Tag: playlist

‘Space Cadet’ Star Emma Roberts and Filmmaker Liz W. Garcia Reveal Their Top Tracks for Getting Motivated

July 3, 2024

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Just ask Emma Roberts, star of the new comedy Space Cadet. In the movie, streaming July 4 on Prime Video, Emma plays Tiffany “Rex” Simpson, a woman determined to become an astronaut against all odds.

Rex has always dreamed of going to space, but life isn’t unfolding quite as planned. Hoping to turn things around, she sets her sights on NASA’s highly competitive astronaut training program. With a few embellishments courtesy of her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu), her application is accepted—and thus begins the journey of the unlikeliest NASA recruit ever.

In over her head, Rex relies on quick wits and some serious moxie to get to the top of her class. One thing that helps spur motivation? Music. During a workout in the film, Rex turns to a playlist called Brains & Butts, both of which must be in tip-top shape in order for her to get through training without blowing her cover. Curated by Emma and Space Cadet writer, director, and executive producer Liz W. Garcia, the playlist features the ultimate collection of upbeat, inspiring music, from Beyoncé to Outkast. And just in time for the movie’s release, you can stream it on Spotify.

For the Record sat down with Liz and Emma (who is also an executive producer on the film) to discuss their creative processes, the power of a good movie soundtrack, and what it means to shoot for the stars.

How does music play into your creative process?

Emma: Music absolutely helps me get into character. Rex is an outgoing, positive party girl who exudes confidence and kindness. Music that I think Rex would have loved really helped me channel my inner Florida girl.

Liz: Music plays such an important role when I’m writing a movie. I often make a playlist that can act as my personal soundtrack and get me into the vibe when writing. At a certain point when the writing process feels tough, I’ll often zero in on one song that has great pace. And like a maniac, I’ll play it over and over just to push me through the end of the draft.

What was your approach to the playlist you created for Rex?

Emma: I thought about Rex’s personality and motivations. The songs are a mix of karaoke bangers and deep cuts that represent Rex’s journey to chase her dreams of being an astronaut.

Liz: The playlist is designed to make you feel how Rex feels when she’s chasing her dreams at NASA. These are songs that put you in a motivated mindset, pull you out of a tough mood, and get you on your feet and moving.

If you could pick one anthem for Rex, what would it be?

Emma: “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson. Period.

How does the Space Cadet soundtrack help express some of the movie’s main themes?

Liz: Space Cadet is a fun movie about a fun, determined heroine. Often, days of writing don’t feel so fun, and that’s where the soundtrack—the songs I listened to and the ones provided by our music supervisor, Brienne Rose—came in. Music can completely change your mood and transport you, and in the process of creating, you need that vibe shift sometimes.

What three words would you use to describe Space Cadet?

Emma: Fun, aspirational, moxie.

Space Cadet is a story about being true to yourself and following your dreams. Liz, how has your experience as a female filmmaker shaped your perspective on this?

I absolutely love being a writer and director, but as a woman, making that leap seemed crazy at times. I’m here now, though, and I’m doing what I love. The idea that there are talented people who don’t pursue their dreams because they don’t have support at home or in school—or they haven’t seen people like them achieve something similar—really breaks my heart. I hate that privilege and chance play any role in who gets to realize their personal dreams.

Space Cadet is meant as an encouraging call to arms to audiences to bet on themselves and not turn their back on their dreams. It’s also my fantasy about how the world should work—that the best candidate should win, regardless of pedigree or resume.

What are some of your favorite movie soundtracks of all time?

Emma: I know this seems so spot on, but Legally Blonde just totally encapsulates how that movie makes audiences feel (and I hope Space Cadet can do the same!). Another fun favorite is Practical Magic. Has there ever been a better music cue than “This Kiss” by Faith Hill? And any movie with a Stevie Nicks song is undeniably good.

Liz: Love & Basketball is pretty much perfect; that sexy, aching groove. Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums are both so eclectic and surprising—only Wes Anderson would have The Clash and the Charlie Brown Christmas score on the same soundtrack. The score to The Piano will put you in the mood to sit down and write and feel emo any old day. Morphine did the entire Spanking the Monkey soundtrack, and that captivated me back in the late ’90s when I was first falling in love with film.

Stream Emma and Liz’s playlist to get pumped before Space Cadet premieres July 4 on Prime Video.

Influencer and Entrepreneur Antonela Roccuzzo’s Exclusive New Playlist Reveals Her Favorite Workout Anthems

June 5, 2024

If you can’t get fit without music, you’re not alone. Today, Antonela Roccuzzo, one of the most iconic figures on social media, is sharing her Spotify playlist, WORKOUT X ANTONELA ROCCUZZO. It’s filled with music that energizes her and accompanies her workouts. 

This is the first of several playlists in an exclusive partnership between Antonela Roccuzzo and Spotify, offering a glimpse into the hits that soundtrack the daily life of the Argentine entrepreneur, model, and mom of three.

Featuring a number of today’s hottest Latin artists, like Nicki Nicole, Feid, Bizarrap, and, KAROL G, as well as RADAR featured artists like Maria Becerra, Antonela’s playlist will help get you motivated to hit the gym.

