Tag: Partnership

Spotify and Peloton Partner to Help You Break a Sweat Without Missing a Beat

Whether you’re just warming up or at the peak of your fitness routine, the right song can change your entire workout—as can the right instructor. This is something both Spotify and Peloton know well: Working out is one of the top listening moments on Spotify, and music is vital to the Peloton experience. 

We saw this last year when Peloton Instructors Olivia Amato and Kendall Toole introduced two new guided musical fitness experiences on Peloton that were paired to the sounds of Spotify’s Power Hour playlist. We also introduced the Track Love feature, which allows fitness buffs to save their favorite Spotify tunes as they sweat. Now Spotify and Peloton are taking their partnership to the next level, combining their strengths to bring fans the very best of fitness and audio.

Starting today, Peloton is taking center stage on Spotify’s Workout Hub. The fitness brand now has a dedicated Curated by Peloton shelf within the hub that showcases seven playlists from their world-class Instructors and popular fitness disciplines. They include Running by Peloton, Tunde Oyeneyin’s Playlist, Strength by Peloton, and more. These curated playlists offer an inside look into the songs featured in class, as well as the Instructors who teach with music that’s perfect for any workout. In addition to Tunde, this month we showcase the playlists of a diverse group of superstar Peloton Instructors, including Peloton’s VP of Fitness Programming, Robin Arzón, Tread and Strength Instructor Adrian Wiliams, Yoga Instructor Mariana Fernández, and Cycling and Strength Instructor Ally Love

To celebrate, we curated co-branded workout classes with Peloton featuring songs from some of our most popular playlists, like Today’s Top Hits, Door Knockers, Lofi Beats, Indigo, and Baila Reggaeton, to play across their programming. Whether you’re gearing up for Cycling, Tread, Strength, or Yoga, you can work out to the top tunes through these new classes on Peloton. 

Not sure where to start? Try signing into your Spotify account and then taking the new “Find Your Instructor” quiz. Based on a few quick questions and listening behavior, listeners can find out which Peloton Instructor’s music tastes best matches their own. The personalized pairings make a harmonious connection based on a listener’s workout goals and favorite beats.

And speaking of Instructors, For the Record had a conversation that will get your heart racing. We spoke with one of Peloton’s most challenging and motivating Cycling and Bike Bootcamp Instructors, Tunde Oyeneyin, about the music that keeps her energized.

For newcomers to Peloton, how would you describe your class and the experience?

I like to say, “I will always push you, but I will never let you fall.” I love teaching challenging classes because I love being the vessel that provides people with access to an even greater version of themselves. When people unclip after a class with me, they feel like they just achieved more than they thought they were capable of.

How does music fit into your classes and your approach to teaching?

What makes a class is the structure, the sound, the music. Saying the right thing at the right moment. All of it is what builds the show. 

Who I am musically—my taste, my choice, my love for music—I think that is part of what I’m known for at Peloton. People come to me for a couple of different reasons: If they want somebody to motivate the hell out of them, if they’re looking to be challenged, and if they want a really great playlist. The music on my playlist is definitely a factor that draws people in. And I think sometimes people may not necessarily want the challenge, but they’re so addicted to the playlist that that usually pulls them in. I’m very intentional. In order to do what I am requiring of you, what I’m asking of you, you have to have a soundtrack that propels you. 

Music is the drive. My hope is always that I pulled songs and arranged them in an order that allows you to untap and reach for that day’s best.

Can you walk us through how you pick the music for your classes?

I spend a lot of time on the music front. I’m definitely an Instructor that leads with music. I think the music creates the tone. The best classes are like a really great book—there’s a beginning, a middle, and an end. There are ebbs and flows. Every moment can’t be the highest moment, the hardest moment. There needs to be balance. So I use the music to not only balance, but also to tell a story.

And then the BPM, or beats per minute, of a track really helps to create the program, whether we’re on a flat road or the biggest hill of our lives. Life isn’t flat, meaning there are highs and lows, there are peaks and valleys. I try to use music to illustrate that as I program the class.

