Tag: Music

GLOW Artist Urias Makes Her Way From the Catwalk to the Concert Stage

June 27, 2023

the artist Urias staring at the camera with a circle graphic treatment behind her and the Spotify GLOW program logo displayed at the bottom of the image.

Urias isn’t about to sit around and wait for success to come to her. The Brazilian artist first found fame on the catwalk as a model and from there expanded her creativity to music.

After sharing a series of covers, including a memorable version of Azealia Banks’s “Ice Princess,” Urias dropped her first original track, “Você Me Vira a Cabeça,” in 2018. Since then, she’s released multiple EPs and two albums, the second of which, HER MIND, just came out this month.

Spotify is excited to amplify the creative vision and punchy tracks of the singer as one of our GLOW artists for the month of June. Through GLOW, our global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators all year round, we’re supporting Urias on our platform with a dedicated hub and flagship GLOW playlist, and off our platform via billboards like those in New York City’s Times Square and on the city’s MTA subway system. 

From her queer icons to the best advice she’s received, Urias shares more with For the Record below.

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

My journey in music started in mid-2017. I realized that it was not a distant dream anymore, so I started working on my first cover releases! In 2019 I released my first EP [Urias], in 2022 my first album [FÚRIA], and I just released my second studio album [HER MIND].

Why is it important to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices year-round?

There are a lot of powerful and important voices that deserve the spotlight all year long, all around the globe.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Sometimes my creative process starts with the visuals, and then after that we start the musical part of it.

There have been a lot of advances in LGBTQIA+ rights and representation in the last decade. Why is it still important to celebrate Pride?

It’s always important to celebrate who you are! There’s still a long path we need to walk, but you should always celebrate yourself.

How does your LGBTQIA+ identity intersect with other parts of your identity? How do you bring them all as your full self in your music?

I don’t think I can separate it! My music is my art and my way to express myself differently.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

Strength.

Who are some queer artists or cultural icons who have inspired you?

Grace Jones, Liniker, and Honey Dijon.

How does music empower queer communities?

Music is an important way to communicate to people—the ones that understand you and the ones that need to understand you, too!

What is the best advice you received when you were growing as an artist as a person?

Take chances and take care of yourself.

What makes you GLOW?

Being able to be myself and create art!

 

Catch Urias and many other LGBTQIA+ artists this month and all year round on our flagship GLOW playlist.

From Underground Clubs to Eurovision Fame, GLOW Artist Dana International Inspires and Ignites

June 22, 2023

Dana International playlist equal cover art

Dana International defied the odds and the critics when, in 1998, she was selected to represent Israel for Europe’s biggest music event, Eurovision. Her performance of “Diva” captivated the audience in person and at home, and she was crowned contest winner.

Dana’s success on one of the world’s biggest stages is but one example of the Israeli singer’s powerful, dazzling musical presence. Over the past three decades she has released a number of albums and singles and even represented her home country a second time at Eurovision in 2011.

Dana’s perseverance, passion, and talent are just a few of the reasons why she’s one of Spotify’s featured GLOW artists for the month of June. Through GLOW, our global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators all year round, we’re supporting Dana International on our platform with a dedicated hub and flagship GLOW playlist, and off our platform via billboards like those in New York City’s Times Square and on the city’s MTA subway system.

From finding her voice to the importance of celebrating Pride, Dana International shares more with For the Record below.

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

I released my first song almost 30 years ago. I was very content to have one hit song—I believed that someone like me couldn’t truly pursue a singing career. As a teenager, I had begun to realize that I was a woman, and that desire was stronger than anything else. Choosing to live as a woman meant giving up on my dreams of living a normative life. That’s when I discovered nightlife. Hiding under the cover of darkness—clubs, music, the exaggerated atmosphere of the 1980s—brought everything to life in Tel Aviv. The night became my refuge.

At the age of 18, I started performing with the drag team at the only gay club that existed in Israel at the time. One day we created a parody of Whitney Houston‘s song “My Name Is Not Susan” and turned it into a humorous Arabic song called “Sa’ida Soltana.” The song became a summer hit in Israel. After that song, I released a second solo song, followed by my first album. The album was quite successful, so, against all odds, I released three more. I became the singer of the year twice and sold gold and platinum albums.

The beginning of my career wasn’t easy. There were performances where people spat on me, cursed me, and threw trash at me. But it only gave me strength and motivated me to continue. After two years, I became one of the most successful singers in an early 1990s Israel that was mostly conservative. Soon, I started receiving offers for a TV series, a movie, and a musical about my life. And in 1998, I was chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision. 

What was it like performing at Eurovision for the first time?

As soon as it was announced, there was a big controversy in Israel. It wasn’t easy for me, and I admit that there were moments when it shook me. But I won first place with the song “Diva.” My life changed that night of the victory. I returned to Israel to pack a suitcase, and then I traveled to Europe and lived there for almost a year. The media in England declared that the new pop queen was born, but I suffered greatly.

