Tag: king princess

‘A Small Light’ Producer Este Haim Shares the Classic Songs That Inspired the Star-Studded Soundtrack

May 2, 2023

Yesterday marked the premiere of A Small Light, a new limited series on National Geographic that tells the story of Miep Gies, the fearless heroine who helped protect Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis during World War II.

A Small Light brings plenty of star power to the screen, with a standout cast including Bel Powley, Liev Schreiber, and Joe Cole. But the show’s original soundtrack is equally as impressive.

Ariel Marx (American Horror Story, Candy, Sanctuary) served as composer for the soundtrack’s original score, while Este Haim (of HAIM) assumed production duties for the star-studded covers featured in the show.

Drawing from some of the biggest hits of the ’30s and ’40s, Este worked closely with artists like Kamasi Washington, Sharon Van Etten, Remi Wolf, Angel Olsen, Moses Sumney, Orville Peck, Weyes Blood, King Princess, and Danielle Haim to reimagine some of the era’s classics for today’s music and TV lovers. On May 5, the first pair of covers from A Small Light will be released on Spotify, and every Tuesday through May 23, the remaining covers will be released following their appearance on the show. In addition, Ariel’s score will be released on May 19.

Este and Ariel also joined forces to create a companion playlist featuring the music that inspired their work on A Small Light. Ranging from early-20th-century hits by Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Edith Piaf to more recent gems by Tom Waits and Andrew Bird, these songs helped inform the soundtrack’s distinct blend of past and present sounds.

For the Record sat down with Este and Ariel to learn more about A Small Light and their creative approaches to the soundtrack, as well as the standout moments they experienced along the way. 

What initially excited you about working on this project?

Este: I signed on for a multitude of reasons, including the fact that I got to play curator. It was basically my dream dinner party list of artists who I wanted to hang out with and become friends with . . . which I did.

I also think that A Small Light’s story hits close to home for me and is one that needs to be told. As a Jewish woman who was obsessed with Anne Frank as a kid (and who literally thought that she was Anne Frank when she was eight years old), I always felt a kinship to her.

How did the artists featured on your playlist inspire the soundtrack?

Este: As I researched music for the soundtrack, I found myself gravitating toward artists like The Andrews Sisters and The Ink Spots that my Bubby Blanche would play on the family’s old Victrola when I was a kid. And after seeing all of A Small Light, it was clear the music had to reflect not only the actors’ brilliant performances, but also Miep’s resilience and strength. 

So when I was asked to find artists to perform covers of these amazing songs, it was important that they could handle this sort of material and truly communicate the feeling of the song. Thankfully, every artist I asked to be a part of the project agreed and was just as excited as I was to delve into this material.

Ariel: While finding my way into the palette of the score, I was definitely drawn to the popular music of the time—like Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington—as a jumping off point, but in an effort to modernize and embody Miep’s soul, I was most influenced by contemporary artists who live between the lines of jazz, folk, experimentalism—like Tom Waits and Andrew Bird. 

Each of these artists find haunting beauty in their charming playfulness and imperfection. These small ensembles feel as powerful as any orchestra or big band. This intimate, resourceful, lively, virtuosic yet accessible aesthetic felt most appropriate to underscore Miep’s world.

What were your respective creative approaches for this soundtrack?

Este: I spent a lot of time listening to playlists and looking at old Top 10 charts that weren’t just from America, but from all over the world. And I actually went further back than the 1940s. There’s actually a song in the in the pilot called “Til We Meet Again” that was originally written in the middle of World War I. And even if it’s from a different era, the subject matter is pretty much the same. It’s like, “You’re leaving, and I don’t know when I’m going to see you again.” 

It was just really fun to kind of rediscover these songs and try to figure out exactly how I wanted to reimagine them. And the goal was to update these songs but still retain a classic feel that stands the test of time. The songs from that era quintessentially feel like they’re from that era. They use different words. The vocabulary is very much from the ’30s and ’40s. But still, I wanted to balance the sweetness of some of these songs with grittier sonics. So, while I might’ve used instruments like the harp, I also included some electric guitar on the sly. Mostly, I stuck very closely to organic instruments, as opposed to inorganic instruments. The idea was to elevate them and make them sound modern.

Ariel: Like the covers, the score doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel too much. This is a show about an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things, so the music couldn’t overpower her and her spirit in that way. 

My approach definitely focused less on channeling the past and more on incorporating a contemporary sound. We didn’t want it to feel like it was from the ’30s or the ’40s, but we also didn’t want it to feel anachronistic and pull viewers out of the story. So, while I was inspired by certain techniques from the ’40s like jazz voicings and improvisation, there’s a lot of classical minimalism, avant-garde tension, and electronic influence in the music.

Are there any parallels you notice between music from the ’30s and ’40s, and music now?