Do you have a go-to artist or song to bring an energy boost at the end of class?

Beyoncé, Drake, and Ariana Grande are among my list of go-to artists. People who ride with me know that if I play “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child and then anything by Outkast, Missy Elliot, or DMX—if you see that as a finisher—it’s probably a crazy class.

What are you listening to outside of the Peloton studio?

I think people would be shocked to know how much house music I love outside of my Peloton playlist. I’m also a big fan of alternative music, like I love The Killers. I love Coldplay. I’ve got a wildly eclectic taste in music. I think it does come across on the bike. I play a pretty vast amount of artists. Everything from hip-hop and pop to rock, Latin, and dance. But in my personal world, it becomes even more eclectic. House is my go-to a lot—and good ’90s R&B, like Ms. Lauryn Hill and Brandy.

When did you begin to love music?

I’ve always loved sound. I’ve always loved dancing. I think that movement is a celebration of life. And if movement is the celebration of life, then music is the vessel that brings that celebration. I grew up in a Nigerian household. My parents are Nigerian, so the drum is like my spirit.

Do you have any advice for people who might be a little intimidated jumping into a class or getting on a bike?

Do it! Do it anyway! Don’t allow your fear to steer. The beauty of uncertainty is infinite possibility. Embrace the uncertainty.

What are you waiting for? Jump, ride, or stretch your way into a new fitness routine. Explore the Curated by Peloton shelf for musical inspiration, and find out if you and Tunde share the same eclectic taste by taking our quiz at https://www.onepeloton.com/spotify

*Take our quiz from Canada here, Australia here, and the U.K. here.

Spotify and Riot Games Team Up for an Official League of Legends Esports Partnership

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game League of Legends is the biggest esport in the world. Last year, tournaments were held in over 37 different cities across five continents, with a record-breaking viewership of 21.8 million average minute audience watching the 2019 World Championship Final unfold. But gamers and fans aren’t just playing: they’re also streaming. 

The official League of Legends soundtrack racks up over 4.8 million Spotify listeners per month—a sizable number of both gamers and Spotify users. That’s why Spotify and Riot Games, the video game developer behind League of Legends, are joining forces for a first-of-its-kind multiyear partnership. Spotify is also now the official—and exclusive—audio -streaming partner for League of Legends global events. 

The partnership will also give fans original podcasts, curated playlists, and so much more. Get ready for:

Official League of Legends Esports hub

Music is already important in the League of Legends world, but we’re taking it one step further by creating a hub. Get excited for new and existing music, podcasts, and playlists inspired by the gaming community, including Official League of Legends and Road to Worlds 2020 playlists. Keep an ear out for more coming soon.

Exclusive and original podcasts

Spotify and Riot Games are working to create and launch several new League of Legends podcasts. Untold Stories: Top Moments from Worlds, a 9-episode series leading up to the 10th League of Legends World Championship this fall, will be the first. Listeners will be able to hear about the top players and anthems through game highlights, recorded interviews, game sound effects, and new interviews with key players. Thanks to our extended partnership, we look forward to evolving this podcast over the years to come. 

Elevated music moments

We’re also providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Worlds Anthem through the Worlds Anthem Takeover on Spotify. This highly anticipated track is the hero song of the year. It’s released alongside a bespoke music video and is then performed during the Opening Ceremony of the World Championship Finals, setting the tone and celebrating the big event. In previous years, Riot Games has worked with artists including Imagine Dragons, The Glitch Mob, and Against the Current.

“Music and audio are an intrinsic part of our sport and game, so we are thrilled to partner with Spotify to provide our fans with another platform where they can enjoy the ultimate manifestation of League of Legends,” says Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Partnerships, Riot Games. “As a disrupter in their space similar to Riot Games, Spotify allows us to collectively challenge the limits of possibility as we blend sports, technology, entertainment, and music to create iconic experiences and content that inspire generations.”