“Music is a part of me. I have always listened to music from everywhere, but there is something about Latin music that fascinates me,” Antonela said. “We have incredible artists, and it fills me with pride that they represent us internationally. Women in particular are making stronger strides, bringing their importance to the industry. The fact that they occupy the top spots in the music charts today speaks to their hard and constant work, and of course, their talent.” 

To learn more about what fans can expect from future playlists, For the Record checked in with Antonela about the way music fits into her life and the artists she’s listening to most right now.

How does music fit into your day-to-day life?

Music is not just a part of my daily life, but a part of me. Whether I’m at home, at gatherings with friends, or in the car, there’s always music playing—and it can’t be missing when it’s time for a workout.

What was it like to team up with Spotify?

Being able to collaborate with Spotify is great because it’s part of my daily life; the process was very natural. When we moved to Miami, I learned that the brand was starting a project for Latin American female talents. In Buenos Aires, they held a festival with only female artists, which seemed like a great and very important initiative. Being able to support these projects is very gratifying to me.

Can you tell us a little about the first playlist you’ve created?

I love having playlists that accompany my different moods. I usually start the day doing something active, and music is always an extra motivation that helps me get in a rhythm. So when I heard a new song that I liked, I added it to the list. Creating this playlist was a fun and personal process for me.

What’s your song of the summer?

I don’t know which one it’ll be, but lately, I’ve been listening to Imagine Dragons and Danny Ocean the most.

After you give Antonela’s playlist a listen, you can discover more about the social media celebrity on her Instagram profile.

Spotify Celebrates Ramadan With Listening Trends From Around the World

March 21, 2024

March marks the beginning of Ramadan, a cherished cultural event celebrated by Muslims worldwide. As families and communities come together to observe, contemplate, pray, and celebrate the Holy Month, they can also turn to Spotify for meaningful audio content. 

This year, our Ramadan hub is back with a blend of music and podcasts designed to foster self-reflection, wellness, and entertainment. When eligible listeners open the Spotify app, they’ll find carefully curated content for every mood and moment of Ramadan. Listeners will also find personalized content on the Your Ramadan 2024 playlist.

What does Ramadan sound like around the world on Spotify?

As Ramadan begins, many Muslims experience shifts in their daily routines, from work schedules to social interactions. Similarly, their Spotify listening habits also shift, as evidenced by our streaming data from 2023.

Our top finding? Audio was often used to set the tone as families and communities came together for suhoor, the predawn meal, with streaming spiking around 5 a.m. in most markets. Below, we unveil more 2023 listening trends across various markets to shed light on streaming patterns throughout the sacred month.

Egypt

  • Quran listening hours (audio consumption related to the central religious text of Islam, the Quran) spiked around 5 p.m. This aligns with iftar, the post-sunset, fast-breaking meal.
  • Before sunrise, listeners consumed more entertainment-based content.
  • A top podcast throughout the month: Finjan with Abdulrahman Abumalih. Hosted by Saudi journalist and TV presenter Abdulrahman Abumalih, Finjan covers a wide range of topics pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa.

Saudi Arabia

  • Quran listening hours surged around 8 a.m.
  • Before sunset, listeners consumed more spiritual and fitness-based podcast content. Before sunrise, preferred podcast genres included history and crime.
  • A top podcast throughout the month: Areeka. Hosted by Bibi AlAbdulmohsen and Talal Sam, Areeka mostly covers social topics, from psychology to common myths.

Indonesia

  • Generally, streaming spiked between 2 and 4 p.m., which aligns with ngabuburit, the waiting period before breaking fast.
  • Religion and spirituality-based podcasts were the most-consumed genre throughout the month.
  • Listeners gravitated toward well-being podcasts in the morning before shifting to music at night.

Spotify’s top Ramadan playlists

Our Ramadan hub contains a wide variety of curated playlists. In Egypt, the top Ramadan playlist of 2023 was Titrat Ramadan, which showcases soundtracks from the most popular Ramadan TV dramas.

In Saudi Arabia, listeners gravitated most toward Chill-oud. This playlist features songs played with the oud, a stringed musical instrument that is one of the oldest and most important instruments in Arabic culture.

Listeners in Indonesia favored the Your Ramadan 2023 playlist. This personalized playlist brings Spotify’s editorial and algorithmic worlds together to provide users with curated audio content that resonates with their respective Ramadan journeys.

Last but not least, the most-streamed Ramadan playlist in Pakistan was Hamd-o-Naat, which features devotional tracks for an immersive experience. “Naat” was also the country’s most-searched word during the Holy Month, reflecting a desire for poetic expressions of devotion and praise. Our Best of: Coke Studio Sufi playlist, which showcases Coke Studio’s top Sufi tracks, also saw 218% growth last year.

This year, Spotify remains dedicated to delivering a culturally resonant Ramadan experience for listeners around the world. For the ultimate audio companion throughout the sacred month, explore the Ramadan hub.

Writer Diablo Cody and Filmmaker Zelda Williams Talk the Tunes That Help Score ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

February 8, 2024

The ’80s. A teenage crush. High school drama. And, of course, a corpse. Maybe not what you’d expect for a traditional coming-of-age tale, but all elements that make the new movie Lisa Frankenstein come alive in a fun, twisted way. The film, written by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams, follows the story of Lisa (Kathryn Newton) as she falls in love with The Creature (Cole Sprouse), a dead body brought back to life in a freak accident.

