Tag: Omar Apollo

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month on Spotify With Our ‘Estamos Ready’ Campaign

September 20, 2023

Latinx culture continues to set the tone around the world, as evidenced by the rise of genres like Música Mexicana, corridos, and urbano. September 15 through October 15 marks Latinx Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating with our “Estamos Ready” campaign, honoring the stories, the diversity, and the power of Latinx creators and fans. 

On our dedicated Latinx Heritage Month hub, listeners can discover top playlists, including Hyphenated, Mixto, Fuego, and Los Que Mandan, as well as podcasts, like I.E In Friends, Gay & Afraid with Eric Sedeño, The Super Secret Bestie Club, and Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee.

We also wanted to explore the impact of Latin music in the U.S., so we took a look at Spotify listener data from every U.S. state. We discovered that Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny are lighting up the Latin streaming charts, with each standing as the most popular artist in 31 states and 15 states, respectively. Meanwhile, Música Mexicana (26 states), Trap Latino (12 states), and urbano (10 states) represent the most popular genres.

Top 10 U.S. States With the Highest Percentage of Latin Music Streams on Spotify

(June 15–September 15)

  1. Texas
  2. California
  3. Florida
  4. Nevada
  5. Arizona
  6. New Mexico
  7. Illinois
  8. New Jersey
  9. Georgia
  10. Utah

Over the past few years, Latin music on Spotify has also seen rapid growth in some surprising states. Between September 2020 and September 2023, Latin music streams in North Dakota surged an impressive 370%, followed by a 284% bump in Minnesota and a 253% increase in Mississippi. Indiana, the home state of Latinx star Omar Apollo, has seen its Latin music streams grow by 182%.

In addition to our data discoveries, For the Record also chatted with Omar, along with artists Kali Uchis, DannyLux, Elena Rose, and Prince Royce, to find out more about their favorite aspects of Latinx culture. 

How does your culture bring joy to your music?

Prince Royce: I’ve been visiting the Dominican Republic since I was very young, and I think in general, there is a lot of life in the culture. They are always dancing, which comes with genres like merengue and bachata. Dominicans love to party. My family, for example, will come up with any excuse for a barbeque, a birthday party, a baby shower, or a get together, and that definitely reflects a lot in my music. 

Omar Apollo: When I first started doing shows, it was all really young Latino kids in the crowd. I was probably like 19 when I started touring. I am from Indiana, and there wasn’t much of a diaspora of Latino kids. Going around the world showed me there was somewhere that people can find community in the music, celebrate how we grew up, and share the same stories. It’s beautiful. 

Explain your Latinx accent in one sentence.

DannyLux: I think my accent is more of a Mexicali accent from Baja California, because I basically grew up there. Whenever I go to another part of Mexico they tell me that I have a different accent.

Prince Royce: Definitely a very New York/Spanglish accent.

Elena Rose: My accent in one sentence has to be: Caraqueña/Boriqua/Hialeah from Miami. Venezolana because of my parents, so Caracas is there. Puerto Rico because that is where I lived as a kid. And I stayed in Hialeah for almost six years so yeah, I have the Miami right there—the 305, baby!

What is one thing from your culture that you want to share with the rest of the world?

Kali Uchis: One thing I would share with everybody about my culture is definitely our food. I feel like everybody loves food, everybody should have a good arepa, a good Colombian hot dog. All of our snacks, the salty and the sweet combinations, everybody should try it!

Elena Rose: I really like burning palo santo wood. I think it’s been more popular in recent years. And I really like ginger, honey, and lemon tea. That just recently saved me from a very bad cold!

Omar Apollo: It would probably be chilaquiles because I love chilaquiles and I think everyone should have chilaquiles. I am not sure if other Latino communities make chilaquiles, but the ones that my mom makes . . . anyone would go crazy for them!

What’s your favorite Spanish word (or phrase) that’s original to your culture? 

Omar Apollo: It’s probably chambear, which means “to work.” You know, the girls are always working—they are clocked in, they’re ready to go. You can say “chambas,” “estamos en una chamba,” “ando chambeando,” whatever you want to say. That’s my favorite; I say it all the time. 

Kali Uchis: I think my favorite Latin phrases have always been “sin miedo,” but also “sana, sana, colita de rana.”

DannyLux: My favorite phrase is that “everything happens for a reason,” and I always live thinking about that, and I know it has a lot of truth.

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by discovering the hottest sounds on our Fuego mixtape.

Spotify’s Guide to the Best New Artists of 2023

February 3, 2023

Spotify Best New Artist Party in LA

Photo credit: Getty for Spotify

For the past seven years, Spotify has played host to an annual celebration of the very best rising stars in the game who’ve realized their dreams of receiving a coveted and well-earned nomination for Best New Artist. 