June Sauvaget, Global Head of Consumer and Product Marketing, says, “Our partnership with Riot Games will create a first-of-its-kind audio universe for the millions of Spotify and League of Legends fans across the globe. As the exclusive—and first ever—global audio service partner for League of Legends, we plan to create a world-class audio-streaming experience for our users, making discovering both music and podcasts easier than ever before.” 

Can’t wait to stream the music from the esport and game? Check out the Official League of Legends Playlist.

Warner Bros Is Bringing the DC Super Heroes and Super Villains to Spotify as an Exclusive Series of Podcasts

Take it from your favorite super heroes (or even super villains): The League gets the job done. So in the spirit of Batman and Robin, the JLA, or the Birds of Prey, Spotify is entering into a new multiyear partnership with Warner Bros. and DC to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts exclusively on Spotify.

The partnership—the first to involve the intellectual property of the entire DC Universe —will leverage iconic characters in new Spotify shows. Additionally, the companies are expected to draw upon Warner Bros. Studio’s broader collection of timeless titles as stand-alone podcast series. This collaborative and innovative effort will further increase the diverse array of premium storytelling content for Spotify listeners around the world.

Warner Bros. Digital Networks (WBDN) will manage the business and strategy related to the partnership. Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital studio, Blue Ribbon Content (BRC), will oversee the creative relationship and will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify, which will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform.

In addition to producing narratives based on existing characters and franchises from across Warner Bros. and DC, the two entities will also collaborate with Spotify to create new programming from original intellectual property—but more on those crossover events in a future issue.

To be continued . . .

Spotify Premium and Chase Are Teaming Up to Help You Get More

Spotify is excited to announce that we’re teaming up with Chase to help our shared customers unlock even more value.

Eligible Chase customers of select credit cards who are new to Spotify Premium are invited to take advantage of six months of free Spotify Premium.* In addition, current Spotify Premium users can receive a 5% statement credit for a six-month period when using an eligible Chase credit card for Spotify Premium subscription payments.** Eligible cardmembers can enroll by May 31, 2020 to enjoy these perks.

“Our goal is to bring Spotify Premium to new audiences, and we’ve seen the success aligning with world-class partners has had in helping us reach more users,” said Marc Hazan, VP of Premium Partnerships, Spotify. “Working with Chase will bring more opportunities and ways for millions of their cardmembers to experience all of the features available on Spotify Premium, including the ability to listen to 50 million tracks on-demand and ad-free.”

We are excited to work together with Chase and bring even more to our shared users.

 

*The trial offer will be marketed directly to Chase customers

**For terms and conditions, visit https://www.chase.com/getmorenow.

 

5 Fast Facts About Spotify and Samsung’s Partnership Expansion

Back in August, we announced that Spotify had been named Samsung’s new go-to music service provider, bringing a more seamless, multi-device listening experience to their users. Today, we’re excited to share that we’ve brought our partnership to the next level. Spotify will be pre-installed on the newest Samsung mobile devices, so music and podcast lovers can start listening as soon as they turn on their new phone.

Looking forward to a new gadget—and to getting to your favorite music and podcasts even quicker? Here are five fast facts about Spotify and Samsung’s partnership expansion.

  1. It’s a continuation of our announcement last August (ICYMI, Spotify is Samsung’s go-to music service provider)
  2. Spotify will be pre-installed on millions of new Samsung mobile devices globally
  3. Those devices include the soon-to-be-released Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, S10 5G, Galaxy Fold and select Galaxy A Series phones*—so getting a new phone means discovering new music and podcasts that much sooner
  4. Eligible consumers with select Samsung devices in the U.S. will qualify for six months of free Spotify Premium, redeemable in app
  5. From our integration with Bixby, Samsung’s intelligence platform, to our availability across TVs tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches, we’re just getting started.

We’re excited to continue supporting Samsung devices this year to allow Samsung and Spotify users to discover and enjoy music in new ways. You can read even more here and determine if you qualify for the six months of free Spotify Premium.

*Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, S10 5G, Galaxy Fold and select Galaxy A series devices; may vary by region and carrier.