How did your life change after winning the competition?

I became a media star. All the entertainment shows and news programs in Europe wanted me, but the interviewers felt entitled to pry into my life in a way they wouldn’t dare to do today. They invaded my privacy, and I provided them with everything they wanted to hear, overflowing with smiles and charm. But inside, it deeply offended me. I was publicized as a singer who won Eurovision. Why are you only interested in my sexuality and gender? How dare you talk to me about things you wouldn’t discuss with other female singers? I felt like I was living in a gilded cage.

So I returned to Israel to gather my strength and then released an intimate album that was different from anything I had done before.

What are you up to now?

At the age of 55, I am still onstage. I have become a gay icon, and it feels strange and somewhat overwhelming because I don’t want to be seen solely through that lens.

From all the musical activity and hundreds of performances worldwide, the joyful successes and the painful failures, the achievements, the awards, and the journey, the thing I’m most proud of and what I truly understand to be the most important is when people—of all ages, in all languages, from all over the world—approach me and say: “You changed my life. You gave me the strength to believe in myself. I realized I’m not alone. You were with me in the toughest and loneliest moments.” Very few artists truly manage to change something in the world, to change lives and help those who are struggling. Only in recent years have I truly understood this and realized that it’s much more important than whether my new song succeeds or not. 

Why is it important to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices year-round?

I believe that queer culture disperses a lot of color, sensitivity, and interesting and different perspectives in the world. It’s known that even during periods when people didn’t come out of the closet, writers, poets, singers, and gay artists brought the world great and important cultural creations. The world would be much grayer and much more boring if the voices of our community weren’t heard. Our community is the decoration committee of the world, but we’re not only that. 

What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you?

This whole character of mine is a big show. I’m not satisfied with my character. I hate flashy designer clothes and makeup. My battle is when I go up onstage. I don’t feel brave, and I’m very shy in my everyday life. In that period at the beginning of my career when I fought for my right to be onstage and sing, I created this shining, radiant, and audacious character of Dana International. 

There’ve been so many advances in LGBTQIA+ rights and representation in the last decade. Why is it still important to celebrate Pride?

It’s important for all those children and teenagers who are sitting at home right now, afraid of who they are, afraid to tell their parents and friends at school, and feeling sad and alone. In every Pride parade, we tell them, “You’re not alone, we’re with you,” and we embrace them. Since Eurovision, I have appeared in Pride parades all over the world. And still, I get extremely excited about Pride parade performances. I think it’s important for us and for the children who used to be scared and embarrassed, too. Once a year, we celebrate our Pride holiday, where we spread the message of love, acceptance, equality, and the freedom to be who you are. 

What do you hope audiences take away from your music?

In one of my songs, I sang, “My joy is my protest.” I come from a difficult place, and it was very easy to sink into sadness and give up. My songs are happy. Pop music that reminds us of the beautiful and joyful side of the world. Pop songs are generally considered light and shallow, but I believe that happiness also holds a lot of power. It’s hard for me to express pain; I don’t cry. In life and in my music, I don’t cry. My message is that despite everything, we are obligated to find joy. I try to bring happiness to people and also find joy within myself, and it’s not always easy.

How does music empower queer communities?

I believe that music influences everyone. In my eyes, it’s the true prayer of humanity. We, as a community, are much more dramatic and sensitive, and I think music plays a much bigger role in our lives.

 

Catch Dana International and many other LGBTQIA+ artists this month and all year round on our flagship GLOW playlist.

‘CAN You Hear Me’ Spotlights Northern Cree, a Legendary Canadian Powwow Act Preserving Indigenous Culture Through Music

June 21, 2023

In celebration of Canadian artistry, For the Record recently launched CAN You Hear Me, a series championing the music, unique talent, and diverse cultures found in the Great White North—from the jazz bars in Québec to the dance clubs in Ontario, all the way to the powwows in the west.

Next up in our series is Northern Cree, a powwow and round dance act based in Maskwacis, Alberta. Widely regarded as one of the best acts in powwow music, the group was formed in 1982 by the Wood brothers—Steve, Randy, Charlie, and Earl of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Today, most of its 15 members originate from all across the Treaty 6 territory and are members of the Cree Nation.

Forty years in, the legendary act has recorded dozens of albums—and their influence has reached far and wide. The DJ Shub track “Indomitable” featuring the band was selected by Sacha Baron Cohen as the theme song to his Showtime series, Who Is America?, while M.I.A. and Santigold sampled Northern Cree for their 2008 song “Get It Up.”

Since 2002, Northern Cree has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and three Juno Awards. In 2017, the collective made history when it became the first powwow group to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Most recently, they played at the 2023 Juno Awards ceremony alongside Aysanabee in Edmonton, Alberta. 