Much went into the movie’s development and creation, and music was a big source of inspiration. It enhanced Diablo’s creative writing process, and Zelda said that listening to her ’80s favorites put her in the right mindset. To help listeners cultivate the perfect mood, the two created a Spotify playlist that highlights some of their favorite tracks during this period.

For the Record sat down with Diablo and Zelda to dig deeper into their vision and how music created the perfect vibe for bringing the characters to life, or, back from the dead.

Diablo, what made you interested in reimagining Frankenstein?

There’s just something about that Frankenstein mythos that is so irresistible—and it’s not just me. So many filmmakers have gone back to that well, and I think just the idea of doing a Frankenstein story from a female perspective and as this madcap rom-com, it was just something that I hadn’t really seen before, so I thought, “Why not?”

Zelda, what attracted you to the script?

Even as an actor, I very rarely was given comedy scripts, let alone things for young women, that reminded me of the movies that I grew up loving. And so getting to read something that reminded me of a female version of Weird Science or Encino Man or Beetlejuice was just genuinely a joyful thing.

What three words would you use to describe the vibe of Lisa Frankenstein?

Zelda Williams and Diablo Cody on the set of Lisa Frankenstein. Photo Credit: Mason Novick

Diablo: Nostalgic, romantic, and goth.

Zelda: A little violent, wacky, and very fun.

How did you approach picking music for the soundtrack?

Diablo: Well, the movie takes place in 1989, so a lot of it was directly pulled from that late-’80s pop goth vibe of the era. And there were certain songs that I think are just so perfect, like the Pixies’ “Wave Of Mutilation” and Galaxie 500’s “Strange,” which appears in the movie a couple of times. They both have a mystique to them that really suits the narrative. Music and filmmaking are both so emotional, so you just try to kind of capture a vibe [with the two].

Zelda: I was lucky because in the script, there were already songs in there. So even when there were songs we couldn’t end up using, it became its own playlist that was a great jumping-off point for me to deep dive into various artists and find like-minded songs that we did use. “Up the Down Escalator” by The Chameleons was a song I’d always really liked, but to have been able to place it in the movie was really fun. And I didn’t originally intend to use REO Speedwagon in the soundtrack either. That ended up being a place that we found our way to. So it was really great. That exploration was an adventure in and of itself after we finished filming.

If you could pick anthems for the main characters, Lisa and The Creature, what would they be?

Photo Credit: Michele K. Short / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

Diablo: I think The Creature is a romantic, so I’m going to give him REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” which memorably plays in the movie in a scene beautifully directed by Zelda. And Lisa is a person who is very quiet but has the stirrings of rage inside of her. So I’m going to give her “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus. Just that ominous rumble.

Zelda: I’m torn between two songs that are more representative of them as a couple. I’m one of the biggest Prince fans ever, so “I Would Die 4 U” feels like a very fitting song for the two of them. I put it on my playlist. And then I really love the Fine Young Cannibals and I think “She Drives Me Crazy” is a really funny one for the two of them too.

You both selected songs for a new Spotify playlist. What was your approach?

Diablo: Well, for me, the songs that I chose were music that I listened to while I was writing. So I got really specific with it in terms of it being a direct reflection of my creative process. There’s industrial stuff on there, there’s Ministry, there’s B.F.G., there’s The Stone Roses’ “I Wanna Be Adored.” I love that song. And to me, that really captures the feeling of the time. So yeah, it was that kind of stuff that put me in the mood to write this movie.

Zelda: I wanted to stay pretty era-specific at the same time. And for me, the biggest test of any playlist is if I could play it without skips while cooking a long meal. So I tested this one out while cooking curry the other day. And I was a ska kid, believe it or not, so I leaned more into kind of goofy, upbeat. I love a lot of wacky instrumentation, so that’s why stuff like the Fun Boy Three is on mine. I added When In Rome, who we managed to get on our soundtrack, too, which I love. And then it has a little bit of my favorites from Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan because I could listen to them all day, every day. But era-specific cooking night is where I went with the vibe.

What are some of your favorite soundtracks of all time? 

Diablo: Sofia Coppola crushes it every time. Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette. Those soundtracks are immaculate. And then of course I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up Pulp Fiction because I know I beat that soundtrack to death in the ’90s. So that one’s a classic.

Zelda: Pretty in Pink is one of my favorites. And The Lost Boys album is wonderful, like so much of a mood. And then this one might come out of left field, but Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly is genuinely a no-skip album.

What did you enjoy about making this playlist?

Zelda: Obviously, a playlist and music is incredibly important to cinema, but I love that music actually has a life of its own, as well, separate from a movie. That’s one of the lovely things about it: They’re not necessarily always attached to one another. So if nothing else, if people find their way to this music before or even without finding their way to the movie, I think that’s a really beautiful testament to the fact that these things can exist with their own blood flow and their own organs—to be back in the zombie world. They have their own life and I think that’s really beautiful. To be getting to make a Spotify playlist when we made a movie is really wild.

 

Channel the vision of Diablo and Zelda by tuning into their playlist.

 

Watch the trailer for Lisa Frankenstein and catch the movie in local theaters.