Exploring Spotify’s Creative Content Partnership With Ellen DeGeneres

Spotify and Ellen DeGeneres are cut from the same cloth. We share an insatiable appetite for new music, and we’re both passionate about using the power of music to build culture and community. Now, The Ellen Degeneres Show and Spotify are coming together in an exciting partnership that will create opportunities for new voices to be discovered and enjoyed by millions of listeners.

As Ellen herself said, “I’m so excited to partner with Spotify on my very own music hub because music truly makes everything better. Well, music and salt.”

Spotify users can now find an all-new content Ellen hub based on her incredibly popular show—from the music of artists on her show, to her popular “Ellen on the Go” podcast, and beyond. The innovative partnership, which launched Friday, December 7, puts Ellen center stage on our platform, curating fresh, new Spotify content that old and new fans alike will love.  

We caught up with several of the Spotify band members behind the partnership from across the company to learn about what Ellen and Spotify fans can expect in the year ahead.

What excites you the most about this awesome new partnership with Ellen?

Jamie Herbert, Spotify Head of North American Marketing: Ellen is such a beloved figure around the world, but she’s also a huge music fan and tastemaker, helping to launch the careers of countless new and emerging artists over the years.

We’re excited to help generate exposure for all the artists Ellen is passionate about, whether it’s global music stars or the next big thing. We’ve created a Spotify-first dedicated hub for all of Ellen’s fans to visit and hear what she is listening to right now, including custom playlists of all the artists appearing on the show updated on a regular basis. We’ll also be featuring her Ellen on the Go podcast and in 2019 adding exclusive video clips from the show.

What was the original idea spark for this first-of-its-kind collaboration?

Alex Bodman, Spotify Global Executive Creative Director: This is the first time we’re doing such a high-profile partnership, so I began to think about how we might pitch the creative opportunity to Ellen and her team and what it would look like. I wrote down a few words on a piece of paper. One of them was “irreverent.” One was “progressive.” One was “energy.” Then I wrote the phrase “passionate about culture.” You could take all of these attributes and use them to describe the Spotify brand, but you could just as easily use them to describe the Ellen brand. What you have is two brands that align in a really authentic, natural way with very different audiences.

Richard Frankel, Spotify Global Creative Director, Partner Solutions: Both Ellen and Spotify use our platforms to amplify exposure for new voices, music, and culture trends. We’re focused on establishing content partnerships that help us give a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art, and that gives billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by it. Additionally, working closely with Ellen will be our first experience with marketing to an older audience.

What is it about Spotify and Ellen that makes this an ideal pairing?

Xavier “X” Jernigan, Head of Cultural Partnerships: It’s ideal because it enables us to partner with an influencer to curate an entire category and hub around their brand, and it’s the first time we’ve done so. Ellen’s brand is deeply interwoven with music, as evidenced by the care with which she handpicks musical talent, and by the ways she integrates music into her show. Bringing in specific influencers like this to Spotify is perfect because it opens us up to more opportunities to speak to fans—and an even wider audience—where influencers have already cultivated trust.

Frankel: Ellen represents that embrace of just loving what you love and freely expressing it. Another thing she does really well is find and celebrate lesser-known voices. She takes chances on them in ways that Spotify aims to do. It echoes how we help unknown songs become discovered and, many times, turn into hit songs. On Spotify, a hit song can come out of nowhere, and Ellen has that same unique exposure power. She finds the yodeler in Walmart and turns them into a superstar. We’re so aligned on amplifying those voices, so I think this is going to work really well between us. We share an affinity for the underdog who breaks through in unexpected ways.

What does this groundbreaking partnership say about the evolution of Spotify, and about the evolution of the Ellen brand—and how nimble both brands are at connecting with new and existing audiences?

Herbert: Through this partnership, we can tap into Ellen’s passion for music and provide innovative ways to connect her loyal fanbase with artists across the full spectrum—from undiscovered talent to household names—all through a custom Ellen destination on Spotify.

What can fans look forward to over the next year?