For the Record spoke with Steve Wood and his son Joel Wood to discuss powwow traditions, their greatest inspirations, and the importance of preserving Indigenous history and culture through music.

What are some of the traditional elements of powwow music and dance? How do these come through in your music?

The instruments are created from things that are natural and land-based. The music’s vocals and lyrics are connected spiritually to our history and ancestors. The drum is referred to as “the heartbeat of Mother Earth,” and that is what connects all human beings to one another, everything living on the planet, and the earth itself. The outfits—or regalia—reflect our history, spirituality, and cultural teachings. These are also created from objects that are land-based, such as plant and animal life.

This type of music is so different when you’re able to hear it in a live setting, because you can really feel the energy. We often hear from people who are standing around the drum or near the drum or in the area that you can feel the energy that’s being made there—it’s doing something to them. If we’re doing that, if we’re making people feel good, then we’re doing our job.

How has Spotify helped you expand your music to a broader audience or connect with other artists?

Spotify has helped us reach audiences, within the borders of Turtle Island [North America] and all over the world, that have never heard our type of music before. It helps connect our group to various First Nations communities, as well as other communities in Canada and the U.S. 

Spotify has also played a part in enabling mainstream artists to sample our music, which has led to collaborations that create a new, unique sound. 

Who are some fellow Canadian artists that have inspired you? How about Indigenous artists from areas around the world?

Our biggest influences are our grandfathers and fathers, who used to play or create this type of music in our homes when we were children. Another one of our biggest influences is Ms. Buffy Sainte-Marie. Whenever we cross paths, we affectionately refer to her as “Mom,” and she refers to us as her “boys.” 

There’s also the late great Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip, whom we had the pleasure of opening for on Canada Day in Trafalgar Square in London. He was one awesome musician, not to mention an extraordinary human being. Other spectacular musicians that have influenced Northern Cree are Robbie Robertson, as well as Pat Vegas and his First Nations band Redbone.

Can you speak to why it’s so important to preserve Indigenous cultures and traditions and pass those down to future generations?

Passing down our culture helps us in maintaining our language, which is something that we’re really striving to hold on to as First Nations peoples. Everything is rooted in language for us—our identity, culture, histories, ceremonies, and where we come from.

One of the ways that our young people, and even other people, are picking up our language is through music. Having our music out there sends a message to our young people. They can aspire to pick up a guitar or a fiddle, or play the piano. So, if we can spread our language amongst our people—or even further—that’s a good thing for our people in general.

When they see what we’re doing—performing at the Grammys, at the Junos, at powwows in various parts of the country—it sends a message that they can believe in who they are, where they come from, their culture, their identity, and most importantly, their language. They can be who they are, they don’t have to emulate anyone else, and they can still aspire to great things. 

That’s one of the biggest messages that we hope to send not only to our young people, but people in general.

 

Check out Northern Cree’s latest album, Ôskimacîtahowin: A New Beginning, to experience the power of powwow.

Spotify’s Innovative Fuego Playlist Turns Fans Into Music Curators

May 10, 2023

graphic cover art showing the logo of fuego mixtapes

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

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

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

Our New Integration Allows You To Share Music and Podcasts On BeReal—Here’s How

April 19, 2023

You never know when that yellow hazard notification is going to strike, but when it does, you’re ready. You grab your phone, position it toward whatever you’re up to at the moment, and let BeReal’s double-sided camera do the rest. 

Starting today, when you use BeReal, you can also include what you’re listening to on Spotify! Excited? Here’s how to get started.

  1. Connect your Spotify and BeReal accounts. There are two ways to do this. Eligible users—or even soon-to-be users—can do this by tapping on the music icon that’s shown before posting their BeReal. Otherwise, within the BeReal app, navigate to “Settings,” then “Music,” and follow the prompts to connect to Spotify. 
  2. Once you’ve connected your accounts, we’ll automatically pull in the song or podcast you’re listening to on Spotify at the time you capture a BeReal. You’ll see the cover art of the audio you’re listening to at the bottom of your camera lens.
  3. Check out what other friends are listening to on your BeReal feed! You’ll also be able to listen to a preview of what they’ve shared. 

Spotify was built for moments of everyday inspiration, discovery, and interactivity. It also creates the playlist for your everyday life. BeReal is designed to capture and share authentic moments in your daily life with your closest friends. Combining audio from Spotify with BeReal adds another layer of authentic personalization and connection to your BeReal. 

We’re proud of this integration within the BeReal platform. We’re constantly finding new ways to bring Spotify to more people, and helping fans, artists, and communities connect through audio around the world. Starting today, BeReal and Spotify users on Android and iOS in select markets (including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and the U.S.) can access this experience as it rolls out—with more markets to follow.

 

Update as of May 2, 2023: Users in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Andorra, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, TFYR Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo Dem Republic, Congo Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Curacao, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Kyrgyz Republic, Kenya, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macao SAR China, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, The Bahamas, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can now connect BeReal to their Spotify account and showcase what they’re currently listening to when they share their daily BeReal post.

Celebrating 10 Years of Spotify in Italy and Poland

March 1, 2023

a graphic backdrop with two Spotify spokespeople featured looking at the camera

Ten years ago, Spotify launched in Italy and Poland, and we began our work to engage with local creative talent and the community through Spotify programs, festivals, and events. Since then, creators from both markets have seen tremendous growth in local and international listenership. Whether it’s Rhove and Måneskin in Italy or Marissa and Sara James in Poland, artists in both markets are representing their homelands locally and on the global stage. And we can’t help but raise a glass to a solid decade of achievements.

Along with the growth in local music, there’s an ever-growing appetite for talk as well. Since launching podcasts in Italy 2015, we’ve seen the number of creator-generated shows increase by an average of 20% year over year in the market. Today, more than 50,000 titles are available, including hit shows like Muschio Selvaggio, The Essential, and Demoni Urbani.

To celebrate this landmark birthday in Poland and Italy, For the Record caught up with Melanie Parejo, Spotify Head of Music for Southern and Eastern Europe, and Mateusz Smółka, Spotify Music Team Lead for Eastern Europe and Southern and Eastern Europe, to talk about the hit tracks, hot trends, and growth both markets have experienced over the past 10 years.

ITALY

When Spotify Italy launched in 2013, there were 26,000 Italian artists on the platform and 180 million streams globally among them. How have we seen those numbers grow?

Melanie Parejo: Italy has always had a strong affection toward their local talents, and with 196,000 Italian artists available on Spotify as of 2022, it’s clear to see the strength that local music has in the Italian market. In terms of global listenership, after our first five years in the market, Italian artists were played on Spotify editorial playlists outside of Italy 800% more than when we launched. After 10 years, that number has increased to 1,000%, with Måneskin being the biggest export.

What are some of Spotify Italy’s greatest music achievements from the past 10 years?

Twenty-four Italian artists have participated in Spotify’s RADAR program since its launch in 2020. Artists like BLANCO, Rondodasosa, and ARIETE have seen particularly strong growth on the platform, with BLANCO going on to win last year’s Festival di Sanremo and beating Italy’s record for the most-streamed song in one day, together with Mahmood. 

Emerging artists who have been included in RADAR have also achieved great mainstream success. Rhove, who was a featured RADAR Global artist, had Italy’s second-most-streamed song of 2022, with “Shakerando.”

Genre-wise, what have been some of the most exciting changes in Italian music since 2013?

When we look at the streaming habits of the younger generation, they have a more fluid relationship to genres. They are less occupied with sticking to one genre and identifying with it. Instead, we see them stream songs that span different decades and styles. 

That said, the overall music tastes of Italians have evolved so much over the years. Back in 2013, the most-streamed genre in Italy was rock, with Italian rap not even in the Top 10. But in 2022, Italian rap was the most-streamed genre in the country. When it comes to rap from other countries, a significant number of Gen Z artists have shifted their main point of reference from the U.S. to the U.K. and France. They tend to blend languages and cultures in their songs, tapping into an identity and culture way more than when rap originally broke through here in 2016. 

Summer hits have always been an integral part of Italian music consumption, but in recent years we’ve seen them become more diverse in sound. While they previously followed a conventional structure (carefree, joyful, Latin-infused pop tracks touching on a bunch of summer-related clichés), 2022 summer hits were a melting pot of sounds, artists, and moods. From BLANCO to Fedez to Capo Plaza to Rhove, what we saw and heard last year was a creative freedom we weren’t used to. 

Spotify Italy initially launched during the Festival di Sanremo. What impact does the festival have on Spotify?

Spotify truly lives side by side with Sanremo. When the lights are out after the final day of the festival, Italians listen to their favorite songs on Spotify to stay in the Sanremo spirit. This year was a great example of that, with the official Sanremo 2023 playlist being the second-most-streamed playlist worldwide for one week. Locally, Sanremo songs dominated the Top 10 and Top 20 charts in Italy during the festival, with six songs from the festival having made it into the Global Debut Songs chart.

 

POLAND

How have music tastes in the country changed in the 10 years since Spotify Poland launched?

Mateusz Smółka: Massively! When we launched in Poland, the Top 10 artists in Poland were international artists. There were only five Polish artists on the entire Top 100 list that year. Looking back, international artists controlled the top three spots until about 2017. But in 2018, we saw the rise of Polish artists, most notably when the Taco Hemingway and Quebonafide collaboration, TACONAFIDE, and Dawid Podsiadło took the top spots. Since then, Polish artists have been in the Top 10 each year, with 76 Polish songs making the local Top 100 in 2022. 