 

Main Photo Credit: Michele K. Short / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

It’s Time To Unlock Your Playlist In a Bottle From 2023 (and Make a New One for Next Year)

January 4, 2024

playlist in a bottle graphic image depicting bottles, rice cooker, snow globr, and dumpster

Quick pulse check: What’s your mood, your inspiration, and your mindset as you kick off 2024? Does it match your feelings from a year ago? 

Last year we introduced “Playlist in a Bottle,” giving listeners a chance to capture the songs that resonated with them at that moment in time and seal it away for one year. The interactive in-app experience is the perfect time capsule to remember and reflect on the music you loved, and how your taste may have evolved over the past 365 days. If you’re one of the millions of Spotify listeners who participated then, today is the day to unlock your “Playlist in a Bottle” from last year. 

Here’s how

  • Visit spotify.com/playlistinabottle on your mobile device.
  • Choose “Claim Your Playlist” to see which songs were sealed in your musical time capsule. 
  • Save and listen to your complete 2023 Playlist in a Bottle. You only have until January 31!

Now it’s time to create a new Playlist in a Bottle to open in 2025. This experience is open to all Spotify listeners—whether you made one last year or this is your first time checking out the experience. This time around, you’ll answer questions like “what song brings out my alter-ego” and “what song describes my relationship status” to curate your playlist. You can also select where you want to store your playlist from a series of objects, and write a note to your future self.

Make your new Playlist in a Bottle

  • Visit spotify.com/playlistinabottle on your mobile device.
  • Select where you want to store your playlist. Choose from an actual bottle, a snow globe, a flip phone, a tiny bird’s nest, a rice cooker, or even a dumpster!
  • Complete a series of song-inspired prompts like “a song that reminds you of your favorite person,” “a song your great-grandkids will be confused about,” and “a song you put your friends on to.” 
  • Leave a note for your future self, capturing something you want to remember about this moment when your capsule is delivered next year.
  • Finally, “seal” your musical time capsule and post your #PlaylistInABottle share card to your preferred social handles.

phones depicting the playlist in a bottle user experience

Only time will tell if you’ll love or laugh at your song choices. You have until January 31 to seal your picks. Visit spotify.com/playlistinabottle for more. 

This experience is available in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, UAE, U.S., and Vietnam.

And you can find Playlist in a Bottle in the following languages: English, English-GB, Portuguese, Portuguese-BR, French-CA, Spanish-LATAM, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish-ES, Turkish, Japanese, Czech, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese-Traditional, Korean, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Nominees for ‘Music Moves Europe Awards’ Showcase a Diverse, Talented Mix of Artists

October 26, 2023

an image of yune pinki with graphic treatment over it noting the MME Awards 2024

Each year, the Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards celebrate the best and the brightest of emerging European talent. Organized by the Netherlands’ Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in partnership with Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival and co-funded by the EU, the MME Awards represents the full support of a unique alliance among European music industry partners. 

To launch the awards process, a jury of five music professionals convenes to review the latest nominated talent coming out of Europe. Fifteen EU artists are nominated across five MME Awards and the Grand Jury MME Award using, according to MME, “a complex selection process based on the amount of airplay, music streams, and live performances in Europe, as well as via music industry recommendations to reflect the vibrant diversity of the European music scene.” Additionally, music lovers around the globe are invited to vote for their favorite artists, who will win the popular MME Public Choice Award.

Music fans may be familiar with past nominees including Lous and the Yakuza and Schmyt —both Spotify RADAR artists—The Haunted Youth, Sans Soucis, and ROSALÍA.

“We’re thrilled to continue our support to the Music Moves Europe Awards,” said Bryan Johnson, Head of Artist & Industry Partnerships, International, at Spotify. “The EU-funded prize provides an all-important platform for emerging artists across Europe to showcase their music, reach new fans, and take the vital next steps in their musical journeys.”

This year’s nominees have just been determined, and the 15 artists can be found on the official Spotify MME Awards 2024: The Nominees playlist on Spotify.

Winners will be announced in January at the ESNS festival and conference in Groningen, Netherlands. While at the event, Spotify will also be hosting in-person masterclass sessions with the nominees.

Check out these talented nominees below.

Bulgarian Cartrader (Bulgaria)

In December 2021, Bulgarian Cartrader, a singer, producer, salsa dancer, and fishing enthusiast, released his first single, “No Other Drug.” Now, three singles later, he has gained attention in indie bubbles across the globe. Playing one show a month in and around Berlin since the beginning of 2022, he’s been rapidly growing his fan base. After an iconic show at the School Night showcase in Los Angeles, his momentum is also continuing overseas.

ClockClock (Germany)

Behind the ClockClock name, fans know singer-songwriter Boki and producer collective Vonsini and Feezy. The group’s first EP, When The Sun Don’t Shine, was released at the end of March 2023 and contains “Sorry” and “Someone Else,” both of which reached number one on the official German Airplay Charts in 2022. After completing a sold-out tour in early 2023, the band went on to support P!NK and Simply Red. 

Giift (Denmark)

One of the most promising new artists on the international scene today, the Copenhagen R&B singer Giift began her rise with two self-made EPs, Archives and Conditions. Giift couples deeply personal lyrics with a unique singing style. She has a self-taught, boundless way of producing harmonies and musical layers, making for a minimalistic yet complex sound. Since her 2022 debut, the young artist has already played several sold-out shows and critically acclaimed sets at both Roskilde Festival and VEGA. 

Ralphie Choo (Spain)

Madrid-based artist-producer Ralphie Choo’s fusion of unpredictable pop and traditional Spanish flamenco has found new audiences since his debut album, SUPERNOVA, dropped last month. This mix of modernity and tradition surprises and challenges conventions of standard genres, as evidenced on his reinterpretation of flamenco on “BULERÍAS DE UN CABALLO MALO.” 

Pearly Drops (Finland)

Hailing from Helsinki, the duo behind Pearly Drops, Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Malin, are known for their eerily haunting pop dirges. Their strange, softly smudged soundscapes feature spare compositionals and ethereal vocals underlined by dreamy synth and percussion. 

Zaho de Sagazan (France)

Française Zaho de Sagazan comes from a family of artists and was introduced to music, graphics, and dance at an early age. She forged her own path with her debut album, La symphonie des éclairs. Zaho de Sagazan’s music is an infectious mix of disco and ’80s-era synth-pop, aspects of Krautrock and French chansons, a bit of electro, and indie pop. 

Fran Vasilić (Croatia)

Fran Vasilić spent the first 19 years of his life on the island of Krk in Croatia and emerged in the midst of quarantine to battle self-grief as he shifted pain into purpose in his music. The bedroom indie pop artist has a unique ability to connect with listeners. He’s posted a series of viral TikTok posts, and his debut album, Retrovizor, surpassed 7.5 million streams on Spotify. 

yunè pinku (Ireland)

Malaysian Irish artist yunè pinku creates music that taps into the experience of being a young person in the early 2020s. Layers of wistful, syrupy vocals and sound draw from the UK rave canon but include a restless, textural slant. In the shuffle-y garage rhythms of her production, one can hear traces of her childhood in London. 

Arny Margret (Iceland) 

Icelandic indie-folk singer Arny Margret’s debut album, they only talk about the weather, is a  coming-of-age journey that revisits her time writing in school and being on the road, and her most recent experiences of today. With poetic proficiency and a knack for composing melodies that bury themselves deep into the subconscious, Arny writes of loneliness and existentialism. Her most recently released EP is dinner alone.

Tramhaus (Netherlands)

In just over a year, Rotterdam’s post-punkers Tramhaus have earned a space on European stages, helped by memorable live shows. The Dutch five-piece takes a stand against the bleak realities of society, as evidenced on their singles and self-titled debut EP, and unleashes destruction and chaos onstage. Tramhaus thrives on knee-jerk energy and pure insanity to propel their songwriting, spitting the words of the oppressor back at their targets.

Ash Olsen (Norway)

Fredrikstad rapper Ash Olsen dropped her first song, “KITKAT,” in 2020. Since then, her debut EP, ASHY, has been warmly received by fans, press, and radio around the world. The Norwegian writes all her songs herself and coproduces with partner Malte Høglund. Her second album, Golden Child, was released in June 2023 and includes a collab with South London rapper Che Lingo.

Berry Galazka (Poland)

While Polish artist Berry Galazka grew up in a cultural melting pot in Florida, the colorful babushkas and delicious pierogi from her Polish grandmother were always present. She later moved to London to pursue a hard-edged alternative sound that merged her twin loves of distorted guitars and hard-hitting hip-hop drumming. Berry’s songwriting is inspired by art, fashion, psychology, and philosophy. Her second EP, Leash, was released in February 2023.

Ana Lua Caiano (Portugal)

Ana Lua Caiano fuses traditional Portuguese music with electronics, taking elements from the past and fusing it with synthesizers, beat machines, and field recordings. Tune into her 2023 debut EP, Se Dançar É Só Depois, to hear just how innovative her sound is.

waterbaby (Sweden)

waterbaby is the musical moniker of 24-year-old Stockholm-born Kendra Egerbladh. She quickly made her mark on the Nordic music scene after being featured on releases by Seinabo Sey and Hannes. After several singles, waterbaby released her debut EP, Foam, in June 2023. It’s the perfect introduction to her sound of enchanting bedroom pop and soft, dreamy vocals.

freekind. (Slovenia)

“Be free. Be kind” is the philosophy of vocalist-pianist Sara Ester Gredelj and drummer Nina Korošak-Serčič, the artists behind freekind. The Slovenian duo irreverently refers to its approach to making music as “collective group therapy,” and one of its most popular singles,“Visualize,” is a seductive mix of R&B, jazz, pop, and soul. 

 

You’ve met the nominees, now hear their music on the official Music Moves Europe Awards playlist.

 

Spotify and COLORSxSTUDIOS Spotlight African R&B Talent

October 20, 2023

Maya Amolo, Mbryo, and M^3, and Lukorito in the studio working on a song.

Sub-Saharan Africa is a hotbed of musical talent, especially when it comes to R&B. Our flagship playlist Tantalizers already highlights some of the smoothest acts in the genre, and now, through a partnership with COLORSxSTUDIOS, we are raising the profile of more African R&B artists.

COLORSxSTUDIOS is a unique visual music platform that features artists performing in front of a striking, single-color backdrop with no other people, effects, or visuals. Its goal is to provide a calm, minimalistic stage that gives the artist room to shine. Spotify partnered with the company for a special recording of A COLORS SHOW, the organization’s signature series. 

In addition to the live audio-visual experience, Spotify and COLORS partnered to host a writing camp for burgeoning and established songwriters, artists, and producers. Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, over three days, the camp brought together 18 participants from all over the African diaspora and placed a special emphasis on creative collaboration. 

Msaki & Karun writing a song

Msaki and Karun

Several of the songwriters, artists, and producers shared what they’ll be walking away with after the experience. 

What’s the secret to a successful collaboration with others while working on a new piece?

Bien, artist and songwriter: The secret is vulnerability, as well as an open heart and mind.

Karun, artist and songwriter: I think it’s getting to a place where you understand where someone’s head is at and where they want to take the session. Then you meet halfway. That’s something I learned from this session from this writing camp: Everybody has their own method and their own way of expressing, and when you can find a way to kind of make that mesh without getting in each other’s way, it can be really beautiful.

Xenia Manasseh, artist and songwriter: Risk and trust, combined. And openness. That’s it. They’ll give you everything that you need. They’ll come with what they have. I’ll come with what I have. And if we’re both willing to be open with each other, there’s no way that we’re not going to create magic. 

Manana, artist, songwriter, and producer: Humility. To collaborate well I believe you have to leave all ego and arrogance at the door, put the music first, and make that the priority of the session.

Tay Iwar, artist, songwriter, and producer: Openness, positive criticism, patience, and focus . . . every idea has different viability and validity; some are just more effective.

NNAVY, artist and songwriter: A successful songwriting session is one where you feel inspired; where there’s a kind of bubble surrounding the studio and all the people in it. Words are flowing, people are inspired, and every idea makes sense in that moment. Or sometimes a successful songwriting session is when you’ve had an unfinished or blurry idea, then suddenly your lyrics become clearer and you can finally see the direction the track is taking. 

Xenia Manasseh working on a song

Xenia Manasseh

What’s one big takeaway from your songwriting camp experience?

Lisa Oduor-Noah, artist and songwriter: You should always be an avid learner. I think the form a song takes and its melodic qualities are different for so many different artists, especially when you account for different cultural backgrounds. So always be an active learner.

Zowie Kengocha, artist and songwriter: I’ve learned to take risks and freestyle as much as I can, and not be afraid to make mistakes.

Maya Amolo, artist and songwriter: One big takeaway from this experience is that collaboration is everything. 

Ukweli, producer: I had a great experience at the writing camp. Getting to work and talk with African artists has reinvigorated my desire to have more collaborations with artists from all over Africa and the diaspora. 

Lukorito, producer: There’s value in maintaining your unique identity while collaborating. My most rewarding sessions happened when I trusted my instincts and believed in myself, even when collaborating with more established artists. It reinforced that authenticity is crucial for meaningful collaboration. You have to show up!

MAUIMØON/La Soülchyld, artist, songwriter, and producer: It helped reignite my passion for songwriting. It was great being able to see the other incredible writers and how they think about melodies, lyric choices, and vocal performances. As a producer, it helped me want to focus more on my arrangements and sound selection. It was a great experience that gave me a lot of incredible ideas.

M3,, producer: The importance of collaboration and having fun while creating art. Being in different rooms with so many great musicians and just bouncing ideas off each other was fantastic. It was really encouraging seeing how we perfected someone’s vocal idea or baseline from just an idea in their head. The important thing is that everyone was on the same vibe and enjoyed the moment.

Titose, artist and songwriter: Apart from Kenya being extremely beautiful, and the Spotify and COLORS team being so helpful, it was meeting different artists and songwriters from different parts of Africa. Writing with Berhana, Tay Iwar, Maui, and Xenia sparked my creativity and inspired me to try different songwriting processes. They all had different styles and approaches to writing, which inspired me to try new things in my own music and gave me the desire to pick up a new instrument! It was an eye-opening, wholesome experience that solidified the power we all know music to have—bringing people together!

Mbryo, songwriter: There’s always beauty and magic in collaborating with people of diverse cultures who have different ideas on how good music should sound and feel.

MAUIMØON recording a song

MAUIMØON

Hosting this camp and spotlighting these creators is one way Spotify’s hoping to empower the next generation of emerging artists while celebrating African R&B talent. Listen to more of these artists on our Tantalizers playlist.

 

 

Spotify Is Getting a Hot-Pink Makeover To Celebrate the New ‘Barbie’ Movie

July 21, 2023

The world premiere of the highly anticipated Barbie movie, directed by Little Women writer-director Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as the world’s most popular doll, is here. To celebrate the massive cultural moment that is Barbie, listeners will notice that things have gotten a little more pink on Spotify, starting with a refresh of the exclusive Barbie Official Playlist and a special Barbie-pink play bar.

Featuring an all-star cast that includes Ryan Gosling as “Ken,” as well as appearances by America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and Kate McKinnon, every new trailer or clip that has been released since the first few images came out last year has ramped up excitement for the film. There’s been a rise in pink clothing sales, food vendors are introducing Barbie-themed menu items, and a real-life pink Malibu DreamHouse was built.

Even Spotify listeners have been hyped about the upcoming premiere, with more than 620,000 Barbie-related user-generated playlists on the platform. Playlist creation spiked nearly 270% on May 26 after the Barbie film trailer was released, and it has continued to increase in the weeks since. On these playlists, some of the most added tracks include “California Gurls” by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg, “Barbie Tingz” by Nicki Minaj, “Toxic” and “Oops!…I Did It Again” by Britney Spears, “Wannabe” by Spice Girls, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, and—of course—the 1997 Aqua hit single “Barbie Girl.” 

The newly updated Barbie Official Playlist brings in new music from Atlantic Records to celebrate all the Barbies and Kens (and Allans) out there. For example, Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and the Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice banger “Barbie World (with Aqua)” make the cut. The playlist will also feature Spotify Canvas on selected tracks, which features film footage that gives fans an immersive experience. The score for the movie, composed by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, will be released on August 4 and will be featured on the official playlist. 

Listeners will also find a Living in a Barbie World destination that features the Barbie Official Playlist and other playlists to get you ready for your Barbie summer including Summer Pop and our new Hot Pink playlist that will give listeners a personalized Barbie-inspired vibe.

Barbie has long been a source of joy, nostalgia, and humor for so many. And following Friday’s premiere of Barbie, there was an increase in streams of Barbie-themed tracks amongst Spotify users globally on July 22.*

*Compared to average number of streams from June 24- July 21, 2023

There’s more Barbie-inspired fun to be had on Spotify. Don’t forget your rollerblades!

The Stars of ‘Joy Ride’ Reveal Their Top Songs for a Road Trip Adventure

July 6, 2023

Arriving in theaters this week, Joy Ride is the tale of four unlikely friends who embark on a hilarious and unapologetically explicit adventure through Asia. 

When the high-achieving Audrey (Ashley Park) travels to China for a business trip with her irreverent best friend, Lolo (Sherry Cola), they are joined by Audrey’s college pal turned Chinese soap star, Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and Lolo’s K-Pop-loving cousin, Deadeye (Sabrina Wu). From there things go sideways, but over the course of the film, the no-holds-barred mayhem turns into a journey of bonding, friendship, and debauchery. 

Offering a glimpse into the Asian American experience—particularly for young women—Joy Ride reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.

Music also plays a prominent role in the film. K-Pop’s massive cultural impact is felt throughout it, but especially when the quartet creates their own K-Pop group, Brownie Tuesday, complete with a cover of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP.”

To celebrate the release of the film, the four stars put their heads together to create the Joy Ride Official Playlist, collecting their personal favorite songs that capture the collective spirit of the characters they portrayed.

With new and classic hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, Spice Girls, Drake, Lizzo, Vanessa Carlton, Kelly Clarkson, Victoria Monet, and New Edition, as well as official soundtrack cuts from The Linda Lindas, Queen WA$ABII, and VaVa, it’s a collection that evokes both nostalgia and a desire to sing along.

For the Record caught up with the foursome to talk about their picks, what it was like to perform “WAP,” and the influence of K-Pop culture on the movie. 

What inspired the mood for the Joy Ride Official Playlist? Were there any songs that you were especially excited to include?

Stephanie: I think that if we were on a road trip, we’d just want that nostalgia. There are certain albums and songs that spoke to you at an exact time and place of your life. I threw in one that’s very tweeny, which is not my typical forte of music, but it’s Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.”

Ashley: The four of us would be in a car looking out the window as if we were Vanessa Carlton herself . . . and then nobody would be driving. 

Sherry: “Say You’ll Be There” by the Spice Girls is a big one for me. It’s about friendship, you know, and having each other’s backs and having a good time while we’re doing it.

Stephanie: Sabrina, do you know the Spice Girls? 

Sabrina: Yeah I know the Spice Girls. To be clear, you’re gonna be surprised that some of those songs that I threw on the playlist are pretty old. I was thinking about the big breakup at the end and so I threw in “After the Love Has Gone” by Earth, Wind & Fire. 

Ashley: I added some BLACKPINK because we want that K-Pop type of beat behind us, but also included Kelly Clarkson because I think we all love to emote as well. We’re dramatic. 

Photo Credit: Ed Araquel

Stephanie: I also feel like a song I threw in that really represents our movie and our dynamics is the Saweetie song “Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat).”

Ashley: Yeah! They used that for the moment when we first walk in the airport as Brownie Tuesday so that we could feel like the best versions of ourselves. I always associate that with the movie.

Sabrina: I also felt like there needed to be a hot song that references travel. So I had “Coastin’” by Victoria Monet. And I’m gonna butcher the lines, but there’s a moment that’s like, “Feel like a Thursday how I’m throwin’ it back. Baby we can go North, South, East, West Coast.” And I thought that was pretty hot.

You cover Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion for the big Brownie Tuesday airport scene. How did that go down?

Ashley: I think that’s special in the film because it was the first time us four got together and really collaborated creatively. We worked on that during the very first table read, and we discovered that Sabrina is an amazing beatboxer.

And we’re really happy that Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B gave their blessing to have the song in the film. That was the best form of allyship we could ask for. We’ve all blared the song to ourselves, and I was like, “Oh my gosh, this really pushes buttons and breaks barriers that shouldn’t have even been there.” I don’t even think I realized until we were recording it, but the way that the lyrics were rewritten by our writers was so specific to us and they still worked so well. I felt very liberated listening to it.

Sabrina: Cardi and Meg really did a lot for women’s sexuality and we are lucky to live in a world with them. We are not deserving of that song and their power. 

Sherry: Truly, truly, truly. Yeah. I can’t wait for Cardi B and Meg to watch the film.

That scene also includes a fully choreographed K-Pop routine. What was the whole experience like? 

Stephanie: Well I’ll just say that making a movie is like co-birthing a baby and also the most profound form of trauma bonding. We would film Monday through Friday and rehearse on Saturdays. And we were rewriting lyrics as we were going so it was kind of a frenzy and chaos—we really wanted to get it right. But it was really fun. We really wanted to honor the original songs and honor Deadeye’s vision of friendship and badassness.

Photo Credit: Ed Araquel

Sherry: Yeah. We really went all out. And shout out to Joe Tuliao, our incredible choreographer, and also the backup dancers. I mean, that was the squad.

Were there any K-Pop songs or artists you listened to during the shoot to prepare for the Brownie Tuesday scene?

Sabrina: I think we listened to a lot of BLACKPINK, if I remember.

Stephanie: Yeah. We watched the BLACKPINK documentary together. 

Ashley: I wish the BLACKPINK song “Pink Venom” was out when we did the film, because I feel like the vibe of it is absolutely exactly what we needed for the scene.

Sherry: The whole scene was definitely an homage to BLACKPINK and just the fact that K-Pop is this global sensation that’s taking over.

Sabrina, did you discover any particular pockets of K-Pop fandom to help inform Deadeye?

Sabrina: Yeah, I definitely took a look at things like fancams when we were filming, because K-Pop was definitely in the cultural spotlight at the time—it was all over the internet. People were talking about K-Pop fans a lot because they disrupted a political rally in Oklahoma by buying all of the tickets. 

I was very aware of just how powerful of a global community it was, so that informed my character. And when I was growing up, I lived very much on the internet. I was obsessed with Asian YouTube and Asian hip-hop. And so I sort of brought that personal experience of being deeply involved in and drawn to Asian culture. So that’s sort of how Deadeye was born.

Ashley: Also what I love about the movie is we get to see the K-Pop community and really understand why Deadeye and the K-Pop army really love and cherishes this music and these groups. I’m so happy in the way that we present them as heroes and show how they show up for people they’ve never met in real life.

Discover all the ups, downs, and mayhem of this fearsome foursome in Joy Ride, playing in theaters now.

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.

Raissa Anggiani Finds Success Through RADAR Indonesia and Paves the Way for Its 2023 Class

May 17, 2023

It didn’t take long for listeners in Indonesia to be enchanted by Raissa Anggiani. The 19-year-old’s music, which can be described as flowing folk-pop and bedroom-pop, has fans hitting repeat on tracks like “Kau Rumahku” and “if you could see me cryin’ in my room,” a duet with fellow Indonesian pop artist Arash Buana.

Raissa began to gain traction in 2022, the same year she became a member of RADAR, Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists globally. Since being highlighted in RADAR marketing and receiving on-platform support, Raissa has seen a 151% increase in monthly listeners, 629% growth in followers on her artist page, and 790% surge of streams over the past year. 

“RADAR is an important program for us at Spotify. We are always looking to support artists at every stage of their career, and RADAR is one of the ways we’re providing roadways for emerging artists to shine through,” shared Kossy Ng, Head of Music Spotify Asia. “Raissa is a great example of how the program is beneficial to local artists. We couldn’t be more proud of her.” 

The Jakarta-born singer was featured on Spotify’s RADAR Indonesia 2022 playlist and was included in the #RamadandiSpotify campaign. She was also chosen as an EQUAL Ambassador, making her an important part of our program that extends resources and opportunities to women artists.

“It feels amazing to be in this position given that I am very new to this industry. Spotify has played a pivotal role in shaping my music career and has helped me realize that achieving big dreams is possible, and it’s within the reach of anyone,” said Raissa. “RADAR has opened doors to many opportunities, one of which is being chosen as the EQUAL Indonesia Ambassador. I can say that RADAR has boosted my confidence in my potential.”

Her song “Kau Rumahku” is on Spotify Indonesia’s Top 10 Weekly Chart and has been sitting there for 24 weeks straight, amassing more than 96 million global streams.* Currently, Raissa is working on a mini-album and collaborating with several producers as she continues to connect with fans through her dreamy melodies.

Class of 2023

We’re excited to reveal the latest class of RADAR Indonesia talent. For 2023, the program is spotlighting 10 artists representing a range of sounds from pop to indie to folk. 

  • Anggi Marito tops the Spotify Indonesia weekly chart with her heartfelt tunes.
  • Awdella and Bernadya dazzle listeners with their soulful vocals.
  • Aziz Hedra, who also entered the Top 10 Spotify Indonesia weekly chart and found a spot on several Top 50 Viral Songs charts, brings his unique take on R&B.
  • Naura Ayu delivers an energetic mix of pop and R&B tunes for listeners.
  • Hal and Nadhif Basalamah serenade fans with their folk and indie-pop songs.
  • Stereo Wall gives an energizing boost to the alternative-rock genre.
  • ENVY* serves up authentic hip-hop beats to listeners.
  • Maulana Ardiansyah’s melodic voice can be heard on his pop-melayu songs.

These artists are finding their groove and attracting new listeners daily. If you’re ready to hear more from RADAR Indonesia’s class of 2023, check our dedicated playlist.

 

*As of May 17, 2023

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.