Jernigan: Ellen and her team have curated four exclusive Spotify playlists that fans can look forward to. Loved By Ellen features music that Ellen is loving right now. Twitch’s Favorites is DJ Twitch’s top dance jams. Ellen Show Favorites is a sneak peek of songs played just for guests. And Performed On Ellen highlights artists who have performed on Ellen.

Bodman: Ellen’s playlists will be endless because they’ll be constantly updated. They’ll include the artists and songs Ellen is currently listening to. Some of it will be Bruce Springsteen classics and some of it will be the breakout rapper who just played her show last week. The beauty is that listeners will discover new music and rediscover favorites, all through Ellen’s eclectic, one-of-a-kind lens.

Check out our exclusive new “The Ellen Show” content hub on Spotify here.

The Spotify Holiday Gift Guide Is Here

Festive pajamas, scarves, candles, chocolate … you’ve already exhausted all the go-to gifts for your inner circle. Here’s an obvious but brilliant idea: music. It’s a clear crowd pleaser, and with Spotify, giving the joy of music—to your family, friends, loved ones, or self—may be easier to give than you think.

From a Premium account to a Spotify-compatible wearable, there are plenty of holiday gift options to please everyone—from the pickiest listener to your own music-loving self.

For the bestie who’s always asking what song is playing
We recommend:
 a Spotify digital gift card

Don’t leave them out of the loop. A gentle nudge toward a Premium subscription means hours of ad-free podcasts, uninterrupted song listening, and more features that help keep a person up to date with the latest releases. A generous gift card will make that transition to Premium even smoother. Gift 12 months for $119.88, 6 months for $59.94, 3 months for $29.97, and 1 month for $9.99.

If you’re looking to keep up with the Joneses
We recommend:
 Spotify Premium for Family

The Joneses might not all agree with what to listen to at any given moment, but luckily they don’t have to, because *they* have unlimited access to Spotify’s audio library through their shared account. So why not you too? With a Spotify Premium for Family account, allow the young listeners in your house to keep the older generation savvy with what’s hot right now—and also get really into their parents’ throwback playlists. Bonus: Family master account holders in the US ($14.99 a month for up to six family members) get a Google Home Mini voice speaker as part of their plan for a limited time—so it’s a two-for-one.

For the family member who’s always misplacing their smartphone
We recommend: any smart home device

Forget that phone—with a new smart home device, you can access your music speaker with the sound of your voice. First, download Spotify. Then simply say the name, artist, playlist, or burning question, and the built-in assistant will answer. Plus, most smart home devices are compatible with Spotify Connect, so the music will surround you whenever, wherever.

For the college student who’s too stressed to playlist
We recommend: 
Spotify Premium for Students

We get it, it’s been a tough semester. But no matter how many essays, quizzes, tests, projects, theses, or finals you’ve conquered, there’s always time for a study playlist—or a night off with a movie. So treat yo’ self to Spotify Premium for Students and get access to Spotify Premium—and, if you’re in the US, Hulu and SHOWTIME—for a low monthly price that means you can still afford your textbooks.

For the fitness addict whose playlists are timed to a daily run
We recommend: 
a Spotify-compatible smartwatch

Some come with Spotify pre-installed, so all you have to do is point toward the tunes that get you going. With others, simply download the Spotify app. Either way, it’s a great way to play your music in style.

For the “It’s the thought that counts” friend
We recommend: 
Spotify’s relaunched free version

It’s like the mixtapes you once lovingly curated. Play songs in any order, skip all you want, discover new artists, and create your own playlists. The best part? It doesn’t cost a thing. Instruct them to simply download the app, add some of their favorite artists, and go.

No matter whether you’re buying for yourself or for others, check out our latest Spotify Singles Christmas songs to keep you in the holiday spirit, making your list and checking it twice.

Spotify for Apple Watch Helps You Keep Time With the Music

We’re constantly on the go—whether bouncing between the gym, work, school, errands, or just chilling—and our smartwatches are the tool to help keep us up to speed. Today, Spotify is introducing a new app for the Apple Watch, giving you the ability to seamlessly access and control your favorite music and podcasts without missing a beat.