Streams of Polish artists on Spotify’s editorial playlists outside of Poland also increased by more than 700% over the past decade. For example, Rnbstylerz has over 2.8 million monthly listeners, with a majority coming from Germany, the U.S., and Mexico. And Catz ‘n Dogz, who are a part of GLOW, have a major chunk of listeners coming from the U.S. and the U.K. Tribbs has over two million monthly listeners and collaborates with producers around the world, picking up listeners in Brazil and Germany. 

In your view, what are some of Spotify Poland’s biggest accomplishments in the music space?

Spotify’s RADAR program launched in Poland in 2021 and has seen 15 local artists participating since. The program has seen talents such as Zalia and Julia Rocka seeing incremental growth on the platform, as well as Szczyl and Dziwna Wiosna being nominated for Fryderyk awards in 2022. 

Spotify’s EQUAL program also launched in Poland in 2021. Notably, Sara James became the youngest-ever EQUAL ambassador for the program and the first Polish artist to be a global ambassador. Artists such as Kaśka Sochacka and LUNA have particularly seen growth on the platform since their participation, with LUNA more than tripling her monthly listeners the month she joined the program. 

Additionally, Fresh Finds has been live in the market for a year, and it has helped a number of independent Polish artists take the next steps in their careers. It has also proven to be a way to identify the next big talent. 

What have been some of the most surprising listenership trends in Poland?

Back in 2013, we saw international rock bands being streamed the most, but now Polish rap and hip-hop dominate, as demonstrated by the popularity of our local hip-hop flagship playlist RAP GENERACJA, which has been the number one playlist in Poland every year since launch. 

When it comes to the younger generation, we’ve found that they choose music to accompany their mood and the world they live in. They don’t care as much about when the song was made or what genre it is. They approach music with a lot more fluidity.

 

Celebrate 10 years of Spotify in Italy and Poland by listening to our anniversary playlists. 

Why Cynthia Rowley Dressed Female Comedians During New York Fashion Week

February 14, 2023

Claudia Oshry, Esther Ku, Arden Myrin, Nikki Glaser, Ego Nwodim, Michelle Buteau, Rachel Feinstein

When New York Fashion Week rolls around, fans of iconic designer Cynthia Rowley know they’re in for a surprise. Cynthia combines her original styles with poignant, topical, and unique showcase themes for a refreshing—and sometimes risky—treat. And her fall 2023 show was no different as she treated NYFW to an all-female stand-up comedy event. 

During the showcase, Cynthia dressed 7 comedians, each of whom performed a short set while presenting the collection. Comedians Nikki Glaser, Rachel Feinstein, Arden Myrin, Rosebud Baker, Ego Nwodim, Claudia Oshry, and Michelle Buteau hit the catwalk in an elegantly staged ballroom with 200 guests including Olivia DeJonge, Eve Jobs, Cooper Hoffman, Jane Krakowski, and Alan Cumming. Comedian Esther Ku served as host alongside DJ Rachel Winters, who spun tracks curated by Cynthia and from the comedians’ walk-on playlists.

Belgian Artist Stromae Returns With New Music and Nominations

February 13, 2023

a photo of stromae standing on a platform looking out at a crowd

In 2010, Stromae emphatically introduced himself to the world with his electropop track “Alors on danse.” The song reached number one in 12 countries across Europe. The Belgian artist, who has a knack for blending hip-hop and dance music, followed with 2013’s “Papaoutai,” a hit in France, Germany, and Switzerland, among others. But after releasing two successful albums, receiving multiple awards, and performing on stages worldwide, the singer stepped away from the spotlight.

In 2022, Stromae returned in a big way with the release of Multitude, another chart-topper in Europe. He collaborated with Spotify to create a video for the third single off the album, “Fils de Joie.” Four nominations—and two wins—followed at the Victoires de la Musique, a premier music awards ceremony in France, including a nomination for best audiovisual creation for “Fils de Joie.” 

On Spotify, more than 425,000 playlists mention “Stromae,” and more than 25 million playlists include at least one track by the Belgian. Listeners often discover his music on party- and dance-themed playlists. And while his songs are sung in French, after France, the top countries streaming Stromae include Germany, the U.S. the Netherlands, and Mexico.

For the Record caught up with Stromae to learn more about his return to music, the video he created with Spotify, and how it feels to be the most-nominated artist at the Victoires de la Musique.

Multitude was your first album release in nine years. How has your sound evolved since the start of your career?

For this album, I wanted to go further in my musical inspirations and extend them to the whole world. I wanted to use folkloric, traditional sounds from all over the world, no matter what continent. It’s also the first time I collaborated with so many different musicians. I really enjoyed it, and it allowed me to enrich what I already had.