As a pioneer in music discovery and growth, we’ve long been committed to supporting emerging artists across all genres and sounds—from Latin and R&B to indie rock and pop—helping them amplify their stories and connect with new fans across the globe. This year’s 10 Best New Artist nominees—Anitta, Omar Apollo, DOMi & JD BECK, Muni Long, Samara Joy, Latto, Måneskin, Tobe Nwigwe, Molly Tuttle, and Wet Leg—reflect a diverse, genre-spanning group of artists whose singular voices and styles have captivated listeners all over the globe. 

And they all gathered last night at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood for some time on the red carpet, a bit of wining and dining, and an unforgettable evening celebrating the nominees’ global achievements in music. The evening featured breakthrough live music performances from all of this year’s dynamic contenders in the category, along with a special DJ set from CoCo & Breezy and a surprise set from DJ Pee .Wee, aka Anderson .Paak.

Spotify’s Latest Fresh Finds Class Delivers a New Wave of Independent Artists

October 5, 2022

Since its debut in 2016, Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist series has served as a launchpad for developing artists. Previously showcasing stars like Clairo, Omar Apollo, and Aminé—who now each attract millions of monthly listeners. In total, Fresh Finds has featured more than 40,000 independent artists, and in 2022, Fresh Finds–featured artists saw their total monthly streams grow by an average of 289%.

We continued our support of the latest developing artists we are excited about by evolving Fresh Finds into a marketing initiative in 2021, providing support, resources, and mentorship to help with these artists’ career development. Last year, we worked with eight artists—including EKKSTACY, Wallice, TOLEDO, and Doss—to help them reach 6.5 million new listeners and grow their followers by an average of 50%. Earlier this year, we built on our Fresh Finds momentum by working with the likes of Delaney Bailey, Jhariah, Carter Faith, and Alemeda. 

Now we’re excited to present our newest group of Fresh Finds artists who have been making waves and are ready to take the next step toward stardom: emlyn, Avenoir, Paty B, and Blondshell. 

As part of the program, each artist will release a Spotify Singles song on October 19 and will have access to the following to help them further their careers over the long run:

  • Education and resources: Each artist will have access to personalized master classes and mentorship, best practices and credits for Spotify for Artists tools like Marquee, and more. 
  • Marketing support: All four artists and their associated collaborators will be featured in a major marketing campaign on- and off-platform that includes social content, out of home, on-platform promotion, and press support.
  • Creative collaboration: In partnership with our Noteable songwriter and publishing team, a key piece of this initiative is to highlight the producers/songwriters that craft the brand new tracks alongside the featured artists.
    • emlyn has chosen to work with producer AlexV.
    • Avenoir has chosen to work with YmxBeats.
    • Paty B has chosen to work with Kuinvi.
    • Blondshell has chosen to work with producer Yves Rothman.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the latest class of Fresh Finds artists and collaborators. This group represents some of the best new talent from an amazing community of indie creators, and their Spotify Singles illustrate the talent, diversity, and high caliber of music being created by the next generation of artists,” says Jesse Jacobsen, Spotify’s U.S. Indies Lead of Artist & Label Partnerships. “Since launching this marketing initiative in early 2021, we’ve watched previous Fresh Finds artists take their careers to the next level—touring the world and playing sold-out shows for their fans. Being a part of this discovery process is a huge honor for the entire Fresh Finds team.”

Curious what the latest Fresh Finds class is cooking up? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

emlyn 

This emerging alt-pop singer-songwriter has been featured on the cover of the SALT playlist three times and her music has been streamed globally more than 70 million times. Following the release of her debut album, her second album, loneliest b!tch in america, reached the Top 10 on Spotify’s U.K. charts. emlyn is currently preparing for her first headline tour across nine cities in North America. 

“Getting chosen as Spotify’s Fresh Finds pick this year is more than just a title to me,” emlyn told For the Record. “Only a little over a year ago, I made my first Fresh Finds playlist when I was just starting to release music, so being recognized now in this way is a true honor.” 

Speaking with emyln’s collaborator AlexV about the Fresh Finds experience, he was impressed with the level of support. 

“Being a part of the Fresh Finds program is an incredible opportunity. The Spotify team has been extremely supportive throughout the entire creative process and has provided a platform for independent creators to thrive.” 

Avenoir 

Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer Avenoir has been making noise in the underground R&B space, pulling inspiration from artists like Static Major, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Aaliyah. A blend of nostalgic drums from the early ’90s accompanied with neo-soul melodies and a sensuous tone help describe his ever-evolving sound. Coming off the success of his latest single, “Shameless,” the multi-instrumentalist is ready to make a name for himself in the world of R&B. 

“I’m trying to make timeless music that inspires people for generations,” Avenoir explained. “What started as me making music with my friends has turned into the opportunity to share it with the world. Spotify is changing the game for independent artists, and I am grateful to be a part of this program.”