We know the importance of having music on the go, which is why we’re excited to bring a new Spotify app to our highly mobile users on Apple Watch. With this new app, users can enjoy an improved experience with better control and the ability to seamlessly connect to your speakers or devices. And while we continue to innovate, we have many exciting things coming up —including the ability to listen to your music and podcasts offline.

More activities—more control

Smartwatches let us access the world with a flick of our wrists. Ready to start your run? Hit play from your Apple Watch without having to wrangle your phone out of its running case. Running into a friend as you head into the grocery store? Tap pause to grab a cart and a chat. Not feeling a slow song during your birthday party? Skipping to the track that matches your mood and activity is now as easy as checking your notifications. Or, while listening to your favorite podcast, easily rewind 15 seconds to catch that detail you missed. It’s all right there on the watch face.

Speaking of parties, easily connect your speakers or devices via Spotify Connect to effortlessly DJ from your watch.

Easier access—easier discovery

The new integration with Apple Watch makes accessing your recently played songs simple, even with your phone in your pocket. Plus, if you find a new favorite track while on the go, just tap the ♡ icon on your watch screen to save it to your collection—and then feel free to stream it over and over again.

This new experience will be rolling out to Apple Watch users over the coming week. Make sure that you have the latest version (v.8.4.79) of Spotify, or download it on the App Store—and look out for more updates coming soon.

Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Spotify for Artists Announces Upcoming Integration with DistroKid

Today, we’re happy to announce plans to enhance Spotify for Artists by enabling artists who upload to Spotify, via our recently announced beta feature, to seamlessly distribute their music to other platforms through DistroKid.

For the past five years, DistroKid has served as a go-to service for hundreds of thousands independent artists, helping them deliver their tracks to digital music services around the world, and reaching fans however they choose to consume music. The service has been a trusted and reliable partner to Spotify, which is why they’re a natural choice to enhance the experience for artists using our beta upload feature. As part of this partnership, Spotify has made a passive minority investment in DistroKid.

We’re excited to roll out this new technical integration in the near future, and hope to share more information soon.

Find the Perfect Gaming Music on Spotify

When you’re gaming, you’re in the zone—and you need the music to match. Sometimes the game’s soundtrack is on point (we’re looking at you, Dan Romer and “Far Cry 5”), and other times you wish it could be anything else. That’s why we partner with some of the biggest streaming gaming companies like Twitch and Blizzard, and why we’ve made Spotify available on some of your favorite consoles, including Xbox One. This year, we’re also deepening our partnership with Xbox and fans by returning to Gamescom with an even bigger presence.

Read on to learn about our partnership, playlists, and even the beats per minute behind gaming streaming.

All Fun and Games at Gamescom

Gamescom is Europe’s largest annual gaming convention, and it’s being held in Cologne, Germany, this week (August 22-25). The four-day event showcases demos of the latest top games, innovative accessories, and most current gaming software. The biggest names in gaming brands (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo), developers (Ubisoft, Activision), publishers, influencers, distributors, and media are in attendance.

PWN the Gaming Playlists

Gamescom is the ideal platform to launch Xbox’s Spotify profile and first playlists, featuring the biggest gaming titles of the year. Check ‘em out:

Metro Exodus: Climb aboard and take a stand with these futuristic tracks.

Jasmine Solano Talks the Highs and Lows of Success On New Podcast Series ‘Ebb & Flow’ (Sponsored By New Amsterdam Vodka)

Jasmine Solano knows how to connect with fellow hustlers.

“I’ve been told I’m a mix of Angie Martinez and Oprah when it comes to interviewing artists” she says. “That might be a stretch, but I’ll take it!”

Jasmine is the host of Ebb & Flow, a new podcast from Spotify and New Amsterdam Vodka launching August 20. The five-episode series features candid conversations with rising hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs who have dreamed, worked, and sacrificed their way to the top. As an accomplished DJ, musician, TV host, and influencer herself, Jasmine understands that success doesn’t always come easy, but with talent, dedication, and a little help from the cosmic forces that be, almost anything is possible.