Can you tell us about the “Fils de Joie” music video and its creative direction?

The idea for the video came from Coralie Barbier, my stylist and creative director. We wanted to create a national tribute to a missing sex worker. The idea was to make her a national hero in an imaginary country. The lyrics of the song came to me while watching Faustine Bollaert‘s show, Ca commence aujourd’hui, which talked about the children of sex workers. 

I was very touched by their stories and shocked by the violence of some of the comments made about them. I started from that, and I wanted to take everyone’s point of view (the son, the client, the pimp, and the policeman) except his own [the son’s] because he is never asked for his opinion. It’s a way of highlighting these women who have a very difficult job and who are completely invisible. 

What was it like working with Spotify on the music video?

Spotify’s help allowed us to make a video that lived up to our ambitions. We are really grateful for that. Thanks again to them for their support, and especially to Spotify’s Global Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich!

Why do you think music videos are such a powerful addition to a song? 

I’ve always been a big fan of music videos. It’s a passion I share with Coralie and Luc Van Haver, who is my other creative director and longtime executive director. For us, it’s a way to add an extra dimension to a song and to immerse the audience in a unique universe. 

What was your reaction to your four nominations for the Victoires de la Musique?

I was very honored to learn I was nominated in four categories. It’s the maximum you can get, so it’s very gratifying. I would like to thank all the people who voted for me. It’s very heartwarming.

Mosaert, the creative label you co-founded in 2009, fuses music, visual design, and fashion. Is it important for you to have a creative outlet that expands beyond your music?

Mosaert has allowed me to keep a lot of artistic freedom since I started. My label produces everything I do—all the content we create, the videos, the live shows, the outfits, etc. We love to imagine unique and complete universes that go beyond the music; it allows us to amplify it and add an extra dimension to each creation.

 

Check out the latest music from Stromae on Spotify:

 

Photo credit: Lydie Bonhomme

Set the Mood on Valentine’s Day With a Playlist Curated by Michael Bublé, a Blend With Your Soulmate, or the Top-Streamed Love Songs

February 8, 2023

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and chocolates and flowers aren’t the only things that should be top of mind. What music will you have queued up for the drive to dinner? What’s the perfect soundtrack for a little at-home slow dancing? We have some suggestions on how lovebirds can get in on the musical fun together. 

We Blend together

When it comes to music, are you and your significant other “two peas in a pod,” or more “opposites attract”? Spotify’s Blend feature can help you celebrate whatever mix-and-match music style you share.  

Start by heading over to Your Library, tap the “+,” and hit “Blend.” Then you can invite your friend, lover, or crush to join the fun. Once they accept, you’ll unlock a shared playlist and a personalized taste match score to compare your listening preferences. From “Relationship Rising” to “Off the Charts,” you can share your score (and love) loudly and proudly with friends on social media.

If there’s not a special someone in your life right now, you can still get in on the Blend fun by creating a unique playlist with your favorite artist crush, like BTS, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, The Chainsmokers, Post Malone, and Charli XCX.

Creators and Fans Celebrate the Playfulness of Wrapped Around the World

December 8, 2022

a DJ playing music at a wrapped event in pakistan

In case you missed it, last week Spotify unveiled 2022 Wrapped. To toast the highly anticipated year-end toplist reveals, the unparalleled user and creator experiences, and the beloved data stories, we hosted Wrapped-themed parties in cities across the globe. This year’s Wrapped is all about self-expression and play—celebrating the two-way connections that bring millions of creators and fans together through audio each and every day. From Paris to Karachi, our events invited fans, creators, and influencers to celebrate how they listened in 2022, and encouraged them to revel in activities that highlighted their music listening personalities.

France

For its 2022 year-end retrospective, Spotify France opened the doors of its Wrapped Café, a temporary space in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. The pop-up space gave fans a new way to extend their Wrapped experience into real life. Visitors had the chance to control the venue’s playlist, get a personalized Wrapped Café t-shirt, capture the night in a photobooth with custom audio personality filters, and play Wrapped-themed arcade games.

Over the course of the four-day event, French artists and podcast creators performed at the café. Fans had the chance to enjoy performances by rapper Fresh la Peufra, singer and EQUAL ambassador Chilla, and artist Bianca Costa. Attendees also took part in a live recording of the Spotify Original history podcast Oyez, Oh Yeah with cohosts Manon Bril and Alex Ramires.

Casa Spotify Medallo Brings Together the Finest Talent in Medellín

October 13, 2022

image of colombian artists with the text Casa Medallo over it

It’s no surprise that Medellín has become an epicenter of Latin music. The sound of the city, which adopted reggaeton as its own a couple of decades ago, echoes around the world thanks to stars like J Balvin and KAROL G.

