Tag: K-pop

팟캐스트 서비스 오픈 기념, 스포티파이가 선보이는 한국 크리에이터들과의 인터뷰

October 19, 2022

Lead image of shows included in Spotify Korea's podcast launch

스포티파이는 지난해 2월 선보인 음원 스트리밍 서비스에 이어 바로 오늘, 한국에 팟캐스트 서비스를 시작했습니다. 이제 국내 스포티파이 청취자들은 8천만개 이상의 음원과 더불어 전 세계 4백만 개 이상의 글로벌 팟캐스트 카탈로그를 이용할 수 있게 됐습니다.

한국 팟캐스트 서비스 개시에 따라 스포티파이는 국내 청취자들을 위한 팟캐스트 허브를 추가했으며, 이를 통해 다채로운 주제 및 카테고리별 손쉬운 프로그램 탐색이 가능해졌습니다. 지금 바로 팟캐스트 허브에서 다음과 같이 다양한 콘텐츠를 만나볼 수 있습니다.

뿐만 아니라 크리에이터들을 위해 스포티파이가 보유한 세계 최대 팟캐스트 제작 및 유통 플랫폼인 ‘앵커(Anchor)’의 한국어 서비스 역시 지원됩니다. 앵커는 쉽고 빠르게 팟캐스트를 제작하고 편집하여 다양한 플랫폼에 배포할 수 있도록 해줄 뿐만 아니라, 청취자에 대한 데이터와 인사이트도 제공합니다. 앵커의 이 모든 기능은 무료로 누구나 자유롭게 사용할 수 있습니다.

스포티파이의 팟캐스트 서비스 개시가 한국 팟캐스트 시장에 어떤 의미를 가져오고, 또 어떤 영향을 미칠까요? 이에 대해 자세한 이야기를 나누기 위해 한국의 인기 팟캐스트 크리에이터이자 다양한 분야에서 활발히 활동 중인 송은이, 에릭 남, 모모콘 이재국 본부장, 그리고 이스타팀(박종훈, 이주헌 랩추종윤 공동 대표이사)과 인터뷰를 진행했습니다. 이들의 이야기를 확인해 보세요!


송은이

Spotify podcast cover art for confidentiality

송은이는 콘텐츠 제작사 ‘컨텐츠랩 비보’와 매니지먼트사 ‘미디어랩 시소’의 대표다. 한국에서 인기 코미디언으로 명성을 이어가고 있으며, ‘컨텐츠랩 비보’를 설립하여 콘텐츠 제작 및 배포를 선도한 선구자로도 높은 평가를 받고 있다. 송은이가 진행하는 ‘송은이 김숙의 비밀보장’은 스포티파이에서 청취할 수 있다. 

팟캐스트의 매력이 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?

팟캐스트는 방송사에 편성되어 있지 않고, 비교적 큰 제작비가 들지 않아 사실상 누구나 본인의 방송을 만들수 있는 것이 가장 큰 매력이라고 생각합니다. 제작자 입장에서는 방송에서 하지 못했던 새로운 아이디어를 시도해 볼 수 있어 더 다양하고 기발한 콘텐츠들이 나올 수 있는 것 같습니다. 

2015년 ‘비밀보장’을 시작한 이후 2022년 현재까지 팟캐스트 시장과 청취자가 어떻게 변화했나요?

Portrait of Eun-i Song posing against a white backdrop

Eun-i Song

2015년 송은이 김숙의 비밀보장을 시작할 당시 인기 팟캐스트는 대부분 정치나 시사 콘텐츠였던 데 반해, 현재는 예능, 경제, 자기개발 등 장르가 다양화되는 추세인 것 같습니다. 청취자 또한 초기에는 정치 콘텐츠와 라디오 문화에 익숙한 일부 기성세대들이었다면 현재는 영상, 책, SNS 등 주류 문화뿐만 아니라 아직 주목받지 않은 새롭고 다양한 것을 찾아 나서는 콘텐츠 선구자들로 확장된 것 같고요.

앞으로 어떤 주제의 오디오 콘텐츠 및 팟캐스트가 인기를 끌 것이라고 예상하시나요?

팟캐스트를 비롯한 오디오 콘텐츠의 이점은 청취를 하면서 다른 일을 할 수 있는 것 아닐까 싶습니다. 실제로 비밀보장 청취자들도 운전이나 출퇴근하는 이동시간을 활용하거나 업무 중에도 팟캐스트를 듣는 것으로 알고 있습니다. 현재 오디오 드라마나 오디오 영화의 제작도 활발해졌고, 방송인을 섭외한 예능형 오디오 콘텐츠도 많이 만들어지고 있습니다. 

많은 사람들이 각자 취향에 따라 콘텐츠를 선별하여 즐기고 있고 취향이 다양화되고 있기도 합니다. 팟캐스트 또한 한 가지 장르에 치우치지 않고 더욱 다채로운 콘텐츠가 많이 나오면 좋겠다는 생각입니다.

스포티파이의 국내 팟캐스트 서비스 시작에 따라 기대하는 점이 있나요?

스포티파이와 같은 글로벌 팟캐스트 플랫폼을 통해 다양한 글로벌 콘텐츠가 유입되면 팟캐스트 콘텐츠 이용자로서 선택의 폭이 넓어지고, 이로 인해 이용자 파이도 늘어나지 않을까 싶습니다. 수요 증가에 따라 팟캐스트 시장이 더 커지고 크리에이터도 더 많아지길 기대합니다.


에릭 남

에릭 남은 아티스트, 싱어송라이터, CEO이자 팟캐스트 크리에이터로 활동 중이다. 다재다능한 면모로 전 세계 팬들의 사랑을 받는 에릭 남의 팟캐스트 ‘대박쇼’는 스포티파이에서 들을 수 있다.

‘대박쇼’에서 다양한 K팝 음악과 아티스트를 소개하셨는데, K팝 위주의 토크쇼를 진행하게 된 계기나 이유가 무엇인가요?

글로벌 K팝 팬들이 한국과 K팝 아티스트들에게 너무나도 큰 관심을 보이고 사랑을 주기 때문에 그들을 위한 콘텐츠를 만들고 싶었습니다. 그러던 중 영어권의 K팝 팬들과 만나게 됐고, 이들에게 팟캐스트가 K팝 업계의 비하인드 스토리를 듣고, 한국의 음악과 문화를 배우고, 또 새로운 이야기와 인터뷰를 통해 좋아하는 아티스트에 대해 더 알아갈 수 있는 통로가 될 수 있겠다는 생각이 들었습니다. 저는 인터뷰 진행 경험이 있기도 해 항상 저만의 토크쇼를 진행하고 싶기도 했죠. 팟캐스트 제작은 이 모든 것을 이루기 위한 가장 좋은 수단이라고 생각했습니다.

Photo of Eric Nam posing in front of a mirror

Eric Nam

팟캐스트 크리에이터로서 스포티파이의 팟캐스트 제작 툴의 활용법이나 팁이 있다면 공유해 주세요.

스포티파이는 자신의 팟캐스트 콘텐츠가 어디에서 가장 인기를 얻고 있는지 등 청취자에 대한 분석 데이터를 제공해주는 훌륭한 플랫폼으로, 특히 글로벌 청취자 확보에 매우 유용합니다. 

스포티파이의 국내 팟캐스트 서비스 시작에 따라 기대하는 점이 있나요?

스포티파이 플랫폼의 열렬한 팬으로서 스포티파이가 드디어 한국에 팟캐스트 서비스를 시작했다니 너무 기쁩니다. 스포티파이의 팟캐스트는 다방면으로 매력적이고 흥미롭고 또 배울 점이 많이 있습니다. 스포티파이 청취자들이 스포티파이에서 좋아하는 음악뿐만 아니라 팟캐스트도 찾아보고, ‘대박쇼’도 들어봐 주시길 바랍니다. 저희 팟캐스트도 팔로우 해주세요!

본인의 ‘대박쇼’ 외에 좋아하는 팟캐스트를 소개해 주세요.

The Daily by NYTimes, 에픽하이 타블로의 The Tablo Podcast, Smartless 등이 있습니다. 


이재국

Spotify podcast cover art for Sun Kim's Relentless World History

뉴미디어 예능 및 오디오 콘텐츠 제작사 모모콘(More than Mobile Contents)의 창립 멤버인 이재국 본부장은 라디오 및 방송 작가로 활동하며 한국 방송 업계에서 명성을 쌓았다. 모모콘의 팟캐스트 콘텐츠 ‘썬킴의 세계사 완전정복’은 스포티파이에서 만나볼 수 있다.

팟캐스트의 매력이 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?

“누구보다 빠르게, 남들과는 다르게” 요즘 유행하는 밈으로 대답을 대신할 수 있을 것 같습니다. 팟캐스트는 지상파 라디오 방송과 비교했을 때 콘텐츠 속도와 정확도 면에서 압도적입니다. 동영상과 달리 멀티태스킹이 가능할 뿐만 아니라, 훨씬 편하고 다양한 정보를 얻을 수 있다는 점도 큰 매력이라고 생각합니다.

훌륭하고도 다채로운 팟캐스트를 다수 제작한 제작자의 관점에서 팟캐스터가 프로그램을 만들 때 가장 중요하게 고려해야 할 점이 있을까요?

Headshot of Jaekuk Lee smiling

Jaekuk Lee

그동안 콘텐츠에 대한 다양한 시도를 많이 해봤는데 역시 가장 중요한 건 재미인것 같습니다. 엔터테인먼트는 결국 소비자의 시간을 뺏는 건데 재미가 없으면 그 무엇도 소비자에게 다가가지 못합니다. 역사, 힐링, 정보 등 무엇을 전달하든 결국 콘텐츠에 있어 제일 먼저 고려해야 할 건 “재미”고, 그 다음은 왜 만들어야 하는지라는 “목적”이라고 생각합니다.

‘썬킴의 세계사 완전정복’이 크게 히트했는데, 숏폼 오디오 역사 콘텐츠를 만들게 된 배경은 무엇인가요?

역사는 모두가 좋아하고 특히 우리나라 사람들이 좋아하는 콘텐츠입니다. 역사에 대한 해석도 다양하기 때문에 다른 사람들과 토론하기에도 좋은 아이템입니다. 저는 라디오 작가를 오랫동안 했는데 아침 방송에서는 잠이 깰만한 소식을 한번에 알아들을 수 있게 단문으로 쓰는 것이 효과적입니다. 반면 심야 라디오에서는 마음 편한 이야기를 무슨 말인지 정확히 잘 몰라도 되는 장문으로 써야 청취자들이 편하게 잠자리에 들 수 있습니다. “썬킴의 세계사 완전정복”은 출퇴근길에 쉽고 재밌게 접할 수 있는 역사 이야기 한 토막을 제공하겠다는 취지에서 제작하게 됐습니다. 재밌게 만들면 역사에 대한 해석도 “밈”이 될 수 있으니까요.

콘텐츠 형식이나 장르 면에서 앞으로 팟캐스터들이 눈여겨봐야 할 혁신적인 트렌드가 있을까요?

오디오 드라마와 오디오 영화라고 생각합니다. 소리는 인간이 최초로 접하게 되는 엔터테인먼트로 우리는 뱃속에서부터 부모님의 목소리를 들으며 상상력을 키워왔습니다. 팟캐스트 시장이 그동안 정보 콘텐츠로 많은 발전을 했다면 이제는 오디오로 전하는 무궁무진한 드라마와 스토리텔링의 세계로 또 한번 발전해야 한다고 생각합니다. 비디오는 화성에 간 사람을 촬영해서 보여줘야 하지만 오디오 드라마는 “나는 지금 화성에 도착했다”는 한마디로 무한한 상상력을 응집시킬 수 있습니다. 

스포티파이의 국내 팟캐스트 서비스 시작에 따라 기대하는 점이 있나요?

청취자들이 다양한 장르와 형식의 콘텐츠를 접할 수 있길 바라고, 그 덕분에 한국 팟캐스트 시장도 활성화 됐으면 하는 바람입니다. 특히 오디오 드라마나 다큐멘터리 등 글로벌 히트를 기록한 팟캐스트가 적극적으로 유입되어 청취자들에게 다채로운 재미를 주고, 창작하는 사람들에게는 더 다양한 시도를 할 수 있는 계기가 됐으면 좋겠습니다.


이스타 팀

Spotify cover art for the Leestar Radio podcast

‘이스타 팀’으로 알려진 박종윤과 이주헌은 뉴미디어 회사 랩추종윤의 공동 대표로, 축구를 주제로 한 영상 및 팟캐스트를 제작하여 한국 스포츠 팬들의 마음을 사로잡았다. 이스타 팀의 팟캐스트 ‘이스타 라디오’는 스포티파이에서 만나볼 수 있다.

전문 해설위원과 캐스터라는 인터넷 방송에서 보기 드문 조합으로 팟캐스트에 진출해 스포츠 분야 청취율 1위를 달성하기도 했는데, 한국 시장 내 스포츠 팟캐스트 현황에 대해 설명해 주세요.

Image of Leestar Team members eating a corndog and holding a keyboard

The Leestar Team

전체 팟캐스트 시장에서 스포츠 분야는 비교적 낮은 비율을 차지하고 있습니다. 기본적으로 팟캐스트는 정치, 교양, 예능 분야의 비중이 높은데 누가 들어도 쉽게 공감할 수 있는 주제이기 때문에 더 많이 선호된다고 보여집니다. 물론 스포츠 팟캐스트는 스포츠에 관심 있는 사람들이 찾아서 듣는 경우가 많고, 이는 곧 고정적인 팬층을 확보할 수 있다는 강점으로 연결됩니다.

팟캐스트만의 매력이 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?

팟캐스트에서는 일반적인 라디오 프로그램보다 자유롭고 편한 분위기를 접할 수 있습니다. 또한 라디오와는 달리 내가 원하는 시간에 원하는 방송을 들을 수 있고, 중간에 잠시 멈출 수도 있고요. 누구나 녹음해서 본인의 방송을 남들과 쉽게 공유할 수 있는 것 역시 큰 장점이라 생각합니다.

Six Playlists To Get Your Dance on From South Korea’s 1MILLION Dance Studio

September 21, 2022

Based in Seoul, South Korea, 1MILLION Dance Studio originally started in a basement in 2014. It has since grown in both size and cultural significance, welcoming students from all over the world, establishing itself as one of South Korea’s most-prized dance agencies, and representing some of the top dancers and choreographers in Asia and around the globe. 

1MILLION’s dancers have collaborated with companies; choreographed routines for superstars; and appeared in numerous music videos, concerts, and television shows. Its frequently updated YouTube channel has over 25 million subscribers worldwide to date, and now the famed studio is ready to connect with fans on Spotify. 

To celebrate the launch of the official 1MILLION Dance Studio Spotify account, the world-renowned studio has created 1MILLION!—a special playlist consisting of fan-favorite tracks that have appeared in its videos. Tracks include “The Greatest” by Sia, “bloodline” by Ariana Grande, “SUNDOWN (ft. Justin Bieber)” by BEAM, and more.

But 1MILLION Dance wasn’t content to leave fans with just the one playlist. The studio also tapped five of its brightest stars—Yoojung Lee, Bale, Woonha, KOOJAEMO, and K-Chan—to create their own specially themed playlists to help fans get warmed up, cooled off, and in a relaxed state of mind.  

Curious which tracks these top dancers keep on repeat? Let’s find out.

Yoojung Lee 

Yoojung joined the ranks of the 1MDS elite in 2015. She became interested in dance at the age of 16 and went on to immerse herself in everything related, starting with commercial dance and moving on to other genres including street-dance fundamentals.  

With her Mystery Party playlist, Yoojung shares some of her favorite daily warm-up songs, which include tracks from Shawn Mendes, BIBI, and more. 

Bale 

Known for winning first place in Asia’s most prestigious dance competition, the Feedback Competition, Bale has been dancing since he first learned how to pop at the age of 15. He’s gone on to participate in countless competitions and dance battles and joined 1MDS in 2020. 

Before class or practice, Bale likes to listen to his playlist Relax, Warm-Up, which includes hits from Khalid, Daniel Caesar, and Jeff Bernat.

Woonha 

Known for her dark and gothic style of choreography, Woonha began dancing as part of her high school’s junior dance club. She later passed an audition and was invited to perform with 1MILLION Dance, which led to her officially becoming a choreographer at the academy in 2019. 

With selections from Mura Masa and FKA twigs, Woonha’s Low Wave playlist is equally suited for relaxing before or after dance class. 

KOOJAEMO 

Appearing in countless music videos including Solar’s “HONEY,” NCT U’s “Maniac,” AleXa’s “Xtra,” and “Blue Moon” by kyungri, KOOJAEMO is one of the rising street dancers in South Korea. 

Before a 1MILLION Dance class, you need to get pumped. And KOOJAEMO’s playlist All That Hip does just that, with cuts by Ari Lennox, UMI, and Sam Smith.

K-Chan 

While having famously appeared in SUNYE’s “Just a Dancer” music video, K-Chan is a rookie in the dance scene. He notably choreographed for K-Pop artist Hong Eunki and former BESTie member Jung Yu Ji on the hit competition show Sing Again 2 and appeared in Korea Tourism’s famous “Feel the Rhythm of Korea: SEOUL” ad, which has garnered over 48 million views to date.

Get your groove on with Burna Boy, Omah Lay, and more with K-Chan’s Feel Groovy playlist. 

1MILLION aims to break the barrier between dance professionals and enthusiasts to create a dance culture that is accessible to all. And now that it’s officially on Spotify, fans will have a chance to stay up with all the tracks that inspire their favorite dancers.

Want to keep the dance party going? Turn ON the movement with Spotify’s K-Pop On! playlist!

BLACKPINK and Spotify Celebrate New Album ‘BORN PINK’ With a Pop-Up Experience and Special Gift for BLINKs Around the World

September 20, 2022

Two years after their last release, The Album, BLACKPINK’s fab four—Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé—have finally dropped their new studio album, BORN PINK. 

And BLINKs, your patience has paid off. BLACKPINK collaborated with Spotify to give fans around the world* the ability to listen to the album for free as many times as they want, and in the order they wish, for the first week of release. In addition to accessing the “listen free” feature exclusively via the BORN PINK by BLACKPINK playlist, fans can also treat themselves to exclusive bonus content available on Spotify K-Pop ON! Track.

Pulling from a wide range of influences, including classical music and ’80s pop, the eight tracks that make up BORN PINK truly offer something for everyone. “Shut Down” samples Niccolo Paganini’s “La Campanella,” blending classical music with hip-hop to create a track with a mysterious and alluring edge. Meanwhile, the fun synthy production on “Yeah Yeah Yeah” is nothing short of an earworm that you can’t get out of your head. And perhaps most impressively, BORN PINK’s lead single “Pink Venom” generated the most single-day streams of any song released by a female artist or group in 2022 so far. 

To mark this momentous occasion, we hosted BORN PINK: The Pop-Up Experience in Los Angeles this past weekend, and BLACKPINK went all out. The group’s four members curated every element of this three-day pop-up, which included custom photo moments, a pink boba tea bar, the opportunity to purchase BLACKPINK merch, and an exclusive giveaway. 

Choreographer Bailey Sok Brings Her K-Pop-Inspired Dance Routines to Roblox’s Spotify Island

September 8, 2022

Back in May, we debuted Spotify Island on Roblox to connect fans and artists in an otherworldly digital destination. Then came K-Park—which celebrates the K-Pop genre, the launch, and the culture it inspires as the first of several themed islands unveiled on Roblox. Now, we’re bringing professional K-Pop choreographer Bailey Sok into the mix. 

Bailey Sok’s K-Park avatar

We’ve partnered with Bailey to create her official Roblox avatar, and from September 8 through September 19, fans globally will be able to visit K-Park and join her for a virtual dance session. In addition to dancing alongside Bailey herself, players will also be able to engage with her avatar.

Bailey’s dance career took off at a young age when multiple videos of hers on YouTube went viral. Since then, she’s been dancing professionally, teaching young dancers, and choreographing routines for K-Pop groups like Red Velvet and SHINee. 

In celebration of Bailey’s arrival to K-Park, we invited some of her biggest fans to Spotify’s downtown LA campus where they had the opportunity to connect with Bailey in person and learn a dance routine fit for a K-Pop star. 

The class was part of a K-Park-themed event that captured the magic of this new island almost precisely as it blurred the lines of reality and the metaverse. Guests mingled on K-Park cafe’s checkerboard flooring and admired the Korean Hangul signs, bright crystals, and larger-than-life foliage that seemed to be plucked directly from the digital experience. They also enjoyed traditional Korean foods while taking a virtual trip to Spotify Island on a Roblox gaming station. Then it was time to get in a formation with Bailey, who taught guests a routine set to SUNMI’s “Gashina.” 

South Korea’s Legendary Band JAURIM Curates 25 Years of Inspiration

August 7, 2022

Jaurim band standing in a room filled with pink balloons. they are in red clothing attire and are holding various objects like a sword, rabbit mask, and axe

This year, South Korea’s legendary band JAURIM, which led the popularization of band music in the nation and helped pioneer a new genre there, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its official debut. 

And to commemorate the impact of this iconic band, Spotify has invited the group to be the first contributor in our newest series, Kurated by [     ]. These playlists will be curated by K-culture’s finest creators and masters themselves to share their own stories and present their musical inspirations and tastes.

JAURIM is a natural choice for inaugural curator. After two and a half decades on the scene, JAURIM holds the title of the country’s longest existing and performing coed band. Today the iconic group continues to use its unique, authentic sound to tell stories as profound and mysterious as the band’s name—which translates to “purple rainforest” in English.

Consisting of three members (vocalist Yuna Kim, guitarist Sun-Kyu Lee, and bassist JinMan Kim), JAURIM has established its own genre and solidified a distinctive position in the South Korean music scene. Because of its uniquely wide spectrum of music and performance, the band serves as an inspiration to various fellow artists and creators both locally and globally. Most recently, BTS member and leader RM showed his love and respect for JAURIM, visiting the band’s celebratory “Happy 25th JAURIM” concert held in early July in Seoul.

Jaurim band standing in front of a gray backdrop with flowersThe band debuted in 1997 with the song “Hey, Hey, Hey” and has since made numerous hits that touch upon youth, people, and social issues. Some of its popular songs include “Beeswax Angel,” “I’m my fan,” and “Song of Ha Ha Ha,” with special track titles “Boxing Helena,” “Fanya,” and “Song of Ha ha ha,” respectively—named so by the band to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Not to forget “Magic Carpet Ride” and “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One,” the original soundtrack of the K-drama series with the same title. The band dives deep into dark human emotions like angst and reflects on societal illnesses, but it also calls out for hope and love that speak across time and generations. 

JAURIM continues to connect with listeners worldwide through a variety of Spotify editorial playlists. Most recently, JAURIM’s “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One,” released in 2013 and currently featured in Spotify’s official partnership playlist of the K-drama, captured the hearts of many K-content fans and listeners around the globe thanks to the popularity of the K-drama.  

Commemorating the band’s 25 years, Spotify and JAURIM put together the exclusive playlist Kurated by [ JAURIM ]—to help fans and listeners around the world connect and feel even closer to the band. The band members chose 15 of their own representative songs and selected 10 additional tracks from other artists who have inspired them, including Sinéad O’Connor’s “Why Don’t You Do Right,” Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy.” 

Check out the full playlist below.

Spotify’s Kurated by [     ] series aims to connect more Spotify listeners worldwide with artists of various South Korean music genres and with masters who have led various sectors of the Korean cultural and entertainment industry.

대한민국 밴드 음악의 거장 자우림, 25년간의 영감을 큐레이션하다.

August 7, 2022

Jaurim band standing in a room filled with pink balloons. they are in red clothing attire and are holding various objects like a sword, rabbit mask, and axe

한국 록 밴드 음악의 대중화를 이끈 자우림은 1997년 ‘Hey, Hey, Hey’를 시작으로 ‘밀랍천사’, ‘매직 카펫 라이드’, ‘팬이야’, ‘하하하쏭’, ‘스물다섯, 스물하나’  등 다채로운 콘셉트의 곡을 통해 청춘과 인간, 사회에 관한 주제를 꾸준히 다루며 대중에게 큰 사랑을 받아왔습니다. ‘자줏빛 비가 내리는 숲(紫雨林)’을 의미하는 밴드명만큼이나 신비롭고 몽환적이면서도 현실적인 이야기를 전하는 자우림, 이들이 올해 25주년을 맞이했습니다.

보컬 김윤아, 기타리스트 이선규, 베이시스트 김진만으로 이뤄진 한국 최장수 혼성 3인조 밴드 자우림은 한 장르에 국한하지 않은 폭넓은 음악 스펙트럼을 기반으로 독보적인 음악 세계를 구축했으며, 지금의 K팝뿐만 아니라 국내외 다양한 아티스트와 창작자들에게 영감이자 뮤즈가 되어왔습니다. 일례로 지난 7월 초 서울 올림픽공원에서 열린 자우림 단독 콘서트 ‘해피 25TH 자우림(HAPPY 25th JAURIM)’에는 방탄소년단 RM이 다녀가 화제가 되기도 했습니다.

자우림은 다양한 스포티파이 플레이리스트를 통해 전 세계 청취자들을 계속해서 만나고 있습니다. 가장 최근에는, 2013년에 발표한 자우림의 ‘스물다섯, 스물하나’는 드라마의 스포티파이 공식 파트너십 플레이리스트를 통해 전 세계 리스너들과 한층 더 가까워지고 사랑받기도 했습니다.

스포티파이는 이처럼 올해 25주년을 맞이한 대한민국 밴드 음악의 아이콘 자우림과 함께, 25년의 발자취와 이들의 영감을 전 세계에 소개하는 ‘Kurated by [ JAURIM ]’ 플레이리스트 그리고 콘텐츠를 공개했습니다. 자우림 멤버들이 직접 큐레이팅한 25개 곡으로 구성된 해당 플레이리스트 중 15곡은 자우림이 직접 꼽은 밴드의 대표곡입니다. 나머지 10곡은 자우림에게 영감을 준 타 아티스트의 곡들로, 세 멤버가 공통으로 또는 각자 선정했습니다.

특히, 이번 25주년 기념 앨범 ‘HAPPY 25th JAURIM’ 수록곡 ‘Hey, Hey, Hey 25th’, ‘매직 카펫 라이드 25th’, ‘our song’ 등이 포함되어 신보에 대한 애정이 돋보이며, 보컬 김윤아에게 영감을 준 곡인 Sinéad O’Connor의 ‘Why Don’t You Do Right’을 비롯해 자우림 멤버 모두가 꼽은 Led Zeppelin의 ‘Good times bad times’, Queen의 ‘Don’t stop me now’, Pearl Jam의 ‘Jeremy’ 등 다양한 곡을 담고 있습니다. 

스포티파이의 ‘Kurated by [     ]’는 다채로운 장르의 아티스트를 비롯해 대한민국의 다양한 문화산업 분야를 이끌어온 거장들을 더 많은 전 세계 스포티파이 청취자들과 연결하기 위해 마련되었습니다. 대한민국 문화의 아이콘으로 자리매김한 아티스트 및 창작자들이 직접 큐레이션한 Kurated by [   ] 플레이리스트를 통해 이들의 영감과 발자취를 돌아봅니다.

‘K-Pop ON! Track’ Is Spotify’s Newest Site Dedicated to All Things K-Pop

June 20, 2022

K-Pop has long dominated the charts on Spotify, thanks in part to its passionate fans and their streams of our K-Pop ON! (온) playlist. The genre has no plans of slowing down, and neither do its listeners. That’s why Spotify launched K-Pop ON! Track, a website dedicated to all things K-Pop that brings casual listeners and veteran superfans alike closer to the artists and music they love. With news, exclusive artist interviews, industry updates, trends, and more on the site, there’s no shortage of ways fans can keep their fingers on the pulse of this global phenomenon.

Explore while you stream

Got BLACKPINK or Billlie blasting in the background? K-Pop ON! Track complements your streaming experience with handy tools and how-tos, including a glossary dedicated to K-Pop terminology, a step-by-step guide on creating a Spotify Blend playlist with BTS, and a series dedicated to the artists and groups we love, called We Stan. Created for K-Pop fans by the people who love K-Pop most at Spotify, the site has three main sections where you can discover all the in-depth content:

  • Recent News: As ON! Track’s home base, this is where our most recently published stories will greet visitors when they first open the website. This includes artist content, genre stories, trends, data, milestones, and interviews with both artists and industry players. 
  • K-Pop ON!: This section is dedicated to our flagship playlist, K-Pop ON! (온), where you can find updates about what’s new, like artist takeovers and spotlights on the hottest new talents.
  • Spotlight ON!: Here we take a closer look at the musicians and playlists that are making waves on Spotify, from featured artists to classic K-Pop tracks and new releases of the month. 

Making records, breaking records 

K-Pop fans have long been streaming in droves, helping break records for artists and bringing much-deserved exposure to the genre. Each month, K-Pop receives over 8 billion monthly streams on Spotify, and our newly renamed K-Pop ON! (온) playlist has racked up over 3.9 million followers.* 

The greatest number of K-Pop ON! listeners are streaming from the U.S., Indonesia, and the Philippines—evidence of the genre’s worldwide appeal. And as the popularity of K-Pop continues to grow, we want K-Pop ON! Track to be a destination that fans from all corners of the globe can visit to stay in the know. 

March to the beat of K-Pop by visiting Spotify’s newest site, K-Pop ON! Track.

https://kpopontrack.byspotify.com/ 

*As of May 2022

Take a Tour of Spotify Island’s New K-Park on Roblox

May 24, 2022

K-Park on Spotify Island on Roblox

Just a few short weeks ago, we unveiled Spotify Island on Roblox and invited fans to explore our new, otherworldly digital destination for audio. Today, we’re taking the allure of Spotify Island to the next level with K-Park, a whimsical wonderland dedicated to the vibrant world of K-Pop. 

Now, players can portal from Spotify Island mainland to discover the brand-new destination inspired by the genre. It’s the first of a variety of themed islands that will pop up around Spotify Island in the coming months—and the first in a long line of opportunities for artists and fans to connect in the digital world. By starting with Spotify Island’s K-Park on Roblox, we’re continuing our focus, commitment, and celebration of the global genre. 

K-Pop has a widespread global appeal, dedicated fan following, and unique set of cultural elements that reach far beyond music. It’s a genre that started with music but has become a movement—encompassing an entire world of standom, fashion, community, and more. In fact, since 2018, K-Pop streams on Spotify have increased by 107% in the United States and 230% globally, resulting in almost 8 billion streams per month around the world. The U.S., Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Malaysia, Canada, Singapore, and the U.K. top the list for streams of K-Pop. 

Ready for a tour?

To begin, you’ll have to find the mysterious portal on the Spotify Island mainland. But once you do, you’ll be transported to a whimsical wonderland where you can discover exclusive K-Pop experiences, interactions, and quests. 

Portal to K-Park from Spotify Island on Roblox

First stop at the K-Pop cafe for a special Korean treat, like Dalgona Coffee, Patbingsu (Korean shaved ice with toppings), or Boong Uh Bbang (Korean fish-shaped bread).

K-Pop Fans Can Now Blend With Some of Their Favorite Groups on Spotify

May 20, 2022

K-Pop fans, Spotify has a listening experience that will let you connect with your favorite bands in a new way. Through Spotify’s Blend feature, you can sing and dance along to an all-new set of playlists that merge your personal music taste with that of some of the biggest names in K-Pop.

Blend was introduced last year as a new way for two Spotify users to combine their musical preferences into one shared playlist made just for them. Earlier this year, we announced updates that included the chance to Blend with some of your favorite artists. 

Now Spotify is expanding the collection of Blend artists to include K-Pop superstars BTS, Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, NMIXX, and AB6IX. When you Blend with these artists, you’ll get a curated playlist that combines your favorite tracks with theirs. You’ll also receive a share card showing your taste-match scores and the songs that bring you two together. The cards can be shared directly to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter so you can show off your matches with other members of the ARMY, Stay, ENGENE, MOA, NSWER, and ABNEW fan bases.

Ready to see what these bands have been listening to lately? Grab your headphones and Blend by following the link for your favorite K-Pop artist below.

Blend with BTS

the band BTS is standing in front of a gas station looking at the camera posing

 

Blend with NMIXX

the band NMIXX are standing in front of the camera posing. Some members are kneeling and others are standing.

 

Blend with Stray Kids

The band stray kids are standing in front of the camera posing. their shadows are showing behind them.

 

Blend with TOMORROW X TOGETHER

the band tomorrow x together are on a white backdrop posing in front of the camera.

 

Blend with ENHYPEN

the band enhyphen are posing in front of the camera in this black and white photo. they are holding a sign that says "just stop."

 

Blend with AB6IX

the band ab6ix are standing outside in front of a concrete structure and are posing for the camera.


Update as of October 19, 2022: BLINKs rejoice: You can now also Blend with BLACKPINK on Spotify. Find a full list of all available Blends here.

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.

the playlist cover art for tomorrow x together's enhanced album which depicts TXT in red and black on a beige background

“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.

 

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Start streaming TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, the enhanced album, below:

 

Spotify Celebrates Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by Spotlighting Creators and Activists

May 5, 2022

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month banner

Each May on our platform, Spotify has amplified and honored the cultures and traditions of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year, our campaign expands from an American observance to a global celebration and highlights the full Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora. We’re proud to now mark May as Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Spotify.  

To celebrate, we’ve refreshed our Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month content hub with new activist-created playlists and a spotlight on up-and-coming artists. With Asian and Pacific Islander artists representing every genre and in all stages of audio creation, this campaign continues our ongoing efforts to create awareness and expand the API community’s presence on Spotify. Read on to learn more about our plans. 

Turning the volume up on API voices

Our API content hub is a space dedicated to the API community that showcases the work of activists while also highlighting fresh new releases from creators across the audio landscape. This year’s hub is adorned with new cover art and features a variety of audio content, from Punjabi and K-Pop playlists to podcasts from API creators around the globe. It’s also home to a variety of specially curated playlist takeovers. 

 

Letting activists take the lead 

This year, we worked with prominent API activists Malavika Kannan, Amanda Nguyen, and ALOK to create a series of playlists, each with a special theme and message. 

Malavika’s playlist is a musical love letter to fearless immigrant daughters, strong diaspora children, the proud queer community, and multilingual Asian Pacific Islanders. Amanda’s playlist includes music that celebrates API culture year-round. And ALOK’s playlist is a curated collection of API musicians across a wide array of genres and geographies. 

K-Pop Girl Group NMIXX Brings the Buzz as Spotify’s New RADAR Korea Artist

March 3, 2022

Two years ago, Spotify announced the launch of RADAR, a new emerging-artist program aimed at spotlighting rising talent from around the globe. From Sweden and the United States to France and India, the artists on Spotify’s RADAR have gone from being nascent figures in the industry to stealing the hearts of fans around the world. Now, following NMIXX’s successful first year in South Korea, home to K-Pop, Spotify has selected the girl group as its first RADAR Korea artist of 2022. 

NMIXX (pronounced “n mix”) came onto the scene last year as part of JYP Entertainment’s latest global K-Pop project. The group comprises seven members—LILY, HAEWON, SULLYOON, JINNI, BAE, JIWOO, and KYUJIN—and together, they embody the meaning of NMIXX. 

“Our name, NMIXX, combines the letter ‘N’—for now, new, next, or an unknown variable—and ‘mix,’ which symbolizes harmony and diversity. It’s about being the ideal mix for the new world,” NMIXX told For the Record. “We think the best substitutes of the letter ‘N’ for us are the words ‘now’ and ‘need.’ We chose the word now because we, NMIXX, are just getting started! And we chose the word need in the hope that more people will want and need us in the future.”

The group’s debut EP, AD MARE (which means “to the sea” in Latin), was released in early February. Along with the EP’s four tracks, NMIXX shared audio liners in which they greet Spotify listeners and express their excitement—in multiple languages, no less—about their new music. 

To celebrate NMIXX’s selection as Spotify’s first RADAR Korea artist of the year, For the Record asked the group to share their thoughts and experiences as they take on K-Pop’s global music scene. 

What was your reaction when you heard that you were selected for RADAR?

Spotify RADAR is a project that reaches many people from all over the world, and when we heard that we had the honor of being selected, we were moved and delighted! We are excited for the opportunity to connect with such a diverse audience.

What do you hope to take out of the RADAR experience?

It’s a real pleasure and honor to be able to get closer to more fans with our music through RADAR. We are looking forward to being featured on Spotify Singles with music that is unique to us, and we dream about one day being featured on the billboards in New York’s Times Square. We would also love to collaborate with other artists from around the world who work in different genres, like the project between AleXa and Bader AlShuaibi.

As a new K-Pop group, what do you want prospective fans to know about you?

We want people to know that we are an all-around group whose music features everything from rap to vocals to dance. Our goal is to make MIXX POP a worldwide phenomenon. It’s our own genre that brings multiple genres into one, and we want everyone to know its magic so they can really get into our music.

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

Our title track, “O.O,” symbolizes our eyes being wide open after peeking into the unknown. And our worldview became bigger with our discovery, so we would like you to join us in this incredible journey by listening to this song. “TANK” is about the tank-like confidence that burst from us when we were finally unveiled. We hope that those who listen to our music will take away the same powerful energy that’s been propelling us as we introduce the new genre of MIXX POP.

Why was it important for you to incorporate multiple languages into your audio liners?

We wanted to reach our fans around the world, and we thought the language was an important way to show more people who NMIXX is. That’s why we’ve been putting a lot of effort into learning different languages and sharing audio messages on Spotify both in English and Spanish, and we’re so thrilled by all the compliments we received!

Which artists have most influenced your music?

LILY: Taylor Swift has always been a role model for me, and I love and respect her dearly. I look up to her songwriting skills so much. She is also a strong and smart business woman who has done so well in this industry, and I hope I can navigate it with as much grace and wit as her.

HAEWON: For me, it’s The Weeknd and Imagine Dragons. The Weeknd is the artist that opened my eyes to R&B, and Imagine Dragons got me into pop. I first heard the song “Demons” when I was in elementary school, and although I didn’t understand the lyrics in English, the song touched me deeply.

SULLYOON: I listen and sing to Anne-Marie’s music a lot. It was her albums that made me love music even more.

JINNI: Beyoncé for me. I was blown away by how professional she was on stage. Just one line of her song, and she had the whole crowd wrapped around her finger. She has an incredible stage presence and energy, and I always try to learn from her.

BAE: Ariana Grande’s music has always comforted me and made me feel better. I have been listening to her songs since I was young, and the songs still remind me of the seasons, situations, scents, or emotions I experienced when I first listened to them. She’s the role model who started my dream of becoming a singer. I still listen to her music and see my own image in her songs.

JIWOO: I’d say Billie Eilish. She always has this confidence when she sings, and she delivers all the emotion and depth in each song to her fans, which really touched me. I learned a lot by watching her perform.

KYUJIN: I get a lot of my musical influence from TAEYEON! I absolutely love her unique stage presence, her voice, and her emotional depth. Her music has allowed me to feel and experience so much. It’s because of her that I first dreamed of becoming an artist.

As you look to the future, what are your goals as a group?

We want NMIXX to be a group that brings smiles and happy energy to our fans every time we go on stage. We want to become the kind of artists who are loved by many for a long time to come. And we always want to keep growing and improving. We want to follow the footsteps of the Korean groups that have come before us and become the kinds of artists who continue spreading K-Pop love worldwide.