Featuring guests Bryce Vine, GASHI, J.I.D, Saweetie, and Skizzy Mars, Jasmine promises that Ebb & Flow isn’t your “typical” interview series. Raw, personal, and real, it details “the struggles and celebration of the journey.” Below, Jasmine Solano opens up about her own success, how she first launched her career, and how her future with Ebb & Flow was written in the stars.

What was the worst job you ever had?

When I was 17, I worked coat check at a club. There was a good and bad side to that job. Managing 400 coats a night with people losing their tickets and being rude… that was not so fun.

But the DJ, who was generously cool, would let me get on the turntables for a bit at the beginning of the night, before anyone was at the club. I got to practice DJ-ing live there – so my worst job actually became a stepping stone for my future life.

What was the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Keep going. If you’re on the talent or entrepreneurial side, there are highs and lows… which is why Ebb & Flow is such a great name for this podcast. There are so many risks and heartbreaks involved with being an artist and running your own business and brand. It’s so easy to quit.

You really have to keep going until it pops. Find your groove until it creates momentum. You should have a drive that’s unlike anything else. It has to be fierce, consistent and nonstop… always stay ready for what’s around the corner.

When did you feel like you had really “made it”?

I have a music duo with MeLo-X called Electric Punanny. We’ve toured worldwide several times, and during one of those tours we performed at Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. We played on the Favela Stage, which was an entire wall the length of a New York City avenue decorated like favelas in Brazil. It was wild.

During that experience, I realized, “Wow. We are global. Not everyone knows our name, but we made it.”

You’ve worn a lot of hats throughout your career, including DJ, host, and music influencer. What would you say is your main area of expertise?

DJ-ing is number one. I’ve been DJ-ing now for 15 years.

My second main title is producer, which means many things in my world: producer of music, events, tours, organizing and mobilizing people. I take on roles from booking agent to accountant and everything in between. My expertise varies, but my main passion is understanding the climate of music and culture.

Another passion of mine is bringing people together and creating a space in which they feel comfortable sharing their stories. The reason I was obsessed with Ebb & Flow when I got the call was because I am an artist as well. If anyone can understand the lifestyle, and the trials and tribulations of an artist’s life, it’s me. I love talking to people about why they are how they are. I think those conversations are so fruitful, not just for fans who already love these artists, but people in general who are trying to build from the ground up.

Ebb & Flow is not your typical interview series. In some of the episodes, artists started tearing up. We got into some really emotional talks. It really just felt like I was talking to some of my best friends. I think that just comes from artists talking to artists, entrepreneurs talking to entrepreneurs; there’s a sense of understanding and comradery. It’s going to be really beautiful for fans to hear these conversations throughout the series.

Ebb & Flow isn’t the first time you’ve collaborated with New Amsterdam Vodka. What do you value most about being a New Amsterdam Vodka ambassador?

The people behind New Amsterdam Vodka have their finger on the pulse in terms of what to support. A lot of artists and entrepreneurs need partnerships, especially for creative ideas that need funding and backing. New Amsterdam Vodka has been one of those brands identifying projects and people that are pushing the culture forward.

The ethos of New Amsterdam Vodka is similar to that of a touring artist: The person that is always out pushing the needle and making the most of life. It’s definitely the perfect partnership.

How were you first approached about hosting Ebb & Flow?

It’s a really funny story. Back in January, someone told me, “It’s about the ebb and flow.” People have probably heard that phrase their whole lives, but for some reason, I had not heard it in at least a decade. I loved the meaning behind it, which references the waves of the sea. Like the seasons and the tide, everything has cycles.

A week later, my acupuncturist had a candle that said “ebb and flow.” Then I heard a song on the radio called “Ebb and Flow.” Every two weeks, “ebb and flow” would somehow come up in my life.

Then I got the call for this show and expressed how much I loved the concept. Then they told me the title was Ebb & Flow, and I nearly lost it!