At Spotify, we’re taking our support of Colombian talent to the next level with Casa Spotify Medallo. Located in Plaza Botero across from the Museum of Antioquia, a venue that holds historical importance for the city’s rich musical tradition, the four-week program will become a meeting place for both stars and emerging talent in the urban genre. From artists and producers to composers and podcast hosts, creators across the industry are invited.

A bevy of performances and programs for artists

Between October 11 and November 3, the venue will house recording studios and a space for live performances with a lineup that includes Ryan Castro, Farina, and Ovy On The Drums. All the artists will be performing new music for their fans, beginning with “Empeliculados” from Ovy On The Drums, featuring ZARAMAY and Elniko Arias. The soon-to-be hits will be available in a special series of Spotify Singles within the next month.

In addition, a selection of loyal fans will have the opportunity for a meet and greet with some of the artists, like Feid, Blessd, and Farina.

This generation of artists has cemented the country’s reputation as a talent-exporting powerhouse. 

a graphical depiction of top stats related to colombian artists

 

Medellín is also the mecca of musical production in the urban genre. Casa Spotify Medallo will bring together composers and producers behind the hits that are conquering the Spotify charts in both Latin America and around the world. Ovy On The Drums, The Rudeboyz, Sky Rompiendo, and SOG will present a series of keynotes where they share their advice with up and coming producers. 

A place for songwriters to hone their craft

As part of Spotify’s Noteable program, The Rudeboyz (a producer duo formed by Chan El Genio and Kevin ADG and who are behind hits like Maluma‘s “Hawaii” and Shakira‘s “Me Enamoré”) will conduct a three-day work session where they will work with songwriters like Vibarco, Itzza Primera, and Juan Duque to create new music.

Later in the schedule, these studios will be converted to Noteable rooms and will be open to use for any emerging songwriters, producers, and artists who have registered.

A schedule chock-full of workshops and panels

The heart of Casa Spotify Medallo is a daily program that will offer more than 70 educational and inspirational activities in formats such as workshops and panels. In addition to these courses, we will also launch MUdaL, a learning platform created by Music Ally and Relatable, with the support of Spotify for Artists.

Casa Spotify Medallo is the first initiative of its kind in Latin America focused on providing audio professionals with the tools and educational resources necessary to develop their careers. The program is all-encompassing, covering topics like how to make the best use of Spotify tools and the basics of different aspects of the industry—from publishing rights to tours and marketing.

These sessions also include an EQUAL panel. EQUAL is Spotify’s program that seeks to foster gender equality in the industry, and this panel will feature artists Farina and Mabiland and designer Daniela Valencia, creator of the TRUE brand.

A place for emerging artists and podcast creators to shine

At the launch of Casa Spotify Medallo, we asked emerging artists to submit music for consideration to our editors. Some of these artists will have the opportunity to participate in the Mercadito, a session in alliance with Circulart, the city’s most reputable music industry market. These artists will be able to present their projects and receive feedback from experts. 

The venue will also host a showcase with talent from the RADAR Andinos program, the Spotify program that, for more than two years, has put the spotlight on new talent such as Blessd, Nath, and ICON, among others.

Casa Spotify Medallo will offer workshops for up-and-coming podcast creators, and the topics will cover everything from show planning to production to how to use Anchor tools.

“Our goal is to establish Spotify as the home of creators. A place where artists, composers, producers, and creators can develop their careers and live off their art,” says Mia Nygren, General Manager of Spotify in Latin America. “And what better place to make this vision a reality than Medellín, a city that has an enormous influence on the music heard around the world.”

Artists, producers, composers, and podcast creators interested in participating in Casa Spotify Medallo can register and find the complete schedule of activities here. 

Spotify’s editorial playlists are perfect for fans looking to discover the emerging sounds of Medellín and the next wave of Paisa talent. Barras 24 features hip-hop, trap, and R&B music; Reggaetoncito highlights the latest pop-reggaeton sounds; and Pa’Perrear spotlights perreo and reggaeton tracks. If you’re not sure where to jump in, we recommend giving Pa’Perrear a listen below:

Casa Spotify Medallo reúne a lo más fino del talento de Medellín

October 13, 2022

image of a colombian artist with the text Casa Medallo over it

No sorprende que Medellín se haya convertido en un epicentro de la música latina. El sonido de la ciudad, que adoptó como propio el reguetón hace un par de décadas, resuena en todo el mundo gracias a estrellas como J Balvin y KAROL G.

En Spotify, estamos llevando nuestro apoyo al talento colombiano al siguiente nivel con Casa Spotify Medallo. Ubicada en la Plaza Botero frente al Museo de Antioquia, un recinto de importancia histórica por la rica tradición musical de la ciudad, el programa de cuatro semanas se convertirá en un lugar de encuentro tanto para estrellas en ascenso como para talentos emergentes del género urbano. Desde artistas y productores hasta compositores y presentadores de podcasts, los creadores que son el alma de la industria están invitados.

Variedad de espectáculos y programas para artistas

Entre el 11 de octubre y el 3 de noviembre, el recinto albergará estudios de grabación y un espacio para presentaciones en vivo con una alineación que incluye a Ryan Castro, Farina y  Ovy On The Drums. Todos los artistas interpretarán música nueva para sus fanáticos, comenzando con “Empeliculados” de Ovy On The Drums, con ZARAMAY y Elniko Arias. Los próximos éxitos estarán disponibles en una serie especial de Spotify Singles durante el próximo mes.

Además, los fans más fieles de artistas como Feid, Blessd y Farina en la plataforma tendrán la oportunidad de conocerlos y convivir en un ambiente íntimo.

Esta generación de artistas ha cimentado la reputación del país como una potencia exportadora de talento.

a graphical depiction of top stats related to colombian artists

 

Medellín es también la meca de la producción musical en el género urbano. Casa Spotify Medallo reunirá a los compositores y productores detrás de los éxitos que están conquistando los charts de Spotify, tanto en América Latina como en el mundo. Ovy On The Drums, The Rudeboyz, Sky Rompiendo y SOG  estarán presentes una serie de charlas donde compartirán sus consejos con productores emergentes.

Un lugar para que los compositores perfeccionen su oficio

Como parte del programa Noteable de Spotify, The Rudeboyz (dúo de productores formado por Chan El Genio y Kevin ADG que están detrás de éxitos como “Hawaii” de Maluma y “Me Enamoré” de Shakira) realizarán una sesión de trabajo de tres días en la que que trabajarán con compositores como Vibarco, Itzza Primera y Juan Duque para crear nueva música.

Más adelante en el calendario, estos estudios se convertirán en salas Noteable y estarán abiertos para que los usen los compositores, productores y artistas emergentes que se hayan registrado.

Una agenda repleta de talleres y paneles

El corazón de Casa Spotify Medallo es un programa diario que ofrecerá más de 70 actividades educativas e inspiradoras en formatos como talleres y paneles. Además de estos cursos, también lanzaremos MUdaL, una plataforma de aprendizaje creada por Music Ally y Relatable, con el apoyo de Spotify para Artistas.

Casa Spotify Medallo es la primera iniciativa de su tipo en América Latina enfocada en brindar a los profesionales del audio las herramientas y los recursos educativos necesarios para desarrollar sus carreras. El programa cubre temas como cómo hacer el mejor uso de las herramientas de Spotify y los conceptos básicos de diferentes aspectos de la industria, desde los derechos de publicación hasta las giras y el marketing.

Estas sesiones también incluyen un panel EQUAL. EQUAL es el programa de Spotify que busca fomentar la igualdad de género en la industria, y este panel contará con las artistas Farina y Mabiland junto a la diseñadora Daniela Valencia, creadora de la marca TRUE.

Un lugar para que brillen los artistas emergentes y los creadores de podcasts

En el lanzamiento de Casa Spotify Medallo, les pedimos a los artistas emergentes que enviaran música para la consideración de nuestros editores. Algunos de estos artistas tendrán la oportunidad de participar en el Mercadito, una sesión en alianza con Circulart, el mercado de la industria musical más reputado de la ciudad. Estos artistas podrán presentar sus proyectos y recibir retroalimentación de expertos.

El recinto también albergará un showcase con talento del programa RADAR Andinos, el programa de Spotify que, desde hace más de dos años, ha puesto el foco en talentos emergentes como Blessd, Nath y ICON, entre otros.

Casa Spotify Medallo también ofrecerá talleres para creadores de podcasts emergentes, desde la planificación del programa hasta la producción, utilizando las herramientas de Anchor.

“Nuestro objetivo es establecer Spotify como el hogar de los creadores. Un lugar donde artistas, compositores, productores y creadores puedan desarrollar sus carreras y vivir de su arte”, dice Mia Nygren, Gerente General de Spotify en América Latina. “Y qué mejor lugar para hacer realidad esta visión que Medellín, una ciudad que tiene una enorme influencia en la música que se escucha en todo el mundo”.

Los artistas, productores, compositores y creadores de podcasts interesados ​​en participar en Casa Spotify Medallo pueden registrarse y encontrar el cronograma completo de actividades aquí.

Las playlists editoriales de Spotify son perfectas para los fanáticos que buscan descubrir los sonidos emergentes de Medellín y la próxima ola de talento paisa. Barras 24 presenta música hip-hop, trap y R&B; Reggaetoncito destaca los últimos sonidos pop-reggaeton; y Pa’Perrear destaca pistas de perreo y reggaeton. Si no estás seguro de dónde empezar, te recomendamos que escuches a Pa’Perrear a continuación: