Tag: New Orleans

Go Behind the Scenes With Our New Podcast, ‘Spotify: For the Record’

For the past two years, For the Record has shared big Spotify moments with you. Now, we’re taking listeners even deeper behind the scenes with our new podcast, Spotify: For the Record. This new series features interviews with Spotify employees and industry experts as we dive into major moments in music, podcasting and tech. We’ve already seen that what’s happening in the world is reflected on Spotify; with this podcast, we take that one step further as we discuss cultural events, listening trends, the tech behind our platform, and more.

Our first three episodes are already live. In the latest one, we talked to Katy Perry, as well as Ariel Rechtshaid, Wesley Bunch, and Ben Jaffe, to see how they’re staying connected to their fans and their music during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Learn more about our episodes below.

Artists & Creativity During COVID-19 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, artists, producers, and venue owners are looking for—and finding—creative solutions to stay connected with fans. Katy Perry gives us a peek behind the curtain on how she adapted to deliver her new album, Smile, while producer Ariel Rechtshaid reveals what happens when the recording studio is silent. Wesley Bunch, lead singer of the Philadelphia-based indie band, Suburban Living, shares the impact of not being on the road. And we hear from Ben Jaffe, who runs Preservation Hall in New Orleans, on his mission to save the venue and support his fellow jazz musicians.

Podcasts: The Medium of the Moment

Podcasting is fast becoming the medium of the moment, with more than 1.5 million shows now on Spotify—half of which launched this year alone. Household names such as Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and now Michelle Obama are attracting millions of new fans to the already booming podcasting world. Spotify’s commitment to all things audio is driving financial results too. In this episode, hear from CEO Daniel Ek and CFO Paul Vogel as they outline the key roles podcasting is playing in the company’s strategy. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/12CG1dcTe0QUu1lcbj2Uyf?si=6PbjHacBRiuXgT50byHXsQ

Supporting the Black Community

In this episode, we discuss how cultural moments are often reflected in the music we listen to, zeroing in on the racial justice movement of today. Cohosted by Xavier “X” Jernigan, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Spotify, and Shanon Cook, Spotify’s Culture and Trends Expert, we’ll hear from members of the Spotify team including Safiya Lambie-Knight, Artist & Label Partnerships Lead, Dawn Ostroff, Chief Content Officer, and Cherise Bernard, Senior Recruiter and Head of Spotify’s employee resource group BLK. In this episode, we discuss what we’ve seen on our platform and what Spotify is doing to elevate Black voices and support the Black community, both inside and outside our walls. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2j7oFO9YqMEPelug3KTrx3?si=xKCGJiYOSWCuq9SgXX9hsg

Be sure to follow the show so you’re in the loop when new episodes drop. And check out The Spotify News Hub for additional podcasts and playlists showcasing our news and views.

 

The “Podcasts: The Medium of the Moment” and “Supporting the Black Community” episodes are no longer available as of November 2021, however you can get more great stories and news delivered audibly by following our podcasts, Spotify: For the Record, Spotify: Mic Check, and Spotify: Discover This.

Stream the Music of Mardi Gras As if You’re on Bourbon Street

Most people associate Mardi Gras with masks, parades, and projectile beads. But in New Orleans, the annual U.S. celebration before Ash Wednesday is all about beats. While similar celebrations—including bigger, louder, and older ones, like Rio de Janeiro’s colossal Carnival—are packed with parades and music, only New Orleans reflects the sounds of the celebration in their daily streaming.

According to our data, revelers in the Big Easy blast music by some of the city’s well-regarded local artists from Saturday straight through Fat Tuesday. Only New Orleans has a continuous soundtrack of sorts. In several of the world’s other Carnival hot spots—Rio; Venice, Italy; Quebec City, Canada; and Binche, Belgium—the locals stream popular international hits from the top 50—as opposed to music specific to the celebration.

If you want to feel like you just spent the day shuffling through the crowds in the French Quarter, look below to see some of the most popular songs that have been streamed consistently in New Orleans during Mardi Gras over the past five years.

Iko Iko,” by Dr. John

This version of a classic, much-covered 1953 song is from the 1972 album Dr. John’s Gumbo (a tribute to New Orleans), and was named by Rolling Stone to the list of 500 greatest albums of all time. Dr. John’s “Right Place Wrong Time” also enjoys heavy streaming during Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Mambo,” by The Meters

This song, as its title suggests, is dedicated to celebrating the festival “down in New Orleans where the blues was born.” Originally recorded in 1953, this cover by New Orleans funk icons The Meters is considered a Mardi Gras anthem. “Hey Pocky A-Way,” “Fire on the Bayou,” and “Cissy Strut” are also streaming favorites in New Orleans during the festivities.

Do Whatcha Wanna,” by Rebirth Brass Band

Since they formed in 1983, Rebirth has become and remained one of the most prolific New Orleans jazz artists. Fast-paced and upbeat, their music is perfect for Mardi Gras. Rebirth songs “Casanova” and “I Feel Like Funkin’ It Up” also enjoy a Mardi Gras bump.

Big Chief,” by Earl King

Basically a parade for your ears, this song has been covered countless times, including by Dr. John. The original, though, was written and recorded by Earl King, who was born and raised in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” by Professor Longhair

First released in 1949, this song’s title says it all. Professor Longhair’s upbeat, blues-driven piano style earned him a spot in the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981, the year after his death. That’s him on piano on “Big Chief,” listed above.

September, by Earth, Wind & Fire

Although the revered funk band is from Chicago, not New Orleans, this disco classic is essential for any party playlist.

Carnival Time,” by Bo Dollis

Bo Dollis was Big Chief of Mardi Gras Indian tribe The Wild Magnolias, which also performs as a New Orleans funk band. The song was originally written and recorded by singer and pianist Al Johnson, a New Orleans native. Here’s his original version of the song.

Looking for more music to party in the streets with? Check out Spotify’s Mardi Gras Party playlist.