Este: I feel there’s an irreverence in pop music now that was kind of happening in the ’40s with jazz. I think especially with women in the rock community, which I’m proud to be a part of, there is kind of a fearlessness we’re feeling. And I think that a lot of jazz musicians were feeling that way in the ’30s and ’40s, and especially postwar. And now, there’s this post-COVID surge of energy, and wanting to live life after everything we’ve experienced the last few years. And I can’t help but think that there was probably a lot of that in the ’40s coming out of the war. 

Ariel: I think to Este’s point, one thing the war did was consolidate ensembles like a big band. Those weren’t in the cards as much anymore. So musicians had to make do with rationing music, having small ensembles, and figuring out how to bring the same sort of energy and brightness and melody. And I think that also ties so much into the theme of the story, too—just making the most of what you have.

Were there any standout moments while working with these artists as a producer?

Este: I really loved being in the driver’s seat, but it was also a great chance for me to collaborate and learn. I was in the studio with Zachary Dawes, who works with Lana Del Rey and Ethan Gruska, who works with Phoebe Bridgers. So this was a great learning experience.

And as an Angeleno, working with Kamasi Washington was one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve had in the studio. We recorded his song at this studio called Valentine, which is this total time capsule of a studio in L.A. We brought in nine instrumentalists and tracked everything live, and it was so spectacular. I had the chills the entire time because I’m in there giving suggestions to these insanely talented L.A. players who people pay a lot of money to see live, and I had a front row seat for it all. At the same time, I was telling them, “Follow your bliss and do what you need to do.” 

Like I said, it was a pretty sick dinner party.

Now that you know all about the soundtrack, check out the first two episodes of A Small Light, now airing on National Geographic.

Spotify Encourages Eligible U.S. Voters to ‘Play Your Part’ by Registering for and Voting in the 2020 Election

September 9, 2020

As the U.S. gears up for the 2020 election in November, Spotify is also preparing to play our part. We recognize our unique ability to use the power of audio to inspire our millions of listeners in the United States to take action by voting.

That’s why we’re unveiling a new, non-partisan campaign, Play Your Part, to encourage eligible voters to get out and vote in the 2020 U.S. Election—with a special emphasis on supporting potential first-time voters in getting ready to do so. We’re teaming up with artists, influencers, and creators such as Conan Gray, Alaina Castillo, King Princess, Chloe x Halle, and more to showcase the importance of voting and provide resources to guide listeners through the election process. This campaign is about making your voice heard.

Additionally, we’re providing resources from partner organizations like HeadCount and TurboVote to assist users in getting registered, as well as BallotReady to help our listeners make a plan to vote.

“It is crucial to the fate of our future that we get out and vote,” says singer-songwriter Conan Gray. “Our voices need to be heard, and together they will be! Right now, more than ever, we need to fight for the lives of the people we love, and voting is just one of the extremely impactful ways we can do that. Every single vote matters. Do your part. Together we can fight for the America that we want to see, one that is built upon unity, diversity, empathy, and love.”

U.S. listeners can look forward to on-platform content, experiences, and offerings including:

  • Our Voter’s Booth hub: The goal of the hub is to provide resources so voters can get informed, register, and make a plan to vote. There, you can also find music from new playlists by artists to soundtrack your vote and curated podcast playlists on changemakers.
  • Soundtrack Your Vote: Whether you’re submitting your ballot by mail or heading to the polls to vote in person, we’ve got music to move you every step of the way. We partnered with some favorite artists and influencers of our listeners who are voting for the first time to curate new playlists that will keep you entertained throughout the entire process.
  • First-Time Voter Messaging: On September 9, Spotify listeners who will be voting in their first presidential election will get encouraging messages to register to vote from fellow first-timers.
  • Curated Podcasts: Several highlighted podcasts will be featuring content about civic engagement and encouraging their listeners to get registered and vote. Famous Fates: Movers & Shakers will dive deep into changemakers who pushed themselves to defy the odds and challenge norms that would change the world for the better. On September 17, Dope Labs will be doing an episode dedicated to civic engagement in which they dig into the science behind political ads and how people digest them.
  • Playlists Providing Inspiration: We will be adding visual and audio reminders through stickers and exclusive video content to some of our flagship playlists to encourage users to play their part and get to the polls. Plus, we’re providing co-curated HeadCount and Seventeen Magazine playlists to inspire listeners even further.
  • Anchor Podcaster Voter Sponsorships: Anchor, a Spotify-owned podcast creation platform, will be launching a voter registration campaign with their Sponsorships tool by giving podcasters the opportunity to donate their ad space to HeadCount, BallotReady, or Democracy Works to continue to aid others in the voting process.

Stay tuned for even more voting-related initiatives—and don’t forget to Play Your Part.

36 New Artists Around the World That Are on Spotify’s RADAR

March 9, 2020

Lauv. The Blaze. King Princess. Lil Baby. Official HIGE DANdism. Jorja Smith. These are undeniably prominent artists in today’s global musical landscape. They’ve been making their way onto Wrapped cards and festival headliner slots—but not so long ago they were just starting out, working their way up for a chance in the spotlight. Each was assisted in this journey by Spotify’s commitment to bringing up-and-coming artists to your attention—something we’re excited to continue with the launch of RADAR.

Through RADAR, our global emerging-artist program, we’re deepening our commitment to emerging artists at all stages of their development and strengthening their connection to audiences. With this global launch, we’ll continue to build on Spotify’s history of working with emerging artists through 19 sister programs featuring up-and-coming creators from more than 50 markets worldwide, all focused on helping artists from around the world reach the next stage in their careers.

“Spotify is a major reason why I’m able to be an independent artist,” says American singer-songwriter/producer Lauv, who was featured through Spotify’s developing artist program a few years ago. “Having their support from day one in making my music accessible to millions of users around the world has allowed me to grow as an artist and share music on my terms over the past five years. To have fans, whether in the Philippines, Peru, or Philadelphia know the words to songs all before I ever toured there speaks to Spotify’s global reach and ability to speak directly to fans with music that resonates around the globe.”

The launch of the program brings a mixture of Spotify’s best-in-class editorial and marketing abilities. Our playlists feature new and emerging talent around the world, and our marketing campaigns provide fans with the opportunity to get to know their new favorite artists.

“Spotify is thrilled to announce the launch of RADAR this year with an incredible group of emerging artists from across the globe,” said Ned Monahan, Spotify’s Head of Global Hits. “RADAR will become an influential program for up-and-coming artists across all genres worldwide and a great way for our global marketing and editorial teams to support the next generation of international superstars.”

Spotify’s RISE Ushers in a New Wave of Artists … and the Stories Behind Their Songs

October 16, 2018

Every song tells a story—from the indie jam at the coffee shop to the hip-hop hit blasting from the car radio—and so do the artists behind them. Their lyrics, melodies, and soundtracks come from their experiences as musicians and the journeys they took to achieve their musical goals. For these artists, the many stories in their collection becomes the album they share with the world.

Spotify wants to highlight those stories. That’s why we have RISE—an artist development program, sponsored by Aloft, that supports new artists and gives fans a peek behind the scenes of their journeys.

After recently spotlighting country band LANCO, R&B artist Jorja Smith, Latin singer Karol G, and indie artist Rex Orange County, it’s time to pass the baton to a new wave of RISE-ing stars including pop singer King Princess, R&B artist Joji, and Atlanta-based rapper Lil Baby.

RISE will delve into what makes each of these artists unique, from their inspirations to their dreams for the future. For King Princess, motivation comes from the LGBTQ community. “Having a strong community of gay men and women around me has helped me to realize my vision as an artist. It has also helped me stay loved and supported throughout this experience,” the artist told For the Record when asked about who has helped her most throughout her blossoming career.

Joji, on the other hand, knew he wanted to make it in the music industry the moment he heard Soulja Boy sing “Crank Dat” on the radio. “If that song had us going apeshit in middle school, it had to be something special,” he told Spotify.

Here’s a little bit more about Spotify’s New RISE artists:

King Princess: Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, King Princess’s musicality covers singing, songwriting, and various instruments. Having spent a large chunk of her childhood in her father’s music studio, King Princess learned to play bass, drums, and piano, and even got the hang of music production. Her debut single and tribute to the LGBTQ community, “1950,” has over 144 million streams, and her first album, Make My Bed, was released in June 2018.

Joji: The Japanese-Australian producer, singer, and R&B artist launched his fame from his bedroom—which is where he made his debut EP, “In Tongues,” released in November 2017. He credits Dipset and Soulja Boy as being two huge influences on his music.

Lil Baby: Lil Baby is the rookie of the year. Just two years ago he started rapping under the nourishment of Coach K and Pierre “Pee” Thomas. Harder Than Ever marks the 23-year-old rapper and trap artist’s debut album. This musical tour de force debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200, and featured the smash single “Yes Indeed” featuring Drake. “Yes Indeed” peaked at #1 at Urban Radio and No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Since its release, it has amassed over 500 million global streams. In 2018 alone, Lil Baby has clocked in over 2 billion streams and counting across streaming platforms.

Beyond the music, RISE features short-form documentaries that authentically capture these unique artists and their creative processes, collaborations, insight on their own role models, exclusive photoshoots, and more BTS goodies. And let’s be honest—you’ll probably want to “heart” their tracks to save them to your favorites playlist, too.