So crazy! Do you think that when it comes to success, there’s something cosmic at force, or do you think it’s more luck, or hard work? Maybe a combination?

It’s everything you mentioned. It’s cosmic energy, destiny … mixed with devotion, timing, hard work, and talent.

I’m no guru; I don’t know the formula. But when people have all of that going at the same time, special things always happen.

Listen to Jasmine Solano host all 5 episodes of Ebb & Flow starting today, August 20.

Your Favourite BBC Podcasts, Now on Spotify in the UK

If podcasts now act as your constant companion on a commute, at the gym, or while you’re in the bath at the end of a long day, you’re not alone: millions of listeners across the UK are making podcasts part of their lives every day.

The BBC was one of the first podcast creators in the world when it made Radio 4’s ‘In Our Time’ downloadable online in 2004. Today, the BBC podcast library boasts hundreds of programmes across thousands of episodes and caters to millions of listeners across the UK and worldwide.

“The BBC is one of the largest content creators in the UK, and have worked with the biggest and best audio talent in the world,” explains James Cator, Spotify’s Head of Podcast Partnerships, EMEA. “To have a comprehensive audio catalogue in the UK, the BBC are essential, so adding the BBC to our rapidly-expanding catalogue of podcasts was a natural partnership.” To that end, Spotify has added podcasts from iPlayer Radio and BBC Sounds to the platform, making hundreds of BBC podcasts available to Spotify users in the UK from today.

That’s thousands of episodes across a number of diverse genres – all in one place. To access the podcasts, users can simply visit the podcast section in Browse on Spotify and browse categories including Comedy, News & Politics, Educational, Sport & Recreation, Lifestyle & Health, Business & Technology, and Kids & Family.

“You can now be assured of finding the perfect podcast for every moment and mood on Spotify,” says James. “Whatever you want to learn about, or whatever mood you want to feel, it is all available to you, however you want to listen – on your laptop, phone, or on your connected devices via Spotify Connect.”

The number of podcast listeners in the UK is growing rapidly every year, with many of those streaming original BBC shows. And, in James’ opinion, everyone has their own unique reason for streaming.

“Podcasts allow people to turn time that would otherwise be wasted into time that is productive and full of interest and wonder,” James says. “You can satisfy your innate curiosity, listen to some of the best storytelling in the world, and hear gripping true crime stories, all while travelling to work. Escapism, personal development, education, comedy, there are so many reasons to listen, and there really is a podcast for every situation. You can find people talking about topics with an honesty that doesn’t exist in any other medium.”

And although podcasts are growing more and more popular, James notes that it isn’t for everyone – yet. “I think there is so much left to create, and the majority of the population doesn’t listen to podcasts – yet. The beauty of podcasts is that it is so easy for everyone – whether you’re an individual self-starter, a small independent media company, or a huge corporation – to create a podcast and experiment with new formats. The breadth and variety of podcasts are growing at an incredible rate, and I think we will see podcast listening become truly mass market in the not-too-distant future.”

If you’re an aspiring podcast listener in the UK but aren’t sure where to begin, check out some of James’ recommendations from the BBC, all of which you can stream on Spotify in the UK from today:

Short Cuts: Short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.

James’ take: “I love this show. Each episode is based around a theme, and can be anything from short stories to poetry to documentaries. Some themes have been ‘tough love’, ‘fear’ and ‘magical realism.’ One episode was about ‘nothing.’”

Desert Island Discs: Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: What would you take to a desert island? Kirsty Young invites her guests to share the soundtrack of their lives.

James’ take: “A classic show that has interviewed some of the biggest names in the world and reveals so much about them from just the few items they’d take to a desert island. Bruce Springsteen’s is a particular favourite.”

The Infinite Monkey Cage: A witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince, updated weekly.

James’ take: “Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at the world through science, but in ways that are always surprising, often hilarious and fascinating from start to finish. Great podcast for ‘did you know…’ pub facts.”

To listen to BBC podcasts in the UK head over to the Podcasts within Browse on Spotify.