landing on a couple of new data stories for this year that really tap into the more emotional side of listening.

How did that thinking translate into the new data stories for this year, your Listening Personalities and your Audio Day?

For the Listening Personalities, we were toying with the idea of how we would be able to talk about what your year-in-listening says about your music tastes. And so our team had all sorts of fun ideas of what we could tell about musical taste in terms of how you listen. The beautiful thing was that when we brought our ideas to the product team, they had already been thinking about a very similar concept, and had done tons of research into it. Great minds and teams came together to collaborate closely. Making sure that the Listening Personalities weren’t just for fun, but that they were insightful for listeners.

For the Audio Day, again, we had great synergy with the product team. We wanted to get more into moods and aesthetics and move away from genres. Genres don’t give you the nuance of what type of mood you’re in, so what we wanted to do there was to try to tell you a little bit about your musical mood throughout the year. What was your musical mood when you listened in the morning versus in the evening, or at night? The inspiration was to just give people a little bit more of a meaningful experience. Genres go deep, but they’re not the only factor in the way we listen.

Something that’s also new this year is that we added the day that you streamed your most-listened-to song the most. Peppering in a bit of fun and just a little more specific data for you to look back and think, “What was I doing that day?” Hopefully, people enjoy reminiscing.

What’s one thing you hope fans walk away with after seeing their 2022 Wrapped?

Hopefully they discover something about their listening that perhaps was a surprise. And that it also inspires them to keep discovering new music. Like, sure, we give you your year in review, but we also want to inspire you to keep the discovery going.

We did something new this year to this effect: On your Wrapped playlist are your 100 songs you listened to the most. But this year, we also included one song you didn’t listen to. A playful surprise to encourage you to keep exploring.

Head to our Wrapped story hub to learn more about the new data stories for 2022.

Turkish Artist Aleyna Tilki Makes a Splash as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador of the Month

May 17, 2022

Aleyna Tilki is breaking the mold as she makes a name for herself in the music industry. The edgy Turkish singer-songwriter started her singing career at 14 years old, and now, at the age of 22, she already has multiple hits and high-profile collaborations to her name. Add to that the fact that Aleyna is the first Turkish artist that Warner Music Group has signed for international projects, and it’s clear she’s a musical force to be reckoned with.

Aleyna’s signature vocals—whether she’s singing in her native Turkish or in English—and unique style help her fuse genres in her music. Early last year, she released the highly anticipated single, “Retrograde,” cocreated by an all-star team that included Diplo, Dua Lipa, and King Henry. In October of 2021, Aleyna continued to prove her success with the song “Real Love,” which was a collaboration with producer and DJ Dillon Francis. The track was a hit, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

Now Aleyna continues to gain a global following as the EQUAL Ambassador of the Month for May. Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program aims to combat gender disparity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. As a part of this month’s spotlight, Aleyna will have her song “Take It or Leave It” at the top of the EQUAL Global playlist, and the artist is featured on the playlist’s cover.

For the Record spoke with Aleyna to learn more about her creative process and some of the notable moments in her career.

The artists who have most inspired me are ____.

Freddie Mercury, Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and Michael Jackson.

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

Your body is your area of freedom. Be free to explore it for your art. Being open about your body does not mean you are open to being abused by anyone.

One notable moment in my career so far is ____.

Being able to collaborate with great artists and big labels for my music, even though it’s really tough to break through globally from my country.

My creative process consists of ____.

Psychoanalysis. It helps me to go deeper into human psychology. But this is not about empathy, rather it’s about how it helps me to express myself in my art.

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

By people accepting that everything is not about masculinity.

Some women artists I’m excited to watch are ____.

ROSALÍA, Doja Cat, GAYLE, Billie Eilish, and Jessie Ware.

My girl-power anthem right now is ____.

Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” (of course).

Listen to music from Aleyna, as well as other strong women, on the EQUAL Global playlist.

Through Breakups and Heartbreaks, TOMORROW X TOGETHER Shares All the Feels in Its New Spotify Enhanced Album

May 9, 2022

K-Pop fans, Spotify has a treat for you. Today, South Korean boy band TOMORROW X TOGETHER is releasing its fourth mini album, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, and Spotify listeners have access to an exclusive enhanced version of the album.

This new five-track album follows the story of the boy who fell in love in the band’s previous album series, The Chaos Chapter. In minisode 2: Thursday’s Child that boy experiences a breakup with his first love. Fans will experience three themes (hate, end, mess) as they listen to the group’s tracks, which feature a mix of hardcore rock, hip-hop, and R&B.

The enhanced album, available only on Spotify, includes never-before-seen content. Fans have access to new videos, storylines (which are personal written commentaries from the band on each track), and audio liners, where the band members give insight into the songs. The enhanced album also features videos of the individual members of the group talking about the fun they had and the memories they shared while creating the new music.

“We are thrilled to present this new, immersive content to MOA and all listeners on Spotify,” said TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s leader, SOOBIN. “We put tremendous effort into making our new album and collaborating with Spotify, so we hope you enjoy the special behind-the-scenes experience and feel a deeper connection through our exclusive, personally curated content.”

For the Record chatted with members of TOMORROW X TOGETHER to learn more about their new album.

What can fans expect in the new album, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child?

SOOBIN: Through this new EP, we showcase a side of ourselves that we’ve never shown before. We tried to express how one could be corrupted and changed by his first heartbreak. The lead single “Good Boy Gone Bad” has some fantastic choreography that’s sure to make a lasting impression in your minds, so be sure to check it out!

In what ways does the enhanced album share more about the intent behind your new music for fans and new listeners worldwide?

SOOBIN: I hope our fans, MOA [Moments of Alwaysness], will be able to dive deeper into the EP as they listen to the behind-the-scenes stories and the episodes that we reveal for the first time.

YEONJUN: We all had a great time discussing the album in such depth. In the process, I’ve definitely grown more attached to every song.

BEOMGYU: We had a heart-to-heart talk on each of the tracks from the album, and I hope our MOA will love it too. Also, I really enjoyed thinking back to the emotions I had while working on and recording each song.

TAEHYUN: It’s some great content. We go into detail about how each member tackled the recording process. Listening to how each song came to be definitely makes me appreciate them more.

HUENINGKAI: I have so much love for this EP, especially with all the effort and passion we all put into it. It’s our first unit track, so the producer and YEONJUN and I talked a lot about how we want this track to feel. I hope our intentions are delivered to you successfully.

What messages do you want people to take from your music?

SOOBIN: Through music, we always strive to give voice to what many people feel and experience throughout their lives. We pursue music that many people can empathize with and relate to. We would like to be remembered as artists who are not confined by genre. We want to become artists who linger on in your minds even as time goes by.

What figures have most influenced your music and your artwork?

SOOBIN: I watched a lot of shows that deal with love and heartbreak. I took these works as inspiration to delve into and understand these emotions with more depth.

HUENINGKAI: Since I was a child, I have admired my dad. And I have been inspired by many artists, like Bruno Mars and Christopher, since I was a trainee.

YEONJUN: For this album, I was inspired by Post Malone’s music.

BEOMGYU: I referenced some TV shows as well, but I also think all people go through heartbreak or farewell in one form or another, whatever that may be. While working on this album, I tried to think back and put myself in those shoes.

TAEHYUN: I was inspired by The Weeknd’s albums and by a friend who had recently been through a breakup.

As you look to TOMORROW (the future), what are your goals as a group TOGETHER?

As a group, we still want to meet and enjoy being with MOA from all over the world.