When asked about what he and Avenoir have in store for their Spotify Single, producer YmxBeats struck a nostalgic chord. 

 “I want to bring back a sound that hasn’t been heard in a while and make it my own,” he said. “I am blessed to have Spotify showcase what I can do as a producer.”

Paty B

Born in Miami and raised in Lecheria, Venezuela, Paty B has been influenced by her Venezuelan-Dutch father, who was a jazz musician, producer, pianist, and arranger. With her family’s support, Paty B began singing at the age of four and performing at the age of 12—before also training to become a classical ballet dancer. Paty B burst onto the global musical scene in 2021 with her debut single, “Peo Que Resaca.” And earlier this year she released her debut album, GOTEO, which she describes as a “transparent expression of love, sexuality, and passion from the divine feminine perspective.” Soon after her album release, Paty B found herself the face of numerous official playlists, including Fresh Finds. 

“Being part of the Fresh Finds program means a lot for me,” Paty B said. “As an independent Latin artist, I feel so proud and honored to have the support and to be able to share my music with the world, representing not only my roots but a generation that is electric, diverse, free, and limitless.”

As for Paty B’s collaborator Kuinvi, the chance to push the sonic envelope excites her the most. 

“As an artist and producer my greatest joy is to create music that transcends in a true, relevant way,” she remarked. “This program is at the forefront of what’s next in music so being featured on it this year is truly an honor for me.” 

Blondshell 

Growing up in the middle of New York City in the early 2000s, Blondshell was inspired by legends such as Patti Smith, Joy Division, and The Velvet Underground. Now based in LA, the singer-songwriter describes her music as the “angriest, clearest, and most vulnerable” side of her personality. Although her tones are predominantly dark and brooding, there is a bright sense of hope that shines through tracks like “Olympus” and others with confessional lyricism and adventurous song structures. 

“Being chosen for Fresh Finds is such an amazing opportunity for indie artists, and hopefully it helps more people connect with my music,” said Blondshell. 

On working with Blondshell, producer Yves Rothman explained:  “For me the most exciting part of producing is working with new artists, helping them realize their vision, bringing all the ideas that have been keeping them up at night their whole life and finally getting that out and into the world.”

As with past programs, Spotify will document each artist’s journey, and we’ll be amplifying the process in a variety of ways, including with social video content. So keep an eye out to discover more about these four promising talents as they step into the spotlight.

Looking for more of the hottest songs from DIY and independent artists? Stream our Fresh Finds playlist below.

 

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month With the Launch of Our New Playlist, De TODO

September 30, 2022

We are De TOTO cover art

Taking place in the U.S. between September 15 and October 15 each year, Latinx Heritage Month honors the many contributions this unique and vibrant culture has made to American society. This is why Spotify has launched a new campaign, “De TODO,” which highlights some of our listeners’ favorite voices from the Latinx community and shows what makes them 200% (100% American and 100% Latin). Serving to uplift rising Latinx artists, “De TODO” also demonstrates how the Latin community is made up of un poquito de todo—or a little bit of everything. 

Latin culture is incredibly rich and diverse, and the music and sounds emanating from it are as well. To further highlight the nuance and fluidity of Latinx identity—and to encourage listeners to discover these varied sounds—we’ve launched a new playlist with the same name. Spanning genres from Mexican music to indie rock, De TODO features artists such as Omar Apollo, Mariah Angeliq, The Marias, and Villano Antillano. Proving that Latinx culture is more than Reggaeton and Bachata, this playlist mixes the sounds, artists, and languages around the world that have inspired and influenced Latinx creators.

“De TODO showcases some of the most exciting Latin acts coming out of the U.S. and Puerto Rico and gives a nod to the ones who have paved the way,” said Antonio Vázquez, Head of U.S. Latin Editorial at Spotify. “In an effort to acknowledge the diversity and richness of Latin culture, we want to surprise listeners by encouraging them to discover new sounds they might not be exposed to regularly.”

As part of the campaign, Spotify is partnering with the 9AM Banger—a famous morning party that’s popping up in Miami for the first time—to offer giveaways, an artist performance featured in the De TODO Campaign, and branded moments. And to continue our mission of supporting the next generation of Latinx creators, Spotify has extended grants to community partners around the country including Education Through Music LA, Education Through Music NYC, Tocando, Yes We Can World Foundation, and Young Musicians Unite.

But even beyond Latinx Heritage Month, we’ll continue to work year-round to amplify the voices of the Latinx community. This includes globally—both on-platform and off-platform—through their RADAR programs, live events, and creator campaigns. So stay tuned for more exclusive content in the future.

Looking for the latest sounds from the top Latinx artists? Press play below to start streaming De TODO: